🔪✨ Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour 🏭🔍 ~ Experience Sakai’s blade culture and the craftsmen’s skill! ~ Held on 2/26 (Thu), 5/28 (Thu), 8/27 (Thu), and 11/26 (Thu)! ✨ A rare public opening of the factory that produces the world-renowned Sakai Takayuki knives! 🛠️✨ 🔹 For an additional option fee of 18,000 yen, add a tour-exclusive Sakai Takayuki ‘‘meat deboning knife’’ souvenir valued at about 30,000 yen! 🔥 🔹 Highlights 🔹 Tour the Sanpo Factory and watch the knife-making process (forging, rough sharpening, etc.) 🏭 🔹 Visit the gallery displaying about 500 knives 🔍 🔹 Try a simple knife sharpening experience! ✨ 🔹 Optional knife ‘‘meat deboning’’ add-on available 🎁 💰 Participation Fees 🔹 Tour only: 4,000 yen 🔹 Tour with the exclusive souvenir knife: 22,000 yen 📌 Registration deadline: up to 3 days before each event date! 🔍 For details and registration, search for "Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour with Simple Knife Sharpening Workshop" https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/183...

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the 'Musubi no Kirameki Flower-Hand-Water' at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, along with a good-luck horse talisman for the Year of the Horse. 🐴✨ This seasonal flower-hand-water display is for a limited time, and today is the final day.

💠⋆⸜ Sakai Tourism Concierge reported on 【O osaka Sakai Balloon】 ⸝⋆💠 Before boarding the balloon, learn some tips, sights, and history that will make your experience more enjoyable, presented clearly on the website with photos💚 Please refer to it --ꕤ ▶️Check the website for more👀 〈 Sakai Tourism Guide Website 〉 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/107... 🔍Search for "Sakai Tourism Concierge Experience Report"! #Sakai City #Sakai Tourism Concierge #Tourism PR #Experience Report #Oosaka Sakai Balloon #Balloon #Experience #Spectacular Views https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/107...

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the “Musubi no Kirameki” floral water basin at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is on display for a limited time until January 27.

Event Announcement 📣 The 63rd Obihiro Ice Festival runs from January 30 to February 1. 😊 With the theme of bringing warmth and joy to the northern winter, the festival offers a wide variety of attractions. 🎵 The venue features ice-focused works: ice carvings, ice and snow sculptures, and ice masks made by elementary school students. Families can also enjoy popular attractions like rotating sleds, tube sliders, ice slides, and snow rafting. 😍 Workshops for building snowmen and creating sparkling snow domes let visitors fully experience snow and ice over these three days. 🤗 📍Date and Time: Friday, January 30, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10:00–20:00 (Final day closes at 5:00 PM) 📍Location: Midorigaoka Park 📞Contact: Obihiro Festival Promotion Committee TEL: 0155-22-8600 https://obihiro-icefes.com//

Watching the dusk over Kushiro, enjoy a quietly flowing tea time. Savor a moment that melts the heart along with dessert. Reservations are available from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Flowers That Color the Shimanto River Basin 1. Climate of Shimanto City Shimanto City enjoys abundant forests, the clear Shimanto River, and the pacific ocean to its southeast, offering a rich natural environment. From 1991 through 2020, the average temperature was 16.5°C and the average annual precipitation was 2,877.9 mm, giving the area a warm, Pacific-type climate. 2. Flowers Nurtured by the Mild Climate [Spring] 〇 Around late February, when the spring sun begins to warm the days, the Iruta Yanagi Grove in the Shimanto River lower basin turns a tender yellow-green as new buds swell, and some 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom across the willow groves like a yellow carpet. This is an iconic scene that announces spring in the Shimanto River watershed. 〇 By late March, the cherry trees at the hilltop viewing spot Tamesho Park come into full bloom. Lanterns are lit during the cherry blossom season, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms as well. The Shimanto City Local Museum sits nearby, so while learning about local history you can also take in the views from its observation floor. (Shimanto City Local Museum opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Wednesdays) At Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park, neatly planted cherry trees and well-kept lawns invite visitors to sit and enjoy hanami while admiring the spring-bright Shimanto River. In the Shimanto River lower basin, plowing of rice fields begins around this time and the frogs start to call. 〇 When the cherry blossoms fall and the trees turn to leaf, look toward Kōzan-ji Temple to see the city flower, wisteria, paint the slopes purple. Kōzan-ji is also popular for hiking and birdwatching, and a park with play equipment makes it a favorite spot for families on holidays. 〇 In breezy May, roses and lilies cultivated by local residents brighten the pastoral inland landscapes in the Nishitosa area. Omiya Rose Garden welcomes visitors with about 500 rose bushes, while Nishitosa Yabukachi greets them with roughly 12,000 lilies. 〇 At this time of year, Shimanto Dragonfly Park shows dragonflies dancing above waters edged with water lilies and irises. Established in 1985 as the world’s first dragonfly reserve, the park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly. The Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio, attached to the park, exhibits insect specimens from around the world including dragonflies, alongside fish that inhabit the Shimanto River. (Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Mondays) [Early summer] 〇 Under rainy, cloudy skies in June, Yasunami Waterwheel Village delights visitors with the rhythmic clack of turning waterwheels while hydrangeas along the waterways blaze with color. Sheltered pavilions near the channels make it pleasant to sit and watch the hydrangeas and the rural scenery. In the inland parts of Shimanto City, summer heat can be intense; when northwesterly winds blow, the foehn effect can raise temperatures and sea breezes from the pacific ocean have difficulty reaching inland, causing high heat. On August 12, 2013, Egawazaki recorded Japan’s highest temperature that year at 41.0°C. [Autumn] 〇 In late September, when the sky seems a little higher, the Iruta Yanagi Grove is enlivened by clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) that dye the area bright red, and autumn insects begin to call from the grasses. Around this time the severe summer heat gradually eases. 〇 In early November, when autumn deepens, beautiful fall colors appear along the ravines of the Kurozon River, a tributary of the Shimanto River. [Winter] Although Shimanto City benefits from a mild climate, snow does fall some winters in the mountain valleys and on plains opening toward the Bungo Channel, and mornings and evenings often dip below freezing. Daytime, however, tends to be mild with many pleasant, sunny winter days. 3. Events to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring The Iruta Yanagi Grove, introduced above, hosts the Nanohana Festival. At the Nanohana Festival, the rapeseed flower groves spread like a yellow carpet and a variety of events are planned, including sales of local specialty products and wind band performances by junior and senior high school students. Please come and enjoy Shimanto River sightseeing when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

Attention moms and dads! 🌸 Why not make spring memories by running the Sakai City Marathon? 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ The event takes place beside the World Heritage Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, in the verdant Daisen Park. 🌳 The popular Family Category is a short 2.5 km course, ideal for those returning to exercise or for little ones making their race debut. ✨ The sense of achievement from “I finished!” becomes a lifelong treasure that boosts your child’s confidence. 🏆 Hold hands with your child and aim for the finish line with your best smiles. 🤝💕 Seeing your child run with all their heart might just move moms and dads to tears… 🥺💖 After the race, enjoy a picnic in the park or stroll through Sakai—both are wonderful. 🍱🍡 This spring, let the whole family aim for a joyful finish line! 🏁✨ We look forward to your entries! 🤗🌈 Check the website for detailed rules and how to enter. 🔍✨ 📅 Date and time: Wednesday, April 29 (national holiday) 📍 Location: Daisen Park, near Nintoku-tenno-ryo-mae — loop course Search “Sakai City Marathon” for more details! 🔗 https://sakaicitymarathon.com//

Photographed on January 22, 2014. This is the New Year “Musubi no Kirameki” flower water basin at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is on display for a limited time until Tuesday, January 27. I start work at my new workplace today. With a fresh start, I will do my best. 😊

"Gyugyutto, a compact roundup of tourist information" At the recent Okhotsk Fair held at Chi-Ka-Ho we distributed an A4 double-sided summary of Nishiokoppe Village tourist information. Eat, stay, play, shop… I thought about what first-time visitors to Nishiokoppe Village would want to know and carefully selected information, so I decided to post it on social media too! 〇 Access Since the event venue was sapporo station I looked into travel options from sapporo station to Nishiokoppe Village. It takes about four to six hours by car 🚙 It’s a bit of a short road trip. There are gas stations in the village, so you can feel reassured if you come by car 🙌 〇 Eat, stay, play… Some facilities are open only in summer. In addition to the images, there are events and outdoor activities you can enjoy in nature. 〇 Souvenirs You can buy souvenirs not only at Roadside Station Kamu and Hotel Rimu but also at local shops. Some items are offered as hometown tax return gifts (furusato nozei) and some are available from online shops ✨ Hometown tax sites >> Satofull, Rakuten Furusato Nozei, Furusato Choice > Milk Design, which handles grass-fed milk > Seto Beef Farm, which grows and sells vegetables - Last year, Nishiokoppe Village released a new tourism pamphlet that provides more detailed introductions to each facility’s appeal and basic information. For general tourism inquiries, please feel free to contact the Nishiokoppe Village Tourist Information Center the Rizumu. 📞 0158-85-7125 📩 ni.kankouannai at mark gmail.com #Okhotsk #Access #Stay #Eat #Drink #Shop"

Photographed on January 24, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s lemonade and a kumquat Basque cheesecake. On cold days, citrus-flavored treats taste especially good. 😊🍊🍋

Photographed on January 24, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s kumquat Basque cheesecake. It contains kumquats and is delicious. 😊🍊

Announcement: Eastern Hokkaido Three Cycle Routes Traveling Panel Exhibition in Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho)📣 Sharing the charms of cycle routes in the eastern Hokkaido region To introduce the attractions of the eastern Hokkaido cycle routes—Akan, Mashu and the Kushiro Wetland Route; Tokachi 400; and the Okhotsk Cycling Route—we will hold a panel exhibition at the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho) so that many people can learn about them 😊 The exhibition will feature panels introducing the attractions of the Akan, Mashu and the Kushiro Wetland Route, Tokapuchi 400, and the Okhotsk Cycling Route; displays of various rental bicycles; event information; and distribution of cycle route maps. Please stop by 🚵‍♀️🚵🚵‍♂️ Location and times: Friday, January 30, 2026, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Venue: Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway, Kita 1-jo Event Space (near Exit 12) Co-hosts: Hokkaido TOKACHI Cycle Tourism Route Promotion Council, Kushiro Cycle Tourism Promotion Council, Okhotsk Route Council, Obihiro Development and Construction Department, Kushiro Development and Construction Department, Abashiri Development and Construction Department Support: Hokkaido For detailed route information, please refer to the website below. https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/bicycleuse/good-cycle-japan/national_cycle_route/...

Photographed on January 24, Heisei 26. This is a hot sandwich set from LEC COFFEE. The hot sandwich has egg, lettuce, and bacon, served with a white vegetable potage and a salad with homemade ham. It also contains satoimo (taro). I ate something delicious, so I feel like I can do my best starting tomorrow. 😊

Photographed on January 24, 2014. This is Chabudai-san's morning meal. This week it is a kabuto (turnip) and milk soup. The amanatsu marmalade is very tasty. Time has flown, and today the winter break comes to an end.

Today I explored Kawagoe. Chabudai’s HOT natsumikan. It warms the body. ☺️🍊 Yesterday I explored Tokyo and Ōmiya.👟

Photographed on January 20, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s strawberry latte and a sweet potato tart. It’s cold again today.

Photographed on January 20, 2014. This is a sweet potato tart from LEC COFFEE. 🍠 I am on winter break until my transfer. Today, I tried face yoga.

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Roadside Station Nakasatsunai will host the Nakasatsunai Winter Festival 😊 Enjoy a full lineup of snow activities, including snow rafting, a snow treasure hunt, and a snowy slide! Make the most of the cold winter day and have fun! Food trucks will also be on site, so you can enjoy tasty treats 🎵 📍Program Highlights ・Snow rafting (one ride 100 yen, limited to the first 250 participants) ・Stamp rally (limited to the first 100 children in elementary school or younger) ・Snow treasure hunt (for elementary school children or younger) ・Sledding 🛷 (free sled rentals available) ・Marshmallow roasting (3 pieces for 50 yen; available while supplies last) ・Hot milk served (limited to the first 100 people) 📍Date and Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 10:00–12:00 📍Location: Roadside Station Nakasatsunai South Side Special Venue Bring your family and friends and come to Roadside Station Nakasatsunai 🤗 https://michinoeki-nakasatsunai.jp/post_event/post_event-1311/...

✨“Konkon Rokon Sparkling Kushiro Stamp Rally” Opening Event✨ The stamp rally, running from Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, March 8, kicks off with an opening event at Tancho Kushiro Airport! On the day, we will distribute raffle tickets for a photo session. Everyone who takes part in the raffle will receive either an Alolan Vulpix or a Vulpix sun visor. Guests wishing to participate should gather at the venue at the ticket distribution time (^^)/ Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Venue: Tancho Kushiro Airport, 2nd floor departure lobby Program: 10:30–10:45 Raffle ticket distribution 　　　 11:00–11:30 Raffle and photo session *Approximately 20 groups are expected to be selected as winners Organizers: Kushiro General Subprefectural Bureau; Kushiro Tourism & Convention Association

Kyonan Town announced the blooming of the Yoritomo cherry on January 20. Having received Kawazu cherry trees from Kawazu Town, Kyonan Town calls them "Yoritomo cherry" in honor of the historical episode in which Minamoto no Yoritomo, defeated in battle, is said to have landed at Ryugashima Coast and planned his comeback. You can enjoy daffodils well into this month, so you can admire daffodils and Kawazu cherry blossoms together. From Saturday, February 7, the Hotagawa River–Yoritomo Cherry Village Development Committee will place bamboo lanterns along the Daffodil Lane at Sakuma Dam Park and illuminate them at night. The floral relay continues, so everyone, please come and visit. #Kyonan Town#Boso Peninsula#Yoritomo cherry#bamboo lanterns#Yoritomo cherry#Kawazu cherry#Daffodils and Kawazu cherry duet

🐬✨Half-price Admission for Sakai City Residents!✨🐬 One day only: Sunday, February 1, 2026 With thanks for your continued support ＼ Sakai Citizen Appreciation Day ／ celebrates with you🎉 On this day only, residents of Sakai City receive half-price admission! Enjoy thrilling dolphin training sessions and paid hands-on programs suitable for both adults and children✨ It’s a special day the whole family can enjoy💙 We look forward to welcoming you😊 [Eligibility] Residents of Sakai City *Please present proof that confirms your residence in Sakai City. *Discount applies only to the person shown per one form of ID presented. *This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. *The dolphin interaction experience program requires a separate regular fee. [Admission Fees] ◯ Regular admission Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥1,210 Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥770 ◯ Nighttime (admission from 5:00 PM onward) Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥770 Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥550 *Free for children age 3 and under all day [Hours] 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍 For details, search “Noah Dolphin Dome”! https://www.dolphindome.jp//

Photographed on January 20, 2026. This is a strawberry latte from LEC COFFEE. What beautiful latte art. Thank you as always. 🥹 I am currently enjoying my winter break. 😊

Photographed on January 19, 2014. This is a hanachozu (flower-filled basin) by Hara Florist. 🌼

Photographed on January 17, 2026. I relaxed at the starbucks motokawagoe station store. I had a chocolate mousse latte and a chocolate babka. Since I based myself at Hon-Kawagoe PePe, I find myself feeling nostalgic. 🥹

Event Announcement📣 The nighttime winter-only event at TokachigawaOnsen, called "Sairinka," is held each year in honor of the swans that fly into TokachigawaOnsen.😊 A fantasy show synchronizing sound and light creates a magical atmosphere. About 600 luminous objects made from agricultural insulating material and LED bulbs change with the music to delight spectators' eyes.🎵 Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Venue: Tokachigaoka Park Event Maintenance Contribution: 500 yen per person for junior high school students and older; free for elementary school students and younger Contact: Tokachi River Onsen Tourism Association TEL:0155-32-6633 https://www.tokachigawa.net/event/sairinka.html...

A new source spring, Kussharo Onsen, has been born, gushing from about 1,000 meters underground! Rich in salt and carbon dioxide, it warms you from the core and may also help improve skin. You can relax and ease travel fatigue in the covered outdoor baths. A dedicated elevator is available for use while wearing yukata and sandals. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...