The green season finally begins on Saturday, April 25. This spring, we are offering three special course meals and cocktails unique to Kussharo Prince Hotel. We also have experience tours that you can enjoy only in this season. Enjoy a special time amid the nature of Lake Kussharo. If you have any questions about access or highlights, please feel free to contact us. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Introduction of Supporting Companies: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order not indicative) Today we introduce Kawayu Kanko Hotel, a long-established hotel in Kawayu Onsen‼︎📝For more detailed facility information, please check Teshikaga Navi✨Thank you very much to Oyado Kinkiyu Suikazura for cooperating with this event. We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/suikazura/...

Toyama’s Spring Quartet Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind. For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Spring is starting to show itself little by little in Shosenkyo Gorge…🌸 The mitsuba azaleas that usually peak around this time are a bit slower this year. Many buds still dot the gorge, so the full bloom will likely be a little way off. Meanwhile, at Tenkorin we found a tree that bloomed a little early✨ The surroundings remain quiet, but that tree seemed to be announcing the start of spring. Shosenkyo will soon burst into color, and we’re looking forward to it. The sight of full bloom will have to wait just a bit longer🌿

Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

Rinyoji Temple dyed in spring crimson This temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is about 200 years old. A limited-time light-up of the tree is popular. ※Those who visit are asked to consider donating to the Cherry Blossom Fund 🙏 Rinyoji Temple, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

Hello everyone, this is Jewelry Town. Shosenkyo Gorge, a Japan Heritage site, is bathed in the soft light of spring and welcomes a season of crisp, refreshing air🏞️ At Arakawa Dam, early-blooming kanhizakura cherry blossoms have begun to open, giving a sense that spring has arrived🌸 Ride the ropeway up to 1,058 meters and, on a clear day, you can see the distant, beautiful Mount Fuji🗻 Nearby, Jewelry Town stands quietly, where a variety of raw stones, including power stones inspired by the 2026 zodiac sign 🐎, rest peacefully, creating a space that gently comforts the hearts of visitors🤗 Surrounded by the calm of nature, why not take your time and find that one favorite stone in a relaxed moment💎 Enjoy a gentle, peaceful springtime experience that softly colors the season✨ Please do stop by when you can. All of our staff warmly await your visit.

This is Suigo Sawara Ayame Park. Enjoy wisteria, irises, and lotus blossoms from spring through summer. We look forward to your visit.

[🧸For Sakuho town residents only🧸] Montbell annual membership fee Normally 1,500 yen, but the Sakuho Town Friend Card lets town residents join for 1,000 yen✨ As a member, you will receive benefits such as ・Earning points on purchases ・Receiving the member magazine OUTWARD ・Discounts at partner facilities ・Event information and more. This is recommended not only for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those who want to get started🌿 🔽Join or Inquire🔽 Visit Montbell Sakuho Store inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen

Aerial footage over Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture March 2026 ※Model has given permission ※Confirmed with the management office ※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Notification of the flight plan and creation of a flight log

A radiant morning on the Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road. It was delicious 😋 Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO March 3, 2026

Wandering Traveler🚙 Mie Prefecture is full of wonderful places🥰 Inabe City Plum Grove Park This view 🤩 perfect for spring 🌸 a lovely spot You can experience a magical, delightful world here. It was a magnificent plum garden🥰 Photo taken on 2026.03.09

A spring day in Sakado City, Saitama Prefecture, with Angyo Kan-zakura blooming in profusion. I captured a moment of my daughter laughing happily beneath rows of cherry trees in full bloom. Along with the soft spring light, the scene expresses the gentle passage of spring in Japan.

It's the moment in a spring field blanketed with rapeseed flowers when my daughter, caught up in the joy, tossed her hat into the sky with a gleeful laugh. Wrapped in warm breezes and sunlight, she celebrates the arrival of spring in Japan with her whole being.

At Lake Kussharo, you can experience both sunrise and sunset as grand spectacles. Light reflecting on the lake and the quiet air. It feels as if you have stepped into another world, and we often hear delighted comments like “I ended up staying much longer than I planned.” Lake Kussharo is a caldera lake created by nature. Even though it’s the same lake, you encounter completely different scenery each season. The light that streams across the lake is a view unique to Kussharo Prince Hotel. Please take your time to enjoy the lake’s changing moods as the hours pass. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

The snowy season has ended, and Lake Kussharo moves on to the next season. Winter operations concluded on March 7. We sincerely thank everyone who visited this winter. Amid the quiet lake and white scenery, we are truly grateful that so many guests could spend special moments here. Now, we move into spring. The green season begins on April 25. We look forward to seeing you again at Lake Kussharo in the new season. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

These are the Hashigui-iwa Rocks, a natural monument in Kushimotocho, Wakayama Prefecture. Long ago, Kobo Daishi and an amanojaku made a bet over whether they could build a bridge from Kushimoto to an offshore island before the rooster crowed. Just as Kobo Daishi had nearly finished setting the bridge’s piles, the amanojaku feared losing, imitated a rooster, and tricked Kobo Daishi into thinking morning had come. Kobo Daishi gave up and left the partly built bridge behind. That is why only the bridge’s piles are said to remain, according to the legend. What do you suppose Kobo Daishi and the amanojaku wagered? These Hashigui-iwa Rocks are also selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Sunrises.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. March has arrived, and Shosenkyo Gorge is slowly showing signs of spring. It’s still a bit chilly, but the mountain trees are starting to take on a hint of green, and the landscape’s expression is softening 🌿 Shosenkyo Gorge was once known as a source of quartz, and the beautiful crystals mined here helped Yamanashi become known as the City of Gems ✨ Shosenkyo Gorge is also home to Kanazakura Shrine, which enshrines quartz as its sacred object, making it a particularly recommended spot for fans of stones and power stones 💎 It’s a mystical place where you can feel nature and history ⛩️ When you visit Shosenkyo Gorge, be sure to see Senga Falls. The view of the waterfall up close is full of power and so photogenic you’ll want to capture it on camera 📸 When touring Shosenkyo Gorge, please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. At this time of year, we offer wines that feel bright and springlike 🍷🌸 We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Welcome to the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 🌸 Kikuchi City will hold the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival at Shimin Hiroba to coincide with the cherry blossoms. Please enjoy the spring scenes of cherry trees spreading through the town on the breeze. 【A red carpet will be installed on the Kikuchi Shrine Sando】 Event period: March 20 – mid-April (scheduled) 【Kikuchi Sakura Marche】 Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM The venue will feature local gourmet food, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche, workshops, and stage performances with a spring feel. There will also be family-friendly activities such as hands-on experiences for children, appearances by local mascots, and a small mobility test-ride event. 【Kikuchi Sakura Marathon Marche】 Date and time: Monday, March 22, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM A gourmet market will gather at Shimin Hiroba, the marathon’s starting point, bringing together Kikuchi’s local foods. Additionally, the KUMAMOTO FURUGI CARAVAN is scheduled for March 28 and 29. Please note that details may be announced on the day or subject to change. Mornings tend to be relatively less crowded, so a morning stroll is recommended. Please consider adding it to your plans! Contact Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival Executive Committee TEL 080-9106-7416 Executive Committee Chair Sato #Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival #Cherry Blossoms #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture

The tallest self-supporting broadcasting tower in the world, Tokyo Sky Tree, and Japan’s symbol of spring, the cherry blossoms. This photograph captures a moment where cutting-edge technology and nature cherished since ancient times show perfect harmony. In Japan, cherry blossoms are more than mere flowers. They symbolize new beginnings and the poignant beauty of a fleeting moment. In this composition, the tower’s urban, sharp steel frame is gently outlined by soft pink petals, reflecting both the energy of ever-changing Tokyo and the unchanging beauty of the four seasons. The clear blue sky contrasted with vivid cherry blossoms embodies Japan’s warm hospitality toward visitors. Through this single image, we hope you can feel the breath of tradition and innovation that Japan proudly offers.

[Komaide Pond Campground Reservations Open] Komaide Pond Campground sits in a stunning stand of white birch often called the most beautiful in Japan, offering a superb location for camping 🏕️ Reservations for the 2026 season are now open! Season opens: Friday, April 24 Bookings open: Tuesday, March 10 at 10:00 AM To reserve, search for "komaide pond campground" on the NAP site for campground reservations. Komaide Pond Campground official site https://yachiho-kogen.com/camp/...

Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival Now ongoing! Thanks to the cold weather, the plum blossoms are likely to last longer✨ The area around Lakeside Village Tsukigase is at its best, too✨ Photo courtesy of yasunori okamoto

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order is random) Today we are pleased to introduce Kawayu Kanko Hotel, a long-established inn in Kawayu Onsen‼︎📝 For more detailed information about the facilities, please check Teshikaga Navi✨ Thank you very much to Kawayu Kanko Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/kawayukankou/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies who have supported us. (In no particular order) Today, we are pleased to introduce Deshigakashiinko Co., Ltd., the operator of Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace and Iozan MOKMOK Base! For more detailed facility information, please check Teshikaga Navi. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Deshigakashiinko Co., Ltd. for their cooperation with this event. We hope you will continue to support the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now underway! At its peak♪ Please come and visit! This Sunday looks like it will be busy again. Saturday, which we worried about weather-wise, looks fine✨ Photo courtesy of Yasunori Okamoto

Hello, I’m Gen 😊 It’s March, and Shosenkyo Gorge is getting warmer by the day, making the arrival of spring more noticeable 🌸☘️ The sight of beautiful waterfalls cascading between sheer rock faces and the peaceful valley views will become even more appealing in the coming season 🏞️✨ Shosenkyo offers a special place to stroll slowly while feeling the power of nature, refreshing both body and mind 😊 The photo shows Amethyst 'Egao' (Smiling Mouth) 💎 This stone is notable for its shape that looks like an open, smiling mouth, and it is said to "invite good fortune and gather positive energy," making it a very auspicious natural gem 😃 At Gen’s shop, we carry many good-luck items, including impressive amethyst geodes and quartz crystals 🔮✨ When you visit Shosenkyo, please drop by Gen as well 😊 All our staff look forward to welcoming you sincerely! ✨

Photographed on March 4 The early winter cherry trees near Ginza Street, at the Sakimicho curve, are now in full bloom and catching the eyes of passersby. Of the three trees, the one at the top is called the "Sakamachi Temple Cherry". It is said to be one of the trees planted in the grounds of Iou-ji Temple, which once stood here in the early Meiji period. The tree is over a hundred years old. It survived the Honcho great fire of 1944 and the Atami great fire of 1950, making it a precious cherry tree. Sakamachi Temple Cherry — Address: Sakimicho, Atami City (opposite Hotel Kan-ichi) About 20 early winter cherry trees in Shinsui Park are also continuing to bloom, so please visit if you are in the neighborhood. Shinsui Park — Address: Nagisacho, Atami City (Shinsui Park Daiichi Kouku to Shinsui Park Second Section)

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now underway! At its peak♪ Please come during a quiet weekday moment! It looks like this Sunday will be crowded again. The weather is a concern, but visitors who come on Saturday will likely be able to enjoy it more leisurely✨ Photo credit: Yasunori Okamoto

📢Program Broadcast Notice📢 Teshikaga will be featured on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s Dosanko Weekend on Saturday, March 7, starting at 9:25 AM👀✨ The crew filmed on location around the town and will introduce many aspects of Teshikaga from various perspectives. Look forward to it❣️ Please be sure to watch‼︎

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now on! At peak bloom♪ Please come during a calm weekday time! On the hill opposite the Plum Museum stands a splendid weeping plum tree✨ Photo courtesy: Yasuki Okamoto