The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held from February 1 to March 10. 🌸 About "The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival" https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=73493...... 🌸 Bloom status (updated as needed) https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=162849...... 〈If you come by public transport〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree-lined path is behind it.) The nanohana fields are immediately accessible from Hino stop on foot. Tokai Bus phone: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town is not served by train. Note: Parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp/rosen/minamiizu_2025feb.html... 〈If you come by car〉 Head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby, so please use them. ⚠ When viewing or photographing nanohana along the fields and cherry tree-lined path, do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on the riverbank slopes near the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please cooperate by not entering those areas. Note: Use the festival parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property. Minami-no-Sakura to Nanohana Matsuri🌸 Minami-no-Sakura and Nanohana Festival "The 28th Southern Cherry Blossom and Field Mustard Festival" 1st February - 10th March 2025 In Shimogamo, Minamiizu, Shizuoka, Japan You can see lovely pink sakura and bright yellow nanohana in Shimogamo. We expect the best time to see sakura to be in late February. Come and enjoy the early Japanese spring. －－－〇－－〇－－－ Official social media of Minamiizu Town Tourism Association X→https://twitter.com/info_mizu... Instagram→https://www.instagram.com/info_mizu... Website→https://www.minami-izu.jp...

Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawaku, Tokyo Metropolis will host the annual Narcissus Festival on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8. (^○^) The exchange began more than 20 years ago in 2005 when Shimoda City donated narcissus bulbs to Kasai Rinkai Park, and it continues to this day. Since fiscal 2006, the Shimoda City Tourism Association has been happily taking part in special events during the Kasai Rinkai Park Narcissus Festival, selling Shimoda products such as kinme croquettes, kinmedai fish head soup, dried fish, Shimoda brand goods, and all-you-can-pack Izu mandarins to promote tourism.✨ Members of the Shimoda Taiko Traditional Preservation Society also join the event to perform traditional drumming with a history of about 400 years on stage. If you are nearby, please stop by the Shimoda City Tourism Association booth at the Kasai Rinkai Park Narcissus Festival. (^○^) *The booth photo was taken at last year’s event.*

On a clear, cold winter day, our family enjoyed flying kites in a park with a great view of Mount Fuji.

Photographed on January 20th: Atami cherry blossoms are in full bloom at several spots 🌸 (Kamanariya Heishichi Statue · Itokawa Promenade · Shinshui Park Third Section · Sanremo Park · Kaihin Park · Nagisa Koen Park) Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs until February 8th https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

This is a photo of the Atami Cherry Blossoms along Itokawa Promenade illuminated on January 17th 🌸 https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Minami-izu Town, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is dotted with a wealth of geosites that give a sense of the workings of the Earth, including a complex coastline and dynamic cliffs created by undersea volcanic activity. Additionally, Mikomoto Island in Minamiizu Town is a world-famous diving spot where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks. Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, the area is extremely dense with fish, and there is a high probability of encountering large schools of fish (hammer rivers) from summer to autumn, attracting many experienced divers from both Japan and abroad. Located in the open ocean, you can enjoy drift diving (diving while being carried away by the current) and it boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of fish. -- For more information about tourism in Minamiizu Town, Minamiizu Town Tourism Association【official】 WEB：https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=596705&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

Happy New Year This year is the Year of the Horse (Hinoe-Uma) and the auspicious eighth year of Reiwa, a year of expanding opportunities. Let us step forward toward the new era one step at a time. I humbly ask for your continued support this year as well. Photo: Irozaki Lighthouse

Happy New Year! This year I again photographed the first sunrise from the waterfront park. There was no wind and it was not as cold as in past years, but a warm layer of clouds on the horizon kept the sky dull and dim even after the scheduled sunrise time of 6:51. Around 7:05 the edges of the clouds began to glow, and just after 7:20 the sun finally appeared! As every year, many residents and tourists gathered early at the waterfront park to watch the first sunrise of Reiwa 8. May Reiwa 8 bring you a year full of happiness. We appreciate your continued support of Atami Onsen this year as well.

Please visit Izu Shimoda Onsen in 2026 (^○^) 🌼 Shimoda Onsen Narcissus Festival The flowers are expected to be at their best around mid-January ♬ After the narcissus, 🌸 Minamiizucho "Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival" 🌸 Kawazu Town "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" Both are about a 30-minute drive from Shimoda City. Stay at Shimoda Onsen and enjoy the early spring flower relay ✨ Right now, JTB’s website is offering "discount coupons usable at Shimoda Onsen accommodations" (＼(^o^)／) Right now, JTB’s website is distributing great discount coupons usable at Shimoda Onsen accommodations (＼(^o^)／) No minimum fare required: 10% OFF ✨ (maximum discount 5,000 yen) Limited quantity! Take this chance to visit Shimoda Onsen ♨️ https://www.jtb.co.jp/kokunai-hotel/list/22219/?multiarea=22219&suggestkeyword=%E4%B8%8B%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&godate=&checkindate=&staynight=1&dateunspecified=1&roomassign=m2&room=1...

Hatsumode in Shimoda *The photo shows Shimoda Daruma Daishi. ● Izu Shirahama Shrine Known as the oldest shrine in Izu with a history of 2,400 years. The enshrined deities are Ikonahime no Mikoto, Mishima Daimyojin, Mimena, Wakamiya, and Tsurugi-no-miko—five honored gods. https://ikonahime.jp//　※駐車場あり ● Shimoda Daruma Daishi A Soto Zen temple founded over 400 years ago. Revered as the "Daruma Ambassador of Good Fortune," it is believed to grant wishes for prosperous business, family safety, traffic safety, academic success, warding off bad luck and inviting good fortune, and attracting financial blessings. It enjoys deep devotion from worshippers. Note: parking available. ● Shimoda Hachiman Shrine This shrine serves as the venue for the grand festival of Shimoda Hachiman Shrine. It bustles with worshippers from the festival community and local residents. The kinme omikuji is also recommended. Note: please use nearby coin parking.

Shimoda Onsen Daffodil Festival now underway 😊 This year marks the 60th festival, and the flowers have been growing well; they are expected to reach full bloom around early January after the New Year holidays. The sweet scent carried on the sea breeze makes you want to take a deep breath. The familiar Ho-ei stall returns to the daffodil festival venue again this year! Their local fish dishes are plentiful and popular with both visitors and locals. This year’s new menu is a hand-rolled sushi set 🍣 Try rolling your own and enjoy the fun and flavor♪ [How to make hand-rolled sushi] https://youtu.be/rhaxqNB9pwE?si=0PobDLptvHwZziBM... Enjoy Shimoda cuisine along with the scent and scenery of the daffodils (^○^)

About a 10-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station. A 1-minute walk from Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato, The Black Ship coffee☕ Perfect for a break during sightseeing or as a companion for a stroll to the sea. On sunny days, enjoy wandering the streets of Shimoda with a coffee in hand 😊 There is an eat-in space on the 2nd floor. It’s a small shop, so be careful not to miss it.

Enriched dive to the shipwreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited the shipwreck dive site in Atami 🚢 Large schools of fish gathered around the wreck, and we were thrilled by the dramatic underwater scenery 🤩 This time we dived using enriched air (Nitrox). Thanks to that, my body felt much better after the dive ☺️ Enriched air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because less nitrogen accumulates in the body, it reduces the risk of decompression sickness and allows for safer dives 👍 Another big benefit is that you get less tired ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Diving as a family was truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s shipwreck more comfortably with enriched air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn the Enriched Air Specialty (SP) certification 🙌 We also welcome requests for course dates! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Let’s travel to unseen worlds!”, we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run lessons and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #Hokulea Shonan #Enriched Air #Nitrox #Enriched Diving #CoolJapanVideos #HokuleaShonan #NitroxDiving #EnrichedAir #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue

🌼We have updated the daffodil blooming report🌼 The daffodils throughout the garden are just beginning to bloom🌱 In some spots, you can already see clusters of blooms appearing✨ See the latest updates on our blog📖 Be sure to check it out👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251223...

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨ Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗 This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿 Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏 Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive! On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏 No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄 On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨ We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍 Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳 Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏 If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟 We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜! --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!", we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving. We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan #HokuleaShonan

🌼The 60th Shimoda Onsen Narcissus Festival🌼 ＼2 days until the opening!／ Today (12/18) we carried out a cleanup at Cape Tsumeki🧹 About 60 people helped, and the park is now fully ready to welcome visitors✨ Planters of narcissus have also been placed at Izukyu Shimoda Station🚉🌼 📅 December 20th, 10:00 — Opening event ・Ribbon cutting ・Shimoda Taiko drumming performance🥁 ・Free kinmedai nigiri sushi for the first 100 visitors ・Ikenodan nitsumiso hotpot served to the first 200 visitors Current bloom status: “Starting to bloom”🌱 We will post occasional bloom updates on the blog during the festival📝 👉 More details here https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251218... Enjoy the delicate white narcissus in winter Shimoda❄️🌼

Yesterday, Tuesday, December 16, the standard tree of the “Atami cherry blossoms” on the Itokawa Promenade was confirmed to be in bloom! These “Atami cherry blossoms” are a type of kanzakura (winter cherry) originally from India that normally bloom from early January through February. Around 1871, an Italian brought them to Atami along with lemon and date palm, and they were named “Atami cherry” during the Flower Everywhere campaign held in 1965. On April 10, 1977 (the 40th anniversary of the city’s founding), they were designated as the official tree of Atami City. Because the same branch develops two tiers of buds—some that bloom early and others that bloom later—the flowers can usually be enjoyed for more than a month each year. Starting the New Year, the Plum Festival and Cherry Blossom Festival will open together on Saturday, January 10! During the Cherry Blossom Festival, activities such as light-ups, servings of cherry blossom tea and tea, street performances, kenbu (sword dance), and band performances are planned, so please come and enjoy the blossoms. The 16th Atami Sakura Itokawa Cherry Blossom Festival: January 10, 2026 (Saturday) to February 8, 2026 (Sunday) *Regarding bloom conditions, the city hall’s survey data will be posted on the page below as it becomes available, so please refer to it.* https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208...

Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two-month event — Details 🌿 ◉ Open through January 5! ✴︎ Pop-up Shops ✴︎ Workshops ✴︎ Relaxation ✴︎ Food Trucks We invite artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of the region with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP SHOPS ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead goods / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European-bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Café / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Saitama Fukaya green onion specialty products / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessory goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small items / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / Moksa Coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Lighthouse tour — special limited-time price! / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and processed fruit products / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Official Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma herb craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORKSHOPS ◉ Brush calligraphy workshop / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make your own chopsticks using a wood plane (kanna) / Kurasu Dogu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessory and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 FOOD TRUCKS ◉ KaRin Bakery (food truck) — curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions of each vendor in separate posts, so please look for those too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. Parking is free for WORKSHOP participants! Please show your parking ticket at the venue reception✴︎ We will post new event information as it becomes available, so please check Instagram. WORKSHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some creators may accept same-day reservations for their WORKSHOPs! To reserve, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

November 29 – The autumn leaves at Atami Plum Garden Are still at their peak 🍁 https://ataminews.gr.jp/event/148...

Photographed on November 26th The two Himalayan cherry trees in Aquatic Park are now in full bloom! Please enjoy the delicate flowers of these cherries blooming against the autumn leaves (the leaves of the Daikan-zakura). Aquatic Park, Section 1 Address / Atami City, Nagisacho area (near Aquatic Park First Parking Lot) About the Himalayan cherry https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/spot/702...

November 22 – Atami Plum Garden autumn leaves Overall the foliage is about 60–70% colored. It has reached its best viewing stage 🍁 https://ataminews.gr.jp/event/148...

🎉 Enjoy the Christmas spirit in Shimoda! 🎄 On Saturday, December 20th, Shimoda Civic Culture Hall hosts “Shimodadada”! A volunteer-run Christmas event in Shimoda City returns this year following last year’s success🎄🥂 A Christmas market, concerts, and workshops for both children and adults fill the day⛄❄️ Participate in the Shimoda Ultra Quiz on the day for a chance to win luxurious prizes🌟 Come and experience something that will make you love Shimoda even more🎅💝 More details→https://www.instagram.com/shimodadada_/... Coinciding with the same day (12/20), Tsumekizaki opens its Narcissus Festival with an opening event! Don’t forget to check out the Narcissus Festival too✨

A seabed cleanup will take place at Shimoda Fishing Port on Tuesday, December 2nd. Professional divers will carry out underwater cleaning while teams provide support onshore. Please join and support this effort to protect a sustainable ocean.🌊✨ For details, see the blog: https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251112...

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive

Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

Atami – Where Adventure Meets Serenity Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka offers one of the most fascinating diving experiences in Japan — where adventure and serenity come together beneath the surface. Known for its wreck diving and mysterious blue cave, Atami attracts divers who seek both excitement and peace in one destination. The highlight of Atami is the wreck of Asahi No.16, one of the largest wrecks in Japan. Resting quietly on the seafloor, this massive structure is now covered in colorful soft corals and swarming with marine life. As you descend, the silhouette of the wreck slowly appears out of the blue — a breathtaking sight that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an underwater museum. Exploring this wreck is an unforgettable experience for divers who love large-scale structures full of history and mystery. Then, shift from adventure to calm in Atami’s Blue Cave. As you enter, sunlight pierces through the narrow opening, filling the space with an ethereal blue glow. The soft light, bubbles rising toward the surface, and the quiet stillness of the cave create a dreamlike world beneath the waves. It’s a moment of pure serenity — a dive that connects you deeply with the ocean. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wreck diving or a peaceful cave dive, Atami offers both just a short train ride from Tokyo. With easy access, clear water, and diverse dive sites, it’s a perfect destination for weekend divers and international visitors alike. If you’re searching for wreck diving in Japan, or want to discover the best diving spots near Tokyo, Atami is a must-visit. Dive into its hidden blue world — where every moment beneath the sea feels like a journey between adventure and serenity. 🌊💙 📍 Atami, Shizuoka, Japan About Hokule’a Shonan 🌈 Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ Dive Center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa — just a short trip from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help you discover the beauty of nature and the joy of exploring the ocean. We offer more than 300 diving tours and courses a year across Japan, from Izu to Okinawa and even overseas. With our small-group style, beginners can dive safely and comfortably while enjoying a personalized experience. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or joining an advanced adventure — we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. Let’s dive and enjoy the ocean together! 💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaDivingJapan #UnderwaterWorld #DivingNearTokyo