A special moment spent at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. Breathtaking views, spacious rooms, and meals that satisfy the soul. In spring at Kussharo, you can also encounter the unique nature and wildlife of the season. Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy the leisurely flow of time. We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Hello, this is Minamoto 😊 The beautiful season of fresh greenery has finally arrived in Shosenkyo Gorge, where the buds of the trees are flourishing, making it a delightful time for a stroll 🌿 The clear waters of the river, the unique rock formations, and the blooming Mitsubatsutsuji create a stunning landscape, offering a refreshing experience of nature that is different from the vibrant autumn colors that adorn the valley ✨ During the Golden Week, especially when the young leaves are shining ✨, a popular and recommended route is to walk from the Tenjinmori Municipal Parking Lot along the path by the gorge, passing through the Stone Gate and reaching Senga Falls 🚶‍♂️ Please give it a try♪ Currently, we at Minamoto have received a variety of new products‼️ The photo shows a Lemurian Seed Crystal 💎 When you go out, please come and see it 😊 Also, during the Golden Week period from May 2nd to 6th, the shops in the Shosenkyo Falls area and along the Crystal Highway will extend their hours by 30 minutes, staying open until 5:30 PM 🕔 *Some stores may be excluded. If you have time, please come and visit us 🍀 All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you 👋

Introduction of Japanese Swords from Wakedo Inscription: Made by Akitsugu Amata (Living National Treasure) Heisei 15, Yayoi Kichijitsu Sign: Akitsugu Amata korewo tsukuru (living national treasure) Heisei 15 (AD 2003) Yayoi (March) Kichijitsu Box: With original box Dimensions: Blade length 2 shaku 4 sun 5 bu (74.5 cm), curvature 2.4 cm, mekugi hole 1 Width at the base: 32.5 mm, width at the tip: 24 mm, thickness at the base: 8 mm Size: Blade length 74.5 cm, curvature 2.4 mm, mekugi 1 hole Country: Echigo Province Period: Heisei 15 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an-tō, body width, thickness balance, curvature, middle cut tip, resembling a tachi from the Kamakura period Forging: Well-packed ko-itame, with chikei, and ji-nuki Hamon: Gunome-chōji midare, with ashi, some areas have tobiyaki, with bright nioi and clear nioiguchi Boshi: Midare-komi, rounded tip Nakago: Raw, kurijiri, with file marks at an angle Shirasaya: Yes Explanation Born in 1927 as the eldest son of the late Teikichi Amada in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture. Entered the Japanese sword forging apprenticeship of Hikozaburo Kurihara in 1940. Approved for sword making in 1954. Received the Masamune Award (Yamashiro style) at the New Sword Exhibition in 1977. Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Niigata Prefecture and Toyoura Town in 1978. Received the Masamune Award (Sōshū style) for the second time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1985. Elected as the chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association in 1990. Received the Masamune Award (Bizen style) for the third time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1996. Designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. Awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Toyoura Town." Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, in 2003. Became an honorary citizen of Niigata Prefecture, Shibata City in July 2003. Passed away on June 26, 2013. Akitsugu Amata's real name is Seichi Amata. He was recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. He is a contemporary swordsmith representing Niigata. Born in 1927 as the eldest son of Teikichi Amata in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo in 1940 to study under Hikozaburo Kurihara. He then achieved notable results in various sword-making competitions and became a non-examined swordsmith in 1972. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1997, he received numerous awards and honors until his passing in 2013. Akitsugu Amata is also known for selecting sand iron and creating his own steel for the blade. He mastered styles such as Bizen and Sōshū and left behind many famous swords. This work is a fine example of Akitsugu Amata's Bizen style, replicating the majestic tachi of the Kamakura period. The steel is well-packed with itame, and the hamon features gunome with chōji mixed in, with bright nioi and a clear nioiguchi, resulting in an excellent piece. It comes with an original box.

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on May 1】Hello. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. On May 1, 2026 (Friday) at 10 AM, we held the opening ceremony for Shibazakura Takinoue Park. Additionally, the "Tenro Stairway First Crossing Ceremony" was conducted, where the mayor and children from the kindergarten went up to the top together. Visitors can enjoy the shibazakura at eye level, creating a new spot to appreciate. Furthermore, the Shibazakura Festival will be held from May 1 to May 31. With the new "Tenro Stairway" and "TAKINOUE Object," the scenery at Shibazakura Takinoue Park is becoming even more photogenic. We look forward to welcoming everyone. On May 2 (Saturday) and 3 (Sunday), the "Takinoue Marche" will be held at Kaori no Sato Takinoue Michi-no-Eki for two days! There will be many original menu items that can only be enjoyed here! Police motorcycles, grass harvesters, and this year, a high-altitude work vehicle will also be available! You can experience riding it! Fun for both children and adults. Let's enjoy the Golden Week in Takinoue! We are waiting for your visit. Today in Takinoue Town, it will be sunny then rainy. The maximum temperature is expected to be 18 degrees. It is currently very warm, perfect for cherry blossom viewing. Rain is expected to start at night, so there should be no issues during the opening hours. We look forward to welcoming everyone. ------------------------ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission Fee Adults (high school students and above): 500 yen Group of 10 or more: 400 yen Children (elementary and middle school students): 250 yen Group of 10 or more: 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #ShibazakuraTakinouePark

Welcome to the pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden". The mosses, hidden beneath the snow, are starting to reveal themselves, glistening in the sunlight and dew. The pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden" is located behind Hotel Rimu. It's about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Once you pass through the gate, the sound of leaves rustling and the distant chirping of birds reach your ears. Inside the garden, there are ponds of various sizes, and you can stroll around them at your leisure. You can also enjoy a quiet moment in the gazebo. Korakuen Garden is scheduled to open in mid-May. Admission is free. 📷️ Photo credits to the creatures 🐿️ Instagram @hirok_kato #Korakuen Garden #Pure Japanese Garden

Golden Week is the most beautiful season in Azumino. With the remaining snow on the Northern Alps, sparkling water, and fields full of flowers and greenery, we present the "special scenery" that can only be seen at this time of year. 1. Water Mirror... The best time to see it is early morning. If the wind blows, the surface will be disturbed and you won’t be able to see it! 💦 2. Daio Wasabi Farm... The cold-resistant net is already up. 3. Mount Nagamine... You can drive there, and of course, you can also hike. 4. National Alps Azumino Park... Tulips, rapeseed flowers, and nemophila are in full bloom. 5. Apple orchards in the Misato District... Apple blossoms as far as the eye can see. Why not come to Azumino this Golden Week to capture a "special shot"? The time spent surrounded by water and greenery will surely fill your heart. 😆 We recommend exploring by rental bicycle!

Aichi Museum of Flight Toyohama, Toyokawa, Nishikasugai District, Aichi Prefecture (inside Nagoya Airport) The Aichi Museum of Flight is a specialized aviation museum adjacent to Aichi Prefecture's Nagoya Airport. It features aircraft related to Aichi, including Japan's first post-war domestically produced passenger aircraft, the YS-11, and the actual T-4 Blue Impulse self-defense aircraft, allowing visitors to see them up close. This spot fulfills the longing for the open sky for children and adults alike... In addition to exhibitions, there are also experiences where you can actually pilot an aircraft, experiments explaining how aircraft work, and science shows. They offer stroller rentals and nursing rooms, making it a welcoming place for families with small children. Nagoya Airport, officially known as Nagoya Aerodrome, is a civilian airport managed by Aichi Prefecture and shares its runway with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Air Base. On the civilian side, regular flights from Fuji Dream Airlines, business jets, and small aircraft operate, coexisting with self-defense aircraft. Camera lenses, wide-angle lenses... recommended... Even with a smartphone's wide-angle...

The puddle formed in the riverbed reflected the beautiful upside-down cherry blossoms.

A carpet of flowers in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. The entire area is beautifully pink.

Spring in Yokohama. The nighttime cherry blossom illumination at Sankeien has become so iconic that it can be called a staple. You can enjoy the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the water's surface, making it a place you want to visit for photography every year. The interplay between cherry blossom blooming forecasts and weather predictions. That’s spring in Yokohama.

Thanks to the trajectory of the petals carried by the wind, it feels as if the invisible wind has become visible. SAKURA - Fubuki. I am confident that one day, people from abroad will understand this word.

The black cat will come to play with the brown and white cat.

The cherry blossoms are still beautiful even after they fall. As a Japanese person, I can proudly say that. I captured the moment when the petals scatter, along with the waxing moon. It became a photo that embodies wabi-sabi.

Event Announcement📣 The 36th Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers event in Taiki Town will host a "Children's Day Mini Event" 🎏 You can see a variety of "working vehicles" including the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's high-mobility vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks 🚒🚓 Experience the rare opportunity to view carp streamers from a high-altitude work vehicle, and enjoy the popular inflatable play equipment (for a fee) ✨ There will be plenty of delicious food at the food stalls and fun activities 🎵 Bring your family and come have fun 🤗 📍Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Holiday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 📍Location: Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed *Event may be canceled in case of bad weather https://www.town.taiki.hokkaido.jp/soshiki/kikakushokoka/3/1/482.html...

The green season is open. Surrounded by magnificent nature, the Kussharo Prince Hotel is finally resuming operations. Enjoy the lake, sky, greenery, and delicious moments. Experience a special stay exclusive to this season. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Dandelions, representing spring in Japan. I believe the simple colors of yellow and green symbolize spring alongside rapeseed flowers. In a world of yellow and green, my heart feels uplifted.

Although it is still a bit chilly, it seems that it will soon become warm. The cherry blossoms, reminiscent of spring after a year, are beautiful and fall gently with a pleasant breeze. Before all the cherry blossoms fall, I look up at this year's blossoms and remember the spring of those days.

A field of wild poppies stretches out before you. Combined with the spring sunlight, the canvas painted in just two colors, orange and green, expresses a simple yet pleasant world view.

It's been a while since I posted about my cat. She often comes over to play.

On April 25th, while strolling through the bicycle plaza, the pink moss phlox was beautiful.

The beautiful sunrise reflected on the water surface at Ukijima. The composition utilizes the reflections of the sky on the water surface, captured through drone photography. Hinogawa Dam, Shiga Prefecture, Ukijima April 2026

Gokoi-chi Challenge ~Let's Cycle Around Mikata Five Lakes~ https://wakasa-mihama.jp/gokoichichallenge2026/... Complete a cycling tour of the Mikata Five Lakes Cycling Course (commonly known as Gokoi-chi) and take pictures at all five designated checkpoints. Those who do will be recognized for completing the tour and will receive a limited edition badge. Join the Gokoi-chi challenge! Period: May 1, 2026 (Friday) to March 31, 2027 (Wednesday) How to Participate: 1. You can start from any location. 2. Cycle around the Gokoi-chi Cycling Course. There is no fixed route, so feel free to explore Mikata Five Lakes. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise. 3. Take photos at the following five checkpoints. There is no specific order, so feel free to visit them. Make sure the locations are clear in the photos. Checkpoint 1 Hinata Bridge (Lake Hiruga) Take photos that include Hinata Bridge or views of Lake Hiruga from the bridge. The monument for "Heshiko-no-Sato" is also a recognizable feature. Checkpoint 2 Suigetsu Lake Observation Deck (Lake Suigetsu) Capture photos that include the observation deck or views of Lake Suigetsu from above (or below) the deck. Checkpoint 3 Thatched Boathouse (Lake Mikata) Please take photos that include the thatched boathouse. Checkpoint 4 Horikiri (Lake Suga) Capture photos of the river connecting Lake Mikata and Lake Suga. Checkpoint 5 Heshiko-chan Statue (Lake Kugushi) Please take photos that include the Heshiko-chan statue. 4. After completing the tour, present your photos at the certification locations. Certification Location 1: Mihama Station Reception Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM It serves as the gateway for those heading to Mikata Five Lakes after getting off at the JR Obama Line. Rental bicycles are also available. *Note: The reception will be closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays. Certification Location 2: Mikatagoko Roadside Station Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM This is a certification location where you can stop by during the Gokoi-chi route. If you start from Mikata Station, you will pass by this location after visiting all checkpoints if you go clockwise. If you arrive by car, you can use the parking lot of the nearby Mikata Seinen no Ie. Rentals for cross bikes and road bikes are also available. *Note: The reception will not be available if the facility is closed for maintenance or during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 3). 5. Certification Badge Limited edition badge for completing one round of Gokoi-chi (first 400 participants) Limited edition badge for completing two rounds of Gokoi-chi (first 100 participants) *Please bring the badge received for completing one round when you complete two rounds. 6. Important Notes - Please adhere to traffic rules and cycle safely. - Helmet use is recommended. - Please cycle at a pace that is comfortable for you based on the weather and your physical condition. - The organizers are not responsible for any accidents or troubles. - Ensure that the photos clearly show the checkpoints. 7. Organizer and Contact Information (Organizer) Mikata Goko Regional Tourism Council (Contact) Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-32-0222 Wakasa Mikata Goko Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-45-0113

Hara Florist's flower handwashing. Once again, I've caught a cold.🤧 The temperature fluctuations are severe, so please take care of yourselves.

【Information about Shibazakura Takinoue Park on April 30】Good morning. This is the Takinoue Town Tourism Association. We are having a pre-opening today, April 30, just like yesterday. On May 1, 2026 (Friday) at 10:00 AM, we will hold the opening ceremony for Shibazakura Takinoue Park. The first 50 visitors will receive a commemorative gift. Additionally, the Shibazakura Festival will take place from May 1 to May 31. Today in Takinoue Town, the weather is sunny turning cloudy, with a high temperature of 14 degrees. There seems to be no worry of rain for now! We look forward to your visit. ------------------------ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) Admission Fee Adults (high school students and older) / 500 yen Group of 10 or more / 400 yen Children (elementary and junior high school students) / 250 yen Group of 10 or more / 200 yen #Hokkaido #Okhotsk #Takinoue Town #Takinoue #Shibazakura #Moss Phlox #Shibazakura Takinoue Park #Shibazakura Takinoue Park

Nemophila

Enticed by the spring weather, we headed to the Wisteria Festival at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. The fully bloomed wisteria flowers cascaded like a shower in the shrine grounds. The vibrant purple flowers contrasted beautifully with the red-painted handrails, creating a truly stunning scene that left us in awe. My daughter was also thrilled by the beautiful scenery! Surrounded by the fragrance of wisteria swaying in the breeze, the children walked through the shrine grounds with smiles. It was the perfect moment to experience the beauty of Japan's four seasons in spring.

In Sakurashinmachi, Tokyo, I discovered a unique view of spring at the Sakura Jingu Shrine. This rare shrine inherits the tradition of Ancient Shinto, and during spring, the grounds are filled with pink ribbons. These ribbons are tied with wishes for "matchmaking." The contrast between the traditional shrine atmosphere and the pop, vibrant pink is very cool, reflecting the beauty of modern Japan. Under the fully bloomed Kawazu cherry blossoms, the sound of children's laughter creates a peaceful moment.

This is a precious landscape captured in Osaka City. The site of the Expo '70 Osaka is hidden by a sea of clouds, creating a stunning contrast with the sunset and the cloud sea.

(April 26, 2026) Naruko Dam Rainbow Waterfall Light-Up The first arch dam built entirely by Japanese hands Naruko Dam, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture This event will feature the illuminated overflow of the dam lake, which is at full capacity, lighting up the natural overflow from the top of the dam with LEDs for several days. In the past, cars concentrated on the mountain roads to see this event, causing traffic jams. Complaints from local residents led to its cancellation. Last year, the mountain road to the dam was closed (residents can pass) and the event was resumed through a park-and-ride tour, with shuttle buses guiding visitors from a nearby community center to the dam. Hearing this information, I registered for the life's leftovers and reserved a shuttle bus for the third trip on April 26th back in February. Now, on the day of the event, with the weather forecast predicting rain for the next day, I embarked on a whirlwind tour taking five hours one way from Tokyo and was able to enjoy (and shoot) the view safely. So colorful~♪