When you open the door, a tranquil moment gently welcomes you. Beyond the curtains lies Lake Kussharo. With your favorite drink in hand, simply gaze at the scenery. No need to worry about the time. It's perfectly fine to have a day like that. Welcome to a time just for you and the lake. Indulge in the luxury of doing nothing at Kussharo Prince Hotel. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates from 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

On August 23rd, Azumino experienced a stunning sunrise 😆 Waking up early was truly rewarding.

Opening the book "A History of Cats in Japan," one discovers that the bond between cats and the Japanese people is deeper than one might imagine. Cats have appeared in literature such as "The Tale of Genji" since the Heian Period, even enjoying the favor of emperors. During the Warring States period, cats also became companions of military leaders. As we entered the Edo Period, cats appeared more frequently in ukiyo-e, literature, and the lives of common people. Reading through the pages, one can see how cats transitioned from being precious pets to an indispensable part of Japanese culture. In modern times, this "cat-loving culture" has developed new forms, the most interesting of which is the cat café. Japan's first cat café, "Neko no Jikan," opened in Osaka in 2004 and quickly gained popularity across the country. For those living in apartments who cannot keep pets, cat cafés provide a space to get close to cats. Sipping coffee while watching cats sleep, stretch, or stroll by creates a leisurely atmosphere that naturally encourages one to slow down. From ancient courts to Edo-period ukiyo-e, and now to today's cat cafés, the Japanese people's affection for cats spans over a thousand years. Times may change, but the place of cats in people's lives has never disappeared; rather, it continues in different forms to this day. Perhaps, this is what makes Japanese cat culture so enchanting.

Gentazakura This is an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 300 years old, located on a mountain path known as "Sakura Sanri." There are two trees with diameters of 2.88m and 2.15m. They are designated as a natural monument by the city. The origin of the name "Gentazakura" comes from a story about Matsuyama han-shi Yano Goroemon Genta, who made prisoners plant cherry trees along the Nakayama River road. Unable to endure the harsh labor, one prisoner lamented, "Though the cherry blossoms bloom, it is Genta who punishes, and they will bear no fruit," which inspired the name. On Sundays in late March or early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the "Gentazakura Festival" is held, bustling with events like bazaars and rice cake throwing, attracting many tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the grand Edohigan cherry tree.

At the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin, there are plenty of apples on display✨ The red, ripe apples are lined up in the store👀🍎 As the season progresses, it's exciting to see various fruits appearing on the shelves! When you stop by, be sure to take a look♩

At Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin, you can find a wide variety of plums on display! 👏🏻👏🏻 A plum harvest calendar is also posted at the store, which can help you choose the right variety.✨ Enjoy the plums that are unique to this season!

The 4th National Stream Fishing Tournament Under the scorching summer sun, the "National Stream Fishing Tournament" was held 🎣 This time, an impressive total of 242 participants, both adults and children, joined in 💡 While there were many fishing enthusiasts, a lot of children came to participate in the fish-catching event ✨ Watching the children chase after the escaping fish with beaming smiles made me feel the essence of summer in Gokase 😁

The Heart and Healing Marche will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at EZO HOUSE in Kawayu Onsen. You can enjoy delicious okonomiyaki while also experiencing healing services such as fortune-telling and oil massages. We invite everyone to join us and enjoy a time of healing!✨ Heart and Healing Marche Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Location: Kawayu Onsen EZO HOUSE

Tracing the River Town from Inukai Port: Ono River SUP Geo Tour ❚ Held on September 13, 2023 In the nature-rich Ono River in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, the "Tracing the River Town from Inukai Port: Ono River SUP Geo Tour" will take place. This relaxed SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) tour allows you to rediscover the charm of the town from the water. Along the way, you will encounter local historical sites such as the remnants of Inukai Port, once a bustling logistics hub, and Nami-nori Jizō, highlighting the unique history of the river and life in the area. A land-based briefing will be conducted at the start of the tour, ensuring that even those new to SUP can participate with confidence. This experience is available for those in the fifth grade and above, making it a great outing for families and friends. Why not spend a special time feeling the pleasant river breeze? 【Date】 Sunday, September 13, 2023, Gathering at 9:30 AM / Scheduled to end at 12:30 PM 【Location】 Ono River Riverside Park Parking Lot (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】 4,000 yen (to be paid at the venue) 【Eligibility】 Fifth graders and above 【Capacity】 12 participants 【Application Deadline】 Sunday, September 6, 2023 【Notes】 The event will proceed in light rain; in case of severe weather, it will be postponed to Sunday, September 27. 【Contact】 Oita Bungoono Geo Park Promotion Council (TEL: 0974-22-4089) ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

On August 26th, 2019, we held the Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour. We comfortably traveled by chartered bus up to an elevation of 1,700 meters. Participants enjoyed the changes in vegetation, stunning views, and plant explanations by professional guides. In summer, the number of flowers is at its peak, providing a refreshing experience. Next, as follows, we will hold tours in October. On October 7th (Wednesday), 8th (Thursday), and 21st (Wednesday). We are currently accepting applications to enjoy the autumn mountain atmosphere. We hope you will join us! For inquiries and reservations: 0897-56-2605

🌻Sunflower Field🌻 In Teshikaga, there are spots where you can see many lovely sunflowers blooming beautifully at this time of year❣️ And guess what! Yesterday and today might just be the peak bloom?! You can easily find the location by searching for Taisei Rotec Corporation, Teshikaga Asphalt Plant. Enter the road next to the Teshikaga Town Speed Skating Rink! Please be careful as this place is different from the one posted last year⚠️ There is a parking area in front of the field, so please share the space amicably🅿️ Be sure to enjoy lots of sunflowers this year as well🌻

The JA Mashuuko Festival 2026 will be held this year too!! The JA Mashuuko Festival will take place again this year! There will be stage events, a fun lottery, a milk drinking contest, and a limited sale of hand-made fresh soba, along with plenty of delicious local products and pottery✨ Of course, there will also be food trucks🚚 JA Mashuuko Festival Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: 3-7-12 Chuo, Teshikagacho, Kawakami District, Hokkaido (A-Coop Teshikaga) Contents: Sale of local specialties, food trucks, various events, etc. We invite everyone to come and join us☺️ Organized by: Mashuuko Agricultural Cooperative (JA Mashuuko) https://www.jamashuuko.or.jp/news/2430/...

【Training Information】 Are you interested in learning about sustainable tourism? In Teshikagacho, we promote "sustainable tourism" under the slogan "To the city you want to go, to the city you want to live in," ensuring happiness for both residents and visitors. This autumn, we will hold four seminars on sustainable tourism. Each seminar is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and practical. All are free, so we invite you to take this opportunity to participate. Seminar Overview ■ October 5 (Mon) - 7 (Wed) for three days GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training ■ October 13 (Tue) from 1 PM to 4 PM Diversity in Food Seminar & Cooking Workshop ■ November 17 (Tue) from 1 PM to 4:30 PM Cross-Cultural Communication Seminar with JAL Flight Attendants ■ December 1 (Tue) from 10 AM to 4 PM Sustainable Training for Accommodations and Tourist Facilities For details on each seminar, please check below. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/seminar_2026/...

[Notice of Closure] Thank you for always visiting Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We will be closed on September 3rd (Thursday) at both Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to those who planned to visit, and we appreciate your understanding.

A Summer Break July 14, 2026 Photographed at Yamasa Lotus Garden, Yumesaki Town, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture While photographing the lotus flowers, I spotted a small dragonfly resting on the tip of a petal. Its appearance, as if taking a brief break in the summer sunlight, left a lasting impression, and I gently pressed the shutter.

Announcement of the Onneto Guide Walk 📣 If you want to learn about the rich nature of Hokkaido and Onneto, or if you wish to take a leisurely walk along the quiet lakeside and forest for some relaxation, the "Onneto Guide Walk" is perfect for beginners. Join a guide from Hotori LLC and rediscover the charm of Onneto while strolling by the lakeside. The walk is 3.7 km around Onneto and takes about 2 hours. 🔶 Dates: August 3, 2026 - October 31, 2026 (Please check Hotori LLC's social media for the operating days) 🔶 Location: Lakeside Rest House at Onneto 🔶 Fee: 6,600 yen per person (including insurance), 【10% off for social media followers】 *Free for ages 3 to under 6 🔶 Times: ① 10:00 AM, ② 1:00 PM 🔶 Group Size: 1 to 5 people 🔶 Application Method: Please apply through the application form. 🔶 Other: We are currently not accepting group bookings. Thank you for your understanding. 🔶 Contact: Hotori LLC (Contact: Fuke) TEL: 0156-28-0115 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) *If the person in charge is unavailable, we will return your call. 🔶 Hotori LLC's Instagram → @hotori.onneto https://forms.gle/UY2jCNbv693KUe1o7...

The Nature of Teshikaga No matter where you look, there is powerful and beautiful magnificent and enchanting nature in Teshikaga. Now is the season to enjoy nature both day and night. Please make the most of your time in Teshikaga!✨ #Teshikaga #Teshikaga #Kawayu Onsen #Hokkaido #Hokkaido

The morning in Azumino and sunflowers In this season filled with greenery, the yellow petals stand out The mornings in Azumino are cool and pleasant, perfect for a walk 😄

The 43rd Nishiokoppe Festival will be held on Sunday, August 30th! It will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM at Nishiokoppe Forest Park. (In case of rain, it will be held at the Nishiokoppe Village Indoor Multipurpose Gymnasium behind Seicomart.) ◇Stage Events✨ Influencer, singer, and actress "Kopi" will be performing, along with a live performance by the amateur band "Nise'z," and music from the Nishinaka Wind Ensemble and the Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Taiko Drum Group. ◇Master of Ceremonies Once again, Kana Morino from HBC Asahikawa Broadcasting will be the host🎤 ◇Lumberjack Competition Participants will compete in cutting logs quickly! We are currently accepting participants! ◇Drink-Bang-Bang-Born Contest This year marks the third time for the competition where participants drink locally sourced grass-fed milk and pop balloons🥛 We are also looking forward to your applications! ◇Grand Lottery One lottery ticket will be given to each visitor. You have a chance to win local specialties and luxurious prizes🎁 ◇Food and Drink Sales, Booths by Local Businesses In addition to selling food, drinks, deer leather crafts, and used books, there will be many booths such as festival stalls and tea ceremony corners. We hope you enjoy exploring every corner of the venue! We sincerely look forward to welcoming many visitors. #Nishiokoppe Village #Nishiokoppe Festival #August 30th #Setoushi-kun #Summer

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Yesterday in Shosenkyo was a day with lots of clouds, making it relatively cool and comfortable. 🌿 During the Obon holiday, many of you visited Shosenkyo. Thank you very much to everyone who came! The hot days are still continuing, so please remember to stay hydrated and take care of your health. ☀️ When you feel like going somewhere a bit cooler, please do visit Shosenkyo. ⛰️ Enjoy the rich greenery and the scenic views of the gorge while taking your time to relax. We look forward to your visit! 😊 Date of photography: August 17th.

The Flower Path Leading to Mori Yume There is a road that continues from the main entrance of Hotel Rimu to the national highway. In early August, the flower beds along that road were in full bloom. The contrast of the flowers is beautiful, but my favorite is the white leaves 🍃 While looking back at my photos, I found pictures of the flower bed taken at the end of June. Comparing them was surprising 😳 I couldn't believe how different the plants looked from when they were first planted! I realized that the imagination to plant with growth in mind and the daily care help create such a lovely flower bed. It's a road I often drive on, but when you stay at Hotel Rimu, please take a stroll nearby and enjoy the flower beds! #Nishiokoppe Village #Flower Bed #Hotel Rimu #Summer #Plants

Manda Pit is recommended for a day trip from Kumamoto City. You can experience a different aspect of Kumamoto's modernization history, unlike nature and hot springs. Why not add a touch of intellectual exploration to your usual Kumamoto trip? This is a unique spot in Arao City where you can actually walk and view a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Visiting Information] 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #KumamotoDayTrip #AraoCityTourism #HistoricalTourism #LearningTrip #IndustrialHeritage #ModernizationOfJapan #MandaCoalMine #Kumamoto #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #JapaneseHistory

The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" will be held! The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12th at the Kawayu Visitor Center! The natural environment of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the nature of this region (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photographs and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" This is a time to reflect on the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for a "rediscovery" that makes the landscapes we always see appear slightly different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12th (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4th (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make sure to apply by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance, and note that the event will be held at Kawayu Visitor Center.

Introducing a classic travel route in Hokkaido, covering Kushiro Prince Hotel, Kussharo Prince, Kushiro Shitsugen, Roadside Station, Mt. Io, and Sunayu. Based at Kushiro Prince, explore the unseen landscapes and natural wonders waiting in Kussharo. For estimated travel times, check from the profile👆 Follow us to receive the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

How about waking up to a sweet aroma in the morning? On the buffet table, you'll find colorful vegetables, Hokkaido potato butter croquettes, and fluffy scrambled eggs made with local eggs. And, pancakes that you can cook yourself. Enjoy a breakfast featuring Hokkaido ingredients, savoring the blessings of nature🍚✨ Take a leisurely morning in Kussharo, a slightly luxurious time. May such moments add color to your journey☀ Please follow us to receive the latest information from Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

The nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" will be held! At Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center, the nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12 at Kawayu Visitor Center! The nature of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the region's nature (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photos and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" It’s a time to take a fresh look at the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for "rediscovery," where the scenery you always see may look a little different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12 (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4 (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make your application by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance. The event will take place at Kawayu Visitor Center, so please be careful not to get it mixed up.

The blue, clear summer sky and the vividly shining green fields create a scene reminiscent of Japan's original landscape, where a retro vehicle quietly stands. The torii gate visible in the distance adds a sense of narrative and nostalgia to this scenery, capturing a moment of summer in Japan, where the sound of cicadas seems to echo.

Summer settled over the village like a green silence. The mountains slept beneath the endless blue sky, while cicadas sang from the trees as if they had been singing there forever. Bright flowers bloomed along an empty roadside, leading somewhere unknown. A lazy afternoon, a gentle breeze, and the delicate sound of wind chimes drifting through Okutama made this summer feel a little more magical.

【Kuraoka Area Fishing Tournament🎣】 Today (August 15th), the Kuraoka Area Fishing Tournament was held for the first time in two years😊 It seems that a significant number of fish were released this year, and everyone was catching one after another🐟 The children were cheering each time they caught a fish, running to their parents saying, "Help me with the hook!"😆 A "Fish Catching" event for kids was also held✨ The fish swimming freely in the river posed quite a challenge for the children😂 Especially eels, which would slip away from their hands even after being caught, made it quite difficult🤣 However, some kids figured out a strategy to throw the fish and eels they caught onto the riverbank💡 Many families were seen heading home with a lot of fish, saying, "It's going to be a hassle to clean them later!"💦 Everyone is in for a feast tonight😋

A Definitive Guide: From Kushiro to Lake Kussharo! Explore Kushiro Shitsugen, Roadside Station, Mt. Io, and Sunayu on a scenic drive through eastern Hokkaido. Departing from Kushiro Prince Hotel, we introduce the classic route to Kussharo Prince Hotel while visiting breathtaking spots and foot baths. ✨ The drive from Kushiro to Kussharo Prince Hotel takes about an hour and a half without stops. Enjoy a seamless driving journey! ✨ Experience two destinations and diverse landscapes in one trip. Follow us and check the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel! ✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...