Nagikama Shrine⛩ The other day I visited Nagikama Shrine on Kirigamine for the first time. Last year I heard about Nagikama Shrine, which had replaced its wooden torii with a stone monument, and I had planned to visit after the snow melted. A passing comment from my wife, who loves Kirigamine, finally prompted us to go. As someone who loves the Onbashira festival, I’ve grown fond of visiting shrines, and I had long wanted to see Nagikama Shrine, so I took my camera and headed for Kirigamine at last. We parked in the lot below the ski area and followed directions toward the Glider Museum, but unsure of the way and hesitating, I spotted a small sign in front of the museum reading Nagikama Shrine 0.5 km and followed it. It felt a bit farther than expected. Together with my wife and our two children, we walked for several minutes, enjoying Kirigamine’s nature, until we saw the stone monument marking Nagikama Shrine. As a shrine, a torii would feel more fitting, but the stone monument had its own charm. The approach was neatly covered with wood chips, making for a very pleasant walk. When we reached the small shrine, the view took my breath away. It was a scene that excited me like I hadn’t felt in a long time. The clear weather that day only amplified the spectacle. Below stretched the Suwa Basin, the serene Lake Suwa sat beautifully, the Central Alps rose ahead, the Northern Alps to the right, the Southern Alps to the left with sacred Mt. Fuji beside them, and Yatsugatake behind to the left. A shrine that offers a view of so many mountains at once may be rare in Japan, I thought.🏔 As a self‑declared Seeker of Suwa’s Best Views, this vista immediately made my list of top spots. Tateishi Park offers a sweeping view of the Suwa plain and is very scenic, but Nagikama sits at a higher elevation and has an indescribable beauty. I felt it would be a shame to keep this to myself, so I’m sharing it here. The shrine’s goshuin (stamp) is newly available, so anyone touring Suwa’s shrines or visiting Kirigamine should definitely stop by. If the weather is clear, you won’t regret it! ・Enshrined deities: Takeminakata no Okami, also known as Osuwa‑sama: god of martial valor and abundant harvests ・Oyamatsumi no Okami: god of industry and maritime affairs, and further revered as the ancestral deity of sake brewing ・Ashinazuchi no Okami and Tenazuchi no Okami ⇐ Kushinadahime: parents of Kushinadahime, wife of Susanoo no Mikoto A nagikama (a sacred implement shaped like a sickle) discovered at the ruins of the former Misayama is dedicated here. After the main pillars for the Onbashira are selected, the nagikama is hammered onto those pillars. Curiously, this practice occurs only on the Onbashira of Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine. The nagikama has a shape resembling a rooster’s head and is considered one of Suwa Taisha’s sacred treasures. The nagikama is enshrined inside the hokora, so please take a look along with the spectacular view. Suwa Taisha also offers nagikama amulets♪

I cut out the corner window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

I cut out the round window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

Lets discover the feudal lord era of Toyama. Toyama Castle situated in the center of Toyama City. It was actually built in 1543 by the local feudal lord Sassa Narimasa. Unfortunately, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history.

During my visit to western Japan last autumn, my final stop was Hiroshima. Despite its tragic history, the city serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, much like the phoenix rising from the ashes. The Hiroshima Castle, which was reconstructed after being destroyed in World War II, stands as a testament to this resilience. The castle grounds provide a peaceful retreat with a variety of trees and flowers, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting for visitors. Inside the castle tower, the museum offers a chance to explore the rich history of the Hiroshima castle town and provides breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform at the top.

Funaya in Ine, Kyoto Whenever I look at it, I feel that it is amazing to be able to maintain this scenery even though it is close to the sea, and it seems that the reason why Ine Bay is less affected by disasters is because Qingdao, which becomes a bay, protects it.

The remaining snow disappeared and we were finally able to reach it. Taroji Waterfall in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture A waterfall streams vigorously through a green space of fresh greenery and moss The white strip was a very good contrast. There is a cave to the right of the Waterfall basin, creating a sense of seclusion.

【2024/05】Shinshu Suzaka Guided Tour with a Tourist Guide Date & Time: Date of Guided Tour Friday, May 3, 2024 and Saturday, May 4, 2024 Departure time 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock 3 times a day Departure Point: Kuranomachi Tourism Exchange Center Kuratto Course A mountain trail is "Kura Townscape mountain trail" B mountain trail is "Leave it to the guide mountain trail Advance reservation required however, it is possible to participate on the day if there is a vacancy Capacity: 10 people each day, each time Shinshu Suzaka Tourist Guide and "Suzaka Guided Tour" Participants Wanted! Why don't you go sightseeing in Suzaka City where you can spend a relaxing time during Golden Week? We have prepared a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour that you can participate in with one coin! Suzaka, which flourished in the Silk industry from the Meiji era to the early Showa period, still retains the old silk mill building built at that time and the townscape such as Mayukura. Study such a historic Suzaka with a guide, and introduce ♪ the shops recommended by the guide Please enjoy Suzaka in your spare time. We look forward to seeing you there. Guided tour dates May 3 and May 4 Departure time 3 times a day at 10, 11 and 12 o'clock Course A mountain trail is "Kura Townscape mountain trail" B mountain trail is "Leave it to the guide mountain trail Advance reservation required. However, if there is a vacancy, you can participate on the day. Participation Fee 500 yen per person Number of Applicants 10 people each day How to apply Please apply by Phone or on the Home page by selecting the date and time and mountain trail. Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association ☎026-215-2225

Sumiyoshi Shrine This shrine is located in Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is said to have been founded on March 29, 1326 in the first year of the Kareki calendar Kamakura period by soliciting the spirits of Sumiyoshi Shrine in Kitsu Province present-day Osaka City. The cherry blossoms in full bloom on the approach road of about 100 meters are very impressive, and it is a hidden gem spot for hidden cherry blossoms.

Kakogawa City, Hyogo I thought about giving up and going home, but I waited for them to disperse and wandered around the Precincts for more than an hour. It scattered 😌 brilliantly Impression when it looked like snow and became a cherry blossom blizzard, I couldn't stop being happy

A jizo that I happened to find at a temple in Hyogo Prefecture One 😌 Heart

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who lived through the Warring States period and unified the world, built Fushimi Castle in his later years. It is a collaboration between cherry blossoms 🌸 and castles 🏯 🗓️2024.4.7 📷Canon R10 🏞️Kyoto

Mountain cherry blossoms in Ino Town, Kochi Prefecture It was hazy and showed us some great moments 😊 🗓️2024.3.30 📷Canon R10 🏞️ Kochi

It's a pity that the leaves and cherry blossoms were in a very nice place in Hyogo Prefecture, but next year

Cherry blossom trees near my home in Kobe City, Hyogo PrefectureThis is a road that I always pass, but it is always beautiful, and when I look at it from a distance, it feels like 1.2.3, and the size is slightly different, and the cherry blossom trees are interesting, and the weather was cloudy after the rain, so it was a little tricky, but I went for a walk

In Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, there is a satoyama called "Sakatayama Symbiotic Forest". The Sakata Mountain Symbiotic Forest is close to the city and is a familiar satoyama that is familiar to the community. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, and the view from the hill is wonderful~! In order to tell everyone about the goodness of Mt. Sakata, on Saturday, April 13, 2024 We held a hiking event. The cherry blossoms were blooming, the weather was good, and it was a great day with a view of the mountains. Fun was also enjoyed by everyone who participated. Please go out to the "Sakata Mountain Symbiosis Forest". The "Dragon Split Stone", which resembles a rock that appeared in the Adult anime, is also a must see! We recommend renting a bicycle to Mt. Sakata! About 20 minutes by bicycle from Suzaka Station. Enjoy cycling and hiking~!

Cherry blossoms in Unkawa, Inami Town, Hyogo Prefecture It was 😀 fun to go on a date with the two of you for the first time in a long time

Cherry Blossom 🌸 Reflection ✨ April 2024 Rising in popularity!　Rows of cherry blossom trees on the Nakasu River. Nakasugawa, Anpachi District, Gifu

Chidorigawa Sakuratsumi Park, Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture The weather is always bad during the cherry blossom season, and especially when shooting at night, there is wind and the cherry blossoms are blurry, but luckily there was no wind and it was 😀 easy to shoot Originally, this place is not lit up and the cherry blossoms are pitch dark, but since there is no one in the middle of the night, the cherry blossoms are lit up and photographed.

I went to see the drooping cherry blossoms for the first time at Chidorigawa Sakuratsumi Park in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture. I have seen the drooping Ume plum many times, but the drooping cherry blossoms were 😯 Impression

Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture "Tamoyan Sakura" There are also terraced rice fields here, and the view from the top of the hill was 😌 the best It seems that it will be beautifully maintained with the cooperation of the local community, and it will be 😌 promoted such as Google maps from now on

Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture "Tamoyan Sakura" It seems that it will be beautifully maintained with the cooperation of the local community, and it will be 😌 promoted such as Google maps from now on

Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture "Tamoyan Sakura" is still not well known, but the late Mr. Tamotsu Takaya nicknamed Tamoyan planted cherry blossoms on the slopes of terraced rice fields, and in about 60 years, it has grown so much that it has grown so much that with the cooperation of local residents, weeds and miscellaneous trees have been trimmed and maintained, and a building has been rented out in front of the cherry blossoms. Accommodations? I don't know if it's a villa because I don't have any Information yet, but there are facilities like a hotel, and one big cherry blossom can revitalize the community and connect with it, and various thoughts are put into it.

Cherry blossoms in Unkawa, Inami Town, Hyogo Prefecture This place is always healing, and it was 😌 crowded with many people on this day

Hiroshima City Kannon Shrine Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Kannon Shrine 👈 One piece 📸 with drooping cherry blossoms from the raining Kannon Shrine I was 📸 so excited that the drooping cherry blossoms in full bloom reflected and protruded We had to shoot in the rain, and we had 😅 a hard time because the water droplets that bounced on the ground in the rain splashed on the lens

Fukinoyama rises to 550 meters near the border between Matsuzaki and Nishi-Izu towns, northeast of Matsuzaki town center and alongside Mount Chokuro of the Amagi range. At the summit stands Hozoin, a Soto Zen temple founded as a sacred esoteric site by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in the 3rd year of the Dado era; it was originally called Fukino Jizo Mikkyoin. In the Muromachi period it flourished as a great sacred site with 88 branch temples, but it later fell into decline and was revived by the monk Iwanaka. During the Bunki years (1501–1504), Seian, the fourth head priest of Fumon-in in Kawazu, converted from Shingon to Soto Buddhism, and the temple gained the name Hozoin from that time. The temple grounds are densely wooded, featuring the largest cedar in Minami-Izu, estimated at about 400 years old (6.5 m in circumference, 34 m tall), and a 150-year-old Oshima cherry tree. Along the approach, more than 180 stone statues known as "field Buddhas" line up in a rare sight. The moss-covered stone figures of Dainichi Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, Jizo, Kannon, Kobo Daishi and others have a quietly desolate air, as if chanting the impermanence of human life. The site is also the 7th sacred stop on the Izu Yokomichi 33 Kannon pilgrimage.

In the western and southern parts of the Izu Peninsula, widespread deposits from ancient submarine volcanic eruptions are found. After a long era of submarine volcanism, the whole of Izu uplifted and emerged onto land, and subsequent erosion sculpted the landscape we see today, allowing us to view beautiful internal structures that would originally have remained buried underground. Among the submarine volcanic deposits, volcanic ash and pumice that settled on the seafloor preserved features such as bedding and, over long periods, lithified into rock. These stones became valued as a soft, easily worked, and heat-resistant building material known as Izu stone, and until around the early Showa period they were quarried and shipped from various parts of Izu. Muroiwa Cave was a quarry that operated from the Edo period until 1954 (Showa 29), and it remains one of the few places where visitors can see the site largely as it was in those days.

Ukiki Shrine ⛩️ in Lake Tazawa, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture In spring, the red Torii shrine gate, cherry blossoms in full bloom and beautiful lake water shine 🌸⛩️

Despite being adjacent to Tokyo, Saitama prefecture is often overlooked by tourists. However, this prefecture has a lot to offer with its mesmerizing natural beauty. Currently, Kita Asaba Sakura Zutsumi is gaining attention, thanks to photographers who have captured its beauty. I visited this place last year, but this year, I witnessed the astonishing view of the pink sakura rows against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains.