Isehara Flower Update — May 29 *Hydrangeas on the shaded path in the Hinata area* They are starting to color! They will bloom beautifully through around June. The shaded path is also a hiking trail, so you can enjoy it! During the hot, humid hydrangea season, please protect against mountain leeches by wearing longer socks and bringing salt and insect repellent spray. Yamabiru Fighter 50 ml / spray ¥780 (tax included) On sale at Kururin House on the stairs of Isehara Station North Exit!

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

Mt. Fuji was not visible at all until 30 minutes ago, but with the sunrise, the clouds disappeared and it became a stunning double diamond Fuji.

Matsumoto Castle on a heavy snowy day The Chuo Expressway was closed to traffic, so I took a big detour on the Kanetsu Road and entered Matsumoto on the lower road from Azumino. It took me 6 hours to get there in 3 hours laughs.

Matsumoto doesn't snow as much as Tokyo The day after the heavy snowfall was a blue sky. It was the first time I saw Matsumoto Castle with a frozen moat.

【Kiso village】Ōhira Iris Park Pond Iris At the Odaira Iris Park Pond in Kiso village, irises that grow in clusters bloom from late May to early June. As of May 25th, about two-thirds of the flowers have bloomed, and they are in Best time to visit! From the National Route 19 "Suge" traffic light in Kiso village, it is about 10 minutes by car in the direction of Kodama Forest and Yabuhara Ski Resort.

【Ōgahas】 The Giant Lotus is an ancient lotus that was discovered and bred in 1951 by a group led by botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga. As a result of dating, it is known that it is a lotus that is at least 2,000 years old, and it is known as the world's oldest lotus that was excavated from an old stratum and successfully germinated and grown. This precious giant hath is rooted in about 250 places in Japan and overseas, and you can see its beautiful appearance in each place. Chiba City will be the "birthplace" of such a giant hasu. The lotus pond in front of the Lotus Pavilion in Chiba Park in Chiba City welcomes Renge Best time to visit from mid-June to July every year, and when there are more than 700 flowers, more than 700 flowers bloom, and many tourists Visit to see the graceful appearance of the giant lotus. There are walking paths and benches in the surrounding area, so you can spend a relaxing time with cherry blossom viewing. In addition to the beauty of the flowers, the historical background and the achievements of Dr. Ohga will allow those who visit to enjoy even more Impression. In addition, the flowers usually open from early morning to mid-morning and close around noon, so it is recommended to watch the giant hath in the morning! [Chiba Park] ■ Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Chiba Station Chiba Park Exit or North Exit Get off in front of Chiba Monorail Chiba Park Station ■Address: 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Traditional Japanese straw raincoat in the coming season Nagoya, Aichi

Hokokuji Temple 2021.06.12 The most relaxing place in Kamakura It was a walk in silence.

Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles, is famous for its unique black exterior. Located in Matsumoto City for over 400 years, it houses a remarkable collection of weapons and armor from the Warring States Period. Despite never witnessing battle, it's a must-visit in Nagano Prefecture, especially during twilight hours for a peaceful experience. The sight of swans on the moat against the castle and the blueish-purple horizon is unforgettable.

Chiba Port Tower / Chiba Port Park Chiba Port Tower in Chiba City is an observation tower 125 meters above the ground that opened in 1986. Located on the shores of Tokyo Bay, the tower's observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Sky Tree in the distance, and at night, the beautiful night view Unfolds, and it has been certified as a "sacred place for Lover's Mecca" and "Japan Night View Heritage". It is also known as a famous place for cherry blossoms, and is a popular Spot that Implementation various events such as Christmas illumination and special opening of the First sunrise. In addition, Chiba Port Park Unfolds around the Port Tower, and Maintenance has a vast Lawn square, playground equipment, Barbecue area, etc. There is also a Garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, making it ideal for families, couples, and friends to spend a relaxing time. Chiba Port Tower and Port Park are loved by many visitors as Healing Spots where nature and urban landscapes are fused. [Cibaport Tower] ■ Business hours: ・June ~ September 9:00-21:00 ・October ~ May 9:00 ~ 19:00 Mon ~ Fri / 9:00 ~ 20:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. ■Closed: ・ Closed on the 4th Monday of even-numbered months and 12/28~31 at the end of the year please check the website for details * For safety reasons, it may be temporarily closed due to strong winds. Fee: ・Admission fee: 420 yen for Adult, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students ■ Access: ・About a 12-minute walk from Chiba Monorail/JR Keiyo Line "Chiba Minato Station" ・ From the JR Chiba Station West Exit No. 26 bus stop, take the "Chiba Port Tower" line and get off at the last stop. ・ From the JR Chiba Station West Exit No. 26 bus stop, take the "Chiba Minato Loop Bus" to "Chiba Central Police Station" and walk for about 5 minutes. ■Address: Chuoko 1, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Meigetsu-in Temple 2020.06.12 When a state of emergency was declared and I couldn't go out of the prefecture. Even at Meigetsu-in Temple, it was written that only people living in Kanagawa could enter. Thanks to this, I was able to take pictures that did not show many people.

Tauszvets Bridge 2022.08. The Tauszvets Bridge is submerged in August every year There is an Observation decks about 800m away, but if you want to get closer, you can take a tour or make a reservation in advance from the forest road gate key reservation page on the website of the Kamishihoro Town Tourism Association. The guide said that it is collapsing and will collapse someday.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine no Kamiiso no Torii shrine gate 2024.01.06 Here, for the first time, I was able to take a picture of the sun rising from the horizon. This is Daruma Asahi.

2024.01.01 First sunrise Diamond Fuji

Hachimantai's Dragon Eye 2024.05.18 I was able to see the dragon eye that had been opened. It's like opening your eyes once and then closing them. The best time to see it is until the end of this month. It was unusually early this year.

The Milky Way of the Star Pass Water enters the rice paddies, and the stars are reflected in the rice paddies. It is a superb view for a short time before rice planting.

The Hidaka River, which streams through the Dragon God district of Wakayama Prefecture, and hydrangeas added color.

I started helping farmers this year! For the first time, I learned that most of the famous lily root takes a lot of traditional manual work, and it takes five years to eat. And the young Indonesians I work with. Although we don't speak the language, we are important friends ^^ who work together to cherish historic specialties

Cherry blossoms on the approach to Makari Shrine. And farmers during the busy season? Cycling with my daughter every year! Pray to God for safety!

It is a wonderful approach to Makari Shrine near my house, ^^ Annual event to cycle here! Pray to God for my daughter's safety!

Hokkaido's oldest wisteria tree "Tenjin Wisteria" Famous wisteria flowers are endemic to Japan, but they do not actually grow wild in Okinawa and Hokkaido This wisteria tree was planted by the hands of our predecessors who settled in the Meiji era Since then, it has a long history, and it is still pleasing to people's eyes Wisteria tree about 200 years old The majesty of it is breathtaking

Today I attended the opening festival of Kirigamine. The weather was fine and surprisingly warm. In the second photo, majestic Mt. Fuji also peeked out to welcome us. Even so, just climbing up to the Kirishōtō bell tower made me sweat profusely.💦 For the first time in three years, the opening ceremony returned outdoors.🏔 Many people attended, and we were able to hold the festival. At the opening, members of the Kirigamine Glider Association launched a glider right at 9:00.🛩 It climbed to about 1,900 meters shortly after takeoff. Because it was a glider, it lifted off very quietly.🛫 If there were no weight limits, I would love to try it at least once!!! At the ceremony, the head priest of Tenaga Shrine prayed for the safety of visitors, everyone who passes through Kirigamine, and all those connected to Kirigamine. Please be sure to visit the Kirigamine Nagikama Shrine, one of Suwa’s hidden scenic spots I introduced before! When you come to Kirigamine or Suwa, please drive safely.🚙=3

Notice: Oyama Afuri Shrine Saryo Sekison Saryo Sekison, located within the precincts of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, will be temporarily closed for renovation work from Saturday, June 1. We apologize for any inconvenience to those who had planned to visit, and ask for your understanding and cooperation. Contact: Saryo Sekison 0463-94-3628 There’s still time to enjoy Oyama’s fresh green leaves in May!! Please come and take in the spectacular views.

Hello everyone! This is En'uemon Folklore Museum. Shosenkyo Gorge has entered the fresh green season. A pleasant breeze that hints at early summer slips through the trees. It’s a perfect time for a stroll♪ Big news! A new home has been found for the golden frog that used to sit in front of the shop. It was only at the shop for a short time and in just a few days became a legendary frog. A little early, but here is a look at June’s birthstone, alexandrite♪ Alexandrite is said to change color between night and day. Seeing the purple hue under indoor lighting and the blue tone in sunlight in person is even more moving. Please drop by while you’re out for a walk♪

【The Legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo in Doshi Village 1】 Doshi Village, which has been said to be an unexplored area, has many legends. Among them, an anecdote praising the military prowess of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who opened the Kamakura shogunate in the late 12th century, has been handed down. Minamoto no Yoritomo Legend "Trial Rock" Legend has it that Minamoto no Yoritomo entered Doshiya on his way back from hunting for Fuji scrolls. Yoritomo, who spent time training in martial arts in the Nagamata area upstream of the Doshi River, sharpened the famous sword he had in his possession and slashed a nearby stone and cut it in two. This is called "trial rock" and is made of granite called quartz diorite. It is a large stone divided into two parts, 386 cm wide and 115 cm long. Other ・ "Kabuto Rock" Nagamata area, which is said to have rested with a helmet on a rock The Waraji cord loosened, so I stopped the horse and put my foot on the rock to tighten the cord. It is said that footprints were left at this time. The legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo can be found in various places in the village. In [Doshi Village no Minamoto no Yoritomo Legend 2], we will introduce "Target-sama".

The roses were 🌹 also in full bloom in Moroyama Town This is the Takinoiri Rose Garden in Moroyama Town, Saitama Prefecture. It seems that it was started about 10 years ago, and at that time the locals used to go there for fun. Many roses bloom in the park, making you 🤤 feel Spring

Hiroshima City　 Recommended Spots in Hiroshima #Hiroshima City Botanical Gardens 👈 Today is a photo 📸 from the rose garden of the Hiroshima City Botanical Garden This rose was carefully cared for by the staff and all the roses were very beautiful.

At last, on April 1, 2024, the Lake Suwa Cycling Road has been completed. The route circles Lake Suwa for about 16 km. This lake has long been loved by local people. I remember when I was in sixth grade, my friends and I rode our bikes around the lake for the first time. I think many locals have their own first-time Lake Suwa cycling stories. Now that the path has been newly improved, it should be easier to ride and offer lovely scenery. I’m getting more excited about sunny weekend rides! #LINEBREAK###"No way, I’m not ready to own a bike yet…" "What kind of bike should I get now?" If you’re wondering that, or asking "What’s an electric-assist bicycle like?", why not take this chance to rent a bike around Lake Suwa and enjoy a relaxed ride with your family or friends? ※Please check each provider’s website for closing days and business hours. ・Activity Base Cogue ・JBT Suwa Rent-a-Cycle ・Lake Suwa Rental Cycle ・SUWA Glass Village #LINEBREAK###Electric-assist bicycles make climbing hills easy! You can even ride to the famous Tateishi Park and to Kirigamine Highland, a pride of Suwa, by bike!!! With the completion of the Lake Suwa Cycling Road, please consider bringing your own bike to ride around the lake or renting an electric-assist bicycle to challenge the full loop of Lake Suwa and Kirigamine Highland! If you get tired, there are parks, cafes, and footbaths♪ I don’t think many places in Japan are blessed with such facilities. Cafes and parks along cycling routes are common, but footbaths are rare, I think. If you bring a towel, you can use a footbath easily. It will blow away your fatigue♨ Also, do you know about Swaichi? If you cycle around Lake Suwa and take photos of three spots in Suwa, Shimosuwa, and Okaya with your smartphone, then go in person to the tourist information centers at kamisuwa station, shimosuwa station, or okaya station and show the three photos, you will receive a Swaichi certificate and a commemorative badge (badge color cannot be chosen). Try this challenge with your children or friends. It’s a great way to mark a Lake Suwa circuit and make a memory with Swaichi! ※Photo courtesy of Activity Base Cogue The seventh photo is my favorite scenic spot!!! See if you can find it!

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♪