- Outdoor Field in Taiki Town - A video showcasing Taiki Town’s natural beauty and outdoor activities, produced mainly by the local revitalization team in charge of outdoor promotion, has been completed! It introduces a variety of activities you can enjoy in Taiki Town year-round, including birdwatching, fishing, gold panning, and wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing. The video is posted on Taiki Town’s official YouTube channel, so please search for it!

※There is a possibility of cancellation due to wind conditions, so please inquire in advance. A fireworks cruise will operate for the first 150 guests on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to coincide with the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival. With no obstructions and from the extraordinary setting of a ship, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? It’s a perfect addition to your spring break memories. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date and time / Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Depart 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Return to port around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket booth for Hatsushima departures) ※Ticket sales begin at 19:10 (limited to the first 150 guests on the day) Fare / Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,400 ※Preschool children free How to purchase tickets / Tickets will be sold at the waiting area ticket window on the day. Please visit the window between 19:10 and 19:40. Vessel in service / Ild Vacances Premier ※The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances on the day. Thank you for your understanding. Inquiries / Fujikyuu Marine Resort Tel 0557-81-0541

Notice of Appreciation and Report for the 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. The 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, held from February 1 to March 10, 2024, drew approximately 255,000 visitors. We extend our deep gratitude to all visitors and everyone involved whose support allowed the festival to conclude safely and successfully. The environmental conservation contributions collected at roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, totaling ¥4,013,768, will be used for cherry tree pruning, disinfection, and other costs, as well as environmental maintenance related to the Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. We will continue working to ensure this event lets visitors enjoy the early-blooming cherry blossoms and nanohana flowers in their full beauty, and we appreciate your ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you again next year. March, 2024 Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Executive Committee Photographed in February 2024 📷 taken by Tokiya Otsuka.

The view from the lodging where I stayed for lodging nights on a trip to Atami ゚∀゚ wow I couldn't see the sunrise, but this was beautiful ⛅

Izu Cruise (Irouzaki Cape Sightseeing Cruise) The varied coastline and deep blue sea of Minami-Izu are truly striking. Enjoy views you can only experience by boat. Why not add the dramatic seascapes of Irouzaki, seen from the water, to your memories with the Irouzaki Cape sightseeing cruise? Route name: Irouzaki Cape Sightseeing (Duration: 25 minutes) Adult: ¥1,600 Child: ¥800 *Child = elementary school student *Infants under 1 year old free *Preschool children are free for one child per adult; for any additional preschool children, the child fare applies *The A course, “Oku-Irouzaki Course,” normally operates. It may change to the B course, “Minokake Rock Course,” due to weather conditions. *Gofunin stamp (¥500) is also available for purchase Address: Irouzaki Cape Sightseeing Boat: 55 Irouzaki, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone: 0558-22-1151 Access ●To Irouzaki [From Tokyo] ・By car: From Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC via Odawara-Atsugi Road, Route 135 and Route 136, about 220 minutes ・By train: From Tokyo Station take the Odoriko limited express, about 2 hours 40 minutes ・Via Shinkansen: From Atami, take the local Izu Kyuko train bound for Shimoda, about 2 hours 40 minutes ・By bus: From Izukyū-Shimoda Station take the bus bound for Irouzaki (Lighthouse) about 40 minutes, get off at Irouzaki Port Entrance and walk 3 minutes [From Nagoya] ・By car: From Tomei Expressway Numazu IC via Route 136, Amagi Pass, Route 414, Route 135 and Route 136, about 130 minutes ・By train: Via Shinkansen, then from Atami take the local Izu Kyuko train bound for Shimoda, about 3 hours 45 minutes ・By bus: From Izukyū-Shimoda Station take the bus bound for Irouzaki (Lighthouse) about 40 minutes, get off at Irouzaki Port Entrance and walk 3 minutes

It is a scenic spot where you can see the Oiso Terugasaki coast and Mt. Fuji The beach is usually calm and crowded with people playing on the shore and fishing, but on this day when the rough waves were rushing in, Mt. Fuji brought out its magnificent appearance.

【Izu Bunya】 Built in Meiji 43 1910 1910, the Izubun Residence was once run by a kimono merchant. In Matsuzaki Town, the building was donated by the owner and the interior was developed as a valuable historical building representing the Meiji era. Currently, it is open as a free rest area. In the park next to the Izubun residence, there is also a foot bath.

【Meiji Merchant House Nakase Residence】 The Nakase residence was built in Meiji 20 1887 as the residence of Naokichi Yoda, a wealthy merchant who made a fortune as a kimono wholesaler. Since the trade name of Yoda Naokichi Kure Clothing Store was "Nakase", it is now called Nakase Residence. In 1988 Showa 63 1998, Matsuzaki Town purchased a mansion consisting of seven buildings, including the main house and a storehouse, and the main house is open to the public as an ethnic museum. The buildings are lavishly furnished, from timber to fine carvings and hardware, and you can get a glimpse of the life of a wealthy merchant at that time. In particular, the black plastered sea cucumber wall of the storehouse built in the main house can only be seen here in Matsuzaki Town.

Yesterday, Saturday, February 24, we held the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival! The weather blessed the mid-holiday weekend day, and beautiful fireworks colored the night sky. The next event is on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (a national holiday).

When I went down to the beach to take a picture of the sunset over the cave of Engetsujima, a scenic spot in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and was holding my camera to see if it was still or not, I was hit by a wave. However, my index finger pressed the shutter firmly and took a powerful photo.

The sea cave in the Nanki-Kumano Geopark area and the street lights of Tanabe City on the opposite bank come in, but you can still see the stars beautifully.

It is a sea cave in the Nanki-Kumano Geopark area, and it was formed by the erosion of the coast by waves and wind.

It is a view of Rishiri Island. Rishiri Fuji is often hidden by clouds. It looked so beautiful on this day!! The sea is also crystal clear and beautiful ✨ Rishiri's sea urchin is also very fresh and delicious 😋 I hope I can see this beautiful sea forever!

I photographed the trajectory of a star light trail in Tanabe Bay, Wakayama Prefecture.

It is a naked island located in Asamushi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. There is a legend here. A long time ago, in a village in the Asamushi district, a mother worked in the fields with her baby lying in the shade of a tree. At that moment, a great eagle flew out of nowhere and flew away with the sleeping baby. The kidnapped baby was lowered to the top of the bare island, where the great hawk rested its wings. Noticing this, the mother went into a frenzy and tried to climb the rocks of the bare island with her bare hands. It is said that when he desperately scratched the rock face, the bare island, which was a smooth rock, was chipped on the side and stained with his mother's blood, giving it its current shape. It's not a flattering story, but ... However, there is no eerie atmosphere at all, and as the name "Naked Island" suggests, it is an impressive place with exposed rock surfaces. Only the island is orange because it picks up the light of nearby street lamps.

The sky and clouds after sunrise were beautiful. Kujukuri Beach in winter is wonderful.

The sun peeks out from above the clouds. It is Kujukuri Beach in winter.

Kujukuri Beach after sunrise in winter. Waves broken by the strong wind are soaring as droplets. The backlit sea was golden and beautiful.

It is the sunrise of Kujukuri Beach in winter.

Morning at Kujukuri Beach in winter. Is it called the magic hour?

It is said that Benten Island in Nachi Bay, Wakayama Prefecture, is holding a festival of White Snake Benten.

November 2023. Noshimazaki Lighthouse in Minamiboso. The waves breaking on the shore were spectacular. It was windy.

PICA Hatsushima “PICA Hatsushima” is a resort area on the island built around an island theme, ・A graceful large public bath heated with seawater, “~Kaisen-yoku~ Shima no Yu” ・“Asian Garden R-Asia,” where you can enjoy hundreds of tropical plant species (with a café restaurant and Asian shop) ・An island-only seaside camping facility, Island Camp Villa, with ocean views ・A seasonal seawater swimming pool available in summer ・SARUTOBI, a nature activity facility that lets you traverse the treetops using a harness ・VOTAN, an athletic course of 10 attractions including mazes and suspension bridges These facilities offer the unique experiences of an island resort. Relax and forget the everyday while savoring Asian food and tropical drinks, enjoying the leisurely pace unique to an island resort. Address: 413-0004 Hatsushima, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone: 0557-67-2151 Access: From JR Atami Station take a bus bound for Atami Port/Korakuen for about 15 minutes and get off at Atami Port → take the ferry to Hatsushima for about 30 minutes → about a 10-minute walk from Hatsushima Port *Please note that hours and fees vary by facility; check the official website for details.

This is the view from the inside of the "Shihara Cave" in the Nanki-Kumano Geopark area.

Ocean Spa Fuua Ocean Spa Fuua (Fuua) is Atami’s largest day-use hot spring facility, offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay. At the breathtaking open-air standing bath—about 25 meters long and one of Japan’s largest—you can float in a sensation where sea and sky seem to merge. By day you’ll see the blue sky and sparkling Sagami Bay; by night you can enjoy the glittering nightscape of Atami City. Atami Living, a richly appointed relaxation area built around the theme of “seaside villa life,” features eight different lounges and terraces, as well as bedrock baths, a café, and extensive treatment and beauty services. The spacious Ocean Lounge, with its high ceiling, is a popular spot to relax while gazing at the sea stretching before you. The Onsuijoku Torukka offers supreme relaxation under the moonlight, with carefully selected sofas and natural aromatherapy scents. A restaurant serving resort-style dishes adjoins the facility, promising a restorative time that helps you forget everyday life, both physically and mentally. ※Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian aged 20 or older. ※Children aged 4 through elementary school must be accompanied by a guardian of the same sex and cannot use mixed bathing areas. Some facilities may be unavailable for safety reasons. ※For safety reasons, children aged 0–3 are not allowed to enter. ※The open-air standing bath is not available to guests shorter than 135 cm. ※Entry may be limited depending on congestion. ※Operating conditions may change; for details please check the official Ocean Spa Fuua website. Address / 10-1 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-8626 Phone / 0557-82-0123 Access / ■ About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port / Korakuen, then get off at the final stop Hours / 10:00–22:00 (last admission 21:00) Closed / Irregular holidays Fees (including consumption tax) <Standard Fee> Adult 3,080 yen · Child 2,310 yen <After-5 Fee (entry from 17:00)> Adult 2,310 yen · Child 1,760 yen ※An additional bathing tax of 150 yen applies to adults only. ※On weekends, public holidays, and certain days, a surcharge applies (Adult +330 yen · Child +220 yen). ※Please check the official site for the specific dates. Parking / 230 spaces

Marine Spa Atami Marine Spa Atami is an all-weather health and exercise facility where anyone can easily enjoy Atami’s hot springs while taking in a seaside view unique to the city. A blue ocean stretches out before you, and beyond the soothing feeling of the hot springs themselves, Atami’s celebrated natural scenery comforts visitors. Since bathing suits are required, visitors can enjoy the hot springs without gender separation, making it easy for families, couples, and groups of friends to spend pleasant time together. You can get active on an approximately 8-meter-high water slide and in the hot spring pool, or take your time restoring your body in the health hot bath and bathing facilities. There are many ways to enjoy the facility. Address / 4-39 Wadahaminamicho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-86-2020 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR Atami Station toward Atami Port or Ajiro → get off at Marine Spa Atami (Please inquire about shuttle bus operation) Hours / 10:00–19:00 (last admission at 18:30) * Hours may vary during the New Year holidays and summer season Closed / Every Thursday (see the official page for other closed days) Admission / Adults 1,360 yen; elementary and junior high students 680 yen; ages 3 to preschool 420 yen; under 3 years 310 yen (see the official page for other pricing) Parking / Adjacent municipal Wadahama Parking Lot, 125 spaces (municipal rate 110 yen per 30 minutes; bring your parking ticket for a 2-hour discount) * During busy periods such as summer, entry restrictions may be applied * Temporary closures may occur, so please check the official page in advance

Jacaranda Flowers Are you familiar with jacaranda, a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to South America? As shown in the photos, it produces clusters of purple flowers like bunches of grapes, and the contrast of green leaves and purple blooms makes it a very beautiful deciduous tall tree. In Atami City, you can find tall trees (towering overhead) and smaller shrubs (at eye level) along Route 135 (the Jacaranda Promenade in Tokaigancho to Shinshicho “Waterside Park” along the sidewalk, and inside Waterside Park). Although jacaranda’s flowering season in Japan is said to be June, it is extremely rare for it to bloom outdoors on the mainland because of the climate. Some years in Atami saw no flowering at all, and some trees bloom a second time in September or October rather than only in June. Even when they do bloom, not all trees flower; some years only a few trees bloom. Some trees produce many flowers, some only a single cluster, and some not at all. How much will bloom this season? ※Bougainvillea along the Itagawa River also reaches its best viewing at the same time, so please visit both. Main jacaranda planting locations and numbers ● Jacaranda Promenade (along Route 135, beside the sun deck) … one tall tree about 10 m, four trees 3–5 m, and 100 shrubs 1–2 m ● Along Route 135, downbound (from the Central Police Box to Waterside Park Section 2) … 20 trees 5–6 m ● Waterside Park Section 3 … one tall tree of about 2 m near the pedestrian bridge, and five shrubs on the Wada River slope Total above: 25 tall trees (non-shrub) and 105 shrubs History ・In July 1990, one tree was planted in Omiya Green Space to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Cascais, Portugal ・In 2000, 24 trees were planted along the national highway (diagonally in front of the Central Police Box to in front of the Waterside Park event plaza) (Since then, some have been transplanted and others newly planted.) ・In April 2013, trees were planted in Waterside Park Section 2 (in front of the Tourist Association) and Section 3 (three trees in Section 2 and two in Section 3) ・On June 1, 2013, the “Jacaranda Promenade” was completed in Omiya Green Space (45 young trees planted) ・From September 2013 to June 2014, Omiya Green Space (west side) was developed (planting), and a few trees were transplanted from along the national highway ・June 2014, completion of the “Jacaranda Promenade” Address / Tokaigancho to Nagisacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Park and Greenery Division) Access / To the Jacaranda Promenade (Omiya no Matsu) ■ About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■ About a 5-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Omiya no Matsu” Parking / City-operated paid parking (East parking lot, Waterside Park, etc.) and others

Nishikigaura One of Atami’s scenic spots. This celebrated coastline of sheer cliffs stretches about 1 kilometer south from Uomizaki, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. (Uomizaki–Nishikigaura–Sogaura totals about 2 kilometers) When the sun rises, its light pours over the bay and flashes in five brilliant colors, so the place took the poetic name Nishikigaura, borrowing the image of woven brocade from Kyoto. Remnants of the Atami-Taga volcano remain here, and legends linked to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kato Kiyomasa still survive. The cliffs tower about 80 meters high. Strange rock formations carved by the rough waves—Kabuto Rock, Bedrock, Eboshi Rock, Benten Rock—stand in a row, while Hatsushima and Oshima float offshore. For the best view, head to the area near Hotel New Akao and the cafe “Hana no Yousei.” Note: Access to Hotel New Akao’s rooftop garden is limited to hotel guests only. Thank you for your understanding. Address / 〒413-0033 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (near Hotel New Akao) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ajiro for about 15 minutes and get off at Nishikigaura Parking / None

Atami Sightseeing Boat SANREMO (Sanremo) The Sanremo was named after Atami’s sister city, the Italian port town of Sanremo. Departing from Shinsui Park Third Pier (at the mouth of the Hatsukawa River), this roughly 30-minute cruise passes offshore sites such as Nishikigaura and Sogaura, turns back just before Akanesaki, and offers sea views of Atami, the Manazuru Peninsula, Kawana in Ito City, and Izu Oshima. In the underwater observation room with glass windows, you can see fish from inside the boat. If you climb the steps to the open deck, you can feed the seagulls and feel as if you are flying over the sea with them. The vessel has a capacity of 50 passengers, and small pets are allowed on board. Enjoy cruising around Atami. Address / 3rd District, Shinsui Park (near Hatsukawa), Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0014 Phone / 0557-52-6657 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port, Korakuen, or Ajiro Asahi-cho → get off at Shinsui Park → 1-minute walk Departure times / 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40 (approx. 30 minutes) Closed / Every Tuesday, in severe weather, and during maintenance. Please check the official website beforehand just in case. Fares / Adults (junior high school and older) ¥1,700; Children (ages 3 to elementary school) ¥900 Children under 3 free; small dogs free; discounts available for people with disabilities. Parking / Adjacent municipal Shinsui Park Second Parking Lot and others (municipal parking rate: ¥110 per 30 minutes) Tickets are available at the boarding point. Routes may change or services may be canceled due to weather. The underwater observation room is only likely to show fish before departure.

Shinsui Park - Moon Terrace A waterside park stretching south from Sun Beach. Atami City is a sister city of Sanremo in northern Italy, and because the terrain and townscape are similar, the park was developed with the image of a northern Mediterranean resort. The first section, Sky Deck, evokes the South of Europe and the Côte d'Azur and is primarily brick. The second section, Rainbow Deck, evokes the northern Italian Riviera of Sanremo and is mainly stone. The third section, Nagisa Deck, linked by Nagisa Small Park and a pedestrian bridge, evokes the Bay of Naples in southern Italy and features planted flowers and trees. The park is loved by locals and visitors alike as a place for walks, sunbathing, events, and commemorative photos. ・March 1997: Completion of the first section (including Moon Terrace), approximately 170 by 50 meters ・March 2000: Completion of the second section (138 meters) ・April 2009: Completion of the third section, approximately 160 by 40 meters Nicknames ・September 2003: Names decided for the first section as Sky Deck and the second section as Rainbow Deck ・October 2009: Name decided for the third section as Nagisa Deck Address / 〒413-0014 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes and get off at Ginza or Shinsui Park-shita Parking / Municipal Shinsui Park parking lot, 140 spaces (municipal parking: 110 yen per 30 minutes)