The rainy sky was just right, so I took a picture aiming for the reflection of the water pool at Tokyo Station before the rain stopped. I shot it from various angles, and this one was the best. Tokyo Station on a rainy night is really beautiful.

Applications are now open for the "Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025." Please submit photos that capture the charm of Minami-Izu Town, such as seasonal landscapes, event scenes, and drone shots. This year we are also accepting high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for use on posters. ※This contest accepts online submissions of digital photos only. Online entries must be photos taken with a digital camera or similar device, in JPEG format only. Please keep each photo file size within 10MB. ※Only the category for photos promoting Minami-Izu accepts high-resolution images (over 10MB). ※The submitted photos are prize-winning works from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024. <Submission Period> From Sunday, June 1, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. <Eligible Works> Only works photographed between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, are eligible. <Categories> 1) Seasons of Minami-Izu Category Photos taken within Minami-Izu Town (for example: spring marguerites, summer swimming beaches, autumn spiny lobster fishing, winter’s first sunrise). ※Photos taken at town tourist facilities that clearly show the seasons are also acceptable (for example: the jade vine at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden or aloe at minami izu aloe center). 2) Events Category Photos that convey the appeal of town events, such as the Yuigahama Fireworks Festival or the Bochibochi Marathon. 3) Drone Category Photos of Minami-Izu Town taken by drone. 4) Photos Promoting Minami-Izu Category We seek high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for posters and similar uses. Each applicant may submit up to three entries per category (up to 12 entries across all four categories). <How to Apply> Apply from here https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131... ※During the submission period, please proceed by clicking the “New Registration” or “Login” button displayed below. <Prizes> Grand Prize: One winner in each category…Cash prize of 70,000 yen. Runner-up: One winner in each category…Accommodation voucher worth 15,000 yen from the Shimogamo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative. ※The accommodation voucher is valid at the following four inns: - kochu no tenshuku marubun https://www.yadomarubun.com// - hotel kawachiya https://kawatiya.net// - kiichiyu https://www.tokiichiyu.com// - ishibana sea villa kagiya https://shimogamo-kagiya.jp//

Wakoto Peninsula is a caldera experience spot where forest and lake weave together. This peninsula juts out from the south side of Lake Kussharo, and its surroundings are geothermally warm, creating the curious effect of staying unfrozen even in winter. In this piece, we introduce Wakoto Peninsula, a rare environment in Japan. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/wakoto/...

【Hatsushima Diving Experience】An urban resort that can be reached in 90 minutes from Tokyo! 🌊🏝 Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan This time, we will deliver the Scenes of the diving tour on Hatsushima Island, "The best island near and interesting"! Hatsushima is about 30 minutes by ferry from Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture. Access from Hiratsuka, where Our store is located, is only one and a half hours away, so it is a perfect Spot for Day trip diving from Tokyo and Kanagawa. On this day, two guests from Germany participated 🇩🇪 The two of you are not friends, and the staff was surprised by the coincidence that they happened to be on the same date and in the same country! It's 🤝 truly a "connection connected by the sea" The local sea conditions are excellent! The Water world is much clearer than the previous Information, Unfolds, and in some places it is blue with a transparency of over 20 meters Impression ✨ All the guests were very excited about the beauty of the sea! The water temperature is 19°C, and we are about to enter 🌞 the season when wetsuits are comfortable Also, on Hatsushima, the spawning season for blue Squid is in full swing right now! Thanks to the high transparency, we were able 🦑 to observe large schools of Squid gathering on the spawning bed from various directions "I've never seen so many many Squid at once!" said one ♪ guest. And on this day, a new AOW (Advanced Open Water Diver) was born! 👏 Congratulations 🎉 from the bottom of my heart Welcome to the new world of the sea! After diving, recharge your energy with 🍦✨ Hatsushima's Specialties of Fresh Seafood and soft serve ice cream It was a great day to enjoy the sea and Gourmet food. Currently, in the Izu area, the transparency is increasing at each point! If you want to dive now, please contact us 😊 at this time ------------- Hokule'a Shonan is a PADI 5-star certified dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to a world we have not yet seen!", We Held in 🌏 tours of more than 300 days a year to Izu, Okinawa, overseas, etc From beginners to veterans, we offer a diving experience that you can enjoy safely and securely in a small group! Why don't you take a trip to the beautiful world of the sea together? 🌈 Please feel free to contact us! #HatsushimaIsland #TokyoGetaway #DiveNearTokyo #ScubaJapan #IslandVibes #IslandEscapeJapan #UrbanResortJapan #JapanScubaAdventure #WetsuitSeason #UnderwaterAdventure

I have been photographing Daisen Senmaida in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture. Impression was very impressed by the foreign-like scenery that suddenly appeared in the mountains. I shot with a 14mm wide angle so that the rice terraces could be expressed dynamically as a whole. Light up at night used to be an events, but now it seems to have ended. Next time I have the opportunity to do another Light up events, I would like to shoot at night.

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.

On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025! “Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring” Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event where visitors can tour gardens ranging from imaginative small plots to full-scale Japanese gardens, all showcasing seasonal blooms 🌼🌹 For the latest updates, check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅ Account here ▽ 🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼 Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring Location: Various gardens throughout Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Open garden notes If an entrance sign at a garden reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting that garden. Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms. Use restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms. ※Gardens marked as having restrooms allow use of those facilities. If you come by car, please use designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that disturb neighbors. Bringing pets is generally not allowed. ※Gardens with a pet-friendly mark permit pets. Always keep pets on a leash and as short as possible. The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the garden owners. Please follow viewing etiquette and be sure to express your gratitude. ◎For the latest updates, visit Instagram!

This photo was taken at the Tokyo International Forum in front of Yurakucho Station. I tried to combine the metal-like architecture and the wooden part to create a slightly softer atmosphere.

Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻 This time, we’d like to introduce a little-known hidden scenic spot in town called "Chobo Hill" (Hill of Vistas)! Located a short distance from the town center, this hill is a somewhat special place that, as of now, doesn’t even appear on Google Maps. From the summit, you’ll face a vast sky and panoramic views of Hokuryu spread all around. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Otoe in Fukagawa and the Daisetsuzan National Park. Its appearance changes with the seasons and the hour, offering a different, moving experience each time you visit. Not fully developed as a tourist site, the hill’s quiet, unhurried atmosphere is part of its charm. Accessible only by car and a little inconvenient, it rewards you with a view you can almost have to yourself. Let the breeze brush past and take a deep breath. It’s a lovely spot to zone out and relax for a moment.

[Refresh by diving] Reset your mind and body in Higashi-Izu and Kawana! 🐢✨ Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan. Today, we went diving in the sea of Higashi-Izu and Kawana with two teams! One team will participate in the fun diving. On this day, the sea conditions were good and the transparency was outstanding! We encountered sea turtles and Squid in the Water, and it was 🐢🦑 a very exciting dive And... What! Some 👏✨ guests celebrated their 100th dive on this day. Congratulations indeed! We will continue to support an even more wonderful diving life in the future! The other team is a refresher team. Even if you are a little worried because you will be diving in yellowtail for a long time, we dived while carefully checking the basic skills so that you can participate with peace of mind. Some of the guests who participated this time came from overseas, but their skills such as clearing masks were perfect 👌 Even if you have blanks, you can quickly regain your senses by getting used to Water little by little! Some people say, "Next time, challenge AOW!?" I'm 🤿 looking forward to seeing more and more growth in the future There is a to 🙌 everyone who participated 🌈 At Hokule'a Shonan, refresher courses are also available at any time. "I want to dive into yellowtail for a long time" or "I'm a little unsure but want to start again" are also welcome! With personalized support, you can enjoy the world of the sea with peace of mind. Please feel free to contact us 😊 #RefreshDive #DivingLife #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #RediscoverTheSea #UnderwaterAdventure #OceanHealing #ScubaDivingJapan #FunDive #EastCoastJapan #BeginnerFriendlyDiving #PADIJapan

Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum stands in Kotan on the shores of Lake Kussharo, where Ainu people have lived since ancient times. You can hear the living breath of Ainu life and culture. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/ainu_m_s/...

【Limited Held in】Aged on the seabed!? The "Undersea Wine Tour" will start 🍷🌊 For wine lovers, diving enthusiasts, and curious people who want to experience something a little different. From Hokule'a Shonan, we would like to introduce an exciting new project. It's called the "Undersea Wine Tour"! In fact, it There are a method of Aged wine that is currently attracting worldwide attention. That is "seabed Aged". In the sea, there is little change in temperature, no light reaches it, and it is very quiet. This special environment mellows the taste of the wine and leads to a deeper Traditional Japanese straw raincoat. This time, a special tour with the experience of actually sinking a wine bottle will be held in in June at the shipwreck Spot of "Shobuzawa" in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula! Six months to a year later, the wine is pulled from the seabed and becomes one of the perfect bottles 🎄✨ for Christmas and special occasion toasts at the end of the year 🌟 This is the attraction of the tour! The extraordinary and dramatic experience of actually sinking wine to the bottom of the sea You can enjoy both the beautiful waters and wreck dives of Irisawa The luxury of "savoring time" to enjoy a change of wine months later Reliable support with a small number of people. An atmosphere that makes it easy to participate even for the first time * This dive requires AOW (Advanced Open Water) or higher Sense. Sense acquisition is well in time. Why don't you respond to that feeling of "I wanted to try it someday" this summer? 📅 Held in Tuesday, June 17, 2025 * There are capacity, so please contact us as soon as possible. 🌊 The romance of "making wine Aged in the sea". Beautiful seas, the mystery of wrecks, and wines that ripen over time. Everything comes together to create a true "drama of the sea". Would you like to be the protagonist of a new story this summer? 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please feel free to contact Hokule'a Shonan! #UnderwaterWineExperience #OceanAgedWine #DiveIntoTheUnexpected #ShipwreckWineDive #ToastFromTheOcean #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #UnforgettableUnderwater #HiddenJapanGems #BucketListDive

Extra Edition: N takamatsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture – “Nezame no Toko” On this day, foodie Kawanishi presents an extra edition‼️ I finally visited Nezame no Toko in Agematsu, Kiso District, a place I’d long wanted to see. Nezame no Toko is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges and is designated as a National Scenic Spot!!! Before the Meiji era there were no dams, and the rapids of the Kiso River carved this granite. After dams were built, water diversion lowered the Kiso River’s surface, making the rock formations appear even more massive. It seems the site was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and managed as a prefectural park, and in 2020 it was elevated to part of the Central Alps Quasi-National Park!!! You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall—the scenery changes with the seasons. The river’s blue color shows how clear the Kiso River is. Also, surprisingly, there’s an Urashima Taro legend in landlocked Nagano Prefecture!? I’ve been curious about that for a long time. It’s a truly lovely scenic spot and a good workout too! I think you should avoid going right after rain or wearing clothing that hinders movement. I recommend sneakers and clothes you can move easily in!!! Swimming is prohibited, so please be careful. Second-grade elementary school children can make it to Urashima-dō. Why not visit Nezame no Toko with your children to enjoy the beautiful views!? On the way back, I stopped at Michi-no-Eki Hiyoshi Kisokoma Kogen and bought the station’s limited “morokoshi soft-serve” made with milk from Kaida Kogen! A faint, toasty corn aroma spreads through it—this was the most delicious soft-serve I’ve ever tasted!!! Please enjoy it if you can! From time to time, foodie Kawanishi plans to bring you extra editions like this. ◎ Nezame no Toko 📍 Agematsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture ◎ Free parking: Available (check the website below) ◎ Website: https://kiso-hinoki.jp/colibri-wp/tourist/nezamenotoko/...

Local views. The sky changes with the time of day. Favorite color and favorite place. Nara Park is also nearby, so please stop by.

The famed hot spring Kawayu Onsen draws its waters from MtAtosanupuri, a name that means “naked mountain” in the Ainu language. True to its name, the mountain’s slopes lack trees, and steam billows from vents with a thunderous roar, creating a dramatic sight. Getting as close as possible to view the fumaroles adds to the sense of occasion. Here we introduce Mt. Io (Atosanupuri), a designated natural sightseeing feature of Teshikagacho. For more details, see Teshikaga Navi 👀⭐️ https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/iouzan/...

June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies. At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late. Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents. Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching. At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…! Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day. Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car! ● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2513 *The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00* *If no one answers, the manager will call you back* Parking: Available, about 30 spaces ● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence) Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. (Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward) There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies. For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

At Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, which I visited on a trip, I was able to see a water mirror of Tambo reflecting the mountains with a superb view.

✨ The mysterious blue Squid spawning season has arrived ✨ From Spring to summer, the drama of life unfolds in the sea. 🌸🌊 From April to June, this season is the spawning season for blue Squid. It is a precious time to encounter a special sea scene that will remain in your heart "Only now". The first time I experienced diving was just during the spawning season of this blue Squid. 🦑 Swimming softly in the water, and a silent ritual to connect lives. I even now remember being overwhelmed and gasping for breath at the mystery of the sea. The female of the blue Squid is escorted by the male, At the base of seaweed, in the crevices of corals, and in the spawning beds set up by fishery cooperatives, Eggs that look like white pearls are carefully laid one by one. 🤍 Its appearance is fantastic, yet somehow ephemeral. There are males who swim alone. It is a male whose courtship did not come true. Under the straightforward instinct of connecting lives, a quiet "choice of life" is taking place in the sea. 🐚 Having finished laying eggs, the female finishes her role and quietly closes her life. When you witness the moment of "risking your life to connect your life", the back of your chest gradually warms up. You will be deeply moved by the great power and mystery of the sea. 🏝️ At Hokule'a Shonan, we carefully guide you to the spawning scene of blue Squid unique to this season every year. Because of the small number of people, we deliver a "sea experience" that you can observe closely. 📷 That atmosphere, that quiet impression that cannot be conveyed by photographs. Please try it out in Water. And so that first-timers and those with blanks can participate with peace of mind, The instructor will support you 💁 ♂️💁 ♀️ 🌿 At this time of year, when the water temperature and transparency begin to stabilize, it is ideal for diving. 🌊 A special Impression that you can never experience on land awaits you. Why don't you go and see the "baton of life" unfolding in the sea together? The once-in-a-lifetime story of the blue Squid will surely remain deep in ✨ your heart #VisitJapan #KanagawaTravel #ManazuruDiving  #ExploreJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #HokuleaShonan #TokyoDayTrip #JapanNature #OceanAdventure #TravelToJapan #JapanBeachLife #DiscoverJapan #HiddenGemsJapan

The rose garden adjacent to Azumino City Museum (formerly Toyoshina Modern Art Museum) next to Azumino City Hall is now at peak bloom. You can enjoy about 250 varieties and more than 500 repeat-blooming roses! Rose Week 2025: Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, June 1 Although the museum is closed, the museum garden will hold a plant sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 9:00 a.m. to around 3:00 p.m., timed with the roses’ bloom. A pottery market by the Hotaka Pottery Center will also take place on the same days. Azumino City Museum (Under renovation / scheduled to reopen on August 30, 2025) 399-8205 5609-3 Toyoshina, Azumino, Nagano Phone: 0263-73-5638 Fax: 0263-73-6320

The large-petaled Trillium at Bansei Fureai Forest is in full bloom. The Trillium at the Fureai Forest, within walking distance from Bansei Onsen, is now at its best! They usually bloom through the end of May, so be sure to go see them. https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=414...

At Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Even though it was October, there were strips of Tanabata decorations. Among them, a strip of paper called "World Peace" caught my eye, so I took a picture of it. It is precisely because of this era of wars and conflicts that the culture of Tanabata of praying may be ingrained in our hearts. Because Japan is a country that has learned greatly from past wars, I pray that Japan will not be involved in a war.

In Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture, the noble prince azalea (Tougoku mitsuba azalea) is reaching its peak bloom. Against the soft fresh greenery, the vivid pink stands out, and just walking through it lifts your spirits in this season. Come see this fleeting scenery while it lasts ☺

Popular manga that is talked about in movies Introducing ✨ the pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Kawanakajima area The "Kawanakajima Murder Case" recorded in manga volumes 86-87 is set in Nagano City! The course introduced this time can be visited in about 2-3 hours if you have a car, so please go around while comparing it with the manga! (1) Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Hachimansha The adjacent Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Historical Site Park is a place of relaxation for Citizens with a 12,000-square-meter mountain-like Lawn Square, a murmuring stream, and an arbor with an old-fashioned thatched roof. Adjacent to the City Museums, you can enjoy a fully equipped historical walk. Spring is a famous landmarks for cherry blossoms, and about 100 cherry trees are in full bloom. ・Information on Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Historic Site Park [Car parking lot] 156 cars (145 cars Car normal, 11 cars Large Vehicles) 【Use time for cars】 March 1 to November 30 (8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.) From December 1 to the end of February (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) (2) Trunk Bridge It is a legendary place where the neck and torso of Kansuke Yamamoto, who died in battle, were combined. Next door is Irohado's Oyaki Farm, and you can take a break while eating Oyaki! ・Oyaki Farm Information @oyaki.farm 【Business hours】9:30-18:00 (Closes at 17:00 in winter) 【Regular holiday】Not open holidays (Monthly regular holidays will be announced on NEWS and social media on the website) 【Car parking lot】40 cars (3) Matsushiro Bridge Matsushiro Bridge also has a sacred Spot! 【Car Parking】None ※ Walking, rotating cars, E-bikes, etc. are recommended (4) Yamamoto Kansuke's grave Yamamoto Kansuke was Takeda Shingen's military master and built Kaizu Castle (Matsushiro Castle), which he built in preparation for the attack of Japanese cedar Kenshin. 【Car Parking】None ※ Walking, rotating cars, E-bikes, etc. are recommended (5) Mt. Tsumame The Japanese cedar army set up camp on the top of this mountain, located on the south bank of the Chikuma River, and watched Shingen's movements. 【Car parking lot】Yes * The road from the entrance of the Tsumameyama Observation decks to the Observation decks is narrow, so large vehicles are not allowed to pass. (6) Kansukemiya The reading is "Kansuke Miya". It is said to be the place where Kansuke Yamamoto was killed, and there is the Nagano Olympic Stadium There is a stone monument at the southwest end of Minami-Nagano Sports Park. * Adjacent to Minami Nagano Sports Park No. 3 Car Park ・Information on Minaminagano Sports Park 【Car parking lot】No. 3 parking lot Car (159 cars) * On Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and other Events such as matches, the parking lot will be very crowded Car. \E-bike is recommended for transportation/ There is an E-bike rental bicycle "HELLO CYCLING" There are at the entrance of Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Historical Site Park. (1) Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Hachimansha to (4) Transportation of Yamamoto Kansuke's grave section is recommended by e-bike! * We recommend Car for the Transportation of (5) Tsumameyama and (6) Kansukemiya. ◯ E-bike rental cycle "HELLO CYCLING" 【How to Use】 Use the "HELLO CYCLING" app and register as a member. On the app, you can check the availability of cars and stations, make reservations for use and return, and pay Fees. It is recommended to download the app in advance! 【Use Fee】 Small-diameter Car: 130 yen for the first 30 minutes, 100 yen for every 15 minutes thereafter (up to 1,800 yen for 12 hours) Large diameter Car: 300 yen for the first 30 minutes, 150 yen for every 15 minutes thereafter (up to 3,000 yen for 12 hours) 【Station installation location】 Near the entrance of Kawanakajima Ancient Battlefield Historic Site Park (next to the cars parking lot) [Number of bicycles that can be parked at the station] 10 cars *For details, please check the "HELLO CYCLING" app.

At the ‘‘Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park’’ in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—situated almost in the exact center of the Chugoku region—the rose garden has reached peak bloom starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Colorful roses are in full bloom, and each one is beautiful. This rose garden was newly established in 2020 on roughly 400 square meters and features 118 varieties and 206 repeat-blooming rose shrubs. To enliven the north area and enhance the garden’s appeal, we began collaborating with rose enthusiasts from Shobara City in July 2024 to improve fertilization, perform detailed pruning, and train plants on arches and fences as part of ongoing cultivation and maintenance. We have added varieties such as Michelangelo and Christian Dior to further enrich the rose garden. The garden is expected to be at its best from mid-May through late July and again from mid-October through late November. Blooming information (as of May 21) Name: Roses Varieties currently in bloom: Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and many others Bloom condition: Peak bloom Blooming period: Mid-May to late July; early October to late November Basic facility information Location: Inside Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 Contact: Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Website: For details, check the official Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park website!

【✨The irises along Nogu River are at their best🏔】 As the moss phlox at Nogu River Riverside Park finishes, the irises lining Nogu River have come into full bloom😊 Bright azaleas are blooming alongside them🌺 and the snow-capped Northern Alps are visible upstream🏔 🌺Flower update 2025🌼 is below🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/...

It is a piece that expresses Tokyo Station, the window in Japan, as if it were an overseas station. When I don't have anything to shoot, I often head to Tokyo Station to take pictures. The person in the middle looked like the hero of the stage in the Spot. Yesterday, I stopped by after going to the Tokyo International Forum and took a picture

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

The old JNR Shinonoi Line track bed in fresh greenery Lush zelkova trees along the abandoned line and a brick tunnel dating from the Meiji era This is an excellent route for hiking

One of the sunsets seen from the sea candle in Enoshima. The air was clear and there were few clouds, so I was able to take a very beautiful sunset. The golden ocean you see here is truly Beautiful.. No matter when you come, it is your favorite Spot where you can see the beautiful scenery.

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