Sun pillar and diamond dust at Kirigamine, Nagano Prefecture The 1/3 weather forecast predicted a temperature of −8°C and 80% humidity. Since snow had been forecast until 21:00 the night before, I thought it might appear and drove out. By the time I arrived at 21:00, the snow had already stopped, but a light dusting of powdery snow had settled. At 22:00 the car’s outside thermometer read −12°C, so I went to bed hoping the temperature would keep falling. I hiked 600 m along the snowy road from the parking lot to the shooting point just after 6:00 in the morning. The morning temperature was −12°C. Mount Fuji was clearly visible. There were clouds above Yatsugatake, but at 7:20 a sun pillar appeared above them. I silently wished for it to appear below as well, and from around 7:24 the diamond dust began to sparkle. The sun pillar lasted about 15 minutes, but the diamond dust continued to glitter afterward. I had visited several times last year without success, so I was delighted to see it this time.

🌼Updated the daffodil bloom status🌼 Some areas are already at their peak but overall the best viewing time seems a little farther away💭🌟 Here is today’s (January 5) condition👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260105...

Photographed on January 2, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a honey ginger komekoji milk latte and an Earl Grey pound cake. To everyone at the Bell Tower Street Store, I look forward to your continued support this year.🙇‍♀️

Witnessing the first supermoon of 2026, I was unexpectedly lucky to see a plane crossing the radiant moon. it was a surreal moment that reminded me of how tiny our existence is in this vast galaxy, yet also how far we've come and how much further we'll go. happy new year! Location: Wakoshi, Saitama

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is Kawagoe Kumano Shrine around 6:00 a.m.

Roadside Station Iwanai Happy New Year, and best wishes for 2026 🐴 We look forward to your continued support this year 🎍 Roadside Station Iwanai is open today, Sunday, January 4th! We look forward to welcoming you 😆 Please note that we will be closed on Monday, January 5th. This year, we let the trendy AI create images for us 🐟

Photographed on January 3, 2014. A performance of festival music (ohayashi) at Koedo Kurari.

I watched a hayashi (festival music ensemble) performance at Koedo Kurari.

Happy New Year. For Hokulea Shonan, this year is a year of “brush up.” We believe the future lies in steadily building careful work. We will further hone our skills and thinking, and bravely take on new challenges. We will not forget our gratitude to everyone who supports us, and we will continue to grow while honoring the sea and nature. We look forward to your continued support this year. Hokulea Shonan Representative Terushige Koike --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme “Let’s set out for an unseen world!”, we offer experiences that let you discover the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We hold courses and tours year-round in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. We also respond flexibly to requests tailored to each person. Now, let’s set off together for a new world.

Even after Hon-Kawagoe PePe closes, the Starbucks Hon-Kawagoe Station store will remain open. I'm so happy. 🥹

It was around 6:30 a.m. at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

It’s around 6:30 a.m. at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on January 1, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a gyokuro matcha latte and a rich matcha tiramisu. I fully enjoyed the New Year atmosphere. 🍵🎍

It is about 6:00 a.m. at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Snow Trees Rime ice covering the trees at Gozaisho Ropeway Summit. One of the few places in Mie Prefecture where you can see rime ice on trees. Gozaisho Ropeway, Komonocho, Mie Prefecture

I woke up early to visit the shrine for my first prayers of the year. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s Kawagoe sweet potato fortune. 🍠 I received a New Year’s morning ceremony blessing, and fortunately I was also given a matchmaking charm. I hope good things come to you in a chain like sweet potato vines. 😊🍠

Happy New Year! This year I again photographed the first sunrise from the waterfront park. There was no wind and it was not as cold as in past years, but a warm layer of clouds on the horizon kept the sky dull and dim even after the scheduled sunrise time of 6:51. Around 7:05 the edges of the clouds began to glow, and just after 7:20 the sun finally appeared! As every year, many residents and tourists gathered early at the waterfront park to watch the first sunrise of Reiwa 8. May Reiwa 8 bring you a year full of happiness. We appreciate your continued support of Atami Onsen this year as well.

Happy New Year! 🎍🐎 Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.

A shot at Misen Main Hall on the summit of MtMisen in Hiroshima Prefecture. I planned to walk to the top, but I ended up taking the ropeway. Even so, I’m smiling. Next time I’ll come by proper hike. This jizo statue is called "Gomen-ne Jizo" or "Negai Jizo." It’s a presence that accepts people’s regrets and wishes.

These are the Best Nine of 2025. 1️⃣The rise-up steps at Atago Shrine 2️⃣3️⃣Kakigori fortune slips and yo-yo omikuji at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine 4️⃣Tanabata at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine 5️⃣Hydrangeas at cafe andon 6️⃣The great torii and pinwheels at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine 7️⃣Enmusubi wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine 8️⃣9️⃣Sea bream omikuji at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Thank you for all your support in 2025. I look forward to your continued support in 2026. 😊

Photographed on December 28, 2025. This is LEC COFFEE’s original chai and a gateau chocolat.

Photographed on December 28, 2025. This is a gateau chocolat from LEC COFFEE. We are grateful to everyone at LEC COFFEE for their help this year. We look forward to your continued support next year.🙇‍♀️

Notice of an illumination event 📣 The illumination at Hiroo Santa Land in Hirocho runs through January 4, 2026 😊 Lights are on from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM ✨✨ The park glows with illumination and wood lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere 😍 Please consider stopping by during your New Year holidays outing 🤗 https://www.santaland.or.jp//