Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of the porcelain raw material Amakusa porcelain stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, running for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Here is an introduction to one participating kiln, Tenjiku Kiln! Please have a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸 Tenjiku Kiln Tucked away in the mountains of Kobaba in Tororo, Reihoku, Tenjiku Kiln sits quietly in a peaceful setting. The kiln owner, Mr. Sumida, brings a warm sense of humor, and the many cats that greet visitors create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Drawing hints from Mr. Sumida’s everyday life, the kiln produces freely conceived vessels whose shapes and colors show distinctive personalities. They blend gently into daily life. The pottery classes held weekly attract many regulars, making Tenjiku Kiln a warm place rooted in the local community. The pottery, the people, and the cats alike all convey a friendly, comforting charm. 📍 Tenjiku Kiln 6121 Tororo, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2611 TEL: 0969-36-0860 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event you can enjoy new work exhibitions and sales, special discount offers, and other activities. Take this chance to visit and appreciate the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln against the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally with a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayamayaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Announcement] ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast, famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone “Amakusa toseki,” will host the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour at seven scattered kilns from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Kobo Kaze. Please take a look💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸Kobo Kaze Kobo Kaze sits quietly amid the verdant nature of Reihoku Town. The workshop’s simple, warm aesthetic harmonizes with the natural beauty around it. The kiln owner, Mr. Hayashida, favors works produced by a carbonization firing technique that lines charcoal around the vessel during the main firing to create unique textures and tones. In recent years he has also focused on new Oribe pieces with rich green glazes, presenting tableware that is calm yet full of character. During the Spring Kiln Tour, you can also enjoy locally grown produce, woodworkers’ pieces, bamboo dragonfly crafts, sweets, and other items for sale, offering a chance to fully experience handiwork rooted in everyday life. Be sure to take in the fragrant scent of the trees and flowers that surround the workshop with all your senses. 📍Kobo Kaze 2915 Shiki, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event we will feature new works for exhibition and sale, special discount offers, and various other activities. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 * A stamp rally that gives you a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen-gama, Tenjiku-gama, Unshu-gama (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro-gama [Inquiries] Secretariat, Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa Pottery Stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns dotted across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, held for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. We will share introductions to the participating kilns, so please take a look 💁‍♀️ 🌸 Uchida Sarayama Ware In the Meiji era, Naohiko Kiyama began mining with advice from Yukichi Fukuzawa, laying the foundations for the pottery here. In 1970, the third generation, Katsuhiko Kiyama, discovered an Edo-period kiln site and reopened production. Subsequent excavations revealed a history of porcelain production that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. Carrying that history into the present is Uchida Sarayama Ware. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, Kentaro Kiyama, the kilns still quarry Amakusa Pottery Stone and Shiki clay themselves. From materials nurtured by Amakusa’s land, they craft each piece with care. The lineup pairs traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. For this Spring Kiln Tour, you can expect seasonal treasures such as pieces decorated with raised itchin patterns that convey three-dimensional texture, and charming May picture plates made for Children’s Day. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of vessels shaped by Amakusa’s history and landscape. 📍 Uchida Sarayama Ware 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions of new works and special discount sales. Please visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelains from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Reihoku: 5 kilns) Uchida Sarayama Ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Amakusa: 2 kilns) Takahama Ware Juho Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurogama Inquiries: amakusa_pottery_stone_research_and_development_promotion_council_office (inside reihoku_town_hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Fujiwara Palace Ruins in Nara Prefecture Due to work, I usually only have one Vacation a week on Weekdays, and most of the time I shoot when there are no people, but I can take a Sunday off only once a month, and it is a popular Spot Visit for family trips, so it was difficult to shoot like this. I gave instructions to my wife on my cell phone from quite a distance and waited for people to disappear, but I clicked the shutter at the moment when people stopped streaming more than I had imagined. I wanted to shoot in a horizontal composition, but I shot in a vertical position because people were reflected.

The ruins of Fujiwara Palace in Nara Prefecture I finally came to the place I wanted to visit and see, and it was Sunday, so I could imagine it to some extent, but it was a very popular Spot for tourists from overseas.

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

During the Golden Week period We will inform you about the congestion of parking lots at tourist facilities in the Mikata Five Lakes area during Golden Week. https://www.mikatagoko-kouiki-kankou.jp// The period is Saturday, April 26, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 The status of parking lots at 14 tourist facilities around Mikata Five Lakes is shown as "Very busy", "Somewhat busy", or "Quiet" for your reference.

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

A world full of Japanese umbrellas This is Hotoku Temple Located in in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. This is a Temple Famous for its floor maples. We hold events according to the season. 🤤

⭐️ Popular American influencer iJustine is visiting! On my first trip to Japan, I chose "Atami wreck & cave diving" Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan The other day, we went to our favorite diving Spot "Atami"! On this day, a special guest from the United States participated 🇺🇸✨ iJustine, who has fans all over the world on YouTube and social media, came to us! For my first trip to Japan and my first dive in Japan, I am truly honored 🙏 that you chose Hokule'a Shonan from among the many shops iJustine is a global influencer with about 7 million subscribers to her YouTube channel and more than 1 billion total views. Especially in the field of technology, he is familiar to many fans as a "father" who can be said to be the "original". We are filled with Impression and gratitude that she chose Hokule'a Shonan as the place for her first diving experience in Japan. 🚢 At the wreck point, you can have an exciting water experience! The first stop is to the wreck point, which is also a Specialties of Atami. iJustine was also very excited 🤩 by the large schools of fish and the dynamic scenery With a GoPro in hand, he shot 📸 many scenes 🤿 Try your first cave dive! In the second one, I tried cave diving! Scenes seemed a little nervous at first, but as soon as I got into the water, I went into relaxation mode. The moment I returned to the ship after diving, the first word I said was "Very fun!!" It was ✨ very impressive 🩵 The joy of being connected through the ocean Diving with international guests is many moments when the heart connects beyond words. It was a 🌊 day when I was reminded of the special power of the field of "the sea" iJustine, thank you very much There is a for having a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy 🗾💕 the rest of your trip to Japan 🇯🇵 The sea in Japan is still deep! In fact, there are still many attractive diving spots in Japan. Next time you come to Japan, let's go look for a new sea together! At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer a safe diving experience for first-timers. Whether you are a foreigner living in Japan or have come to Japan on a trip, please feel free to contact us 😊 #iJustine #YouTubeStar #TechInfluencer #GlobalCreators #DiveAtami #FirstTimeInJapan #HokuleaShonan #JapanDiving #EnglishFriendlyDiving #PADI5Star #ExploreJapan

Komadeike Campground is OPEN 👏 Komadeike Campground, nestled in the sublime natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen, opened for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18th, 2025! Komadeike Campground is a site embraced by what is said to be Japan’s finest birch forest, where people of all ages can enjoy truly comfortable, memorable moments. Choose from five free-site settings around the pond or along the stream, or relax in the spacious auto sites that offer sunny or shaded options. We also offer bungalows and cottages, plus a full lineup of day-trip activities. "We want you to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life with the people who matter most." This is the concept and heartfelt wish of Komadeike Campground. Come and visit us!

The azaleas at Nezu Shrine are 🤤 in full bloom This is Located in, Tokyo It is Nezu Shrine. From mid to late April every year The azaleas are in full bloom. This is the only place in Tokyo where you can enjoy so many azaleas! Please come and visit us 😊

Shark Scramble 🦈 You can go on a day trip! Shark swimming adventure in Tateyama, Chiba The other day, members of Hokule'a Shonan went to 🫧 "Shark's Scramble" in Tateyama, Chiba As the name suggests, it is a very impressive dive site with many sharks coming and going in front of you! On this day, guests from overseas also participated 🇯🇵 "I can't believe I can swim with sharks in Japan!" and I was very 😊 impressed by the impression The point is the diving Spot "Ito" in Tateyama. Here, you can observe the sharks that gather in search of food and swim around in front of you. Encounters with a wide variety of creatures such as tiger sharks, spiders, and rays are attractive, and it is a popular sea with many repeaters as well as first-time visit. And if Hokule'a Shonan ... Diving to Tateyama is also OK for a day trip! Some people may think, "Isn't Chiba far from Kanagawa?" We will guide you by Car from JR Hiratsuka Station and can also accommodate pick-up at stations along the way. Therefore, it is a big attraction 🚗💨 that you can easily participate even from the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas Some people are worried, "Aren't sharks dangerous?" Rest assured that the sharks here are accustomed to people and are not of an aggressive kind. After thorough safety management, we support even beginners so that they can enjoy it with peace of mind! "I want to swim with sharks someday!" Such a dream comes true with this Shark Scramble in Ito. Why don't you experience the power and mystery of the sea world together? 😊 📍 Held in by request! Please feel free to contact us 🌸 ▶ 【Experience Diving, Fun Diving, Sense Course Accepting】 #SharkDive #SharkScramble #DiveWithSharks #JapanDiving #ChibaDive #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #PrivateDiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #UnderwaterAdventure #SafeDiving #BeginnerFriendly #SeaYouSoon

From Sakai to the Expo site by boat. No traffic, perfect views. Comfortable access via the water route✨ Departing from Sakai Old Port, it’s only 30 minutes to the Expo site. Take this boat and you’ll no longer worry about traffic jams or crowded crowds. No road congestion, no long lines on station platforms. Onboard, just enjoy the water-city scenery of Osaka as the breeze blows🏯 The evening sail is especially recommended. After enjoying the Expo, avoid the rush-hour trains and return to Sakai on a relaxing cruise. It’s travel that feels like a mini getaway even though it’s just transportation. With a slightly different way to get there, make your Expo experience more comfortable and more special. 🎫Search “Universal Cruise” to make a reservation!

Osaka Festival! — EXPO2025 Spring Showcase The Osaka Festival — EXPO Spring Showcase will take place at the Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena. Around 40 floats and platforms gathered from across Osaka, including danjiri, yagura, and taiko-dai, will come together in one place! A vibrant lineup of energetic festivals will open Osaka Week. From Sakai City, the Keana-cho danjiri and the Shinzaikehama futon taiko will be demonstrated and exhibited. 📅 Dates and times: Friday, May 9 — Danjiri Keana-cho (Naka Ward) Saturday, May 10 — Futon Taiko Shinzaikehama (Sakai Ward) 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required Anyone attending the Osaka-Kansai Expo is welcome to join. 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena 🔍 For details, search “Re-Discover”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo special site (If you come to Expo, please come to Sakai too). We look forward to seeing you there!😄

The 3rd India DAY in Sakai✨3rd India DAY in Sakai🎉 😋 Booths will feature Indian food, spices, and sundries, and the stage will showcase a packed lineup including Bollywood dance and traditional Indian dance, as well as Japanese traditional arts such as Japanese taiko drumming!

We present outing information for Minamiizu Town during Golden Week. ◆Tuesday, April 29 (National Holiday) ・14th Charity Bazaar for the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Event 10:00–15:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden Food, crafts, local vegetables and more on sale, specialty products from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and photo exhibits https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ・Bridle Experience Day 10:00–15:00 Izu Shimoda Riding Club Session 1: 10:00–12:00, Session 2: 13:00–15:00 https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Irozaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 at Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Irozaki! Various stalls will be available ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Golden Week Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Ring toss, super ball scooping, and various stalls ◆Until April 30 — Ongoing ・Ihama Margaret Flower Picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 5 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Bamboo Shoot Harvesting (Takenoko Shokudo) Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 6 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry......

📍 “Futari demo Sakai” Heart-Pounding Darts Journey! 🎯🚶‍♂️ Decide destinations with a dart throw and solve challenges about each spot as you tour the city on this fresh travel experience.✨ Rediscover Sakai’s charms and set off on an exciting adventure.💡💛 📅 Event Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Win prizes 🎁🎯 🔍For details, search “Futari demo Sakai” on the Sakai Tourism Guide website!

The Icelandic poppies in the forest park are 🤤 in full bloom This is the Musashi Hills National Forest Park Located in in Namerikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Among them, the Icelandic poppy field is worth seeing. I think it will continue until GW, so please come and visit us 😊

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

The azaleas along Asakayama Greenway are in peak bloom now. Enjoy the vibrant azaleas stretching about 600 meters along Asakayama Greenway. Take in the colorful display of azaleas along this roughly 600-meter stretch.

From today (April 21), we are also open on Mondays❕ We will remain open every day until October 31. We look forward to welcoming you☺️ We have also installed benches and chairs in the plaza in front of the Roadside Station, so please feel free to rest there♪ *There are no trash bins.

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them. The lights of the cars hit the cherry blossoms on the way

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them.

Komainu-sama of Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City "Ikune Shrine" If you watch it many times, you will be captivated before you know it、、、 It varies depending on the shrine, and it is 🎵 very addictive

Merhen Kaido Opening Ceremony Thank you for waiting! The Mugi-kusa Pass is now open ✨ Merhen Kaido is now passable starting today. 👀✨ Come feel the scenery, the air, and the breeze at 2,127 meters above sea level—see you soon by car 🚗

Every year on May 3rd, the traditional Hayase Children’s Kabuki takes place. This boys’ elementary school children’s kabuki has been passed down for about 150 years. It is said to have started when kabuki performances by children were offered at local temples and shrines in Hayase to appease a cholera outbreak during the Edo period. Hayase Children’s Kabuki Date and time: Saturday, May 3, 2025 (National Holiday) from around 8:30 AM Location: In front of Hayase Hiyoshi Shrine and in front of Zuirin-ji Temple 20-24 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture (Zuirin-ji) After the children’s kabuki is offered in front of Hiyoshi Shrine, the float will be pulled to Zuirin-ji Temple where another children’s kabuki offering will take place. Because the schedule depends on the conditions of the day, we cannot provide exact times. If you plan to watch the children’s kabuki, please keep your morning free and come early. "Children’s Kabuki" that ties the community together https://www.view-wakasamihama.jp/trip-03-02#article...

A special healing time at the foot of Mt. At the foot of Mt.——Lake Motosu diving experience Squid may be thinking, "Diving in the lake?" But Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture is more than just a lake. This lake, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. At the foot of Mt., a symbol of Japan, was created by the terrain created by lava stream from the Eruption of Mt. Mount Fuji about 1,200 years ago. Even now, volcanic ash continues to accumulate quietly at the bottom of the lake. Lake Motosu, with its mysterious history, shows you a special Water world like no other. The transparency of the water is also very high, and one of the attractions is the unique blue called "Motosu blues". Looking up from the water, the sun's rays illuminate the volcanic terrain, Unfolding a fantastic view. It is as if time has stopped, and you can deeply connect with Nature through diving. Spending time in silence surrounded by Nature in 360 degrees is also an opportunity to unwind your mind and face yourself. It is a place that you should experience for those who are usually busy working and those who want to refresh themselves. Hokule'a Shonan Held in small-group tours for one person. In order for beginners and women to participate with peace of mind, we have established a system of polite support and safety first. If you have a request for "I want to dive in such a place", please feel free to contact us. We will propose your own "healing dive experience". 🗻 While feeling the benefits of Mount Fuji, 🌿 Surrounded by Nature, 🌊 On a journey back to being who you are—— Why don't you spend a special time at Lake Motosu? 📍 Lake Motosu diving, we are accepting applications at any time! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Hokule'a Shonan. #MtFujiDive #FreshwaterDiving #ScubaJapan #HiddenJapan #ExploreJapan #NatureEscape #UnderwaterJapan #PeacefulDive #MindfulTravel #ScubaNearTokyo #VolcanicLandscape #DiveLakeMotosu #HokuleaShonan #HealingDive

🌷✨ Seventy thousand tulips in full bloom! A spectacular spring view ✨🌷 At Harvest Hill, the tulips are now at their peak! 💕 A colorful carpet of tulips stretches across the fields, creating a beautiful floral landscape to enjoy 🌈💐 Step into the tulip fields to feel the arrival of spring and capture wonderful memory photos 📸 In addition, baby blue eyes (nemophila), north-pole daisies, and unique tulip varieties are also reaching their best viewing period 🌼 📍 Location: Village area flower field “Sun Hill” (about 3,000 m²) 🎟 Admission: Viewing is included with Harvest Hill park entry fee 🌷 Plus! A spring photo contest is being held ✨ 🌞 Come and enjoy the spring spectacle! 🌞 *The blooming period may vary depending on the weather, so please check the official website before visiting✅