Golden Week 2024 special! kanagawa NOW has posted information on major Golden Week events in Kanagawa Prefecture. Come and join us!

Hyuga Yakushi Spring Annual Festival On Monday, April 15 Selected as one of Kanagawa’s Top 50 Festivals It is the most grand and solemn event of the year, This year’s final unveiling of the hidden principal image, the iron-axe carved Yakushi triad, took place Sacred tree climbing (shigi nobori) and a fire-walking ritual were also performed. Blessed with good weather, the festival drew many worshippers. A tea ceremony by the Urasenke school, led by the Iwata Soubun group, was also busy on the temple grounds. One of Japan’s Three Yakushi Temples, Hyuga Yakushi Hojobo (1644 Hyuga, Isehara City) Niomon Gate Located near the entrance to the main approach, two Kongorikishi guardian statues stand there in a protective stance: the open-mouthed Agyo and the closed-mouthed Ungyo, preventing enemies of the Buddha from entering the temple. Treasure Hall Housing the principal image and a collection of cultural properties that includes eight items designated by the national government and two designated by the prefecture, the national designations alone total 23 Buddhist statues enshrined together. There is no other example in eastern Japan where so many designated cultural properties are kept in one place. (Admission to the Treasure Hall: Adults 300 yen, Middle and High School Students 200 yen, Elementary School Students 100 yen) Be sure to see the powerful presence of these Buddhist statues.

Takaokain Temple Kin-chan Cherry Tree Planting Festival On Sunday the 14th, with the slogan "Let’s create a new cherry blossom spot in Isehara!", Ito En sponsored the planting of five cherry trees: a married pair named "Kin-chan Sakura" and "Sumi-chan Sakura," plus three weeping cherry trees. At Takaokain (Sannomiya 682), where a hall enshrines a statue of Jomoku Daibenzaiten named in memory of Kin-chan’s late wife Sumiko, a commemorative stone monument bearing words from Kin-chan and Tsutomu Sekine stands. Also present that day was Kinichi Hagimoto, known as Kin-chan, who had just turned 83 on May 7. In the talk show he generously shared his trademark Kin-chan stories, including memories of his late comedy partner Jiro Sakagami from Konto 55, and he readily signed autographs and posed for photos.

The long-awaited sunny weather! Perfect cherry blossom viewing day 🌸 2024.4.10 #Odawara Castle

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel: Expressing Gratitude to the Mountain Deity ~Bamboo Lights Gleam~ Yamagami no Komichi (The Mountain Deity’s Path) “Bamboo Light Installation” Begins This spring, Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel has launched a “bamboo light installation,” creating a stunning spectacle of otherworldly light. To the west of the hotel rises Mt. Komagatake, at 1,356 meters, revered as a sacred mountain where the gods dwell and long considered a holy site of ancient mountain worship. At the summit of Mt. Komagatake you can still find historically evocative rocks such as Bakouseki (Horse-Descending Stone) and Bajouseki (Horse-Riding Stone). The hotel benefits from the mountain’s gifts, including geothermal steam and spring water. Our ability to operate today owes much to the mountain deity, yamagami, and in gratitude we have installed a torii gate lit by bamboo lights. □ Period: From Friday, March 15, 2024 – Year-round □ Time: From sunset until 0:00 midnight □ Location: Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel, hotel courtyard □ Eligible: Hotel guests only (free) □ Details: Centered on a torii of bamboo lights, this soothing experience enhances the natural scenery. □ Note: Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel is a secluded mountain lodge surrounded by vast nature and boasts the highest elevation for accommodations in Hakone (935 m). In the hotel courtyard framed by lush mountains, guests can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green foliage in summer, autumn colors in fall, and snowy vistas in winter. To further enhance the hotel’s iconic courtyard scenery, we will present a bamboo light illumination produced by CHIKAKEN, a comprehensive bamboo-light production group.

Isehara Flower Update: April 12 Thanks to the kindness of Sugiyama Doken Co., Ltd., the private rhododendron garden is now open to the public. In Isehara, this is a well-kept secret and a treat after the cherry blossoms. On about 1,500 tsubo (approximately 4,958 square meters) of garden, you can enjoy 50 varieties and more than 1,000 rhododendron shrubs and several hundred peony plants. The garden also sits on a hill with a superb view toward Mt. Fuji in the distance. * Bringing food or drink and bringing pets are prohibited. (This is private property, so please observe proper manners.) Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 Parking: 500 yen per car Access: From Isehara Station, South Exit, Bus Stop No. 1 Take the bus bound for Fujimino and get off at the Miyakami stop. It is about a 30-minute walk from Isehara Station if you prefer to walk. Sugiyama Doken Co., Ltd. Address: 1 San-no-miya, Isehara City Phone: 0463-93-7300

Hinata Yakushi Spring Grand Festival Monday, April 15, 9:00–17:00, admission 300 yen. Held rain or shine This will be the last public opening of the principal image for this year. Gokito (prayer rites) 9:00–16:30; reception at the Treasure Hall ● No reservation required on the day The sacred tree (shigi) climb and fire-walking are scheduled to start at 13:00 ※Canceled in case of rain (If canceled, an announcement will be posted on the Hinata Yakushi website around 9:00) A tea ceremony booth by the Urasenke tea group Iwata Sumi’s school will also be available on the temple grounds on the day. (500 yen)

Support for Noto Peninsula Reconstruction! Special Concert during Golden Week @ Jochiji Temple Tickets are now on sale for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Relief Concert in 2024 at Kamakura Jochiji Temple! At this special concert, you can enjoy wonderful performances at the beautiful Jochiji Temple in Kamakura. Proceeds after operational expenses will be distributed to the affected municipalities as relief funds for the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake through the Japanese Red Cross Society. By purchasing tickets, you will be supporting the recovery of the affected areas. Tickets are limited in number, so please apply early. Please note that payment will be in cash on the day of the event. Thank you for your understanding. Date and Time Sunday, April 28, 2024, performance starts at 4:00 PM (doors open at 3:30 PM) Program The program includes memorable, beautiful pieces such as Boccherini’s Minuet and Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet K.581. Ticket price is 3,000 yen with unreserved seating (separate temple admission fee of 300 yen). An early-bird discount applies, and those who apply early will receive special benefits, so don’t miss out! For inquiries or if you have any questions, please contact the 2024 Kamakura Jochiji Concert Office 080-5037-8179 or Nijii Quartet. We sincerely look forward to your participation in supporting the reconstruction while enjoying wonderful music!

Photographed at Matsudayama Half Garden. The yellow of the rape blossoms and the pink of the Kawazu cherry blossoms stood out against the blue sky. It is one of the places I would like to visit again.

Kinchyan Comes to Kogaku-in Cherry Tree Planting Festival Sunday, April 14 at 1:00 PM At Kogaku-in (Sannomiya 682) The Itoen-sponsored annual Kinichi Hagimoto Cherry Tree Planting Festival will be held under the banner “Let’s create a new cherry blossom spot in Isehara!” Kinichi Hagimoto, known as Kinchyan, will attend on the day There will also be a talk show by Kinchyan. Inquiries: Noman Temple Tel: 0463-95-0967

Yokohama City OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre Opens at Landmark Plaza! — A gallery and shop to enjoy Noh and Kyogen casually — Yokohama Noh Theatre is closed for a major renovation and will remain closed for two and a half years until June 2026. During the closure, to introduce Noh and Kyogen to as many people as possible, we are opening a space introducing Noh and Kyogen, OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre, at Landmark Plaza in Minato Mirai. This is the first time in the country that a Noh and Kyogen introduction facility has been located inside a shopping mall. Visit the easily accessible Landmark Plaza to experience Noh and Kyogen up close. Event Overview Date, Time and Venue Sunday, April 14, 2024 12:15 — Procession (Haji-style Satokagura, Namamugi Hayashi Preservation Society, Ushigome Lion Dance Preservation Society) Route: In front of Sakuragicho Station — moving walkway — Sakata Seed Garden Square 13:00 — “Sanbasan / Sanbaso” starring Chiyonojō Shigeyama and Mannojō Nomura, among others Venue: Landmark Plaza 1st floor, Sakata Seed Garden Square

Cherry blossom season has arrived! On the Kanagawa Tourism NOW website we share information on cherry blossom blooming across Kanagawa Prefecture and more! Please take a look!

Isehara Flower Report for March 14 The ume (Japanese plum) at Hyuga Yakushi is still viewable The almond blossoms at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park are in bud The weeping cherry at Mishima Shrine is in bud The Okame cherry along Oyama Shinmichi has passed its peak Temperatures are rising, and spring is finally arriving The long-awaited days for flower viewing are just around the corner Our staff predicts that many spots will reach peak bloom around the 20th A resident cat was running around the grounds of Hyuga Yakushi

Koharuhi for the first time in a long time. I climbed Mt. Azuma on the western outskirts of Shonan. The air was clear and I could see Mt. Fuji beautifully. Spring in Japan has arrived.

Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture! Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama A striking near-future waterfront district packed with must-see attractions! This area along Yokohama Port features modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and top-class hotels. The orderly streets and neatly lined trees create a scene of people passing through that feels like a futuristic city. The district hosts many attractions, including Landmark Tower, Cosmo World, Hammerhead, MARK IS, Pacifico Yokohama, Queens Square, World Porters, and the Red Brick Warehouse. Be sure to visit the Sky Garden observation floor of Landmark Tower, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama and illuminations from 273 meters above ground. Basic information Address: 3-5 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture — Minato Mirai Station Access Minatomirai Line, Minato Mirai Station JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / Negishi Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, Sakuragicho Station

Goma is a esoteric Buddhist ritual in which wooden votive sticks are cast into the flames on a platform to dispel misfortune, purify wishes, and pray for the fulfillment of great aspirations. At Oyama-dera, a special annual event (typically held on February 28) features the Five-Platform Goma practice. For the Five-Platform Goma, five altars are set up before the Five Wisdom Kings, with a brazier placed in front of each altar. Offerings such as milkwood are burned as worshippers pray to the principal deity. The fire of wisdom burns the fuel of earthly desires as participants pray for good health, increased blessings, and deep respect and affection. This ceremony draws many worshippers from afar and fills the temple with the bustle of continuous goma fires throughout the day. Nationwide, goma performed on five platforms is a rare sight. While the Five-Platform Goma is an annual special event, regular goma prayers are held daily and offer a precious experience open to anyone. In the solemn atmosphere of mountain-shrouded Oyama-dera, you can spend a moment of spiritual cleansing. Away from the noise of daily life, taking part in the goma ritual purifies body and mind and lets you return to everyday life with renewed spirit. Alongside the temple’s reverent atmosphere, this valuable opportunity brings peace and refreshment to the heart. Anyone may join, so you are welcome to make your request casually.

Kanagawa’s Top 100 Local Specialties [Crafts] “Kanagawa’s Top 100 Local Specialties” is a selection made by the prefecture from among crafts, processed foods, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery products nurtured by Kanagawa’s traditions and natural environment. Chosen based on recommendations from residents and various organizations, the list aims to widely promote Kanagawa’s tourism appeal both inside and outside the prefecture and to contribute to tourism development. The first selection took place in fiscal 1985, and a re-selection was carried out in fiscal 2006. More than ten years have passed since the previous selection, and tourist needs have changed, so a new “Kanagawa’s Top 100 Local Specialties” has been selected. We have added attractive items aimed at inbound visitors as well as popular local gourmet specialties, and we will widely promote these as important resources that showcase Kanagawa’s attractions. - Yokohama Scarf A 100% silk scarf distinguished by world-class hand-printing dyeing techniques and careful sewing. Basic information about this product can be found here <Where to buy this product> Yokohama Silk Museum Shop Association We offer a selection of Yokohama Scarves produced using world-class plate making, dyeing, and sewing techniques. Hours: 12:00–17:00 Admission to the shop is free. The shop is closed on the same days the Silk Museum is closed. Address: Silk Center 2F, inside the Silk Museum, 1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama Phone: 045-681-5861 Yokohama Studio Bashamichi Kannai Store Yokohama Scarf sales: we sell hand-printed and dyed works by Yokohama artisans. Hours: 11:00–18:30 Closed: Sundays Address: Kannai Hall 1F, No. 3, 4-42-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama Phone: 045-227-8226 Mariage Yokohama Bay Sheraton Store We sell Yokohama Scarves displayed in the basement passage of the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel. Address: Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers 1F, 1-3-23 Kitasaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama Phone: 045-321-0503

This photo was taken in Kamakura about two years ago. I was conscious of the depth and included the path created by the cherry blossoms in one piece. Please visit at least once!

The 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon Sunday, March 10, 2024 Opening ceremony 9:00–9:20 at Isehara Elementary School grounds Starts: 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 The long-running 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon returns this year! Runners set off from in front of Isehara Station and race along Oyama Shinmichi toward the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. The uphill gradually begins around Ishikura Bridge, and the climbing curve in front of Koyasu Myojin Hibita Shrine looks pretty steep. From the old road to Koma Sando and then on the Onnazaka route, if you run—or rather climb—you will reach the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. Road restrictions will be in place during the event, so please be careful. For details, see the official website. ★ Start times 10:00 (Men aged 50s and 60s and over) 10:30 (Men in their 40s; Women under 39; Women 40 and over) 11:00 (Men 29 and under; Men in their 30s) ※ Photo courtesy of Kunihiko Meguro

[Isehara Flower Report] 3.01 Okame cherry blossoms along Oyama Shinmichi are beginning to bloom March starts today. I felt the arrival of spring as graduation ceremonies seemed to be taking place at high schools across Isehara City. Spring news is coming from MtOoyama too♪ Okame cherry trees have been planted along the roughly 3-kilometer stretch of Oyama Shinmichi (bypass), and pink blossoms are beginning to open. The trees at the foot are still young, so their trunks are thin and they seem to bloom earlier. Overall, it feels like flowering is a little early this year due to warm temperatures. They should reach their best viewing next week. Seeing the flowers from the car window makes a drive more enjoyable.

Autumn evening. Climb to the top of the mountain at the end of the cable car. The illuminated autumn leaves beautifully wrap the mountainside, and beyond that, a night view floating in the dark night spreads out. The view was truly spectacular.

When I climbed to the top of Mt. Matsuda, I saw a large panorama overlooking Sagami Bay beyond the contrast between the Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape blossoms.

As we climbed through the sacred air, a wonderful sight awaited us. If you go through this tunnel of autumn leaves, you will find the Saijoji Temple. I prayed for world peace so that this wonderful landscape of autumn would be preserved for the future.

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.

Chun-hsien 🌸 This is Kawazu cherry blossoms from Matsudayama Herb Garden, Kanagawa Prefecture. In Kanagawa Prefecture, it is a very famous place and is crowded with many people. This is the only place where you can see the collaboration between cherry blossoms and rape blossoms! Be sure to 😊 visit

Hakone Shrine, famous as a power spot, has its Torii shrine gate gate on the shore of Lake Ashi. On this day, when the wind was a little strong, Mt. Fuji appeared majestic with the blue sky from the cloudy sky, creating a very solemn atmosphere.

On a chilly spring day, the sight of enjoying marine sports with Mt. Fuji in view is very exciting. I think I'm going to try SUP this year.

Tourist Hotel "Hotel Resol Yokohama Sakuragicho" Limited-time plan launched to coincide with International Women’s Day! Toward a society where everyone can live happily as themselves. Limited-time plan launched to coincide with International Women’s Day! Overnight plan with afternoon tea: MIMOSA PLAN Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, February 16, 2024 to Sunday, March 31, 2024 Hotel Resol Yokohama Sakuragicho, a tourist hotel in the Risol Hotels brand operated by Risol Co., Ltd. (6-78 Ota-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture), will offer the MIMOSA PLAN, an overnight package with afternoon tea, for a limited time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from February 16, 2024 to March 31, 2024 to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 and to express respect for gender equality and a wish for a society where everyone can live happily as themselves. During the period, MIMOSA CAFE will make a limited-time appearance in the living lobby "moi," inspired by a Nordic forest lined with birch-like screens that symbolize Hotel Resol Yokohama Sakuragicho, with special decorations themed around mimosa. Limited to three parties per day using the MIMOSA PLAN, guests can enjoy an elegant Mimosa afternoon tea in a glamorous mimosa-themed setting. ※1: The origin dates to 1904, when women workers in New York, USA held demonstrations demanding suffrage, and on March 8, 1975 the United Nations designated the date as International Women’s Day. About the overnight plan with afternoon tea "MIMOSA PLAN" Period: Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, February 16, 2024 to Sunday, March 31, 2024 Capacity: Limited to three parties per day Price: From JPY 11,500 (tax included) per person (based on two people per party) Room types: Moderatto / Twin Meals: Breakfast and afternoon tea

Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture! Azumayama Park A scenic park famous for its early-blooming rape blossoms Azumayama Park in Ninomiya Town offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. From January through February, about 60,000 early-blooming rape blossoms come into full bloom, covering the slopes near the summit in a yellow carpet. It’s a short 20-minute hike to the summit. There are several routes, but first-timers should try the Yakubaguchi Course, the closest route from Ninomiya Station. The shaded paths feel pleasant, and you can picnic on the grassy summit plaza while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere. The park’s famous 102-meter-long slide is a hit with children! In late March it becomes a spectacular coaster running through a tunnel of fully bloomed cherry trees. The park also offers seasonal displays of azaleas, hydrangeas, cosmos, and other blooms. Basic Information Address: Ninomiya, Naka District, Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture Phone: 0463-72-3611 Access: About a 5-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Ninomiya Station

It is a rape flower field in Ninomiya Azumayama Park. From the top of the mountain, when the early-blooming rape flowers are in full bloom It is a scenic spot where you can see the snow-covered Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, and Izu Oshima.