It is a Carp streamer of Kawagoe Hachimangu. 🎏 Today is Children's Day.

It is the night cherry blossom of the Sakagawa River in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. There are beautiful cherry blossoms 🌸 in all 57 prefectures in Japan, and they are loved by the local people and must have been passed down from generation to generation. I truly believe that cherry blossoms are the flowers of the hearts of Japan.

Photographed 5/1/25. CAFE ANDON's Iced Cafe Latte and Lemon and Poppy Seed Shortcake. 🍋 The acidity of the lemon and the iced café latte go well together. 😊

Photographed 5/1/25. This is a hot sandwich set of avocado shrimp from CAFE ANDON. I am well taken care of. 😊

Photographed 5/1/25. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It's a cappuccino cinnamon roll. Cinnamon rolls have gotten bigger, haven't they? 😊

Photographed 5/1/25. It is a one-year cheap sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The green one-year sea bream lottery is called Tokiwagi.

Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Spring scenery. It was built in 1673 by Yoshikawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni, but was washed away by the flood water of the Nishiki River. The bridge, rebuilt in 1674 with improvements, maintained for 276 years, but was washed away by flood water caused by a typhoon in 1950. After being swept away, it was rebuilt in 1953. Since 2002, the "Heisei Bridge Replacement Project" has been carried out to replace deteriorated wooden parts, and in 2004, a new Japanese cypress outfit was completed. The replacement of wooden parts is a regular traditional project that has been carried out almost as a substitute for bridge carpenters since the Edo period, and it is truly a landscape that represents Japan, which has been passed down from generation to generation through the efforts of people.

The only outdoor activity of its kind in Hiroshima Prefecture!?😲 Enjoy Shobara Satoyama Rafting amid fresh green foliage this Golden Week!!✊ Rafting is a thrilling activity where you ride a rubber boat down river rapids! It’s not an exaggeration to call this the only rafting experience in Hiroshima Prefecture (according to our survey), and you can try it here in Shobara City. Groups, families, friends, couples, and solo participants are all very welcome💕 While July and August are peak season, June is also recommended for higher water levels✨ We’re taking lots of reservations for May too!! Reservations for Golden Week are open✨ Search for "Shobara Satoyama Rafting" for details🔍 = Shobara Satoyama Rafting Information ========== [Experience Name] Shobara Satoyama Rafting [Overview] On the Saijo River in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, rafting experiences are held annually from mid-April through October. The eligible ages range from 7 to 70. An instructor rides along, so beginners can feel at ease. Using special paddles, participants paddle together to descend the river. The full course is about 3.5 km long, with thrilling stretches of rapids and rocky sections. Rafting lets you enjoy Shobara’s beautiful nature with all your senses and is a noteworthy water activity. [Meeting Point] Meet at the Ayu no Sato Park boathouse (1641-1 Nagata, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima 727-0114, Japan). [Dates and Times] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) – October 31, 2025 (Friday) Morning session: 9:30 AM Afternoon session: 1:30 PM [Fees] ◎ Individual Plan Adult per person: 6,000 yen (tax included) Child (junior high school students and under) per person: 4,000 yen 🌟Fees increase by 500 yen each during peak season! ◎ Private Charter Plan One group (up to 6 people — same fee) Participation fee: 30,000 yen (tax included) [What the fee includes] Guide fee, insurance, full equipment set, and entrance fee for Ayu-no-Sato Onsen [Conditions] ◎ Eligible ages: 7–70 years old ◎ Height: 110 cm or taller ◎ Minimum participants to run: 2 persons [Program Schedule] 1) Change clothes (10 minutes) 2) Safety briefing (10 minutes) 3) Transfer to the start point (15 minutes) 4) Boarding and paddling instruction (15 minutes) 5) Rafting experience starts (120 minutes) 6) Finish-line photos 7) Changing and dismissal (10 minutes) Afterward, soak and relax at the Ayu no Sato Park Takase no Yu hot spring to ease your muscles!♨ [Conditions for operation] The program may be canceled depending on weather or river conditions. [What to bring] Swimsuit, T-shirt, change of clothes, towel, water-friendly shoes (water shoes available for separate rental). Beach sandals are not allowed. Please be sure to check the travel terms, personal information handling, and cancellation fees before applying. ======================================== Make fun outdoor memories in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!🎶 We hope you give it a try!

Commitment to domestic wheat and additive-free dough Bread Workshop Suwa Karin Tree On this day, the gluttonous Kasai visited the bread Workshop Suwa Karin Tree. The owner of this shop opened in May 2012 with a strong desire to make bread that can be eaten safely by children and babies. The bread dough is made from wheat from Hokkaido and is made without any preservatives, colorings, or additives!! ・Egg ⇒ Uses chicken eggs raised in Yatsugatake's foothills ・ Milk ⇒ Uses Raised Jersey cattle milk from Nobeyama Highlands ・ Sausage / bacon ⇒ Uses Gastronomical delicacies with the original taste of meat without additives ・Wheat ⇒ Carefully selected wheat from Hokkaido (Haru Yutaka, etc.) There are always about 25 kinds of bread in the store, including bread that appears every season. When I visited, it was 💦 sold out by 2 o'clock The manager's recommended way to eat it seems to be to eat 🥖 the most popular "Butter" with olive oil. Gluttonous Kasai has a rare matcha-flavored melon bread and rusks as melon bread! The oat cookies, which were sold out on this day, are the best 🎶 because they are large and filling like those in the United States. ◎ Bread Workshop Suwa Karin Tree 📍 Suwa City Ote 2-1-2 ☎ 0266-55-4343 ◎ Business hours: 10:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday : Sunday, Monday, Tuesday ◎ Car parking lot: Nawate Car parking lot (Use ticket available for purchasers) ◎ Payment: Cash, PayPay ◎ Home page : https://treeofkarin.weblike.jp// Bakery Suwa Karin-no Ki. (Chinese quince tree) The owner use additive free and also use only ingredients are produced in Japan!!! He takes pride in produced in Japan!!! He wants to customer to use for baby food. That’s why he particular about produced in Japan. He opened this shop about May in 2012. Ordinarily about 25 kinds of bread for sale. I went to the bakery about 2 P.M. The bread was almost sold out!!! They are changing bread each season. So, you can enjoy any kind of bread each season!!! The owner recommended the Batard. And recommended to way eat is put in an olive oil. It is so fantastic and amazing!!! Please try it out!!! Moreover, my recommend is Melon bread, oats cookie and rusk. Anyway, all breads are amazing. They have parking next to bakery. If you buy a bread, they give you parking free ticket.

Golden Week is a magnificent mountain range, a sea of clouds, Why don't you spend a luxurious time in a perfect location with a beautiful starry sky? Yutorist Park Otoyo will be open open all year during GW! 🎉 and cottages, log House, camping, RV parks, you can Accommodation in favorite style. In addition, the restaurant café is also open! Take-out is also available, so enjoy coffee and dessert while looking at the ☕️ scenery < business hours > 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (restaurant open from 11 a.m. ~ 4 p.m.) < check-in > Campsite / Log House: 14 o'clock ~ Cottage: from 3 p.m. Please check the reservation site for reservations and details! We look forward to seeing you there.

Photographed 5/1/25. This is the Ai sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a bright green color like a young leaf, and it is said that it is called "moeki".

It becomes a wonderful scenery like houses streaming through the Paddy Field. A special scenery unique to this time of year.

This is one of the photos when I went to Yokohama Yamashita Park. I walked from Yamashita Park in the direction of Minato Mirai and took a picture of the Red Brick Warehouse that I could see from around the pier because it looked very beautiful. Gari reflects beautifully on the surface of the sea with the reflexion effect. It was an atmospheric night view.

Take a walk near the inn where you are on a business trip at dusk. Descend to the dimly lit shrine Brightly colored fabrics. It was a comfortable space of silence and relief Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture Soja Daijingu Shrine

This is one of the night views of Rainbow Yellowtail from Daiba Park. It was the middle of winter in December, so I took a picture alone in an empty park. Houseboats often pass by, so wait for the moment so that the boat is not reflected I persisted and filmed. On the right, accent with the orange shining Tokyo Tower Rainbow yellowtail is the subject. So that the night lights of bridges and cities can be reflected on the surface of the water to reflect beautiful reflections I cut it out with a long exposure. This place is also my favorite location, and I often visit and take pictures by myself.

This is one of the evening views of the cherry blossom trees in front of the Ueno Grace Park Ninja Pond. The pale light of the evening fell on the cherry blossoms, and it was a very beautiful and soothing scenery. Onlookers who come to see the cherry blossoms are walking happily while looking at the cherry blossoms on both sides. While looking at such a scenery from a distance, I took pictures of the moment when I felt emotion when I saw the people and the cherry blossoms beautifully illuminated by the Sunset.

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! It is the Tourism Development Association of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. Otoyo Town is located in the central part of Shikoku, north of Kochi Prefecture, and is a mountainous area surrounded by the rich nature of the Shikoku Mountains. With this Account, we will deliver the charm of Otoyo Town to everyone. Thank you very much! ■How to Access to Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The Otoyo is located just a short distance from Kochi Expressway Otoyo Interchange, There is a it is very convenient to Access in Car. Use Osugi Station and Otaguchi Station on the JR Dosan Line are also available, and it takes about 30 minutes from Kochi City. 【Access by plane】 ・From all over Japan to Kochi Ryoma Airport ・From Tokyo (Haneda): Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes ・From Tokyo (Narita): Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes ・About 55 minutes from Nagoya (Chubu) ・About 1 hour from Nagoya (Komaki) ・ About 45 minutes from Osaka (Itami) ・About 45 minutes from Kobe ・About 50 minutes from Fukuoka 【Time required to JR Osugi Station (approximate)】 ・ About 2 hours from Tokushima Station ・From Takamatsu Station: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes ・ About 2 hours from Okayama Station ・From Tokyo: Approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes ・From Hiroshima: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes ・From Hakata: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes ・From Kagoshima: Approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes ・About 30 minutes from Kochi Station 【Access by Car to Otoyo Interchange】 ・From Nagoya IC: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes ・From Suita IC in China: Approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes ・From Okayama IC: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes ・ About 6 hours from Fukuoka IC ・From Tokushima IC: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes ・ About 1 hour from Takamatsu Chuo IC ・From Matsuyama IC: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes ・ About 25 minutes from Kochi IC ■Basic Information of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The population of Otoyo is about 2,900 (as of April 2025), and about 90% of the town is made up of mountain forests, and the Yoshino River that stream the In the town, the beautiful Valleys and the scenery of terraced rice fields make it a town where visitors can feel the Healing and Impression, and the tranquility and the change of the seasons away from the hustle and bustle of the city. ■History of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture Otoyo Town has prospered as an important place for transportation since ancient times. In particular, the Toyonaga and Otaguchi districts were crowded with people and Supplies as Post Towns of the Tosa Domain during the Edo period. Buraku Temple Yakushido, founded in 724, and many other spots where you can feel the taste of history. In 1955, "Higashi-Toyonaga Village", "Nishi-Toyonaga Village", "Osugi Village", and "Amatsubo Village" merged to form "Otoyo Village", and the town was named after the "Dai" of Large cedar and the "Toyo" of Toyonaga. ■Recommended Sightseeing spots in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture ・Japanese cedar Great Cedar Tree Special Natural Monument of the country. With a circumference of 13.5 m and a height of 56 m, it is one of the largest giant trees in Japan, boasting an estimated age of 3,000 years, and is a symbol of Otoyo Town. There is also a Song Monument of singer Hibari Hibari Misora, and it is a popular Spot for fans. ・Buraku Temple Yakushido The Heian period architecture remains intact, and it is the only national treasure building in Kochi Prefecture. The hall, tucked away in the mountains, calms the hearts of those who visit. ・Kajika Forest Elevation Mountain Climbing Spot of 1,400 m. And Kajika Forest, a mountain villa at the 8th station, has an astronomical observatory and is popular for stargazing, camping, and trekking. ・Yone rice terraces Beautiful terraced rice fields that can be said to be the original scenery of Japan. The Water in Spring, the golden Rice Ears in autumn, and the superb scenery of the Four Seasons Unfolds. ・Yutorist Park Otoyo Spot where you can enjoy Barbecue and camping in Nature. It is also recommended for families and groups. ■Introduction to Roadside Stations in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The "Roadside Station Osugi" is very close to the Japanese cedar Great Cedar Tree, There is a is a convenient resting Spot where you can get Local Specialty products and Tourist Information. Goishicha tea, ginburo beans, and other items unique to Otoyo Town are also available. ■ Gourmet and specialty products introduced at a roadside station in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture 【Gourmet】 ・Tachikawa Soba Hand-made Country Soba with a high aroma of 100% Soba flour. You can taste it at Meals or Roadside Station in the In the town. ・Konchin A simple local sweets that makes use of the flavor of burdock. It is a nostalgic taste of home. 【Specialty products】 ・Goishicha tea Tea made by completely fermenting tea leaves. Ands has a unique sour taste and aroma, and it is also attracting the attention of health-conscious people. ・Ginburo beans A rare bean that is said to be a symbol of longevity. It is processed into boiled beans and Japanese sweets, and is perfect as a souvenir. ・Yuzu products Ponzu sauce and jam made with yuzu harvested in Otoyo Town are popular. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ■Events and festivals in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture ・Adonis Flower Festival 【Held in period: mid-February to early March】 It is festival to be Held in at the time when the town flower "Adonis Ramosa Flower" reaches its Best time to visit. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the flowery village. ・Otaguchi Yakushi Summer Festival, Noryo Fireworks Display 【Held in: August 19】 In addition to a variety of programs such as accordion playing, hula dancing, and Yosakoi Naruko Dance, the summer night will be colored by a fireworks festival. ・Segaki Lantern Floating 【Held in: August】 The shape varies from region to region, but it is a fantastic Buddhist event in which bamboo is erected in the center of a boat-shaped lantern and 200~300 lanterns are lit around it. ■To Otoyo Town, where Nature and culture come to life Spring flowers, summer starry sky, autumn rice terraces, winter game dishes. Otoyo, where Nature and history and culture fuse, is an ideal destination where you can refresh your mind and body. Please come and look for the scenery and experiences that can only be encountered here. We will continue to Broadcasting the charm of Otoyo Town, so please follow us!

✨🍴Hiroshima Prefecture — New Restaurant News🍴✨ In spring 2025, a new cozy kominka café opened in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍 Its name is “Tsuchinoko-tei.” Owner Yuki Watanabe, together with her husband and local friends, spent a year renovating the old house, and it has finally opened. Built in Taisho 5 (1916), the 110-year-old kominka blends seamlessly into Shobara’s landscape. The recommended dish is Tsuchinoko-tei’s homemade ramen (750 yen à la carte / 900 yen with coffee). The soy-sauce–based broth offers a comforting richness that appeals to all ages. The handmade chashu is light and easy to eat. The husband, Ippei, is in charge of the cooking; his experience working in restaurants inspired this homemade ramen. Also popular is the daily set meal, limited to 10 servings per day (1,000 yen / +200 yen with coffee). Going forward, they plan to use locally grown Shobara green onions and eggs and vegetables from their home garden. They are also planning to add a bath and sauna on the property, plus accommodations, a BBQ area, and karaoke space — so stay tuned for future developments! 😍✨ For more details about Tsuchinoko-tei, please visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website, the official tourism site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture ✅

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. The azaleas in front of the hall were very beautiful. 🌺

Ohori Park Tombi dancing in the blue sky

Underwater Torii (shrine gate) gate in Tara Town I took it at twilight! The contrast of red, blue, and yellow is a nice match

In search of cherry blossoms, I went to Kairakuen Garden in Water City, Ibaraki Prefecture. What I found there was the beauty of a gorgeous garden.

Photographed on April 7, 25. CAFE ANDON's Moke Chocolate and Strawberry Butter Sandwich. 🍓 On warm days, terrace seating is also good.

The nemophila field in 138 Tower Park is 🤤 in full bloom This is a nemophila field Located in in Aichi Prefecture. Flowers can be enjoyed here regardless of the season. It's even better 🤤 if you put the 138 tower, which is a symbol

#001 Nice to meet you! This is the Tonomachi Tourism Association. Tonomachi belongs to Koyu District in Miyazaki Prefecture and is located in the central region of the prefecture. You can Unfolds the Hinata Nada to the east and Mt. Osuzu, which has been selected as a Two Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan, to the west. In addition, it is said to be a "town of mountains, waterfalls and fruits", and it is a town rich not only in Nature, but also in agricultural, livestock and marine products! In the Account of the "Tonomachi Tourism Association", we will Broadcasting Information that will make you want to go to Tonomachi, so please look forward to it! Since this is my first post, I would like to tell you what kind of town Tsunomachi is, Information I would like to introduce you to us, the Tonomachi Tourism Association. 【Access to Tonomachi】 🛫 🚗 By plane By Automobile Haneda → Miyazaki about 1 hour and a half From Fukuoka about 4 hours Itami → Miyazaki about 1 hour From Kumamoto about 3 hours Fukuoka → Miyazaki about 40 minutes from Kagoshima about 2 and a half hours From Miyazaki Airports 🚋About 1 hour to Tono Station on the JR Nippo Main Line 🚗 Use the Higashi Kyushu Expressway to Tono IC for about 1 hour and 10 minutes [What kind of town is Tonomachi?] 】 ◆ First of all, I will introduce what kind of town Tonomachi is! With a total population of about 9,300 people (April 2025), the production of agricultural and livestock products is very active. Currently, we are taking on the challenge of land-based aquaculture called the Water Industry Dream Future Project, and we are also putting our efforts into revitalizing the water industry. In addition, there are many historical places such as the History Shrine "Hyuga Kuni Ichinomiya Tono Shrine", which is listed in the "Enki Shiki" Shinto Name Book, and the valuable residence "Akagi Family Residence", which was used as a Accommodation for Lords and Shogunate officials during the Edo period. In addition, on August 1 and 2 every year, the largest summer Events in Tsunomachi, the "Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival" is held, and the In the town is parade with gold Mikoshi and Float from the four towns. It is a festival that attracts many tourists not only from In the town, but also from outside the town and There are prefecture. ◆Town Tree, Ginkgo, Town Flower, Osuzu Kanran, Town Bird, Mejiro [About the history of Tonomachi] ◆ Next, I would like to introduce a little history of Tonomachi. The current Tono Town was formed by the merger of Tsunomachi and Kawakita Village in 1889 (Meiji 22), and the Tokyo Farming Village was established. Thirty-one years later, in 1920 (Taisho 9)), the town system was enforced, and in 2020 (Reiwa 2)), it celebrated the 100th anniversary of the enforcement of the town system. Currently, Kawakita is used for the large letters of Tonomachi from the remnants of that time. 【Sightseeing spots in Tonomachi】 ◆Next is the Sightseeing spot of Tonomachi. There are many Famous Sightseeing spots and surprisingly unknown Sightseeing spots in Tonomachi. In this article, we will introduce two of the best of them. (1) Hyuga Kuni Ichinomiya Miyano Shrine Adored by the Town residents as "Ichinomiya Shrine", it is indispensable for talking about Miyazaki mythology. It is the Ichinomiya Miyano Shrine in Hyuga Province. Precincts have a solemn air and you can feel the power. It is said that six years before Emperor Jimmu ascended to the throne, he stopped by this place on his way to the east to pray for national peace, Ocean tranquility, and good luck Nagahisa, and enshrined the God of worship. And there are Benefits such as "Prosperity in business" because "Ooanamuchinomikoto," which is a divine virtue, gave birth to many wives and had many children with them, "peace of illness" because he established medical laws and helped many people, and "Prosperity in business" in Other. (2) Roadside Station Opened in 2013 (2013 (Heisei 25)) with the aim of revitalizing the town that was devastated by the foot-and-mouth disease of 2010 (2010 (Heisei 22)), "Roadside Station" has a variety of Fresh and delicious ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and seafood that the "capital of agriculture" Tonomachi is proud of. In addition, Original products made with Local ingredients are also sold at this "Roadside Station", and among them, the popular NO.1 "Tomato Twist Fried" is a product that has repeat customers not only from within the In the town, but also from outside the town and prefecture! The "Roadside Station" filled with the charm of Tonomachi is worth visiting! 【Specialty products Gourmet of Tonomachi】 Next is the Specialty products and Gourmet of Tonomachi! Specialty products and gourmet foods including Many agricultural and livestock products exist in Tonomachi. This time, we will introduce three of them! (1) Tomato Tonomachi is the perfect environment for growing tomatoes! Water from the Osuzu Mountains, sea breeze from Hyuga-nada, and warm climate are exquisite. In addition, there are various types of tomatoes in Tonomachi, such as "Nigo 25," which is ordered from all over the country, and "Frutica," which boasts a honey-like sweetness, and it is good to and them! (2) Grapes More than 30 varieties of grapes are grown in Tonomachi. There are various types of There are such as Shine muscat, Sunny Roux ju, and Kyoho grapes, but in recent years it has also been called black muscat, and as the name suggests, the variety "Suzuka" that spreads a refreshing taste and flavor like muscat in the mouth is also noteworthy! (3) Tono Wine Speaking of the grapes introduced above、、、 wine! Commitment to using 100% Osuzu grapes (around Tonomachi) as raw materials, it is a wine that allows you to feel the climate of Tono. In 2004, a rosé wine made from the Campbell Early variety was selected as one of the "100 Best Wines in the World" by the Wine Report, and many other wines have won numerous awards both in Japan and abroad. Tono's wines are not limited to Japan, but there are many delicious wines that attract repeat customers from overseas! 【Tonomachi Tourism Association】 ◆ Finally, I would like to touch on the tourism association. We, the Tonomachi Tourism Association, are engaged in various activities such as promoting Tonomachi using social media and other means, and preparing and operating In the town Events. Recently, we have been renting out the Osuzu campsite on Mt. Osuzu and renting out electric cars. At Cool Japan, we will do our best to Broadcasting the charm of Tonomachi and provide Information that you can enjoy when you come for sightseeing, so Best regards!

Photographed on April 7, 25. This is a hot sandwich of CAFE ANDON's stick chicken.

Go to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture in May! 🏃 Have you already decided where to go for Golden Week? Here are five events currently taking place or planned in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. (In no particular order) Please join any events that catch your interest 😍 1. 31st Ancient Tatara Ironmaking: Recreating Japan’s Traditional Steelmaking Technique Since the opening of the National Bihoku Hillside Park in 1995, the community-led "Ancient Tatara Ironmaking" project has been held continuously; this year marks its 31st edition. We continue this work to pass down the tatara steelmaking technique, a symbol of the Chugoku Mountain region’s culture, to the next generation. Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 Venue: Hiba-no-Sato Ancient Tatara Workshop, National Bihoku Hillside Park Details: We will recreate the full process of the ancient Japanese steelmaking technique tatara steelmaking, using the kera pressing method to extract kera—the raw material that becomes tamahagane, the high-quality steel used for Japanese swords and other premium blades. [Instructors] Holder of the Selected Preservation Technique 'Tamahagane Production (tatara blowing)' — Murashita Shoku (chief tatara operator) and Kaoru Horio (堀尾 薫; overall supervisor). Participants: Around 100 people (including general participants and partner organizations) Fee: Free to observe (park admission fee required separately) Note: Paid overnight two-day hands-on experience reservations have closed. Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 2. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring This annual event lets visitors tour gardens ranging from imaginative home plots to authentic Japanese gardens, where seasonal flowers are in bloom. Dates: Saturday, May 10–Sunday, June 15, 2025 Times: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00 Venue: Various locations in Shobara City Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office, Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) (inside Satoyama Station Shobara Furari, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-0173 FAX: 0824-75-0172 For the latest information, check the official Shobara Flower Conference website or the Instagram account @satoyamaopengarden. 3. Shobara Satoyama Marche at Hiroshima Station From April 2025 this event will be held on the third Wednesday of every month! Operated by JR West Properties, Roadside Station Takano, and Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), this market at Hiroshima Station’s north exit on the first floor offers fresh vegetables, processed goods, and seasonal ingredients from the popular Roadside Station Takano in Takano Town, Shobara City. Visitors come every month looking forward to this market—be sure to stop by at least once. Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 11:00–15:00 Venue: Hiroshima Station North Exit, 1st floor, next to ekie Kitchen (1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Roadside Station Takano TEL 0824-86-3131 4. Bihoku Flower Picnic (Now On) The Bihoku Flower Picnic is taking place at the National Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. ✨ Spring flowers such as daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila will reach their best viewing times during the period. There are also many spring-themed workshops and local spring cooking events, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Note: Flowering conditions may vary depending on weather and temperatures. Dates: Through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 9:30–17:00 (park entry until 16:00) Venue: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Fees: Regular and light vehicles 400 yen, large vehicles 1,200 yen, motorcycles 200 yen Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 5. Sakura Shokudo Children’s Day Marche Sakura Shokudo, which opened new in December 2024, is a farm-run eatery inside the Shokusai-kan Shobara Yume Sakura Hall and is operated directly by Shigehara Farm. To celebrate Children’s Day on Monday, May 5, the marche will bring together delightful and delicious vendors from inside and outside Shobara and Miyoshi Cities. A kids’ space will also be available for children to enjoy. Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday) Time: 10:00–16:00 Venue: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-4516 Notes: ・Exhibitors may change, so please be aware in advance. ・Admission is free, but workshops, hands-on activities, and purchases are chargeable. ・Please take your trash home with you. That’s five recommended events for May! For more details, please see the Events list on the Shobara Tourist Navi, the official tourism information site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍

Photographed on April 7, 25. During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from CAFE ANDON's terrace seats.

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.