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 100 Best Local Products [Crafts] "Kanagawa’s 100 Best Local Products" is a selection made by Kanagawa Prefecture from crafts, processed foods, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery products nurtured by Kanagawa’s traditions and climate. It is chosen based on recommendations from residents and various organizations, with the goal of widely promoting the prefecture’s tourist attractions both inside and outside the prefecture and contributing to tourism development. The first selection took place in fiscal 1985, and a reselection was carried out in fiscal 2006. More than ten years have passed since the previous selection, and with changes in tourist demand, a new "Kanagawa’s 100 Best Local Products" has been chosen. New additions include attractive items aimed at inbound visitors and popular local gourmet specialties, all of which will be widely promoted as important resources for showcasing Kanagawa’s appeal. ・Yokohama Scarf A 100% silk scarf distinguished by world-class hand-screen printing and meticulous sewing. Basic information about this product can be found here <Shops Where This Product Is Available> Yokohama Silk Museum Shop Association We offer a selection of "Yokohama Scarves" produced with 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 Ward, Yokohama City Phone: 045-681-5861 Yokohama Studio Bashamichi Kannai Shop Selling Yokohama scarves and works by Yokohama hand-printing and dyeing craftsmen. Hours: 11:00–18:30 Regular holiday: Sunday Address: Kannai Hall 1F, No. 3, 4-42-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City Phone: 045-227-8226 Mariage Yokohama Bay Sheraton Shop Sells Yokohama scarves displayed in the underground passage of the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel. Address: Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers 1F, 1-3-23 Kitasaiwai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City 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.

Isehara Flower Report 2.19 A rainy day in Isehara. With the mild weather, flowers are starting to bloom all over. - Kawazu-zakura along Shibutagawa River…starting to bloom - Kawazu-zakura at Maruyama Castle Park…in full bloom - Plum trees at the Sports Park…in full bloom - Plum trees at Hinata Yakushi…about half bloomed - Okame-zakura along Oyama Shinmichi…buds The forecast doesn’t look great this week, so I worry whether the flowers will hold out until the next sunny day, but let’s hope we can take photos under a blue sky!

Haruichiban🌸 This photo was taken at the Matsudayama Herb Garden in Kanagawa Prefecture. Both the Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape blossoms are already in full bloom and crowded with many people! As for the parking lot, we recommend 😆 that you park near Matsuda Station Until next week, it will continue, so be sure to visit!

Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Local Products [Crafts] "Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Local Products" is a selection made by Kanagawa Prefecture to promote its tourist appeal both within and beyond the prefecture and to contribute to tourism development. From crafts, processed foods, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery products nurtured by Kanagawa’s traditions and natural environment, the prefecture selects items recommended by residents and various organizations. The first selection took place in fiscal 1985, and a re-selection was conducted in fiscal 2006. More than ten years have passed since the last selection, and as visitor needs have changed, a new "Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Local Products" has now been chosen. We have added attractive items that appeal to inbound tourists as well as locally popular specialty foods, and we will widely promote these as important resources for showcasing Kanagawa’s charm. Yokosuka Sukajan Yokosuka City Craft A jumper originating on Dobuita Street. It is characterized by flashy embroidery inspired by Japanese motifs such as eagles, tigers, and dragons. Here is the basic information for this product Where to buy this product MIKASA An established sukajan shop founded in 1952 Address: 2-7 Honcho, Yokosuka City Phone: 046-823-0312 Prince Shokai A specialist sukajan shop on Dobuita Street Address: 2-4 Honcho, Yokosuka City Phone: 046-822-3907

Kamakura Thirteen Buddhas Pilgrimage Executive Committee】 13th Edition (2024) Ume Kamakura Special Visits (Notice) From Wednesday, February 14, 2024 to Wednesday, March 27, 2024, special visits will be held at Kamakura’s temples and shrines: limited-entry visits by application, first-come first-served same-day registration visits (no application required), free visits (no application required), and guided Kamakura Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimage tours led by monks. Would you like to experience the unique charm of temples and shrines in early spring, with the scent of plum blossoms drifting through Kamakura? Temples and shrines marked [Application Required] may be visited only by those who applied (a participation certificate will be mailed). Please note that temples and shrines marked [Same-Day Registration] also have capacity limits. (Kaizo-ji’s special visit is a free visit and has no capacity limit.) * Applications for “special visits by application” are accepted by reply-paid postcard only. * The application deadline is eight days before each event date (the reply-paid postcard must reach the executive committee by that time). * Please refrain from contacting individual temples and shrines.

[Fujiya Hotel] Limited-time sale until Thursday, February 29: “Petite Pomme” and “Hakone Anzan Ensemble”! Fujiya Hotel has launched a limited-time sale of two collaborative items—“Petite Pomme” and “Hakone Anzan Ensemble”—created with students from Kanrei Shirayuri Gakuen High School, at the Bakery & Sweets Picot. The sale runs from Saturday, January 27, 2024, through Thursday, February 29, 2024. Supporting the school’s PBL (Project Based Learning) program, this collaboration came together through shared commitment to the initiative. Under the theme “Develop a new specialty to turn Gen Z into repeat visitors,” students and the hotel’s bakery chefs held repeated discussions. From the first meeting, it took about six months to reach the product launch. Prototype items were sold at the school festival, and, based on questionnaire feedback, the products were further refined. The students’ opinions guided improvements to the recipe, pricing, and promotional methods, shaping the final commercial breads. Please enjoy these items born from a collaboration between students with fresh, next-generation sensibilities and the reliably developed flavors Fujiya Hotel has refined over many years. [Sales location] Fujiya Hotel Bakery & Sweets Picot [Sales period] Limited time only: Saturday, January 27, 2024–Thursday, February 29, 2024 [Hours] 9:00–17:00

Yugawara Plum Grove “Ume no Utage” Festival!! Yugawara’s plum grove, considered the country’s finest and set against the majestic foot of Mt. Makuyama, a geosite, makes the most of the area’s beautiful natural setting. About 4,000 red and white plum trees bloom across Yugawara Plum Grove like a carpet of blossoms, filling the park with a faint plum fragrance. The sight of the landscape covered in red-and-white plums takes your breath away. [Event Period] Saturday, February 3 to Sunday, March 10, 2024 [Location] Makuyama Park [Admission] 200 yen (ages 15 and up; excluding junior high school students) ※Guests staying at town lodging facilities may be eligible for free admission. (Please check with your lodging facility.) ※Presenting a Yugawara Town resident card also grants free admission.

Odawara Flower Garden 2024 Gather, kimono lovers! Become a kimono-clad lady in a plum-blossom garden Easily transform with our kimono rental and dressing service. Families and friends are very welcome to join! Guests who arrive in kimono on the day will also enjoy special perks! Enjoy the region’s largest collection of plum varieties in Kanto and celebrate spring in splendid traditional Japanese attire.

Odawara Flower Garden 2024 Plum Festival ~About 300 varieties and 500 plum trees in full bloom~ The Keiryu Plum Garden is a vivid plum grove planted with about 300 varieties and 500 flowering plum trees, from early bloomers to late bloomers, boasting one of the largest selections of varieties in the Kanto region. This year’s theme is “The Shapes of Flowers — The Individual Charms Created by Petals.” We introduce the differences in flower shapes and blooming styles by variety. Please enjoy the delicate beauty of the plum blossoms. Focus on Red Plums in 2024! This year’s theme is “Red Plum — The Brilliant Flower Plum,” highlighting red-plum varieties. The difference between red plums and white plums is not the flower color but the color of the pith when the tree’s trunk is cut. This year we focus on this lesser-known way to tell them apart and on the characteristics of red plums. Enjoy the appeal of red plums through the quiz rally and informational panels installed throughout the plum garden.

[Yokohama Textile Promotion Association] Kanagawa Silk Fair (Notice) We look forward to welcoming you with a packed lineup of activities♪ ◆Event period: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 to Tuesday, March 19, 2024 ◆Time: 11:00–17:00 ◆Venue: Silk Center 1st floor special exhibition area Yokohama Scarf Sale Event hall B1F ◆Event details ★Scarf-tying workshop Participation fee: Free Capacity: 10 people per session [Advance registration available] Wednesday, March 13 to Monday, March 18 13:00–14:00 / 15:00–16:00 Two sessions per day We will teach simple, stylish arrangements you can use with your everyday outfits. [No scarves will be provided for loan. Please bring your own.] ★Personal color consultation Participation fee: Free About 15 minutes per person [Advance registration available] Wednesday, March 13 to Monday, March 18 11:30–14:00 / 15:00–16:30 Discovering the colors that suit you makes fashion more fun. ★Dyeing experience: Make an original scarf / Hand-print stencil dyeing set experience Participation fee: 1,500 yen (fabric fee only) [Advance registration available] Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 11:30–14:00 / 15:00–16:30 Create an original scarf in your favorite colors while trying dyeing techniques. Hand-print experience: live demonstration of stencil dyeing. ★Silk scarf eco-bag making — Azuma-bukuro (traditional wrap bag) Participation fee: 1,000 yen (silk fabric fee only) [Advance registration available] Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 11:30–14:00 / 15:00–16:30 Make a simple eco-bag using a silk scarf. ★Scarf grip making Participation fee: 500–1,000 yen (materials only) [Advance registration available] Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 11:30–14:00 / 15:00–16:30 Enjoy easy scarf styling using rings. ★Photo session with the 11th Yokohama Scarf Goodwill Ambassador and Naka Ward character Swingy On-the-day registration Sunday, March 17 13:30–14:00 / 15:00–15:30 ◆Registration & Inquiries Sumiyoshi-cho 1-13, Naka Ward, Yokohama City Attn: Matsumura Kabuuchi 080-1273-7804