At last, on April 1, 2024, the Lake Suwa Cycling Road has been completed. The route circles Lake Suwa for about 16 km. This lake has long been loved by local people. I remember when I was in sixth grade, my friends and I rode our bikes around the lake for the first time. I think many locals have their own first-time Lake Suwa cycling stories. Now that the path has been newly improved, it should be easier to ride and offer lovely scenery. I’m getting more excited about sunny weekend rides! #LINEBREAK###"No way, I’m not ready to own a bike yet…" "What kind of bike should I get now?" If you’re wondering that, or asking "What’s an electric-assist bicycle like?", why not take this chance to rent a bike around Lake Suwa and enjoy a relaxed ride with your family or friends? ※Please check each provider’s website for closing days and business hours. ・Activity Base Cogue ・JBT Suwa Rent-a-Cycle ・Lake Suwa Rental Cycle ・SUWA Glass Village #LINEBREAK###Electric-assist bicycles make climbing hills easy! You can even ride to the famous Tateishi Park and to Kirigamine Highland, a pride of Suwa, by bike!!! With the completion of the Lake Suwa Cycling Road, please consider bringing your own bike to ride around the lake or renting an electric-assist bicycle to challenge the full loop of Lake Suwa and Kirigamine Highland! If you get tired, there are parks, cafes, and footbaths♪ I don’t think many places in Japan are blessed with such facilities. Cafes and parks along cycling routes are common, but footbaths are rare, I think. If you bring a towel, you can use a footbath easily. It will blow away your fatigue♨ Also, do you know about Swaichi? If you cycle around Lake Suwa and take photos of three spots in Suwa, Shimosuwa, and Okaya with your smartphone, then go in person to the tourist information centers at kamisuwa station, shimosuwa station, or okaya station and show the three photos, you will receive a Swaichi certificate and a commemorative badge (badge color cannot be chosen). Try this challenge with your children or friends. It’s a great way to mark a Lake Suwa circuit and make a memory with Swaichi! ※Photo courtesy of Activity Base Cogue The seventh photo is my favorite scenic spot!!! See if you can find it!

Nagikama Shrine⛩ The other day I visited Nagikama Shrine on Kirigamine for the first time. Last year I heard about Nagikama Shrine, which had replaced its wooden torii with a stone monument, and I had planned to visit after the snow melted. A passing comment from my wife, who loves Kirigamine, finally prompted us to go. As someone who loves the Onbashira festival, I’ve grown fond of visiting shrines, and I had long wanted to see Nagikama Shrine, so I took my camera and headed for Kirigamine at last. We parked in the lot below the ski area and followed directions toward the Glider Museum, but unsure of the way and hesitating, I spotted a small sign in front of the museum reading Nagikama Shrine 0.5 km and followed it. It felt a bit farther than expected. Together with my wife and our two children, we walked for several minutes, enjoying Kirigamine’s nature, until we saw the stone monument marking Nagikama Shrine. As a shrine, a torii would feel more fitting, but the stone monument had its own charm. The approach was neatly covered with wood chips, making for a very pleasant walk. When we reached the small shrine, the view took my breath away. It was a scene that excited me like I hadn’t felt in a long time. The clear weather that day only amplified the spectacle. Below stretched the Suwa Basin, the serene Lake Suwa sat beautifully, the Central Alps rose ahead, the Northern Alps to the right, the Southern Alps to the left with sacred Mt. Fuji beside them, and Yatsugatake behind to the left. A shrine that offers a view of so many mountains at once may be rare in Japan, I thought.🏔 As a self‑declared Seeker of Suwa’s Best Views, this vista immediately made my list of top spots. Tateishi Park offers a sweeping view of the Suwa plain and is very scenic, but Nagikama sits at a higher elevation and has an indescribable beauty. I felt it would be a shame to keep this to myself, so I’m sharing it here. The shrine’s goshuin (stamp) is newly available, so anyone touring Suwa’s shrines or visiting Kirigamine should definitely stop by. If the weather is clear, you won’t regret it! ・Enshrined deities: Takeminakata no Okami, also known as Osuwa‑sama: god of martial valor and abundant harvests ・Oyamatsumi no Okami: god of industry and maritime affairs, and further revered as the ancestral deity of sake brewing ・Ashinazuchi no Okami and Tenazuchi no Okami ⇐ Kushinadahime: parents of Kushinadahime, wife of Susanoo no Mikoto A nagikama (a sacred implement shaped like a sickle) discovered at the ruins of the former Misayama is dedicated here. After the main pillars for the Onbashira are selected, the nagikama is hammered onto those pillars. Curiously, this practice occurs only on the Onbashira of Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine. The nagikama has a shape resembling a rooster’s head and is considered one of Suwa Taisha’s sacred treasures. The nagikama is enshrined inside the hokora, so please take a look along with the spectacular view. Suwa Taisha also offers nagikama amulets♪

Big NEWS!!! The “Gokuraku Set” from Suwa Gokura has been renewed and will be on sale from April 1, 2024🍶!!! The previous set let you enjoy tastings of four to five kinds of sake at each brewery and included a special drawstring pouch and glass. This hugely popular offering has reopened with a refresh!!! In the renewed version, each of the five breweries adds an original special sticker, and the stickers come on backing cards so the collection becomes like a goshuincho (shrine-stamp book) marking visits to all five breweries! It also supports inbound foreign tourists: as a purchase bonus you get access to a digital map in Japanese, English, and Chinese. This digital map even includes sightseeing information around Kamisuwa Station and locations for evacuation and disaster preparedness!!! It’s been greatly upgraded! And for lovers of sake🍶 and stickers, it’s irresistible♪ After your trip, you can relive the memories with your five-brewery sticker book! The new Gokuraku Set is renewed from April 1, 2024, priced at 3,000 yen including tax, and available for purchase at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside Kamisuwa Station!!! Local residents and travelers to Suwa alike—please take this opportunity to enjoy it!

As many of you know, Lake Suwa is famous for its omiwatari, but are you also aware of another mysterious natural phenomenon called yosehyo? Lake Suwa often experiences strong winds in winter, and yosehyo occurs when ice that has formed but not completely frozen cracks and the ice sheets are driven by strong winds onto the shore. This phenomenon appears on large lakes and does not occur in constantly flowing rivers. The ice sheets can look like huge shards of glass, piling up in layers to create a magical scene. The ice also looks especially beautiful when it reflects sunlight. Take a walk and photograph the scene, or experience the enchanting winter of Lake Suwa while running or walking. The omiwatari has not appeared for six years, including last winter. Neither yosehyo nor omiwatari is guaranteed to appear every year. That is why the Suwa Tourist Association streams live video on its website during the winter. We strongly recommend checking those live streams before you visit. ◎ Also, even if the lake is frozen, walking on the ice is extremely dangerous because you could fall into Lake Suwa. Please follow proper manners and view the ice from a safe location.

TV Asahi's 'Jun Sanpo' Junji Takada Takes a Further Stroll Through Isehara Japan Heritage! The spectacular Mt. Ooyama revered by Edo townspeople as the 'Mountain of the Gods' Worship pleasures, souvenirs and gourmet treats abound along the Koma approach This week, on Monday and Tuesday, two full days showcased the charms of Mt. Ooyama. After walks around Tsurumaki Onsen and Tokai University-mae, the Isehara episode aired further on Friday, May 24. ◇ Program Content "With every step, a new encounter is born…" Junji Takada explores the town freely under the theme "one step, one meeting (ippo ichi e)" ◇ Cast [Cast] Junji Takada Broadcast Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024, 9:55–10:25 Program Summary: Junji Takada strolls through Isehara ▽ A treasure trove of fresh ingredients! Touring ranches in this agricultural belt close to the city ▽ Hugely popular as hometown tax return gifts! Exquisite hamburg steak ▽ Quiz face-off featuring classic car-shaped sweets *Photo: View from the lower shrine of Ōyama Afuri Shrine (This is not footage from the program) Be sure to record it so you don't miss the show! And please come experience Isehara—with its spectacular views, souvenirs, and gourmet offerings— see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, feel it on your skin, and enjoy visiting the filming locations!!

The question is, do you know where this is?? It's a lot of northern Kanto lol.

Japan's largest poppy field This is a poppy field in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Famous as the largest poppy field in Japan, it has 12.5 hectares and 30 million poppies are in full bloom. It was started by local people. It has now become such a popular tourist destination that it is even organized on tours 🤤

Water lilies Fascinated by the vividness of colors It will be a photo with the camera pointed at it. Mie Prefecture Matsusaka Agricultural Park Bell Farm

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan's proud history? Is it traditional performing arts, historical buildings, or the food culture of Shomata Japan? Among them, I would like to recommend this "night view" Each building, big or small, has a history and a memory Buildings and houses are demolished due to the deterioration of buildings, and new buildings are constructed through the development of the city. Through such a history, the night view has changed The scenery you see now may change again in a few years I think it is no exaggeration to say that the "night view" where you can see such changes in history is also a history that Japan is proud of Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido New Three Great Night Views

Photographed 5/20/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 5/20/24. This is an exhibition of the Kawagoe Prince Hotel. Umbrellas and hydrangeas are suitable for the coming season. Yesterday, I took a walk in Kawagoe in the rain, and it was quite fun.

Notice of Suspension of Ooyama Cable Car Service for Regular Inspection We apologize for the inconvenience to anyone planning a trip on the dates below, and ask for your cooperation. Service suspension period: Monday, June 3, 2024 – Friday, June 7, 2024 Monday, June 10, 2024 – Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (8 days) The cable car will operate normally on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. During the suspension, please use the Onnazaka hiking trail to reach Ooyamadera Temple and Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Ooyama Cable Station to Ooyamadera Temple. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. Note: You cannot reach Ooyamadera Temple via Otokozaka (the steep route). Inquiries: Ooyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. 0463-95-2135 Ooyama Cable Station 0463-95-2040

Chiba City Monorail The Chiba City Monorail connects the seaside area, the Central Tokyo area, and the Satoyama area of Chiba City. You can walk in the air in a vehicle with a sleek design. It has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world's longest operating distance 15.2 km as a "suspended monorail", and is a familiar presence Traditional Japanese straw raincoat Chiba City citizens. There is almost no noise or vibration, and the view is outstanding! Currently, the "1000 type" with the same design and the "0 type" that won the Good Design Award have been in operation since their opening in 1988. When you come to Chiba City, why don't you take a walk around the sightseeing Spot along the railway line, which has a variety of attractions, while taking a walk in the air?

Sky Tree dyed in the sunset This is Hirai Sports Park in Tokyo At this time of year, it is crowded with poppies 🤤 in full bloom This time, I layered poppies on the 📸 sunset You can 🤤 only see the collaboration with the world's best radio tower here

Photographed 5/15/24. This is Hanachozu from the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center in Kawagoe City. Here, too, there is Makuro Kurosuke. It's already hydrangea season.

National Yaho, a railroad crossing that will be abolished. It seems to be a shooting Spot, and enthusiasts often came to take pictures of the Nambu Line! I'm a little lonely

A little Spot on the supporting role

Tea plantation in the sky While being bitten by leeches, I went to the Observatory. I can't 😅 climb anymore Ibi-gun, Gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

The 34th Magatama Festival (Held in rain; program subject to change) Saturday, May 25, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, May 26, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) By train: Odakyu Odawara Line, Isehara Station From Isehara Station by bus Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Kurihara via Sekidai) → Get off at "Hibita Shrine" (about 15 minutes) → short walk Board at North Exit, Platform 4 (bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi) → Get off at "Sannomiya" (about 12 minutes) → about 5 minutes on foot Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Tsurumaki Onsen via Ozumidai) → Get off at "Gobe" (about 12 minutes) → about 12 minutes on foot By car About 5 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Isehara-Ooyama Interchange Organizer: Magatama Festival Executive Committee (0463-95-3237) A festival of culture and the arts held in Hibita no Mori, the birthplace of ancient culture A special stage will present a wide variety of performances and events. * Simultaneous special exhibition of archaeological materials (including Important Cultural Properties) (free) Featuring city-designated cultural properties such as items excavated from the Noborioyama Kofun Items excavated from Rachimen Kofun and Oneyama Kofun Bronze swords and horse fittings with gold plating over bronze, such as the kondo tandoryu-kan-ha (a single-dragon ring-hilt in gilt bronze) Numerous cultural properties excavated from surrounding ruins are preserved here Open 10:00 AM–4:00 PM At the Sannomiya Local History Museum (inside Hibita Shrine) * Magatama-making experience (materials fee required) At the parking area in front of Sanshuden (Fun Square) Enjoy local agricultural product sales, food trucks, and other stalls. "An Evening of Kangen and Bugaku" (first day, 25th, 5:10 PM–6:30 PM) The graceful dances performed to wind instrument music are well worth seeing! Kururin will also be there!!

Poppy field dyed in the morning glow This is Kokaigawa Fureai Park in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It seems that the best time to visit is from mid-May to early June every year. Poppies bloom on about 1.9 hectares of land. It was started by locals 20 years ago, and now many people visit to catch a glimpse.

Visited 5/15/24. café andon's ice café latte and cream puffs. For me, café andon's cream puffs are the most delicious.

Lets discover the feudal lord era of Toyama. Toyama Castle situated in the center of Toyama City. It was actually built in 1543 by the local feudal lord Sassa Narimasa. Unfortunately, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history.

Visited 5/15/24. This is a hot sandwich set of avocado shrimp from Cafe Andon. It has a lot of avocado and shrimp in it. 🦐🥑

The “2024 Spring Railway Exhibition” by the Atami Railway Enthusiasts Club will be held on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. This year centers on N-gauge (1/150 scale) model trains, running on two separate quadruple-track layouts measuring 13 meters and 8 meters each. Over 1,000 model vehicles will be on display, including Shinkansen, limited express trains, freight trains, and models of trains that serve Atami, with many vehicles handcrafted by club members. A popular miniature Plarail layout will also be set up by request. On the morning of the first day, May 25 only, and with the cooperation of JR East and Atami Station, there will be a coloring workshop, commemorative photos of children wearing stationmaster uniforms (photos to be taken by accompanying guardians), and free novelty giveaways. Please come with your family. 2024 Spring Railway Exhibition Date and Time: Saturday, May 25, 10:00–17:00; Sunday, May 26, 10:00–16:00 Venue: Ikiiki Plaza, 7th Floor, Multipurpose Conference Room Program: Public runs of model trains and Plarail, and a photo exhibition by club members (theme: “Flowers and Railways”) Morning of May 25 only: coloring corner (limited quantity), free novelty giveaways (limited quantity), commemorative photos of children in stationmaster uniforms Cooperation: JR East

Photographed 5/15/24. At the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center, Kawagoe's Styrofoam three-dimensional artist Kimio Yajima is holding a "Zenbu Frog Exhibition", so I went to see it. Frogs and Hanachozu. 🐸🌸

Photographed 5/15/24. This is Hanachozu from the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center.

Still active!

Photographed 5/15/24. This is Hanachozu from Goldfish Tei.

At an izakaya in Toyama. I don't need an explanation.

Photographed 5/15/24. This is Hanachozu from Goldfish Tei.