🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.3]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The third feature is―― “The Single Cherry Tree at Kōtokuji”! The site we present is Kōtokuji, the 9th temple on the Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage was modeled after the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites and forms a Buddhist pilgrimage route. You can enjoy a journey that visits eighty-eight temples scattered across Hokkaido while experiencing nature, culture, and faith. Kōtokuji, one of those temples, stands quietly in a calm setting, and in spring a magnificent single cherry tree blooms in full, delighting many visitors’ eyes🌸 The temple grounds also feature a small bronze bell called the “Bell of Prayer,” which anyone may ring freely🔔🎶 Its gentle sound will soothe the hearts of pilgrims and tourists alike. Although the cherry blossoms have already fallen, the tranquil, prayer-filled space of Kōtokuji offers a moment to center your mind regardless of the season. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please stop by as part of a pilgrimage or as a restful break on your journey🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit😊✨

"Aragi Island", a rare round-shaped terraced rice field in Wakayama Prefecture Shot on DJI MAVIC 3 JAPAN Wakayama 2024/6 * Notification is required for the flight of Aragi Island. * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

"Fairy Tale Village Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival Flower Migration Markets" Held in on May 18th! At "Moss Phlox Takikami Park", where the Moss phlox is in best time to visit, the "Flower Migration Markets" will be held in. Engaru Town will also participate in this Events along with Monbetsu City! Held in a photo session with local characters and a quiz contest (prizes will be won for those who answer correctly) at the venue on the day of the event. In addition, at the Engaru Town booth, Specialty products will be sold (Geo Ice, Black Noodles, Shirayosha Tenuki Rice Sauce Series, etc.) and a limited number of experiences (obsidian key chain making 500 yen charged). Events to take place in the view of a vast and wonderful flower field! Please come and visit us ♪ Date & Time: May 18 (Sun) 10:00~14:00 Venue: Moss Phlox Takikami Park (Motomachi, Takinoue Town, Monbetsu District)

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Guide vol.2]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The second pick is— “Sunflower Park Golf Course”! Set in wide open natural surroundings, this full-scale course boasts 36 holes certified by the International Park Golf Association, and many visitors were enjoying park golf there⛳🏌️‍♀️ At this time of year, Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees sway in the spring breeze and bloom beautifully, creating a luxurious experience where you can play and also enjoy hanami (flower viewing)🌸 Playing park golf while gazing at the blossoms is a wonderfully refreshing springtime pleasure😊 Rental equipment is also available, so it’s easy to drop by empty-handed—a feature visitors appreciate! This spot is popular not only with locals but also with tourists♪ After the cherry blossom season passes, you can still enjoy nature while being active, surrounded by fresh green foliage and fields of fully bloomed sunflowers. Why not spend a pleasant time feeling the refreshing breeze?🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit🎶

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.1]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 From this installment, we will introduce the sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! First up―― Kompira Park Campground! At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, Ezo-yamazakura reached peak bloom from the latter half of Golden Week🌸 This seasonal spectacle delights all who come to see it. Even better, the Kompira Park Campground is free to use! Many visitors enjoy it as a place where hanami and camping come together. Although the cherry blossoms have now finished, moss phlox will begin to bloom next! Why not take it easy and enjoy spring’s nature? 😊 We look forward to your visit!

[Fujikawa Town Furusato Nozei tax payment thank-you gift] Anime Classics Anisong Fireworks Fujikawa Town performance became a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. For details, please check the Hometown Choice or Rakuten Furusato Nozei Tax Payment website. Held in: Saturday, July 5 Held in Place: Fujikawa Town Ikii Kiss Ports Park

Cherry blossoms have opened in Kimobetsu Town, and the weather has warmed. More people are playing outside and going for walks! Kimobetsu Town Park is a nature-rich park in Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Its expansive grounds feature a high-rope climbing course and wooden athletic playground equipment, offering fun for children and adults alike. The park also includes a 36-hole park golf course, where you can enjoy sports while gazing at MtShiribetsu rising before you. Clubs are available for rent, so you can easily play during a drive. Why not spend a relaxing time in nature at Kimobetsu Town Park? Kimobetsu Town Park Location: Aikawa, Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido Phone: 0136-33-2211 (Kimobetsu Town Office)

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Moss Phlox Park" on May 13th. The moss phlox and tulips are almost in full bloom and are in best time to visit. Many people come to see it ♪ Address: Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido

Wakazono Park Rose Garden 2-4 Masago, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture Admission is free! During the rose season, I look forward to the rose garden in Wakazono Park every year. The view from there was spectacular. It is in full bloom twice a year, from the beginning of May to the beginning of June and from late October to mid-November.

"Hooray! ｣

【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 12 — 🌸】 The submission period finally ends today, Sunday, May 11. We’re showcasing entries to “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025,” currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.💪❤️‍🔥 @hanpenpen2022 @goto0619 (in no particular order) This time’s photos show the Akebono azaleas on Mt. Futagami and the white flowers in Kuraoka…what kind of flowers are those, I wonder?🤔 Everyone clearly knows well when and where different flowers bloom, and many have personal memories and attachments to these blooms. Those feelings seem to shine through in the photos — they’re truly lovely.✨ -------------------------------------------------------------------- “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” also ends today, Sunday, May 11!👏 If you meant to enter but haven’t yet, don’t miss the chance — submit before you forget!💡❗ ≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... 【Period】From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other terms and conditions appear on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

I didn't expect the way home after drinking to be so bright.

Tailor Ride Experience on the Arao Tidal Flats! Come and enjoy the Arao tidal flats with their beautiful scenery, sea breeze, and ocean scent. Ride a “tailor,” a vehicle used in Ariake Bay, and experience driving across the Arao tidal flats! A tailor is a rototiller fitted with a cargo bed, used for nori farming and clam harvesting. You can also enjoy observing creatures like crabs and hermit crabs! Advance registration is required for this experience! Registration opens on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Don’t forget your rubber boots!!! Meeting place: Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl and Wetland Center Duration: About 50 minutes from the pre-ride briefing to disembarking (ride time about 10 minutes each way) Fees: Adults (high school students and older) 1,000 yen, junior high and elementary school students 600 yen, preschoolers free. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. How to apply: Apply by phone to the Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl and Wetland Center ☏0968-57-7444 Registration start date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 One application covers up to six people per representative, and you cannot change the scheduled date after applying. Please apply again if you need a different date. ・Please bring rubber boots. If you do not have rubber boots, you will not be allowed to ride the tailor. ・The event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. If lightning occurs, the event will be canceled even during the activity.

🌼 Azalea Mountain Park 🌼 in Toyono Best time to visit this weekend!! *Photo taken on May 8 We are updating the flowering Information in Nagano City on our Home page!

At the Arao Omoyai Civic Flowerbed, rose viewing events take place twice a year in spring and autumn! Location: Beside Arao City Oshima Purification Center (Oshima 4-chome 1-73, Arao City) Admission: Free Opening hours April to September 7:00–18:00 (Roses typically bloom from late April through June) October to March 7:00–17:00 (Roses typically bloom from late October through November) Notes for visitors There are no restrooms on the grounds. Be careful: the ground can become muddy in rainy weather. Access Due to the extension work on the Ariake Coastal Road, the entrance and exit for the Omoyai Civic Flowerbed will be changed from January 9, 2024 (Reiwa 6) for the time being. Please take care when visiting. Follow the directions on the on-site information boards for passage.

Josenji Temple with Azaleas in Bloom In spring, Josenji Temple bustled with many cherry-blossom viewers.🌸 Now the petals have fallen, and the weeping cherry trees with fresh green leaves are beautiful.✨ Azaleas bloom across the temple grounds, and the contrast between the new greenery and the vermilion flowers is delightful.😆

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Moss Phlox Park" on May 7th. The cherry blossoms are almost in full bloom. The flowering area of moss phlox is expanding day by day. Tulips also started earlier. There is only a short period of time when all three species of flowers can be seen at once.

"Just a little more! ｣ There is a snack at the end of the line of sight...

【🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photo Submissions Part 11 🌸】 It’s been a while, but we’re resuming introductions of the works submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025,” currently hosted on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🤩💫 @sayasyoto They submitted many photos of the rhododendrons at Mikasho Shrine and a rare bamboo called kikkouchiku.✨ They also showcased the beauty of the leaves remaining on the cherry trees after blooming.🌸🌿 Since we can, please enjoy comparing these with the cherry blossom photos we introduced earlier.☺️💕 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Now then, the long-running “#Gokase Hanami 2025” is finally in its final stretch.💪💡 The event runs through Sunday, May 11, so if you took flower photos in Gokase during Golden Week, please do submit them.🤗✨ ≪#How to Enter Gokase Hanami 2025 ≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post flower photos taken within Gokasecho to Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Period: From Thursday, March 20, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

Azaleas in full bloom in front of the palace The ruins of the former Saijo Domain Jinya (now Saijo Prefectural High School) The contrast between the azaleas at the edge of the moat and the water surface is attractive. From the end of this month, the irises will be in best time to visit. If there are no clouds, you can see Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. In the surrounding area, there is the modernist Ehime Folk Crafts Museum, the Township Museums, and the Glory Church, and the Otemon gate and stone walls from the Edo period are also and integrated into the cityscape. The edge of the moat is about 800 meters in circumference. It is recommended for walking. 〒793-0023 234 Akiyashiki, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture About a 20-minute walk from Iyo Saijo Station. (Bicycle rental is available at the sightseeing exchange center Soba the station) About 15 minutes by Car from Iyo Saijo IC, 7km. About 20 minutes by Car from Iyokomatsu IC, 11km.

Mount Jōnen as seen from Azumino under a stretch of clear weather If you look closely, you can spot the snow pattern called “Jōnenbō” on the mountain’s slope Can you make out the figure of a monk wearing a kasaya robe and carrying a sake flask? People long ago used this snow pattern as a seasonal cue for tasks such as sowing seeds and planting rice seedlings, weaving it into their daily lives Azumino is now just entering the rice-planting season

Golden Week finally starts tomorrow🎌!! Here is a roundup of events taking place in Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture🙌 We present the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 and the Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓✨ Be sure to stretch your Golden Week plans to include a visit to Reihoku this year! ~~~~~ Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 During the event, you will find new works on display and for sale, special discount sales, and a variety of other attractions. Take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※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 (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332 ~~~~~ Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓ On Sunday, May 4, 2025 (national holiday), the 7th Spring Outing Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair will take place across Tomioka Port in Reihoku Town🎵 The event lineup includes Tomioka Port dolphin-watching cruises🐬, tours of Tomioka Castle🏯 and walks around Tomioka Town, plus a Kizuna Marche🎪 selling practical training products from Takushin High School Marine Campus and local agricultural, marine, and processed goods—there’s plenty to enjoy! Advance registration for dolphin watching and town walks has ended, but dolphin-watching still has available slots, so please come to the reception desk when you arrive! Inquiries: Reihoku Town Hall General Affairs Division TEL 0969-35-1111 FAX 0969-35-2454 ✉️ REIHOKU@town.reihoku.lg.jp

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Opening] ⁠ Known as the source of one of the world’s finest porcelain raw materials, Amakusa Toseki, the Amakusa West Coast hosts seven scattered kilns. The 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour runs for five days from today, Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6. The final kiln introduced is Takahama Ware Juhogama. The Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour finally begins today. This Golden Week, please come out to the Amakusa West Coast and enjoy the season 😊 *You can view previous kiln introductions from this account’s profile!* 🌸Takahama Ware Juhogama Located in the Takahama district of the Amakusa West Coast, Takahama Ware Juhogama boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Edo Period when Amakusa Toseki was first quarried and pottery production began. Its signature products are pure white, translucent porcelain and a distinctive painted motif called mirumon, inspired by seaweed. You have likely seen pieces with this pattern around Kumamoto Prefecture. Just before the Spring Kiln Tour, the workshop buzzes with preparation to put items out for sale. During the event, you can find bargain-priced items and chances to unearth real treasures. The painted pieces are whimsical and charming, and this season many designs feature sake motifs, which makes them especially fun. Mariko Ueda, the managing director, recommends a large-capacity café au lait bowl. It’s perfect for long morning drinks or for enjoying cereal—an ideal morning vessel. On the premises stands the former Ueda family residence, once the local headman’s home. A stroll through the garden brings dazzling spring greenery into view. If you pause feeling watched, you might find a large tanuki statue sitting among the bushes. That tanuki is still awaiting a name, so why not become its namesake when you visit? 📍Takahama Ware Juhogama (Instagram 👉 @takahamaware_kilnjyuho) 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ____________________ 🖌️During the Spring Kiln Tour, Takahama Ware Juhogama offers painting experiences on an ongoing basis. 🎪From Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 (approximately 10:00–15:00), a market, guided history and architecture tours of the Ueda family and Shiraso, mochi pounding, and various other events will take place! Details: check Takahama Ware Juhogama’s Instagram (@takahamaware_kilnjyuho). 🚗When you visit the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, please be sure to stop by. ♩ ____________________ [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event, you’ll find new works on display and sale, special discounts, and a variety of activities. Take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! *A digital stamp rally qualifies for Kumamoto health points📱* *A paper-entry stamp rally at participating kilns gives you a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln)📃* [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 through Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM–5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln [Inquiries] Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Kanta "Be~👅"

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

Iseji Seven Mile Crossing The road that the seniors of the Edo period walked to Ise Jingu. I have experienced the history of Japan firsthand.

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa touseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour invites you to visit seven scattered kilns along this coast. Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Located in the Shimoda-minami area of the Amakusa West Coast, Jurou Kiln sits right by the sea where you can feel the ocean breeze. The kiln owner, Goh Kameyama, shapes and fires his pieces with a powerfully refined technique that gives the work a quiet tension. Meanwhile, Sanae Kameyama’s painted brushwork is delicate and graceful yet carries a distinctively modern sensibility that lends the vessels a soft expression. From sturdy, no-nonsense wares to charming, smile-inducing painted scenes, the couple’s contrasting sensibilities resonate to produce pieces that gently speak to both viewers and users. Location: Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto 863-2802 TEL: 0969-42-3143 _______________________________ On Sunday, May 4 at Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln! Sanae will perform an impromptu whale painting and in-situ blue-and-white underglaze dyeing, “whale painting 🐳 impromptu dyeing.” Please feel free to drop by and watch 👀 For details, search Instagram: Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln @takahamaware_kilnjyuho ⚠️ Please note this event will not take place at Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln. _______________________________ This is the final introduction to the participating kilns tomorrow 😿 Please be sure to take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event, each kiln will offer new works for display and sale, plus special discount offers and other activities. Take this chance to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln, and savor the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto health points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Hoshitoge (Niigata Prefecture)2024.06.05 About 200 Paddy fields of various sizes Unfold on the slopes like fish scales, and it is a terraced rice field where a sea of clouds easily appears, and in 2022 it was certified as a "Tsunagu Terraced Rice Heritage" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water. In May-June, Water enter the Paddy Field and become Water mirror. There is also a teahouse, which opens at dawn and you can enjoy freshly cooked rice balls.

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.

National Government Park Alps Azumino Horigane-Hotaka area is reaching peak bloom for tulips and rapeseed flowers! A tulip field of 117 varieties totaling 320,000 bulbs and a five-million-strong carpet of yellow in the satoyama terraced-rice-field zone stretch as far as the eye can see. For details, visit the official website of National Government Park Alps Azumino https://www.azumino-koen.jp/horigane_hotaka/...