Go to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture in May! 🏃 Have you decided where to go for Golden Week? Here are five events now taking place or scheduled in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture (in no particular order). Please join any events that catch your eye 😍 1. The 31st Ancient Tatara Ironmaking, recreating Japan’s traditional iron smelting technique, is happening! Since the opening of the national Biwako Hill Park in 1995, the region has continued the ancient tatara ironmaking tradition as a community effort. This year marks the 31st edition. We continue this practice to pass the tatara smelting technique, a symbol of the Chugoku Mountains’ culture, on to the next generation. Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 Place: Hiba-no-Sato Ancient Tatara Workshop Program: We will recreate the full process of tatara smelting using the traditional kerashio pressing method to extract keras, the raw material that becomes tamahagane steel used for fine blades such as Japanese swords. Instruction will be provided by certified preservation technician and tamahagane producer, Nitohho Tatara’s general supervisor Murashita Shoku and Mr. Kaoru Horio. Participants: About 100 people (including general participants and cooperating groups) Fee: Free to watch (park admission fee required separately). Note: Paid one-night/two-day hands-on experience reservations are closed. Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 2. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring This annual event showcases gardens full of seasonal flowers, from imaginative private gardens to authentic Japanese gardens. Date: Saturday, May 10 to Sunday, June 15, 2025 Time: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00 Place: Throughout Shobara City Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office, Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) (Satoyama no Eki Shobara Furari, 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-0173 FAX: 0824-75-0172 For the latest updates, check the official Shobara Flower Conference website or the Instagram account @ satoyamaopengarden. 3. Shobara Satoyama Marche at Hiroshima Station From April 2025 this market is held on the third Wednesday of every month! Operated by JR West Properties, Michi-no-Eki Takano, and Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), the market sells fresh vegetables, processed goods, and seasonal ingredients from the popular Michi-no-Eki Takano in Takano Town, Shobara City at the north exit first floor of Hiroshima Station. Many people come monthly looking forward to this market — it’s well worth stopping by. Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 11:00–15:00 Place: Hiroshima Station North Exit 1F, beside ekie Kitchen (1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City) Contact: Michi-no-Eki Takano TEL 0824-86-3131 4. Bihoku Flower Picnic (now running) 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 during the event. Workshops related to spring flowers and local spring cooking experiences will also be available, offering plenty of ways to enjoy spring. Flowering conditions may vary with weather and temperature. Date: Through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 9:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:00) Place: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Fee: Regular/light vehicles 400 yen, large vehicles 1,200 yen, motorcycles 200 yen Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 5. Sakura Shokudo Children’s Day Marche Sakura Shokudo opened in December 2024. Located inside the Shokusai-kan Shobara Yume Sakura Hall, it is a restaurant run by Shigehara Farm. A special marche will be held to celebrate Children’s Day on Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday). Delicious, fun, and delightful vendors from Shobara and Miyoshi areas will gather. A kids’ space will be prepared so children can enjoy themselves. Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday) Time: 10:00–16:00 Place: 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 understand in advance. • Admission is free, but workshops, hands-on activities, and purchases are paid. • Please cooperate by taking your trash home with you. That’s our pick of recommended events for May! For more details, see the Events list on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s official tourism information site 😍

🚴 ♀️✨ Start today! I started renting a bicycle! With the Base point of "Roadside Station Higashikawa Dosokan", it is now possible to rent a rotating Car! From Authentic Road Bikes to Electrically Assisted Rotating Cars, you can 😊 make reservations according to your purpose 📍 Location: 1-1-15 Higashimachi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 🕘 Business hours:9:00~17:00 📞 Inquiry: 0166-68-4777 🔗 For details, please visit the "Higashikawa Town Tourism Association Home Page"! Feel 🌿 the breeze and go discover the charm of the East River

A world full of Japanese umbrellas This is Hotoku Temple Located in in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. This is a Temple Famous for its floor maples. We hold events according to the season. 🤤

Kikuchi Gorge: a breathtaking retreat of fresh verdant beauty Kikuchi Gorge, a signature attraction of Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a stunning canyon chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls. About 17 km east of central Kikuchi, it lies on the northwestern slopes of the Aso outer rim at elevations between 500 m and 800 m, spanning a vast 1,193 hectares of peaceful woodland. A cobalt-blue stream so clear that the trees reflect on its surface runs through the gorge. The average water temperature stays around 14°C year-round. On bright blue-sky days the water turns an even deeper blue as sunlight filters through the trees, creating a beautiful scene. In May the contrast between fresh green leaves, the sky, and the stream is especially striking. You can hear the gentle flow of the river and birdsong, and see many wildflowers in bloom. Well-maintained trails run through the gorge, with clear signs to guide you, so you can take a relaxed walk through the primeval forest. The gorge also features many waterfalls, including Shijusanman Falls, Reimei Falls, and Ryugafuchi, all selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Be sure to find your favorite. Rest facilities with a souvenir corner sell items such as coffee made with the gorge’s delicious water, allowing you to unwind while overlooking the canyon. In spring you can feel new life in the fresh green leaves after winter. Summer makes the gorge an ideal cool retreat, often described as a natural air conditioner with its crisp, cool air. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter offers a clear, bracing atmosphere. Please experience Kikuchi Gorge through all four seasons. ■ About Kikuchi Gorge ■ 〇 Open season: April 1–November 30 (typical) 〇 Hours: 8:30–17:00 〇 Maintenance cooperation fee: 300 yen per person for high school students and older ※ The receipt for the cooperation fee includes a 200-yen discount voucher usable at Kikuchi Onsen day-use baths. Parking First parking lot: approx. 80 spaces / 7 large vehicle spaces Second parking lot: approx. 45 spaces (open during busy periods only) Central parking lot: approx. 80 spaces (open during busy periods only) A free shuttle bus operates from the central parking lot during Golden Week and other busy periods. Parking fees Standard car: 300 yen Motorbike: 200 yen Microbus: 1,000 yen Large vehicle: 2,000 yen Kikuchi Sightseeing Shared Taxi A reservation-based shared sightseeing taxi links major Kikuchi City attractions (including Kikuchi Gorge) with the city center. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, substitute holidays, and Golden Week. Service is suspended during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3). Take a deep breath at Kikuchi Gorge. Bask in negative ions and enjoy a leisurely moment in nature.

【Komadeike Campground OPEN 👏】 Located in the superb Nature of the Yachiho Highlands, Komadeike Campground opened for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18! Komadeike Campground is a "campsite embraced by No.1 in Japan's best birch forest" where everyone of all ages can enjoy a comfortable and best time. There is a free site where you can choose from five situations such as around the pond and along the river, a spacious auto site where you can choose the shade of the sun, bungalow cottages, and Day trip activities. "We want you to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life with your loved ones." This is the concept and wish of Komadeike Campground. Come and play!

Akeno Sunflower Field Akeno Sunflower Field, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, sunflowers bloom all over the sunflower field during the Sanfu Tower Festival. If the weather is good, you can also see the mountains of the Southern Alps in the background.

【Fairy Tale Highway Opening Ceremony】 Sorry to keep you waiting! Mugikusa Pass is open ✨ The fairytale highway is now passable from today. 👀✨ Elevation 2127m of scenery, air, wind, please come and feel it! 🚗

[2025 Shinshu / Sakuho Town Tourism Photo Contest Held in! ] 】 Held in the "2025 Shinshu Sakuho Town Tourism Photo Contest" again this year! 🌳 Use photos for tourist posters, pamphlets, etc. The application period is 2025 (Reiwa 7) April 1 (Tue) ~ 2025 (Reiwa 7) August 31 (Sun). We look forward to receiving your application! For details and application forms, please see the Sakuho Town Tourism Association Official website or the second image. It is also located at the Roadside Station Yachiho Highlands Visitor Center, so please ✨ feel free to stop by

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city Aina Satoyama Park

Aratama flower tour map is now available The "Aratama Flower Tour Leaflet" introduces Spots where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and Autumn leaves in 2 cities and 4 towns (Arao City, Tamana City, Tamato Town, WaWater Town, Nanseki Town, Nagasu Town) in the Arao and Tamana areas of Kumamoto Prefecture (commonly known as the "Aratama area")! Manny spots where you can enjoy seasonal flowers 🌸 and autumn leaves 🍁! Why don't you come and feel the change of seasons while enjoying the Sightseeing spot in the "Aratama" area? It is distributed at the Kumamoto Prefecture Tamana Regional Promotion Bureau and 2 cities and 4 towns in the Aratama area. For details, please see the Kumamoto Prefecture website (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/174/201934.html)....

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is also exceptional.

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is exceptional.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily is in full bloom on the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Oga Hasu When botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga sowed the seeds of a lotus found in a stratum 2,000 years ago, they succeeded in germinating and flowering, and the divided Oga lotus blooms in the lotus pond of Anayama Flower Valley in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Flowering is in July.

Mt. Meshimori's Daylily Mt. Meshimori, located on the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, has an elevation of 1643 m and the elevation of Shishiiwa at the trailhead is 1457 m, making it a mountain suitable for Hiking that even children can climb. The Mt. Meshimori is located on the Water ridge of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and Mt. Asama. Mt. Meshimori, the daylily are in full bloom in July. It is a superb view point that you should definitely visit.

Lake Smoking in the Fog Shirakoma Pond in Kita Yatsugatake, the fresh greenery season is relatively quiet, unlike the Autumn leaves season. The foggy lake is fantastic.

One summer night in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City A fantastic evening for Locals, by Locals

Last summer, I went to Onomichi in Hiroshima. The photo was taken while visiting a café attached to a guest House called Miharashi-tei and drinking mandarin orange juice. There are many books in the store, and I thought it was wonderful to see a picture of a customer reading a book in front of a beautiful view.

I tried to register. This is a test post. Accompanied by a photo taken on Kashiwa Island in Kochi Prefecture in the summer.

How to get on a route bus in Tomakomai City & Boarding manners videos are now available 🚌 Tomakomai City Official Character Toma Chop will guide ✨ you on how to get on the bus and Boarding manners Japanese, English, Chinese, and Indonesian versions There are ✨ Please use the Account of Youtube "Tomakomai City Hall"!

Calligraphy masters apply Japanese kanji characters to the native language names of foreign customers. Since each kanji character has its own meaning, enjoy this traditional cultural experience, including the meaning of the kanji used in your name. You can take home the engraved wooden Dojo-fuda as a souvenir to remember your visit. #calligraphy #kanji #shodo #travelmemories #culturalexperience

Boy's Summer

Forgotten things in summer

Red spider lililies Fuchu Township Forest At the end of September, we are in the season of red spider liliies, which heralds the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. Unexpectedly, there was also a growing area of red spider lililies in Tokyo. The petals that had just opened were vigorous and fresh, dyeing the whole hill with crimson, while if you looked around the water's edge, you could see clusters of white flowers blooming and shining brightly. You can see the aesthetic Sense of everyone involved in maintenance. Discover a photogenic protagonist who catches your eye a little in a lively flower bed mixed with red and white! The appearance is a red and white flower knot that plays with each other. An elegant and delicate canopy flower that evokes a variety of feelings in the viewer. There are many names, such as 1000 faces.

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (Recommended fireworks in Hiroshima) Miyajima Fireworks Night 2024 Miyajima Fireworks Night 2024 ~ After all fireworks! After all, Miyajima!~ One piece 📸 from Miyajima's fireworks Although I struggled to find a place from early in the morning, I was able 😊 to enjoy the wonderful fireworks again this year　 The waiting time was long, but I was able to talk with many followers and it was a fun day. 😌🙏 For the time being, I developed only one, so let me 📸 post it little by little again We would 🙏✨✨ like to thank TSS, everyone involved in fireworks, and Miyajima volunteers for holding in the wonderful fireworks

Sunrise Park Lavender Garden 🪻 The scenery in the back was also vast and very beautiful 🥹 I would love to 🩷 go again

Maternity photo 🌳🤰🏻🌼 at Ueno Farm It's like a world in a Picture book, isn't it? 📚✨

Maternity photo 🏵️🤰🏻🌲 at Ueno Farm in summer

Maternity photo 🏵️🤰🏻 at Ueno Farm It is also good for walks 🚶 ♀️✨

The moonlight I saw on my travels.