The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Enjoy the early blooming cherry blossoms of Kawazu for three consecutive weekends! In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, we will introduce "Kawazu Hachiman Shrine". ・ Power Spot full of power Saburo Kawazu, the father of the Soga brothers, known for "The Tale of Soga," one of Japan's three great revenge stories, is said to be the inventor of "Kawazu Kake," one of the 48 moves of sumo. In the precincts of Kawazu Hachiman Shrine, there is a hand ball stone that is said to have been used to test strength. The word "tetamaishi" comes from the word "to take a cue ball". In addition, there is a statue of "Kawazu Saburo Rikiishi" by Goto Hakudo, a sculptor from Kawazu Town, and the title of the famous yokozuna Futabayama calligraphy is engraved. The shrine enshrines Saburo and the Soga brothers as deities, and a children's sumo wrestling tournament is held at the grand festival in October. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Kawazu Hachiman Shrine 【Address】375 Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Kawazu Town Yatsu Phone number: 0558-32-0290 Kawazu Tourism Association 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 【Regular holiday】Open open all year 【Parking lot】Yes 1 passenger car ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

"I can't 😪 eat anymore." He looked very satisfied!

This time, too, the keepers in charge of dolphins I'd like to share with you some of my favorite photos! The last is the #Kou 🐬 of the Dolphin I'm always doing my best!!

😍 New Product 🐧 Original Drip Coffee 🐧 Original drip coffee is now available ☕ 1 pack ¥ 350 tax included It is 😍 a very easy coffee to drink The design of the package is a confident work ❣️ that was conceived by all members of STAFF It is sold at the shop Little Vikky. We are looking forward to your visit~! !️

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!

【大阪城 梅林公園】 2024年2/18 現在 開花情報：梅が綺麗だ🌸 samuraihonor.com Osaka Castle Umegorin Park As of 2/18/2024 Flowering information: Beautiful plum blossoms🌸

Mikan picking (October–December) In Atami, you can enjoy mikan picking from October through December. The golden mikans you pick yourself taste absolutely delicious! In Atami City, you can enjoy it in the Minami-Atami (Shimotaga) area and the eastern Izu-san area, where orchards are full of mikan. Bring the whole family or a group and head out for a fun day. Nishijima Farm (Shimotaga) From JR Atami Station take the Ito Line for about 15 minutes → get off at JR Ajiro Station → about a 10-minute walk Marufuku Garden (Izu-san) From JR Atami Station take a bus toward Yugawara for about 20 minutes → get off at Kamigo Shimizu → about a 10-minute walk

TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum A picture book museum themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature" Nestled in a quiet villa district of Atami City, the TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum, themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature," was entirely designed by picture book author Toda Koshiro to express the world of picture books through the building, garden, and every detail. The museum displays many original picture book illustrations by Toda, educational and creative picture books, and picture book adaptations of classics such as Osamu Dazai’s Run, Melos. Visitors can read loaner picture books on the lawn, listen to birdsong, and enjoy seasonal scenery while spending a relaxed time. The attached café also offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. This is a place where Atami’s nature and Toda Koshiro’s spirit come together. Address / 1055-30 Kamitaga, Shizenkyo, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0101 Phone / 0557-67-1107 Access / About 20–30 minutes by taxi from Atami Station (JR Atami Station) *Please note that there is no taxi stand at JR Izu-Taga Station.* Opening hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission at 16:00) Closed / Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Open on public holidays (open daily during the New Year holidays, Golden Week, and summer season) Admission / Adults 800 yen, elementary school children and younger 400 yen, free for children under 3 Parking / 10 spaces (free)

Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum opened in Atami City in December 2020. The collection includes many works by famous artists such as Renoir, Picasso, and Taro Okamoto. The museum offers a variety of experiences beyond simply visiting the galleries. ・Admission includes one drink (you may choose to have matcha served in a vessel by a Living National Treasure craftsperson) ・Admission includes a mug-painting experience (you can finish it in about 10 minutes and take it home) ・Unlike many museums, photography is allowed in the galleries (only flash is prohibited) ・Some works can be touched, including pieces by Taro Okamoto ・Two Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan are on display Address / 24-1 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0014 Phone / 0557-27-2411 Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes, get off at Shinsui Park, then walk 3 minutes Hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00) Open year-round Admission fees / General 1,400 yen, university and high school students 1,200 yen, junior high school students and younger 500 yen (includes a drink; preschool children free) Parking / None (use nearby paid parking)

暖かくなって花見の季節🌸 海外から団体のお客様 VS 侍 抜刀術でいざ！尋常に勝負⚔ #OsakaCastle #SAMURAIHONOR Warmer weather and cherry blossom viewing season🌸 Group visitors from overseas VS. Samurai Now it's time to use Battoujutsu sword fighting! A battle of wits ⚔.

PICA Hatsushima “PICA Hatsushima” is a resort area on the island built around an island theme, ・A graceful large public bath heated with seawater, “~Kaisen-yoku~ Shima no Yu” ・“Asian Garden R-Asia,” where you can enjoy hundreds of tropical plant species (with a café restaurant and Asian shop) ・An island-only seaside camping facility, Island Camp Villa, with ocean views ・A seasonal seawater swimming pool available in summer ・SARUTOBI, a nature activity facility that lets you traverse the treetops using a harness ・VOTAN, an athletic course of 10 attractions including mazes and suspension bridges These facilities offer the unique experiences of an island resort. Relax and forget the everyday while savoring Asian food and tropical drinks, enjoying the leisurely pace unique to an island resort. Address: 413-0004 Hatsushima, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone: 0557-67-2151 Access: From JR Atami Station take a bus bound for Atami Port/Korakuen for about 15 minutes and get off at Atami Port → take the ferry to Hatsushima for about 30 minutes → about a 10-minute walk from Hatsushima Port *Please note that hours and fees vary by facility; check the official website for details.

Bougainvillea Along the Itokawa River that runs through central Atami City, between Onaribashi and Itokawabashi (about 180 meters), bougainvillea vines arch over and cover the stream. These bougainvillea produce tropical, vividly colored bracts—red, magenta, purple and more—from May through October each year. Near Itokawabashi, a staircase leads down to the river, creating a hidden photo spot. Yellow Hypericum ‘Hidecoat’ adds a splash of color and makes the scene even more lovely. The display peaks around the same time as the jacaranda, from late May to mid-June, so be sure to visit then as well. <Bougainvillea> A tropical shrub in the Nyctaginaceae family native to Brazil in South America. While it blooms year-round in tropical regions, in Japan it flowers from May to October. What looks like the flower is actually the bract; three bracts gather together, and the small white true flower blooms at their center. The bracts show leaf veins and resemble leaves. Because the bracts are thin, they flutter in the wind. Bract colors include red, white, pink, orange, yellow, and various bicolors. Address / Ginza-cho and Chuocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access ■About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■About a 10-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Ginza” → a few minutes’ walk

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rape Blossom Festival February 17 Evening Cherry Blossom Lighting and Bamboo Lantern Night Photo by Tokiya Otsuka

It is Daimonzaka of Kumano Kodo in Wakayama Prefecture. Rain-soaked cobblestones are good. Am I the only one who thinks that rain looks good on Kumano Kodo?

Kure Volcano, Hiroshima Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Kurahashi Volcano 👈 1 from 📸 the volcano on Kurahashi Island It is a superb view spot overlooking the 360° Seto Inland Sea. There are various climbing routes here, and there are many scenic points. I want to go again! It's a wonderful mountain that makes you think! 😊 ◾️ Currently, the road that can be reached near the summit is closed due to falling rocks, and you will have to climb from the middle of the mountain. It takes about 40 minutes from the road and about 1 hour from the mountain trail, but I definitely recommend the mountain trail! The stairs are a little tough, but... 😅

Kaiomaru Park, Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture The Kaio Maru just after the sunset was beautiful

【大阪城 梅林公園】 2024年2/16 現在 開花情報：中咲きが咲いてるなぁ samuraihonor.com Osaka Castle Umegorin Park As of 2/16/2024 Flowering information: I see the middle blooms are blooming.

Aqua was 😋 eating salmon while lying down

First solo trip to Kyoto! It was a weekday morning, so there were few people and I was able to take a beautiful picture!

Matsukawa, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture The pink of the cherry blossoms and the red of the sightseeing boat were beautiful, and I thought it was wonderful that all the people on the sightseeing boat were looking at the cherry blossoms.

Ocean Spa Fuua Ocean Spa Fuua (Fuua) is Atami’s largest day-use hot spring facility, offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay. At the breathtaking open-air standing bath—about 25 meters long and one of Japan’s largest—you can float in a sensation where sea and sky seem to merge. By day you’ll see the blue sky and sparkling Sagami Bay; by night you can enjoy the glittering nightscape of Atami City. Atami Living, a richly appointed relaxation area built around the theme of “seaside villa life,” features eight different lounges and terraces, as well as bedrock baths, a café, and extensive treatment and beauty services. The spacious Ocean Lounge, with its high ceiling, is a popular spot to relax while gazing at the sea stretching before you. The Onsuijoku Torukka offers supreme relaxation under the moonlight, with carefully selected sofas and natural aromatherapy scents. A restaurant serving resort-style dishes adjoins the facility, promising a restorative time that helps you forget everyday life, both physically and mentally. ※Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian aged 20 or older. ※Children aged 4 through elementary school must be accompanied by a guardian of the same sex and cannot use mixed bathing areas. Some facilities may be unavailable for safety reasons. ※For safety reasons, children aged 0–3 are not allowed to enter. ※The open-air standing bath is not available to guests shorter than 135 cm. ※Entry may be limited depending on congestion. ※Operating conditions may change; for details please check the official Ocean Spa Fuua website. Address / 10-1 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-8626 Phone / 0557-82-0123 Access / ■ About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port / Korakuen, then get off at the final stop Hours / 10:00–22:00 (last admission 21:00) Closed / Irregular holidays Fees (including consumption tax) <Standard Fee> Adult 3,080 yen · Child 2,310 yen <After-5 Fee (entry from 17:00)> Adult 2,310 yen · Child 1,760 yen ※An additional bathing tax of 150 yen applies to adults only. ※On weekends, public holidays, and certain days, a surcharge applies (Adult +330 yen · Child +220 yen). ※Please check the official site for the specific dates. Parking / 230 spaces

Himenosawa Park Himenosawa Park, a famed flower spot in Atami, overflows with seasonal blooms all year round. It is a natural park where you can also enjoy a full-fledged adventure playground. About 600 species of plants grow within the park. In an environment that feels like a botanical garden, flowering trees such as azaleas and a variety of wildflowers burst into bloom. (The photo shows azaleas that bloom from late April to early May.) About a 90-minute trek from Himenosawa Park will take you to Jukkoku Pass, allowing you to fully enjoy nature on the way. Please enjoy the moving floral scenes to your heart’s content, where flowers welcome you whenever you visit. Address / 1164 Himenosawa, Izu-san, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0002 Telephone / 0557-83-5301 (Himenosawa Park Management Office) Access / From JR atami station, take a bus bound for the Motohakone area for about 30 minutes and get off at Himenosawa Park Admission / Free Parking / Free (Sazanka Parking: 46 passenger cars, 3 buses) and others

Atami Gigi Kenban Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai The geiko association hall where geiko rigorously train, the geiko kenban. The current building was completed in 1954 (Showa 29). At the time it was an impressive structure and was said to be the finest geiko association in the Tokai region. Today the hall hosts Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the professional dances that are rarely seen in everyday life. The kimono styling, graceful manners, and breathtaking beauty are a sight to behold. Address / 17-13 Chuocho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0015 (along the Hatsukawa) Phone / 0557-81-3575 (Atami Gigi Kenban) Access / From JR atami station take the bus bound for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes → get off at Shimizucho Dates and Times / Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM (about 30 minutes). One performance only. Fee / 2,500 yen (tax included). Children in elementary school and younger are free. Parking / None (there is a nearby municipal paid parking lot) Reservation priority For visits to observe regular weekday training, please inquire Temporary cancellations may occur

Jacaranda Flowers Are you familiar with jacaranda, a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to South America? As shown in the photos, it produces clusters of purple flowers like bunches of grapes, and the contrast of green leaves and purple blooms makes it a very beautiful deciduous tall tree. In Atami City, you can find tall trees (towering overhead) and smaller shrubs (at eye level) along Route 135 (the Jacaranda Promenade in Tokaigancho to Shinshicho “Waterside Park” along the sidewalk, and inside Waterside Park). Although jacaranda’s flowering season in Japan is said to be June, it is extremely rare for it to bloom outdoors on the mainland because of the climate. Some years in Atami saw no flowering at all, and some trees bloom a second time in September or October rather than only in June. Even when they do bloom, not all trees flower; some years only a few trees bloom. Some trees produce many flowers, some only a single cluster, and some not at all. How much will bloom this season? ※Bougainvillea along the Itagawa River also reaches its best viewing at the same time, so please visit both. Main jacaranda planting locations and numbers ● Jacaranda Promenade (along Route 135, beside the sun deck) … one tall tree about 10 m, four trees 3–5 m, and 100 shrubs 1–2 m ● Along Route 135, downbound (from the Central Police Box to Waterside Park Section 2) … 20 trees 5–6 m ● Waterside Park Section 3 … one tall tree of about 2 m near the pedestrian bridge, and five shrubs on the Wada River slope Total above: 25 tall trees (non-shrub) and 105 shrubs History ・In July 1990, one tree was planted in Omiya Green Space to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Cascais, Portugal ・In 2000, 24 trees were planted along the national highway (diagonally in front of the Central Police Box to in front of the Waterside Park event plaza) (Since then, some have been transplanted and others newly planted.) ・In April 2013, trees were planted in Waterside Park Section 2 (in front of the Tourist Association) and Section 3 (three trees in Section 2 and two in Section 3) ・On June 1, 2013, the “Jacaranda Promenade” was completed in Omiya Green Space (45 young trees planted) ・From September 2013 to June 2014, Omiya Green Space (west side) was developed (planting), and a few trees were transplanted from along the national highway ・June 2014, completion of the “Jacaranda Promenade” Address / Tokaigancho to Nagisacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Park and Greenery Division) Access / To the Jacaranda Promenade (Omiya no Matsu) ■ About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■ About a 5-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Omiya no Matsu” Parking / City-operated paid parking (East parking lot, Waterside Park, etc.) and others

Nishikigaura One of Atami’s scenic spots. This celebrated coastline of sheer cliffs stretches about 1 kilometer south from Uomizaki, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. (Uomizaki–Nishikigaura–Sogaura totals about 2 kilometers) When the sun rises, its light pours over the bay and flashes in five brilliant colors, so the place took the poetic name Nishikigaura, borrowing the image of woven brocade from Kyoto. Remnants of the Atami-Taga volcano remain here, and legends linked to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kato Kiyomasa still survive. The cliffs tower about 80 meters high. Strange rock formations carved by the rough waves—Kabuto Rock, Bedrock, Eboshi Rock, Benten Rock—stand in a row, while Hatsushima and Oshima float offshore. For the best view, head to the area near Hotel New Akao and the cafe “Hana no Yousei.” Note: Access to Hotel New Akao’s rooftop garden is limited to hotel guests only. Thank you for your understanding. Address / 〒413-0033 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (near Hotel New Akao) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ajiro for about 15 minutes and get off at Nishikigaura Parking / None

Winter tradition Tokachi Ranch Umaoi Exercise Held to relieve winter inactivity and help prevent difficult births in pregnant mares. You can see the horses up close, making it an exhilarating sight! Open to the public only on weekday mornings. ※In 2024 it ended on February 16.

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Every night during the exhibition period, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and you will be enveloped in a fantastic scenery. This time, we will introduce the lodging facilities that you want to visit when sightseeing at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a blissful time with hot springs and fresh cuisine from Kawazu! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Shakunage". ・In a quiet environment surrounded by nature, you can relax with the sounds of birds and the greenery of trees. The open-air bath, where you can hear the murmur of the river, has a stylish atmosphere where you can take a bath while watching the stars shining in the sky at night. Meals are mainly wild vegetables and seafood. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Shakunage 【Address】Shizuoka, Kamo-gun Kawazu Town Nashimoto 1127 Phone number: 0558-35-7657 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. [Total number of rooms] 8 No shuttle service [Parking lot] 8 cars ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

February 16 The early-blooming atami sakura have finished, and the Oshima zakura are coming into full bloom! White cherry blossoms are blooming at the seaside park beside Marine Spa Atami.

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the earliest event in Honshu where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, is being held. In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, I would like to introduce "Nikai Falls". ・A 20-meter-high waterfall located just below the Agar Bridge along the old road and falling in two stages. It is the first waterfall at the source of the Hontani River Kawazu River, and there are many trees around it. It is one of the famous waterfalls of Amagi with beautiful scenery such as autumn leaves and fresh greenery. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Nikai Falls 【Address】Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Kawazu Town Nashimoto 【Parking lot】Yes Passenger car 15 cars ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen