The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom update for February 16 Overall, the flowers are in full bloom. * In areas that bloomed earlier, the petals are fluttering down. * The parking lot at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is very crowded.

Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima　　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Jigozen 👈 One piece 📸 with the silhouette of Morning Sun and Yurikamome I think it's time for Yurikamome to leave. See you next year!! 😊👋

Takeda Castle Ruins! From September to November, the sea of clouds can be seen 🏯 beautifully It was 🌅 great to climb the mountain lightly before the sun rose and greet the sunrise at the ruins of Takeda Castle

When humans team up with nature to create something, it becomes more intriguing. The Lake Shikotsu ice festival is a perfect example of this. Hokkaido's crystal clear water lake serves as the primary source for crafting marvelous ice sculptures.

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 we will introduce this time is "Family & Resort Kawabata". ・Standing along the clear stream of the Kawazu River, this lodging boasts a hot spring with a high skin-beautifying effect. Both the large public bath and the open-air bath are poured into the bathtub by flowing from the source, and it is reputed that the skin becomes smooth after the bath. The environment surrounded by nature is a walk in the Sagano Canyon, seasonal flowers, bird watching, and clear stream fishing. For dinner, where you can taste the mountains, rivers, and seafood all at once, you can enjoy plenty of the blessings of nature with fresh vegetables grown in your own vegetable garden. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Family & Resort Kawabata 【Address】188 Kawazu Raft, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-35-7310 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. [Total number of rooms] 14 Reservation is required. 【Parking lot】10 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

Yes, Chizu! "Okay, it's decided! ｣

【大阪城 梅林公園】 2024年2/15 現在 開花情報：雨だが8分咲 いよいよ花見 samuraihonor.com Osaka Castle Umegorin Park As of 2/15/2024 Flowering information: Rainy, but the blossoms are in full bloom at last.

日出る国🇯🇵の文化SAMURAI と 異国の文化 が大阪城梅林公園で初コラボ⚔ Culture SAMURAI in the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵 and exotic culture will collaborate for the first time in Osaka Castle Plum Orchard Park⚔.

"The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is being held. About 850 cherry trees bloom along the Kawazu River, and about 8,000 cherry blossoms in total! 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 "Mitaka Shrine". ・Kabuki tradition ~Shrine Story~ "Once upon a time, there lived in the field of Mitaka Danmano a god with a sharp ear of ears, the god of the ear of the god of the ear of the god of the great tree, and one night he came to the base of the great pine tree and got off the white cow and said to him, "If we all get along, I promise you prosperity and protection," while the white cow licked his face and limbs with his long tongue. The god astride the white cow has ascended to heaven. It is the day of October 23rd. Since then, the villagers have made rice cakes in the shape of cows' tongues and offered them to the temple. Even now, "tongue bell mochi" remains as a custom. At first, it was called Mitaka Shrine, but then it came to be called Mitaka Shrine. Mitakashiki Sanbaso Date: October 22 night session 18:30 ~ and 23 day part 11:00 ~ every year * About 1 hour and a half of dedication In the Edo period, young volunteers from the village who were instructed by Ichikawa Kodanji, the fourth generation of Edo Kabuki actors from Mitaka, staged the Shikisanban in the old government building. Even now, the Kagura Hall with a "revolving stage" remains as a valuable building. Shikisanban is performed every year on a stage that has been passed down from the Edo period to the present. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Mitaka Shrine 【Address】563 Mitaka, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-1558 【Parking】None ◇ ◆ ◇ 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

Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Products【Crafts】 “Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Products” is a selection made by the prefectural government from among crafts, processed foods, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery products shaped by Kanagawa’s traditions and natural environment. It is chosen based on recommendations from prefectural residents and various organizations to widely promote Kanagawa’s tourist appeal inside and outside the prefecture and to contribute to tourism development. The first selection took place in fiscal 1985, and a re-selection was carried out in fiscal 2006. More than ten years have now passed since the previous selection, and as tourists’ needs have changed, a new “Kanagawa’s 100 Famous Products” has been chosen. Newly added items include attractive pieces that appeal to inbound visitors as well as locally popular specialty foods, all to be widely promoted as important resources that showcase Kanagawa’s charm. Yokosuka Sukajan Yokosuka City Craft A jumper that originated on Dobuita Street. It is characterized by flashy embroidery inspired by Japanese motifs such as eagles, tigers, and dragons. Basic product information is here <Stores where this product can be purchased> MIKASA A long-established sukajan shop founded in 1952 Address: 2-7 Hommachi, Yokosuka City Phone number: 046-823-0312 Prince Shokai A sukajan specialty shop on Dobuita Street Address: 2-4 Hommachi, Yokosuka City Phone number: 046-822-3907

Kawazu cherry blossoms 🌸 in full bloom This is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival held in Minami-Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It blooms the earliest in Honshu and is a sight to behold! It is very crowded, so I recommend 😆 going early in the morning

Fukuyama, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Abushusa Kannon 👈 Looking at 📸 the Seto Inland Sea from the vermilion-painted Kannon Hall built on the quay It is a Kannon-do temple built at the tip of the Numakuma Peninsula. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from here is spectacular! 👍 Inside the Kannon Hall, there are many emas of boobs for praying for safe birth

Mario vs. SAMURAI

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Please enjoy the early arrival of Spring. When you visit Kawazu Town for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, be sure to enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Eel Shop Okawaya". ・ Traditional taste of baking without steaming Located on the banks of the Kawazu River, it is an eel shop "Okawaya". We use all domestic eels in our shop. Kansai-style eel, which is slowly grilled over charcoal without steaming, has been well received for its crisp mouthfeel. Please come and visit us. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Unagi no Shop Okawaya 【Address】303-3 Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Kawazu TownYatsu Phone number: 0558-32-0076 【Business hours】11:00~14:00/17:00~20:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Thursdays 【Parking lot】Yes ◇ ◆ ◇ 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

【大阪城 梅林公園】 2024年2/14現在 開花情報：7分咲 いよいよ花見 samuraihonor.com Osaka Castle Umegorin Park As of 2/14/2024 Flowering information: 7 minutes into bloom, finally time to see the cherry blossoms.

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 we will introduce this time is "Aoki no Saka". ・High-quality hot springs, spacious guest rooms, local ingredients For dinner, the main dish is Kinmedai, and the young proprietress arranges seasonal sea and mountain delicacies. At the time of booking, we will ask you about seasonal dishes and preferences. The open-air and indoor baths overlooking the Kawazu Loop Bridge can be reserved. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Aoki-no-saka 【Address】342-1 Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Kawazu TownNashimoto Phone number: 0558-35-7187 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. 【Total number of rooms】7 Reservation is required. 【Parking lot】7 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

Atami Ropeway Just in front of the Atami Korakuen bus stop, enjoy a retro gondola and a roughly three-minute aerial stroll. When you step off the ropeway, you arrive at the summit of Mt. Hachiman, Atami’s premier observation point. From the summit terrace you can look down over Atami city. On clear days you can see the Boso Peninsula and Miura Misaki to the east, Hatsushima in the foreground to the south, and far out in the Pacific Ocean, Izu Oshima. At the tip of the observation deck is the Umi-Sora Terrace, where you can feel how close the sea and sky are. Pay attention also to the lovers’ memory spot, the Aijo Monument, the popular Umi-Sora Cafe known for its ice cream, and the Koimikuji Hall. Address / 8-15 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-81-5800 Access [Foot of the Mountain Station (in front of Korakuen Hotel)] From JR atami station take the bus bound for Atami Port/Korakuen for about 10 minutes and get off at "Korakuen." [Summit Station] From JR atami station take the Yu-Yu bus for about 15 minutes and get off at Atami Castle, then walk about 3 minutes. Business Hours / First uphill 9:30, last uphill 17:00, last downhill 17:30 Open year-round (may close temporarily during severe weather or maintenance) Fees/ Adults (junior high school and older) one way 400 yen, round trip 700 yen Children (ages 4 to elementary school) one way 300 yen, round trip 400 yen Parking / Use the Atami Korakuen Hotel multi-story parking garage (show your parking ticket at the counter for 2 hours free)

Kiunkaku Kiunkaku began as a villa built in 1919 (Taisho 8) and was praised as one of Atami’s "three great villas." Reborn as a ryokan in 1947 (Showa 22), it welcomed many guests as one of Atami’s representative inns and was beloved by Japan’s leading writers, including Yamamoto Yuzo, Shiga Naoya, Tanizaki Junichiro, Dazai Osamu, Funahashi Seiichi, and Takeda Taijun. It is now open to the public as a cultural property of Atami City. A lush garden that feels far removed from the town center. The main building (Japanese wing) and detached annex retain the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. A Western-style building blends decorative elements and styles from Japan, China, and Europe, creating a unique atmosphere. These elegant facilities will be preserved as historical and cultural heritage for future generations. Please visit and see it for yourself. Address / 4-2 Showa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0022 Phone / 0557-86-3101 Access / ■From JR atami station: take a bus bound for Ainohara Danchi, Umezono, Nishiyama, or Hakone (or the Shimizu-machi loop) for about 10 minutes and get off at Kiunkaku-mae. ■From JR atami station: take a bus for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes and get off at Tenjin-cho, then walk about 2 minutes. ■By Yu-Yu Bus: get off at Kiunkaku West Entrance and walk about 2 minutes. Hours / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed / Every Wednesday (open on public holidays), year-end (Dec 26–30) Admission / Adults 610 yen (460 yen for groups); middle and high school students 360 yen (240 yen for groups); elementary school age and younger free. Parking / 37 standard car spaces (free). Medium buses up to 9 m are permitted; large buses are not allowed.

Atami Port Sea Fishing Facility Attention fishing enthusiasts and those thinking of trying it for the first time! At the Atami Port Sea Fishing Facility, you can enjoy fishing in a superb location with views of Atami’s streets and surrounding mountains. The breakwater is 260 m long and 14 m wide, using the inner sea (Atami Bay side) — the outer side is off-limits. In spring you can catch species such as umitanago (blackfish), rockfish (mebaru), Japanese whiting (shirogisu), mejina (black porgy), bigfin reef squid (aori-ika), red squid (akai-ika), and japanese halfbeak (urume iwashi). In winter you can expect mejina, rockfish, kasago (scorpionfish), togorou iwashi (small sardine), frigate mackerel (soda gatsuo), filefish (kawahagi), and mebaru. Black sea bream (kurodai) and red sea bream (madai) are also caught. We rent rod-and-bait sets (rod, reel, bait, tackle, bucket, water bucket, etc.), and sell foam coolers with ice for taking your catch home, so you can enjoy fishing even if you come empty-handed. Make your sea fishing debut in Atami! Address / 1694-32 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-85-8600 Access / From JR atami station, take a bus bound for Korakuen for about 10 minutes → get off at the final stop, Korakuen → 10-minute walk Hours / April–October: 6:00 until sunset November–March: 7:00 until sunset Closed / The facility may close for safety reasons in cases of stormy weather, high waves, or strong winds. ※Closed from 12:00 onward on days with fireworks displays ※Closed on the third Wednesday of months without fireworks displays ※Closed on the third Wednesday when fireworks are held once a month ※Open on the third Wednesday when fireworks occur two or more times in a month Fees / ■ Fishing admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high students 300 yen (children under elementary school age free) ■ Rental rod set: 2,000 yen per rod for 2 hours (tax included; admission fee not included; no advance reservations) Parking / Standard cars 500 yen per day (prepaid) ※Parking closes at 13:00 on fireworks days (you must exit because it is a danger zone) Notes ※Pets not allowed ※Please check other precautions posted on the official website in advance.

Izusan Shrine Izusan Shrine, the birthplace of many place names in Izu. Famous as the spot where Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hōjō Masako were united, it is also known as a shrine for matchmaking. In the Edo period it was called Izu Daigongen, and Tokugawa Ieyasu visited the shrine, giving it a long historical significance. Climb the long stone steps to the precincts and enjoy a superb view overlooking Atami City and the sea. From the main hall to Motomiya, the route passes the worship pavilion, Hakusan Shrine, and Yui Myojin Honsha, taking about an hour. We recommend a leisurely mountain walk while offering your prayers. About 800 steps below the main hall is Soyu Jinja Shrine, where the god of hot springs is enshrined. The annual grand festival takes place over three days from April 14 to 16, drawing many visitors. Address／708-1 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0002 Phone／0557-80-3164 Access／Take a bus bound for Nanao from JR atami station for about 10 minutes and get off at Izu‑san Shrine Front Parking／Free (5 spaces) ※The 837 steps count covers the route from Izusan Beach (near the running hot spring) up to the main hall. (From the city road with the Izu‑san Shrine Front bus stop to the main hall is about 200 steps; from Japan National Route 135 to the main hall is about 600 steps.) ※Beyond the main hall and the Izu‑san Local History Museum toward Motomiya, the path becomes a mountain trail, so please take care.

Atami Castle Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum Atami Castle rises atop the summit of Nishikigaura, a scenic spot in Atami. The castle keep’s observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama: it looks out over Atami city, Yugawara, the Manazuru Peninsula, and on clear days the floating silhouettes of Hatsushima and Oshima, with the Ajiro–Ito side of the Izu Peninsula stretching beyond—making it Atami’s premier viewpoint. In spring the castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and in summer you can watch fireworks from the keep like a feudal lord. (The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March to early April.) Inside the castle you’ll find the Samurai Culture Museum displaying armor and swords, a ukiyo-e shunga gallery, an Edo costume experience room where you can dress up for photos, a jet footbath at 120 meters above sea level, and a free game corner—packed with sights and surprises. In the castle annex, the Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum offers wonderfully strange illusions where flat paintings appear three-dimensional. About 40 trick artworks feature marine creatures, dinosaurs, wild beasts, and Jaws-style scenes. You can do more than admire the art—take hilarious photos, experience illusions of becoming a giant or a tiny person, touch the exhibits, and snap shots for big laughs. Lose track of time as you get absorbed in the tricks. It’s a place that excites families, friends, and couples alike. Address / 1993 Sogayama, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0033 Phone / 0557-81-6206 (Atami Castle) Access / ■ About 10 minutes by car from atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from atami station toward Atami Port or Korakuen; get off at "Korakuen" → take the AtamiRopeway for about 3 minutes → about a 3-minute walk from Summit Station ■ About 15 minutes from atami station by Yu~Yu~ Bus → get off at Atami Castle Open / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Open year-round Admission / Adults 1,100 yen; elementary and junior high students 600 yen; ages 3–6 450 yen (Two-site set ticket / Adults 1,800 yen; elementary and junior high students 950 yen; ages 3–6 700 yen) Parking / 100 spaces; parking fee: 500 yen (per visit)

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 "Sarutabuchi". ・Nature left in the upper reaches "Sarutabuchi Promenade" is a detour course of the "Odoriko Trail". "Sarutabuchi" is a scenic spot located in the upper reaches of Kawazu Nanadaru Falls, where nature remains completely untouched. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Sarutabuchi 【Address】Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Kawazu TownNashimoto 【Parking】None ◇ ◆ ◇ 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

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.

Atami Station Front Shopping Streets (Nakamise and Heiwa-dori) In front of Atami Station are two shopping streets, Heiwa-dori and Nakamise, where long-established shops with 60- and 70-year histories still operate. Unlike shopping malls, these streets gather small, quirky shops where you can experience a uniquely Japanese style of shopping. You will find restaurants, cafes, sushi bars, and dried-fish shops, along with souvenir stores stocked with specialties from the Izu Peninsula. Official goods featuring Atsuo, the mascot of the Atami Onsen Hotels and Ryokan Cooperative, are also available in various shops. Strolling while nibbling on a hot-spring manju bun is recommended. Enjoy shopping here at the start of your trip or on your way home. Address / 〒413-0011 Tawarahoncho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (in front of JR Atami Station)

Atami Sun Beach A blue sea and white sand, a row of hotels, and a palm-lined promenade create a beach that feels like an upscale overseas resort. In summer it serves as a bathing beach and, as a place to stroll along the sand or play in the waves, it is popular with families and couples. At dawn you can see a beautiful scene as the sunrise rises from the horizon, dyeing the beach and town, and at night the beach is lit in a magical display—the first beach illumination in Japan—designed by world-renowned lighting designer Mikako Ishii. During the summer season many people use the beach as a swimming area, and the hugely popular Sun Beach Water Park is also thriving. The beach is frequently used as a location for TV and photo shoots, including the drama Hibana. Address / 〒413-0012 Higashikaigancho, 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 5 minutes by bus from JR atami station toward Atami Port or Momijigaoka → get off at Sun Beach → about a 3-minute walk Hours / Swimming permitted during the beach season from 9:00 to 16:00 Illumination every night from sunset to 22:00 (lights off during fireworks displays) Parking / Adjacent municipal Higashi Parking Lot, 250 spaces (municipal P parking fee: 110 yen per 30 minutes) *This is a non-smoking beach; please smoke only in designated areas.

Ieyasu no Yu (footbath) A footbath using natural hot spring water located in front of atami station. Installed as a commemorative project for the 400th anniversary of Tokugawa Ieyasu's visit to Atami (March 2004), it attracts many visitors every day. The water is completely drained after 16:00 each day and the footbath is cleaned every morning, so it stays hygienic. Fresh spring water is refilled and it is an open-flowing footbath for guests to use. Original towels are sold in a vending machine for 100 yen each (tax included), making it easy to drop by. Temperature: about 41°C (source temperature 68°C) Water quality: sodium-calcium chloride Benefits: neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, chronic digestive disorders, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, cuts, burns, and more. Address: 9 Tawaramotocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0011 (in front of atami station) Phone: 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access: 1 minute on foot from JR Atami Station Hours: 9:00–16:00. Please note it may close earlier than the above time due to circumstances. Open every day Free to use Parking: none (use nearby paid parking) Please note the facility may be closed for maintenance or other reasons.