April 26, 2009: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kiso Town, Hiyoshi Tokon-ji, the family temple of Kiso Yoshinaka located in Hiyoshi, Kiso Town, becomes surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, creating a stunningly beautiful scene!

The Japanese heritage "Daisen Pilgrimage" is a unique worship culture that involves carrying a giant wooden sword towards a sacred site, unlike any other in the world. The view from the Oyama Afuri Shrine, the stage for this pilgrimage, has earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. It truly embodies Cool Japan, recognized by the world. This time, the official LP of Oyama Afuri Shrine has launched a "Cultural Heritage Digital Collection" that encompasses its historical value. https://www.afuri.or.jp/lp/...

April 9, 2026, Agematsu Town Cherry Blossom Appearance Bringing you the spring of Agematsu Town!

On April 26, 2003, here's how the cherry blossoms looked in Nagiso town. I apologize for the late post... Although I am late, I bring you the sights of spring in Kiso! Midono inn (Midono-juku) and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

[Setoushi-kun Coloring] At the Forest Art Museum "komu," we held a GW Festival from May 3rd to 5th! During the holiday, the weather changed from sunny to rainy and snowy with a constantly shifting sky, but we welcomed many visitors. Thank you! On the third day of the GW Festival, we set up a coloring corner inside the museum, where visitors enjoyed coloring with Setoushi-kun! 🎨 Children who participated received original crayons featuring Setoushi-kun as a gift! 🎁💫 Many parents and children sat side by side, seriously coloring their illustrations. After finishing, some children came to show off their completed coloring pages, which was so adorable. The drawings, initially just outlined in black, transformed into vibrant colors with the crayons, and my heart, watching over them, felt so warm. - 【Forest Art Museum "komu"】 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Last admission is at 4:30 PM Closed: Every Tuesday Admission Fees: High school students and above: 500 yen 4th graders to middle school students: 300 yen Children aged 3 to 3rd grade: 100 yen Free for children under 3 Contact: 0158-87-2600 #komu #GW #coloring #Setoushi-kun

Taken on May 18, 2014. When I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a wedding ceremony was just about to start. Encountering a wedding ceremony at a shrine is said to bring good fortune. May you all have wonderful things happen to you as well.

Kokura Komoji Memorial Cross (3 pieces) Photographed: May 6, 2026 Equipment: SONY α7II, + Sigma 20–200mm The Memorial Cross stands 20 meters tall on the hillside of Komoji-yama, overlooking the city of Kokura, featuring a large "cross" It was established in Showa 25 (1951 - Japan's recovery of independence was on April 28, 1952) This cross was erected by the U.S. military commanders stationed in Kokura at the time to honor the fallen compatriots who fought to protect world peace alongside South Korea as UN forces Later, due to the expansion of residential areas that posed a risk of collapse, it has been moved 50 meters back from its original position As a result, it no longer overlooks the city, but it still stands quietly towards the distant Korean Peninsula where they fell Behind this cross, the Komoji burning ceremony, which welcomes the spirits during the Obon festival, has been held since Showa 24, and at the foot of this cross, there is a temple and burial site of the Ogasawara family, who ruled Kokura for a long time, along with a large municipal cemetery Similar to the pagoda in Moji Port, the former Kiku District is a place where the sun sets across the sea in front, making it a very conscious location of the Western Pure Land when standing on the mountain.

The Nusamai Bridge dyed in the sunset, with the lights of the town shining in the harbor. The slowly flowing river and the quietly spreading wetlands. In spring, soft cherry blossoms add color, and in summer, you can feel the breeze while running through the greenery. You can touch nature by canoeing, or leisurely explore by bicycle. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Event Announcement📣 The "Tokachi Shimizu Pottery Market" showcasing the charm of pottery from Hokkaido will be held in Shimizu Town😊 Kilns from all over the region will participate, displaying handmade items such as dishes, cups, and vases that radiate warmth. The venue will also feature a fun lottery and a limited number of local product giveaways (milk and famous sweets), making it a delightful two-day event filled with gourmet treats and shopping🎵 Take a drive in May and come find your favorite pottery! This event is enjoyable for pottery lovers and families alike🤗 📍Date and Time ・Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ・Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍Venue Shimizu Town Cultural Center Foyer (3-3 Minami, Shimizu Town / Across from Shimizu Town Hall) 🔶The first 200 attendees each day will receive "milk"🥛 🔶After 2 PM, the first 200 attendees will also receive "Shimizu Town's famous sweets"!😍 🔶Fun lottery: One entry for every purchase over 3,000 yen! Exciting prizes are up for grabs (one ticket per 1,000 yen) https://www.shimizu-hokkaido-ta.jp/2026/04/13/%E3%82%84%E3%81%8D%E3%82%82%E3%81%AE%E5%B8%82%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B/...

The weeping cherry blossoms at Zōsen-ji in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, lit up on March 28, 2026. The blossoms were in full bloom. There were a few photographers present. I visited after seeing a photo in the brochure for the one-tree cherry blossom tour in Iida City. There were so many beautiful cherry blossoms that I couldn't see them all in one day. I hope to explore again next year.

[Kumamoto - Amakusa] Experience genuine leather and tools. Adult leather craft workshop A leather craft workshop based on traditional European techniques will be held at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center in Reihoku, Kumamoto Prefecture. The workshop will feature high-quality Italian leather called "Buttero." Using professional-grade tools, participants will create their own card cases while experiencing the craftsmanship from hole punching to sewing. As you work with your hands, your unique personality will naturally emerge. Why not enjoy the pleasure of crafting and indulge in a luxurious time that tells the story of life in this beautiful local town in Japan? Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 2nd floor of the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Participation Fee: 6,000 yen Capacity: First 10 participants (reservation required) Instructor: Makida Leather Workshop (Mr. Koichi Makita) *For inquiries, please contact the instructor For details on how to apply, please check the announcement section on the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website.

Long time no see. At the end of last month, the potatoes in the field were blooming with lovely flowers. The combination of soft gradient purple and the orange in the center is really beautiful✨️ The season is definitely heading towards early summer.

Taken on May 15, 26. This is the black sesame Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE. I was looking forward to it. 😊

This photo was taken on May 15, 26. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE. It features beautiful latte art.

Taken on May 15, 26. This is the quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It includes quiche with bamboo shoots, new onions, spinach, and bacon, along with a salad of homemade ham, chilled soup of new onions, and homemade bread. Thank you for your continued support.🙇‍♀️

Kochi Prefecture, Ioki Cave I went on my first trip with my colleagues who I've become close with and as we progressed through this quiet place where we could hear the chirping of birds, we were able to take photos that felt like an adventure!

Kochi Prefecture, Ioki Cave A natural sea cave formed by wave erosion Although it was May and the temperature was close to 27 degrees, it felt cool and the sound was quiet It's a hidden gem with not many people around!

Akan Kanko Kisen Co., Ltd. operates sightseeing boats, one of the main attractions in the green season at Lake Akanko. You can enjoy a sightseeing boat that circles the lake, as well as private motorboat rentals with four different courses, E-BIKE rentals, and bear spray rentals. At Parlor Marimo, located next to one of the two piers, Kōun no Mori Sanbashi, you can enjoy lunch menus such as udon and ramen, as well as Kushiro Zangi and a special Lake Akanko dessert, the marimo-colored 'Marimo Soft Cream' made with Uji Matcha! (Eating the soft cream brings a delightful surprise from within.) The sightseeing boat is equipped with restrooms and vending machines, and the first floor is barrier-free, accessible for customers in wheelchairs. Dogs are also allowed on board if they are leashed. For more details, please check the Akan Kanko Kisen website. https://www.akankisen.com//

The Atosanupuri Trekking Tour will start again this year!❣️ Please check out Teshikagacho Navi and our social media for more information, and enjoy this special trekking tour!⛰️✨ Reservations can be made through Teshikagacho Navi or the link in our stories🔗. Next, we will introduce the main points of this tour. Stay tuned!! 〈Atosanupuri Trekking Tour〉
Atosanupuri means "naked mountain" in Ainu. With approximately 1500 fumaroles and beautiful yellow sulfur crystals surrounding them, it has been designated as a "specific natural tourism resource" of Teshikagacho, and the mountain is classified as a restricted area based on Article 19 of the Eco-Tourism Promotion Law.

If you are looking for a special and rare trekking tour, please join us.
Reservations are required in advance, so don't forget!

Limited climbing tours by certified guides / Winner of the Minister of the Environment Award at the 18th Eco-Tourism Awards.

Taken on May 15, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki-dōri Store. I had an oat milk latte and a chocolate terrine.

This is a photo taken from the bus window while returning from Nagano Prefecture to Tokyo during my third year of junior high school on a school trip. The scene of the sun setting overlaps with the bittersweet feeling of the fun school trip coming to an end. It's one of my favorite photos, as it beautifully evokes many memories. Japan has many tourist attractions and unique hidden gems, but I chose this photo because I believe that the beauty and special moments found in the ordinary scenery, which often go unnoticed, are also wonderful hidden spots in Japan.

Taken on May 15, 2026. This is the pinwheel located next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Have you ever seen this traditional Japanese toy? It’s called Daruma Otoshi. The daruma doll is a lucky charm in Japan, believed to encourage people who are working hard to make their wishes come true. In this game, a daruma doll is placed on top of a tall stack of wooden balls, and the challenge is to knock out the balls one by one with a small hammer—without letting the daruma fall. It may sound simple, but even adults often find it surprisingly difficult! At the same time, some small children can clear it with ease, which makes the game even more exciting and fun to watch. In a way, it feels a little like Jenga, but with a uniquely Japanese twist. I absolutely love this toy♪ Daruma Otoshi has been enjoyed in Japan for generations, and almost every Japanese person knows it. However, opportunities to actually play it are becoming rare these days. Still, once people try it, both children and adults quickly become completely absorbed in the challenge. Many visitors even buy one as a souvenir to take home. If you visit Kyoto, please give Daruma Otoshi a try. You might discover that you’re surprisingly good at it! You can experience it at AriHana Kyoto, located near Kiyomizu-dera. No reservation is needed, so feel free to stop by anytime! #AriHanaKyoto #Kyoto #KyotoTravel #VisitKyoto #JapanTravel #TraditionalJapan #JapaneseCulture #JapaneseTradition #TraditionalToy #DarumaOtoshi #Daruma #MadeInJapan #CulturalExperience #JapanExperience #ThingsToDoInKyoto #FamilyFun #RetroJapan #HiddenJapan #PlayJapan #KyotoTrip

This year, the lilacs were beautifully in bloom. I thought the purple ones were so cute.

The magpie often seen in Tomakomai. In Japan, it had been breeding for many years in limited areas like Saga Prefecture, but it has started to be seen in Tomakomai for about 20 to 30 years. About the size of a pigeon, it has a stylish black and white body with long tail feathers that shimmer blue to green depending on the light✨. You might find it perched on power lines near the Tomakomai Tourist Information Center, so be sure to look for it! (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai-ko)

We will make 300 chiffon cakes. The Spring Nishiokoppe Marche was held at the entrance of the Roadside Station "Kamu". What I look forward to every time is the fluffy chiffon cake, which can only be found at the marche. I visited Yumemura Mori no Garden, the vendor, to see them making chiffon cakes. Over the three days of the marche, they sold an incredible 300 chiffon cakes! They offered two types: plain and chocolate chip, with 150 of each. Yumemura Mori no Garden, also known as "Mori-Gā", also sold wild vegetable tempura soba and udon, yamame tempura, and Setoushi-kun grilled. I was amazed not only by the variety of items for sale, but also by the number of eggs used. (I heard they brought in over 600 eggs for this marche...) First, they weighed the ingredients for one batch to bake in the oven. Birch sap harvested in the village was one of the ingredients. Then, they mixed the ingredients and poured them into the molds. Egg whites and yolks were mixed separately in different bowls, and once the meringue had risen, they combined them at the end... it's a meticulous method. While baking, they proceeded to prepare the next batch... From gathering at 8 AM to packaging, it took about six hours! This chiffon cake, popular among the villagers, was completely sold out early on the third day of the marche. Fluffy and, when placed in the mouth, the gentle sweetness spreads throughout. The next time we meet will be at the autumn marche in September. Please look forward to it. #Yumemura Mori no Garden #Spring Marche #Baking

[Spring Marche 2026] How did everyone spend the Golden Week holidays? From May 2nd (Saturday) to May 4th (Monday), the Spring Nishiokoppe Marche was held at the entrance of Nishiokoppe Roadside Station "Kamu." The first day had a cloudy sky with light rain, the second day was warm and sunny, and the third day saw snow following rain. While the weather wasn't ideal for a market, many people from both inside and outside the village visited the roadside station and stopped by the marche 🙌 With the chilly temperatures, the red wine stew made with deer meat and the wild vegetable tempura udon were particularly comforting 🍜 In addition to items to eat on the spot, there were also baked goods and sweet potato snacks available for takeout, along with a children's festival booth! Looking back, the light-hearted conversations with the people I was working with made for a truly enjoyable three days. I received a lot of energy from customers saying, "It was delicious!" Let's meet again at the Autumn Marche in September!

For just a few minutes, the sea and sky blended together. The scene I encountered at Cape Hazu in Aichi Prefecture was enveloped in a surreal tranquility. The rigid silhouette of my beloved Toyopet Corona contrasted with the graceful movement above it. Amid the changing seasons and passage of time, this moment felt as if it had stopped forever, capturing a strange sense of exhilaration.

I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I finally recovered from a cold, but due to a stressful event, I felt dizzy and had to sit down during the ceremony. I'm not good with social interactions, so I would appreciate it if I could be left alone during the monthly festival. 🥹