Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom

Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area)

From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple…
Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰

The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌

We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨

Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆?

This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making

On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara.

The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗

The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕

Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars.

They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪

When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰

It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 🌸 Results Announcement]

Thank you for waiting‼️
Here are the results of “Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” 🥳🎉

This time, in addition to followers of our association’s Instagram account, winners were decided by votes submitted via Google Form and by general voting at four polling stations set up around Gokasecho 👏✨

Amazingly, we received a total of 151 votes 😳❗ Thank you to everyone who voted 🙇‍♀️💕

We will send a “Voter Prize” to 10 people selected by lottery from among those who voted ✨

We have already contacted the winners 💡 Please note that the notification of winning serves as the official announcement of the winners 🙏

Now, here are the results 👇👇👇

[🥇 Gold Prize]
@reoron001219 (photo 2)
[🥈 Silver Prize]
@_yuta610 (photo 3)
[🥉 Bronze Prize]
@fowafuwarin5 (photo 4)
@sakai_0808 (photo 5)

This time, two entrants shared the Bronze Prize 🎉 Each entry was stunningly beautiful and made us sigh in admiration 🥹✨ As always, we are simply amazed by everyone’s photography skills 😳❗

Also!! We are announcing the collaboration award with the Gokase Sakura Project organized by Gokase Secondary School (@saku_puro): the “Gokase Sakura Project Award” 🤩 👏

The winner is…

[🌸 Gokase Sakura Project Award]
@thusandleavis (photo 6)

Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉
And thank you truly to everyone who applied, voted, and participated😭❤️‍🔥

We’ll have a stretch of steady rain for a while, but hot summer will arrive soon 🎐☀️
Let’s cherish the changing seasons and enjoy the rain and heat alike 💪💕

We hope you’ll join our next event ✨ Thank you very much 🙇‍♀️🌸

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃

It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅

Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞
At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨

I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰

The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷

When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】

Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"!
We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨

From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏

Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️

Here is how to vote💡

【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】
⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person.

<If voting via Google Form>
・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below
https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A
・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response.
⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance.

<If voting via Instagram>
・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/
・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍
⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware.

<If voting at a polling location>
・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope.

Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨

⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand.

Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗

1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1)
2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2)
3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3)
4 @_yuta610 (photo 4)
5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5)
6 @8215dr72 (photo 6)
7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7)
8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8)
9 @reoron001219 (photo 9)
10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10)
11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11)
12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12)

We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

🌿New Tea Season🌿

The tea fields in Gokasecho are turning a vivid green😌🍵

The first and second photos show the house in Kuwanochi, in front of which the weeping cherry trees that we introduced in spring looked so beautiful📸✨

Against the fresh green of the remaining cherry leaves, the two-tone tea fields made an incredibly beautiful scene🥺👏

Fresh tea is arriving one after another at the Gokase Specialty Center, and the scent of new tea fills the shop🥰

Enjoy the fragrant, new tea leaves that make you feel as if you are standing right in the tea fields🍵✨

Shiraiwa Mountain Opening 🌸

Today (May 11), the Shiraiwa Mountain Opening was held at the Gokasecho Highland Ski Area Parking Center😊

A Shinto ceremony took place on the mountain, with organizers and other attendees praying for safety while enjoying the crisp mountain air👏

After the ceremony, those who wished began climbing toward the rhododendron colony💪

Azaleas, Okamenoki, yama-shakuyaku (mountain peony), and rhododendrons appeared to be in full bloom💡

⚠ Notice ⚠
From May 12, Reiwa 7, the town road Hon-yashiki/Hagi Line and the Hagi Forest Road, which provide access to the Goboubatake trailhead (Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe), will be closed to all traffic until further notice due to road disaster recovery work.
To reach Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe, please use the Ogawadake: Tenyabo trailhead (road subsidence, many falling rocks, rough road).

【🌸 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.✨

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“#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.

An article is introducing Gokasecho 👏✨
Please take a look 😆!

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.😆

Koinobori Sports Day 🎏 & Azalea Festival 🌸

On May 5th, the event was held in District 8: Koinobori Sports Day and the Azalea Festival.

Under a clear sky where koinobori raised by local volunteers drifted gracefully, the sports day took place in the morning.👟

The program offered activities that people of all ages could enjoy, and both adults and children competed with smiles.😆✨

In the afternoon, the venue moved to the gymnasium for a quiz contest and karaoke competition.🎤

The day ended with a much-anticipated raffle, and the whole event was lively from start to finish.😍

[May 3] Kurara Festival 2025

A Golden Week fast start💪💨

On May 3, Constitution Memorial Day, Kurakura Kurara in the former Kuraoka Junior High School hosted the Kurara Festival 2025🥳

The weather could not have been better that day☀️✨

The venue bustled with many food and drink stalls, fortune-telling, relaxation services, crafts, and a flea market. About 300 visitors came, making it a very lively day🤗🌟

Because it was quite warm, shaved ice was hugely popular🍧💕 (Adults seemed to prefer alcohol🍺?)

In the courtyard, Nani.loa HULA studio performed hula dances🌺 A special guest performance featured the vice principal of Kuraoka Elementary School singing passionately, which electrified the crowd😆🔥

The raffle offered many luxurious prizes, and smiles were everywhere☺️✨

Although a new festival that started last year, Kurara Festival has already become a beloved event both inside and outside the local community👏💡

Everyone is already looking forward to next year💕

【🌸 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.☺️💕

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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.

[🌸Gokase Hanami 2025 Submitted Photos — Part 10🌸]

The entries submitted to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account have reached a pause for now as of today💪🌸 The photo contest is still open, so please do submit your entries🤗✨

@_yuta610
@fowafuwarin5
@meiko_ryu
@tokotan2._.2

(in no particular order)

This time we received many night cherry blossom photos👏 Even with a step ladder or whatever I try, I can’t take good night photos at all — how do people manage to capture such beautiful night shots like these?🤔 They’re truly wonderful!!!

We’ll post again when more featured works have been collected🤗💡

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≪#Gokase Hanami 2025 — How to Enter≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of shooting (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 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 when photographing.

🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photos, No. 9 🌸

We’re wrapping up the introductions to the entries submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account, with just one more installment to go 🥹 Thank you for so many wonderful submissions 👏✨

@8215dr72
@920cherry71
@omilove.1203

(in no particular order)

We received breathtakingly beautiful photos that make you sigh 🥺💕 Many photos feature Josenji, but we also loved fresh perspectives such as shots of the cherry-tree-lined road taken from afar and weeping cherry trees reflected in car windows — truly lovely 😳💫

Yesterday we announced that Akebono azaleas and rhododendrons are at their best 💡 With the weather not looking great today or tomorrow, we worry they may not last, so if you can, please take photos and submit them to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” 🤗✨

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How to Enter “#Gokase Hanami 2025”

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #Date of shooting (for example: #March 20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Additional rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them carefully before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 Photo Submissions — No. 8 — 🌸]

Lately, the Gokase Tourism Association has been featuring entries to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on its Instagram account, and only a few submissions remain to be showcased at this stage 😳

@taniyan1119
@tm21mt
@tourism09wine
@yaaaaaa.85
@naoki_photo.graphy
@naomin168
@kurota_kurohei

(In no particular order)

Mixed in with Josenji Temple and the Harada family’s site, we received many heartwarming shots of local weeping cherry trees, adorable pet dogs, and bright red boke (flowering quince) berries ☺️💕
Thank you all so much for the many submissions ✨ We’re still accepting entries, so feel free to post your photos anytime 🤗

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≪#How to Enter #Gokase Hanami 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #the shooting date (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: From Thursday, March 20, 2025 until Sunday, May 11, 2025
⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before submitting.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[🌸Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 Entry Photo Showcase – Part 7–🌸]

We continue to share entries submitted to the "#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025" held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account🤗🌟

@sokoatari.urouro

This collection captures many expressions of the weeping cherry tree at Josenji Temple😳✨Daytime, nighttime, from far, from near, from below… each perspective brings a totally different feel, and it’s fascinating👏!

We won’t post tomorrow, but we still have many entries to show, so please stay tuned a little longer☺️🙏

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≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (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 are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. 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.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Entries, No. 6 🌸]

It’s finally starting to get truly warm here. ☀️

Today we continue showcasing works entered in the “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” contest on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account. 💪💡

@smail_barm
@taka_gr86rz
@takataka0129
@thusandleavis

(in no particular order)

We received submissions of weeping cherry blossoms from Josenji, the Harada family, and Kijiya. 🌸✨
There’s also a photo of the cherry tree at Koshouji at the foot of Gokase Winery — it’s huge! 😳

What kind of entries will appear tomorrow? 🤗 Stay tuned!!

The photo contest is still open for submissions. 🌟 Spring in Gokase isn’t just about cherry blossoms — please photograph various flowers and enter! 🥳

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[How to Enter the #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025]

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (for 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 terms are posted 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.

【🌸Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photos, No.5🌸】

We continue to steadily showcase works submitted to the Gokase Hanami 2025 contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🥳

@reoron001219
@sakai_0808
@sayasyoto

(in no particular order)

We received many photos of weeping cherry trees set against clear blue skies 🌸✨ Everyone’s framing is truly brilliant… we’re always amazed, wondering how they captured such scenes from any angle 😳👏

Although akebono azaleas and rhododendrons aren’t fully in bloom yet, they’re starting to open little by little 🤗 The photo contest runs until Sunday, May 11, so please keep those entries coming 🎶

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≪How to Enter Gokase Hanami 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #shooting date (example: #March 20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️Other terms 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 care to avoid accidents while shooting photos.

【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 4 🌸】

We are continuing to showcase works submitted to the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 event, which is currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. Today we bring you more entries every day🌟

@fowafuwarin5
@gokase_pan
@hisabou1958
@kickcamp_with_jimny
@landscape133_22
@madame.rururu

(in no particular order)

This time there are many night cherry blossom photos from Kijiya🌸🌙
We are very pleased to see Josenji and the Harada family’s weeping cherry trees captured from so many perspectives☺️💕

There are also striking shots of the red-and-white camellias blooming at the base of Josenji’s cherry trees✨It’s delightful to enjoy the charm of various flowers🎶

We are still accepting submissions, so please send yours in abundance🤗✨

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≪How to enter Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and the photo date (for example: March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️ Please take care to avoid accidents while photographing.

🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Photos 2025 — Featured Entries #3 🌸

We’re continuing our daily showcase of works submitted to the Gokase Cherry Blossom 2025 contest on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.

@bluesea12067
@code_name_cross_fire

We received a wonderfully diverse set of entries.🤩

Scenes include the spring mountains and historic buildings tucked deep in Kuwanouchi, a moss-and-cherry blossom pairing, and cherry trees framed from a winery-style hall.🤗

Everyone enjoys hanami in their own way, and it’s such fun to see the variety.😆💕

Thank you to everyone who entered.🙇‍♀️
We’re still accepting submissions, so please capture your own way of enjoying hanami and enter the contest.🤗✨

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How to Enter Gokase Cherry Blossom 2025

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: #GokaseCherryBlossom2025 and #date of shooting (for example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥

Gokase Tourism Association Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025
⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html
⚠️Please take care to avoid accidents while shooting photos.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Photos Vol.2 🌸]

We’re back with another big batch of entries to the “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” contest now running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account. We’ll be sharing many of the submissions today.💪🌟

@1230fuukeinoturishi

These nostalgic shots capture not only the classic weeping cherry at Josenji Temple but also everyday cherry blossom scenes from the Kuraoka area.🥺

The photographer’s sensibility that turns your eyes not only to the cherry trees but also to the charming mountain flowers is something to admire and learn from…🙏✨

We’ll be featuring entries every day for a while, so please stay with us.🙇‍♀️

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≪#How to Enter: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 ≫
Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of shooting (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post. 🤳❤️‍🔥

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. Please be sure to read them before entering.
https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html

⚠️ Please take full care to avoid accidents when photographing.

[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 1 🌸]

We are sharing entries submitted to the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.🫡✨

So many lovely entries arrived, and we’ll be showcasing them one after another.👏
@_yuta610
@a2o_yoshino
@aaatkt6
(in no particular order)

Photos feature the cherry blossoms at Josenji, the Harada family residence, Kijiya, and Mikasho Shrine.💡
The daytime blossoms and the night cherry trees are both truly beautiful.🥹💕

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≪How to Enter the Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 Contest≫
Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags: Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and the shooting date (for 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 terms 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 shooting photos.

Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Kuwanochi 🌸

Yesterday, Monday, April 7, the weather turned warm with a gentle breeze and clear skies☀️
It was truly a perfect day for hanami🌸🍡

When people think of cherry blossoms in Gokasecho, the Sanga area is especially famous, but Kuwanochi also hides some lesser-known blossom spots😌✨

Photos 1–3 show the cherry trees you see on the left just before you reach the top of the hill where the road from National Route 218 turns toward Yuhinosato Bridge and meets Prefectural Route 8📸

Two large, pale-pink cherry trees stand between tea fields and a vast blue sky stretching as far as the Aso caldera🌸 It’s the kind of serene satoyama landscape that takes your breath away🥹✨

This place seems to be a well-kept secret with many devoted fans🤭💕

Photos 4–5 show the cherry tree by a private house you’ll find right after descending the lane beside the fire station along Prefectural Route 8📸

A magnificent weeping cherry stands out against a carpet of rapeseed flowers at its feet and the bright blue sky behind it. It’s a vivid, springlike scene🤗✨

Beside it, vivid purple magnolia blooms in profusion, making this spot a joyful celebration of spring🤩

Finally, photos 6–8 show the cherry at Koshoji Temple📸

You have to view it from a bit of a distance to take in the whole tree — it’s very large😳✨

The pure white petals contrast beautifully with the red-and-white mottled camellias planted in front. The sight is stunning and powerful; this cherry tree is well worth a visit🙏💡

That brings us to the entrance of Kuwanochi and ends the cherry tree tour for now😌 Please tell us about your favorite cherry trees too✨

A note on the private houses I featured: these are private properties, so when viewing, please do not enter yards or make loud noises. Observe good manners to avoid bothering neighbors🙇‍♀️

Now, rain is forecast for this Thursday — will the blossoms be gone then? 🥲 It’s a little sad, but that fleeting beauty is part of their charm🫶 Cherry-blossom showers are poetic; let’s enjoy them to the fullest while they last🌸

[🌸 Night Cherry Blossoms Around Gokasecho 🌙]

The weeping cherry trees across town are now in full bloom, and their night-time beauty is not to be missed ✨

So, I’ll share the night cherry blossom photos I took on Sunday, April 6th 📸🤗

Josenji needs no introduction, and the weeping cherry at the Harada residence overwhelms you with its powerful presence 😳

It was a clear day, and the moonlight paired beautifully with the blossoms 🌙

The weeping cherries around Josenji’s bell were a little behind, but they bloomed fully and created an elegant scene 👏

Kijiya has finally reached its peak, and the night cherry blossoms reflected on the pond are stunning 🥹✨

Daytime sakura are wonderful, but a night cherry blossom tour is lovely too 😌🌸 Fewer people are around, so you can enjoy them at a relaxed pace 💡

The light-up schedule is as follows: Josenji’s weeping cherry until Sunday, April 13th, and Kijiya’s weeping cherry until Wednesday, April 16th 😊

Please be quiet when viewing at night, since these trees are near private homes 🤫

Also, dressing in dark colors can make you hard to see from cars at night. Wear noticeable colors like yellow or white or use reflectors to avoid accidents 🙏

These weeping cherries will likely treat us to their beauty for a little while longer 😊 Let’s enjoy them safely and courteously ✨

We have received many photos for our ongoing #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 campaign on the association’s Instagram account (@gokae_kanko) — thank you so much 😭 Thank you 😭 We’re still accepting entries, so please do submit your photos — seriously, please!! 🙇‍♀️✨
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Full bloom of flowers 🌸
Today, Sunday, April 6, brought warm sunshine and a distinctly springlike atmosphere 🌞
The town’s flowers are now at their best ✨
The cherry blossoms and camellias at Mikasho Shrine are also at peak, drawing many visitors 😊
Traffic is heavy, so please take care when passing through!

🌸 The weeping cherry trees at Josenji are now in bloom 🌸

In Gokasecho, the cooler-than-usual temperatures delayed the blossoms this year, but

the weeping cherry at Josenji has now reached its peak viewing period 🤗✨ (It is not yet fully in bloom!)
You should be able to enjoy the beautiful weeping cherry through the beginning of next week 🌸

The trees are also lit up after sunset, so please enjoy the night blossoms as well 👏✨
Please note that the Josenji illumination will end as soon as the peak viewing period passes 🙏

Expect heavy crowds, especially on weekends ⚠️ Follow the directions of traffic attendants around Josenji and take care when arriving by car 🚗

Nearby weeping cherries at the Harada residence and Kijiya are slowly coming into bloom as well, so enjoy them together 🫶

(And please consider entering photos you take in our association’s ongoing photo contest “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on Instagram 😘📸) https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/

Gokase Sakura Project: Cherry Blossom Festival🌸

On Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30, a cherry blossom festival took place around the weeping cherry tree in Kijiya.

This post shows scenes from Saturday, March 29.

Despite the low temperatures, the morning brought sunshine, and the venue buzzed with a wide variety of food stalls and kitchen cars and many visitors.

That evening, timed with the night illumination, members of Naniloa HULA studio performed a graceful hula dance.

Although the stage was set under a cold sky, the dancers’ beaming smiles warmed everyone’s hearts.

As of March 29, about 20–30% of the cherry trees were in bloom overall, so unfortunately they were not at full bloom.

Still, the lights that the students of Miyazaki Prefectural Gokase Secondary School worked hard to install cast a gentle glow that made the venue beautiful even with fewer blossoms.

[🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2025 🌸] From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, May 11!

(Surely) with the last of the snow behind us, the season of flowers is finally approaching Gokasecho ✨ We’re running a spring Instagram campaign too 🤩🙌

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/) and post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho to Instagram using two hashtags: #GokaseHana2025 and #dateofphoto (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Every day during the campaign, one person will win a mini set of Gokasecho specialty products 🎁✨
This time, amazingly!
During the nighttime illumination of Kijiya’s weeping cherry tree organized by students of Gokase Secondary School’s “Gokase Sakura Project” (March 23 [Sun]–April 16 [Wed] ※updated 4/2), entries featuring photos of Kijiya’s weeping cherry will have double the daily winning chance 😮✨!?

Plus! Outstanding entries will receive a gift box of Gokasecho specialty products 🤩👏
And even more! This time there will also be a “Gokase Sakura Project Award”…🤭🌟!?

Submitted entries will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association and Gokase Sakura Project social media channels as they are selected 💡

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

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In spring in Gokasecho you can enjoy not only weeping cherry but also rhododendrons, akebono azaleas, and many other flowers 🌸
In the warm weather, how about a flower tour around Gokasecho 🤗?
We sincerely look forward to your participation ✨

[Announcement ❄️ of Winter Gokase 2025❄️ Results]

Thank you for waiting! !️
Announcement 🥳🎉 of the results of "Winter Gokase 2025"

This time, in addition to the followers of the Gokase Tourism Association's Instagram Account, we decided 👏✨ the winning item by voting by Facebook and Google Form

Thank you to 🙇 ♀️💕 everyone who voted
Now, let's announce the 👇👇👇 results

[🥇 Gold Award]
Mr. @mas8787a
[🥈 Silver Prize]
Mr. @fowafuwarin5
[🥉 Bronze Award]
Mr. @yamabico_san

The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been revived in yellowtail three years, and the winter appearance of Josenji Temple, which enjoys beautiful scenery in both Spring and autumn, won prizes 🤩✨

It is raining today, but there was a lot of snow this year, so ❄️ there are many difficulties, but I am always amazed 👏 by the power of Nature that creates beautiful scenery and by the people who express themselves through the viewfinder

Congratulations ㊗️🥳🎉 to all the winners

And There is a to 😭❤️ 🔥 everyone who applied, voted, and participated

Spring is finally here 🌸
We will inform you of the Spring campaign soon, so when you come to Gokase to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, please take many photos and cry when 😭💕 you participate

💫 Best regards