This is the Paperbush grove in Mushiidani, Akitakata City. The valley is completely covered with Paperbush, making it feel as if surrounded by a swarm of fireflies. Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, Akitakata City

🚨 This is the last year‼︎ Be sure to check it out‼︎ The stamp rally for the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" has started on April 24th, marking its final operation this year. 🚂✨ You can collect various designs of the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" stamps at six participating post offices! The period is from April 24, 2026, to April 23, 2027. This will be your last chance, so be sure to take part❣️ For more details, please check the flyer or the participating post offices.

This is also the first year for the indoor exhibition at Tokachi Hills' Umbrella Sky. I remembered seeing something similar somewhere, and that's probably because it resembles an event in a certain location in Fukushima Prefecture.

This is the Umbrella Sky (Sakura) at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. It is held every June, but this year it started in May. A few days ago, there was a day of strong winds that caused damage, leading to its closure. Although repairs have been made since then, full recovery seems difficult. From June, the colors of the umbrellas will change significantly.

【GW was full of events! 🎏】 Gokasecho's Golden Week was packed with events every day! All the events were created by the local community. 👏 Here are some highlights from the events enjoyed by both adults and children during Golden Week. 💡 【May 3 (Sun)】 ● Shiroyama Opening Ceremony The Shiroyama Opening Ceremony was held to pray for the safety of hikers. Unfortunately, due to rain, it took place at the Kotono Shrine assembly hall, but there were rice balls, grilled meat, drinks, and a lottery! 【May 4 (Mon)】 ● Kurara Festival The festival featured a flea market, various goods, workshops, fortune-telling, relaxation, and many delicious food stalls! This year, a stamp rally was also held! The popular lottery from last year had many prizes! It was bustling with people! 【May 5 (Tue)】 ● Utakeyama Azalea Festival The Utakeyama Azalea Festival was held to pray for the safety of hikers. In the morning, a "koinobori sports day" was held, enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly. In the afternoon, there were quizzes, stage programs, and a variety of activities!

From the summit of a small mountain called Uomidake in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, you can see a landscape that feels like a foreign land. Since there are not many tourists, you can take your time.

(April 26, 2026) Naruko Dam Rainbow Waterfall Light-Up The first arch dam built entirely by Japanese hands Naruko Dam, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture This event will feature the illuminated overflow of the dam lake, which is at full capacity, lighting up the natural overflow from the top of the dam with LEDs for several days. In the past, cars concentrated on the mountain roads to see this event, causing traffic jams. Complaints from local residents led to its cancellation. Last year, the mountain road to the dam was closed (residents can pass) and the event was resumed through a park-and-ride tour, with shuttle buses guiding visitors from a nearby community center to the dam. Hearing this information, I registered for the life's leftovers and reserved a shuttle bus for the third trip on April 26th back in February. Now, on the day of the event, with the weather forecast predicting rain for the next day, I embarked on a whirlwind tour taking five hours one way from Tokyo and was able to enjoy (and shoot) the view safely. So colorful~♪

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March every year. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

【Teppen Kagura Festival👹】 Today (April 26th), the "Teppen Kagura Festival" was held at the Gokase Winery-style hall✨ Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with people and excitement that blew away the rain and cold🔥 This festival features not only Kagura from Gokasecho but also Kagura from the neighboring Yamatocho in Kumamoto Prefecture💡 It seems there were some first-time Kagura fans in attendance, and I was delighted to see that events in Gokasecho are becoming more widely known🥰 Gokasecho has plenty of events lined up for the Golden Week🙌 Be sure to check out the tourism association's website and social media!😊

This is the illumination of the Neodani Usuzumi Zakura located in Gifu Prefecture. I felt the strength of this ancient tree, said to be over 1,500 years old.

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 2 Children's Kabuki in Hayase (May 3) In Hayase, Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, there is a tradition of "Children's Kabuki" performed by elementary school boys that has been passed down for about 150 years. It is said to have originated during the Edo period when cholera spread in Hayase, leading to the offering of Children's Kabuki at local temples and shrines to calm the disease. The head priest of Zuirinji at that time received a divine message stating, "The epidemic is a curse from gods and buddhas; therefore, offer Children's Kabuki to the temples and shrines." The villagers promptly constructed a float for the offering and on May 8 of the following year, they paraded the float to Hiyoshi Shrine, Zuirinji, and Jomoji, offering Children's Kabuki. As the epidemic subsided, this day became the grand festival of Hiyoshi Shrine, and the tradition of Children's Kabuki has been preserved and offered ever since (it is currently held on May 3). Children's Kabuki in Hayase Date: May 3, 2026 (Sunday) Time: Starting around 8 AM. Location: Hayase, Mihama Town Offered in front of Hiyoshi Shrine and Zuirinji *After offering Children's Kabuki in front of Hiyoshi Shrine, the float will be moved to Zuirinji for another performance. The exact timing will depend on the situation, so we cannot provide a fixed time. If you wish to see Children's Kabuki, please keep your schedule open throughout the morning. https://www.view-wakasamihama.jp/trip-03-02...

Around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, the white iris flowers are in full bloom. They have started to bloom a bit earlier than usual. Typically, we mention that the best viewing time is during Golden Week, but it’s a bit uncertain until the Kuniyoshi Castle Festival on May 5th. This weekend (April 25-26), the weather is nice, so it’s a great time to see them. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until the end of March) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if it's a holiday) Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

Season for outings ☀ Drive spot feature ✨ 1. Alps Tenbo Hiroba Yume no Eki With the remaining snow of the Northern Alps in the background, fields of rapeseed bloom profusely, while about 100 koi nobori (carp streamers) swim overhead. 【Best viewing period】Late April to early May 【Location】Nagano City, Nakajo Miyamasa 【Parking】Available 2. Oyachi Marsh At Oyachi Marsh, located along the Shinanoji Nature Trail, you can enjoy not only skunk cabbage but also the yellow flowers of the buttercup family, called ryukin-ka. 【Best viewing period】Early May to mid-May 【Location】Ageya, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 3. Okususobana Nature Garden *Scheduled to open on April 25 (Saturday) Known for its clusters of skunk cabbage, in early May, the wetland with 810,000 skunk cabbages sparkles with the melting snow. 【Skunk cabbage best viewing period】Early May to late May 【Location】16943-4, Kinasa, Nagano City (Okususobana Dam) 【Parking】Available (300 cars, 25 large buses) 【Fees】410 yen for middle school students and above (310 yen for groups of 20 or more) From June 1, 200 yen for middle school students and above (150 yen for groups of 20 or more) *A shuttle bus is planned to run between the Okususobana Nature Garden Visitor Center and the entrance to the nature garden. 【Operating period】April 29 (Wednesday, national holiday) to May 20 (Wednesday) 【Closed days】May 12 (Tuesday) and May 19 (Tuesday) 【One-way fare】600 yen (including tax) for middle school students and above 【Operating hours】Approximately 9:30 to 13:30 (may change depending on weather) *Tentative 【Interval】Approximately every 30 to 40 minutes *The number of users may cause fluctuations. 4. Daibō Pass This pass offers a view of the distant Northern Alps and the legendary Ichiyama, said to have been created by a demon in one night, as well as the nature of the hidden area of Kinasa. It is also a recommended spot for autumn foliage. 【Location】Daibō Pass, Kinasa, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (approximately 5 cars) 5. Toyono Tsutsuji-yama Park With flowers over 100 years old blooming riotously, it is said to be the best flowering site in northern Nagano Prefecture. 【Best viewing period】Early May 【Location】Kawatani, Toyono-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (approximately 30 cars) 6. Jizukiyama Park The view from Nagano City to Shiga Kogen is superb, featuring an observation deck, a roller slide, and athletic play equipment. 【Location】3024-1 Kamimatsu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (73 spaces, 71 for regular cars and 2 for disabled, large vehicle parking available) 【Opening period】April 1 to November 23 (closed in winter and at night) 【Opening hours】April to May (8:30 to 16:30) June to August (8:30 to 18:30) September to November 23 (8:30 to 16:30) #Drive #Flowers #Scenic views #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

On April 17, 2026, the Lake Mashu Safety Prayer Festival was held at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, and at the same time, the drive course connecting Lake Mashu First Observatory and Mt. Io, known as the Mashu Lake Mount Io Sky Road, was opened 🚙🐾 At Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale 🚩 The season has arrived to enjoy Lake Mashu visible from the Third Observatory ✨ We invite you to visit us at least once. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

[All About Gokasecho in Spring 🌸] Here are some photos of Gokasecho in full bloom 📷 Rhododendrons, weeping cherry blossoms, and Akebono azaleas were in full bloom! Please feel free to submit your photos for Gokase Hanami 2026!

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and each winner has received a prize. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce 'Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)'! 📝 Teshikaga Navi contains a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to 'Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)' for your support of this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the 'Teshikaga Photo Contest' and 'Teshikaga Navi'.

Located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Arakurayama Sengen Park💁 The five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms standing in the morning mist, along with Mount Fuji, truly represent Japan's original landscape. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸🗻

【Notice of Winter Road Closures and Reopenings】 This is a notice regarding winter road closures and reopenings. The following roads in the Mashu Area will be reopened for winter traffic starting from the dates listed below. ・Prefectural Road 150, Lake Mashu Nakashibetsu Line (Ura-Mashu Viewpoint) will reopen on April 20 at 9:00 AM. ・Prefectural Road 587, Atosato Koshimizu Line will reopen on April 20 at 10:00 AM. ・Prefectural Road 588, Kussharo Tsubetsu Line (Tsubetsu Pass) is scheduled to reopen on May 15 at 10:00 AM. *During the winter, the detour for Tsubetsu Pass will be along Japan National Route 243 (Bihoro Pass). For more information on winter road closures, please check the Teshikaga Navi. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We look forward to everyone's participation in the following tours and experiences. 【*Spring session fully booked, summer and autumn spots available*】'Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour' Images 1-8 - Observe seasonal subalpine plants with a guide - Enjoy safe and secure private bus transportation - Experience the changing vegetation while traveling up to an elevation of about 1700m. - Take commemorative photos at scenic points - Stroll leisurely along paved paths and enjoy the mountain air easily. Date and Time: May 7th (Thursday) Spring session fully booked August 19th (Wednesday), 20th (Thursday) Summer session October 7th (Wednesday), 8th (Thursday), 21st (Wednesday) Autumn session Tour Fee: 8,900 yen Payment on the day of the tour, cash only (Includes: bus operation fee, guide fee, accident insurance, lunch) Each day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (*Gathering at 8:35 AM, reception at the Saijo City Tourist Exchange Center next to iyosaijou station*) Capacity: 20 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis (minimum number of participants is 15) Application Deadline: 14 days before each tour date 【*A few spots left*】 'Experience the Aroma of the Forest with Kuromoji' Images 9-11 - Enjoy part of the extraction process of Kuromoji essential oil and distillate, as well as a silk scarf dyeing experience - High-quality Japanese essential oil, distillate, and silk scarf extracted from just 1.5ml from 1kg of branches and leaves will be souvenirs - Relax in the noble aroma of the forest at the foot of the mountain Date and Time: May 18th (Monday), June 15th (Monday) Tour Fee: 6,000 yen, payment on the day of the tour, cash only (Includes: instructor fee, lunch) From 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM (*Gathering at 9:50 AM, reception at the Ishizuchi Nature and Living Research Room (former Ooboki Clinic)*) Capacity: 8 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis (minimum number of participants is 4) Application Deadline: 10 days before each tour date Contact and Application Information (General Incorporated Association) Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered travel agency No. 3-201 by the Ehime Prefectural Governor Phone: 0897-56-2605 FAX: 0897-47-3733 #Tour #Nature #Ishizuchi #Plants #Stroll #Subalpine #Foot of the Mountain #Scenic View #Guide #Essential Oil #Distillate #Floral Water #Kuromoji

Toyama Castle Park is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most picturesque locations for enjoying cherry blossoms, blending natural beauty with deep historical significance. The park surrounds Toyama Castle, whose origins date back to the Sengoku period, when it functioned as a strategic stronghold under regional rulers. Although the original castle was lost to time, the present structure symbolizes Toyama’s feudal heritage and now serves as a cultural landmark within the city. The cherry‑blossom experience becomes especially memorable when viewed from a quiet, slow‑moving boat gliding along the castle moat. From this serene vantage point, visitors can fully appreciate the delicate fragrance of the blossoms, while petals occasionally drift down and gently settle around them. This harmony of history, landscape, and sensory richness creates a tranquil atmosphere that offers a timeless and deeply rewarding hanami experience.

Shinobazu Pond The strong winds from the day before scattered the petals, and the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo are nearing their end. After the storm, brilliant light pours into the clear blue sky, and I set out for one last cherry blossom viewing, embracing the spirit of Taisho Roman. The white, red, and Kanzan cherry blossoms are now in full bloom under the sunlight. Swaying in the light and wind, the vibrant purple blossoms shine brightly.

(2026-04-05) Night Cherry Blossom Illuminations at Shingashi River Flowing behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture the cherry blossom avenue here is famous I went to take photos for the first time last year This year, I aimed for "flower rafts" The flower rafts along The Philosopher's Walk at Lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto are too high a hurdle, so I decided to go for Saitama instead, haha With various plans overlapping I managed to squeeze in a visit on Sunday night After transferring trains three times and switching to a bus Result: No flower rafts appeared Maybe the strong wind blew them away That said, I think I got some pretty nice shots of the night cherry blossoms I figured out the route to get there and I captured some beautiful night cherry blossom illuminations (●´ω｀●)

[Notice of the Lifting of Winter Closure for the Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line] This is a notice regarding the lifting of the winter closure for the Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line. Considering the impact of frozen road surfaces and snowfall during the winter period, the closure of the following section will be lifted as detailed below. "Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line (Route 52)" This road leads from Kawayu to the Lake Mashu 3rd Observation Deck. The road will be reopened on the following date: Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM <Contact Information> Kushiro Construction Management Department Teshikaga Substation (015-482-2147) https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/r8dodokaijyo/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes have been awarded to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have kindly supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce the "Northeast Canoe Center"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi has a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you very much to the "Northeast Canoe Center" for your cooperation in this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi.

Tsubosaka-dera Temple's Sakura Daibutsu April 4, 2026 It was rainy, so there were reflections. This time, parking at Tsubosaka-dera was completely reservation-based, eliminating traffic, and we were able to smoothly reach the parking lot at the reserved time.

Photographed today, Wednesday, April 8: the wisteria at san remo park. There are white and purple wisteria trellises; the white is in full bloom while the purple has just begun to open. The azaleas are also coloring up, so please take a look if you are nearby. san remo park Address / Wadahaminamicho (next to Atami Port)

Introduction of Supporting Companies – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes were presented to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Why not enjoy spring in Oozora-cho again this year?😊 This year’s Shibazakura Festival is scheduled from Sunday, May 3 to Sunday, May 31. Events will be held every Sunday, so be sure to check them out! The scenery turns pink as far as the eye can see—come and see it for yourself! For details on blooming conditions and more, please check Shibazakura Park’s website and social media.🌸