Hakusan River Fireflies ❚ Status of Fireflies as of May 29, 2026 Every year, many visitors come to Hakusan River to see the fireflies. Fireflies are flying around Hakusan River. They can also be seen near the Inazumi Water Cave and Hoge Rock. They are expected to be at their best from this weekend into next week. Since low temperatures can lead to fewer fireflies, it's a good idea to aim for temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. 【Location】Mie Town, Bungoono City ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This tea plantation, located at an altitude of 300 meters, is referred to as the "Tea Fields in the Sky" or "Machu Picchu of Gifu." After a 10-minute walk up the trail, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the tea fields from the observation deck. The photo was taken from the observation deck. Kasuga Rikugō Kamigana, Ibigawacho, Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture.

At the end of the gently winding path, a view that seems to connect with the sky unfolds at Mt. Oomuro. Each step taken while holding hands feels as if you are getting closer to the sky. It is a hidden gem of breathtaking scenery that is still not widely known, where your heart can truly unwind.

In the corridor of Aobayuen, seasonal flowers trapped in transparent spheres shimmer under the summer light. A moment where I couldn't help but stop my feet in front of the colorful world that unfolds above. This captures the fantastical "hidden summer scenery" that exists right beside our everyday lives.

The non-flying airplane and local train The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line, one of the few narrow-gauge railways in Japan today. Along the line, seasonal flowers bloom, making it a popular railway, but the point about the non-flying airplane is a place known only to a few. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 2026

Yokeno Entei This is a stone and concrete sediment control dam located in the upper reaches of the Shigenobu River. Constructed in 1935, it is made entirely from stones sourced from the islands of Setouchi. In spring, the collaboration of cherry blossoms and stone masonry is beautiful, and around Golden Week, a local event called "Shigenobu River Koinobori Hanging" takes place, attracting many visitors. The prefectural direct-operated project began construction in 1932. A secondary dam, measuring 92 meters in length, was built downstream of the primary dam, which is 115 meters long, with both featuring a surface made of granite. The excellent condition of the remaining structure showcases the advanced construction techniques of the time. It has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property by the national government.

Saragamine The Saragamine hiking trail is popular for its lush paths and the colorful flowers that change with the seasons, offering various scenic views. Among them, the "Ryūjin-daira" that unfolds before you halfway up the mountain is a must-see. A gentle and vast wetland stretches out ahead, leaving first-time visitors amazed, thinking, "I can't believe such a view is so close by..." From Ryūjin-daira, you pass through a beech virgin forest to reach the summit. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kumakogen town (to the south). While multiple routes exist, the one from the wind hole trailhead at Kamihayashi Forest Park in Toon City is the most popular.

The view of the fishing port seen from Armor Station in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, was breathtakingly beautiful.

In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

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.

Scenery I want to preserve in Japan. Yotsuya Senmaida, selected as one of the top 100 rice terraces. The moist air after the rain created an emotional atmosphere and was very pleasant. May 2026, Yotsuya Senmaida, Shinshiro City

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 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.

I came back again this year! It's the Koinobori Festival at the Ryujin Suspension Bridge 🎏 I usually arrive early, so there weren't 1,000 carp this time 💦 This year's new discovery! The "Ryujin Café" I casually dropped by was absolutely amazing ☕️ Looking up at the carp from below was much more dynamic and beautiful than viewing from above, as they seemed to swim through the sky ✨ The scenery was beautiful, and I was thrilled to find such high-quality food as well. I'm definitely going to be a regular now 👍 Being healed by delicious pasta and a stunning view made for the perfect holiday...

It's amazing how just seeing this color the moment I leave the house in the morning makes me think, "Let's do our best today!" The power of plants is incredible 😊

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.

The puddle formed in the riverbed reflected the beautiful upside-down cherry blossoms.

A carpet of flowers in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture. The entire area is beautifully pink.

The beautiful sunrise reflected on the water surface at Ukijima. The composition utilizes the reflections of the sky on the water surface, captured through drone photography. Hinogawa Dam, Shiga Prefecture, Ukijima April 2026

🌲Akaezomatsu Forest Trail🌲 I recently took a stroll through Akaezomatsu Forest‼︎ This is one of the recommended spots to visit in the upcoming season✨ ___________________________ The trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (@kawayu_vc) is an easily accessible, authentic forest where you can observe the rare Akaezomatsu and Todomatsu trees found in Japan. You can also request a 20 to 30-minute guided tour from the facility staff✨ Especially during this season (from early June to around July), it's recommended to see the clusters of Gozen Tachibana as they transform from white flowers to red berries. At the second-floor café (@cafesoftwood), you can enjoy meals and tea, making the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center☕️🌿 _________________________________ Kawayu - Akaezomatsu Forest Located in Akan-Mashu National Park, Kawayu Onsen spreads at the foot of Mt. Io. This pure forest consists of Akaezomatsu trees that are about 200 years old. The acidic soil, covered in volcanic ash, creates a harsh environment for plants. The representative conifer of Hokkaido, Akaezomatsu, thrives here. Trees around 20 meters tall stretch endlessly, and the forest floor is covered with clusters of Gozen Tachibana. The patterns, scents, and sounds created by the limited plants enhance the charm of this mystical forest as you experience it. (Source: Akaezomatsu Forest Guide Map)

🌸🌸 Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Sakura Edition] 🌸🌸 We are recruiting participants for a bus tour that explores the double-flowered cherry blossom "Kushiro Yaezakura" which originated in Kushiro.☺ Selected by Mr. Inazawa Rokuro, who was engaged in landscaping in Kushiro, this double-flowering variety was registered in 1981. The petals are layered beautifully, making it a very charming cherry blossom. We will visit notable spots in the city and enjoy a tour-exclusive bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the "Kushiro Sakura Matsuri." Please come and enjoy the Kushiro Yaezakura in Kushiro, the final stop of the cherry blossom front in eastern Hokkaido!✨ Date: Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: 6,500 yen (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children the same fee Meeting place: KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) 　　　Gather at 8:50 AM For detailed information and applications, please check the official Kushiro and Akanko tourism website. *Please confirm via the link in the profile section. https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/overview/20909/...

Dandelions blooming along the irrigation canal🌼 Sparkling like the sun✨️ Nourishing my heart, I feel ready to tackle tomorrow again👍 Wishing everyone a wonderful end to the weekend🌿

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.

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.

Title: Fading Light Location: Niwaki Dam Lake, Takeo City, Saga Prefecture The particles of light and petals overlap, bringing the end of the season to the surface of the water. This is a photograph capturing the quiet afterglow of spring.

Title: Spring Unfolding on the Water The cherry blossom tree-lined path at Niwaki Dam Lake in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, takes us from the present tranquility back to spring ten years ago. In this windless moment, I sensed spring unfolding upon the water's surface.

Rengebatake and local line Rengebatake was a common sight during my childhood, but now it has become a rare landscape. I captured a nostalgic atmosphere with the local line (Hokusei Line). Ageki Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 24, 2026

Basking in the spring light... I found a little happiness during my walk🌼 The vibrant yellow gave me energy✨️

On April 10th, we announced the 'Wakoto Area Beach Clean-Up Activity' on social media. We recently received a report confirming that the beach clean-up around Wakoto was successfully completed! It seems that some participants joined after seeing the post from 'Teshikaga Navi'✨ That's great! May many people safely enjoy the beautiful Wakin Peninsula this year as well🧹🧼