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.

A vibrant gift found at Tokiwa Shrine🌹 Even on a cloudy day, seeing this red color somehow makes me feel energized.

——— Floating Island in the Sky This was captured by aerial photography along with the sky reflected on the water's surface. Hinocho, Shiga Prefecture, Hino River Dam Ukishima April 2026 *Contact with the management office has been confirmed *Comprehensive flight permission for unmanned aircraft obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *Flight plan notification and flight log creation

In the gentle spring scenery, a single flower 🌷 standing tall makes me feel somewhat encouraged.

On April 12th, the Takeda diamond, signaling the arrival of spring, was clearly visible on Mt. Goryu in Hakuba. Cherry blossoms and snow-capped mountains! And a clear blue sky. I received the best hospitality from Hakuba!

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 Iozan Sky Road, was opened🚙🐾 It seems that flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace🚩 The view from the Mashu Lake Lounge within Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace is also beautiful✨ Be sure to check it out.

Looking into the river flowing through Akan Lake Onsen Town, I saw schools of wakasagi swimming upstream to spawn. It seems the fish are also sensing the arrival of spring☀️🐠✨️.

Introduction of Supporting Companies - 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Instagram of Teshikaga Navi, we will gradually introduce the supporting companies that have collaborated with us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce "CAFE SOFTWOOD"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to "CAFE SOFTWOOD" for your support of this event. 🙇🛶 We appreciate your continued support for the "Teshikaga Photo Contest" and "Teshikaga Navi." https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

The atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the female boatman. *Aerial shots are taken with the permission of the Kunita family. *Approved for unmanned aircraft operation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. *Flight plan notification and flight log preparation. Shibazakura of the Kunita family in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. April 2026.

The camellia blooms gracefully under the sunlight 🌺 It was a vibrant red, as if sharing the strength of spring✨️

Aerial footage was taken of the lower thousand cherry trees at Mount Yoshino. Yoshino Mountain, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture April 2026 *Obtained comprehensive flight permission for unmanned aerial vehicles from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *Flight plan notification and flight log creation.

In Nagano City, we introduce late-blooming cherry blossoms! 🌸 Cherry blossom bloom report from April 14 and 15. 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to revisit this later!〉 1. Gassho Cherry Blossom at Tenzōji Temple A designated natural monument of Nagano City. The weeping cherry trees on both sides of the main hall stretch their branches to meet each other, which is why they are called "Gassho Cherry Blossom." 【Location】74 Ōoka Otsu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available 2. Weeping Cherry Blossom at Takahashi in Kinasa The 400-year-old weeping cherry tree is located in the front yard of the Takahashi Community Center and is a natural monument of Nagano City. At Takahashi Yakushidō, there is a group of stone statues, including a beautifully carved Kannon from the 33rd temple of the Western Pilgrimage. 【Location】Takahashi, Kinasa, Nagano City 3. Kamiyo Cherry Blossom at Isozakura Jinja Legend has it that this giant tree grew from the staff of Susanoo no Mikoto, with a circumference of about 9 meters. It is an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 1,200 years old and designated as a national natural monument. 【Location】513 Izumihei, Nagano City 4. Sakura Square at Nagano City Hall A cherry blossom spot known to those in the know! It is a relaxing space with garden umbrellas and chairs. 【Location】1613 Tsuruga Midori-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (The first hour after entering the parking lot is free, excluding late-night hours.) *The "Nagano Tourism Net" webpage is currently sharing cherry blossom bloom information for Nagano City! 🌸 Please use it as a reference for your cherry blossom viewing! 🌸 *There is a link in the highlight "Flower Spot Information." #Cherry Blossom #Hanami #Blooming #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

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. We will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us on the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce "Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi has a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to "Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)" for your support in this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the "Teshikaga Photo Contest" and "Teshikaga Navi." https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Annual Event‼︎🛶✨ 【Announcement of Clean-Up Activity at Wakoto Beach】 On April 19th (Sunday), we will hold a beach clean-up starting at 10 AM, followed by a pork miso soup gathering at 11 AM‼︎ (We will serve pork miso soup to those who participate in the beach clean-up.) After that, from 2 PM, a basic life-saving course will be held at Teshikaga Fire Station for those who use the lake. Details of the Beach Clean-Up on April 19th (Sunday) 10 AM - Beach Clean-Up 11 AM - Pork Miso Soup Gathering 2 PM - Basic Life-Saving Course at Teshikaga Fire Station *The beach clean-up is a free participation event, starting at 10 AM at PETETOK on that day. Additionally, on April 29th (Wednesday), GOOD VIBES MARKET (FLEA MARKET) will be held‼︎ This first event will primarily feature local exhibitors, and it is planned to take place within the PETETOK premises. We look forward to your participation and inquiries🛶✨

This year's cherry blossoms are coming to an end👀✨ In the end, I encountered the gently swaying weeping cherry blossoms against a backdrop of blue sky. Watching the petals flutter down makes me feel a bit lonely, but I'm glad I could capture this moment in a photo... The seasons pass quickly, but I think I will keep this spring scenery in my heart forever. Thank you for this year's cherry blossoms🌸

It's the perfect day for a drive🌸 Wherever you go, the cherry blossoms are beautiful, making you want to stop and take photos📸 Enjoying spring with my beloved car✨️

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.

A pink shower falls from the sky 🌸 The Soto Ohno Weeping Cherry Blossom, over 300 years old is a famous tree associated with Mito Mitsukuni, and it was stunningly beautiful again this year. Spending time facing this cherry blossom in the quiet mountains is truly a luxury✨️

In the Kushiro Subprefecture of Hokkaido (Kushiro City, Kushiro Town, Shibechacho, Tsuruimura, Akkeshicho, Hamanaka Town), we are distributing "Wetland Cards" at four Ramsar Convention registered wetlands: Kushiro Shitsugen, Akanko, Akkeshi-ko and Bekambeushi Shitsugen, and Kiritappu Shitsugen! The cards distributed at Akanko feature the early morning scenery of Akanko and Mt. Oakan🏔🌅. Please ask at the counter on the 1st floor of Akan Lake Marimukan for your "Wetland Card!"

Cherry Blossom Blooming Report as of April 10th 🌸 Here’s some information for your weekend hanami (flower viewing) plans!✨ 1. Shiroyama Park Located next to Zenkoji, this is the most famous cherry blossom spot in Nagano City, boasting about 470 cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry blossom tunnel during peak bloom is absolutely beautiful! 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom (slightly falling petals) *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Hakosemizuka 【Parking】Available 1st Parking Lot (155 cars), 2nd Parking Lot (123 cars), 3rd Parking Lot (155 cars) 100 yen for the first 20 minutes, plus 100 yen for every additional 20 minutes *Free for up to 2 hours with a Nagano City Childcare Passport when using the park or zoo 2. Matsushiro Castle Ruins The former residence of the Sanada clan, Matsushiro Castle features about 100 cherry trees that beautifully bloom in the castle's Edo period space! 【Cherry Blossom Light-Up】April 4th (Sat) to April 13th (Mon) from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Matsudaimachi, Matsushiro 44 【Parking】Available City-run Tonomachi Tourist Parking Lot: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 for disabled Matsushiro Castle North Parking Lot (5-minute walk from the north side of Matsushiro Castle): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 for disabled 3. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park Famous for the battles between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. A great spot to enjoy about 100 cherry trees! 【Cherry Blossom Light-Up】After blooming until April 11th (Sat) from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Kojimada 1384-1 【Parking】Available (Expect congestion in the park's parking lot. Please refrain from unauthorized parking at nearby facilities.) 4. Chausuyama Dinosaur Park Entrance About 80 cherry trees line the embankment at the entrance of Chausuyama Dinosaur Park. During peak bloom, you can enjoy a cherry blossom tunnel. The varieties include Somei Yoshino and Higan Sakura. Additionally, cherry trees bloom within the Chausuyama Mallett Golf Course. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Shinonoi Okada 2358 【Parking】Available 5. Kourinji Temple Home to a 300-year-old weeping cherry tree, along with other Somei Yoshino trees. Many people come to photograph the magnificent cherry blossoms and the temple. 【Bloom Status】Somei Yoshino Full Bloom, Weeping Cherry Dropping Petals *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Shinonoi Komatsubara 2329 【Parking】Available 6. Unjouden Around 650 cherry trees bloom along the sakura slope leading to Unjouden from behind Zenkoji and on the observation road. Being on a high ground, it offers a panoramic view of the city. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano City, Hakosemizuka 3-chome 1775 【Parking】Available 7. Sakura Embankment (Aakusu) About 60 Somei Yoshino trees line the Saikawa river near Aakusu. 【Bloom Status】Beginning to Fall *Captured on April 10th 【Location】Nagano Prefecture, Nagano City, Aakusu 1-32 (Aakusu Address) *The "Nagano Tourism Net" web page is currently providing information on cherry blossom blooming in Nagano City! 🌸 Please use it as a reference for your hanami plans! 🌸 #Cherry Blossom #Hanami #Blooming #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Melting into the dark night, the weeping cherry blossoms 🌸 This year, the Jizo Zakura in Konamase has once again displayed its magnificent beauty. Let this overwhelming sense of scale be conveyed!

This week’s cherry blossom viewing reference! Cherry blossom bloom report from April 7 to April 8 🌸 ① Shoubu Pilgrimage Cherry Tree An Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 700 years old. This giant tree stands about 18.2 meters tall, making it quite a sight! It is said to have received its name from its location on an ancient path leading to Togakushi from Koichi. 【Bloom Status】50% Blooming *Photo taken on April 7 【Location】3991 Shoubu, Nagano City ② Kourinji Temple This temple features a weeping cherry tree that is about 300 years old, along with other Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Many people come to photograph the impressive cherry blossoms and the temple. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】2329 Komatsubara, Shinonoi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available ③ Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle, the residence of the Sanada clan, features about 100 cherry trees blooming beautifully in the castle grounds from the late Edo period! 【Cherry Blossom Illumination】April 4 (Saturday) to April 13 (Monday) from 18:00 to 21:00 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】44 Matsushiro, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available City-operated Tonemachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 disabled parking spots Matsushiro Castle North Parking (5-minute walk from the north side of Matsushiro Castle): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 disabled parking spots ④ Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This is a battlefield famous for the battles between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. Enjoy cherry blossoms with about 100 Somei Yoshino trees at this viewing spot! 【Cherry Blossom Illumination】After blooming until April 11 (Saturday) from 18:00 to 21:00 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1384-1 Oshimada, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (Expect congestion in the park's parking lot. Please refrain from unauthorized parking at nearby facilities.) ⑤ Shiroyama Park Located next to Zenkoji, this is Nagano City’s premier cherry blossom spot, featuring about 470 Somei Yoshino trees in full bloom. The cherry blossom tunnel during full bloom is incredibly beautiful! 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】Hakoshimizu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available First Parking Lot (155 cars), Second Parking Lot (123 cars), Third Parking Lot (155 cars) 100 yen for the first 20 minutes, plus 100 yen for every additional 20 minutes *Those with a Nagano City Childcare Passport can park for free for up to 2 hours when visiting the park or zoo. ⑥ Sakuradote (Arks) About 60 Somei Yoshino trees line the banks of the Sai River near Arks. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1-32 Arks, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture ⑦ Unjouden About 650 cherry trees bloom along the cherry blossom slope and scenic road leading from behind Zenkoji to Unjouden. Being on a high ground, it offers a panoramic view of the city. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1775-3 Hakoshimizu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available *The "Nagano Tourism Net" webpage is currently providing information on cherry blossom bloom in Nagano City! 🌸 Please make use of it as a reference for cherry blossom viewing 🌸 #cherry blossom #cherry blossom viewing #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

It is precisely because of the cloudy sky that the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms stands out 🌸 the deep green of the willows 🌳 their reflections on the water seem to weave a story…

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.

From mid-April to May in early spring As the snow melts, Akan’s forests put on a show of flowers that delight the eye and richly color the woods. Why not take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the hot spring district and enjoy a picnic of wildflowers?

Today's Akanko Thanks to the rise in temperature, steam fog formed and created a magical scene. Some ice remains, but it is thin, so please do not go out onto the lake ice.

Twin Arch 138 with the morning glow and a row of cherry trees The hazy morning sun painted the scene in a soft orange light. Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture April 4, 2026

Lured by the warm, sunny weather, I looked down to find bright dandelions in bloom!! These spring flowers have long been beloved in Japan🌼 Their yellow petals shine like the sun, and just looking at them lifts your spirits. The fluffy seed heads getting ready to drift on the breeze also bring a uniquely seasonal sense of charm✨️

Introducing a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Fujikoshi Ryu-zu Tsuba Signature Shohakudo Sunagawa Masayoshi (kao) Certification The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K.) Tokubetsu Hozon Tousogu Dimensions Vertical 78 mm Horizontal 73.4 mm Seppa-dai thickness 4 mm Period Late Edo period School Sunagawa school Description He was the third head of the Sunagawa family and used the art-name Shohakudo. He specialized in plant motifs such as chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragon designs. This work skillfully depicts a dragon crossing Fuji in sukidashi carving, showing high technical ability. The iron has a pleasing texture, and the workmanship is excellent.

For residents of Michihigashi: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026 plan goes on sale!! This spring, why not use and revive at Teshikaga Kawayu Onsen with a great deal? The weekday and Sunday-only “Use and Revive: Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026” plan for residents of Michihigashi went on sale March 23, 2026 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. With the snow melting and spring almost here, stay at Kawayu Onsen this season and revive both your mind and body. 🌸