Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s Sakura × Espresso Latte and a matcha Basque cheesecake topped with sakura.

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.

Guide to JR Hokkaido’s Ōzora and Tokachi trains 😊 JR Hokkaido’s limited express trains Ōzora and Tokachi connect Sapporo with eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro and Kushiro). The journey from sapporo station to obihiro station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes 🚊 From shinchitosekuukou station, take the Rapid Airport to minami chitose station and transfer to the limited express Ōzora or Tokachi. The travel time from shinchitosekuukou station to obihiro station is about 2 hours 30 minutes 🎵 Also, the trip from Kushiro Station to obihiro station on the Ōzora limited express takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. All seats on the limited express Ōzora and Tokachi are reserved, so please make a reservation in advance 🤗 https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ekinet_jrticket/page.html#map...

The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosaka-dera Temple It was a day of on-and-off rain, but I enjoyed the cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry blossoms looked beautiful lit up at night. At Tsubosaka-dera Temple, there was a temporary observation platform—apparently only for this season—that let visitors enjoy views of the Cherry Blossom Buddha. I’m grateful for it. This year, the parking lot required a full reservation in advance.

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.

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each recipient. This Teshikaga photo contest is held with the cooperation of businesses based in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Kussharo Prince Hotel‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Kussharo Prince Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/k_princehotel/...

Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s matcha Basque cheesecake with cherry blossom topping. It smells of cherry blossoms. 😊🍵🌸

Would you like to visit Komu during Golden Week? At the Forest Museum Komu, we are holding the Golden Week Festival again this year🎉 The festival runs for three days from Sunday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 5. Activities change each day! - May 3 (Sun) Naruko (wooden clapper) workshop 🪚 These are the naruko used by dancers in the Yosakoi Festival. You will use a coping saw and hammer to make them, so please participate with a guardian. ① 11:00 AM / ② 1:30 PM Duration: about 30 minutes Capacity: 4 groups per session Fee: 500 yen; register on the day Location: Komu woodwork room - May 4 (Mon) 11:00 AM – Kihako Live♪ Location: Kim no Shima Kihako, who visited Komu in December 2024, returns! They plan to perform children’s songs and original pieces. You’re sure to be enchanted by Kihako’s gentle tones. - May 5 (Tue) Setoushi-kun coloring experience 🖍️ We offer several coloring sheets featuring Nishiokoppe Village’s character Setoushi-kun. The first 100 children (ages 3 to elementary school) will receive an original Setoushi-kun crayon as a gift! ① 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / ② 1:00 PM–2:00 PM A coloring area will be set up somewhere inside the Komu building. Entry and exit are free, so feel free to join anytime. - We look forward to your visit. - Forest Museum Komu Opening hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Closed: every Tuesday *During Golden Week the museum is open through Wednesday, May 6. It will be closed on Thursday, May 7. Admission fees: High school and older: 500 yen 4th grade to middle school: 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade: 100 yen Under 3: free Inquiries: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Komu #GW Festival #Komu

Information about the 4-day valid “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket” 😊 The “New Nissho Peninsula Story Ticket,” valid for four days and connecting Tomakomai and Obihiro, can be purchased and used on your smartphone 🎵 You can choose either Tomakomai or Obihiro as your starting point 😍 Within the bus free area (Obihiro–Hiroo–Shizunai), Tokachi Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus offer unlimited boarding and alighting (one-way travel only; backtracking is not allowed). The reserved limited-express Tomamu-go is also available 🚌 Plus, the ticket includes great benefits redeemable at more than ten facilities along the route, including Roadside Station Nakasatsunai‼ Leave your busy routine behind, relax with local flavors and scenery, and take a free-spirited trip to discover your own favorite spots. Use this for planning your trip 🤗 Model itineraries are also posted, so please check the Tokachi Bus website for details. https://www.tokachibus.jp/kankou/#kippu...

Photographed on April 4, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s Cherry Blossom × Espresso Latte. It features espresso, milk, and cherry blossom sauce, topped with cherry blossom chocolate. The latte art shaped like a cherry tree is truly lovely. 😊☕️🌸

Today, after visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. I had the hot sandwich set. The hot sandwich was filled with tamagoyaki, bacon, and lettuce, served with a salad of homemade ham and a Fukaya negi potage. After some injuries and a bout of the flu, I treated myself to good food and took it easy.

One-day unlimited ride pass for Obihiro City buses 😊 Ride all Tokachi Bus city routes all day with no limits‼ Get off wherever you like and transfer as many times as you want 🎵 This value pass is perfect for strolling the town or hopping between sweets shops and cafes 😍 Make it your go-to for sightseeing around Obihiro City 🤗 For details, please check the Tokachi Bus website below. *Please note that airport shuttle buses, intercity buses, and other temporary services are not eligible for use.* 🔶Sales locations: Obihiro Station Bus Terminal Tokachi Bus ticket counter, Tokachi Bus Head Office 🔶You can purchase and use this pass on your smartphone. Download a transit app to make use of it. https://www.tokachibus.jp/obihiro1day/...

Hello. This is Waraji, a Koshu local cuisine restaurant. The news of cherry blossoms already in full bloom arrived earlier than in many other parts of the country, and though it’s the season that makes you feel spring’s arrival, here at Shosenkyo Gorge the trees need a little more time to reach full bloom 🌸 The gorge’s towering rock faces still hold a touch of chill, yet each day brings a gentler hint of spring filling the air. On clear mornings, the crisp air carries the bush warbler’s beautiful song, soothing the heart like a natural soundtrack 🎶 Against the grand scenery, these moments of slowly approaching spring feel like a luxurious experience unique to Shosenkyo Gorge ⛰️ If you feel a bit peckish during your stroll, please drop by our shop 😊 At this chilly time of year, we recommend Yamanashi’s specialty, houtou (thick vegetable noodle stew) 🍲 A gentle bowl brimming with pumpkin, root vegetables, mushrooms, and other plentiful vegetables warms you to the core and eases the heart ✨ Enjoy the comforting taste that soaks into a body chilled by the outdoors. Waiting at our entrance to greet you is Houtou no Tanuchan, our beloved houtou raccoon character, who is eagerly looking forward to meeting visitors 🐻‍❄️ (It’s a raccoon!) Its charming figure is sure to make you want to take a photo 📸 At Shosenkyo Gorge, where spring arrives slowly, come and enjoy a time that warms both heart and body. We sincerely look forward to your visit 🌿

[Notice 📣] The Hokkaido Roadside Stations Stamp Rally 2026 is scheduled to start on Saturday, April 18, 2026 🚗✨ The digital stamp service “MichiRepo” will launch at the same time! The stamp rally book will also go on sale that day 📖 For details, please check the Hokkaido Roadside Stations website ✔️ And… the stamp at roadside station iwanai was renewed the year before last 🐟✨ When you stop by, please take a look at the shop inside the facility 🙏

Photographed on April 3, 2014. These are the weeping cherry trees at Saiunji Temple.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had an oat milk latte and a strawberry custard tart.

Unlimited rides on Tokachi buses! Information on the value-packed VISIT TOKACHI PASS 😊 This great ticket lets you ride Tokachi route buses and the Tokachi Obihiro Airport shuttle as much as you like 🚌 The pass gives you unlimited boarding and alighting on Tokachi area route buses and the airport shuttle, making it a great value 🎵 Enjoy sightseeing across Tokachi, from distant spots like NukabiraGensenkyo and Lake Shikaribetsu to Obihiro’s Manabe Garden and Obihiro Racecourse (Banei Horse Racing). Use it to plan your trip to the fullest 😍 Sit back on the bus, watch Tokachi’s scenery roll by the window, and take a relaxed tour at your own pace. Spend some time just for yourself and savor it fully 🤗 * Residents within the jurisdiction of the Tokachi Subprefecture are not eligible to use this pass. * Intercity highway buses and each municipality’s community buses are not covered by this pass. Please understand this in advance. 🔶 Online sales are also available; please check the Tokachike link below. https://www.tokaticket.jp//

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. 🌸

Kawayu Onsen website 'News' updated 📝🆙 We introduce the Lake Mashu Ice Formation Project for fiscal 2025 and an ice formation forecast report‼︎ Please take a look✨ ※Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation runs an annual Lake Mashu ice formation forecast campaign. This year’s campaign has ended. Please consider joining next year. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/news/1134/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support us. (Order is not indicative) This time we introduce Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd.! Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look. Thank you very much to Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd. for supporting this event. We appreciate it! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order varies) This time we feature Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten 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/...

April 3rd The Somei-yoshino cherry trees at Azumino’s scenic spot Jitensha Hiroba have begun to bloom They are still opening here and there It will be delightful to see them in full bloom alongside the pink moss (shibazakura)!

Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated 📝🆙 The annual event report for "Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen" has been updated ☃️✨ Although snow is already melting in Kawayu Onsen as spring approaches, please take a look.

In 2026, the Gokoichi Bus will continue to run, departing from and arriving at Tsuruga Station and Mihama Station and circling the Mikata Five Lakes. [Service Period] The service operates on weekends and public holidays only from Saturday, April 4, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. *The bus will also run on some weekdays (Thursday, April 30; Friday, May 1; Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; Monday, August 10; Monday, November 2). [Route] Departing from either Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station, the route calls at sightseeing spots such as Mihama Town Lake Center, Rainbow Line Summit Park, and Jomon Roman Park, and stops at Mikata Station before returning to Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station. Please see the bus timetable for details. *Seat reservations are not available. [Inquiries about buses and service status] Fukui Railway Reinoku Office TEL 0778-21-0712

This is a pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to represent the cloud motif that serves as Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s crest.

I visited Tokiwa Shrine in Mito ⛩ In the peaceful shrine grounds, cherry blossoms bloom as if covering the sky 🌸 Historic buildings and pale pink hues Truly a spring scene Japan can be proud of May this gentle light and color reach someone’s heart across the sea.

Guide to the Tokachi Obihiro Airport Shuttle Bus 😊 Tokachi Obihiro Airport, the gateway to the Tokachi region, offers regular flights connecting to Haneda Airport ✈️ From the airport to Obihiro city, two bus services operate: a shuttle to Obihiro Station and the city, and a circular route that stops at major hotels—use them when planning your trip 🚌 Please come and enjoy Tokachi, home to thriving agriculture and dairy farming 🤗 https://www.tokachibus.jp/airport/...

This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to be inspired by cherry blossoms. 🌸

New Chitose Airport ⇔ Obihiro and TokachigawaOnsen Express Bus Information 😊 The Tokachi Milky Liner, an express bus linking New Chitose Airport and Obihiro–TokachigawaOnsen, operates six round trips daily. 🚌 For buses from TokachigawaOnsen to the airport, there are two morning departures at 8:30 and 11:00. From the airport (domestic terminal) to TokachigawaOnsen, three afternoon departures run at 13:00, 14:30, and 17:30. 📣 Please note that passengers boarding at TokachigawaOnsen must make a reservation at least one hour before departure.‼️ You can reach Tokachi and Obihiro, blessed with rich nature, from New Chitose Airport in about 2 hours 30 minutes, so please use this information when planning your trip. 🤗 https://www.obiun.co.jp/bus/index.html...