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...

I attended the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine today. These are the pinwheels in the corridor beside the main hall. The photos were taken in March.

Mud play at the “Sky Terraced Rice Fields” with ocean views! 🌿🌊 Join us on Sunday, April 19th for a one-day Rice-Planting Trial Tour—participants wanted! ✨ This special event aims to develop a future hands-on experience program. After planting in this stunning location, everyone will enjoy a delicious lunch together! 🍚🥢 Children and adults alike—come ready to get muddy and have fun 😊 📍 Location: 3315 Shiki, Reihoku (We will send directions to the exact experience site to those who register) ⏰ Time: 10:00–12:00 💰 Fee: 1,000 yen (includes insurance and lunch) Sign up via the link in our profile (Tourism Association website) or the QR code on the flyer! 📲

🟢🟢🟢 Manhole covers are local items with different designs across the country. At Lake Akan Onsen they distribute manhole cards. The design features marimo and the red-crowned crane, and two actual covers match the card design (they appeared as the snow melted). After getting a card, take a stroll around the onsen and be sure to look for them!

Photographed on March 24, 2014. The cherry trees at Rinsinji Temple had begun to bloom.

This is a photo from when I went to Enoshima 📷

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year fire brigade ceremony by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Asahikawa ⇔ Obihiro Intercity Bus Information 😊 A highway bus called the Northliner runs between Asahikawa and Obihiro. 🚌 The Karikachi Pass route operates five round trips per day, and the Mikuni Pass route operates one round trip per day. 🎵 You can travel from Asahikawa, Biei, Furano, Kamikawa, and the Sounkyo Onsen area to Tokachi and Obihiro, so please use this information when planning your trip. 🤗 https://www.takubus.com/%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82%E9%96%93%E9%AB%98%E9%80%9F%E3%83%90%E3%82%B9/%E3%83%8E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%8A%E3%83%BC/...

Spring trips to Hokkaido are still possible. Special spring travel campaign running until April 5. 【Eligible stay period】 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 Make Kushiro your next destination. ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel...

Updating cherry blossom reports for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! Uenoike, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, is now about 50% in bloom 😍🌸✨ Find sakura updates here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special//4472... Uenoike Address: 1 Higashihonmachi, Shobara City Night illumination: Friday, March 20, 2026 (national holiday) through Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

We are giving away rhinoceros beetle larvae! A rhinoceros beetle larva giveaway event takes place at the Tokkome Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸 Dig up a larva from the soil yourself! 🌟Date: Saturday, April 4 🌟Time: First session starts at 11:45 AM Second session starts at 1:45 PM ※Ticket stubs will be distributed at headquarters 30 minutes before each session! 🌟Venue: Kaigara-yama Park 🌟Number distributed: 100 larvae per session 🌟Who: Children up to elementary school age 🌟Other: Canceled in case of rain or severe weather Commerce and Tourism Division https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/kanko/kabutomushiproject/kabutomushi-event/r8kabutomushi.html...

The cherry blossoms in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in the Chugoku region of Japan are about to reach full bloom! The long, cold winter has come to an end, and spring is finally awakening the trees and plants. The Bihoku Flower Picnic at the National Bihoku Hillside Park is a famous cherry-blossom spot… Shobara City has many places to enjoy spring flowers, and it’s exciting to start planning outings now! This time, we introduce takeaway gourmet foods you can buy in Shobara City—perfect for spring excursions. Prefer snacks over flowers? Not at all—let’s enjoy both the blossoms and the treats! Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5576...

[The gift shop corner has gone chic] Gift shop corner at Forest Museum “Mokumu” Did you notice the change in atmosphere? Mid-March. The walls that were white until recently have been repainted in a calm, dark hue. The wooden crafts and souvenirs on display now look even more appealing. Handmade Setoushi-kun mascots are displayed alongside Nishiokoppe goods. When you visit Komu, please take a look at the gift shop corner. - [Forest Museum “Mokumu”] ✨️From April the opening hours have been extended✨ Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday Admission fees: High school students and older 500 yen 4th grade elementary to middle school students 300 yen Ages 3 to 3rd grade elementary 100 yen Under 3 years old Free Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Mokumu #Wall painting #Gift shop corner #Has gone chic

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s fire-departure ritual performed by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s fire brigade ceremony by Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

You can enjoy spring without worrying about sneezing or itchy eyes. Kushiro is a place where you can have that kind of "pollen-free stay." At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we offer special spring hospitality such as a high-floor upgrade plan to stay free from pollen and a herbal set. For details, check the link in our profile! ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel...

Sapporo ⇔ Obihiro Intercity Bus Information 😊 From April 1, 2026, the Potato Liner between Sapporo and Obihiro will add one round trip, making travel more convenient 🎵 Meanwhile, the New Star service is also operating, so please use these options when planning your trip 🤗 Here is a brief introduction to Tokachi 📣 Tokachi lies in southeastern Hokkaido and consists of Obihiro City and 18 towns and villages centered around Obihiro. In 2024, Hidaka Mountains Erimo Tokachi National Park was established, and the region is now surrounded by three national parks—Daisetsuzan National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park among them—creating a land rich in nature 🗻 Blessed with clean water and a cool climate, Tokachi thrives on primary industries such as agriculture and dairy farming 🐄 The area offers abundant nature-based activities and campsites, including horseback riding, canoeing, rafting, and hot air ballooning ⛺️ You can also visit observation points with sweeping views of the vast Tokachi plain and surrounding mountains, as well as gardens where seasonal flowers and wild plants bloom 🌷 Fresh vegetables, cheese, soft serve ice cream, and a variety of sweets are all readily available and delicious 😍 Come and soothe your everyday weariness—please visit us sometime 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp//

Cherry Blossom Report for Mitake Mountain Cherry Road ❚ As of March 30, 2026 Along the road on MtOntake in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, about 1,200 cherry trees line the route. The roadside trees include jindai akebono and Somei Yoshino. Somei Yoshino are in bloom and at their best. Jindai akebono has begun to fall. Jindai akebono petals are a slightly deeper pink than Somei Yoshino. Somei Yoshino are at peak bloom, but rain is a concern. The views are excellent, so this spot is also recommended for a drive. Location: Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and other areas to central Bungoono City ■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR hakata station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR kumamoto station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR beppu station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Isehara Flower Report – March 30, 2026 Here is today's update on cherry blossom blooming in Isehara City. Somei-yoshino cherry trees are blooming beautifully across the city and are now at their best. Around Isehara Station, you can casually enjoy hanami at Isehara Daijingu, Kanzan Park, and Chizu Park. Cherry blossoms are also at their peak at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, Hinata Yakushi, Jyohatsu-ganji Temple, the General Sports Park, and Fujiyama Park. On MtOoyama, blooms are progressing around Kasumi Bridge, while the Ooyama cherry trees are still a little short of full bloom. Along the Shibuta River, you can enjoy cherry blossoms together with moss phlox, creating a colorful, spring-like scene along the riverbank.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. A first-fire ceremony by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Event Announcement📣 Shintoku Town’s Takutetsukinoko Tan presents a Birch Sap Water Harvesting Experience😊 This short seasonal nature activity is best enjoyed after the snow melts and before the trees begin to leaf out🎵 You will receive a small share of the clear, natural sap water that trees draw up from the ground, and you can savor it while feeling nature’s vitality, enjoying a campfire and toasted marshmallows🤗 📍Period: Friday, April 3, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026 (Closed on Tuesdays April 7 and 14, and Wednesdays April 8 and 15.) 📍Times: Morning session: 10:00; Afternoon session: 14:00 📍Location: Takutetsu Kinokotan (155 Takutetsu, Shintoku Town) 📍Participation Fee: Adults ¥2,500; Elementary school students ¥1,500 *If you wish to take sap water home, please bring one cleaned 500 ml PET bottle.* *Please note that sap may not flow or may be scarce depending on weather and temperature conditions.* 📞Applications and Inquiries Shintoku Tourism Association TEL: 0156-67-7567 (9:00–17:00) https://shintoku-town.net/2026%e7%99%bd%e6%a8%ba%e6%a8%b9%e6%b6%b2%e6%b0%b4%e6%8e%a1%e5%8f%96%e4%bd%93%e9%a8%93/...

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s ladder-riding ritual by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. Actually, I was laid up with a cold and couldn’t go see the ladder acrobatics, the rifle team demonstration, or the boat parade on the Shingashi River. 😭

Sakuhomachi Tourist Facility Opening Information Tourist facilities on Yachiho Kogen will open for the season in stages🌿 ■ Yachiho Lake Operating period: April 17 – October 30 🐟 A popular spot for fishing and relaxing by the lakeside ■ yachiho highland nature park Operating period: April 23 – November 8 🌲 Enjoy a walk through birch groves and past waterfalls while soaking in nature ■ Flowering Tree Garden and Mallet golf course Operating period: May 16 – October 12 🌷 A casual area to enjoy the natural scenery of Yachiho Kogen Each facility has different opening hours, so please check the image for details. This season, come to Yachiho Kogen to enjoy everything from fresh greenery to autumn leaves🌱

When I go to Japan I often forget many things. I wonder if you are the same as me? Here are items I often leave behind: passport, visa, phone, small pack of tissues, sanitary products, copy of ID, ID card, swimsuit, sunscreen. I hope everyone can enjoy their trip abroad!

A while ago, I went to Okinawa for a trip. It was so fun that I now have a good idea of what to do. If you’re new to traveling, don’t forget Japanese public transport etiquette. 1. Line up while waiting for the bus or train and follow the rule of letting passengers exit before boarding. 2. After boarding, switch your backpack to a handheld bag or carry it in front of you. If you’re a beginner, I recommend reading more articles about traveling in Japan. Please support me.