Crimson clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Although the evacuation order was lifted temporarily due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating crimson clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland will be restored. As a result, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread gradually on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. The Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village are collaborating to set up three photo spots with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to make it a highlight for tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of crimson clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to check them out next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "sofa."

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to recover. Then, photos of the vast red fields gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media coverage. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but please come next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "swing."

Crimson Clover in Katsuraomura, Fukushima Prefecture Although the evacuation order due to the nuclear accident has been lifted temporarily, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the damaged farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to be restored. Soon, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread on social media, and this initiative was featured in the media as well. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsuraomura collaborated to set up three photo spots with the cooperation of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three spots and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsuraomura. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is titled 'Piano.'

Taken on May 25, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Since I take photos at the same time, they tend to look quite similar.

【Night Cherry Blossom Illumination and Tea Ceremony】 Despite being covered in snow and exposed to strong winds, the cherry blossoms remained intact. For two days following the holiday at the beginning of May, a night cherry blossom illumination and tea ceremony were held. This location, situated behind Korakuen Garden, is a perfect spot for viewing the Ezo cherry trees. As the sky darkened, the scattered lights gradually intensified in brightness. Visitors gazed in admiration at the sparkling cherry trees, branches, and petals. While enjoying the illuminated night cherry blossoms, we savored sweets and tea, making for a delightful evening.🌙 Illumination Support: Nishiokoppe Gakkai #Tea Ceremony

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the windmill next to the Main Shrine. In the background, you can see the Main Shrine, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

In early summer, Across Mountain in Tenjin, Fukuoka Photo taken on June 21, 2024 In the heart of Fukuoka City, the capital of Kyushu Island in Japan, there lies a mysterious mountain commonly known as "Across Mountain" Its "mountain face" The true identity of this green-clad mountain is the complex facility "ACROS Fukuoka," which features a large hall The southern slope is a quiet green space known as the "Step Garden" When the building was constructed, it was possible to enjoy a garden filled with greenery all the way to the rooftop, but upon my recent visit, it has now transformed into a splendid forest-covered low mountain This photograph is part of an initiative to showcase landscapes that have received the Urban Landscape Award from Fukuoka City, specifically selected for the "10th Landscape Award Photo Contest" During the award ceremony, I was humbled to receive generous remarks from the representative judge in the hall of the city museum, saying, "The composition is perfect."

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake and café latte from cafe andon. The latte art is lovely too.😊☕️🍋

The hydrangeas at Shimoda Park are starting to bloom (^○^) While many flowers are still green, they are expected to change color all at once with the rain forecast at the end of the month ☔✨ From June 1st, we will hold the 55th Shimoda Onsen Ajisai Matsuri for a month! The best viewing time is expected to be around mid-month. Please come and visit Japan's largest hydrangea garden! ✨

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake from CAFE ANDON. This is also a cake I look forward to every year.😊🍋

Taken on May 1, 2026. This is the Bolognese rigatoni from cafe andon.

Mojiko First Ship Dock The sun tilting over the strait and Shinsui Hiroba Photo taken on: May 16, 2026 Equipment: SONY α7II + Sigma 20–200mm Sunlight filtering through the Blue Wing in the Mojiko Retro Area The time when Shinsui Hiroba at the First Ship Dock is dyed in the sunset Mojiko, more people are coming to capture the sunset At the end of the last century, just when the retro project was starting, I used to wonder, "Why doesn’t everyone take pictures of the sunset here?"

Photographed on May 22, 2026. This is the flower arrangement at Hara Florist.

【Nishiokoppe Campground OPEN】 Thank you for your patience!🙌 The campground located in Nishiokoppe Forest Park will open on Saturday, May 23rd!🎉 Usage fee: 500 yen per tent per night Reception hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM *Reception will be available the following day after 4:30 PM Please check in at the administration building located before the batting center. The administration building also sells garbage bags. For more details, please visit our website. https://www.vill.nishiokoppe.lg.jp/feeuub0000001a7a.html... We look forward to your visit! #Campground #Open #Free site

Taken on May 17, 26. I visited Enko on the second floor of the building next to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It was a set meal with enzyme brown rice, sweet potato curry, kombucha, soup, and salad. It was a healthy lunch. I will visit again.

From the beginning to the end of the day. A place where everything becomes a special view. Feel the breath of nature and spend a relaxing time in a room overlooking the lake. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Kussharo that stretches endlessly. Experience "the luxury of nature" at Kussharo Prince Hotel. You can make a reservation from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

The Hokkaido East Trail has started this season! The Hokkaido East Trail is a long trail of approximately 410 km connecting Kushiro and Rausu. Why not take a walk while enjoying the scenery of Eastern Hokkaido? For more details, please check the latest information on the Hokkaido East Trail's website and social media.🚶‍♂️⛰️ https://www.facebook.com/dototrail/... https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/atosanupuri_trekking_tour/...

【Announcement of Lecture - Kawayu Visitor Center】 On Saturday, June 20th, we will host a lecture by Masashi Ohara, an emeritus professor at Hokkaido University, titled "The Life History of the Giant Lily - A Unique Life History of the Giant Lily." Additionally, from June 20th to July 20th, a special exhibition co-hosted by the Ministry of the Environment will take place at the Kawayu Visitor Center. Titled "A Journey at 3 km/h - Walking the Eastern Trail of Hokkaido," this exhibition will explore the allure of the long trail that just opened in October 2024.🚶‍♂️💨✨ We hope you enjoy both the lecture and the special exhibition! 😊 For more details, please contact the Kawayu Visitor Center. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/ooubayuri-vc/...

The special exhibition conveying the history and culture of Teshikagacho, "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" is currently being held. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. As part of the "Seibu Group Showa 100th Anniversary" event, please enjoy this special exhibition!👀✨ The exhibition introduces the journey of Teshikagacho, the achievements of the local hero Taihō Kōki, and the history and culture of the Ainu people. Exhibition Title: "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" Exhibition Period: Currently ongoing until Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Viewing Hours: 14:00 - 22:00 Venue: Basement Exhibition Room of Kussharo Prince Hotel *Free admission Contact Kussharo Prince Hotel 015-484-211 Cooperation Teshikagacho and Teshikagacho Board of Education

Kanmon Evening View The silhouette of the Kanmon Ferry crossing the strait with the sunset reflecting on the sea and the shadows of people on the quay Photo taken on: May 5, 2026 Equipment: SONY α7II + Minolta AF500mm F8 reflex The setting sun tilts to the west, shining brightly on the waves of the Kanmon Strait The silhouette of the Kanmon Ferry heads towards the pier on the Moji Port side at the end of the quay The Kanmon Ferry is a water bus that operates back and forth between Shimoseki on Honshu and Moji Port on Kyushu The 5-minute boat ride experience and the scenery are part of the charm of the Kanmon area.

Taken on May 19, 2014. This is the flower water at Omiya Hikawa Shrine. I intend to visit when I feel healthy both physically and mentally.

Hello! Welcome to Jewelry Town! Right now, Shosenkyo Gorge is vibrant with fresh greenery, and the contrast between the blue sky and white clouds is incredibly beautiful this season. You can enjoy the refreshing breeze blowing through the mountains and the lush green scenery that spreads out before you. On the Shosenkyo ropeway, you can feel the wind while savoring the expanse of fresh greenery, and take in the views of Mt. Kinpu, the birthplace of crystals, and Arakawa Dam. At the summit, which exceeds 1,000 meters in elevation, you can see Mount Fuji on clear days, and a 30-minute walk will take you to the breathtaking Yasaburodake, a treasure trove of power spots. Our shop, located right next to the ropeway, has just received new rainbow-colored crystal balls. Please stop by to see the beautiful rainbows during your stroll! As it continues to be hot, don't forget to take measures against the heat. Enjoy nature!

Taken on May 19, 26. This is the flower water offering at Omiya Hikawa Shrine. I didn't have enough time, so I hope to take a leisurely stroll next time.

The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers in Osaka: 5 Days and 4 Nights 🔥 ✈️ Arriving on a 7 AM flight; an all-inclusive experience of food, fun, and entertainment ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 📌 Basic Information 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations ▪️ Namba / Shinsaibashi Area (Convenient transportation and late-night shopping) ✈️ Arrival Time ▪️ Landing at Kansai Airport at 07:00 🚃 Transportation Recommendations ▪️ Osaka Amazing Pass ▪️ Combination of subway and JR ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓 Day 1 | Arriving in Osaka, Shinsaibashi, Dōtonbori 07:00 ✈️ Flight arrives at Kansai International Airport Complete immigration and collect luggage 08:30 🚆 Take the Nankai Electric Railway to Namba 09:30 🏨 Arrive at the hotel and drop off luggage 10:30 🛍 Stroll through Shinsaibashi Shopping Street ▪️ Drugstores ▪️ Trendy fashion brands ▪️ Souvenirs 12:30 🍱 Lunch Recommendations ▪️ Unagi rice ▪️ Japanese set meal 14:00 📸 Walk along the Dōtonbori riverside ▪️ Snap a photo with iconic signs ▪️ Take a picture with the Glico Man sign 16:00 🚶 Stroll around the nearby area Experience the atmosphere of Osaka 18:00 🍢 Dinner Recommendations ▪️ Okonomiyaki ▪️ Takoyaki ▪️ Classic kushikatsu 20:00 🛒 Visit Don Quijote duty-free store Shop for snacks, cosmetics, and daily necessities 21:30 🏨 Return to the hotel to rest 22:30 🌃 Experience the nightlife at the club ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓 Day 2 | A Day Trip to USJ (Universal Studios Japan) 07:00 🌅 Early start to head to USJ 07:30 🚉 Arrive at the park and queue for entry 08:00 🎢 Enter the park on time Priority rides: ▪️ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ▪️ Super Nintendo World 12:00 🍔 Lunch inside the park ▪️ Three Broomsticks Restaurant ▪️ Light snacks 13:30 🎮 Continue enjoying popular attractions ▪️ Jurassic Park ▪️ Super Nintendo World ▪️ Minion Park 16:00 🛍 Shop at the park stores Buy souvenirs and take photos 17:00 ✨ Enjoy the night parade and light show 19:00 🚆 Leave the park and return to the city 20:00 🍢 Dinner Recommendations ▪️ Kushikatsu from a famous shop in Shinsekai 21:30 🌃 Experience the nightlife at the club ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓 Day 3 | Osaka Castle, Kuromon Ichiba, Umeda Night View 09:00 🏯 Visit Osaka Castle Park ▪️ Tour the main keep ▪️ Stroll through the Japanese garden 12:00 🍣 Lunch Recommendations ▪️ Sushi ▪️ Wagyu set meal ▪️ Japanese pork cutlet 13:30 🐟 Food tour at Kuromon Ichiba Market ▪️ Sashimi ▪️ Seafood sushi ▪️ Grilled seafood ▪️ Seasonal fruits 15:30 🎡 Head to the Shinsekai area ▪️ Tsutenkaku Tower ▪️ Retro shopping street 18:00 🌆 Visit the Umeda Sky Building observation deck 19:30 🥩 Dinner Recommendations ▪️ Wagyu barbecue ▪️ Green onion grill 21:00 🌃 Enjoy the night view of Osaka 22:30 🍸 Experience the nightlife at the club ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓 Day 4 | Tennoji, Kaiyukan, Osaka Port 09:00 ⛩ Visit Shitennoji ▪️ Worship at the ancient temple ▪️ Stroll through the Japanese garden 11:30 🍜 Lunch Recommendations ▪️ Soba noodles ▪️ Japanese light meal 13:30 🌊 Head to Osaka Port 14:00 🐋 Visit Kaiyukan Aquarium 16:00 🎡 Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel Enjoy the view of Osaka Port 18:00 🌅 Stroll along Osaka Port Enjoy the sunset view 19:00 🦀 Dinner Recommendations ▪️ Seafood izakaya ▪️ Grilled fish dishes ▪️ Seafood rice bowl 21:00 🏨 Return to the hotel to rest ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🗓 Day 5 | Umeda Shopping and Return Home 09:00 🧳 Check out of the hotel Store luggage 09:30 🛍 Shopping in Umeda Department Store District ▪️ Souvenirs ▪️ Snacks ▪️ Desserts 12:00 🍜 Lunch Recommendations ▪️ Osaka-style ramen ▪️ Japanese snacks 14:00 🏨 Return to the hotel to collect luggage 14:30 🚆 Take the Nankai Electric Railway to Kansai Airport 16:00 ✈️ Complete tax refund and last shopping at duty-free 17:30 🛫 Board the flight home End of the 5 days and 4 nights in Osaka ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🍜 Must-Try Food List in Osaka 📍Dōtonbori ▪️ Takoyaki ▪️ Okonomiyaki ▪️ Kushikatsu ▪️ Tonkotsu ramen 📍Kuromon Ichiba ▪️ Sashimi ▪️ Seafood sushi ▪️ Grilled scallops ▪️ Fresh-cut fruits 📍Shinsekai ▪️ Famous kushikatsu ▪️ Japanese fried foods 📍Umeda Area ▪️ Wagyu sukiyaki ▪️ Omi beef set meal ▪️ Japanese desserts 📍Street Snacks ▪️ Crepes ▪️ Taiyaki ▪️ Japanese shaved ice ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💡 Useful Tips 🚇 Subway and buses are the main transportation It is recommended to charge your IC card in advance 🎢 Arrive early at USJ There are many people queuing for popular attractions 🍱 Many shops in Japan close earlier at night It is advisable not to have dinner too late 🛂 Remember to bring your passport for duty-free shopping This makes it easier to process tax refunds 🤭

Spring begins. A place enveloped by the lake and sky. Kussharo Prince Hotel. Experience the scenery unique to this season. Reservations can be made from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

【Let's Go to the Shibazakura Festival!】 In neighboring Takinoue Town, the Shibazakura Festival is held for a month in May when the shibazakura (moss phlox) is in full bloom. On Sunday, May 17th, Nishiokoppe Village set up a booth alongside Engaru Town and Omu Town, selling drinkable yogurt made from grass-fed milk, as well as crafts made from deer leather and antlers. The shibazakura peeking out from under the tent was incredibly vibrant and a sight to behold! It seemed to be about 80-90% in bloom. We arrived at just the right time, almost at full bloom. The pink shades of the shibazakura ranged from deep colors to lighter hues, creating a beautiful spread across the park. Upon closer inspection, the petals were adorned with raindrops, allowing us to enjoy the fresh shibazakura that we wouldn't have seen on a sunny day. On this day, Setoushi-kun was also invited! Setoushi-kun, who got to meet Piccolo, Ikura Sujiko-chan, and Monbemom, looked quite happy. (A little Setoushi-kun was able to meet Anji-kun.) We even managed to capture a moment that looked like he was holding hands with Ikura Sujiko-chan!✨ The Shibazakura Festival will be held until May 31st. For those who haven't visited yet, please head to Takinoue Town to see the shibazakura!🚙 #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Festival #Yuru-chara #Setoushi-kun

"The Sotomo Strait and Monji-gasaki illuminated by the morning sun, with the silhouette of the Kanmon Bridge" Photographed: July 22, 2024 Monji-gasaki is located on the Kyushu side of the Sotomo Strait, the narrowest part of the Kanmon Strait, where Kyushu, as an island, is closest to Honshu. At the tip, there is the Hesaki Lighthouse, which combines the morning sun, the tidal currents at your feet, and passing ships, making it one of the photo spots in the Kanmon Strait. This favorite shot taken from the Karato side of Shimonoseki City, capturing the morning at the gateway to Kyushu, was submitted to the 22nd NEXCO West Japan Photo Contest and was awarded the Grand Prize in the Best Shot category for highways. (It was also used in the calendar distributed by NEXCO West Japan, made from award-winning works, for September of last year (2025).

Taken on May 19, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a chai latte and a chocolate terrine. The chocolate terrine is said to be very popular.

Taken on May 19, 2014. This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on May 19, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.