"Introducing Sakura Spots Around Hokuryu Town vol. FINAL" Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻 The cherry blossom scenes we've shared since early May come to an end with this final installment To conclude, we present a roundup of all the spots we've introduced so far. Please enjoy once more the beautiful cherry blossoms of Hokuryu that we encountered at each location! May beautiful sakura bloom again next year 🙏 Thank you for staying with us until the end 🌸

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

The old JNR Shinonoi Line track bed in fresh greenery Lush zelkova trees along the abandoned line and a brick tunnel dating from the Meiji era This is an excellent route for hiking

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The sixth installment is―― “A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”! The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town. Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state! There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches. It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature. The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life. Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words. Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold. These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape— We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

[Video played on a large screen at the Ventforet Kofu match on May 17] On Saturday, July 5th, the world's first "Anisong fireworks festival" will Held in in Fujikawa Town! Broadcasting various attractions that you may not notice when you are in your Local area! * For more information, please search HoriPro Speed YouTube Channel!

Implementation of 5/8 Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour. The weather was perfect and we were greeted by the azaleas. Snow remained in the shade, and you can enjoy an extraordinary feeling at about 1700m Elevation. The weather in the mountains is unstable, and Mt. Ishizuchi, which was almost hidden by clouds during past tours, is clear this time. The next time will be in the summer when the number of flowers is the highest in the season. We are accepting reservations for participants on August 25 (Water), 21 (Thursday) and 22 (Friday). For details, please visit the Saijo City Tourism and Products Association H.P. Q: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association 　　(Ehime Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201)　TEL：0897-56-2605

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.5]🌸 Hello from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce more sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fifth installment is―― “A Shrine Tour of Hokuryu Town”! Today we present three shrines in Hokuryu Town and the cherry blossoms we found there⛩️🌸 Each shrine offers its own character, a soothing quiet, and striking harmony with the cherry blossoms. 🌸[Hekisu Shrine] Hekisu Shrine greets visitors with a vivid red torii gate and a classic shrine atmosphere. Four to six cherry trees bloom on the grounds, creating a beautiful contrast against the sky. With spring breezes blowing, the view of the blossoms framed by the torii felt so still it seemed time had stopped. 🌸[Shinryu Shrine] Shinryu Shrine is notable for its brownish torii gate. The cherry tree on the right side of the precincts is especially lovely, its soft petals blending perfectly with the calm shrine buildings. A guardian lion-dog sitting atop a ball makes a memorable, slightly unusual sight—one of this shrine’s little charms🤔 🌸[Mibau Shrine] Mibau Shrine stands quietly a little way from the town center. Set amid open rice fields, its solitary presence evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia. As the cherry blossoms sway softly, listening to the wind here brings a natural calm to the heart🌾 Each shrine’s history, atmosphere, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms— Hokuryu Town is dotted with these quiet, moving moments. Enjoying the blossoms while feeling the town’s history and people’s sentiments— come and try this serene spring shrine tour for yourself 😊✨ We warmly await your visit 😊✨

The hydrangeas blooming in the tea plantation in the sky were wonderful. Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture 2024/7 gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

Ginkgo biloba photographed at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden last autumn is 🍁🍂 one of the characteristics of the warm orange and yellow gradation and the contrast with the green trees in the background. I also took a picture with a creative way of hitting the light, so please pay attention to it 💡

Last month, when I played sparklers with my family, it is an 🎇 impressive one with brilliant flying sparks. Don't you think it's tasteful...? ⟡.· *.

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.4]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fourth feature is―― “Cherry Trees in the Ichii Forest”! Today we present Ichii Forest, a handmade woodland cared for by Hokuryu residents, filled with a pioneering spirit🌳✨ This forest charms visitors with a promenade dotted with song and poetry monuments tied to the town’s history, offering a literary romance. In spring, several Ezo-yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry) bloom along the path, delighting walkers🌸 What stayed with me most this visit was―― a solitary cherry tree quietly blooming deep along the trail. With its graceful branches and delicate blossoms set against the neighboring farmland, the scene felt like a painting and moved me to tears…! In the hush of the forest, the unexpected encounter with this spring miracle felt cleansing to the heart😂 Because it sits a little off the beaten path, it may still be little known, but that seclusion brings a rare tranquility and a moment to face nature. Even after cherry season ends, Ichii Forest’s appeal does not fade🍃 We want to continue cherishing and protecting this forest where the townspeople’s feelings live on. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please be sure to stop by Ichii Forest. We warmly look forward to your visit😊✨

May 13, 2025 Takashima Castle Wisteria On this day, foodie KAWANISHI visited the wisteria at Takashima Castle (Takashima Park). This year, I came to see the wisteria at Takashima Castle again! I think it will finish blooming by the end of this week. At Takashima Castle, two rows of wisteria trellises stand side by side, and there are wisteria over the pond as well. The colors are stunning, with a beautiful contrast of purple and white!!! Usually, they reach their best around Golden Week.

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.3]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The third feature is―― “The Single Cherry Tree at Kōtokuji”! The site we present is Kōtokuji, the 9th temple on the Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage was modeled after the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites and forms a Buddhist pilgrimage route. You can enjoy a journey that visits eighty-eight temples scattered across Hokkaido while experiencing nature, culture, and faith. Kōtokuji, one of those temples, stands quietly in a calm setting, and in spring a magnificent single cherry tree blooms in full, delighting many visitors’ eyes🌸 The temple grounds also feature a small bronze bell called the “Bell of Prayer,” which anyone may ring freely🔔🎶 Its gentle sound will soothe the hearts of pilgrims and tourists alike. Although the cherry blossoms have already fallen, the tranquil, prayer-filled space of Kōtokuji offers a moment to center your mind regardless of the season. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please stop by as part of a pilgrimage or as a restful break on your journey🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit😊✨

"Aragi Island", a rare round-shaped terraced rice field in Wakayama Prefecture Shot on DJI MAVIC 3 JAPAN Wakayama 2024/6 * Notification is required for the flight of Aragi Island. * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

"Fairy Tale Village Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival Flower Migration Markets" Held in on May 18th! At "Moss Phlox Takikami Park", where the Moss phlox is in best time to visit, the "Flower Migration Markets" will be held in. Engaru Town will also participate in this Events along with Monbetsu City! Held in a photo session with local characters and a quiz contest (prizes will be won for those who answer correctly) at the venue on the day of the event. In addition, at the Engaru Town booth, Specialty products will be sold (Geo Ice, Black Noodles, Shirayosha Tenuki Rice Sauce Series, etc.) and a limited number of experiences (obsidian key chain making 500 yen charged). Events to take place in the view of a vast and wonderful flower field! Please come and visit us ♪ Date & Time: May 18 (Sun) 10:00~14:00 Venue: Moss Phlox Takikami Park (Motomachi, Takinoue Town, Monbetsu District)

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Guide vol.2]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The second pick is— “Sunflower Park Golf Course”! Set in wide open natural surroundings, this full-scale course boasts 36 holes certified by the International Park Golf Association, and many visitors were enjoying park golf there⛳🏌️‍♀️ At this time of year, Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees sway in the spring breeze and bloom beautifully, creating a luxurious experience where you can play and also enjoy hanami (flower viewing)🌸 Playing park golf while gazing at the blossoms is a wonderfully refreshing springtime pleasure😊 Rental equipment is also available, so it’s easy to drop by empty-handed—a feature visitors appreciate! This spot is popular not only with locals but also with tourists♪ After the cherry blossom season passes, you can still enjoy nature while being active, surrounded by fresh green foliage and fields of fully bloomed sunflowers. Why not spend a pleasant time feeling the refreshing breeze?🍃 We sincerely look forward to your visit🎶

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.1]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 From this installment, we will introduce the sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! First up―― Kompira Park Campground! At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, Ezo-yamazakura reached peak bloom from the latter half of Golden Week🌸 This seasonal spectacle delights all who come to see it. Even better, the Kompira Park Campground is free to use! Many visitors enjoy it as a place where hanami and camping come together. Although the cherry blossoms have now finished, moss phlox will begin to bloom next! Why not take it easy and enjoy spring’s nature? 😊 We look forward to your visit!

[Fujikawa Town Furusato Nozei tax payment thank-you gift] Anime Classics Anisong Fireworks Fujikawa Town performance became a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. For details, please check the Hometown Choice or Rakuten Furusato Nozei Tax Payment website. Held in: Saturday, July 5 Held in Place: Fujikawa Town Ikii Kiss Ports Park

Cherry blossoms have opened in Kimobetsu Town, and the weather has warmed. More people are playing outside and going for walks! Kimobetsu Town Park is a nature-rich park in Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Its expansive grounds feature a high-rope climbing course and wooden athletic playground equipment, offering fun for children and adults alike. The park also includes a 36-hole park golf course, where you can enjoy sports while gazing at MtShiribetsu rising before you. Clubs are available for rent, so you can easily play during a drive. Why not spend a relaxing time in nature at Kimobetsu Town Park? Kimobetsu Town Park Location: Aikawa, Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido Phone: 0136-33-2211 (Kimobetsu Town Office)

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Moss Phlox Park" on May 13th. The moss phlox and tulips are almost in full bloom and are in best time to visit. Many people come to see it ♪ Address: Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido

Wakazono Park Rose Garden 2-4 Masago, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture Admission is free! During the rose season, I look forward to the rose garden in Wakazono Park every year. The view from there was spectacular. It is in full bloom twice a year, from the beginning of May to the beginning of June and from late October to mid-November.

"Hooray! ｣

【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 12 — 🌸】 The submission period finally ends today, Sunday, May 11. We’re showcasing entries to “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025,” currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.💪❤️‍🔥 @hanpenpen2022 @goto0619 (in no particular order) This time’s photos show the Akebono azaleas on Mt. Futagami and the white flowers in Kuraoka…what kind of flowers are those, I wonder?🤔 Everyone clearly knows well when and where different flowers bloom, and many have personal memories and attachments to these blooms. Those feelings seem to shine through in the photos — they’re truly lovely.✨ -------------------------------------------------------------------- “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” also ends today, Sunday, May 11!👏 If you meant to enter but haven’t yet, don’t miss the chance — submit before you forget!💡❗ ≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... 【Period】From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other terms and conditions appear on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

I didn't expect the way home after drinking to be so bright.

Tailor Ride Experience on the Arao Tidal Flats! Come and enjoy the Arao tidal flats with their beautiful scenery, sea breeze, and ocean scent. Ride a “tailor,” a vehicle used in Ariake Bay, and experience driving across the Arao tidal flats! A tailor is a rototiller fitted with a cargo bed, used for nori farming and clam harvesting. You can also enjoy observing creatures like crabs and hermit crabs! Advance registration is required for this experience! Registration opens on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Don’t forget your rubber boots!!! Meeting place: Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl and Wetland Center Duration: About 50 minutes from the pre-ride briefing to disembarking (ride time about 10 minutes each way) Fees: Adults (high school students and older) 1,000 yen, junior high and elementary school students 600 yen, preschoolers free. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. How to apply: Apply by phone to the Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl and Wetland Center ☏0968-57-7444 Registration start date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 One application covers up to six people per representative, and you cannot change the scheduled date after applying. Please apply again if you need a different date. ・Please bring rubber boots. If you do not have rubber boots, you will not be allowed to ride the tailor. ・The event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. If lightning occurs, the event will be canceled even during the activity.

🌼 Azalea Mountain Park 🌼 in Toyono Best time to visit this weekend!! *Photo taken on May 8 We are updating the flowering Information in Nagano City on our Home page!

At the Arao Omoyai Civic Flowerbed, rose viewing events take place twice a year in spring and autumn! Location: Beside Arao City Oshima Purification Center (Oshima 4-chome 1-73, Arao City) Admission: Free Opening hours April to September 7:00–18:00 (Roses typically bloom from late April through June) October to March 7:00–17:00 (Roses typically bloom from late October through November) Notes for visitors There are no restrooms on the grounds. Be careful: the ground can become muddy in rainy weather. Access Due to the extension work on the Ariake Coastal Road, the entrance and exit for the Omoyai Civic Flowerbed will be changed from January 9, 2024 (Reiwa 6) for the time being. Please take care when visiting. Follow the directions on the on-site information boards for passage.

Josenji Temple with Azaleas in Bloom In spring, Josenji Temple bustled with many cherry-blossom viewers.🌸 Now the petals have fallen, and the weeping cherry trees with fresh green leaves are beautiful.✨ Azaleas bloom across the temple grounds, and the contrast between the new greenery and the vermilion flowers is delightful.😆

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Moss Phlox Park" on May 7th. The cherry blossoms are almost in full bloom. The flowering area of moss phlox is expanding day by day. Tulips also started earlier. There is only a short period of time when all three species of flowers can be seen at once.