Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

“Petals Drift on a Spring Voyage” Fushimi, Kyoto, Ujikawa River Diversion Canal. As petals scatter across the emerald-green surface, a Jikkokubune boat moves slowly. Passengers in kimono gaze at the spring scenery while cherry branches arch over the boat, creating a spring scene unique to Fushimi.

"Spring River, Boats Drifting" Fushimi, Kyoto — a tributary of the Uji River. As cherry trees bloom to cover the water with a canopy of blossoms, a jukkoku-bune (traditional flat-bottomed boat) glides slowly along. On the banks, people savor spring in their own ways, and lantern-lit boats sway as they slip quietly into a tunnel of flowers.

“Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers: A Spring Duel” Fushimi in Kyoto, the Uji River branch. Full-bloom cherry trees arch overhead while bright yellow rapeseed flowers flourish at your feet, their colors competing vividly. Beyond the clear blue canal, the boarding point for the Jukkoku-bune boats sits quietly, and the tunnel of cherry blossoms continued into the spring light.

“Sakura Corridor, Spring River” Kyoto – Fushimi, the Uji River branch. Cherry trees in full bloom lean over from both banks and stretch their branches toward the water, forming a pale pink corridor. New willow leaves tremble in the spring breeze as a person in kimono pauses quietly. Boats called jukkoku-bune ply this canal, filling it with the essence of Kyoto’s spring.

“A raft of blossoms carries spring downstream.” Uji River branch in Fushimi, Kyoto. Petals blanket the water where the traditional Jukkoku-bune boats glide. On the banks, kimono-clad figures watch the flower rafts, while a tunnel of cherry blossoms takes on a soft glow. On this riverside afternoon, spring’s height and ending meet quietly.

"A Sanctuary Perfumed with Plum Blossoms" Kitano Tenmangu, Kyoto. Amid the moss‑covered branches of an ancient plum tree, red and white flowers vie for attention as shrine priests in white robes move quietly through the grounds. The plum trees loved by Sugawara no Michizane, the kami of scholarship, once again color the precincts this year, standing dignified and fragrant even under a cloudy sky.

“Plum Reflections of Silence” — Spring at Umegomiya Taisha Shrine’s Sacred Garden — In the sacred garden of Umegomiya Taisha Shrine, an ancient stone bridge stands quietly over the pond as blooming plum trees melt into the water’s surface. Pink and purple blossoms sway in the reflective water, where the springtime of Kyo gently comes to life.

Photographed on March 21, 2014. The cherry blossoms at Senba Toshogu Shrine are also in full bloom. 🌸

Rinyoji Temple dyed in spring crimson This temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is about 200 years old. A limited-time light-up of the tree is popular. ※Those who visit are asked to consider donating to the Cherry Blossom Fund 🙏 Rinyoji Temple, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

Photographed on March 21, 2014. The weeping cherry tree at Kita-in was in full bloom. 🌸

Photographed on March 18, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Naka-in Temple.

Photographed on March 18, 2014. Chuin Temple and a weeping cherry tree.

【🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2026 🌸】 From Friday, March 20th to Sunday, May 10th! The cherry buds are growing darker and larger, and we eagerly await the blooms😊 Please follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/)... and post photos of flowers taken in Gokase Town with the two hashtags #GokaseHanami2026 and #PhotoDate (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥 Every day during the event one person will win a specialty product from Gokasecho🎁✨ Outstanding entries will receive a gift set of Gokasecho specialty products🤩👏 Following last year, there is also the "Gokase Sakura Project Award" chosen by members of the student-led Gokase Sakura Project from Gokase Secondary School✨ ⚠️This award applies to the weeping cherry at Kijiya🌸 Entries posted with the hashtags may be featured on the social media of the Gokase Tourism Association and the Gokase Sakura Project💡 [Period] From Friday, March 20th, 2026 to Sunday, May 10th, 2026 ⚠️Other terms and conditions are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing. ------------------------------------------ In Gokasecho, which at last welcomes spring, you can enjoy many flowers besides the weeping cherry, including rhododendrons and akebono azaleas🌸 Why not take a leisurely flower tour around Gokasecho while soaking up the warm sunshine🤗? We sincerely look forward to your participation✨

Photographed on March 19, 2014. The weeping cherry trees at Naka-in are in full bloom. 🌸

Photographed on March 19, 2014. The weeping cherry tree at Chuin was in full bloom.

There’s a Pokémon manhole cover in front of the entrance to Ayame Park! Come and see it!!

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, March 29, a lecture titled “The Path of Naumann’s Elephant Revealed by Ancient DNA” will be held at The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant😊 The genus Palaeoloxodon, which includes Naumann’s elephant, was an extinct group of elephants that once ranged across Eurasia. Last year, a research team including Yamanashi University succeeded for the first time in analyzing ancient DNA from Naumann’s elephant and published their findings in a US scientific journal. We have invited Naoki Kohno of the National Museum of Nature and Science, a member of that research team, to give a lecture on the evolutionary history of Palaeoloxodon across Eurasia and the route taken by Naumann’s elephant. This is a rare opportunity to explore Naumann’s elephant in depth. If you are interested, please register in advance by phone🤗 📍Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM 📍Venue: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant 📍Capacity: 40 people (first come, first served) 📍Fee: Free (participants may also view the museum’s exhibits free of charge) 🔶Advance registration required by phone: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) 📞Contact: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant, Makubetsu Town TEL: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-23045/...

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the flower-filled temizu basin at Naka-in Temple. Until March 29, Kawagoe is holding the Kawagoe Flower Temizu Layered Stamp Rally.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. I took a different-angle shot of the hanachōzu (floating flower basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

🌸 Hike the highest peak of Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, and enjoy a spectacular azalea walk! 🌸 On Sunday, April 19, join the “Spring Tenjiku Azalea Walk for Health”✨ The setting is Tenjiku, the highest peak on Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, located in Reihoku. At this time of year, the summit greets visitors with azaleas in full bloom. The contrast between fresh green leaves and the azaleas creates a truly breathtaking view! Would you like to walk an out-and-back course of about 11 km while feeling the pleasant spring breeze? After descending, a tasty onigiri boxed lunch included in the participation fee will be waiting for you🍙 This event is limited to the first 100 people. Bring your family and friends and enjoy spring in Amakusa together! 🎁 This event qualifies for Kumamoto Health Points (20 points). 📅 Event Details 〇 Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 [Registration] 8:30 AM – [Departure ceremony] 9:30 AM ※Held in light rain; canceled in heavy rain 〇 Meeting place: Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School (site of Kiba Elementary School) 📍 Search Google Maps for “Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School” 〇 Course: Approx. 11.0 km round trip 〇 Participation fee (includes onigiri boxed lunch and insurance) ・Elementary school age and older: 1,000 yen ・Preschool children: Free (boxed lunch can be ordered separately for 500 yen) 〇 Capacity: First 100 applicants 〇 Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM 👉 How to apply Please apply through the application form on the homepage linked in the profile URL. We look forward to your participation!

This is Suigo Sawara Ayame Park. Enjoy wisteria, irises, and lotus blossoms from spring through summer. We look forward to your visit.

Hello everyone. This is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On March 6–7 (Friday–Saturday), we held a joint product fair with Kikuchi City at the farmers’ market "grape vineyard" in Minami Ward, Fukuoka City. Products representing the proud flavors of Kumamoto Prefecture’s mountains and seas gathered in Fukuoka for a lively event. ■ Collaboration: Kikuchi’s Mountains × Reihoku’s Sea At this product fair, we sold Kikuchi City’s delicious rice and agricultural produce alongside a wide range of seafood and processed goods nurtured by Reihoku’s abundant sea. ■ Interaction with the local community We were able to introduce Reihoku’s food appeal to many food-minded visitors to grape vineyard, and the experience was very meaningful for our staff. Beyond sales, visitors showed interest in Reihoku’s scenery and travel attractions, and we feel the emotional distance between Fukuoka and Reihoku has grown a little smaller. Also, on the first day, Friday, March 6, kumamon came to cheer us on, which thrilled the crowd 🐻 ■ Thank you Thank you very much to everyone who attended and to the staff of grape vineyard for providing the venue. Through events like this, we will continue to bring Reihoku’s delicious flavors and excitement to the whole country. Look forward to our next event!

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. These are the Kawazu cherry trees at Kita-in.

[🧸For Sakuho town residents only🧸] Montbell annual membership fee Normally 1,500 yen, but the Sakuho Town Friend Card lets town residents join for 1,000 yen✨ As a member, you will receive benefits such as ・Earning points on purchases ・Receiving the member magazine OUTWARD ・Discounts at partner facilities ・Event information and more. This is recommended not only for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those who want to get started🌿 🔽Join or Inquire🔽 Visit Montbell Sakuho Store inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen

＼ ˗ˏˋ Everyone, thank you for waiting!! 📢⚡ ˎˊ˗ ／ Bike rentals will begin on Wednesday, April 1, 2026! 🚲💨 Reservations are accepted by phone or email📲💻 We look forward to many of you using the service!! 😊✨

Photographed on March 15, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store.

Photographed on March 15, 2014. These are the flowering peach trees at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Naoraiden.

Aerial footage over Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture March 2026 ※Model has given permission ※Confirmed with the management office ※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Notification of the flight plan and creation of a flight log