A water‑welcoming ritual took place on the Saigawa River flowing through Azumino. At the confluence of the Saigawa, Takasegawa, and Hotakagawa rivers, a Shinto ceremony was held to pray for a bountiful harvest for the year, the prevention of water disasters, and the development of tourism. We give thanks for the blessings of water that flow down from the Northern Alps.

🌸[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 😊✨

Today was the Ennichi of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Precincts and Kawagoe Senarai Benten Itsukushima Shrine. There was a dedication.

Spring is in full swing! In Taiki Town, the flower season has truly begun. Shibazakura (moss phlox) are at their best on Mount Mewa! Around Sakashita Senkyo and at Taiki Shrine, we found a variety of flowers. The last two photos show new leaves sprouting beneath the withered kashiwa oak leaves still clinging to the branches! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Photographed on May 15, 25. Prayer at Takanawa Shrine in Shinagawa.

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

🌸[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😊✨

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Yesterday, I couldn't attend the monthly festival on 5/15 due to work, so I Prayer the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a moeki-colored sea bream lottery. The photo was taken on May 4.

Photographed on April 15, 25. It is the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms had fallen and turned into leaf cherry blossoms. The petals of the cherry blossoms floated on the surface of the water and were very beautiful.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms were beginning to fall, and a flower raft was being formed.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine My favorite place The Great Ginkgo Tree has fallen, but it is still alive　 What strength, what vitality Ginkgo has seen a lot of history　 I really like it, I'm sure I've lived there before. How many years have passed since then? It's going to be bigger　 I want to see it with my own eyes That's right, let's go Let's go to Kamakura

Cherry blossoms have started to bloom. The town's Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees have begun to flower! Some trees are already at their peak. Spring is in full swing! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In the raft, the boatman was practicing.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In front of the Hikawa Kaikan, a flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

It is a Carp streamer of Kawagoe Hachimangu. 🎏 Today is Children's Day.

【🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photo Submissions Part 11 🌸】 It’s been a while, but we’re resuming introductions of the works submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025,” currently hosted on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🤩💫 @sayasyoto They submitted many photos of the rhododendrons at Mikasho Shrine and a rare bamboo called kikkouchiku.✨ They also showcased the beauty of the leaves remaining on the cherry trees after blooming.🌸🌿 Since we can, please enjoy comparing these with the cherry blossom photos we introduced earlier.☺️💕 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Now then, the long-running “#Gokase Hanami 2025” is finally in its final stretch.💪💡 The event runs through Sunday, May 11, so if you took flower photos in Gokase during Golden Week, please do submit them.🤗✨ ≪#How to Enter Gokase Hanami 2025 ≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post flower photos taken within Gokasecho to Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 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, through Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

This photo was taken at an annual festival held at Shinoda Shrine in Shiga Prefecture. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, Shinoda's Fireworks feature not only fireworks but also a variety of productions such as Japanese fireworks, gimmick fireworks, and Niagara. This moment, in which tradition and power are fused, was captured in a moment of brilliance

Photographed 5/1/25. It is a one-year cheap sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The green one-year sea bream lottery is called Tokiwagi.

Photographed 5/1/25. This is the Ai sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a bright green color like a young leaf, and it is said that it is called "moeki".

Wisteria at Fujimori Aratama Shrine The wisteria with long bunches is in Best time to visit. Please go out to the "Fuji Festival" banner as a landmark. 〒799-1343 74 Kitadai, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture About 12 minutes by Car from Iyo Komatsu IC, 7.3 km. Car parking: The square in front of the wisteria shelf.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. The azaleas in front of the hall were very beautiful. 🌺

【Now Happening! Golden Week Special】Teshikaga Town Museum Stamp Rally During Golden Week, a stamp rally will take you around four museums in Teshikaga Town! From Saturday, April 26, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025, a stamp rally visiting four museum facilities in Teshikaga will be held. The participating facilities are Teshikaga Town Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum, Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum, Kawayu Visitor Center, and Teshikaga Town Furusato History Museum. Collect stamps at any three of these four museums to receive a lovely commemorative gift! This Golden Week event is fun for both adults and children and is perfect for making travel memories. [Event Period] Saturday, April 26, 2025 – Sunday, May 11, 2025 * Please note each museum’s closed days. * On April 30 and May 7, two of the participating museums will be closed. [How to Participate] 1) Pick up a stamp card at the reception desk of any participating facility. 2) Visit three or more participating facilities and collect stamps. 3) Fill in the required information on the stamp card and hand it to staff. 4) Exchange your stamp card for an original postcard. 5) Ten entrants will be selected by lottery to win a prize: an assortment of local specialties. * Winners will be notified by shipment of the prize. * Prize shipments are limited to addresses within Japan and are scheduled for mid-June or later. - Stamp Rally Participating Facilities - 1) Teshikaga Town Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum (open every day during the event) ■ Address: 1-14, 1-jo-dori, Kussharo Shigai, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-484-2128 2) Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum (open every day during the event) ■ Address: 2-1-20, Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-483-2924 3) Kawayu Visitor Center (closed: April 30, May 7) ■ Address: 2-2-6, Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga Town ■ Phone: 015-483-4100 4) Teshikaga Town Furusato History Museum (closed: April 29–30, May 4–7) ■ Address: 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga Town (inside Mashu Tourism and Culture Center) ■ Phone: 015-482-2368 Contact Information Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Social Education Division, Social Education Section Postal code 088-3211, 2-3-2 Chuo, Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-482-2948 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/2025gw_museum/...