[🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2025 🌸] From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, May 11!

(Surely) with the last of the snow behind us, the season of flowers is finally approaching Gokasecho ✨ We’re running a spring Instagram campaign too 🤩🙌

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/) and post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho to Instagram using two hashtags: #GokaseHana2025 and #dateofphoto (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Every day during the campaign, one person will win a mini set of Gokasecho specialty products 🎁✨
This time, amazingly!
During the nighttime illumination of Kijiya’s weeping cherry tree organized by students of Gokase Secondary School’s “Gokase Sakura Project” (March 23 [Sun]–April 16 [Wed] ※updated 4/2), entries featuring photos of Kijiya’s weeping cherry will have double the daily winning chance 😮✨!?

Plus! Outstanding entries will receive a gift box of Gokasecho specialty products 🤩👏
And even more! This time there will also be a “Gokase Sakura Project Award”…🤭🌟!?

Submitted entries will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association and Gokase Sakura Project social media channels as they are selected 💡

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️Other rules 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.

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In spring in Gokasecho you can enjoy not only weeping cherry but also rhododendrons, akebono azaleas, and many other flowers 🌸
In the warm weather, how about a flower tour around Gokasecho 🤗?
We sincerely look forward to your participation ✨

Suzuka Forest Garden Light up 2025.03.15

Enjoy the weeping Ume plums in full bloom

It was raining lightly, so there were not many people.

Suzuka Forest Garden is a research Cultivation farm that aims to preserve and disseminate the "tailoring techniques" of weeping Ume Plum, which is one of the traditional horticultural cultures of Japan.

[Event Notice] 📍 Izanami Village, Okinawa Prefecture
Reiwa 7 Public Cleansing Festival (ku-jinushimii) — Once a year, the Tamaguden, which is unlocked only on this day, can be viewed ✨
Date and Time: Thursday, April 3, Reiwa 7 (10:00 AM)
Location: Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Tamaguden
Organizer: Izanami Village
The public may participate, so you can witness this valuable ceremony and see inside the Tamaguden, which is unlocked only once a year.

https://www.izena-kanko.jp/detail.jsp?type=TopicsTopPage&id=104381&funcid=2&editMode=

🌸 Enjoy spring in Nobeoka! Spectacular spots colored by history and nature 🌸

📍 Gokase River Levee (south side)
🌿 Kawazu cherry blossoms × rape blossoms

At the Gokase River levee, you can stroll along Konohana Road lined with 300 cherry trees and one million rape blossoms!
Now in its 17th year, Konohana Road features Kawazu cherry trees, which have a long blooming period. To let more people enjoy the blossoms through the end of March 2025, the site (Gokase River levee) will be open as the Konohana Sakura Festival.

📍 Nobeoka Castle Ruins / Shiroyama Park
⛩️ History × cherry blossoms × illumination

Some 300 Somei-yoshino cherry trees bloom around the 19 m-high “stone wall of a thousand slaughters.” At night, the illuminated stone wall and cherry blossoms create a dreamlike scene.
During the illumination period from Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, April 6, 2025, various events will be held. On Saturday, March 22, the Waiwai Gourmet Expo offers a wide range of foods, character shows, and music and comedy performances.

📍 Nobeoka Castle Ruins / Shiroyama Park
🌺 History × one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves

Nobeoka Castle Ruins Park hosts 3,300 wild camellia (yabutsubaki) trees across 108 varieties, flowering from late October through late April, with peak season from December to March.
Its standout feature is the full spectrum of flower colors—red, white, pink, variegated, and edged.
You can also enjoy famous camellia varieties such as Nobeoka, Kamei, Mokusuï, Shiroyama, and Naito, plus rare trees that bloom in three different colors on a single trunk!

【Flowering Information 1】Saitobaru
We would like to inform you of the flowering status of Saitobaru on March 19 (Water).
The rape flowers in Saitobaru have begun to bloom, albeit little by little.
Cherry blossoms are still in buds.
As in every year, it is expected to reach its best time to visit at the end of this month.

■ Information on Toilets and Car Parking in the Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus Group
Saitobaru Guidance CenterIn addition to the Toilet of Konohanakan Saitobaru there are six public Toilet in the Kofun Tumulus (Imperial Tomb Square, Takatoriyama Parking Lot Car, Takatoriyama Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 2, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 3, and Saitobaru Sports Park, so please Use those as well. (with multi-purpose Toilet)
* For details, please see the West City Tourism Association website.

Sakurajima Eruption
2025.03.07 Sakurajima Island had two eruptions at 16 and 17 o'clock
The photo shows Sakurajima at 17:38.

Metaseikochia trees in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

We aimed for a day when it snowed.

It started snowing at dawn, and the Water of the Water on the road began to increase, and I was able to take a reflection shot.

This is a landscape photo taken when I visited Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
I thought the beauty of Lake Biwa peeking through the trees on a sunny day was the coolest, so I posted it for people who like landscape photography to see.
Best regards.
I'm not familiar with hashtags, so I'll add them as soon as I 😂 can

The Kawazu cherry blossoms at the ruins of Matsugasaki Ruins of the Castle in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture are in full bloom 🌸
Please come and visit us.

[Announcement ❄️ of Winter Gokase 2025❄️ Results]

Thank you for waiting! !️
Announcement 🥳🎉 of the results of "Winter Gokase 2025"

This time, in addition to the followers of the Gokase Tourism Association's Instagram Account, we decided 👏✨ the winning item by voting by Facebook and Google Form

Thank you to 🙇 ♀️💕 everyone who voted
Now, let's announce the 👇👇👇 results

[🥇 Gold Award]
Mr. @mas8787a
[🥈 Silver Prize]
Mr. @fowafuwarin5
[🥉 Bronze Award]
Mr. @yamabico_san

The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been revived in yellowtail three years, and the winter appearance of Josenji Temple, which enjoys beautiful scenery in both Spring and autumn, won prizes 🤩✨

It is raining today, but there was a lot of snow this year, so ❄️ there are many difficulties, but I am always amazed 👏 by the power of Nature that creates beautiful scenery and by the people who express themselves through the viewfinder

Congratulations ㊗️🥳🎉 to all the winners

And There is a to 😭❤️ 🔥 everyone who applied, voted, and participated

Spring is finally here 🌸
We will inform you of the Spring campaign soon, so when you come to Gokase to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, please take many photos and cry when 😭💕 you participate

💫 Best regards

Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival

Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old.
Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season.

Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village.

For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

🕵️Solve the Mysteries of Sakai – The Spirit Kajira and the Vanished Legendary Blacksmith

A roving real-world puzzle game takes place in Sakai!🎉
📜A detective story set across Sakai as you search for the vanished legendary blacksmith🔍
Walk around Sakai city and unravel puzzles as you go🚶‍➡️
Those who clear the mystery receive a completion reward🎁‼

Whether with family, friends, or solo,
why not become the detective who solves the mystery?🕵️

📅Event period: Saturday, March 22 – Monday, October 13
📍Location: Sakai Ward, Sakai City, moat area
🔍For details, search for “Solve the Mysteries of Sakai – The Spirit Kajira and the Vanished Legendary Blacksmith”

【Oyanagawa River Valleys Fresh greenery trekking 🥰】

In early summer, you can enjoy fresh greenery in the Oyanagawa River Valleys
It has become a popular trekking spot.

In the Valleys, there are 10 bottles large and small Suspension Bridge and five waterfalls.
Yes, you can enjoy a walk casually.

It’s very windy and snowing heavily in Teshikaga today🌀
Please be careful when going out⚠️⛄️🌨️❄️

Saitama's Kawazu cherry blossoms are also in full bloom 🌸

This is located in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture
It is a row of cherry blossom trees along the Aoge Hori River.

Saitama's Kawazu cherry blossoms start 😊 here every year
The Kawazu cherry blossoms blooming along the river for about 1 km are a sight to behold

Toyooka City, Hyogo
It was cold at Kinosaki Onsen Self

Toyooka City, Hyogo
It was cold at Kinosaki Onsen Self

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city
Aina Satoyama Park

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture You can experience various villages and various experiences while feeling like a Satoyama while in the city
Aina Satoyama Park

Toyooka City, Hyogo
It was difficult on the way, but I managed to take a picture of Kinosaki Onsen during the big cold wave aiming for the timing of the snowfall.

Toyooka City, Hyogo
It was difficult on the way, but I managed to take a picture of Kinosaki Onsen during the big cold wave aiming for the timing of the snowfall.

Tokiwa mansaku, a flower that grows naturally in only three places in Japan

From Shodai Mountain, popular for its many hiking routes and as a beginner-friendly mountain walk, we introduce tokiwa-mansaku (tokiwa mansaku).
Tokiwa refers to evergreens that keep their leaves year-round.
Mansaku is said to express the wish for a bountiful harvest.

The three places in Japan where you can encounter wild tokiwa-mansaku flowers are said to be
Shodai Mountain, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Ise Jingu, Mie Prefecture
Kamukura, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Typically they are in bloom from mid-April to late April each year.

Spot information
Shodai Mountain (Shodai-san)
Shodai Mountain parking lot, restrooms available
2773-595 Kaba, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
0968-63-1421 (Arao City Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division)

#Shodai Mountain #Arao-jenic #tokiwa-mansaku #Kyushu mountains #Kyushu Nature Trail #low-mountain hike #mountain climbing #Shodai Mountain trail running #Arao City #Kumamoto

Hello, this is the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association.
This is 💕 an announcement of the Lover's Mecca Sanctuary Events in Suzaka Art Park
Let's go see the silhouette of the heart played by the light~!

The shadow of the monument of the sacred place of Lover's Mecca ties the heart, special days twice a year,
(Twice a year, the day of the autumnal equinox in September and the day of the Spring equinox in March)
For those who took a picture in front of the monument, the first 50 people will receive a little gift 💕
At the World Folk Doll Museum in Suzaka Art Park,
Maturity!! You can also experience the chicks.
~On the day of the Spring equinox, please go to Suzaka Art Park~

Held in: Thursday, March 20, 2025 Spring Sunday 11:00~12:30
Held in Location: Nagano Prefecture Suzaka City Suzaka Art Park in front of the Heart Monument

Hina-sama Rikiri Experience Events
Held in: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays until May 18, 2025
Held in Location: Suzaka Art Park World Folk Doll Museum
Rental fee: Children's costume 600 yen, adult costume 800 yen
Morning Session 10:00~11:30
Afternoon Session 13:30~15:00
The first 10 people each time, no advance reservation required
* Since it is a costume that can be easily worn, please dress with a companion.

It is said to be the best bloom in the last 20 years
I have seen the Ume Plum of "Kazahaya no Sato".
As you can see. If you don't see it, it's a loss!

Tsu City, Mie Prefecture Prefecture "Kazahaya no Sato"
2025/3/8

I have experienced ❄️ snowshoeing in Shiga Highlands
Activities that can be enjoyed even by those who do not ski or snowboard!
If you wear snowshoes, you can 😳 walk in areas that you can't enter during the green season and even on ponds! !️
The Torii (shrine gate) gate is ⛩ covered in snow
Have a snowy white field to yourself 👣 where no one walks
We also found 🐾 several footprints of animals such as rabbits and foxes
Impression ✨️ by all of them are valuable experiences
Why don't you experience snowshoeing that makes everyone from children to adults smile together?
It depends on the remaining snow, but it seems that you can ♪ enjoy it until around the May holidays
For details, check 👀 the Home page of the Shiga Highlands Nature Conservation Center.
https://shizenhogo-center.shigakogen.gr.jp/guide_winter/

Snowy Moominvalley ☃️

This is located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture
Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park.

Moominvalley with snow was a fantastic atmosphere 🤤
I'm 🤭 sure the hibernating Moomins are also enjoying it

📍 Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore
A sophisticated space and exterior that matches the image of the fashionable city of Daikanyama.
It was also a time when the light was particularly beautiful, so I was able to take wonderful photos.
There is a café as well as a bookstore, so I was able to spend a relaxing time.
There are quite a wide variety of books on sale, such as design, painting, photography, sports, Car, etc., and you can enjoy it even if you are not a book lover.

Equipment: Nikon D850
Editing software: Adobe Lightroom

📢 Locals’ Picks: Savory Eats in Sakai🍽️✨

Sakai offers not only tourist spots but also many local culinary delights unique to the area!😋🌸
We invited recommendations from residents for eateries so visitors to the Osaka-Kansai Expo can savor Sakai’s flavors!📍🍜🍣

Enjoy Sakai’s local cuisine along with the Expo!🎡✨

🎁 Instagram posting campaign runs until June 30!
Five winners will be drawn to receive Sakai specialty products🎊🎁

🔍 For details, search for “Locals’ Picks: Savory Eats in Sakai”!

🚴 Exploring the mystery of how the bicycle industry began in Sakai

♬ In Sakai, famed as "the birthplace of many things," the bicycle industry took root and flourished 🚲
Join a guided tour led by a curator to learn about Sakai’s unique craftsmanship and history 🕵️

📢 “Untangling Sakai: Investigating Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉
🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025
📍 Shimano Bicycle Museum
🔍 For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai Tourism Guide website.
📬 Registration: on-site, first-come, first-served
🎫 Participation fee: Free (museum admission not included)
📞 Inquiries: 072-221-3196

🚴 Delving into the mystery of how the bicycle industry was born in Sakai

♬ In Sakai, hailed as “the place where everything begins,” the bicycle industry flourished🚲
Join a curator-led guided tour to learn about Sakai’s unique craftsmanship and history🕵️

📢 “Untying the Threads: Uncovering Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉
🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025
📍 Shimano Bicycle Museum
🔍 For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai tourism guide website.
📬 Registration: first-come, first-served on the day
🎫 Participation fee: free (museum admission not included)
📞 Contact: 072-221-3196