Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa Pottery Stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns dotted across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, held for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. We will share introductions to the participating kilns, so please take a look 💁‍♀️ 🌸 Uchida Sarayama Ware In the Meiji era, Naohiko Kiyama began mining with advice from Yukichi Fukuzawa, laying the foundations for the pottery here. In 1970, the third generation, Katsuhiko Kiyama, discovered an Edo-period kiln site and reopened production. Subsequent excavations revealed a history of porcelain production that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. Carrying that history into the present is Uchida Sarayama Ware. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, Kentaro Kiyama, the kilns still quarry Amakusa Pottery Stone and Shiki clay themselves. From materials nurtured by Amakusa’s land, they craft each piece with care. The lineup pairs traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. For this Spring Kiln Tour, you can expect seasonal treasures such as pieces decorated with raised itchin patterns that convey three-dimensional texture, and charming May picture plates made for Children’s Day. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of vessels shaped by Amakusa’s history and landscape. 📍 Uchida Sarayama Ware 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions of new works and special discount sales. Please visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelains from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Reihoku: 5 kilns) Uchida Sarayama Ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Amakusa: 2 kilns) Takahama Ware Juho Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurogama Inquiries: amakusa_pottery_stone_research_and_development_promotion_council_office (inside reihoku_town_hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The nemophila field in 138 Tower Park is 🤤 in full bloom This is a nemophila field Located in in Aichi Prefecture. Flowers can be enjoyed here regardless of the season. It's even better 🤤 if you put the 138 tower, which is a symbol

The weather is fine and Carp streamers are swimming 🌼 comfortably in the sky The rape flowers are also in full bloom, so please come and visit us during Golden Week! Nagano City Nakajo "Alps Observation Square Dream Station" [Shooting date] 2025/4/30 Against the backdrop of the snowy Northern Alps, you can enjoy a bright rapeseed field that looks like a yellow carpet!

Fujiwara Palace Ruins in Nara Prefecture Due to work, I usually only have one Vacation a week on Weekdays, and most of the time I shoot when there are no people, but I can take a Sunday off only once a month, and it is a popular Spot Visit for family trips, so it was difficult to shoot like this. I gave instructions to my wife on my cell phone from quite a distance and waited for people to disappear, but I clicked the shutter at the moment when people stopped streaming more than I had imagined. I wanted to shoot in a horizontal composition, but I shot in a vertical position because people were reflected.

The ruins of Fujiwara Palace in Nara Prefecture I finally came to the place I wanted to visit and see, and it was Sunday, so I could imagine it to some extent, but it was a very popular Spot for tourists from overseas.

〈Sunayu〉 Dig a hole in the sand and an open-air bath appears before you. This exciting little spot, Sunayu, offers that exact thrill. Swans sometimes visit, so it’s delightful no matter when you come. This time, we’re reintroducing Sunayu! For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/sunayu/...

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

The famous Great Buddha of Tsubozaka Temple in Nara Prefecture was crowded with tourists from overseas with many languages flying around.

It is the Ruins of the Castle Turrets of Kubota Castle in Senshu Park in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. The collaboration between the cherry blossoms and the horn Turrets was very beautiful ✨ From the observation deck of this corner Turrets, you can overlook Akita City. Spring is a famous landmarks 🌸 for cherry blossoms and azaleas There was a cherry blossom Festival in Senshu Park, and it was ❣️ a lot of fun to see a lot of stalls and Stalls It's within walking distance from Akita Station, so I think ❣️ it's very easy to go sightseeing It seems that you can enjoy various flowers not only in Springs but also throughout the four seasons, so I would 😃 like to go again if I have the opportunity

Nagoya Castle wrapped in wisteria This is Meijo Park Located in in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It is one of the few spots where you can see Nagoya Castle and wisteria shelf. I visited early in the morning, but it was 🤤 crowded with tourists Best time to visit continues 🤤 until the middle of GW

The wisteria shelves in Tennogawa Park were 🤤 in full bloom This is Tennogawa Park Located in in Aichi Prefecture. Since it was my first visit, I got lost 😅 in the cars parking lot, and it was a good walk after a week of making a 🥲 mistake in the pond Since it was GW, it was crowded with many people, but the place where you can take a reflection was even more crowded! But the reflection was 🤤 awesome

Ipponzakura in Hakuba Village Plain, Nagano Prefecture You can take pictures with the remaining snow of the Northern Alps in the background. The cherry blossoms in Hakuba Village bloom late in late April.

【Hokule'a Shonan|Water Photo Tour📸 Osezaki】 Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan. The other day, at the popular Spot "Osezaki" in Nishi-Izu, we Held in 😁 a Water Photo Tour Speaking of Osezaki, it is a diving Spot where rich Nature spreads out that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced divers. The transparency was high on this day as well, making it a perfect shooting day! What I would like to recommend this time is that when taking photos in water, "dare to take pictures of things that you usually tend to avoid." For example, seaweed. In normal diving, seaweed is often avoided as much as possible to create compositions, but by daring to incorporate it, you can 📷 take photos with a different atmosphere than usual With seaweed in the background, it creates a story in the photo, It makes the subject stand out more. By making good use of what is in nature, the range of water photography will Unfolds significantly. The photographic equipment used is a Tg-7+ ring light. While it is a compact digital camera that is easy to handle even for beginners, Authentic photos can be taken depending on the ingenuity of this camera, which is also an attraction 📷 The sea of Osezaki today is truly a treasure trove of photogenics! Colorful creatures, softly swaying seaweed, A fantastic scene with light... Please take your camera and dive in 👀✨ 🌸 If it's Hokule'a Shonan, We will do our best to support those who want to take their time shooting in the water! ✔ I want to take my time and shoot until I'm satisfied. ✔ I would like you to carefully teach me the basic operation of the camera. ✔ I want to enjoy photography without difficulty only in shallow areas. Such requests are also welcome 😊 "What is a photo tour like?" and "Can I do it?" If you are worried, please feel free to contact us first! Let's 📸 give shape to your "I want to take a picture!" together A piece that can only be found in the water world, just for you. In Hokule'a Shonan, we will bring you a special photo dive experience! #UnderwaterPhotoTour #OceanPhotography #DivingInJapan #UnderwaterAdventure #NaturePhotography #ExploreTheOcean #CaptureTheMoment #HokuleaShonan

On April 26th I visited the Atami Pudding Kinomiya Station shop that opened the day before. The retro atmosphere of Kinomiya Station fits it perfectly. The first photo shows the Kinomiya-only “Mugikogashi Pudding.” I recommend it. ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/atami_kankou/...

Late-blooming Double Cherry Blossom (Yae zakura) and Carp streamers The collaboration between Carp streamers swimming in the Spring breeze and Morimori's Double Cherry Blossom (Yae zakura) is wonderful "Hanedani Dandan Park" Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture 2025/4

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

【Nakatsuna Lake Is in Full Bloom 🌸】 The Oyamazakura cherry trees around Nakatsuna Lake, famous for their reflections on the water, are now at their peak bloom🌸I went before dawn to capture the reflections😌There was a slight breeze so the water wasn’t a perfect mirror, but mist over the lake created a magical scene✨ Sakura bloom status is 🌸 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88713/...

A world full of Japanese umbrellas This is Hotoku Temple Located in in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. This is a Temple Famous for its floor maples. We hold events according to the season. 🤤

⭐️ Popular American influencer iJustine is visiting! On my first trip to Japan, I chose "Atami wreck & cave diving" Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan The other day, we went to our favorite diving Spot "Atami"! On this day, a special guest from the United States participated 🇺🇸✨ iJustine, who has fans all over the world on YouTube and social media, came to us! For my first trip to Japan and my first dive in Japan, I am truly honored 🙏 that you chose Hokule'a Shonan from among the many shops iJustine is a global influencer with about 7 million subscribers to her YouTube channel and more than 1 billion total views. Especially in the field of technology, he is familiar to many fans as a "father" who can be said to be the "original". We are filled with Impression and gratitude that she chose Hokule'a Shonan as the place for her first diving experience in Japan. 🚢 At the wreck point, you can have an exciting water experience! The first stop is to the wreck point, which is also a Specialties of Atami. iJustine was also very excited 🤩 by the large schools of fish and the dynamic scenery With a GoPro in hand, he shot 📸 many scenes 🤿 Try your first cave dive! In the second one, I tried cave diving! Scenes seemed a little nervous at first, but as soon as I got into the water, I went into relaxation mode. The moment I returned to the ship after diving, the first word I said was "Very fun!!" It was ✨ very impressive 🩵 The joy of being connected through the ocean Diving with international guests is many moments when the heart connects beyond words. It was a 🌊 day when I was reminded of the special power of the field of "the sea" iJustine, thank you very much There is a for having a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy 🗾💕 the rest of your trip to Japan 🇯🇵 The sea in Japan is still deep! In fact, there are still many attractive diving spots in Japan. Next time you come to Japan, let's go look for a new sea together! At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer a safe diving experience for first-timers. Whether you are a foreigner living in Japan or have come to Japan on a trip, please feel free to contact us 😊 #iJustine #YouTubeStar #TechInfluencer #GlobalCreators #DiveAtami #FirstTimeInJapan #HokuleaShonan #JapanDiving #EnglishFriendlyDiving #PADI5Star #ExploreJapan

Kikuchi Gorge: a breathtaking retreat of fresh verdant beauty Kikuchi Gorge, a signature attraction of Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a stunning canyon chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls. About 17 km east of central Kikuchi, it lies on the northwestern slopes of the Aso outer rim at elevations between 500 m and 800 m, spanning a vast 1,193 hectares of peaceful woodland. A cobalt-blue stream so clear that the trees reflect on its surface runs through the gorge. The average water temperature stays around 14°C year-round. On bright blue-sky days the water turns an even deeper blue as sunlight filters through the trees, creating a beautiful scene. In May the contrast between fresh green leaves, the sky, and the stream is especially striking. You can hear the gentle flow of the river and birdsong, and see many wildflowers in bloom. Well-maintained trails run through the gorge, with clear signs to guide you, so you can take a relaxed walk through the primeval forest. The gorge also features many waterfalls, including Shijusanman Falls, Reimei Falls, and Ryugafuchi, all selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Be sure to find your favorite. Rest facilities with a souvenir corner sell items such as coffee made with the gorge’s delicious water, allowing you to unwind while overlooking the canyon. In spring you can feel new life in the fresh green leaves after winter. Summer makes the gorge an ideal cool retreat, often described as a natural air conditioner with its crisp, cool air. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter offers a clear, bracing atmosphere. Please experience Kikuchi Gorge through all four seasons. ■ About Kikuchi Gorge ■ 〇 Open season: April 1–November 30 (typical) 〇 Hours: 8:30–17:00 〇 Maintenance cooperation fee: 300 yen per person for high school students and older ※ The receipt for the cooperation fee includes a 200-yen discount voucher usable at Kikuchi Onsen day-use baths. Parking First parking lot: approx. 80 spaces / 7 large vehicle spaces Second parking lot: approx. 45 spaces (open during busy periods only) Central parking lot: approx. 80 spaces (open during busy periods only) A free shuttle bus operates from the central parking lot during Golden Week and other busy periods. Parking fees Standard car: 300 yen Motorbike: 200 yen Microbus: 1,000 yen Large vehicle: 2,000 yen Kikuchi Sightseeing Shared Taxi A reservation-based shared sightseeing taxi links major Kikuchi City attractions (including Kikuchi Gorge) with the city center. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, substitute holidays, and Golden Week. Service is suspended during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3). Take a deep breath at Kikuchi Gorge. Bask in negative ions and enjoy a leisurely moment in nature.

The wisteria of Kannon-do (Temple) is in Best time to visit. Please go out. 47 Kitagawa, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture About a 10-minute walk west from JR Iyo Saijo Station. In the neighborhood, you can also Fun "Uchibuki" Famous Water and the parent Water area called Aquatopia Water. Take a stroll.

The azaleas at Nezu Shrine are 🤤 in full bloom This is Located in, Tokyo It is Nezu Shrine. From mid to late April every year The azaleas are in full bloom. This is the only place in Tokyo where you can enjoy so many azaleas! Please come and visit us 😊

Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

Shark Scramble 🦈 You can go on a day trip! Shark swimming adventure in Tateyama, Chiba The other day, members of Hokule'a Shonan went to 🫧 "Shark's Scramble" in Tateyama, Chiba As the name suggests, it is a very impressive dive site with many sharks coming and going in front of you! On this day, guests from overseas also participated 🇯🇵 "I can't believe I can swim with sharks in Japan!" and I was very 😊 impressed by the impression The point is the diving Spot "Ito" in Tateyama. Here, you can observe the sharks that gather in search of food and swim around in front of you. Encounters with a wide variety of creatures such as tiger sharks, spiders, and rays are attractive, and it is a popular sea with many repeaters as well as first-time visit. And if Hokule'a Shonan ... Diving to Tateyama is also OK for a day trip! Some people may think, "Isn't Chiba far from Kanagawa?" We will guide you by Car from JR Hiratsuka Station and can also accommodate pick-up at stations along the way. Therefore, it is a big attraction 🚗💨 that you can easily participate even from the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas Some people are worried, "Aren't sharks dangerous?" Rest assured that the sharks here are accustomed to people and are not of an aggressive kind. After thorough safety management, we support even beginners so that they can enjoy it with peace of mind! "I want to swim with sharks someday!" Such a dream comes true with this Shark Scramble in Ito. Why don't you experience the power and mystery of the sea world together? 😊 📍 Held in by request! Please feel free to contact us 🌸 ▶ 【Experience Diving, Fun Diving, Sense Course Accepting】 #SharkDive #SharkScramble #DiveWithSharks #JapanDiving #ChibaDive #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #PrivateDiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #UnderwaterAdventure #SafeDiving #BeginnerFriendly #SeaYouSoon

From Sakai to the Expo site by boat. No traffic, perfect views. Comfortable access via the water route✨ Departing from Sakai Old Port, it’s only 30 minutes to the Expo site. Take this boat and you’ll no longer worry about traffic jams or crowded crowds. No road congestion, no long lines on station platforms. Onboard, just enjoy the water-city scenery of Osaka as the breeze blows🏯 The evening sail is especially recommended. After enjoying the Expo, avoid the rush-hour trains and return to Sakai on a relaxing cruise. It’s travel that feels like a mini getaway even though it’s just transportation. With a slightly different way to get there, make your Expo experience more comfortable and more special. 🎫Search “Universal Cruise” to make a reservation!

Osaka Festival! — EXPO2025 Spring Showcase The Osaka Festival — EXPO Spring Showcase will take place at the Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena. Around 40 floats and platforms gathered from across Osaka, including danjiri, yagura, and taiko-dai, will come together in one place! A vibrant lineup of energetic festivals will open Osaka Week. From Sakai City, the Keana-cho danjiri and the Shinzaikehama futon taiko will be demonstrated and exhibited. 📅 Dates and times: Friday, May 9 — Danjiri Keana-cho (Naka Ward) Saturday, May 10 — Futon Taiko Shinzaikehama (Sakai Ward) 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required Anyone attending the Osaka-Kansai Expo is welcome to join. 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo EXPO Arena 🔍 For details, search “Re-Discover”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo special site (If you come to Expo, please come to Sakai too). We look forward to seeing you there!😄

📍 “Futari demo Sakai” Heart-Pounding Darts Journey! 🎯🚶‍♂️ Decide destinations with a dart throw and solve challenges about each spot as you tour the city on this fresh travel experience.✨ Rediscover Sakai’s charms and set off on an exciting adventure.💡💛 📅 Event Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Win prizes 🎁🎯 🔍For details, search “Futari demo Sakai” on the Sakai Tourism Guide website!

The Icelandic poppies in the forest park are 🤤 in full bloom This is the Musashi Hills National Forest Park Located in in Namerikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Among them, the Icelandic poppy field is worth seeing. I think it will continue until GW, so please come and visit us 😊

I was able to go to the birthplace of the alley in the back again this year. Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture 2025/4