Shiraiwa Mountain Opening 🌸 Today (May 11), the Shiraiwa Mountain Opening was held at the Gokasecho Highland Ski Area Parking Center😊 A Shinto ceremony took place on the mountain, with organizers and other attendees praying for safety while enjoying the crisp mountain air👏 After the ceremony, those who wished began climbing toward the rhododendron colony💪 Azaleas, Okamenoki, yama-shakuyaku (mountain peony), and rhododendrons appeared to be in full bloom💡 ⚠ Notice ⚠ From May 12, Reiwa 7, the town road Hon-yashiki/Hagi Line and the Hagi Forest Road, which provide access to the Goboubatake trailhead (Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe), will be closed to all traffic until further notice due to road disaster recovery work. To reach Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe, please use the Ogawadake: Tenyabo trailhead (road subsidence, many falling rocks, rough road).

【🌸 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.

[Hanakien Opens] Hanakien on Yachiho Kogen opens today, Saturday, May 10. 🌸 The garden is filled with blooming pink azaleas (rengetsu tsutsuji), Enkianthus (dodantsutsuji), and three-leaf azaleas (mitsuba tsutsuji), and in June the park will be dyed red with flowers. 💐💐 Come and visit us. 🌳🥰 Opening period: Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:20 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

Japan’s Most Beautiful Stand of Silver Birches✨ Slender silver birches reach up toward the blue sky🌳✨ The sky’s blue, the birches’ white, and the green sasa grass underfoot… Everything is so beautiful you’ll want to stare forever😌🌱 The atmosphere changes with each season, so you’ll want to return again and again! Come and visit Yachiho Kogen😸♡

Yachiho Kogen Natural Garden A nature garden that captures the natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen...😌🩷 At the garden, you can enjoy three walking courses suited to your available time♬ White Trail: 1 km, about 30 minutes Blue Trail: 1.5 km, about 50 minutes Green Trail: 2.5 km, about 80 minutes In spring and summer, the highland flowers bloom, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant—there’s plenty to see!🍁 We hope you’ll come and visit😸✨✨

Yachiho Lake Yachiho Lake is a managed fishery where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing 🐟🫧 Families can have fun together, and there is a Fishing Kids Land where baited rods are available for rent 😸 You can enjoy it surrounded by abundant nature 🌸 We hope you will come and visit ✨

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.

[May 31–October 31] Join the Cycling Stamp Rally! In the Mashu–Kussharo area, crisp air and lush greenery signal the best season for cycling. Ride across the vast caldera—the largest in Japan—and collect stamps while soaking up the spectacular scenery. This year’s Granfondo Mashu Cycling Stamp Rally will run again. There are 24 stamp locations across Teshikaga Town, and the event runs for five months from Saturday, May 31, 2025, to Friday, October 31, 2025. In addition to Lake Mashu, Mt. Io (Atosanupuri), and the shores of Lake Kussharo, you can tackle scenic mountain passes…! Whether you ride leisurely or push the pace, enjoy cycling at your own speed. ___________________________________ Entry Fee 1,000 yen per person Participant Benefits When you pay the entry fee at registration, you will receive the following benefit tickets. 1. A hot spring bathing voucher redeemable in town 2. A 500-yen voucher usable at Roadside Station Mashu Onsen and other locations Prize Draws Participants who collect stamp points will be entered into prize draws. Complete Prize (Visit all 24 locations!!) • A pair stay at the Prince Hotel (1 winner) • A short glass or single-bud vase from Kawayu Onsen Yunohanaglass (7 winners) • A set of Teshikaga Town local specialties (5 winners) Challenger Prize (Visit 15 locations!!) • Teshikaga Town local specialties (30 winners) ___________________________________ Easy Entry 1. Register on site (two registration locations; no reservation required) 2. Pay the 1,000-yen entry fee in cash 3. Scan the QR code to START! (You may complete the rally over multiple days during the event period) 4. Apply for prizes (Choose your prize category based on the number of stamps) There are 24 stamp points in total! You can also view suggested course routes from the barcode at the bottom of the flyer. Be sure to check it out♪ ___________________________________ Organizer: Granfondo Mashu Executive Committee Inquiries: Lake Mashu Tourism Association 015-482-2200 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/granfondo2025/...

✨Experience a magical early-summer evening at Izu Ōkawa Onsen✨ [23rd Firefly Viewing Evening] Dates: Friday, May 30, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM At Ōkawa Onsen’s Takegasawa Park, whose water runs so pure it even grows wasabi, spend a special night wrapped in the gentle glow of fireflies. Strolling the lantern-lit “Chōchin Walk” feels like a scene from a picture book. After your walk, enjoy lively moments at the “Hotaru Market,” where local gourmet food and festival stalls line up. 🌟[Weekday Special]🌟 Visitors wearing yukata or kimono will receive one bottle of the Higashiizu-exclusive craft beer “Moon Road Beer” per person (weekdays only). ▶If you’d like one, please come to the festival square headquarters wearing the applicable attire. Enhance the nostalgic mood of the event with traditional dress and savor a Japanese summer evening🌙🍺 📍Venue: Takegasawa Park, Ōkawa, Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 🚌Free shuttle bus available (operates from Izu-Ōkawa Station and temporary parking areas) 💡Firefly conservation donation: from 300 yen per person (your support is appreciated) Yukata, lanterns, firefly light, and the bustle of festival stalls. Why not experience this unique, soothing night tucked away in the mountains of Izu?

<Regarding the Lifting of the Closure on the Mashu-dake Trail> The Mashu-dake trail, which had been closed from the Mashu Lake First Observatory to Mashu-dake due to confirmed bear activity, has been reopened as of today. While passage is now allowed, please use the trail only after taking the usual safety precautions. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/mashudakekinshi/...

Today, the terraced rice fields of Otoyo Town are filled with water, and the blue sky, clouds, and sunsets are reflected like mirrors. This place, where the traditional farming village life still lives, is the original scenery of Japan. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a journey that quietly fills your heart. Please visit the special scenery only at this time of year!

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.😆

A few years ago, at university, I became a licensed nurse and midwife. After graduating from university, I got a job in my Local Niigata. Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the number of babies born is small, and the recruitment of midwives is low, so I decided to build a career as a nurse instead of a midwife. The profession of a nurse not only supports the daily lives of people facing illness, but also heals people's hearts at times, and at other times, it is wonderful to be involved in people's lives themselves. As a nurse, I also had a very fully equipped life. However, my longing for the profession of "midwife," which I had studied hard for and obtained a qualification for, did not disappear, and somewhere in my heart, my desire to take on the challenge became stronger. Just as I was thinking about changing jobs to a midwife, I found a very beautiful row of cherry blossom trees in my Local Nagaoka area. In the sunset, the cherry blossoms that were just beginning to bloom caught my eye. It was warm and dignified, like a baby born into this world. At that time, I felt encouraged by the cherry blossoms and decided to take on the challenge of becoming a midwife. This photo is of the cherry blossoms that gave me the final push after my struggle. You only live once, and I want to do what I like and want to do to the fullest, and enjoy my seemingly long and short life to the fullest.

Thunder Falls(Kaminari Falls) Closed for winter has been lifted, and Thunder Falls (Kaminari Falls), a scenic spot in Takayama Village, has opened. A waterfall where the main stream of the Matsukawa River streams down It is said that it was named "Thunder Falls" because the sound sounds like thunder Also known as "Urami Waterfall". You can literally see the back side of the waterfall Fun at this time of year with plenty of water due to melting snow and super exciting waterfalls Water in spring (now) with plenty of budding Summer Cool even in the middle of summer Summer Spot Autumn: Collaboration between Autumn leaves and Splash of water * Closed in winter (mid-November ~ late April of the following year) The opening period is much better There is fun for each season, so I go there many times. If you come to Takayama Village, be sure to see it! It is a proud Spot that cannot be missed

〈Hokkaido East Trail〉 The Hokkaido East Trail, a long-distance route linking three national parks and local towns, opened in October 2024 and stretches roughly 410 km from Kushiro to Rausu, running north to south through eastern Hokkaido. This trail is highly recommended for the coming season, so here is a brief introduction. For more details, please see Teshikaga Navi. *When embarking on the trail, make sure to prepare thoroughly in advance.* https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/dototrail/...

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.

May 4, 2025 at around 6 a.m. Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture "Lake in the Sky" Lake Notari I finally met the long-awaited sea of clouds ♪ I was able to spend a fantastic time with clouds springing up and streaming in from the end of the lake Valleys. Impression ♪ by the ever-changing appearance of the clouds and the movement like the stream of a river In addition, the blue sky and the mountains opposite added a wonderful effect to the sea of clouds. It was a spectacular view that I wanted to see again.

The mountain opening for MtSobosan was held on May 3, 2025. A famed peak representing Kyushu and selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, many climbers enjoyed the trails that day. The akebono azalea was also in full, beautiful bloom. The climb was very strenuous, but the view from the summit is spectacular. From now on you can also enjoy fresh green foliage, so please enjoy your hike safely. MtSobosan has many hard routes, so prepare plenty of gear and food and prioritize safety when climbing. ■■During climbs ●Prepare plenty of gear and food and prioritize safety when climbing. ●MtSobosan and MtKatamukiyama are home to many valuable alpine plants. To protect nature, please do not pick or take them. ■■MtSobosan Straddling Oita Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, it is a representative Kyushu peak selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Its elevation is 1,756 m. Unlike Aso and Kuju, it is an older volcano, which has formed deep valleys and steep ridges. You can enjoy how vegetation changes with elevation. ■■■Access to central Bungoono City■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from beppu station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

【🌸 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.

Hello everyone! This is Kōshū Inden, Yamanashi Traditional Crafts Village, located in Shosenkyo Gorge. Right now, Shosenkyo Gorge is wrapped in vivid fresh greenery around the fountain, and it’s truly the season when nature’s beauty stands out. On clear days, the deep blue sky contrasts beautifully with the lively green, making you stop in your tracks to take it in. The sound of the fountain and the pleasant breeze add to the atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a Golden Week stroll. At our shop, we showcase many traditional crafts from Yamanashi. One highlight is the recently launched natural stone polishing experience! Choose your favorite natural stone and gradually polish it—the process feels like discovering a little treasure. Watching the stone become shiny is so absorbing that both adults and children get completely caught up in it. Create a travel memory or enjoy it while waiting for your meal. Come and try it for yourself. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

Mount Jōnen as seen from Azumino under a stretch of clear weather If you look closely, you can spot the snow pattern called “Jōnenbō” on the mountain’s slope Can you make out the figure of a monk wearing a kasaya robe and carrying a sake flask? People long ago used this snow pattern as a seasonal cue for tasks such as sowing seeds and planting rice seedlings, weaving it into their daily lives Azumino is now just entering the rice-planting season

Clouds rose in the high-rise Wetlands, and a gradation of light appeared in the Grassland. Shinshu Yunomaru Highlands "Pond Wetland is Elevation 2000m!" A boardwalk stretches "in a vein". It's like a Suspension Bridge over a paradise in the sky. Favorite scenery

Tsutsubetsu Pass Among the four passes around Lake Kussharo, Tsutsubetsu Pass stands highest in elevation. The road is narrow and steep, climbing like a mountain trail, and each bend opens onto a new view that makes you feel excited just by driving through. As the season approaches, we recommend Tsutsubetsu Pass for a scenic drive. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/tubetutoge/...

It becomes a wonderful scenery like houses streaming through the Paddy Field. A special scenery unique to this time of year.

Hello 😃 This is Enemon Denshokan. While the news often says the Kofu Basin is hot, a crisp spring breeze still sweeps through Shosenkyo Gorge, where ukonzakura (ukon cherry) blooms in full glory and fresh green leaves brighten the ravine! In fact, Enemon Denshokan has a marble chessboard on display. The natural stone’s beautiful patterns give it the presence of a work of art. In the quiet gallery, you can relax as you hold the chess pieces and enjoy a peaceful moment. It’s also highly photogenic, so please stop by as a memento of your sightseeing. Also, from April 27th we began a new polishing experience led mainly by Mr. Fukuda, a Yamanashi Master First-Class Gemstone Polisher. In a one-hour course you can become a “gemstone polishing artisan” and create a unique travel memory just for you. We look forward to welcoming you to the museum!

[Omachi City Flower Update 🌷] Cherry blossoms are entering their final stage, but in Omachi City the moss phlox, rhododendrons, and flowering peach trees are coming into full bloom 🌸✨ At the National Alps Azumino Park, Omachi Matsukawa Area, which is hosting "Spring Festa 2025", you can enjoy delicate baby blue eyes (nemophila) and tulips ✨🌷 🌷Flower Report 2025🌸 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/... 🌳National Alps Azumino Park🌳 https://azumino-koen.jp/oomachi_matsukawa/...

14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Works On display at Tancho Kushiro Airport📷✨ _________________________ A collection of outstanding works awaits you❣️ Please take a look when you visit. Location: Tancho Kushiro Airport, 2nd-floor waiting lobby Period: May 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025

One after another, Water are entering ☀️ the rice fields of In the town The Northern Alps reflected in the water mirror are unique 🏔️ to this time of year

Kawayu Onsen accommodation discount available (from May 7 – for residents of eastern Hokkaido only) A discount campaign for stays at Kawayu Onsen is being offered to residents of Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk and Tokachi in eastern Hokkaido. The campaign runs from Wednesday, May 7, and is available every day except Saturdays. Come to Kawayu Onsen while this opportunity lasts. (The offer ends when the budget runs out, so act quickly!) <Kawayu Stay Discount 2025 Overview> [Eligible Period] Weekdays and Sundays from Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to Friday, July 18, 2025 [Discount Amount] 2,000 yen per adult and 1,000 yen per child per night [Eligibility] Residents of Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk and Tokachi [How to Apply] ・Check each facility’s official website for details. ・Applications open on Thursday, May 1. ・The campaign ends when the budget is exhausted, so please apply early! <Participating Facilities> To make a reservation, click the name of each accommodation to view its official website. ・Kawayu Kanko Hotel 015-483-2121 ・KKR Kawayu 015-483-2643 ・Oyado Kinki-yu 015-483-2211 ・Oyado Kinki-yu Bettei Suikazura 015-486-9701 https://masyuko.or.jp/news/20250430/...