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".

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! It is the Tourism Development Association of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. Otoyo Town is located in the central part of Shikoku, north of Kochi Prefecture, and is a mountainous area surrounded by the rich nature of the Shikoku Mountains. With this Account, we will deliver the charm of Otoyo Town to everyone. Thank you very much! ■How to Access to Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The Otoyo is located just a short distance from Kochi Expressway Otoyo Interchange, There is a it is very convenient to Access in Car. Use Osugi Station and Otaguchi Station on the JR Dosan Line are also available, and it takes about 30 minutes from Kochi City. 【Access by plane】 ・From all over Japan to Kochi Ryoma Airport ・From Tokyo (Haneda): Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes ・From Tokyo (Narita): Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes ・About 55 minutes from Nagoya (Chubu) ・About 1 hour from Nagoya (Komaki) ・ About 45 minutes from Osaka (Itami) ・About 45 minutes from Kobe ・About 50 minutes from Fukuoka 【Time required to JR Osugi Station (approximate)】 ・ About 2 hours from Tokushima Station ・From Takamatsu Station: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes ・ About 2 hours from Okayama Station ・From Tokyo: Approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes ・From Hiroshima: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes ・From Hakata: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes ・From Kagoshima: Approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes ・About 30 minutes from Kochi Station 【Access by Car to Otoyo Interchange】 ・From Nagoya IC: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes ・From Suita IC in China: Approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes ・From Okayama IC: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes ・ About 6 hours from Fukuoka IC ・From Tokushima IC: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes ・ About 1 hour from Takamatsu Chuo IC ・From Matsuyama IC: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes ・ About 25 minutes from Kochi IC ■Basic Information of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The population of Otoyo is about 2,900 (as of April 2025), and about 90% of the town is made up of mountain forests, and the Yoshino River that stream the In the town, the beautiful Valleys and the scenery of terraced rice fields make it a town where visitors can feel the Healing and Impression, and the tranquility and the change of the seasons away from the hustle and bustle of the city. ■History of Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture Otoyo Town has prospered as an important place for transportation since ancient times. In particular, the Toyonaga and Otaguchi districts were crowded with people and Supplies as Post Towns of the Tosa Domain during the Edo period. Buraku Temple Yakushido, founded in 724, and many other spots where you can feel the taste of history. In 1955, "Higashi-Toyonaga Village", "Nishi-Toyonaga Village", "Osugi Village", and "Amatsubo Village" merged to form "Otoyo Village", and the town was named after the "Dai" of Large cedar and the "Toyo" of Toyonaga. ■Recommended Sightseeing spots in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture ・Japanese cedar Great Cedar Tree Special Natural Monument of the country. With a circumference of 13.5 m and a height of 56 m, it is one of the largest giant trees in Japan, boasting an estimated age of 3,000 years, and is a symbol of Otoyo Town. There is also a Song Monument of singer Hibari Hibari Misora, and it is a popular Spot for fans. ・Buraku Temple Yakushido The Heian period architecture remains intact, and it is the only national treasure building in Kochi Prefecture. The hall, tucked away in the mountains, calms the hearts of those who visit. ・Kajika Forest Elevation Mountain Climbing Spot of 1,400 m. And Kajika Forest, a mountain villa at the 8th station, has an astronomical observatory and is popular for stargazing, camping, and trekking. ・Yone rice terraces Beautiful terraced rice fields that can be said to be the original scenery of Japan. The Water in Spring, the golden Rice Ears in autumn, and the superb scenery of the Four Seasons Unfolds. ・Yutorist Park Otoyo Spot where you can enjoy Barbecue and camping in Nature. It is also recommended for families and groups. ■Introduction to Roadside Stations in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture The "Roadside Station Osugi" is very close to the Japanese cedar Great Cedar Tree, There is a is a convenient resting Spot where you can get Local Specialty products and Tourist Information. Goishicha tea, ginburo beans, and other items unique to Otoyo Town are also available. ■ Gourmet and specialty products introduced at a roadside station in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture 【Gourmet】 ・Tachikawa Soba Hand-made Country Soba with a high aroma of 100% Soba flour. You can taste it at Meals or Roadside Station in the In the town. ・Konchin A simple local sweets that makes use of the flavor of burdock. It is a nostalgic taste of home. 【Specialty products】 ・Goishicha tea Tea made by completely fermenting tea leaves. Ands has a unique sour taste and aroma, and it is also attracting the attention of health-conscious people. ・Ginburo beans A rare bean that is said to be a symbol of longevity. It is processed into boiled beans and Japanese sweets, and is perfect as a souvenir. ・Yuzu products Ponzu sauce and jam made with yuzu harvested in Otoyo Town are popular. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ■Events and festivals in Otoyo Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture ・Adonis Flower Festival 【Held in period: mid-February to early March】 It is festival to be Held in at the time when the town flower "Adonis Ramosa Flower" reaches its Best time to visit. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the flowery village. ・Otaguchi Yakushi Summer Festival, Noryo Fireworks Display 【Held in: August 19】 In addition to a variety of programs such as accordion playing, hula dancing, and Yosakoi Naruko Dance, the summer night will be colored by a fireworks festival. ・Segaki Lantern Floating 【Held in: August】 The shape varies from region to region, but it is a fantastic Buddhist event in which bamboo is erected in the center of a boat-shaped lantern and 200~300 lanterns are lit around it. ■To Otoyo Town, where Nature and culture come to life Spring flowers, summer starry sky, autumn rice terraces, winter game dishes. Otoyo, where Nature and history and culture fuse, is an ideal destination where you can refresh your mind and body. Please come and look for the scenery and experiences that can only be encountered here. We will continue to Broadcasting the charm of Otoyo Town, so please follow us!

✨🍴Hiroshima Prefecture — New Restaurant News🍴✨ In spring 2025, a new cozy kominka café opened in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍 Its name is “Tsuchinoko-tei.” Owner Yuki Watanabe, together with her husband and local friends, spent a year renovating the old house, and it has finally opened. Built in Taisho 5 (1916), the 110-year-old kominka blends seamlessly into Shobara’s landscape. The recommended dish is Tsuchinoko-tei’s homemade ramen (750 yen à la carte / 900 yen with coffee). The soy-sauce–based broth offers a comforting richness that appeals to all ages. The handmade chashu is light and easy to eat. The husband, Ippei, is in charge of the cooking; his experience working in restaurants inspired this homemade ramen. Also popular is the daily set meal, limited to 10 servings per day (1,000 yen / +200 yen with coffee). Going forward, they plan to use locally grown Shobara green onions and eggs and vegetables from their home garden. They are also planning to add a bath and sauna on the property, plus accommodations, a BBQ area, and karaoke space — so stay tuned for future developments! 😍✨ For more details about Tsuchinoko-tei, please visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website, the official tourism site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture ✅

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

Photographed on April 7, 25. CAFE ANDON's Moke Chocolate and Strawberry Butter Sandwich. 🍓 On warm days, terrace seating is also good.

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

Photographed on April 7, 25. This is a hot sandwich of CAFE ANDON's stick chicken.

Go to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture in May! 🏃 Have you already decided where to go for Golden Week? Here are five events currently taking place or planned in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. (In no particular order) Please join any events that catch your interest 😍 1. 31st Ancient Tatara Ironmaking: Recreating Japan’s Traditional Steelmaking Technique Since the opening of the National Bihoku Hillside Park in 1995, the community-led "Ancient Tatara Ironmaking" project has been held continuously; this year marks its 31st edition. We continue this work to pass down the tatara steelmaking technique, a symbol of the Chugoku Mountain region’s culture, to the next generation. Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 Venue: Hiba-no-Sato Ancient Tatara Workshop, National Bihoku Hillside Park Details: We will recreate the full process of the ancient Japanese steelmaking technique tatara steelmaking, using the kera pressing method to extract kera—the raw material that becomes tamahagane, the high-quality steel used for Japanese swords and other premium blades. [Instructors] Holder of the Selected Preservation Technique 'Tamahagane Production (tatara blowing)' — Murashita Shoku (chief tatara operator) and Kaoru Horio (堀尾 薫; overall supervisor). Participants: Around 100 people (including general participants and partner organizations) Fee: Free to observe (park admission fee required separately) Note: Paid overnight two-day hands-on experience reservations have closed. Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 2. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring This annual event lets visitors tour gardens ranging from imaginative home plots to authentic Japanese gardens, where seasonal flowers are in bloom. Dates: Saturday, May 10–Sunday, June 15, 2025 Times: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00 Venue: Various locations in Shobara City Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office, Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) (inside Satoyama Station Shobara Furari, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-0173 FAX: 0824-75-0172 For the latest information, check the official Shobara Flower Conference website or the Instagram account @satoyamaopengarden. 3. Shobara Satoyama Marche at Hiroshima Station From April 2025 this event will be held on the third Wednesday of every month! Operated by JR West Properties, Roadside Station Takano, and Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), this market at Hiroshima Station’s north exit on the first floor offers fresh vegetables, processed goods, and seasonal ingredients from the popular Roadside Station Takano in Takano Town, Shobara City. Visitors come every month looking forward to this market—be sure to stop by at least once. Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 11:00–15:00 Venue: Hiroshima Station North Exit, 1st floor, next to ekie Kitchen (1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Roadside Station Takano TEL 0824-86-3131 4. Bihoku Flower Picnic (Now On) The Bihoku Flower Picnic is taking place at the National Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. ✨ Spring flowers such as daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila will reach their best viewing times during the period. There are also many spring-themed workshops and local spring cooking events, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Note: Flowering conditions may vary depending on weather and temperatures. Dates: Through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 9:30–17:00 (park entry until 16:00) Venue: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Fees: Regular and light vehicles 400 yen, large vehicles 1,200 yen, motorcycles 200 yen Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 5. Sakura Shokudo Children’s Day Marche Sakura Shokudo, which opened new in December 2024, is a farm-run eatery inside the Shokusai-kan Shobara Yume Sakura Hall and is operated directly by Shigehara Farm. To celebrate Children’s Day on Monday, May 5, the marche will bring together delightful and delicious vendors from inside and outside Shobara and Miyoshi Cities. A kids’ space will also be available for children to enjoy. Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday) Time: 10:00–16:00 Venue: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-4516 Notes: ・Exhibitors may change, so please be aware in advance. ・Admission is free, but workshops, hands-on activities, and purchases are chargeable. ・Please take your trash home with you. That’s five recommended events for May! For more details, please see the Events list on the Shobara Tourist Navi, the official tourism information site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍

Photographed on April 7, 25. During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from CAFE ANDON's terrace seats.

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.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is a boat trip on the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms fell and a flower raft was formed.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed 4/27/25. This is LEC COFFEE's quiche plate. It is a chicken and burdock quiche, a salad with roast pork, and a cold onion soup.

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

Photographed 4/27/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. COLD BREW CREAM. It is recommended to drink it without mixing. It is moderately sweet and delicious.

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.

Today, I took a walk in Kawagoe. I found a jasmine flower. Aroma that I like very much.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

【Notice】Taramaru Square 2025 is held in! Phase 1: 4/26~27, 4/29 Phase 2: 5/3~5/5 At the Event Plaza in front of the Roadside Station Information on Stalls please see the image ↓

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the cherry blossom of Kitain.

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. 🤤

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the five-storied pagoda and cherry blossoms of Kita-in.

Announcement for the Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival 😍 The Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival takes place at Honbetsu Park, where Ezo-murasaki azalea and Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees bloom in full. 🎵 The event is packed with activities, including a jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot, a bingo tournament, a performance of the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums, and a stage show by Oklahoma. The Tokachi Aozora Ladies will also participate. Bring your family and friends and come enjoy the festival. ■ Date: Sunday, April 27, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM ■ Location: In front of the Yoshitsune-no-Sato Honbetsu Park stage (Higashimachi, Honbetsu) ■ Stage guest: Oklahoma ■ Program 10:00 – Opening announcement; release of stream fish and river fishing Booths by the Chamber of Commerce Women’s and Youth Divisions; inflatable play area Azalea and other plant sales; various vendor booths Local performing arts: performance by the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums Smoke experience (Honbetsu Fire Station) 10:30 – Opening ceremony 11:00 – Jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot 11:20 – Introduction of the Tokachi Aozora Ladies 12:00 – Azalea Festival Photo Contest and Model Photo Session Distribution of bingo cards (first 400 people) 12:45 – Stage show “Oklahoma” 13:30 – Bingo tournament 14:00 – Closing ceremony ■ Inquiries Tsutsuji Festival Executive Committee / Honbetsu Town Tourism Association Office: Honbetsu Town Future Creation Division TEL (0156) 22-2141 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/post_1.html...

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the five-storied pagoda and cherry blossoms of Kita-in.