Photographed on April 9, 25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

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).

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.

【🌸 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.

Flower Dream Marche a Big Hit! May 3 (Sat) – May 5 (Mon) The spring Nishiokoppe Village Marche ran for three days. As expected this time too, the Roadside Station parking lot filled with cars 🚙 When I arrived, I started by savoring venison with Ezo deer balls and red wine stew. A bowl of soba or udon topped with spring mountain vegetable tempura slid down smoothly. The mountain vegetables were yomogi (mugwort) and gyoja garlic (wild garlic). I felt the spring and replenished my energy. For souvenirs, I took home Setoushi-kun yaki and a chiffon cake. I had been looking forward to the fluffy chiffon cake, so I was glad to get one before it sold out! The children’s festival booth buzzed with candy fishing and a lottery to win toys. Booths selling plums, garlic, and tea added to the scene, and the vendors looked friendly and cheerful. There were moments when strong winds threatened to disrupt things, but the three days concluded safely. Thank you very much to everyone who visited! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Roadside Station #Flower Dream #Nishiokoppe Village Marche #Ezo deer balls #Yumemura Mori no Garden #Baishin #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the Bonshō bell and cherry blossoms of Lotus Temple.

[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 ✨

Grass Roll Painting Returns! Last year, we painted Setoushi-kun on a pair of stacked grass rolls, and the result proved more popular than expected, so we decided to do it again this year! Grass Roll Painting This year’s installation is in front of the management building at the Forest Park. If you spot a large orange object from around the intersection by the post office, that’s the grass roll. Using oil-based paint and markers, and with help from children visiting the park, we finished the painting. There’s even the autograph of that person who visited during Golden Week! The display will remain until around autumn. If you pass by, please come and take a look. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Forest Park #Grass Roll #Painting #Orange cow pattern #No face #Setoushi-kun

【2025 43rd Nomugi Pass Festival】 Held in the Nomugi Pass Festival again this year. In May, when the fresh greenery of Spring shines, why don't you walk together while thinking about the ancient people? ■Events Details 【Held in】 Sunday, May 25, 2025 [Transportation]　 ●Private Car　 Car parking lot: In front of the entrance of Nomugi Pass Auto Camp (Ogiya Historical Materials Museum Ruins) 9:15~Car parking reception　 Transfer to the shuttle bus and move to the departure ceremony venue (about 5 minutes) 【Participation Fee】 ・ Those who meet at the site by private Car ...　JPY 2,000 The participation fee includes a coupon worth 1,000 yen, udo soup, Souvenirs, and insurance. Please pay the participation fee in cash on the day of the event. 【Events Schedule】 -10:00 Departure ceremony at Wasabizawa. -10:10 Start of the commemorative mountain trip from Wasabisawa to Nomugi Pass. ○ Walk about 1.5 km (about 1 hour) with factory girls and children in bocca costumes. At the top of the mountain, there is a wild wheat isasa dance and a song by a stringer. Local Specialty products are also available for sale. ○Lecture by Chiyuki Takabayashi, Director of the Okaya Silk Museums The Scenes and lives of the workers who passed through the Nomugi Pass will tell the story of the workers. There is also a Panel Exhibition of precious photographs of the workers in the help hut. 　 [About the descent and return journey] Use the mountain on foot or by shuttle bus. The last shuttle bus to the Car is scheduled to depart from the summit of Nomugi Pass at 13:20. 【What to bring】 Drinks, lunch boxes (only for those who wish), comfortable shoes, hats, windbreakers, rugs, etc. At the top of the mountain, there are several Stalls shops selling food There are drink. [In case of cancellation] In case of cancellation due to rain or other reasons, a decision will be made by the morning of the day before. ■ About application [Capacity] 150 people 【Registration starts】Friday, April 4, 2025 9:00〜 【Deadline】May 21, 2025 (Water) 17:00 * As soon as the capacity is reached, the reception will be closed. ■ Application / Inquiry Furusato Nagawa Tourism and Exchange Department 〒390-1611 Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 2120-1 Tel. 0263-79-2125 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the cherry blossom of Lotus Temple. The cherry blossoms are also wonderful.

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.

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.

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!

Good morning! 🌞 Continuing our series, we introduce Furosen at Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional house inn in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Furosen sits in Kamitani, a town of terraced rice fields and houses in Shobara City. According to legend, an immortal sage once lived in this valley, and the house stands at the valley’s innermost point, atop the highest terraced field as if it grew from the land itself. In this secluded valley, only vast green hills and birdsong break the silence. Misty dawns, dusks sinking into deep blue, nights filled with the moon and stars. The valley’s seasonal beauty brings profound calm and healing. The spacious 200 m2 house on a broad plot features a clean, white-based interior. Spend time losing yourself in the valley view from the front garden chairs where you can enjoy a BBQ, lounge freely on a Yogibo sofa in the living room, or laze on the engawa that connects to the scenery. At night, relax in the large indoor bath with gently drawn hot water or soak under a sky full of stars in the open-air Goemon-style bath—unique pleasures of Furosen. This inn lets you fully savor the mountain village’s beauty in complete privacy, a feeling you appreciate most by staying overnight. About a 30-minute drive away, you’ll find many leisure facilities, restaurants, and cafes. Within an hour you can reach Izumo or Onomichi, so you can plan flexibly according to your mood and the weather. Facilities provided: cooking utensils, tableware, basic seasonings, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, stove, kettle, water server, audio speakers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser, shaving foam, body towel, brush, hairdryer, toothbrush set, face towels, bath towels, razor, cotton swabs, lotion, yukata (casual robe), slippers, and Wi-Fi. Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome ・Elementary school age and older: 4,400 JPY per person ・Preschool children: 2,200 JPY per person

【Fresh greenery Soba Festival Held in】 The greenery of Nagawa has Unfolds even more vividly, and the refreshing season has arrived. The "Fresh Greenery Soba Festival" where you can enjoy such "fresh greenery" and "Soba noodles" of Nagawa will be held in again this year. Enjoy the rich Nature and seasonal tastes. ■ Held in period Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Sunday, June 1, 2025 ■ Organizer Nagawa Soba no Kai (Participating stores: Fukuden, Senraku, Soba no Rinagawa, Nagawanagawa Sansaikan) ■ Participating stores and special menus ◯ Soba noodle store Fukuden Senraku (Accommodation Available) 　Limited time "Freshly picked Wild Vegetables Tōji Soba" 　Please enjoy the Aroma of freshly picked Wild Vegetables to the fullest. Soba no Sato Nagawa Nagawa Sansaikan 　Limited time "Wild Vegetables Menu" 　We offer a special dish using Spring Wild Vegetables. ◯ Inn Oishiya 　Accommodation guests will receive plenty of Spring flavors. 　Please Please enjoy the seasonal flavors of Nagawa in a relaxing time. ■ Privileges Meals and Accommodation at participating stores during the period will be selected by lottery to receive a "Nomugi-chan washcloth". Please use it as a memory of Nagawa. ■ Information on participating stores ● Handmade Soba Fukuden Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 4233 Phone: 0263-79-2003 Business hours: 10:30-18:00 (until sold out) Regular holiday: Water and Sunday ● Senraku (Accommodation available) Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 1173-13 Phone: 0263-79-2122 Business hours: 11:00 a.m. Regular holiday: Thursday ● Soba no Sato Nagawa Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 1173-14 Phone: 0263-79-2906 Business hours: 11:00-14:00 Regular holiday: Monday and Tuesday ● Nagawa Sansaikan Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 2120-1 Phone: 0263-79-2815 Business hours: 9:00-16:00 (Shokudo is open from 11:00 to 14:00) Regular holiday: Water and Sunday ● Travel inn Oishiya Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 1173-13 Phone: 0263-79-2078 ■ General Information Furusato Nagawa Tourism and Exchange Department 〒390-1611 Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 2120-1 Tel. 0263-79-2125 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00) In the beautiful scenery surrounded by fresh greenery, enjoy the blessings of the mountains and spend a relaxing time. Enjoy the Spring in Nagawa with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

HELLO COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Furusato Nagawa Tourism and Exchange Department. Located in the western Mountainous Area of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Nagawa District is a quiet area surrounded by mountains rich in Rich in nature. Among the Matsumoto City, which is widely known as the gateway to the Shinshu, the rich Nature environment remains, and the beautiful scenery that changes with the four seasons Fascination many people. Known for its clear air and clear streams, including mountain sightseeing and Mountain stream fishing, it is an area where you can refresh your mind and body! 【Access to Matsumoto City, Nagawa District】 ■Access from Tokyo Via the Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway, get off at the Matsumoto Interchange, and take National Route 158 toward the Nagawa District. ■Access from Nagoya Use the Chuo Expressway, get off at the Ina Interchange, go through the Gonbei Tunnel, and head from National Route 19 via Yabuhara to the Nagawa District. 【What is Matsumoto City, Nagawa District?】 The Matsumoto City as a whole has a population of about 240,000 people, but the Nagawa District has a population of 565 and 289 households (as of December 2023 (Reiwa 5)), and traditional life and culture are alive and well in a rich Nature environment. Due to the high elevation, it is cool in summer, and in winter a silver world Unfolds. It is popular as a summer resort in the summer and as a Spot to enjoy the dignified air in the winter, and it shows an attractive look to the Four Seasons. 【Introduction to the historical background of the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City, Nagawa】 The Nagawa district of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City originally built a history as an independent village, but was incorporated into Matsumoto City due to the great merger of Heisei. Since ancient times, it has flourished as a mountain worship road and trade route, and there was a lot of traffic between people going back and forth between the Mountainous Area. Forestry, agriculture, and Soba cultivation that make use of abundant Forest resources and clear streams have been actively carried out, supporting the food culture and living infrastructure of the region. Even today, through festival rituals, the wisdom and customs of our ancestors are passed down. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in the Nagawa area, Matsumoto City】 The Nagawa area of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City has many Tourist resources rich in Rich in nature. ■Nagawa Watari Dam It is a large Dam that rises along National Route 158 and features a spectacular landscape created by the Clear streams stream from upstream and the lush green mountains that surround it. From the observation space, you can overlook the contrast between the Reservoir and the mountains, and you can enjoy various atmospheres that vary depending on the season. ■Shibusawa Hot spring It is a quiet Hot spring inn scattered in the mountains, and it is a great Spot to heal the fatigue of your trip. Depending on the inn, you can take a day-use hot spring, and you can stop by in between mountain sightseeing. Please enjoy the silence and warmth of the hot water and spend a moment to forget your daily life. ■Mountain stream fishing spot There are plenty of areas where you can enjoy mountain stream fishing such as char and Yamame. The fishing experience while enjoying a sense of unity with nature allows you to enjoy a relaxing time that is different from the city. 【Introduction of Specialty products and Gourmet foods in the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City】 ■Tōji Soba Local cuisine is served with hot Soba noodles in a hot pot and served with wild vegetables and mushrooms. It is an indispensable Nagawa specialty when talking about the Nagawa District. ■ Wild vegetable tempura Wild vegetables that herald the arrival of Spring are freshly picked and fried in batter, and the tempura has an exquisite bittersweetness and aroma. ■ Grilled river fish with salt Fresh char and Yamame caught in the Mountain stream are simply grilled with only salt, so you can fully enjoy the taste of the ingredients. ■Nagawa Soba Nagawa Soba made with flavorful Soba flour is highly appreciated by Soba lovers, and its Aroma and Smooth Texture are Exquisite. ■Processed Wild Vegetables Processed wild vegetables, which are also useful as preserved foods such as Pickles and Pickled in salt, are perfect as Souvenirs. 【Events and Festivals in the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City】 ■ Soba Festival The Soba Festival, which is held five times a year, is a festival where you can fully enjoy the food culture of the Nagawa District. You can taste Local Handmade Soba using Soba noodles carefully grown in Nagawa Late May: Fresh greenery Soba Festival Mid-August: New Soba Festival in summer October: New Soba Festival in autumn November: Nagawa Native Soba Festival February: Tōji Soba Festival Enjoy the nature of Nagawa, which changes with the Four Seasons, and the taste of each season. ■ Nagawa Summer Festival (late July) The biggest attraction of the Nagawa Summer Festival, which colors the summer in Nagawa, is the fireworks that echo in the valley. The fireworks launched from the bottom of the valley Unfolds large and Powerful in front of you. Please experience the sound of fireworks echoing in the mountains and the beautiful light competition up close. ■ Nomugi Pass Ski Resort Mt. Ontake, Mt. Norikura, and the Hotaka mountain ranges seen from an elevation of 2,130m are spectacular! With a maximum skiing distance of 4,000m, a variety of courses can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. There are few crowds, and you can enjoy gliding in quiet nature. It is a ski resort where you can enjoy the Nature of Nagawa and the dynamic scenery. 【Tourist Information of Nagawa District, Matsumoto City】 The Nagawa district of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City has a variety of attractions such as rich nature, delicious Soba dishes, and traditional culture rooted in the Local area. Surrounded by majestic mountains and serene scenery, you can relax to your heart's content is the real pleasure of the Nagawa District. Please make memories of your trip in Nagawa, Matsumoto City, Nagawa, where you can enjoy the expressions of the Four Seasons. We look forward to seeing you there.

An article is introducing Gokasecho 👏✨ Please take a look 😆!

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.😆

Continuing from the previous post, this time we introduce Kozako Forest from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional country house inn in harmony with nature in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture.✨ Takano Town in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where Kozako Forest is located, is a heavy-snow area whose wide temperature swings create ideal conditions for local produce such as Takano apples, rice, and goods stored in snow cellars. When buying ingredients from Takano, please stop by Roadside Station Takano. About a 12-minute drive from Roadside Station Takano, Kozako Forest appears when you turn down a small lane through broad, peaceful rice fields—an idyllic spot you might miss if you’re not paying attention—surrounded by a quiet woodland. The 150-year-old exterior evokes the feel of a typical old farmhouse at first glance. Step inside, however, and the space transforms into a state-of-the-art glamping environment with modern design. Features include an earthen-floor living area enclosed in full-height glass that blends the surrounding forest and interior, a bioethanol fire pit, and a large projector. This playful accommodation lets you enjoy nature and time with friends in comfort with the latest amenities. Stay with family, a group, a partner, and small to medium-sized dogs are welcome. Enjoy a restorative yet lively stay wrapped in the tranquil natural surroundings. Facilities provided Cooking utensils/tableware/basic seasonings/refrigerator/microwave/toaster/stove/kettle/water server Shampoo/conditioner/body soap/face wash/shaving foam/body towel/brush/hair dryer/toothbrush set/face towel/bath towel/razor/cotton swabs/skin toner/yukata/slippers/Wi‑Fi/large projector with Android TV functionality Check‑in / Check‑out Check‑in from 15:00 Check‑out by 11:00 Children welcome ・Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person ・Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person Pets allowed ・Only small and medium dogs accepted (up to 20 kg) ・Additional fee required (first dog: ¥3,300 / please consult for a second dog) ・Acceptance conditions: housebroken/toen vaccinated/able to stay alone/not in heat ・The property provides only a cage. Please bring toilet supplies, bowls, leashes, sheets, etc. ・Please spend time with your dog in the earthen-floor living area inside the building. ・When making a reservation, please review and agree to the pet accommodation terms and conditions before your visit.

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.

It is a historical landscape of Local Kure City

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.

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

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.

Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to many traditional folk houses in Japan. Among the three Kominka stays that harmonize with nature, this time we introduce Chojaya from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima. Chojaya is a breathtakingly beautiful building that has preserved its trade name in this area for 250 years. Its vast 200-square-meter space retains the weight of history while being reborn as a luxurious kominka hotel that offers modern guests comfort and ease of stay. Chojaya is located in Hiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a satoyama landscape so picturesque that it appears on tourism posters. In autumn, you can gaze over golden terraced rice fields. Enjoy modern comforts such as a designer spacious bathroom, Western-style bedroom with beds, and an island kitchen. Please bring your own ingredients to cook and dine as you like. Basic seasonings, cooking utensils, and tableware are provided. Address 1528 Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0311 Access 40 minutes by car from the Chugoku Expressway Shobara IC exit 35 minutes by car from JR Geibi Line Bingo-Shobara Station 110 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport 115 minutes by car from Hiroshima Station Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome to stay • Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person • Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person