The weeping cherry blossoms in Kamihocchimachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. They are located on a mound, with a Jizo statue at the base, and in the background, you can see the remaining snow on Joshu Hotaka Mountain. This is one of my favorite photography spots. The weeping cherry blossom, known as Hatsuchi no Jizo Zakura, is in full bloom. On a clear day, the Jizo statue served as a model for my photos. The parking area is small, making it a landscape in the satoyama that I wish to cherish.

I took photos at Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, which is famous for its wisteria flowers and illuminations. Ashikaga Flower Park offers various flowers throughout the seasons, including roses, water lilies, and tulips, all of which bloom beautifully on a grand scale. Although it had rained until the morning, the weather cleared up, allowing me to see droplets on the early-blooming tulips, truly capturing the essence of spring.

I took this photo at the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the Kan-etsu Expressway. I happened to stop by and was able to see the beautiful Joshu Hotakayama and Komagatake with their remaining snow. I included the cherry blossoms that were blooming at the service area in the shot. It turned out to be a photo that captures the feeling of "the arrival of spring."

Taken on April 22, 2014. This is the wisteria trellis in front of Sanno Saryo at Hie Shrine.

A Yoshi burning event heralding spring took place in Oramachi, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The Yoshi burning at Tatara Swamp is impressive as it can be viewed up close. We felt the heat of the flames while capturing photos, covered in soot. Tatara Swamp is also famous as a stopover for swans, but this year, perhaps due to the warm weather, there were hardly any swans present. However, egrets, ducks, and weasels were seen scurrying around.

In the garden at dusk, small cherry blossoms bloom softly against the backdrop of the three-storied pagoda, adding a gentle touch to the scenery of Chinzan-so.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Hie Shrine. The azaleas were very beautiful.🌺

Title: Spring Unfolding on the Water The cherry blossom tree-lined path at Niwaki Dam Lake in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture, takes us from the present tranquility back to spring ten years ago. In this windless moment, I sensed spring unfolding upon the water's surface.

Photographed on April 22, 2014. This is the cherry blossom tying at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.🍒 To convey their wishes, the shrine maiden ties a red thread to the cherry blossom. At that time, a wedding ceremony was taking place in the main hall.

Taken on April 22, 2022, in the 26th year of the Heisei era. This is a flower water offering (a traditional Japanese practice) at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.

Rengebatake and local line Rengebatake was a common sight during my childhood, but now it has become a rare landscape. I captured a nostalgic atmosphere with the local line (Hokusei Line). Ageki Town, Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 24, 2026

Basking in the spring light... I found a little happiness during my walk🌼 The vibrant yellow gave me energy✨️

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, April 25th, the "Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony" will be held in front of Ikeda Station! During the ceremony, a wine glass fountain will be flowing, and the Ikeda High School Brass Band will perform🎵 Additionally, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including food booths featuring local gourmet, a children's festival, a wine pouring experience into the fountain, and a display of police vehicles🤗 📍Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM *Event will be canceled in case of rain 📍Location: JR Ikeda Station (Higashi 1-jo, Ikeda Town, Nakagawa District) https://kankou-ikeda.com//

The cherry blossoms at Ariakesan Shrine in Azumino have started to fall🌸 The carvings on the shrine's mountain gate, Yumeimon, are impressive❗️ It is said to be modeled after the Yōmeimon of Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

🌸 The Ezo Yamazakura cherry blossoms in front of Tomakomai Station have started to bloom. 🌸 Today, the expected high temperature is 11°C, making it a bit chilly, and the sunlight is weak, so I couldn't take very good photos. However, I believe you'll be able to see pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom soon. The white figure in the background of the second photo? It's actually a bus stop. It is shaped like Tomakomai City's official character, Tomachoppu. If you visit Tomakomai, be sure to check it out in person! 🚢

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was having a pre-shoot.

Photographed on April 22, 2014. Near the chozuya at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, azaleas were in bloom. Upon closer inspection, a bee was coming to sip nectar.

Life blooming on a green branch. A slender green life stretches from the tip of a broken branch. The roots may leave the earth, and the trunk may lie flat, but the cherry blossoms simply bloom. Quietly, strongly. They give their all to bloom in the 'last spring'.

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

Even on days when spring feels downcast, a fleeting view can be vibrant, lifting my spirits just a little.

On a morning after the rain, the cherry blossoms scattered on the transparent roof of the parking lot appeared to overlap like a multiple exposure, creating a stunning view. Even when the flowers fall, they remain beautiful.

"Shiokaze Garden" on Kasado Island in Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been trending on social media. I encountered this vibrant spring scene while capturing cherry blossoms for the first time with my new camera. I spotted a single boat coming toward me from the calm waters of the Hiuchi Nada sea, feeling as if it was celebrating the start of a new season and the beginning of my camera journey.

Photographed on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at the omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

A vibrant gift found at Tokiwa Shrine🌹 Even on a cloudy day, seeing this red color somehow makes me feel energized.

Announcement of the 32nd Tokachi Aozora Lady appointment😄 Every year, in conjunction with the opening of Banei Tokachi, a certification and handover ceremony for the Tokachi Aozora Lady is held at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse.🎵 This year, the certification and handover ceremony took place on April 17 (Friday). The 32nd Tokachi Aozora Ladies are Chihiro Kiyota and Erina Kato. We appreciate your support!🙏 During the ceremony, bouquets were presented to the 31st Tokachi Aozora Ladies, Nozomi Takahashi and Mayuka Ishizaki, in gratitude for their year of activities💐 Thank you for your hard work‼️ As the first task for the 32nd Tokachi Aozora Lady, on that day, we distributed gifts to visitors at the opening of the Obihiro Racecourse, participated in the ceremony, and finally appeared on "Bansta"❗️ Thank you‼️ Banei Tokachi is a competition where draft horses pull heavy iron sleds, competing in speed and strength‼️ It is held every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. On April 26 (Sunday), the 20th Banei Tokachi Odds Park Cup❗️ The day will be filled with events! A collaboration event with "Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji" exclusively for visitors! A prize lottery, and a comedy stage featuring impersonations by Yoshimoto comedians will be available for your enjoyment😍 Additionally, in the evening, a show titled "Hanasaku Banei" featuring 500 drones lighting up the night sky will be held (around 21:15)✨✨ Be sure to come and cheer on the powerful draft horses up close🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/about_tokachi/page-55-2/...

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Introducing the spring staple event "Zenkoji Flower Corridor"✨ "Zenkoji Flower Corridor Overview" 【Event Period】May 3rd (Sunday, National Holiday) to May 5th (Tuesday, National Holiday) Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pedestrian Paradise) <Venue> Zenkoji Omotesando, Nagano Omotesando Central Square, TOiGO Plaza, etc. "Implemented Events" 【Tapestry Garden】 Using around 10,000 flower pots of petunias, marigolds, and coleus, geometric patterns will be created on the streets. Students from the Sarashina Agricultural High School in Nagano City are responsible for the design and production. <Venue> Nagano Ginza (in front of TOiGO) 【Floating Flower Canvas】 Water will be filled in pots and basins, with colorful flowers floating to create ground art known as "Floating Flower Canvas." This year, some pots will include petunias to decorate the Omotesando. <Venue> Nishigocho (in front of Nagano Omotesando Central Square) 【Flower Garden】 The garden creations by horticulturists are truly impressive. <Venue> In front of Hachijuni Nagano Bank Daimoncho Branch, in front of Hotel JAL City Nagano 【Flower Contest】 A contest popular among gardening enthusiasts featuring hanging baskets and container plants (standard). <Venue> Nagano Omotesando Building Pocket Park 【Flower Marche and Flower Corridor Market】 Booths will sell craft items themed around "flowers" and local specialties. Additionally, gourmet foods certified as "100-Year Foods" by the Cultural Affairs Agency, including "Nagano City's flour products," will gather in one place. <Venue> Tōzai Ushiromachi and Nagano Omotesando Central Square #Zenkoji Flower Corridor #Flower #Event #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

——— Floating Island in the Sky This was captured by aerial photography along with the sky reflected on the water's surface. Hinocho, Shiga Prefecture, Hino River Dam Ukishima April 2026 *Contact with the management office has been confirmed *Comprehensive flight permission for unmanned aircraft obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *Flight plan notification and flight log creation