Photographed on February 17, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a chocolate mousse latte and a chocolate tart. SAKURA starts today. 🌸

Today I attended the Kinen-sai (Prayers for a Good Harvest) at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the lanterns of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Kinen-sai is a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest that year, national peace, and the well-being of the people.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. The 4th Koedo Imo Park was held at Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten. On the left is Matcha Arata’s hojicha koguma latte. On the right is IMOS cafestand’s baked sweet potato sugar-butter crepe. I enjoyed it thoroughly. 😊🍠

The lantern festival that decorates Nagasaki in winter is beautiful not only at night but also during the day. About 15,000 red lanterns hang throughout the city center, and their vivid colors stand out against the bright sky, catching the eye even in daylight. Originally begun as the Chinese Lunar New Year spring festival, it has become a signature winter sight of Nagasaki. Lanterns seen in daytime offer a pleasing contrast with the blue sky, revealing a radiant charm different from the night.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Makubetsucho will host “2026 Makubetsu Tsunagu Lantern” at Akenogaoka Park 😊 Each handmade lantern created by local residents has its own unique design, and they are delightful to admire 🎵 Please come and see the magical world lit by the lanterns’ gentle glow ✨ Be sure to dress warmly for the event 🧤🧣🧥 📍Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 ※In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, February 22, 2026 ※If postponed, an announcement will be posted on Instagram. 📍Venues and Times 🔸Akenogaoka Park 17:30–19:30 🔸Makubetsu Park Plaza 17:30–19:30

Limited time only — until March 20, 2026. Tsurui Crane Guided Tour with an expert guide. Meet them at the best time, in the best place, for unforgettable moments. Experience the nature of Kushiro more deeply. Reservations available from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

On a snowy morning in Sagamihara City, I photographed a winter maple and a park slide with an apartment building in the background.

February 14th I went to Okunikko’s Lake Chuzenji to photograph the splash ice. These strange formations are nature’s artworks! I found myself chuckling as I shot them—such amusing splash ice. In the past, the cliffs at Utagahama froze like Niagara Falls, and every year I come back, hopeful, to photograph the splash ice, but that breathtaking display has only happened once and I haven’t seen it for years. Is it the effect of global warming? I’ll keep coming without giving up!

Today I attended the monthly ritual at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the shrine precincts at about 7:30 a.m.

Photographed on January 13, 2014. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine presents a New Year–style koi temizu (love hand-washing basin).

【Clear skies today ☀️ The Northern Alps look beautiful 🏔】 On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, Omachi City enjoyed clear weather, and the snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky ✨ I took photos from Omachi Park through Mikkamachi, across Renge Ohashi Bridge, and behind Omachi City Culture Hall 📱 The temperature rose into the teens Celsius, making the day feel like the first hint of spring 🌱

Photographed on February 7, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 7, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower-filled ritual water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Winter season operations [January 19, 2026 – March 7, 2026] Private winter barrel sauna. Hokkaido’s winter bounty. Gaze at the stars, quietly and slowly. At Kussharo Onsen. TEL 015-484-2111 For details, see the profile URL https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Photographed on February 7, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Photographed on February 11, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine’s omikuji distribution counter.

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Makubetsu’s Churui will host the 43rd Nauman All-Hokkaido Sled Competition 😊 Alongside the general division—where participants race on homemade cardboard sleds and are judged on sled craftsmanship and finish time—there will be an elementary school speed division and a parent-and-child speed division 🎵 Other activities include a “Treasure Hunt” inspired by the buried-gold legend of Churui Maruyama and a photo-movie contest for sharing fun memories from the sled competition ✨ 📍Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026 📍Venue: Churui Hakugindai Ski Area 📞Contact: Tournament Office 01558-8-2111 http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8682...

A place you must visit at least once in your life. A view that makes you want to take a deep breath. Lake Kussharo in winter. At Kussharo Prince Hotel, you can enjoy Lake Kussharo from your room at any time. Reservations are available from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Photographed on February 11, 2014. After the Kigen Festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a chocolate mousse latte and a chocolate babka. It was very cold yesterday. 🥶

Winter haze over the Akashi Strait. In winter the Akashi Strait looks like an ink-wash painting, with Awaji Island and the great Akashi Kaikyo Bridge shrouded in mist.

Every February I go to Kushiro to see red-crowned cranes and the SL Winter Shitsugen train. The courtship dance of the red-crowned cranes, especially visible at the feeding grounds in Kushiro Shitsugen, reaches its peak in February. In the harsh winter snowfields I was able to see the males and females leap and spread their wings in a courtship dance that truly looks like dancing once again this year.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, February 14th, Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall 21 hosts "Wood Candle Night 2026" 😊 The day features wood education workshops such as ogacolor and deer-hide leather craft, plus a wooden toy corner where visitors can touch, play with, and make wooden items 🎵 You can also enjoy a food area, chocolate fondue with toasted marshmallows and strawberries, a collaboration café by Coffee Zamaya and an antique shop, and a mini concert by the duo Liricamente 😍 On this sacred night—Valentine’s Day—come to Roadside Station Ashoro Galaxy Hall lit by ice candles and illuminations 🤗 ❤️ At the Youth Section booth of the Town Employees’ Labor Union, donors will receive a complimentary cocoa. https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/news/2026/wood2026.html...

Kussharo in winter is a world of only white and blue. Clear air, silence, snowy landscapes. Just looking at them brings a sense of calm. Winter in Kussharo is a season so beautiful, even the air feels lovely, far beyond what photos or videos can convey. Come and experience this scenery for yourself. Winter season limited operation: January 19th to March 7th 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 7, 2026 Nakatsugawa City, Magome inn (Magome-juku) Within the Magome post town, around Fujimura Memorial Hall

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 6–7, 2026 Kiso town Fukushima inn, from Kisofukushima Station to the former Nakasendo area

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 3, Shiojiri City, Narai inn (Narai-juku) Entire Narai-juku

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival February 1, 2026 — Niekawa-juku, Shiojiri City (within the Niekawa post town)

2026 Kiso Road Ice and Snow Lantern Festival January 24, 2026 Kiso town Hiyoshi Miyanokoshi Around Miyanokoshi-shuku Honjin

Photographed on January 23, 2014. Omiya Hikawa Shrine, an ema (votive plaque) for the Year of the Horse. 🐎 I enjoyed the winter break to the fullest. 😊