[🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 🌸 Results Announcement]

Thank you for waiting‼️
Here are the results of “Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” 🥳🎉

This time, in addition to followers of our association’s Instagram account, winners were decided by votes submitted via Google Form and by general voting at four polling stations set up around Gokasecho 👏✨

Amazingly, we received a total of 151 votes 😳❗ Thank you to everyone who voted 🙇‍♀️💕

We will send a “Voter Prize” to 10 people selected by lottery from among those who voted ✨

We have already contacted the winners 💡 Please note that the notification of winning serves as the official announcement of the winners 🙏

Now, here are the results 👇👇👇

[🥇 Gold Prize]
@reoron001219 (photo 2)
[🥈 Silver Prize]
@_yuta610 (photo 3)
[🥉 Bronze Prize]
@fowafuwarin5 (photo 4)
@sakai_0808 (photo 5)

This time, two entrants shared the Bronze Prize 🎉 Each entry was stunningly beautiful and made us sigh in admiration 🥹✨ As always, we are simply amazed by everyone’s photography skills 😳❗

Also!! We are announcing the collaboration award with the Gokase Sakura Project organized by Gokase Secondary School (@saku_puro): the “Gokase Sakura Project Award” 🤩 👏

The winner is…

[🌸 Gokase Sakura Project Award]
@thusandleavis (photo 6)

Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉
And thank you truly to everyone who applied, voted, and participated😭❤️‍🔥

We’ll have a stretch of steady rain for a while, but hot summer will arrive soon 🎐☀️
Let’s cherish the changing seasons and enjoy the rain and heat alike 💪💕

We hope you’ll join our next event ✨ Thank you very much 🙇‍♀️🌸

Applications are now open for the "Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025."
Please submit photos that capture the charm of Minami-Izu Town, such as seasonal landscapes, event scenes, and drone shots.
This year we are also accepting high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for use on posters.
※This contest accepts online submissions of digital photos only.
Online entries must be photos taken with a digital camera or similar device, in JPEG format only. Please keep each photo file size within 10MB.
※Only the category for photos promoting Minami-Izu accepts high-resolution images (over 10MB).
※The submitted photos are prize-winning works from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024.
<Submission Period>
From Sunday, June 1, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.
<Eligible Works>
Only works photographed between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, are eligible.
<Categories>
1) Seasons of Minami-Izu Category
Photos taken within Minami-Izu Town (for example: spring marguerites, summer swimming beaches, autumn spiny lobster fishing, winter’s first sunrise).
※Photos taken at town tourist facilities that clearly show the seasons are also acceptable (for example: the jade vine at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden or aloe at minami izu aloe center).
2) Events Category
Photos that convey the appeal of town events, such as the Yuigahama Fireworks Festival or the Bochibochi Marathon.
3) Drone Category
Photos of Minami-Izu Town taken by drone.
4) Photos Promoting Minami-Izu Category
We seek high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for posters and similar uses.
Each applicant may submit up to three entries per category (up to 12 entries across all four categories).
<How to Apply>
Apply from here
https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131
※During the submission period, please proceed by clicking the “New Registration” or “Login” button displayed below.
<Prizes>
Grand Prize: One winner in each category…Cash prize of 70,000 yen.
Runner-up: One winner in each category…Accommodation voucher worth 15,000 yen from the Shimogamo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative.
※The accommodation voucher is valid at the following four inns:
- kochu no tenshuku marubun https://www.yadomarubun.com/
- hotel kawachiya https://kawatiya.net/
- kiichiyu https://www.tokiichiyu.com/
- ishibana sea villa kagiya https://shimogamo-kagiya.jp/

It was already 5 o'clock on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama that day, the weather was very good like going to shoot the sunset, the first time I arrived in Toyama, I was attracted by the train next to the station and decided to sit over, but because the first time I got on the train, I found that I was sitting in the opposite direction, and it was almost dark when I turned back to the station, and I was afraid that I would take the wrong seat again and decided to use it, and after walking for about 10 minutes, I finally caught the beautiful blue hour, and pressed the shutter under the breeze of the spring evening to record this beautiful moment.

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】

Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"!
We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨

From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏

Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️

Here is how to vote💡

【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】
⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person.

<If voting via Google Form>
・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below
https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A
・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response.
⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance.

<If voting via Instagram>
・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/
・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍
⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware.

<If voting at a polling location>
・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope.

Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨

⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand.

Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗

1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1)
2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2)
3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3)
4 @_yuta610 (photo 4)
5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5)
6 @8215dr72 (photo 6)
7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7)
8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8)
9 @reoron001219 (photo 9)
10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10)
11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11)
12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12)

We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

《Dancing in the Spring Breeze, Wishing Dharma》
Under the cherry blossoms, there was a row of small darumas.
As if entrusting a wish that has not yet been fulfilled to the Spring breeze.

"Introducing Sakura Spots Around Hokuryu Town vol. FINAL"
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻
The cherry blossom scenes we've shared since early May come to an end with this final installment
To conclude, we present a roundup of all the spots we've introduced so far.

Please enjoy once more the beautiful cherry blossoms of Hokuryu that we encountered at each location!

May beautiful sakura bloom again next year 🙏

Thank you for staying with us until the end 🌸

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town!

🌟The sixth installment is――
“A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”!

The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town.
Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state!

There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches.
It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature.
The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life.

Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words.
Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold.

These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape—
We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.5]🌸
Hello from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
This time, we introduce more sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town!

🌟The fifth installment is――
“A Shrine Tour of Hokuryu Town”!

Today we present three shrines in Hokuryu Town and the cherry blossoms we found there⛩️🌸
Each shrine offers its own character, a soothing quiet, and striking harmony with the cherry blossoms.

🌸[Hekisu Shrine]
Hekisu Shrine greets visitors with a vivid red torii gate and a classic shrine atmosphere.
Four to six cherry trees bloom on the grounds, creating a beautiful contrast against the sky.
With spring breezes blowing, the view of the blossoms framed by the torii felt so still it seemed time had stopped.

🌸[Shinryu Shrine]
Shinryu Shrine is notable for its brownish torii gate.
The cherry tree on the right side of the precincts is especially lovely, its soft petals blending perfectly with the calm shrine buildings.
A guardian lion-dog sitting atop a ball makes a memorable, slightly unusual sight—one of this shrine’s little charms🤔

🌸[Mibau Shrine]
Mibau Shrine stands quietly a little way from the town center.
Set amid open rice fields, its solitary presence evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia.
As the cherry blossoms sway softly, listening to the wind here brings a natural calm to the heart🌾

Each shrine’s history, atmosphere, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms—
Hokuryu Town is dotted with these quiet, moving moments.

Enjoying the blossoms while feeling the town’s history and people’s sentiments—
come and try this serene spring shrine tour for yourself 😊✨

We warmly await your visit 😊✨

It is a cherry blossom that I saw in Nemuro, which is said to be the latest blooming declaration in Japan. It was still a little chilly in Hokkaido, but there were people here and there who came to see it, and I was able to enjoy the second flowering.

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.4]🌸
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town!

🌟The fourth feature is――
“Cherry Trees in the Ichii Forest”!

Today we present Ichii Forest, a handmade woodland cared for by Hokuryu residents, filled with a pioneering spirit🌳✨

This forest charms visitors with a promenade dotted with song and poetry monuments tied to the town’s history, offering a literary romance.
In spring, several Ezo-yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry) bloom along the path, delighting walkers🌸

What stayed with me most this visit was――
a solitary cherry tree quietly blooming deep along the trail.

With its graceful branches and delicate blossoms set against the neighboring farmland,
the scene felt like a painting and moved me to tears…!
In the hush of the forest, the unexpected encounter with this spring miracle felt cleansing to the heart😂

Because it sits a little off the beaten path, it may still be little known,
but that seclusion brings a rare tranquility and a moment to face nature.

Even after cherry season ends, Ichii Forest’s appeal does not fade🍃
We want to continue cherishing and protecting this forest where the townspeople’s feelings live on.

When you visit Hokuryu Town, please be sure to stop by Ichii Forest.
We warmly look forward to your visit😊✨

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.3]🌸
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
This time we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town!

🌟The third feature is――
“The Single Cherry Tree at Kōtokuji”!

The site we present is Kōtokuji, the 9th temple on the Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage.
The Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage was modeled after the Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites and forms a Buddhist pilgrimage route.
You can enjoy a journey that visits eighty-eight temples scattered across Hokkaido while experiencing nature, culture, and faith.

Kōtokuji, one of those temples, stands quietly in a calm setting,
and in spring a magnificent single cherry tree blooms in full, delighting many visitors’ eyes🌸

The temple grounds also feature a small bronze bell called the “Bell of Prayer,”
which anyone may ring freely🔔🎶
Its gentle sound will soothe the hearts of pilgrims and tourists alike.

Although the cherry blossoms have already fallen, the tranquil, prayer-filled space of Kōtokuji
offers a moment to center your mind regardless of the season.
When you visit Hokuryu Town, please stop by as part of a pilgrimage or as a restful break on your journey🍃

We sincerely look forward to your visit😊✨

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Guide vol.2]🌸
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town!

🌟The second pick is—
“Sunflower Park Golf Course”!

Set in wide open natural surroundings, this full-scale course boasts 36 holes certified by the International Park Golf Association, and many visitors were enjoying park golf there⛳🏌️‍♀️

At this time of year, Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees sway in the spring breeze and bloom beautifully, creating a luxurious experience where you can play and also enjoy hanami (flower viewing)🌸
Playing park golf while gazing at the blossoms is a wonderfully refreshing springtime pleasure😊

Rental equipment is also available, so it’s easy to drop by empty-handed—a feature visitors appreciate!
This spot is popular not only with locals but also with tourists♪

After the cherry blossom season passes, you can still enjoy nature while being active, surrounded by fresh green foliage and fields of fully bloomed sunflowers.
Why not spend a pleasant time feeling the refreshing breeze?🍃

We sincerely look forward to your visit🎶

I went to Yatsushiro hometown Park in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture to take pictures of Koshu silkworms and cherry blossoms, and the whole city was Festival Spring Township peach Minamoto, and the bamboo was being baked. The collaboration with cherry blossoms was very beautiful.

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.1]🌸
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻
From this installment, we will introduce the sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town!

First up――
Kompira Park Campground!

At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, Ezo-yamazakura reached peak bloom from the latter half of Golden Week🌸
This seasonal spectacle delights all who come to see it.

Even better, the Kompira Park Campground is free to use!
Many visitors enjoy it as a place where hanami and camping come together.

Although the cherry blossoms have now finished, moss phlox will begin to bloom next!

Why not take it easy and enjoy spring’s nature? 😊
We look forward to your visit!

Cherry blossoms have opened in Kimobetsu Town, and the weather has warmed. More people are playing outside and going for walks!
Kimobetsu Town Park is a nature-rich park in Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Its expansive grounds feature a high-rope climbing course and wooden athletic playground equipment, offering fun for children and adults alike.
The park also includes a 36-hole park golf course, where you can enjoy sports while gazing at MtShiribetsu rising before you. Clubs are available for rent, so you can easily play during a drive.
Why not spend a relaxing time in nature at Kimobetsu Town Park?

Kimobetsu Town Park
Location: Aikawa, Kimobetsucho, Abuta District, Hokkaido
Phone: 0136-33-2211 (Kimobetsu Town Office)

This photo was 📷✨ taken at the venue of the Kushiro Town Cherry Blossom Festival Held in on May 11
Some of the cherry blossoms were in buds, but they were blessed with sunny weather and were blooming lively!
A seasonal tradition 🌸 where you can feel Spring
There were 😊 a lot of people at the gathering

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

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.

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

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.

Finally, the cherry blossoms began to 🌸 bloom in Kushiro
Held in cherry blossom festivals in and around Kushiro City this weekend!
Enjoy it.

★ Nearby Events Information ★
5/10-5/25 Kushiro Sakura Festival (Kushiro Yanagicho Park)
5/10・11 Kushiro Town Cherry Blossom Festival (Kushiro Street Memorial Park Beppo Park)
5/10-5/18 Akkeshi Cherry Blossom and Oyster Festival (Konohi Park)

Cherry blossoms have started to bloom.

The town's Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees have begun to flower!
Some trees are already at their peak.
Spring is in full swing!
https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/

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.

2025 Shintoku Town cherry blossoms

Mt. Shintoku Shrine is a famous cherry blossom spot, but the cherry trees blooming along the town’s riverbanks and in its parks are also very beautiful.

The town’s cherry trees are swaying in the wind and their petals are gradually falling.
However, the cherry trees toward Kutcharo are now in full bloom and at their best.
Although the weekend sadly looks cloudy and rainy ☁️☔️, why not come and enjoy a drive while viewing Mt. Shintoku Shrine’s blossoms, strolling among the town’s cherry trees, or exploring the cherry trees around Kutcharo?

We also offer rental bicycles and rental cars, so feel free to contact us 💁‍♀️

Wishing everyone a wonderful day today as well 🌸

#Hokkaido
#Tokachi
#Tokachi tourism
#Shintoku Town
#Shintoku Town Tourism Association
#JR Shintoku Station
#rental bicycles
#sightseeing by rental bicycle
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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.

It is a picture that looks like a scene from a drama.

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.

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.