In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Create special memories with your family near Tokyo 🤿☀️ This time, we visited Usami in Higashi-Izu. It's a seaside area in Japan that you can access from Tokyo in a day. In the morning, we departed the city, heading towards Izu while enjoying the coastal scenery. The landscape gradually changes. Time flows slowly. Just that alone allows you to feel a different side of Japan compared to Tokyo. On this day, we participated in a PADI Open Water Diver course as a family. At first, they seemed a bit nervous, but once they entered the water, smiles began to appear. Seeing the same ocean, watching the same fish, and being moved by the same scenery. Diving offers such special moments. The waters of Higashi-Izu are a popular diving area for international guests as well. The scenery changes with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy schools of fish and the serene blue underwater world. "I can't believe there's such a sea near Tokyo." It's not uncommon to hear such remarks from first-time international visitors. Obtaining a diving license is not just about getting a qualification. It's about challenging yourself to enter a new world together. It's about spending the same time in Japan's waters. That experience itself will remain as a memory of the journey. It's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by visiting tourist spots. That is the charm of "Dive Near Tokyo." At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer small-group beginner-friendly diving tours and license courses. We can accommodate English speakers, making it a great option for international travelers and foreigners living in Japan. Why not spend a slightly special day during your trip to Tokyo?

There is a spring when window frames become paintings. The Kyoto Prefectural Office Former Main Building, located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, is an important cultural property built in 1904. Compared to Gion and Arashiyama, it attracts fewer visitors, making it a hidden gem where you can quietly savor the true depth of Kyoto. Every spring, the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival is held, where magnificent weeping cherry trees bloom in the courtyard surrounded by Meiji-era Western-style architecture. The view of the cherry blossoms and the courtyard through the old wooden windows creates a composition that resembles a painting, offering a special spring experience unique to this place. Despite being an active government building, it is free to visit, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious collaboration of historical architecture and cherry blossoms. This is a place that those tired of the usual Kyoto sightseeing spots should definitely visit. 85-3 Yabunouchi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Is there really such a different world in Nagoya? Yokisō, located in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, is a villa garden built by Jirozaemon Itō, the first president of Matsuzakaya, during the Taisho to Showa periods. Surprisingly little known even among locals, it is a hidden gem favored by connoisseurs. The vermilion bridge spanning the pond, the charming wooden corridor, and the autumn scenery with vibrant maple leaves reflecting on the water create a beauty reminiscent of Kyoto's famous gardens. The tranquil space enveloped in shades of green, yellow, and red allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission is free, making it easy to visit, and it remains uncrowded even during the autumn foliage season. Be sure to enjoy this hidden Japanese garden, the best in Nagoya. 2-5-17 Hōō-chō, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

Is this Nagoya? It’s a corridor from another world that makes you do a double take. The Nagoya City Archives, located in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, is an important cultural property built in 1922 in the Neo-Baroque style. Compared to Nagoya Castle and Sakae, it has fewer tourists, making it a hidden architectural gem where you can take your time exploring. Upon entering the building, you are greeted by an elegant marble staircase, stained glass, and arched windows that create a majestic space, making you feel as if you've wandered into a European palace. Its overwhelming beauty has made it a popular filming location for dramas and movies. The fact that admission is free and you can easily drop by is another delightful point. You can discover a new side of Nagoya. 3-1 Shirakabe 1-chome, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

This sky is unique to this place. Located in the northern part of Mie Prefecture, Inabe City is a nature-rich agricultural town overlooking the Suzuka Mountains. From late September to early October each year, the vast fields are blanketed with white buckwheat flowers in full bloom. During sunset, the dramatic sky is dyed in shades of crimson, creating a fantastical scene where the silhouette of flower fields stretches to the horizon against the backdrop of the mountains, resembling a painting. It is precisely because of the unspoiled rural landscape that one can experience this overwhelming sense of scale and tranquility. With easy access, just about an hour's drive from Nagoya, be sure to visit with your camera in hand to seek out this hidden gem of a view. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, Inabe Town.

A sunflower field in the city center, encountered right in front of the station. Located just next to Nagoya Station, the Dai Nagoya Building hosts a stunning sunflower field every summer, a hidden gem known to those in the know amidst the towering skyscrapers of the downtown area. The golden rows of sunflowers create a unique contrast with the modern glass buildings, offering a one-of-a-kind view that is distinctly Nagoya. Even passersby can't help but stop in their tracks, amazed that such a floral spectacle can be enjoyed right in front of the station without needing to travel far. During the event period, admission is free, making it an attractive stop to visit while shopping or having lunch. This is a delightful spot to quietly add to your summer sightseeing in Nagoya. 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

In Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, the sea is home to some of the largest schools of fish in Japan.🐟 It takes about 40 minutes by car from Hiratsuka, where Hokulea Shonan is located. This popular boat diving area can even be visited on a day trip from Tokyo.🚗 On the way to the sea, you can enjoy a small cruise while taking in views of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji.🛳️ Once you arrive at the dive site and enter the water, you'll be greeted by an overwhelming number of red sea bream. At first, it may look like the water is murky. But as you get closer, you'll realize it's all a school of fish. Countless small fish fill the water. More and more schools of fish continue to appear. It's a mysterious sight, as if the underwater world itself is alive.✨ The density of fish is astonishing, making it hard to believe you're underwater. Divers who see this view for the first time often gasp in amazement. There are still special seas near Tokyo that are not widely known.🇯🇵 This is another aspect of Japan that you won't encounter through tourism alone. In the tranquil sea, you can feel the energy of nature all around you. Hokulea Shonan offers small group diving tours centered around the Shonan and Izu areas. They also provide beginner-friendly tours and English-speaking diving support.🌊 #Tokyo Area #Nature Experience #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery

On a summer night, lanterns sway in the fiery sky. Tokugawa Garden, located in Higashi-ku, Nagoya City, is an authentic Japanese garden associated with the Owari Tokugawa family. Unlike Nagoya Castle, which attracts many tourists, this hidden gem allows you to leisurely enjoy the seasonal scenery. The Floating Lanterns event, held every year during the Obon period, is especially a must-see. Against the backdrop of a blazing sunset gradient, the sight of numerous white lanterns floating on the tranquil surface of the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. The weeping willows and green pines are fantastically illuminated, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that feels far removed from the city. Be sure to visit for a special summer memory.

In the purple tunnel, you forget the time. Tennogawa Park in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is cherished locally as a famous spot for wisteria, yet it remains a hidden gem with modest national recognition. From late April to early May each year, the massive wisteria trellises that cover the area are nothing short of breathtaking. Clusters of pink, purple, and white flowers hang down like waterfalls, creating a fantastical space that feels like stepping into another world. The nighttime illumination reveals a different, ethereal, and glamorous expression compared to the daytime. The free admission is also a delightful point, and it's conveniently accessible, taking about 40 minutes by train from Nagoya. 1 Miyagawa-cho, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture.

Discover a hidden gem in Nagoya. Quietly standing in the heart of Nagoya is Ueno Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. While well-known among locals, it remains an off-the-beaten-path spot for tourists. The impressive bronze statue of the reclining cow in the shrine grounds is a stunning sight. In front of it, colorful omikuji dolls in red, yellow, and green are neatly arranged, exuding a cuteness that makes you want to take a photo. The contrast between the vermilion shrine and the clear blue sky is beautiful, and aside from the exam season, you can visit peacefully with fewer people around. If you're tired of the usual tourist spots in Nagoya, make sure to stop by. 3-40-2 Uchiyama 3-chome, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

At the foot of Mount Fuji lies Lake Motosu. 🗻 Located in Yamanashi Prefecture at an elevation of about 900 meters, Lake Motosu is a rare freshwater diving spot in Japan. The water in the lake is highly transparent, revealing a serene blue world. 💧 Underwater, you can see fantastical landscapes formed by the eruptions of Mount Fuji, volcanic ash accumulating on the lakebed, and large sunken trees. In some places, spring water flowing from Mount Fuji emerges from the lakebed. It offers a tranquility completely different from the sea. This is a special underwater world connected to the history of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji. Just a short distance from Tokyo, you can discover landscapes of Japan that you won't encounter through typical tourism. 🇯🇵 Hokulea Shonan offers small-group diving tours in lakes around Mount Fuji and the seas near Tokyo. 🌊 A tour of Lake Motosu is also scheduled for August 9-10, 2026. Be sure to experience the tranquil blue world at the foot of Mount Fuji. ✨ #Near Tokyo #Nature Experience #Lake Diving #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery

On April 26, 2025, the Yozakura Festival will take place in Okuwa Village. Every year, the Yozakura Festival is held in Okuwa Village. There are many stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at night!

April 26, 2024 Kiso Town – The Cherry Blossoms The cherry blossoms behind Kiso Hospital were in full bloom and looked beautiful! I wonder if they can be seen from the ward? They are blooming in a lovely spot.

April 26, 2016, Narai Inn, Shiojiri City: Cherry Blossom View Narai Inn was as lively as always. The riverside is very beautiful with fully bloomed cherry blossoms. Sennen-ji offers a great view of the cherry blossoms from above, making it a recommended spot.

April 26, 2016 Kiso village Cherry Blossom Conditions Kiso village, located on the northern side of Kiso, has a delayed cherry blossom bloom. The cherry blossoms blooming along the river are very beautiful!

April 26, 2009: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kiso Town, Hiyoshi Tokon-ji, the family temple of Kiso Yoshinaka located in Hiyoshi, Kiso Town, becomes surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, creating a stunningly beautiful scene!

The weeping cherry blossoms at Zōsen-ji in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, lit up on March 28, 2026. The blossoms were in full bloom. There were a few photographers present. I visited after seeing a photo in the brochure for the one-tree cherry blossom tour in Iida City. There were so many beautiful cherry blossoms that I couldn't see them all in one day. I hope to explore again next year.

Good morning! 🌞 This is the view from the 16th floor of the only city hotel in Tomakomai, the "Grand Hotel New Oji," featuring the "Sky Restaurant Grand View." You can see Tomakomai Port in the distance! 🚢 During lunchtime, we offer a buffet or à la carte menu, and for dinner, you can enjoy a course or à la carte while taking in the night view of this city of 160,000. Please enjoy a wonderful time with your loved ones! 🍴

Wisteria Rain It's an umbrella, you know ( ´艸｀) Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

This is the Paperbush grove in Mushiidani, Akitakata City. The valley is completely covered with Paperbush, making it feel as if surrounded by a swarm of fireflies. Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, Akitakata City

🚨 This is the last year‼︎ Be sure to check it out‼︎ The stamp rally for the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" has started on April 24th, marking its final operation this year. 🚂✨ You can collect various designs of the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" stamps at six participating post offices! The period is from April 24, 2026, to April 23, 2027. This will be your last chance, so be sure to take part❣️ For more details, please check the flyer or the participating post offices.

This is also the first year for the indoor exhibition at Tokachi Hills' Umbrella Sky. I remembered seeing something similar somewhere, and that's probably because it resembles an event in a certain location in Fukushima Prefecture.

This is the Umbrella Sky (Sakura) at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. It is held every June, but this year it started in May. A few days ago, there was a day of strong winds that caused damage, leading to its closure. Although repairs have been made since then, full recovery seems difficult. From June, the colors of the umbrellas will change significantly.

【GW was full of events! 🎏】 Gokasecho's Golden Week was packed with events every day! All the events were created by the local community. 👏 Here are some highlights from the events enjoyed by both adults and children during Golden Week. 💡 【May 3 (Sun)】 ● Shiroyama Opening Ceremony The Shiroyama Opening Ceremony was held to pray for the safety of hikers. Unfortunately, due to rain, it took place at the Kotono Shrine assembly hall, but there were rice balls, grilled meat, drinks, and a lottery! 【May 4 (Mon)】 ● Kurara Festival The festival featured a flea market, various goods, workshops, fortune-telling, relaxation, and many delicious food stalls! This year, a stamp rally was also held! The popular lottery from last year had many prizes! It was bustling with people! 【May 5 (Tue)】 ● Utakeyama Azalea Festival The Utakeyama Azalea Festival was held to pray for the safety of hikers. In the morning, a "koinobori sports day" was held, enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly. In the afternoon, there were quizzes, stage programs, and a variety of activities!

From the summit of a small mountain called Uomidake in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, you can see a landscape that feels like a foreign land. Since there are not many tourists, you can take your time.

(April 26, 2026) Naruko Dam Rainbow Waterfall Light-Up The first arch dam built entirely by Japanese hands Naruko Dam, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture This event will feature the illuminated overflow of the dam lake, which is at full capacity, lighting up the natural overflow from the top of the dam with LEDs for several days. In the past, cars concentrated on the mountain roads to see this event, causing traffic jams. Complaints from local residents led to its cancellation. Last year, the mountain road to the dam was closed (residents can pass) and the event was resumed through a park-and-ride tour, with shuttle buses guiding visitors from a nearby community center to the dam. Hearing this information, I registered for the life's leftovers and reserved a shuttle bus for the third trip on April 26th back in February. Now, on the day of the event, with the weather forecast predicting rain for the next day, I embarked on a whirlwind tour taking five hours one way from Tokyo and was able to enjoy (and shoot) the view safely. So colorful~♪

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

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 every year. 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.

【Teppen Kagura Festival👹】 Today (April 26th), the "Teppen Kagura Festival" was held at the Gokase Winery-style hall✨ Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with people and excitement that blew away the rain and cold🔥 This festival features not only Kagura from Gokasecho but also Kagura from the neighboring Yamatocho in Kumamoto Prefecture💡 It seems there were some first-time Kagura fans in attendance, and I was delighted to see that events in Gokasecho are becoming more widely known🥰 Gokasecho has plenty of events lined up for the Golden Week🙌 Be sure to check out the tourism association's website and social media!😊