Toyama’s Spring Quartet Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind. For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is made possible by the support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Orchard grass! Check out Teshikaga Navi for a wide range of information. Thank you very much to Orchard grass for supporting this event! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

(2026-03-21) Night View II of the Tomei Expressway and Mount Fuji Seen from Satta Pass Observatory This is a night scene I once photographed At that time I had no intent to capture Mount Fuji’s slopes; I was simply photographing light-trail nightscapes I had been waiting for another chance When a friend gave the go-ahead, I jumped at it and went out This time I kept shooting until the very last moment when Mount Fuji could be revealed by the morning sun, then combined the images using comparative brightening (stacking)

Rinyoji Temple dyed in spring crimson This temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is about 200 years old. A limited-time light-up of the tree is popular. ※Those who visit are asked to consider donating to the Cherry Blossom Fund 🙏 Rinyoji Temple, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

There’s a Pokémon manhole cover in front of the entrance to Ayame Park! Come and see it!!

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Hotel Mashu‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi shares a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Hotel Mashu for supporting this event 🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

♨️Very Popular♨️ Weekday and Sunday-only accommodation discount for residents of Michihigashi, "Kawayu Stay Discount 2026", goes on sale from March 23.✨ The eligible period runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026, so please take advantage of it.🏃‍♂️💨 Kawayu Stay Discount 2026 ・Eligible Dates Weekdays and Sundays between Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026 ※Excluded dates: May 2 to May 5 ・Eligible Area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and Tokachi regions ・Participating Properties Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) ・Discount Amount Adults: 2,000 yen　Children: 1,000 yen　(no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to Purchase Via each property's official website or by phone The program ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please make use of it.

Enjoy beautiful floral scenery! Spring event information✨ 1. Matsushiro Spring Festival About 100 cherry trees bloom at the Matsushiro Castle Ruins. The sakura light-up at Matsushiro Castle Ruins is a must-see! Venue: Matsushiro Castle Ruins Sakura light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers Matsushiro Castle North Parking Lot (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers 2. Kawanakajima Battlefield Santachi Sakura Festival At the famous cherry blossom spot of Kawanakajima Battlefield, the event features a sakura light-up and paper lantern illumination during the period. Plenty of activities are arranged for visitors of all ages! Venue: Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Site Park Sakura light-up: From blooming until April 11 (Sat), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) (Park parking lots are expected to be crowded during the period. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 3. 24th Matsushiro Hina Festival Various hina dolls from different eras are exhibited at cultural property facilities across Matsushiro Town. Enjoy a traditional castle-town style hina festival. Venue: Cultural property facilities, public facilities, and shops in Matsushiro Town Period: March 3 (Tue)–April 3 (Fri) Parking: Available (free) (Please use municipal parking lots in town.) 4. Shinshu Matsushiro Tojo Apricot Festival On clear days you can take in a full view of apricot flower fields with the Northern Alps as a backdrop! You can also stroll with your dog. Venue: Matsushiro Town Tojo Iwasawa Amusement Park Period: March 28 (Sat)–April 6 (Mon) (scheduled) Parking: Available (free) 5. Rokaku Plum Garden Flower Festival This is the earliest flower festival in the Hokushin Region. The Genghis Khan barbecue area is very popular every year! Venue: Rokaku Plum Garden Period: March 28 (Sat) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, March 29 (Sun) 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Parking: Available (free), 100 spaces #Event #Sakura #Light-up #Nagano City #Nagano Sightseeing

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support this contest. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Fugetsudo Confectionery‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Fugetsudo Confectionery for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Aerial footage over Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture March 2026 ※Model has given permission ※Confirmed with the management office ※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Notification of the flight plan and creation of a flight log

🌸🌸Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Cherry Blossom Edition]🌸🌸 We are now accepting participants for a bus tour that visits Kushiro’s native double-flowered cherry, Kushiro-yae. ☺ Kushiro-yae is a double-flowered variety selected by Rokuro Inazawa, a landscaper who worked in Kushiro City, and it was registered as a cultivar in 1981. Its petals layer upon one another in many folds, giving it an exceptionally charming appearance. The tour visits notable cherry-viewing spots around the city, and participants will eat an original tour bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the Kushiro Cherry Blossom Festival. As the final stop of the cherry blossom front, enjoy Kushiro-yae here in Michihigashi Kushiro. ✨ Date and time: May 16 (Sat) 9:00–13:00 Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: ¥6,500 (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children pay the same price Meeting point: kks convention center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) Assemble at 8:50 For more details and to apply, please check the link in our profile ^ ^

A radiant morning on the Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road. It was delicious 😋 Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO March 3, 2026

Wandering Traveler🚙 Mie Prefecture is full of wonderful places🥰 Inabe City Plum Grove Park This view 🤩 perfect for spring 🌸 a lovely spot You can experience a magical, delightful world here. It was a magnificent plum garden🥰 Photo taken on 2026.03.09

Mirai Towers and Kawazu cherry blossoms I photographed Mirai Towers (formerly the TV Tower) together with Kawazu cherry blossoms in Central Park in Sakae, Nagoya. March 2026

It's finally Saturday tomorrow📺❣️ 📢Program Broadcast Announcement📢 The finale of Teshikaga town features will air on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting's Dosanko WEEKEND on Saturday, March 14, starting at 9:25 AM👀✨ Last week's first episode about Teshikaga showed the miraculously clear view of Lake Mashu, let visitors enjoy hot springs and footbaths, and savor delicious Mashu Wagyu… among many other wonderful highlights🍦🧚🏻‍♀️ We can't wait to see what the finale brings this weekend❣️Please be sure to tune in‼︎

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes have been sent to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce Watanabe Experience Ranch‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious local information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Watanabe Experience Ranch for cooperating with this event. We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

It’s already the season when the snow melts… This is how the Sakhalin Spruce Forest has looked recently 🌲 I feel the sound of melting snow droplets falling onto leaves, trees, and roofs has a relaxing effect. I hope you can enjoy a little of these natural sounds ☺️

Welcome to the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 🌸 Kikuchi City will hold the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival at Shimin Hiroba to coincide with the cherry blossoms. Please enjoy the spring scenes of cherry trees spreading through the town on the breeze. 【A red carpet will be installed on the Kikuchi Shrine Sando】 Event period: March 20 – mid-April (scheduled) 【Kikuchi Sakura Marche】 Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM The venue will feature local gourmet food, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche, workshops, and stage performances with a spring feel. There will also be family-friendly activities such as hands-on experiences for children, appearances by local mascots, and a small mobility test-ride event. 【Kikuchi Sakura Marathon Marche】 Date and time: Monday, March 22, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM A gourmet market will gather at Shimin Hiroba, the marathon’s starting point, bringing together Kikuchi’s local foods. Additionally, the KUMAMOTO FURUGI CARAVAN is scheduled for March 28 and 29. Please note that details may be announced on the day or subject to change. Mornings tend to be relatively less crowded, so a morning stroll is recommended. Please consider adding it to your plans! Contact Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival Executive Committee TEL 080-9106-7416 Executive Committee Chair Sato #Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival #Cherry Blossoms #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture

NHK 'Geo Japan: 100 Spectacular Views' aired an episode titled "Hokkaido — Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu." Teshikaga in Hokkaido unfolds a grand natural landscape. This episode focuses on Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu. It shared many facts even locals might not know, from volcanic activity to rare creatures living on the Wakin Peninsula, making it both beautiful and educational. Here is a selection of highlights 💁‍♀️✨ _________________________________ NHK BS Geo Japan: 100 Spectacular Views Hokkaido — Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu Saturday, March 7 — 12:00 to 13:00 _________________________________ https://www.web.nhk/tv/pl/series-tep-ENV69LY378/ep/2Z169XL1MQ...

Introduction to Our Sponsor Companies – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and each winner has received a supplementary prize. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of local businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga-navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Suzukifarm Co., Ltd., the company that runs Cream Fairy Tale, famous for its delicious gelato‼︎📝 More detailed information is available on Teshikaga-navi, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Suzukifarm Co., Ltd. for cooperating with this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga-navi.

📢 Program Broadcast Notice 📢 The final episode covering various aspects of Teshikagacho will air on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s “Dosanko WEEKEND” on Saturday, March 14th, at 9:25 AM 👀✨ Last week’s first half about Teshikagacho showcased a miraculous clear view of Lake Mashu, relaxing hot springs and footbaths, and savoring delicious Mashu Wagyu, among many other delightful highlights 🍦🧚🏻‍♀️ We’re excited to see what the finale will bring this weekend❣️Please be sure to tune in‼︎

March 9 −10°C Akanko early morning walk tour! Thanks to the cold that let clouds settle over the lake like a dragon, we could see frost flowers and rime ice gleaming against the blue sky♪ We walked across the lake, where diamond dust sparkled in a magical scene. ✨

(2026-01-30) Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Forest Aurora I posted earlier about the Tokyo sea of clouds Actually, this event upgrades at night the :40 hourly show by adding colored LEDs and lasers onto the sea of clouds to create the “Forest Aurora” ※From last November until this Wednesday 18:10 Sea of clouds 18:40 Forest Aurora (sea of clouds + laser projection) 19:10 Sea of clouds 19:40 Forest Aurora : : and so on Not the “Tokyo sea of clouds” but the “Forest Aurora” This was my first 2026 challenge of catching moments I might otherwise miss in life Even a slight breeze can send the mist rushing toward us or drifting off in unexpected directions, constantly changing its appearance by the minute So I take many shots and then pick a few that feel right.

Come and see! We received pamphlets from two elementary schools in Kushiro City ☺ ★ The sixth graders of Shiroyama Elementary School created a pamphlet about the Shiroyama area. They walked the neighborhood themselves and conducted on-site interviews at various facilities, producing very in-depth content. This booklet tightly captures the students’ feelings and the charms of Shiroyama! ★ The fifth graders of Kushiro Elementary School produced a Kushiro tourism pamphlet. Each student researched and reflected on Kushiro’s attractions in their own way, resulting in a collection full of personality. With 31 different entries covering sightseeing spots, recommended shops, information on wildlife, and more, there’s plenty to explore! You can take any pamphlet you like home. Come see the children’s wonderful work (^_^)/ We look forward to your visit. 📍 KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) 3-3 Saiwaicho, Kushiro City The pamphlets are available at the Tourism Concierge counter.

Delicious and fun! Sneaking into the Shobara Fan Festa! Fans from Shobara City in the nature-rich Hiroshima Prefecture gathered at Hirogin Holdings, Inc. "Tomorrow Square" in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City! We report on tastings of Hiba Beef and Yukiko (cheese), plus local sake sampling ✨ Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5555...

Setsubunso in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture is now in full bloom! 🌼💛 Setsubunso, a wildflower that heralds spring in Soryo town, Shobara City. It is said to be named because it begins to bloom around Setsubun, which corresponds to the lunar calendar’s New Year’s Eve.✨ Its small white blooms look charming, and it gives off a citrus-like fragrance. That sweet, refreshing scent is even called the "scent of first love"! 📌The public viewing period for the natural habitat runs until Sunday, March 8. For more details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... Please come and visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture✨ (Fukujusou, seribaouren and other flowers are also in bloom)

This is a spring scene viewed from Motohakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. The combination of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, fresh green foliage, and a torii (shrine gate) looks like a painting.

❄️Mori no Snow Park 2026❄️ Here is a brief look at the recent “Mori no Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen.” There were plenty of activities, including cross-country skiing, a tipi bonfire, an Akaezomatsu (Siberian fir) distillation workshop, slide talks, snow candles, and a variety of delicious foods!! This winter event is now an annual tradition, so if you couldn’t attend this time, please come next year. Look forward to it!

My first visit to Japan turned magical when I found a lone Sakura at the entrance to Ueno Park, blooming early on the first day of March. Locals, tourists, people of all ages, and even birds were enjoying the symbol of Spring. To immortalize their joy, I simply had to photograph the birds enjoying the blossoms. I feel proud of this photo, and very lucky to have witnessed such a magical Spring moment in the heart of Tokyo.