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?

The sunset at Taga-cho, Shiga Prefecture, was perfect on this day!

A carefully curated buffet featuring Hokkaido ingredients. Enjoy as much as you like, both morning and night. A limited-time fair filled with strawberries is also underway 🍓 Available from Saturday, April 25, 2026, to Sunday, May 31, 2026. Save this if you're interested 👇 Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

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.

The clusters of twinflower in Azumino While Kamikochi is famous for twinflower, Azumino also has beautiful spots One such place is the Mitsumata Trailhead leading to Mt. Chogatake Along the trail from the trailhead to the Godzilla Tree, twinflower blooms abundantly on both sides!! In the morning, the flowers are closed, but when they soak up plenty of sunlight, they spread their beautiful petals Other flowers like Sanakayou, wild wasabi, and Enreisou are also blooming!!

On May 18th Mt. Jonen bathed in the morning sun and a water mirror The morning glow of the Northern Alps reflected beautifully in the rice field water!! This is the scenery of Azumino, a town that makes you love the morning.

May 16th The usual scenery A tranquil moment

April 26, 2018, Agematsu Town, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest Currently, Kiso has transformed into a season of fresh greenery after the cherry blossoms have fallen. The entire area is green, showcasing a different side of Kiso compared to March and April! As we transition from spring to summer, it is getting hotter...🥵

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, 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!

On April 26, 2003, here's how the cherry blossoms looked in Nagiso town. I apologize for the late post... Although I am late, I bring you the sights of spring in Kiso! Midono inn (Midono-juku) and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

The Nusamai Bridge dyed in the sunset, with the lights of the town shining in the harbor. The slowly flowing river and the quietly spreading wetlands. In spring, soft cherry blossoms add color, and in summer, you can feel the breeze while running through the greenery. You can touch nature by canoeing, or leisurely explore by bicycle. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

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.

The rice planted in the fields is growing steadily in Azumino. Beyond the beautiful rows, the scenery of Azumino unfolds!♪ We welcomed a refreshing morning.😊

Scenery I want to preserve in Japan. Yotsuya Senmaida, selected as one of the top 100 rice terraces. The moist air after the rain created an emotional atmosphere and was very pleasant. May 2026, Yotsuya Senmaida, Shinshiro City

Hello 😊 This is the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building 🍷 Thank you so much to everyone who visited Shosenkyo Gorge during the Golden Week! ✨ How did you all spend your Golden Week? With the holiday over, a sense of calm is gradually returning to Shosenkyo 🍃 In this season, why not take some time to relax in the nature-surrounded Shosenkyo? 😊 First, let's visit "Senga Falls," which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Feel the negative ions and enjoy a healing time ✨ The fresh greenery is becoming more beautiful, and the scenery is becoming more vibrant 🌿 This year as well, the dogwoods in the garden of the wine kingdom have started to bloom 🤍 I look forward to seeing them bloom even more beautifully 😊 When you visit Shosenkyo, please take your time to enjoy the garden of the wine kingdom as well ✨ Also, this season is perfect for BBQs 🍖 For such moments, I recommend "Koshu Orange Wine," which pairs well with any meal 🍷 We sincerely look forward to your visit! ✨

Located at the foot of the mountains in Azumino, Kuriosan Mangan-ji This is a famous spot for azaleas Although only a few azaleas are blooming, the temple grounds have a serene atmosphere.

Water has filled the rice fields in Azumino, and rice planting is in full swing. From the top of Mount Nagamine, the rice fields illuminated by the setting sun look radiant.

On May 12th in Azumino Mizukagami 😄 You can still find rice paddies where the rice hasn't been planted yet. Why not explore by renting a bicycle...

Daio Wasabi Farm A beautiful contrast between the blue sky and the water's surface A place to fully enjoy Azumino A place to feel the flow of time through the ages

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

Swaying in the wind, my own special seat. A small hill enveloped by pampas grass, offering a panoramic view of Hatoyamamachi in Saitama Prefecture. This place, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots, flows with quiet moments and gentle breezes. It's a hidden gem, still unknown to many, where you can unwind and relax.

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

5/7 and 8, Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour The Akebono azaleas were in full bloom. Next time, enjoy the summer season with a large number of flowers. Would you like to explore with a nature guide at an elevation of 1,700 meters?! Upcoming Schedule August 19 (Wed), 20 (Thu) Summer October 7 (Wed), 8 (Thu), 21 (Wed) Autumn 【Reservations and Inquiries】 Saijo City Tourism and Product Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201, Ehime Prefecture TEL: 0897-56-2605

🚨 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.

【Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour Starts!】 The season of the blooming Ezo Iso Tsutsuji has arrived. Would you like to take a stroll through Tsutsujigahara, connecting Kawayu Onsen and Mt. Io? The "Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour," where you can observe the Ezo Iso Tsutsuji that will soon be at its peak, is starting! Since the course begins from Kawayu Onsen, you can enjoy the walk on the morning after staying in the hot spring town. <Guide to Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail> ■Period: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 ■Time: Every morning at 6:00 AM (Total duration about 1 hour) Meeting at 5:55 AM, Departure at 6:00 AM. *Cancelled in case of rain ■Participation Fee: 500 yen for elementary school students and above (free for infants) *Cash payment at the venue ■Meeting Place: In front of Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ■Application: Please fill out the application form by 7:00 PM the day before, including: ① Name of the representative ② Number of participants ③ Contact phone number ④ Name of your accommodation. You can access the application form via the QR code on the flyer. *If you cannot send the application, please call the office at 090-2512-3143. [ Notes ] ・This is a tour walking approximately 3 km from Kawayu Onsen to Mt. Io (returning from Mt. Io will be by car). ・Please participate in comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for movement. ・The tour will be cancelled in case of rain. Participants will be notified in case of cancellation. ・The content may change or be cancelled depending on the blooming status of the Iso Tsutsuji. ■Organizer: Akan-Mashu National Park Kawayu Area Management Association ■Contact: 090-2512-3143 (Yoshida) https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tsutsuji2026/...

The rice planting season is in full swing in Azumino. You can encounter the beautiful scenery of water mirrors reflecting the Northern Alps throughout the town. By the time autumn arrives, delicious rice will be waiting for you.😄 The Azumino Tourism Association is currently recruiting "rice paddy owners." Why not spend some time in Azumino growing your own rice with water from the Northern Alps?😆