Photographed on February 27: The plums at Atami Plum Garden are still largely in full bloom! Atami Plum Garden Plum Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/46... The 81st Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/355...

🏔 I visited photo spots in the Northern Alps📷💨 On February 25th, Omachi City was clear and sunny from morning☀️ Thanks to radiational cooling, the temperature fell to nearly -10°C, making for a very cold morning❄️ I bundled up every part of my neck🧣🧤 and went around the photo spots📷 The snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky🏔 I hope this helps when you visit Omachi City☺ ⭐️ Omachi City Tourism Association Official Website ⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

【Mt. Fuji 🥰 from Fujikawa Town Ashirindo Road】 Diamond Fuji Spot Fujikawa Town Takashita The Ashifurin Road is an extension of the area and Mt. Fuji. As in the Takashita area, around the winter solstice in December, You can see Diamond Fuji.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 1/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and entries via social media have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, as a special juror to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won awards. The Grand Prize went to Koshirou Murakumo’s “Enchanting Lake Surface.” Congratulations 🎊 We will present all the winning entries over five installments starting this week, so please look forward to them 📸♪ *Grand Prize* “Enchanting Lake Surface”: Koshirou Murakumo

Shot in Ajigasawa Town, Aomori Prefecture, where there is snow

On February 23rd, I went camping at a campsite with a view of Mt. Fuji for 3 days and 2 nights. Dad's favorite daughter I'm inviting my father to make a bonfire in the morning. Father: Oh my gosh. Watching from behind Mt. Fuji. A peaceful start to the day

Rainy Coast Sunrise　 A place where you can see the 3000m-class mountain range over the sea

Photographed on February 24 at Itogawa, the Atami cherry blossoms Some trees have passed peak bloom, but they are still beautiful. The light-up ends today, February 24 (4:30 PM–11:00 PM) Atami Cherry Blossom Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/47... The 15th Atami Cherry Blossom Itogawa Festival (2025 concluded; light-up only until February 24) https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208...

A cold snap hits the Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival! The plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but a spectacular bloom of snow flowers has appeared ❄️ Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

Masterpiece One piece to buy in Japan

【Winter at the Three Nishina Lakes ⛄️】 Omachi City has seen consecutive midwinter days❄️ At this time of year, the city’s lakes offer winter-only scenery😌 Thin ice spreads across wide areas of Lake Kizaki’s surface❄️ Snow has piled on the banks of Noguga River, which flows from Lake Nakatsuna, forming a white serpent🐍 Thin ice has formed along the shore of Lake Aoki❄️ The three lakes lie toward the northern part of the city, where heavy snowfall has built high walls of snow along both sides of the roads⛄️ The lakes are almost hidden from the road by the snowbanks💦 Today the sky was cloudy, but at the newly opened ao LAKESIDE CAFE from last year you can enjoy coffee or a meal while gazing at the snow-capped Hakuba Peaks across the lake☕ ☕ao LAKESIDE CAFE🍽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/ao-lakeside-cafe/... ⭐️For sightseeing in Omachi City⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is now underway! At Romantopia Tsukigase, Yumekko Cafeteria is open♪ At Romantopia Tsukigase, enjoy the proud "irori set" cooked over a sunken hearth: you grill Tsukigase-grown log shiitake mushrooms, homemade konnyaku, and yomogi rice dumplings over charcoal yourself! Cover them generously with our special yuzu miso and enjoy♪ We also recommend our udon dishes, made with carefully prepared dashi broth!! The meat udon features Iga beef plus shiitake, spinach, and thinly sliced mochi for a luxurious bowl! We carry many souvenirs not only from Tsukigase but from neighboring areas as well! A cold snap has arrived, so the plum blossoms still haven't opened much yet... For now, food beats flowers♪ When the blossoms are at their peak, every teahouse gets extremely crowded! Come now for the food while you can♪

One summer night in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City A fantastic evening for Locals, by Locals

This is a guide to the Events of Held in on Saturday, March 1st! ・9:00~15:00 "Cool Town Festival" At the Nishina Fishing Port "Hanbata Market", which is located 3 minutes by car from Dogashima, free distribution of ara soup using local fish and Yosakoi performances will be held! In addition, Stalls such as "Forest Cafe Little Heart", which has the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat for delicious coffee, are scheduled to ☕️ open ・18:00~ "Dogashima Sunset Illumination Lighting ceremony" One of the largest illuminations in the Nishi-Izu area begins! Countdown with all the visitors! Sweets and novelty gifts are also available, so please ☺️ come to the venue, Dogashima Park

Hello, this is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. The cold days continue for a while yet. At Shosenkyo Gorge you can enjoy winter-only scenery. The dramatic Sengataki Waterfall is not to be missed. Spray from the falling water catches the sunlight and sparkles even more beautifully. The air is clear and feels wonderfully refreshing. Take a peaceful walk through quiet Shosenkyo Gorge. The birthstone for February, amethyst ✨, carries meanings such as sincerity, inner peace, love, and mental stability. Amethyst is said to calm the mind, and placing it by your pillow is believed to help with a good night’s sleep. We also offer a wide selection of natural stones and gemstones, so please stop by. We look forward to meeting many smiling faces 😊

The 5th Sakuhomachi Ikebana Exhibition From tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd, through Monday the 24th, the Ikebana exhibition will take place at the Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum🌷🌷 Participating schools include Koyama-ryu, Kodo-ryu, Koryu Matsufuji-kai, Sogetsu, and Ikenobo! Enjoy the collaboration of Taisho-era romantic architecture and fresh floral arrangements🌺🎶 ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂ Venue: Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum Address: 1429-1 Hozumi, Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Monday, February 24, 2025 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Museum admission: Adults 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary and junior high students 300 yen (250 yen) ※Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ※Admission covers both the museum and the Ikebana exhibition. Access: Transfer at Hokuriku Shinkansen Sakudaira, then a 1-minute walk from JR Koumi Line yachiho station Five minutes by car from Central Japan Expressway Yachiho Kogen, sixty minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Sudama IC ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂

Photographed on February 20: Itokawa Promenade "Atami Sakura" As the season reaches its later stage, the calyxes have turned noticeably red, making the trees appear a deep pink from a distance.

Kawayu Onsen Oyster Fair! An oyster fair featuring Akkeshi oysters will take place in Kawayu Onsen at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, running for about one month from March 1. This is your chance to taste oysters shipped directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s farm shop, a region renowned for its oysters. Enjoy their rich sweetness and plump, springy texture. During the fair, guests at Kawayu Kanko Hotel and O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura will receive one original dish using oysters sent directly from the Akkeshi Fisheries Cooperative’s shop in addition to the regular dinner menu. Come and eat the delicious Akkeshi oysters (Tabete), soak in the strongly acidic hot springs (Tsukatte), and revive both body and spirit (Fukkatsu)! We look forward to your reservations!! Tabete Fukkatsu 2025! Akkeshi Oyster Fair in Kawayu Onsen ■ Period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Monday, March 31, 2025 * Please note that fair periods vary by facility. ■ Participating facilities: ・Kawayu Kanko Hotel (fair runs through March 31) ・O宿 Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura (fair runs through March 29) ■ Reservations: Please contact each facility via their official website or by phone. (At Bettei Suikazura, oysters will be offered as part of the buffet plan.)

【Fujikawa Town Dafa Master Sakura Festival Held in 🥰】 Period: Saturday, March 29 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 Location: Oboshi Park Time: 9 a.m. ~ 10 p.m. (Light up) In Oboshi Park where you can see Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms at the same time Please come and visit us.

Tour de Yatsugatake 2025 Volunteer Staff Recruitment The historic cycling event "Tour de Yatsugatake" returns to Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture for the first time in six years! 🚴‍♀️✨ We need volunteer staff to help make this comeback possible. If you love cycling, nature, or Yatsugatake, join us to help create an exciting event together 🎶 We look forward to welcoming you in Sakuhomachi! 😸💫💫 ◆ Venue Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Volunteers will be assigned to different positions and should gather at their assigned locations. The secretariat will contact you in advance. Examples: Parking staff = gather at each parking area; Chip collection staff = gather at each finish point ◆ Expenses Free of charge Lunch and a participation commemorative gift will be provided. *Please cover your own transportation costs to the event site.* ◆ Event date Sunday, April 13, 2025 ◆ Highlights Event resumes after six years An emotional cycling race Experience the great outdoors of Yatsugatake ◆ Who we are looking for Working adults, university students, vocational students, seniors ◎ Requirements ・Able to drive and travel by car on your own ・Able to prioritize communication with staff and participants ◎ Recommended for ・Cycling enthusiasts ・Nature lovers ・Fans of Yatsugatake The event takes place outdoors in cold conditions with remaining snow. Please prepare and take measures to stay warm. Participants of all generations are welcome People of many age groups will work together. Many staff in their 30s are active in the secretariat. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Volunteer Positions – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ・Start staff: day-of registration, guiding riders, and other duties ・Finish staff (half-finish and full-finish locations): collect timing chips, guide riders, and other duties ・Aid station staff: manage water supply points ・Parking staff: check parking permits at entrances and monitor parking during the event ・Withdrawn rider recovery staff: assist in collecting withdrawn riders and their bicycles — applicants should be experienced in handling bicycles To apply, please scan the third QR code on the application form.

It's mid-February, and the days are a little chilly. We will post photos of Rich in nature and colorful birds at Teganooka Park Located in Katayama, Kashiwa City.

The 27th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Saturday, February 1 Opening ritual ◎Location: Hinona rapeseed flower field ◎10:00 — A Shinto ritual praying for the festival’s success and safety ◆Sunday, February 16 & Sunday, February 23 Spiny lobster miso soup service ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of the local Minamiizu specialty, spiny lobster miso soup! ※Served twice per day (about 200 bowls per serving) ※First serving: 11:00 — Second serving: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Night cherry blossom illumination ◎Location: Around Maehara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ※This event runs daily even in rain ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Near Gin-no-yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 Lottery gachapon draw ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information center) ◎10:00–15:00 on weekends and holidays! ◎Participation: If a group completes one questionnaire, the group may draw once per group member. ※Prizes are currently being decided ※Prize contents may change ◆Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 Cherry blossom rickshaw rides ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on bloom conditions. Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The schedule may change due to weather or bloom conditions. ・Each rickshaw seats up to two people. ・The event may be canceled due to severe weather (rain, strong winds, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, a single rider may be required to ride alone in one rickshaw. ・The above fee is per person for single use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Sunday, February 2 – Around Saturday, March 15 Rapeseed flower door and rapeseed flower maze ※Although the pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・The pamphlet states February 1–March 10 for the Rapeseed Flower Door and Rapeseed Flower Maze, but the correct period is Sunday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15. ・The Night Sakura Marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・The Minamiizu Town Hall (3rd-floor observation deck) is open during the festival. You can access it via the outside stairs. ・Some visitors step on the rapeseed flowers blooming on the riverbank slopes around Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana. Because illumination wiring and other hazards are present, please refrain from entering these areas for safety. Parking — Please use public transportation where possible, as parking is limited. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Passenger cars (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental conservation contribution at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minamiizu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Buses (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycles (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other reasons, parking may be free. ※During the period February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with an environmental conservation contribution. ※Total parking capacity across locations is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because parking is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

Wednesday, February 19 — Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) blooming status 🌸The reference tree near the town hall (upper reaches of the Aono River) is in bud. 🌸The area near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (middle reaches of the Aono River) is from bud to 20% bloom. ❁Rapeseed flowers are at their best. Overall, the trees are mostly in bud, but blossoms have begun and some trees have reached about 20% bloom!! ⁡ 🌸The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival 🗓️Held February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to March 10, 2025 (Monday) 📍Along the Aono River, Minamiizu Town O-hanami rickshaw rides available Food trucks will be on site. ※Operations may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

Candy Color When I looked at Mt. Yoshino in Spring, it looked 😊 sweet * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism unmanned aerial vehicle flight permission has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Winter in Furano It was a cold northern morning, and it was a pure white world. One of the balloons I found in it

The long-awaited winter in Kushiro I was finally able to go From 5 a.m. to the bed of the red-crowned crane As the sun dawned, the red-crowned crane crane that had been sleeping also began to move