\Echizen Pottery Village Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival held in! ／ Annual event, the "Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival" will be Held in again this year at the Echizen Pottery Village in Echizen Town! In 2025, it will be held for two days on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. There are many fun projects such as a craft market, stage performances, Stamp Rally, and a large lottery! There is also a night cherry blossom road with cherry blossoms Light up at night~! Full of excitement, let's go to the pottery Village in Spring! ◎The 13th Echizen Pottery Village Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival https://www.town-echizen.jp/event/detail.php?id=518... https://www.town-echizen.jp/event/detail.php?id=518...

A coal mine trolley will run at Manda Pit! The coal mine trolley displayed at the Manda Pit coal preparation plant will run! Of the two displayed cars, No. 12 will run. The coal mine trolley used the Miike Coal Mine private railway to carry coal mined at Manda Pit for export from Miike Port. Be sure to see the trolley as it glides along in pleasant operation. Scheduled running times Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 Manda Pit Postal code 864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year holidays ◆Admission fees: Adults 410 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary and junior high students 210 yen, Infants free *Group rates available (20 people or more) ◆Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) ◆Phone: 0968-57-9155

Isehara Flower Report 2025.3.10 * Hinata Yakushi Plum Garden (Hinata 1644) The plum grove above the rear parking lot of Hinata Yakushi is at its best ✨. Mitsumata shrubs are also in bloom. * Ugaku Bunko Yamaguchi Residence (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plums around the parking lot and the Yamaguchi residence are at their best ✨. The free opening of the plum garden that had passed its peak has ended. Rapeseed flowers along the path behind the plum garden are beautiful. Tour of the nationally registered tangible cultural property Yamaguchi Residence: Adults 300 yen * Along the Ooyama New Trail Okame cherry blossoms are late in opening. Some spots have just started to bloom, depending on location, The buds are swelling, and the best is yet to come ✨ * Photos show yesterday’s conditions. #Isehara Flower Report #Isehara #Plum #Plum blossoms #Ugaku Bunko #Hinata Yakushi

📜 Special Exhibition: Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Teppō Blacksmith Residence Opening 🎉 Holding “The World of Documents from the Inoue Sekuemon Family: Production, Sales, and Techniques of Sakai Firearms” To mark the first anniversary of the Teppō Blacksmith Residence, Sakai City Museum presents a special exhibition introducing Sakai’s firearms industry in the Edo period: “The World of Documents from the Inoue Sekuemon Family: Production, Sales, and Techniques of Sakai Firearms.” ✨ 🔍 This exhibition traces the history of the Inoue Sekuemon family through old documents to deepen understanding of Sakai as a town of craftsmanship, and introduces Edo-period Sakai firearms from the perspectives of production, sales, and technical skill. 📖 Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the production, sales, and techniques of Sakai firearms!

Kahori-bukuro Making Experience “Exploring the Mysteries of Aromatic Woods and Kampo Medicine” 🙌 In Sakai, where incense was first made in Japan, you can blend several incense ingredients to create your favorite kahori-bukuro (scent sachet) 💕 We will delve into the mysteries of aromatic woods and Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal medicine) ✨ 📢 “Untie the Strings, Explore Sakai — Investigating Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025 📍Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, 2nd floor TAKUMI EXHIBITION — held only on Saturday the 22nd! 🔍For details, please check the notices on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬Registration: First-come, first-served on the day 🎫Participation fee: 500 yen (tax included) 💰Payment: Pay at the 1st-floor TAKUMI SHOP register on the day, and show the receipt at the venue. 📞Contact: 072-227-1001

Meet the blue world and coral paradise 🌊🐠 on the Okinawa main island tour The sea on the main island of Okinawa is as beautiful as if you were lost in another world. Hokule'a Shonan Held in a tour of the main island of Okinawa where you can fully enjoy this charm. In this article, we will introduce you to plenty of fantastic sights that you can encounter during the tour. 【Impression experience 💙 surrounded by the world of blue】 When you dive into the waters of Okinawa, you will see a world of crystal clear blue in front of you. The color of the sea is deep and clear, and you feel as if you are being sucked in. The sunlight shining into the water beautifully highlights the silhouettes of corals and fish, and you will lose track of time. Especially from winter to Spring, the sea in Okinawa is even more transparent, and you can clearly see the details of fish and coral in the distance. During the tour, experienced instructors will provide solid support so that even beginners can enjoy this mysterious sight with peace of mind. 🤿 [A coral paradise 🌿🪸 woven with pale greenery] Okinawa's coral reefs are impressive with their gentle greenish hue. The sight of coral spreading out like a flower garden is truly a paradise under the sea. If you look closely, you can see colorful small fish swimming around energetically in the coral gaps, like a scene from an Anime. 🐟🐡 Coral reefs are an important part of Okinawa's rich ecosystem. In order to protect this beautiful coral reef, Hokule'a Shonan dives while conveying the importance of environmental protection. Participants are also encouraged to be aware of environmentally friendly behaviors. 🌍 【Encounters 🐠🐟 with a variety of fish】 In the waters of the main island of Okinawa, you can encounter a variety of fish, such as colorful tropical fish, schools of blue-purple fish, and small and cute yellow fish. In particular, the fish swim densely near the coral reef, making it a perfect scene that makes you want to take pictures. 📸 On the tour, you can enjoy each of them, admiring schools of fish swimming leisurely and looking for rare creatures hidden behind the rocks. The instructor will also introduce the names and ecology of the fish, so one of the attractions is not only to see them, but also to have a learning experience. 📝 [How to 🧳✈️ participate in the Okinawa main island tour] Hokule'a Shonan's tour of the main island of Okinawa can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experienced people. We propose a plan tailored to the skills and wishes of the participants, so that they can safely experience the beautiful world of the sea. Details and dates of the tour are available on the official website and social media, so be sure to check them out. 👀 Why don't you create your own special memories in the sea of Okinawa? ✨ [The possibilities are endless! ] 🌟】 Hokule'a Shonan supports the first step into the unknown. In the sparkling blue waters of Okinawa, let's embark on a journey to free your mind and find a new you. 🌊💫

[Hokule'a Shonan] is certified by the PADI 5 Star ID Center! [Hokule'a Shonan goes to the PADI5 Star ID Center] Hokule'a Shonan is the seventh dive shop in Kanagawa Prefecture to be officially certified as a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (PADI 5 Star ID Center) in July 2024! [What is the PADI 5 Star ID Center?] 】 The PADI 5 Star ID Center is a special dive center 🤿 that not only meets the standards of a 5 Star Dive Center, but also provides training from beginner Sense OW divers to aspiring professional instructors This certification is awarded only to 5-Star Dive Centers that meet the following four PADI criteria and are recognized for their higher water level education and achievements: Education: We offer a wide range of educational programs from beginner to advanced Participation in community activities: Contribution through activities and events in the local community Environmental Protection Activities: Proactive Efforts to Protect the Environment Equipment & Experience: Extensive diving equipment and high-quality diving experience In this way, the PADI 5 Star ID Center is a certification built on our desire to "share the joy of diving with as many people as possible" and our belief that we want to provide safe, high-quality services to divers. [A diving experience that you can enjoy with peace of mind] Hokule'a Shonan is a small dive shop, but they put a lot of effort into meticulous care and safety measures. Since we try to respond closely to each customer, we have created an environment where you can Fun diving with peace of mind while valuing the relationship of trust between the instructor and the customer. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to a world we have not yet seen!", we want to provide an exciting experience of discovering new worlds and values through diving. Hokule'a Shonan is not just a diving experience, but also a place where you can feel comfortable in harmony with nature and discover a new you. We will continue to work hard to bring you new discoveries that inspire your sense of adventure, experiences that make you feel Gari connect with your Nature, and Impression that will last a lifetime. When you come to our shop, we would be happy if you could talk a little about the sea!

The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kawazu Town were 🌸 in full bloom This is a row of Kawazu cherry blossoms that are in Best time to visit in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Please 😊 visit to see the 4km long Kawazu cherry blossoms

Original scenery of Japan Aso's crossing along the Okuaizu-Tadami River River fog streams thinly on the surface of the river, and mountains approach the village behind the rice fields, and fog rises Japan's Farming villages continue to protect small rice paddies inherited from their ancestors How many more years can we see?

Exploring Japan goes beyond just stunning landscapes; it’s a journey steeped in rich traditions. Experiencing traditional Japanese style tea ceremony and making Wagashi with friends in Kimono or Yukata is just a wonderful experience which I will remember my whole life. This is the other side of cool Japan beyond the Natural beauty and mouth watering food. We enjoyed it in Asakusa area of Tokyo.

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

What did the mine baths look like? At the Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit there is a newly opened Safety Lamp Room and Bathhouse that opened to the public in fiscal 2024. This bathhouse is the facility that was used from around 1951 (Showa 26), about 74 years after coal extraction stopped at Manda Pit, until 1997 (Heisei 9). Because this bathhouse served the small number of miners who performed maintenance work underground, it is different from the large bathhouses from Manda Pit’s heyday. Although smaller in scale, it served the same purpose of washing off the grime from underground work. Because coal dust that stuck to workers during work was hard to wash off, the washing area was separate from the tubs, and the tubs were divided into the "first bath" and an "up-bath (kakari-yu)" used after cleaning oneself thoroughly. (For details about the large bathhouse used by about 3,500 miners at Manda Pit’s peak, guided tours at Manda Pit offer more information, so please consider using a guide.) The Miike Coal Mine had abundant groundwater and required constant pumping. You might think that plentiful groundwater would be suitable for filling the tubs, but the water used for bathing was tap water. The reason was that water drawn from underground contained fine fragments of coal and other materials that posed a risk of injury, so it was not used at Manda Pit. On Hashima (Gunkanjima), water had to be brought in by supply ship from the mainland until a submarine water pipeline opened in 1953 (Showa 28). At that time, sea water was boiled for baths, and fresh water was reserved for the final "up-bath (kakari-yu)." A scene in the 2024 drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" also shows miners using the bathhouse after finishing underground work, so please pay attention to that when you watch.

Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival is now underway! Until March 23! The plum blossoms are beautiful with their buds together♪ They will be in full bloom from today through the final day! We look forward to welcoming many visitors!

Isehara Flower Report 2025 The Okame cherry trees along the Shindo trail usually reach full bloom around the time of the Ooyama Climb Marathon, but this year flowering seems a little delayed. The buds have swelled considerably, so we’re looking forward to the blossoms. ✨Sunday, March 9th — Ooyama Climb Marathon✨ The Isehara Tourism Association will also have a booth at Isehara Elementary School (11:00–16:00). ＊Offered with the sacred salt from Ooyama Afuri Shrine Sakamoto Poultry’s Sakamoto no Tamago Boiled egg — 100 yen each (tax included) ＊New release: Value pack Large size 250 g (10 servings) Ooyama Natural Hot Spring Komaya no Yu “Isehara Ooyama no Yu” ♨️ 1 bag 1,500 yen (tax included) And more — a bounty of Isehara’s delicious local specialties and famous products. Once sold out, they’re gone—come early! We look forward to seeing you. #Isehara #Isehara #Ooyama Climb Marathon #Okame cherry #cherry blossoms #flower report #Isehara tourism #sightseeing #local specialties #souvenirs #hot springs Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit — on the stairs Station Shop Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

It's still cold, but Spring is definitely approaching! Early blooming cherry blossoms in various places are in full bloom~ https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/hayazaki_cherry_blossom...

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is also exceptional.

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is exceptional.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily is in full bloom on the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily blossoms in the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Oga Hasu When botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga sowed the seeds of a lotus found in a stratum 2,000 years ago, they succeeded in germinating and flowering, and the divided Oga lotus blooms in the lotus pond of Anayama Flower Valley in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Flowering is in July.

Mt. Meshimori's Daylily Mt. Meshimori, located on the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, has an elevation of 1643 m and the elevation of Shishiiwa at the trailhead is 1457 m, making it a mountain suitable for Hiking that even children can climb. The Mt. Meshimori is located on the Water ridge of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and Mt. Asama. Mt. Meshimori, the daylily are in full bloom in July. It is a superb view point that you should definitely visit.

Rest Yuzu and Mount Fuji Photographed in 🥰 the Komuro area of Fujikawa Town There were still yuzu left on the tree.

[Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us."] Mori no Hall, a hugely popular cafe that draws devoted fans not only from the town but from across Japan, will close its doors on March 30, 2025. To celebrate the finale, shops and artists who have been involved over the years will come together for a two-day event!! ✴︎✴︎ Orchard Grass Venue ✴︎✴︎ On certain days (cafe): Masao Takahata (general goods), Chihiro Nishi (general goods), Ai Kawai (workshop “Draw Forest Animals in Chalk Art!” and general goods) The workshop costs 1,500 yen per session (about 30 minutes). Participants can sign up on site at any time. ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall Venue ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall (cafe and cakes), gusco (baked sweets), Tegamisha Zakkaten (handmade goods), Mawarimichi (bread and baked sweets), Yoroushi Yamamotobokujo (milk and baked sweets), TEGAMISHA CAFE & BREWERY (desserts and craft beer) Please come and enjoy the event with us! We sincerely look forward to your visit 🧸🍰🍬 Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us." Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00–17:00 and Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00–16:00 Venues: Mori no Hall and Orchard Grass (Kawayu Onsen, Hokkaido), area around JR Kawayu-Onsen Station Address: 2-1-2 Kawayu Ekimae, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-483-2906 (Mori no Hall) Note: Closed days in March are the 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, and 26th. Please be aware these dates differ from the usual schedule. Illustrated by Masao Takahata

The theme park with the most attractions in Japan Greenland, one of the largest amusement parks in western Japan with a grounds area of 550,000 square meters Beyond roller coasters and thrill rides, more than 70 varied attractions include shooting games and haunted houses! Don’t miss the limited-time events, fireworks displays, and popular character shows! Two new attractions opened at Greenland in spring 2025✨ Enjoy a full day at Greenland. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

Hello. This is En'emon Denshōkan. As the weather swings between warm and cold, spring is slowly approaching♪ The foliage around Kaku-enpeak seems to be getting a bit greener. March 3rd was Hinamatsuri across the country🎎 In Yamanashi, many places celebrate on April 3rd, so the festive mood of the doll festival continues for a month✨ The tradition of wishing for healthy growth has been passed down for a long time. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is said to purify the heart and give hope, and its stone meaning is “filled with happiness,” so it also makes a good charm✨ Also, the rose quartz we recommend this time is a healing stone and a stone of love, and it is considered a protector of women. We look forward to seeing your smiles🙂✨

HANABI Festival at Greenland!! ＼This spring’s HANABI Festival is back／ Enjoy fireworks lighting up the spring night sky✨ Of course, the attractions will run at full operation until 8:00 PM!! * Please note that some areas will be off-limits during the fireworks display. * Viewing is free (park admission required separately) Date: Saturday, March 29 * In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, March 30. Time: Fireworks start at 7:30 PM Opening hours: 9:30 AM–8:00 PM Recommended viewing spot: Pond Front Plaza For guests arriving by car If you come by car, please cooperate by refraining from parking on the street or leaving your vehicle in nearby facilities without permission. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 5/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest has reached its 14th edition this year. While digital submissions and SNS entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest keeps a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, a Teshikagacho resident and internationally known mountain photographer, as a special judge 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 prizes! Here we present five Special Prize winners and the Organizing Committee Special Prize. With this announcement, we have published all the winning works of the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Congratulations to the prize winners 🎊 ✴︎Special Prizes✴︎ "Kiriwataru" (Mist Spreading) Shizuo Murakami "Bridge of Hope for the Future" Maruni Urata "Ice Opening in the Bitter Cold" Yoneko Tazawa "Moonlit Lake Mashu" Noriyuki Hatahashi "Reunion" Yui Amy Murakami ✴︎Organizing Committee Special Prize✴︎ "The Call Within the Silence" Go Kan-iku

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon and *Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street* Welcome Event 2025 The Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon finally takes place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! A brutal course awaits: a one-way 9 km route with a 650 m elevation gain and 1,610 stone steps just before the finish line. Starting from Isehara Station North Exit, the course runs past Japan National Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, Oyama Old Road, Afuri Bridge, Koma approach, Onna-zaka (women's slope), Daisenji Temple, and up to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ *Star Guest Runners* 10:00 start: Men 50s and 60 and over Karen Michibata and Angelica Kayoko Fukushi and Ryoko Ichikawa 10:30 start: Men 40s; Women under 39 and 40 and over Mako Chiba, Zhao Youfeng, and Reiko Tosa 11:00 start: Men 30s and under 29 Yuriko Kobayashi, Mari Ozaki, and Kayoko Obata ※Please note that on the day of the event, Chuodori from Isehara Station North Exit to the Japan National Route 246 Isehara Crossing will be temporarily closed to vehicles except route buses, as traffic restrictions related to the climb will be in effect from 9:50 AM to 12:00 PM. At Isehara Elementary School, where the opening ceremony takes place (11:00 AM–4:00 PM), local specialties from Isehara will be on sale, and 100 blocks of Oyama tofu (enough for 900 servings) will be distributed free of charge, among other attractions! A grand welcome event will be held along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit✨ ※For details of the Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street welcome event, visit the Isehara City Tourism Association website https://isehara-kanko.com/news/9796/... You can run, of course, but also cheer on the runners and soak up the festival atmosphere at the welcome events and more Come on—let’s all get excited together🎉

Dawn at Agebonoyama Agricultural Park Agebonoyama Agricultural Park is It is also one of Famous landmarks of flowers, but it It is also one of a beautiful park at dawn. The wind Car was reflected in the Water mirror to reflect the sunrise sky.

Tateishi of Akitani The standing stones of Akitani seen from Tateishi Park in Yokosuka on the Saikai coast of the Miura Peninsula, and a huge rock 12 m high stands upright on the Coast. It is also one of a scenic spot for sunsets. When it is clear, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.