Today is February 22nd, commonly called Cat Day. A huge mural by Masamichi Oikawa, the illustrator known for the magazine Pia, brightens Yamato Nadeshiko Square on the west side of Sotetsu Line Yamato Station. If you look closely, there’s a cat…! (=^・・^=) You can also see a cheerful Yamato-n character painted there. By the way, Oikawa’s illustrations also wrap the community buses that run around the city.

Photographed 2/17/25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

Photographed on February 5, 25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

This is the bloom status of the Yoritomo cherry trees (Kawazu-zakura) along the Horita River in Kyonan Town on February 21. Some flowers are blooming, but overall they are still a little short of full bloom. A three-day holiday starts tomorrow. Come and visit Kyonan Town.

Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine today. Ume Plum is in Best time to visit. 🌸

Photographed 2/18/25. HK Tea's cocoa and egg waffle double chocolate. On a cold day, it's cocoa. ☕️ It was a pleasure to talk to you. Thank you very much. 😊

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Isehara Flower Report 2025.2.20 Plum blossoms bloom delicately✨ Their composed beauty soothes the heart. ＊Maruyama Castle Ruins Park＊ (Shimokasuya 2168-2) White plum blossoms are opening and, together with red plums, are at their best! ＊Rainkaku Bunko Yamaguchi Family Residence Plum Garden Free Admission＊ (Kamikasuya 862-1) The blossoms are coming into full view. ◆Period: Until Sunday, March 9, 10:00–15:00 ※Hina dolls will be displayed only on Sundays during the period (Adults 300 yen, including admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi Family Residence) ＊Isehara City General Athletic Park＊ (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees on the slope have begun to bloom. ＊Hinata Yakushi Plum Garden＊ (Hinata 1644) The plum garden above the rear parking lot at Hinata Yakushi shows scattered blossoms, and it will likely take a little longer. The flowering of mitsumata is gradually beginning. We will update the flowering status as needed, so please look forward to it!

Title: "Remnants of the Old Showa Era" About 5 minutes walk from Horikiri Irisen Station on the Keisei Line Katsushika Ward is one of the largest cities in Tokyo where you can feel the Showa era. There is such a heritage near the station. I would like to apply for Japan during the period of high economic growth, which is not often talked about, with my photographs.

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon The memorable 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! The time limit is 90 minutes for a one-way 9 km course along the Oyama Kaido, climbing 650 meters in elevation and tackling 1,610 stone steps. It’s one of Japan’s most grueling, heart-pounding courses! Starting from the north exit of Isehara Station, the route passes the Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, the old Oyama road, Afuri Bridge, Koma Sando, Onnazaka (the women’s slope), Oyama-dera temple, and finally Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ Guest runners include Karen Michibata and Angelica, along with celebrated former Olympic athletes such as Kayoko Fukushi, Masako Chiba, and Reiko Tosa, among other distinguished participants On the day, festive welcome events will be held at Isehara Elementary School and along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit ✨ Join everyone and celebrate together♪

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

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.

Are you Pikachu? 📍 Osezaki, Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka Would you like to search for Pokemon in the ocean with us? 🌊✨🤩 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ 
⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Hinamatsuri at Kannonji Temple Hinamatsuri will be held at Kannonji Temple in Kamogawa City on February 22 (Sat) ~ March 3 (Mon), Reiwa 7). Thereare each carefully made ornament has its own expression. It is very close to Kamogawa Station, so please stop by. Kannonji Temple Kamogawa City Yokonagisa 1133 5 minutes walk from JR Awa Kamogawa Station

Public facilities in Yamato City are each named after stars. Sirius A flagship cultural and creative complex in Yamato City. It houses a library, a hall, a cafe, and a play area for young children, so you can spend an entire day there. The Yamato City Events and Tourism Association office is currently located here as well. Polaris A citizen interaction hub on the northern side of the city. The first floor has meeting rooms, a multipurpose room, a community space, and a playroom, while the second floor features an impressive arena (gymnasium). It’s ideal for both studying and sports. A park called "Hoshinoko Hiroba" sits next to the building. Betelgeuse A civic activity center where a variety of people and groups can gather casually and deepen exchanges. It includes an entrepreneur support space and a youth counseling room, and you can find publications and event information from civic groups. Procyon A rest area in Yamato Park. The glass-walled building lets you sit and watch the park and the trains that race along the elevated tracks. We hope the town will shine like the brightest star.

Photographed 2/18/25. It is the red Ume plum of Kawagoe Hachimangu. Spring is approaching, isn't it? 🌸

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Hanachozu that seems to be Spring. 🌸

After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Prayer Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is a strawberry cherry blossom soy latte and a cherry blossom donut. 🌸

[Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House] 2025 ✨Oyama pickled greens sold out—thank you for your support✨ Our seasonal favorite, "Oyama pickled greens," has sold out due to popular demand. We sincerely thank you. We were delighted to hear so many people say, "I want to eat this again!" Look forward to the next sale♪ At Ekinaka Kururin House, we also offer many other popular Kururin goods you can only find in Isehara, along with local delicacies and souvenir items. We are open every day all year round, so please stop by. [Open through the New Year holidays] On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 Tel/Fax 0463-95-5333 https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/... #Gift #Kururin #Ekinaka Kururin House #Isehara Station #Tourist Information #Oyama pickled greens #Sold out—thank you #Kururin goods #Souvenirs #Isehara #Sightseeing

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Prayer Festival. It is the Gokoku Shrine in the morning.

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

Yesterday, I went to the 3rd Coedo Imo Park, which was Held in at Renjoji Temple. It is a stone-baked sweet potato specialty store Imoyoshi Shoten's Sanfuku sweet potato dumplings. I received three blessings: great fortune, happiness, and wealth. 😊🍡🍠

One month remains until the YAMATO FILM FESTIVAL 2025, the film festival hosted by our association. Now in its 15th year, this event will screen short films of up to 15 minutes, submitted last year from across the country by professionals and amateurs of any nationality. From a record 74 submissions, twelve films were nominated after rigorous judging by a panel including Daisuke Miyazaki, an active film director working both domestically and internationally. The nominated films will be screened in one program, followed by the announcement and presentation of the Grand Prize. After the awards ceremony, we will also premiere works specially produced for this festival. One of these pieces was filmed with the cooperation of local residents and is currently being edited with great care. No registration is required, and attendees may come and go freely. Enjoy a variety of films for free. YAMATO FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Sunday, March 16, 2025, 1:00 PM start (doors open at 12:30 PM) Yamato Art and Culture Hall, Sirius, 1st Floor, Sub Hall, Yamato City Cultural Creation Hub (1-8-1 Yamato Minami, Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture) Organizer: Yamato City Event and Tourism Association Contact: 046-260-5799 (closed Mondays and public holidays)

Photographed 2/15/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is a strawberry cherry blossom soy latte and a cherry blossom chiffon cake. Spring is coming soon. 🌸

📷✨ Plenty of photo dives in Osezaki! ✨📷 I have enjoyed 😁 photo diving in Nishi-Izu and Osezaki More than 200 photos were taken in one day, and it was a very fulfilling dive! 👏 In addition, you will also encounter 🐡✨ a large group of hot puffer fish I was very excited about the fantastic sight! The charm of the underwater world is profound 🌊💙 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅
 ----------------------
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. This is Kawagoe Imo Lottery. 🍠

KKday has launched sales of the “Tate Chari Rental Bicycle + Vegetable Harvesting Experience + Tateyama Seared Seafood Rice Bowl Set Plan”! The tour dates are Tuesday, February 25, R7; Tuesday, March 4; Tuesday, March 11; Tuesday, March 18; and Tuesday, March 25! Sales are scheduled to continue after April! Please check it out! https://www.kkday.com/en-hk/product/269149...

Yamato Yutori no Mori, located on the southern side of Yamato City next to Atsugi Air Base, is a park known for its vast, lush lawn area (the landscaped pond zone), but it takes on a different character in winter. The calm brown grass and the trees showing their branches against the open sky offer a quiet, natural beauty of their own. In winter, the air is clear, so you can even see Mt. Fuji from the higher ground. It’s a recommended walking spot for both children and adults. You can also freely move between this park and the adjacent Ayase Sports Park in Ayase City. Recently, the number of joint events held by Yamato City and Ayase City here has increased. Both parks are wonderful places where you can enjoy wide open skies.