Shinshu Kankōchi Suwa!!! Around Suwa lies the Kirigamine Highlands, where gentle rolling terrain stretches from Kurumayama to Washigamine. In late June, alpine plants such as azaleas (Renge tsutsuji), daylilies (Nikkō kisuge), and scabious (Matsumushi-sō) paint the green meadows in vibrant colors. You can also enjoy sweeping views of Japan’s famous peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Range. The area generates strong updrafts favorable for glider flight, and Kirigamine is known as the birthplace of gliding in Japan. Kirigamine contains the “Three Great Kirigamine Wetlands.” Together, Kurumayama, Yashimagahara Wetland, and Ikeno Kurumi Odoriba Wetland host more than 400 subalpine plant species year-round. They are designated a National Natural Monument and are wetlands rare even on a global scale. In early summer you can see the renge azaleas in bloom, their vivid orange flowers at their most beautiful. In summer, as in the photo, the Nikkō kisuge daylilies come into full bloom 🌼. Most of the photos were kindly provided by staff at our Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center. This year the blossoms may appear a little earlier than usual. Thanks to local Kirigamine caretakers, deer damage seems reduced, so this could be an exceptional season. Why not breathe in the clear, nature-filled highland air of Suwa and visit to refresh your body and mind? ※ The photos are from 2023.

Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine in Omiya in Saitama Jade. It is customary to make the First Pilgrimage to the Shrine here every year. There is a long line for fortune telling and prayer. Fortune tellers who were unlucky will improve their luck by tying them.

[Nakasendo Narai-juku] Located beneath Torii Pass — one of the Nakasendo’s most notorious difficult stretches — Narai was known as 'Narai Senken' ('a thousand houses of Narai') and was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post towns of Kiso. The townscape has been designated by the national government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the past. The roughly 1‑km stretch of buildings along the Narai River forms the longest post‑town streetscape in Japan. More than a preserved site, Narai‑juku’s charm lies in the fact that people still live there today. This award‑winning post town was also used as the setting for the 2011 NHK morning drama 'Ohisama'. As a place where visitors can experience Japan's unspoiled beauty, it attracts many people from Japan and abroad every year, who are captivated by this historic post town. ◇Basic Information ・ Parking: Please use the nearest Roadside Station 'Kiso-no-Ohashi' parking lot (free), or the Gonbei Parking Lot (paid). ・Inquiries: Narai-juku Tourist Information Center TEL 0264-34-3160

Hydrangea field illuminated by the morning sun This can be taken in Jade prefecture It is × sea of clouds ×sunrise the rising sun. At this Period, a rare sea of clouds appeared 🤤

Nachi Taisha Triple Pagoda and Nachi Waterfall 2021.12.25 It is this "Nachi Falls" where a number of stream overlap in the main stream that stream from the Mt. Undori in the depths of Mt. Nachi, and finally fall as if cutting through the virgin forest. The water column is 133 meters high, the Choshi mouth is 13 meters wide, and the depth of the Waterfall basin is 10 meters, making it one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. There are three cuts in the bedrock of Choshiguchi, and it is also called the "Three Streaks Falls" because it begins to fall in three streaks.

Nachi Falls 2021.12.25 It is this "Nachi Falls" where a number of stream overlap in the main stream that stream from the Mt. Undori in the depths of Mt. Nachi, and finally fall as if cutting through the virgin forest. The water column is 133 meters high, the Choshi mouth is 13 meters wide, and the depth of the Waterfall basin is 10 meters, making it one of the three famous waterfalls in Japan. There are three cuts in the bedrock of Choshiguchi, and it is also called the "Three Streaks Falls" because it begins to fall in three streaks.

TDS/Fantasy Springs Rapunzel's area, lanterns are beautiful 😊 at night I want to see it in the daytime next time.

Mibusawa Fudo Falls A beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 17 meters that plunges in a straight line. Revered as sacred water since ancient times, it has long served as a place for ascetic training and ritual purification. The Fudo Myoo statue standing to the left of the falls is said to have been invited from Naritasan in Shimousa Province in Kyōhō 18 (1733). Along with the waterfall, it drew the devotion of many people, and festivals once attracted large numbers of worshippers from nearby villages. A rainmaking legend is also associated with the site. The two stone Buddhist figures standing in front of the Fudo Myoo statue are Kongara Doji (left) and Seitaka Doji (right). They were erected in Shōwa 9 (1934) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the statue’s enshrinement. At the same time, a silkworm-dedication deity (Kintama-hime), a stone monument inscribed with a poem by Matsuo Taseko, and a commemorative monument engraved by Chizan Kitahara were also installed. A gift of Senior Fifth Rank: a poem by Matsuo Taseko Manse mo taenu nagare ya Mibusawa no Taki no shiraito kurikaeshitsu (The river’s flow goes on through the ages; the white threads of Mibusawa Falls repeat themselves) Details for Mibusawa Fudo Falls Parking A few cars can park on the roadside shoulder Toilets None Other It is about a five-minute walk along a footpath from the parking area. Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Ukusu Shrine - Shizuoka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property Designation It is said that the place name of Ukusu became Ugusu after the name of the Great camphor tree, and the Precincts of this palace is wide, and a large camphor tree tree once Restrooms available it. Restrooms available at Ukusu Shrine is a hexagonal fishing lantern designated as a tangible cultural property of the prefecture, and it is a graceful and exquisite work with bronze plate castings throughout, a crest of ascending wisteria hammered out on top of the arabesque openwork in the center, and a jewel engraved on the eaves of the upper and lower rows. In recent years, Ukusu Shrine has held an event called "Wind Chime Shrine" to decorate the worship hall with 240 blue wind chimes only in the summer. ■Address 1269-1 Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Tofukuji Temple - The painting on the ceiling is wonderful Thereare this temple is located along the prefectural road Ito Nishi-Izu Line, in front of the clear streams of the Nishina River, behind the Yamamon Bell Tower. It was established as Tenfukuji Temple in the year of Tenfuku about 750 years ago, and was later called Tofukuji. On the ceiling of the main hall, there are Thereare 500 arhats painted with plaster by a craftsman commonly known as Nonbei Yasu Mr./Ms. at the end of the Taisho period. 【Business hours】8:30~17:00 【Regular holiday】None Restrooms available Phone number: 0558-52-0549 ■Address 24-1 Naka Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Nishitenjo Highlands - A refreshing Highlands with an elevation of 750m This is a spacious meadow that you can't believe is Izu. Dairy cows graze in the clear air, the greenery of Kumazasa, the mountains of Amagi and Suruga Bay, and on a clear day, you can see the Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji. From early to mid-April, you can see the Mamekawa cherry blossoms along the roadside that goes up to the Highlands, and the mame cherry blossoms blooming all over the Highlands from mid to late April. ■Address Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Koganezaki - Recognized as one of the 100 Strange Rock Views of Japan Koganezaki is a scenic spot known for its wonderful views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, and for its beautiful rock faces that shine golden in the Sunset. The entire cape is a park, and There are Promenade, Lawn square, Observation decks, Mt. Fuji view Spot "Fujimi Hill", and the literary monument of Yukio Mishima. This golden rock surface was dyed by high-temperature hot spring water and geothermal heat, and was designated as a natural monument of Shizuoka Prefecture in 1988 Showa 63. The Strange Rock, which looks exactly like a horse's head, has recently been adored by the nickname "Horse Rock". There is also a rumor that "the person who stopped by to pray for the victory of the horse race won big"? Ema depicting horse rock is sold at "Koganesuto". ■Address 3566-7 Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Dogashima - The most scenic spot on the Izu West Coast Among the Izu Peninsula, Dogashima is known as a scenic spot. Standing here, you can see how great and unique Squid the Artist of Nature is. Dogashima is lined with a variety of strange rocks and scenic spots, and there are many spectacular Spots such as Tensodo, Sanshiro Island, and Tomboro. When you look out to sea, you'll be greeted by strangely shaped islands and rocks, and you can enjoy a small boat trip full of adventure on a boat that sails between them. In addition, the Sunset over Suruga Bay is so beautiful that you will be speechless. ■Address Dogashima, Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Tensodo - Dogashima's biggest attraction The Tensodo is made of white tuff, and a sea erosion tunnel is formed underneath like a beehive. Restrooms available to this cave are the east, south, and west entrances, and the tour boat enters from this south exit and proceeds to the skylight with a round ceiling in the center, and a band of light shines from the ceiling to the sea surface in the dark cave, and you can see a mysterious scene. This Tensodo can also be seen from above the Restrooms available Tensodo on the Course of Dogashima Promenade. ■Address Dogashima, Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Sanshiro Island Tombolo of Dogashima Sanshiro Island is a four-island consisting of Denbei Island, Nakanoshima, Okinosejima, and Takashima Island, located about 200 meters off the coast, and is so called because it looks like three or four depending on the viewing angle. In addition, at low tide, the sea appears as far as Denbei Island in the foreground, and you can walk across it without getting your feet wet, and this phenomenon is called "tombolo" and is a very rare phenomenon designated as a natural monument. However, even at low tide, it is difficult to walk without getting your feet wet unless the tide level is below 30 centimeters, so please check in advance. 【Points of Tombolo Sightseeing】 ・Be sure to check the tide table before visiting! ・ It is best on days when the tide level is 30 cm or less. ・ You can cross for about 1 hour before and after the low tide time varies depending on sea conditions and weather 【Notes】 During the day from October to February, the tide does not recede enough to make the road appear, so it is not possible to cross. If it is during the day from March to September, it is relatively easy to cross. However, Restrooms available is not available, so please be sure to check in advance before going out ■Address Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

During a recent visit to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Japan, I was enchanted by the beautiful white-walled townscape and the rich history and art it held. The serene atmosphere along the Kurashiki River, with its white-walled warehouses and willow trees, offered a truly unique and charming experience. Exploring the traditional buildings and modern shops, such as the Kurashiki Canvas and Kurashiki Denim stores, was a delight. The area was bustling with tourists. I spent an entire day enjoying myself in the history, art, and culture of this remarkable quarter and look forward to returning in the future.

[Kitadake Information] 2024.6.23 2024 Reiwa 6 Kitadake Information on June 23rd. The mountaineering season has finally arrived! Enjoy a memorable climb by preparing in advance and planning your climb with plenty of time to spare.

It's amazing to hear about Shirakawago, located in Gifu Prefecture. It's not just a beautiful spot, but it offers so much more. The village's Gassho-style houses, with over 100 buildings of this style still standing, are truly remarkable. I enjoyed the experience the traditional Japanese scenery and rural ways of life there. The rich history of the area dating back to 7000 B.C. is truly awe-inspiring. The iconic gassho-style houses with their large thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer are such a beautiful representation of the village's unique culture.

With the ceiling painting of History Restrooms available Mountain Temple The approach road lined with Autumn leaves with dazzling green leaves Restrooms available It was a healing time, early summer afternoon Gari

Hiroshima Hatsukaichi Gokurakujiyama Recommended Spots in Hiroshima #Snake Pond 👈 A piece 📸 of water lilies from the snake pond on Gokurakuji Mountain I had a hard time finding the water lilies because they weren't blooming where I could reach the lens, but 😅 I need patience to 🤭 take a picture with the carp

【Magome juku】Magome juku in Nakatsugawa City is very popular with overseas tourists. In a Shukuba full of atmosphere, you can enjoy time travel as if you were transported back in time to the Edo period while walking along the cobblestone slope! Restrooms available in several places in the Shukuba, and the pleasant sound of water streams by. It is also the birthplace of Shimazaki Fujimura, who is known for "Before Dawn" and "Destruction", which was also made into a movie. The Fujimura Memorial Museum has a collection of about 6,000 works, including manuscripts of Fujimura's works and his belongings. The photo was taken around this time last year 2023. Period, hydrangeas bloom in the Shukuba. The hydrangea Shukuba is a sight that can only be seen at this period! !! Other, there are restaurants and shops, and you can Fun eating and shopping. It is a Spot that cannot be missed in Kisoji sightseeing! !!

[Hydrangea is in full bloom! ] Roadside Station Shirane The hydrangeas at the Roadside Station Shirane Information Center are in full bloom and in Best time to visit. Subtle shades from blue to purple bring color to the Ume Plum Period.

Here is an introduction to Takabocchi Plateau, located on the border between Okaya City and Shiojiri City next to Suwa in the Kankōchi Suwa area. Takabocchi Plateau spreads across gentle slopes and offers a 360° panorama amid vast nature. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, Mt. Ontake, and Mt. Norikura. The alpine plant rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron) was blooming bright red. Note: The Takabocchi Skyline is closed for winter from early December through late April.

I went to Fantasy Springs! It was so fierce that I could 🥲 only ride the Rapunzel attraction from the night. It was sunny during the day and it became cloudy, but it was nice ✨ to have an atmospheric view I'd like to go there again when things settle down a little more.

Fresh greenery of Metasequoia trees 2024.06.16 About 500 metasequoia trees are planted on the prefectural road Koaraji Makinozawa Line, which runs through the agricultural park Makinopic Land, for a length of about 2.4 km, forming a landscape typical of the Highlands as an approach road to the Makino Highlands. The beautiful scenery of the four seasons, such as the budding and fresh greenery of Spring, the deep green of summer, the Autumn leaves of autumn, and the bare trees and Snow Flower in winter, harmonizes with the mountains of the Nosaka Mountains, which are in the distance, and fascinates people who visit. In 1994 Heisei 6, it was selected as one of the Yomiuri Shimbun's "New 100 Views of Japan Street Trees" and has attracted public attention.

Kankōchi Suwa!!! Introducing the Takashima Castle Festival! May 26, 2024 — held every year on the fourth Sunday of May. We held the 55th Takashima Castle Festival. This year, 19 acts performed on stage. There were hip-hop dance routines, traditional Japanese dance, taiko drumming, singers, cheerleading, and the Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps. The matchlock team left a powerful impression. Even in Japan, this is something you rarely see. The matchlock firearms date back about 430 years, and few groups still maintain and use functioning examples. The Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps preserves these guns and passes on the tradition. As a result, you can see matchlock demonstrations at events like those at Matsumoto Castle. The team brought several types of matchlocks. To an amateur eye, I saw two kinds: first a bantsutsu infantry gun, then a chūtutsu medium cannon. They fired blank shots in several formations. The blast was tremendous! At the end, a shooter from Suwa fired the chūtutsu. The sound ripped through the space where we stood. It was truly loud and spectacular!! There were taiko performances and children’s hip-hop dances, with families coming to watch. At the festival you could also buy food stalls and specialties from sister and friendship cities, and try tree climbing!!! Blessed with good weather, many citizens attended. If you have the chance to come to the Takashima Castle Festival, be sure to come and enjoy it!

Sunrise on the Nata Coast The sun seemed to be smiling in the Torii shrine gate.

Cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is also known as White Heron Castle, a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Major buildings such as castle towers and turrets built in the Edo period still exist, and are registered as national treasures, important cultural properties, and UNESCO World Heritage Lists. I visited Himeji Castle when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, The photo was taken from the restaurant in the building. I tried to make it a panoramic style, and when you look at it like this, it is quite wide. Cherry blossoms and egret castle are the best match.

[View from Omachi Park] Omachi Park is a scenic lookout easily reached in about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from JR Shinano-Omachi station, offering spectacular views. There are benches where you can relax and take in the scenery. The Northern Alps still wear traces of snow that stand out against the blue sky. From the wooded slopes behind you can hear the pleasing song of a Japanese bush warbler.

◆Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road◆ The peach blossoms of Hikokudaira began when fifteen original saplings were purchased from Senaiji in Achi Village in 1997 and planted around a private residence. (The peach blossoms of Senaiji are said to have originated when Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son-in-law of Yukichi Fukuzawa) brought saplings back from Munich, Germany, in 1922.) Moved by the beautiful red, white, and pink blooms, and wishing to match the local landscape, they decided to plant extensively. They planted on privately cultivated land and along roadsides, borrowing village-owned strips beside the roads to plant as well. In 2000 they received a grant under the "Community-Built Regional Development Project," and with the cooperation of neighboring residents for planting and underbrush clearing, now more than about 200 peach trees have been planted. Each year the area has become popular for its scenery surrounded by the beautiful peach blossoms. The name Hikokudaira comes from the trade name of the project initiator, Mr. Masaru Kubota. Manager: Masaru Kubota ●Details for Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road ・Best time to visit Mid April to late April ・Admission fee None ・Parking None ・Toilets Temporary toilets available ・Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)