Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City is a sightseeing destination blessed with nature where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, fireflies and fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves and trekking; and in winter, snowfall. You can enjoy local food, agriculture, outdoor activities, and nature walks. Please follow and check us out as a travel reference! ✨ If you want to learn more about the nature-rich Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, please see our basic profile and the Shobara Tourist Navi website. 😍

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

We present outing information for Minamiizu Town during Golden Week. ◆Tuesday, April 29 (National Holiday) ・14th Charity Bazaar for the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Event 10:00–15:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden Food, crafts, local vegetables and more on sale, specialty products from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and photo exhibits https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ・Bridle Experience Day 10:00–15:00 Izu Shimoda Riding Club Session 1: 10:00–12:00, Session 2: 13:00–15:00 https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Irozaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 at Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Irozaki! Various stalls will be available ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Golden Week Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Ring toss, super ball scooping, and various stalls ◆Until April 30 — Ongoing ・Ihama Margaret Flower Picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 5 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Bamboo Shoot Harvesting (Takenoko Shokudo) Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 6 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry......

[Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council established] Today, the Fujikawa Development Corporation with members and established the Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council Have. In the future, the council will fly in the event of a disaster We will provide training and human resource development. As the second part, in the event of a disaster using a logistics drone We made a demonstration flight as expected.

Akimasu Observatory ◎First Viewing Point Akimasu Observatory has a first viewing point and a second viewing point. At the first viewing point, the surrounding trees 🌳 have grown tall so the view is no longer clear, but you can enjoy a pleasantly open space♪ ◎Second Viewing Point This 1,000 m–high panoramic platform offers a full 360° view, letting you see from Nobeoka as far as Aso in the distance. On clear days you can also spot Hyuga-nada and Mt. Osuzu, and even the Asahi Kasei smokestack with the naked eye. Facing the direction of the rising sun, it also attracts visitors who come to watch the first sunrise of the year 🌄. *All photos were taken from the second viewing point.* (Photographer: Masahiro Aya) With little light from buildings and a clear sky, some visitors come to photograph the starry night 🌟. ◎Parking If you do not turn toward the viewing points and continue straight, you will find a parking area 🅿️ at the end. Why not come to Akimasu Observatory to capture seasonal panoramic photos 📷 throughout the year? 🤗

[🌸Gokase Hanami 2025 Submitted Photos — Part 10🌸] The entries submitted to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” held on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account have reached a pause for now as of today💪🌸 The photo contest is still open, so please do submit your entries🤗✨ @_yuta610 @fowafuwarin5 @meiko_ryu @tokotan2._.2 (in no particular order) This time we received many night cherry blossom photos👏 Even with a step ladder or whatever I try, I can’t take good night photos at all — how do people manage to capture such beautiful night shots like these?🤔 They’re truly wonderful!!! We’ll post again when more featured works have been collected🤗💡 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ≪#Gokase Hanami 2025 — How to Enter≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of shooting (example: #March 20)🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents when photographing.

The Icelandic poppies in the forest park are 🤤 in full bloom This is the Musashi Hills National Forest Park Located in in Namerikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. Flowers bloom throughout the year. Among them, the Icelandic poppy field is worth seeing. I think it will continue until GW, so please come and visit us 😊

I was able to go to the birthplace of the alley in the back again this year. Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture 2025/4

This Spring, I stopped by a wonderful row of cherry blossom trees. Cherry blossom trees in Gifu Prefecture 2025/4

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

The wisteria shelf of Kameido Tenjin is 🤤 in full bloom This is Kameido Tenjin, Located in in Tokyo! It is in best time to visit around GW every year. Access from the station is good, and the Light up at night makes the wisteria curtains even more enjoyable 🤤

Ubuyama's Connecting Rice Fields Rice Planting Experience The Fan Terraced Rice Fields in Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, are made by clearing eroded land in the mountains and are created in a contour shape by taking advantage of the fan-shaped terrain. The Water for the Paddy Field is directly derived from the Famous water Yamabuki Water source 1,300 Meter upstream, Water Clear streams that can also be Use as a beverage Water. Although there are difficulties in maintenance and management due to water water leaks, disasters, etc., since most of them are earthen water channels, we Cultivation Rice with a unique taste due to high-quality red clay born from nature and weather with temperature differences. It has been selected as one of the 100 best rice terraces in Japan and one of the 100 best Rice growers. Interested parties who are interested in growing delicious Rice in Ubuyama Village, why don't you experience it with the farmers who manage Ogida throughout the year? Rice can be purchased after harvest. Let's make the Rice we eat every day with our activities to pass on beautiful Nature to future generations! You can experience everything from rice planting to rice harvesting, which is planned later. 【Recruiting Participants】 2025-05-17 (Sat) Meet at 8:45 and start at 9:00 Meeting place: Ogi Terraced Observation decks We clean the water channel from the Yamabuki Water source that streams into Ogita. Please come in clothes that allow you to work. * Lunch box fee and leisure insurance fee are included in the participation fee. Participation fee: 1000 yen ■Click here to apply 〒869-2703 Kumamoto Prefecture Aso District Ubuyama Yamaga 468-4 0967-25-2200 *The deadline is Friday, May 9th. #Kumamoto #Rice Terraces #Ubuyama #Rice planting experience #Rice harvesting experience #Rice making #Aso District #Fan Terraced Rice Fields

Hello everyone! Notice‼ To all users of the Asahidake cross-country ski course from Thursday, April 24 to Friday, April 25 Due to sewer pipe work at the Higashikawa Town Asahidake Youth Campground during the period below, construction vehicles will pass through the cross-country ski course and work will take place in some sections. Date and time: Thursday, April 24 to Friday, April 25, 9:00–15:00 As a result of the work, areas around the site may be temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience to users and ask that you follow on-site directions and guidance to ensure safety. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Contact Asahidake Visitor Center Address 071-1472: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido TEL: 0166-97-2153 OPEN 9:00–17:00

Teshikaga Sea of Clouds A grand panorama filling Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu In Teshikaga you can see a sea of clouds over Lake Mashu in the early mornings. (Season: around June to October) Different observation decks let you enjoy the sea of clouds from various angles. We recommend staying overnight in Teshikaga and heading to the sea-of-clouds viewing spots at dawn during this season. 🛏️✨ For more details, see Teshikaga Navi. 📝🚗💨 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/unkai/...

🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photos, No. 9 🌸 We’re wrapping up the introductions to the entries submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account, with just one more installment to go 🥹 Thank you for so many wonderful submissions 👏✨ @8215dr72 @920cherry71 @omilove.1203 (in no particular order) We received breathtakingly beautiful photos that make you sigh 🥺💕 Many photos feature Josenji, but we also loved fresh perspectives such as shots of the cherry-tree-lined road taken from afar and weeping cherry trees reflected in car windows — truly lovely 😳💫 Yesterday we announced that Akebono azaleas and rhododendrons are at their best 💡 With the weather not looking great today or tomorrow, we worry they may not last, so if you can, please take photos and submit them to “#Gokase Hanami 2025” 🤗✨ -------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Enter “#Gokase Hanami 2025” Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post photos of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with two hashtags: #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #Date of shooting (for example: #March 20) 🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Period: Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Additional rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them carefully before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

I went to Golden Week last year. The blue of the lake surface of Lake Shiman in Gunma Prefecture is beautiful, and on a clear day, you can enjoy the scenery of the Water submerged forest and blue.

[Amakusa Sea Sunset Cruising ⛴️🌆] Individual Sailings Now Available! Enjoy the Amakusa Sea sunset from onboard with the “Amakusa Sea Sunset Cruising,” running for individual customers on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month in April and May. Board Reihoku Kanko Kisen’s Kizuna III at Tomioka Port and head west along the Tomioka Peninsula for an approximately one-hour cruise to watch the sun sink into the sea and experience the magic hour. ⛴️Fare (per person) Adult (junior high school students and older) ¥3,000 Child ¥1,500 ⛴️Meeting point Tomioka Port Passenger Waiting Area (Kizuna Station) *Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.* ⛴️Operating dates (approximate departure times) [April] 12th, 26th (6:00 PM) [May] 10th, 24th (6:20 PM) Reservations This cruise requires advance reservation. Please call Reihoku Kanko Kisen Co., Ltd., the operator, to book directly. ⚠️Notes Please understand that sailings may be canceled or the sunset may not be visible due to bad weather, strong winds, or high waves. ⛴️Contact Reihoku Kanko Kisen Co., Ltd. Tel: 0960-35-0705 (Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) For more details, please visit the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association website. 👉 Check the link in this account’s profile!

The Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association has published a special feature page titled "Golden Week (GW) Outing Information"! In this season wrapped in spring warmth, a variety of events and sightseeing spots across Kanagawa Prefecture await you. https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/features/561...

To Shintoku Shrine Mountain. I went to check on the cherry blossoms. The buds are plump and their color is deepening. However, it looks like they will not bloom for a while yet. There’s an event at Shintoku Shrine Mountain this weekend, but it may not be possible to hold it amid cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms may still be some way off, but azaleas and ezō-engosaku (Corydalis japonica) are already giving a hint of spring’s arrival. Shintoku Shrine Mountain is gradually taking on spring’s colors. If you’re nearby, come and observe the wildflowers and the cherry blossom progress.💁‍♀️ Also, the Shintoku Shrine Mountain Spring Festival will be held on Sunday, April 27th, so please come and join us.🌸 Welcome to Shintoku Town #welcomeshintoku Come back to Shintoku Town To Shintoku Shrine Mountain. I went to see the cherry blossoms. The buds are plump and the color is getting deeper. However, it seems that they will not bloom for a while yet. There is an event at Shintoku Shrine Mountain this weekend, but it may not be possible to attend among the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossoms may still be a while away, but the azaleas and Corydalis japonica give us a taste of the arrival of spring a little earlier. Shintoku Shrine Mountain is gradually taking on spring patterns. If you are in the area, please come and observe the wildflowers and the cherry blossoms in bloom. Also, the Shintoku Shrine Mountain Spring Festival will be held on Sunday, April 27th, so please come and visit. Welcome to Shintoku Town #welcomeshintoku Have a nice day, Shintoku Town #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Gourmet #Hokkaido Sightseeing #hokkaido #Tokachi #Tokachi (Tokachi) #Tokachi Sightseeing #Tokachi Gourmet #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Soba Town Shintoku Town #Jinja-yama #Welcome to Shintoku Town #Come back to Shintoku Town #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers #hokkaido_love #ilovehokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidolikers #hokkaidolove #hokkaidosgram #hokkaidofood #hokkaidotravel #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku

Mt. Odasshu “Tokachi is clear; the Hidaka Mountain Range looks especially beautiful this season with snow still clinging to its peaks.” Sitting at the farthest end of the Hidaka Range on its northern side, Mt. Odasshu stands as a symbol of Shintoku Town. The lowlands have thawed, but the mountains still hold much snow. When the surrounding fields were entirely white, we longed for spring because snow removal was necessary, yet now that time feels nostalgic—the pure, cold whiteness of the snow lingers in memory. This morning the cold eased and it warmed up, reaching nearly 18°C around noon. We are not quite in the warm embrace of spring, but the changing winds and views make the season’s arrival palpable. Welcome to Shintoku Town #welcomeshintoku Welcome home to Shintoku Town #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Ranger #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Hidaka Mountain Range #Mt. Odasshu #Tokachi sunny day #remaining snow #landscape The Tokachi is clear, and the snowy landscape of the Hidaka Mountains is very beautiful in this season. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #shintoku #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Hidaka Mountains #Tokachi sunny day #remaining snow #landscape #welcomeshintoku

Enjoy the wreck and terrain in Higashi-Izu and Irisawa! Spectacular dive experience with 20 meters of transparency Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan This time, I went to the popular diving spot "Shobusawa" in Higashi-Izu! "Irisawa" is famous for wreck diving, but actually... It's ✨ not just wrecks. The dynamic terrain is also full of highlights! There's 🏖️ even a cave The arches and tunnel-like rock formations created by nature are like an adventure course in the sea. The mysterious scenery where the light shines in is perfect for photos 📸 Moreover, the transparency on this day exceeded 20 meters! The blue world that I could see in the distance was truly breathtaking... ✨ The fish are swimming freely, and just looking at them is soothing. 🏝️ You can go to the HOT point right now! That is the charm of Hokule'a Shonan At Hokule'a Shonan, we are very good at not only Sense acquisition courses and experience diving, but also guide you to diving spots that are "in season now!" "I want to dive into a wreck!" "I want to try cave diving!" "I want to enjoy the sea in the best conditions of the day!" Such requests are also welcome 😄 Please let us know ☝ how you feel, "I want to go to this sea!" We will propose and guide 🏃 ♀️💨 you to the best place according to the sea conditions of the day and seasonal highlights 🏠 Station Chika, small number of people, a dive shop that is safe for beginners Hokule'a Shonan is conveniently located just a 30-second walk from the south exit of JR Hiratsuka Station. Our strength is our small group size and careful diving style that is close to each person. First-timers, blanks, and one person are welcome! We will do our best to support 😊 you in creating safety first and fun memories This Spring and Summer, together with Hokule'a Shonan Why don't you go and experience the expression of the sea "Only now"? Now it's ✨ your turn to discover a new blue world #DiveJapan #ScubaAdventure #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #SmallGroupDiving #HokuleaShonan #HiddenGemsJapan

[🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 Photo Submissions — No. 8 — 🌸] Lately, the Gokase Tourism Association has been featuring entries to the “#Gokase Hanami 2025” on its Instagram account, and only a few submissions remain to be showcased at this stage 😳 @taniyan1119 @tm21mt @tourism09wine @yaaaaaa.85 @naoki_photo.graphy @naomin168 @kurota_kurohei (In no particular order) Mixed in with Josenji Temple and the Harada family’s site, we received many heartwarming shots of local weeping cherry trees, adorable pet dogs, and bright red boke (flowering quince) berries ☺️💕 Thank you all so much for the many submissions ✨ We’re still accepting entries, so feel free to post your photos anytime 🤗 -------------------------------------------------------------------- ≪#How to Enter #Gokase Hanami 2025≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho. Add the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #the shooting date (for example: #March 20) to your Instagram post 🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Period: From Thursday, March 20, 2025 until Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before submitting. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

Starbucks Mount Fuji 🗻 This is the shooting point of Starbucks × Mount Fuji Located in Yamanashi Prefecture. The view of Mount Fuji over Starbucks was 🤤 the best

Around the Shakado Ruins Museum, Ichinomiya-cho, Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture Thereare a tourist farm where you can enjoy peach blossoms. On foot from the Chuo Expressway Shakado service area A good hidden gem where you can go On the day of the shooting, I was impression by the gorgeous peach blossoms and rape blossoms in full bloom.

Japan is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes that never fail to amaze. One such enchanting place is where the sky seemingly merges with a breathtaking sea of flowers. While the scene is captivating, it’s the lady in yellow that catches your eye; her presence adds a unique charm to the landscape. She resembles a bird, gracefully dancing with the breeze, embracing the horizon with joy. It’s a moment that beautifully captures the spirit of freedom and the wonders of nature.

A sea of clouds to yourself This time, an aerial portrait with a drone! This is a "sapling Ruins of the Castle" with a Ruins of the Castle in the sky. A place known only to those who know it as a sea of clouds Spot in Gifu Prefecture. From the Observation decks of the Ruins of the Castle, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama. The day after it rains, the day after that, the day after that, is the aim of the sea of clouds. Gifu Prefecture Nakatsugawa City "Naegi Ruins of the Castle" 2025/4/12

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them. The lights of the cars hit the cherry blossoms on the way

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them.

This is Japan🌸⛩️🗻 This is the Shinkurayama Sengen Shrine Located in in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The view from here is a symbolic view 🤤 of Japan