Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Hirasawa, located along the coast of Nishi-Izu. A few hours from Tokyo. Here, time flows completely differently from the city. In the morning, the road leads to the sea. A blue sky. The calm Suruga Bay. The summer air. This day was for OW, AOW, and Assistant Instructor courses. Some are nervous about their first time in the sea. Others are moving on to the next step. Some are learning to support others. Each enters the same sea with different purposes. Underwater, it is quiet. Swaying seaweed. Light slowly filtering through. A world where only the sound of bubbles can be heard. The sea at Hirasawa has a beauty that is a bit different from flashiness. Clear water. Gentle currents. Time spent slowly regulating one's breath. Even for those diving for the first time, it's a place where you can gradually get used to the sea. At Hokulea Shonan, tours and courses are conducted in small groups. Enjoying the sea at your own pace, without rushing. That is the style that is cherished in this place. After diving. Everyone stopped by Mentai Park. Local food after seeing the sea. Time to choose souvenirs. Scenery along the coast while driving. Such moments are also part of the journey in Japan. Japan is not just about visiting famous tourist spots. The road to the sea. Local towns. Small diving shops. Scenery that can only be seen that day. Nishi-Izu has such quiet charm. For those wanting to spend a slightly special day near Tokyo. Time spent in the sea of Japan will surely remain in your travel memories. #Hirasawa #Izu Trip #Day Trip #Near Tokyo #PADI

The Rose Garden adjacent to the Azumino Art Museum is at its best 🌹 On the expansive grounds of about 10,000 tsubo, over 250 varieties and more than 500 blooming roses are on display throughout the seasons♪ Admission to the garden is free The museum is also hosting the "118th Nitten Azumino Exhibition" 😄 You can view 193 selected works from approximately 3,000 pieces displayed last autumn at the National Art Center, Tokyo, which include Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and calligraphy, along with works by local artists from Nagano Prefecture For more details, please visit the Azumino Art Museum www.azumino-museum.com

A tourist spot in Azumino, Jitensha Hiroba The gently flowing Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal and Mt. Jonen In the morning, the clouds that were on the mountain disappeared by noon, but the temperature rose, making it a hot day💦

The cornflower, also known as the bluebottle, blooms in a fallow field near the Azumino bicycle plaza. It is not a target for eradication as a dangerous invasive species, but rather a flower that has long been established in gardening culture.

It looks like it will be hot in Azumino on May 25th...💦 Ise Miya Shrine stands amidst the countryside with views of Mt. Ariake and Mt. Tsubakuro in the background. 😃

On May 22nd, Azumino had a day of rain☂️ Even on rainy days, Azumino has its charm This is the precinct of Hotaka Shrine It feels solemn and moist with a dignified atmosphere😄

A special season unique to spring has begun at Enoura in Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour from Tokyo. During this time, you can witness the "spawning of the Japanese common squid" in the waters of Japan. Usually drifting quietly in the sea, the squids begin to gather in shallow waters for spawning as spring arrives. Underwater, a unique tension and a quiet presence of life spread throughout. Divers can observe the squids heading to their spawning grounds and the eggs laid on branches up close. Spawning has just begun. Over the next few weeks, small lives will develop within the eggs. In a few weeks, you will also be able to see tiny baby squids swimming inside the eggs. Watching underwater feels like peeking into a small story within the sea. Moreover, this scenery can only be seen during the short period of spring. It's not at an aquarium, not in a video, but a seasonal landscape you can experience in the actual waters of Japan. On this day, we encountered clownfish, sea slugs, and even "underwater Doraemon." It's another side of Japan that you won't find just by visiting Tokyo or Kyoto. A day spent at the sea, a little away from the city, will surely become a special travel memory. Enoura is a diving area that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours suitable for beginners. They also provide English support, making it popular among travelers from abroad and foreign residents in Japan. Come to the spring-only waters of Japan. Why not go see the quiet drama of life? 📍 Enoura (Kanagawa Prefecture) 🚃 Day trip possible from Tokyo 🤿 Small group tours with English support #Near Tokyo #Day trip #Extraordinary experience #Japanese common squid #Squid spawning

Create special memories with your family near Tokyo 🤿☀️ This time, we visited Usami in Higashi-Izu. It's a seaside area in Japan that you can access from Tokyo in a day. In the morning, we departed the city, heading towards Izu while enjoying the coastal scenery. The landscape gradually changes. Time flows slowly. Just that alone allows you to feel a different side of Japan compared to Tokyo. On this day, we participated in a PADI Open Water Diver course as a family. At first, they seemed a bit nervous, but once they entered the water, smiles began to appear. Seeing the same ocean, watching the same fish, and being moved by the same scenery. Diving offers such special moments. The waters of Higashi-Izu are a popular diving area for international guests as well. The scenery changes with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy schools of fish and the serene blue underwater world. "I can't believe there's such a sea near Tokyo." It's not uncommon to hear such remarks from first-time international visitors. Obtaining a diving license is not just about getting a qualification. It's about challenging yourself to enter a new world together. It's about spending the same time in Japan's waters. That experience itself will remain as a memory of the journey. It's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by visiting tourist spots. That is the charm of "Dive Near Tokyo." At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer small-group beginner-friendly diving tours and license courses. We can accommodate English speakers, making it a great option for international travelers and foreigners living in Japan. Why not spend a slightly special day during your trip to Tokyo?

In Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, the sea is home to some of the largest schools of fish in Japan.🐟 It takes about 40 minutes by car from Hiratsuka, where Hokulea Shonan is located. This popular boat diving area can even be visited on a day trip from Tokyo.🚗 On the way to the sea, you can enjoy a small cruise while taking in views of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji.🛳️ Once you arrive at the dive site and enter the water, you'll be greeted by an overwhelming number of red sea bream. At first, it may look like the water is murky. But as you get closer, you'll realize it's all a school of fish. Countless small fish fill the water. More and more schools of fish continue to appear. It's a mysterious sight, as if the underwater world itself is alive.✨ The density of fish is astonishing, making it hard to believe you're underwater. Divers who see this view for the first time often gasp in amazement. There are still special seas near Tokyo that are not widely known.🇯🇵 This is another aspect of Japan that you won't encounter through tourism alone. In the tranquil sea, you can feel the energy of nature all around you. Hokulea Shonan offers small group diving tours centered around the Shonan and Izu areas. They also provide beginner-friendly tours and English-speaking diving support.🌊 #Tokyo Area #Nature Experience #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery

The "Murmuring Stream Path" located along the riverbed of Yorozuigawa flowing through Azumino is a pleasant walking trail that served as a filming location for the East Japan Railway Company's Adult Holiday Club and the serial TV drama "The Sun"!! The false acacia along the trail is blooming with white flowers.

At the foot of Mount Fuji lies Lake Motosu. 🗻 Located in Yamanashi Prefecture at an elevation of about 900 meters, Lake Motosu is a rare freshwater diving spot in Japan. The water in the lake is highly transparent, revealing a serene blue world. 💧 Underwater, you can see fantastical landscapes formed by the eruptions of Mount Fuji, volcanic ash accumulating on the lakebed, and large sunken trees. In some places, spring water flowing from Mount Fuji emerges from the lakebed. It offers a tranquility completely different from the sea. This is a special underwater world connected to the history of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji. Just a short distance from Tokyo, you can discover landscapes of Japan that you won't encounter through typical tourism. 🇯🇵 Hokulea Shonan offers small-group diving tours in lakes around Mount Fuji and the seas near Tokyo. 🌊 A tour of Lake Motosu is also scheduled for August 9-10, 2026. Be sure to experience the tranquil blue world at the foot of Mount Fuji. ✨ #Near Tokyo #Nature Experience #Lake Diving #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery

April 26, 2018, Agematsu Town, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest Currently, Kiso has transformed into a season of fresh greenery after the cherry blossoms have fallen. The entire area is green, showcasing a different side of Kiso compared to March and April! As we transition from spring to summer, it is getting hotter...🥵

[Kumamoto - Amakusa] Experience genuine leather and tools. Adult leather craft workshop A leather craft workshop based on traditional European techniques will be held at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center in Reihoku, Kumamoto Prefecture. The workshop will feature high-quality Italian leather called "Buttero." Using professional-grade tools, participants will create their own card cases while experiencing the craftsmanship from hole punching to sewing. As you work with your hands, your unique personality will naturally emerge. Why not enjoy the pleasure of crafting and indulge in a luxurious time that tells the story of life in this beautiful local town in Japan? Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 2nd floor of the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Participation Fee: 6,000 yen Capacity: First 10 participants (reservation required) Instructor: Makida Leather Workshop (Mr. Koichi Makita) *For inquiries, please contact the instructor For details on how to apply, please check the announcement section on the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website.

The rice planted in the fields is growing steadily in Azumino. Beyond the beautiful rows, the scenery of Azumino unfolds!♪ We welcomed a refreshing morning.😊

Located at the foot of the mountains in Azumino, Kuriosan Mangan-ji This is a famous spot for azaleas Although only a few azaleas are blooming, the temple grounds have a serene atmosphere.

Water has filled the rice fields in Azumino, and rice planting is in full swing. From the top of Mount Nagamine, the rice fields illuminated by the setting sun look radiant.

On May 12th in Azumino Mizukagami 😄 You can still find rice paddies where the rice hasn't been planted yet. Why not explore by renting a bicycle...

Daio Wasabi Farm A beautiful contrast between the blue sky and the water's surface A place to fully enjoy Azumino A place to feel the flow of time through the ages

[Announcement] Taking place in 2023! Introducing the "Zenkoji Gokaicho"✨ "Zenkoji Front Deity Gokaicho" 【Event Period】From April 4, 2023 (Sunday) to June 19, 2023 (Saturday) *This is a special opportunity that occurs once every seven years in the traditional calendar. ✨It tends to get crowded after Golden Week, so April, when it is relatively less busy, is recommended.✨ 【What is Zenkoji Gokaicho】 The main deity of Zenkoji cannot be viewed directly (it is a secret Buddha). The "Gokaicho" is the event where the front deity, which has the same appearance as the main deity, is publicly displayed once every seven years. 【What is the Eko Pillar】 The golden thread tied to the right hand of the central Amida Buddha of the front deity is tied to the Eko Pillar. Touching this pillar connects you to the front deity, and it is said to bring merit. 【Main Event Schedule】*2023 March 28 (Sunday) "Eko Pillar Acceptance Ceremony" April 3 (Saturday) "Front Deity Transfer Ceremony" April 4 (Sunday) "Opening Grand Ceremony" April 24 (Saturday) "Midway Garden Ritual (Tendai Sect)" May 8 (Saturday) "Midway Garden Ritual (Pure Land Sect)" May 16 (Sunday) "Shinonoi Great Lion Offering" June 19 (Saturday) "Conclusion Grand Ceremony" June 20 (Sunday) "Front Deity Return Ceremony" #Zenkoji #Zenkoji Gokaicho #Event #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

The rice planting season is in full swing in Azumino. You can encounter the beautiful scenery of water mirrors reflecting the Northern Alps throughout the town. By the time autumn arrives, delicious rice will be waiting for you.😄 The Azumino Tourism Association is currently recruiting "rice paddy owners." Why not spend some time in Azumino growing your own rice with water from the Northern Alps?😆

On May 7th, the weather forecast suggests a summer-like day in Azumino. The air is clear, and you can see the Northern Alps in full view in the morning. The scenery of Azumino reflected in the water mirror is simply mesmerizing! 😆

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for May📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in May♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes, with the popular "Ninoya" selling their famous "Ikinari Dango" as well! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Cabbage ・Chiffon Cake ・Potatoes ・Zucchini ・Broad Beans ・Onions🧅 (bulk purchase of irregular items) ・Dekopon ・Bankan (Kiyomi, Amakusa) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】May 10th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

The vibrant red sunset in Azumino signals the end of Golden Week. Many visitors enjoyed their time in Azumino. 😊 We look forward to welcoming you back in a different season! 😆

It is the season when fresh greenery is dazzling.

In the Misato District of Azumino, the white flowers of the apple orchards are blooming. 😃 According to the farmers, they bloomed about ten days earlier than usual this year. Although they should be at their peak during the Golden Week, the thinning process has already begun, so there are fewer flowers. However, delicious apples 🍎 will be ready in the fall! 😆

Karasugawa Keikoku Ryokuchi Prefectural Park (waterfront area) is also enveloped in fresh greenery! The Karasukawa flows from the surface of Mt. Jonen and Mt. Chogatake in the Northern Alps. In the valley, where the snowmelt water gathers and flows, birds come and go. It's perfect for birdwatching! 😆

The "Kane no Naruoka (Bell Hill) Community Center" is surrounded by fresh greenery. It is one of the settings for the NHK radio drama "Kane no Naruoka" that has been broadcast since 1947. Located along the foothills, it offers a very quiet atmosphere. The adjacent park features wisteria trellises and peonies, which are just beginning to bloom. 😄

I walked along the abandoned railway track in Akashina District, Azumino City. The cloudy sky and fresh greenery create a nostalgic atmosphere.😊 At the nearby Ushio Shinmei Shrine, preparations for the "Shibafune" are underway. The grand festival will be held on May 4th and 5th.

Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

On April 25th, while strolling through the bicycle park, the pink phlox subulata was beautiful.