On March 24, I participated in the 3rd Multicultural Photography Exhibition held at Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe, a 5-minute walk from Hachioji Station. Students from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Mongolia introduced the cultures of their respective countries. In addition, Bangladeshi students were in charge of a corner called mehendi, where they drew pictures by hand, and it was so popular that there was ✨ a line

I took a picture of a person who was sketching at Neraiji Temple, a famous cherry blossom spot in Wakayama Prefecture. I wish I had a heart for painting~・・・

Edo Kiriko's rock glass "Spectacle" that looks like a large flower blooming You can see that the idea of making the user look the most beautiful is incorporated into the design of the work.

This is the work of Ryoko Nakamiya, an artist who pursues the new possibilities of Edo Kiriko in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The beautiful vessels created by this technology have moved the hearts of many people.

Yesterday, Saturday, February 24, we held the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival! The weather blessed the mid-holiday weekend day, and beautiful fireworks colored the night sky. The next event is on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (a national holiday).

TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum A picture book museum themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature" Nestled in a quiet villa district of Atami City, the TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum, themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature," was entirely designed by picture book author Toda Koshiro to express the world of picture books through the building, garden, and every detail. The museum displays many original picture book illustrations by Toda, educational and creative picture books, and picture book adaptations of classics such as Osamu Dazai’s Run, Melos. Visitors can read loaner picture books on the lawn, listen to birdsong, and enjoy seasonal scenery while spending a relaxed time. The attached café also offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. This is a place where Atami’s nature and Toda Koshiro’s spirit come together. Address / 1055-30 Kamitaga, Shizenkyo, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0101 Phone / 0557-67-1107 Access / About 20–30 minutes by taxi from Atami Station (JR Atami Station) *Please note that there is no taxi stand at JR Izu-Taga Station.* Opening hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission at 16:00) Closed / Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Open on public holidays (open daily during the New Year holidays, Golden Week, and summer season) Admission / Adults 800 yen, elementary school children and younger 400 yen, free for children under 3 Parking / 10 spaces (free)

Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum opened in Atami City in December 2020. The collection includes many works by famous artists such as Renoir, Picasso, and Taro Okamoto. The museum offers a variety of experiences beyond simply visiting the galleries. ・Admission includes one drink (you may choose to have matcha served in a vessel by a Living National Treasure craftsperson) ・Admission includes a mug-painting experience (you can finish it in about 10 minutes and take it home) ・Unlike many museums, photography is allowed in the galleries (only flash is prohibited) ・Some works can be touched, including pieces by Taro Okamoto ・Two Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan are on display Address / 24-1 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0014 Phone / 0557-27-2411 Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes, get off at Shinsui Park, then walk 3 minutes Hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00) Open year-round Admission fees / General 1,400 yen, university and high school students 1,200 yen, junior high school students and younger 500 yen (includes a drink; preschool children free) Parking / None (use nearby paid parking)

Seiko Sawada Memorial Museum This museum gathers representative works by Seiko Sawada, a native of Atami City who received the Order of Culture. It displays art across many fields, including numerous wood carvings, paintings, ink wash works, ceramics, prints, and calligraphy. There is a popular belief that if you hold hands beneath the entrance ceiling stained glass panel "Hiten," you will remain happy forever. The reflection of "Hiten" on the red granite floor is also beautiful, so visitors can enjoy the stained glass both overhead and underfoot. ● Seiko Sawada (1894–1988) Born Toshiyoshi. An artist awarded the Order of Culture and an honorary citizen of Atami City. He grew up by the sea in Atami and, at 19, aspired to become a sculptor. He trained under Yamamoto Zuiun, a leading disciple of Koun Takamura. Until his death at 93, he worked across many artistic fields, producing numerous wood carvings as well as paintings, ceramics, prints, and calligraphy. His powerful, life-filled, and poetic works speak to the hearts of many and evoke great romance. Address / 9-46 Umezonocho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0032 (next to Atami Plum Garden) Phone / 0557-81-9211 Access / About 15 minutes by bus toward Ainogahara from atami station on JR, then get off at Sawada Memorial Museum stop Hours / 9:00–16:30 Closed / Mondays (open on public holidays) Admission / Adults 380 yen (250 yen for groups); Junior and senior high school students 250 yen (120 yen for groups); Elementary school students and younger free Parking / 10 spaces (free) ※Parking unavailable during the Plum Festival

Atami Gigi Kenban Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai The geiko association hall where geiko rigorously train, the geiko kenban. The current building was completed in 1954 (Showa 29). At the time it was an impressive structure and was said to be the finest geiko association in the Tokai region. Today the hall hosts Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the professional dances that are rarely seen in everyday life. The kimono styling, graceful manners, and breathtaking beauty are a sight to behold. Address / 17-13 Chuocho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0015 (along the Hatsukawa) Phone / 0557-81-3575 (Atami Gigi Kenban) Access / From JR atami station take the bus bound for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes → get off at Shimizucho Dates and Times / Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM (about 30 minutes). One performance only. Fee / 2,500 yen (tax included). Children in elementary school and younger are free. Parking / None (there is a nearby municipal paid parking lot) Reservation priority For visits to observe regular weekday training, please inquire Temporary cancellations may occur

Former Hinata Family Atami Villa (Former Hinata Villa) Rihei Hinata, who prospered in Asian trade, completed this detached villa in 1936 (Showa 11) as an annex to his main residence. The two-story wooden main building was designed by Jin Watanabe, known for projects such as Wako in Ginza, Tokyo, the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, and the Aichi Prefectural Office. The basement’s interior was designed by the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut, making this the only surviving architectural work he left in Japan. The villa comprises three main rooms: a social room richly furnished with bamboo and paulownia wood, a Western-style room with an interior staircase as part of the room, and a Japanese-style tatami room. The design consciously reflects Japanese aesthetic traditions such as the Katsura Imperial Villa and Ise Grand Shrine. After the death of the Hinata family head, the villa was carefully used as a corporate retreat. Faced with the threat of demolition in 2004 (Heisei 16), Atami City acquired the property thanks to a donation from a philanthropist living in Tokyo. In 2006 (Heisei 18), it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. More than 80 years after its completion, deterioration and the urgent need to improve seismic performance made repairs critical. From fiscal 2018 (Heisei 30) to fiscal 2021 (Reiwa 3), large-scale conservation and repair work was carried out. In August 2022, the villa reopened to the public after preserving and reproducing its original condition as much as possible. ※Visits require advance reservation only (online reservations only). For details and reservations, please check the Atami City official website. Address／8-37 Kasuga-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0005 Phone／0557-86-6232 (Atami City Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Exchange Office: weekdays only) Access／About a 10-minute walk from atami station Opening days／Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:00–17:00, shift schedule ※online reservation required Admission／Adults 1,000 yen; junior and senior high school students 700 yen Parking／None

Ikeda Masuo and Yoko Sato Creative House This house was the home and studio of the late multi-artist Ikeda Masuo, who excelled in printmaking, painting, and film. He lived here from 1982 (Showa 57) until his death in 1997 (Heisei 9), sharing the space with world-renowned violinist Yoko Sato. The house, where the two prodigies lived together and based their artistic activities, exhibits Ikeda’s handwritten manuscript of his Akutagawa Prize-winning work "Dedicated to the Aegean Sea," his chronology, photographs, lithographs, and ceramic panels, as well as Sato’s stage dresses, musical scores, chronology, and photographs. Come see a glimpse of their glamorous yet unpretentious daily life. Address / 10-24 Kaikocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 413-0003 Phone / 0557-81-3258 (Creative House) Access / About a 15-minute walk from atami station / About a 3-minute bus ride from atami station toward Izusan Shrine, get off at Momoyama, then about a 3-minute walk Opening hours / 9:00–16:30 (last admission by 16:00) Closed / Every Tuesday (open on public holidays) and during the New Year holidays Admission / Adults 360 yen, junior and senior high school students 240 yen, elementary school students and younger free *Children below elementary school age are not allowed to enter unaccompanied Parking / None

Atami Castle Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum Atami Castle rises atop the summit of Nishikigaura, a scenic spot in Atami. The castle keep’s observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama: it looks out over Atami city, Yugawara, the Manazuru Peninsula, and on clear days the floating silhouettes of Hatsushima and Oshima, with the Ajiro–Ito side of the Izu Peninsula stretching beyond—making it Atami’s premier viewpoint. In spring the castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and in summer you can watch fireworks from the keep like a feudal lord. (The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March to early April.) Inside the castle you’ll find the Samurai Culture Museum displaying armor and swords, a ukiyo-e shunga gallery, an Edo costume experience room where you can dress up for photos, a jet footbath at 120 meters above sea level, and a free game corner—packed with sights and surprises. In the castle annex, the Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum offers wonderfully strange illusions where flat paintings appear three-dimensional. About 40 trick artworks feature marine creatures, dinosaurs, wild beasts, and Jaws-style scenes. You can do more than admire the art—take hilarious photos, experience illusions of becoming a giant or a tiny person, touch the exhibits, and snap shots for big laughs. Lose track of time as you get absorbed in the tricks. It’s a place that excites families, friends, and couples alike. Address / 1993 Sogayama, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0033 Phone / 0557-81-6206 (Atami Castle) Access / ■ About 10 minutes by car from atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from atami station toward Atami Port or Korakuen; get off at "Korakuen" → take the AtamiRopeway for about 3 minutes → about a 3-minute walk from Summit Station ■ About 15 minutes from atami station by Yu~Yu~ Bus → get off at Atami Castle Open / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Open year-round Admission / Adults 1,100 yen; elementary and junior high students 600 yen; ages 3–6 450 yen (Two-site set ticket / Adults 1,800 yen; elementary and junior high students 950 yen; ages 3–6 700 yen) Parking / 100 spaces; parking fee: 500 yen (per visit)

I went to the "Muttoni World Exhibition" held at the Museum of Dreams, which is a 20-minute walk from Hachioji Station. This is my third time at my favorite exhibition! At the "Muttoni World Exhibition", there are many karakuri music boxes on display, and each box takes about 5~20 minutes. By the time I finished watching the whole thing, two hours had passed, but I had a strange feeling that I was in a dream the whole time. A picture is worth a thousand words! Children up to junior high school students can watch for free, adults can watch for 750 yen, and people over 65 years old can watch for 350 yen. I highly recommend that you take a ✨ look!!

MOA Museum of Art MOA MUSEUM OF ART This prominent Atami museum holds about 3,500 works focused on East Asian paintings, calligraphy, and crafts, including three National Treasures, 67 Important Cultural Properties, and 46 Important Art Objects. Especially famed is Ogata Kōrin’s masterpiece and National Treasure Red and White Plum Blossoms folding screen (displayed for limited periods), which draws many visitors who wait for its exhibition each February during the plum season. The museum sits atop a hill in Atami on a site of some 70,000 tsubo, and the main lobby and the MOA plaza offer stunning views of Izu Oshima, Hatsushima, and other scenic islands. The grounds include gardens that change with the seasons—cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn foliage—so you can relax in a resort atmosphere while enjoying both art and nature. Address / 26-2 Momoyama-cho, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0006 Phone / 0557-84-2511 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station toward the MOA Museum of Art, then get off at the final stop, MOA Hours / 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (last admission 4:00 p.m.) Closed / Every Thursday and on exhibition changeover days. Special open days may apply Admission / Adults ¥1,600; university and high school students ¥1,000; elementary and junior high school students free; senior discount ¥1,400; disability discount ¥800 Parking / 200 spaces (free)

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future There was a paid admission depending on the time of day, and many people came even on weekdays Advance sales are recommended.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From Kobe to the ⛴️ world yes, yes, I think it's good. See statue It's a trading town.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From this year, it will also be held at Meriken Park for a fee.

Local symbol: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge At the Dream Lens Hyogo Prefecture Kobe City Akashi Kaikyo Bridge I'm used to seeing it, so I don't shoot much, but from the camera lens, I can see it through the dream lens.

Gulf art in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture The bay has become art here, and I was impressed when I came. It was also an Instagrammable spot, and there were quite a few young photographers who were all photographed in fashionable clothes It's not fun to shoot normally, so everyone was laughing at my family's style, so the atmosphere of the place was relaxed and it was 😌 fun

Today, I would like to introduce you to Hachioji's super famous café "Papelburg". This café features an interior inspired by southern Germany, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and desserts. What I received this time is a seasonal parfait. This parfait not only has an artistic look, but also layers of jelly and cream that make the seasonal fruit even more delicious. The interior is designed by a professor from Tama Art University, and no matter which seat you sit in, you will find wonderful discoveries. You can take a bus from Hachioji Station. It's a little far from the station, but it was a café worth a visit!

I painted pictures on Kamu’s windows! Inside the Roadside Station Kamu there are many large windows. Not blank white, but a transparent canvas— children from the village drew Christmas-themed pictures for us! Some kids picked crayon colors while looking at sample drawings. Some boldly dragged crayons across the glass to create big works. Some drew characters together with friends sitting beside them. At their own pace, each child enjoyed drawing on the windows in their own way. The display runs through Monday, December 25. Some windows were even painted by adults with great design sense, so come by to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.

It is a temple called "Korinji" located in the Tome region of Miyagi Prefecture. It was designated as an important cultural property of Miyagi Prefecture in Showa 47, and is said to be the second oldest wooden building in Miyagi Prefecture. During the season, many people gather to catch a glimpse of this beautiful approach, and especially in autumn, the scenery of autumn leaves and ginkgo biloba shows a wonderful view. Depending on the timing, you can see a carpet of red autumn leaves.

Coal Mine Memorial Forest Park Former Mitsubishi Bibai Coal Mining Facility As you head towards the mountains from the Bibai intersection, you will see something like a red steel tower flickering from the top of the trees. This place, surrounded by nature, is called "Coal Mine Memorial Forest Park" The red steel tower is a coal mining heritage pit winding tower, and there are two towers about 20 meters high. In fact, the logo of our association is also based on the B of BIBAI and this pit turret. There are many towns in Sorachi that flourished from coal mining. The Coal Mine Memorial Forest Park is a park that utilizes the heritage of the former Mitsubishi Bibai coal mining facility. Today, the pit tower, the switching station that managed the power supply, and the raw coal pocket remain. A 170-meter-deep pit was built at this site in the 12th year of the Taisho era, and at that time it had a reputation as a modern model pit in Japan. In the early Showa period, the amount of coal produced exceeded 1 million tons per year, making it the largest coal mine in the entire coal mine of Mitsubishi Mining. After that, it continued to develop after World War II, but due to a change in energy policy from the Showa 30s, the Mitsubishi Bibai Coal Mine was closed in July of Showa 47, and with the closure of the mine, the Bibai Railway, which ran from Bibai Station to Tokiwadai, also closed the curtain of its 60-year history. The pit turret and raw coal pocket were selected as a modernization industrial heritage designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in November 2019. At the request of the Yasuda Tsuyoshi Sculpture Museum Arte Piazza Bibai and the world-renowned sculptor "Yasuda Tsukura", three new sculptures have been installed in the park since July 30. The works on display were "Myōmu" in front of the pit tower, "Ishinki" in the pit opening and closing station, and "Fubuki" in front of the raw coal pocket The collaboration between coal mining heritage and art further enhances the atmosphere. It can be a day when red shines in the blue sky, a cloudy day, a starry sky, or a snowy location with a pure white location. Why don't you visit once?

In addition to the famous Kusama-sama red pumpkin in Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, 😀 I love Yu and Naoshima Pavilion are also nearby.

The first thing that greets you at the gateway from Uno Port in Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture is the famous Kusama-sama red pumpkin, an island that is also popular with foreign backpackers. I'm glad 😆 to say that the ferry is OK for dogs

Island trip ⛴️ starting from Uno Port, Okayama Prefecture The islands are dotted with popular islands at the Setouchi Art Festival, and art remains even on other days.

Christmas Window Art at kamu A joint project by Nishiokoppe Village's new and former community revitalization team members in charge of tourism! We will hold an event where elementary and junior high school students from the village will paint Christmas-themed pictures on the large windows inside the kamu building. The exhibition will run for about two weeks, so why not visit kamu decorated with Christmas artwork? We look forward to your visit. Event date and time: Saturday, December 9, 10:00–11:30 Participants: Elementary and junior high school students in the village Capacity: About 15 people Participation fee: Free Application deadline: Thursday, November 30, by 17:00 Exhibition period: Saturday, December 9–Monday, December 25

Hyogo Prefecture Awaji City Awaji Yumebutai When I came here, I got lost like a maze, and when I came to the top floor, I was surprised 😯 by the scale and futurism

Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture Awaji Yumebutai I was impressed when I saw the 😯 circular hall

Hyogo Prefecture Awaji City Awaji Yumebutai Dream stage created by architect Ando I've seen Mr. Ando's work in various places, but it's the best.