【Announcement of Lecture - Kawayu Visitor Center】 On Saturday, June 20th, we will host a lecture by Masashi Ohara, an emeritus professor at Hokkaido University, titled "The Life History of the Giant Lily - A Unique Life History of the Giant Lily." Additionally, from June 20th to July 20th, a special exhibition co-hosted by the Ministry of the Environment will take place at the Kawayu Visitor Center. Titled "A Journey at 3 km/h - Walking the Eastern Trail of Hokkaido," this exhibition will explore the allure of the long trail that just opened in October 2024.🚶‍♂️💨✨ We hope you enjoy both the lecture and the special exhibition! 😊 For more details, please contact the Kawayu Visitor Center. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/ooubayuri-vc/...

The special exhibition conveying the history and culture of Teshikagacho, "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" is currently being held. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. As part of the "Seibu Group Showa 100th Anniversary" event, please enjoy this special exhibition!👀✨ The exhibition introduces the journey of Teshikagacho, the achievements of the local hero Taihō Kōki, and the history and culture of the Ainu people. Exhibition Title: "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" Exhibition Period: Currently ongoing until Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Viewing Hours: 14:00 - 22:00 Venue: Basement Exhibition Room of Kussharo Prince Hotel *Free admission Contact Kussharo Prince Hotel 015-484-211 Cooperation Teshikagacho and Teshikagacho Board of Education

Hello! Welcome to Jewelry Town! Right now, Shosenkyo Gorge is vibrant with fresh greenery, and the contrast between the blue sky and white clouds is incredibly beautiful this season. You can enjoy the refreshing breeze blowing through the mountains and the lush green scenery that spreads out before you. On the Shosenkyo ropeway, you can feel the wind while savoring the expanse of fresh greenery, and take in the views of Mt. Kinpu, the birthplace of crystals, and Arakawa Dam. At the summit, which exceeds 1,000 meters in elevation, you can see Mount Fuji on clear days, and a 30-minute walk will take you to the breathtaking Yasaburodake, a treasure trove of power spots. Our shop, located right next to the ropeway, has just received new rainbow-colored crystal balls. Please stop by to see the beautiful rainbows during your stroll! As it continues to be hot, don't forget to take measures against the heat. Enjoy nature!

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😄

Spring begins. A place enveloped by the lake and sky. Kussharo Prince Hotel. Experience the scenery unique to this season. Reservations can be made from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

【Let's Go to the Shibazakura Festival!】 In neighboring Takinoue Town, the Shibazakura Festival is held for a month in May when the shibazakura (moss phlox) is in full bloom. On Sunday, May 17th, Nishiokoppe Village set up a booth alongside Engaru Town and Omu Town, selling drinkable yogurt made from grass-fed milk, as well as crafts made from deer leather and antlers. The shibazakura peeking out from under the tent was incredibly vibrant and a sight to behold! It seemed to be about 80-90% in bloom. We arrived at just the right time, almost at full bloom. The pink shades of the shibazakura ranged from deep colors to lighter hues, creating a beautiful spread across the park. Upon closer inspection, the petals were adorned with raindrops, allowing us to enjoy the fresh shibazakura that we wouldn't have seen on a sunny day. On this day, Setoushi-kun was also invited! Setoushi-kun, who got to meet Piccolo, Ikura Sujiko-chan, and Monbemom, looked quite happy. (A little Setoushi-kun was able to meet Anji-kun.) We even managed to capture a moment that looked like he was holding hands with Ikura Sujiko-chan!✨ The Shibazakura Festival will be held until May 31st. For those who haven't visited yet, please head to Takinoue Town to see the shibazakura!🚙 #Shibazakura #Shibazakura Festival #Yuru-chara #Setoushi-kun

The view of the fishing port seen from Armor Station in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, was breathtakingly beautiful.

This is Horokanaicho in Hokkaido. You can encounter nostalgic rural landscapes that tickle your memory.

This is Horokanaicho in Hokkaido. You can encounter nostalgic rural landscapes that tickle your memory.

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

Some of Japan’s hidden gems are not places — but quiet moments noticed by the right people.

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?

The sunset at Taga-cho, Shiga Prefecture, was perfect on this day!

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, May 24th, the 46th Hirocho Azalea Festival will be held at Daimaruyama Forest Park😊 Approximately 12,000 Ezo Yamazutsujis will beautifully decorate the venue🎵 On that day, Yasu from HBC Radio's "Car Navigation Radio Afternoon First!" will serve as the host, energizing the venue. A variety of programs will be available, including Tokachi Port's Soran Dance, a special balloon show by the clown Gucci, a BINGO tournament with luxurious prizes, and a quick-eating contest called "Shishamon Pick" featuring local specialties‼ In the gourmet corner "Full Belly Market," delicious offerings from various shops will be sold. You can also enjoy fresh seafood purchased on-site using the grilling station. Additionally, you can taste the "Hakkaku Oyakata's hometown Chanko Nabe" provided by the Women's Promotion Council of three organizations in Hirocho😍 Shuttle buses will operate from Hirocho Elementary School to the venue, ensuring that elderly guests and those with small children can attend comfortably🤗 Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Special Venue at Daimaruyama Forest Park https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp/kankou/event/...

A carefully curated buffet featuring Hokkaido ingredients. Enjoy as much as you like, both morning and night. A limited-time fair filled with strawberries is also underway 🍓 Available from Saturday, April 25, 2026, to Sunday, May 31, 2026. Save this if you're interested 👇 Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

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 clusters of twinflower in Azumino While Kamikochi is famous for twinflower, Azumino also has beautiful spots One such place is the Mitsumata Trailhead leading to Mt. Chogatake Along the trail from the trailhead to the Godzilla Tree, twinflower blooms abundantly on both sides!! In the morning, the flowers are closed, but when they soak up plenty of sunlight, they spread their beautiful petals Other flowers like Sanakayou, wild wasabi, and Enreisou are also blooming!!

On May 18th Mt. Jonen bathed in the morning sun and a water mirror The morning glow of the Northern Alps reflected beautifully in the rice field water!! This is the scenery of Azumino, a town that makes you love the morning.

May 17 In the satoyama of Azumino, the azaleas of Mount Hikarujo are in bloom Colorful azaleas are blooming at the summit From the summit, you can enjoy the view of the Northern Alps and the water-filled fields of Azumino!!

May 16th The usual scenery A tranquil moment

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.

Experience the famous water of Azumino at the Azumino Wasabi Fields Spring Water Group. Meltwater from the Northern Alps flows as underground water, with an estimated daily volume of 700,000 tons. Even in midsummer, the water temperature never exceeds 15 degrees Celsius. It is located near Azumino Village, where Village Azumino is situated.

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...🥵

On April 26, 2025, the Yozakura Festival will take place in Okuwa Village. Every year, the Yozakura Festival is held in Okuwa Village. There are many stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at night!

April 26, 2024 Kiso Town – The Cherry Blossoms The cherry blossoms behind Kiso Hospital were in full bloom and looked beautiful! I wonder if they can be seen from the ward? They are blooming in a lovely spot.

April 26, 2016, Narai Inn, Shiojiri City: Cherry Blossom View Narai Inn was as lively as always. The riverside is very beautiful with fully bloomed cherry blossoms. Sennen-ji offers a great view of the cherry blossoms from above, making it a recommended spot.

April 26, 2009: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kiso Town, Hiyoshi Tokon-ji, the family temple of Kiso Yoshinaka located in Hiyoshi, Kiso Town, becomes surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring, creating a stunningly beautiful scene!

April 9, 2026, Agematsu Town Cherry Blossom Appearance Bringing you the spring of Agematsu Town!

On April 26, 2003, here's how the cherry blossoms looked in Nagiso town. I apologize for the late post... Although I am late, I bring you the sights of spring in Kiso! Midono inn (Midono-juku) and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

Long time no see. At the end of last month, the potatoes in the field were blooming with lovely flowers. The combination of soft gradient purple and the orange in the center is really beautiful✨️ The season is definitely heading towards early summer.