Poppy in the Sky The poppies in the sky at the Aya no Kuni Fureai Ranch in Minano Town, Saitama Prefecture, and such a superb view on the mountain are Spots that you want to visit at least once. Best time to visit is May.

Snow conditions on Ooyama ⛄️ The photos show Ooyama around 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. By 3:00 PM it was completely white and invisible. A snowfall forecast has been issued for the period from Tuesday, March 4 to Wednesday, March 5. When going out, please check the latest weather updates and service information. For cable car operations and details refer to the Ooyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/20250304.html...

Mother Sea of the Pacific Ocean A beach that seems to last forever Hana Highway (Katsurahama) ~ Continues to Spring and Usa coastline

Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Yamanashi trees at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Nobeyama Highlands, pure white flowers bloom. Yatsugatake with residual snow, blue sky and white clouds, fresh greenery green and yellow dandelions herald the arrival of Spring on the Highlands. The flowering of the Yamanashi tree is in May.

Horizon at the foothills of Mount Yatsugatake May is a beautiful season Spot photographing twin trees where you can see the fresh greenery meadows of Mt. Yatsugatake foothills Nobeyama Highlands and the Southern Alps of the remaining snow in the distance beyond the horizon.

Frosty morning

From March 1st, the "Kashiwa Landscape Channel Photo Exhibition" is held in! !! The Facebook "Kashiwa Landscape Channel" groups exhibits 20 exhibitions selected by the Ogawa brothers, photographers active mainly in Kashiwa, from among the works posted in 2024. We hope that more people will see this wonderful Kashiwa landscape photo and that it will be an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Kashiwa. [Held in the venue of the photo exhibition varies depending on the schedule] (1) Date & Time: 3/1 (Sat) ~ 3/7 (Fri) (10:00~20:00 *Last day 17:00) 　Location: Kashiwa Takashimaya Station Mall New Building 10F Gallery (BeARIKA) (2) Date & Time: 3/8 (Sat) ~ 3/18 (Mon) (9:00~19:00) 　Location: KAMON Kashiwa Information Center 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(Kashiwa City Kashiwa 1-1-11 Family Kashiwa 3F) (3) Date & Time: 3/19 (Tue) ~ 3/28 (Fri) (10:00~18:00 *Last day 17:00) 　Location: Junji NakaVillage Museum of Art (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) (1-41-5 Otsugaoka, Kashiwa City) 　　　　 * Access: Kashiwa Station East Exit (6) 　　　　　　Otsugaoka Danchi, Higashiga Abiko Car Depot Yuki 　　　　　　Get off at Otsugaoka 1-chome 1 minute walk Inquiries about exhibitions KAMON Kashiwa Information Center TEL：04-7128-5610

Winter Activity 2025 MOMBETSU Lake Komuke & Native Flower Garden Snow Trekking Stroll through Lake Komuke and the Komuke Native Flower Garden on snowshoes with an expert guide. Why don't you feel the scenery and charm that is different from the green season? For details, go to the official website "Monbetsu Tourist Information Center"

Water mirror in a rice field The water mirror of the rice field in front of the rice plant, which can be said to be the original scenery of Japan, and the remaining snow of Kaikomagatake are reflected in the water mirror, and the JR Koumi Line climbs the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake. The JR Koumi Line is a Highlands-row Car that runs on JR's most Elevation line Car and the scenery from the window is also spectacular.

Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake In Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands, dandelion flowers bloom in the fresh greenery meadow, and the remaining snow of Yatsugatake is beautiful

Spring Highlands In Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands, dandelions bloom in the meadows and the remaining snow of Yatsugatake is beautiful

Plum Bloom Report — Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum as of February 27 The Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (Asakura Fumio Kinenkan) sits in Asochi Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture. Many plum trees are planted throughout the park. Most buds remain closed, so it felt about 10% in bloom. We will update the flowering status as it progresses. Location: Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (1587-11 Ikeda, Asochi Town, Bungo Ono City) Parking: Available (free) Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Mt. Gokayama in the Snow Snow piles up on the triangular-roofed gassho-zukuri house born from the wisdom of the Heavy snowfall area in the Aikura gassho-zukuri village in the snowy Gokayama of Echichu, and Impression by the wisdom of our ancestors who let the snow fall with Nature

Sunset in Arasaki At dusk in Arasaki, where the wind blows and white waves rise, you can see Izu Oshima Island and Mt. Fuji faintly in the distance.

Photographed on March 1: The ume plum trees at Atami Plum Garden are still in full bloom! Atami Plum Garden Ume Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/46...

Hello! This is Koshu local cuisine Waraji. The weather has been mild these past few days, and you can already sense hints of spring at Shosenkyo Gorge. Still, the forecast still shows some snow days, and temperatures vary widely, so please go out dressed warmly. After strolling through the richly natural Shosenkyo Gorge, why not take a relaxing break with our specialty, the tororo soba set meal? Enjoy a blissful moment as smooth soba noodles meet richly flavored grated yam. With crispy tempura and small side dishes included, your body and spirit are sure to be satisfied. We look forward to your visit.

Rape Blossom and Fuji You can see rape flowers and Mt. Fuji from Azumayama Park in Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Ninomiya Station on the JR Tokaido Line

Stars orbiting the North Star Here at Nobeyama Highlands Elevation There are Nobeyama Radio Observatory National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Highlands of 1300~1500m. In winter, the air is clear and it is a perfect place for stargazing. Looking at the stars orbiting the North Star, you can't help but feel the profundity of the universe.

Dawn on the Nobeyama Highlands Fuji and the Southern Alps seen from the Shinshu Nobeyama Highlands, the clouds hanging over the Southern Alps are dyed red by the Sunrise, and the sun is about to rise

Fuji Waiting for Dawn Fuji at dawn seen from the Shinshu Nobeyama Highlands

Yatsugatake dyed in the Sunrise Morgenroth of Yatsugatake seen from the Yatsugatake Observation decks Shishiiwa on a winter morning At sunrise, it turns red from the top of the mountain, and as the sun rises, it gradually turns toward the base.

Is this a great egret? It is releasing a small twig it grabbed along with a tiny fish. Today marks the start of March. The expected high is 11°C, and it looks set to be a warm, springlike day. (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

23rd Arao Pear Blossom Genki Walk Saturday, March 29, 2025 The season of soft, joyful spring sunlight has arrived. Delicate white blossoms will bloom on Arao’s specialty pear trees. Would you like to walk through Arao’s spring scenery with us? We are pleased to announce an approximately 8-kilometer walking event that starts at Arao City Mall and goes to Mizuno Park and back. After the walk, we will hold a raffle with luxurious prizes, including gift certificates usable at Youme Town and a delivery of 3 kg of Arao pears this autumn. Event Date Saturday, March 29, 2025 (Reiwa 7) 9:00 AM–1:00 PM ※Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather Registration: 8:30 AM–9:30 AM Opening Ceremony: 9:30 AM Start: Mass start immediately after the opening ceremony Final Goal: 12:30 PM Course Start/Goal: Youme Town City Mall Parking Lot A Turnaround: Mizuno Park Eligibility Those who are confident in their physical fitness Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian How to Apply ♦ Application Period From 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 (Reiwa 7) to 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 (Reiwa 7) ♦ Application Method Online application form Search for “Arao Pear Blossom Genki Walk” Contact Arao Pear Blossom Genki Walk Executive Committee (Arao City Tourism, Culture and Exchange Division, Tourism Promotion Office) TEL 0968-63-1421 Participation Fee 500 yen (elementary school age and older) Competition Rules The event is conducted by walking the designated course. Participants must travel on foot only; bicycles, cars, and similar vehicles are not permitted. ※In the event of injuries to participants, first aid and coverage within the organizer’s insurance will be provided; other liabilities will not be assumed. Organizer: Arao Pear Blossom Genki Walk Executive Committee (Secretariat: Arao City Tourism, Culture and Exchange Division) Supported by: Tamana Agricultural Cooperative (JA Tamana); Arao City Tourism Association (general incorporated association) Cooperation: JA Tamana Arao Pear Section; Youme Town City Mall; Greenland; Yakiniku Nulbon Garden

Nanahata Road 2025 Held in until Sunday, March 9 20 minutes walk from Awa Kamogawa Station Picking rape flowers is 200 yen for 10 bottles It gets crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, so please Use the Kamogawa City office parking lot (free) Car Car

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 4/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest celebrates its 14th year this time. While recent years have favored digital submissions and entries via social media, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format, judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to serve as a special juror. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries from November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, across four categories: Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five Special Prize winners. Congratulations! 🎊 The final installment will appear in the next post. Stay tuned📸♪ ✴︎Special Prize✴︎ “Morning Awakening, In the Calm” Hazuki Yamada “As in Ancient Times” Masao Kainuma “A Night of Complete Ice Cover” Masaru Murakami “Nature’s Vitality” Tadashi Takeda “Charge” Toshikazu Yanagihori

Iwamotoyama Park (Shizuoka) Located in the southwestern part of the city Elevation the Nature Park is a Use of a hilly area of more than 193 meters. In addition to the Lawn square, Ume Plum garden, and Nature observation Zone, Hiking Course are also Maintenance in the park, and from the Observation decks you can see the Fuji River to the west, the Izu Peninsula from the oceanic Suruga Bay to the south, and Fuji to the north, and you can Unfolds the best view of the East Sea. Especially in early Spring, about 300 Ume Plums bloom, making it an excellent photo point for "Mt. Fuji and Ume Plums". Famous as a superb view point for night views, you can see a beautiful illumination from Fuji City to Shimizu Port. Famous cafes are also located in the park, where you can eat fluffy pancakes.

Photographed on February 27: The plums at Atami Plum Garden are still largely in full bloom! Atami Plum Garden Plum Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/46... The 81st Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/355...

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida