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

[Saturday, March 25] Motorcycle and meat Events "RIDE & MEAT @UBUYAMA PLACE" Held in decided! Admission is free. Kitchen Car, BBQ of meat, motorcycle test ride, etc., it is a day that you can enjoy on the stage of Aso in early Spring. Location: UBUYAMA PLACE (formerly Ubuyama Ranch)　 Date: Saturday, March 25, 9:00-15:00 (In case of rain, it will be postponed to the next day) Admission: Free * Participants will receive a "Kumamon Sticker"! * Manufacturers that can be test-driven ・YAMAHA ・BMW Motorrad ・Aprilia ・Royal Enfield ・MUTT #UBUYAMAPLACE #Spring Aso #Yamanami Highway #After open burning #Ubuyama #Aso is a sacred place for motorcycles #Bikes #Delicious Beef #Spring Events #Kids can also enjoy it #Kitchen Car

~Ubuyama Midwinter Flea Market~ Held in on Sunday, February 23, the midwinter flea market was successfully completed with Many people Stalls and many customers coming. Held in the event for the first time, and I think 😭 there were many points that we could not reach We are very grateful that we were able to Held in the event with good weather thanks to everyone's cooperation. Normally, I should have thanked each and every one of the Stalls, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Ubuyama is one of the most mountainous areas in Aso, There is a where the cold is severe. Many people came to such a place and said, "It was fun," and it became a Minamoto of our energy. Held in Events where we can connect with everyone like this. There is a very much for taking this opportunity to thank all the Stalls and visitors. #Ubuyama #Kumamoto #Aso #Flea Market #Midwinter

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

【Mt. Fuji 🥰 from Fujikawa Town Ashirindo Road】 Diamond Fuji Spot Fujikawa Town Takashita The Ashifurin Road is an extension of the area and Mt. Fuji. As in the Takashita area, around the winter solstice in December, You can see Diamond Fuji.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 1/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and entries via social media have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, as a special juror to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won awards. The Grand Prize went to Koshirou Murakumo’s “Enchanting Lake Surface.” Congratulations 🎊 We will present all the winning entries over five installments starting this week, so please look forward to them 📸♪ *Grand Prize* “Enchanting Lake Surface”: Koshirou Murakumo

How many snow patterns can you see from Shinano-Omachi? Today's quiz! We had an enormous amount of snow this winter. On mornings when I have to dig my car out before commuting, I feel completely drained from the start of the day. This morning the snow glittered, each flake shining like a crystal. The temperature dropped sharply and the air itself seemed to sparkle. When spring comes and the mountain snow begins to melt, snow patterns appear on the slopes. In Hakuba, where I grew up, there are patterns like the rice-transplanting horse and the Takeda crest on Goryu, but I learned that Azumino has many other snow patterns too! How many do you know? How many snow patterns can be seen from Omachi City? As always, find the answer on our blog! Please come visit us. We also introduce station-to-hike courses that start in April. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... The Omachi City Tourism Association's Instagram logo has been refreshed! We mainly introduce activities in Shinano-Omachi. Please follow and like our page! Likes make us very happy and encourage us a lot. https://www.instagram.com/omachi_activitybook/... Thank you for always reading!

On February 23rd, I went camping at a campsite with a view of Mt. Fuji for 3 days and 2 nights. Dad's favorite daughter I'm inviting my father to make a bonfire in the morning. Father: Oh my gosh. Watching from behind Mt. Fuji. A peaceful start to the day

Neighborhood Diving! 🚙✨ Enjoy it in Enoura! Today, I enjoyed diving in Enoura, the sea of Kanagawa, which is only 35 minutes away from the store! 🏝️✨ 📍 江之浦, 小田原市, Kanagawa I'm really happy 😊 that the sea is so beautiful even though it's so close 🏖️ < There are plenty of diving Spot that can be reached in less than 1 hour!> From the Hokule'a Shonan shop, you can access many dive sites such as Enoura, Iwa, Fukuura, Zushi, Shizuura, etc.! 🚙💨 Today's schedule is truly a luxurious day ✨ ☀️ Leisurely dive 🤿 in the morning 🍽 Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way back ⏰ Before you know it, it's only 14 o'clock! What to do after this? In this way, you can enjoy both diving and private time, which is the charm of neighborhood diving! 📍 < Transparency 15m> Today, we were divided into a fun dive team and an underwater mapping team! 🔦 Swim between tetrapods and feel adventurous! 📍 The underwater mapping team is also practicing on the surface of the water to improve their skills! 💪 Growing to become a Divemaster! Acclaimed, followed by ✨ the best seas Let's dive together! 🐠😊 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please contact DM! ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Rainy Coast Sunrise　 A place where you can see the 3000m-class mountain range over the sea

Photographed on February 24 at Itogawa, the Atami cherry blossoms Some trees have passed peak bloom, but they are still beautiful. The light-up ends today, February 24 (4:30 PM–11:00 PM) Atami Cherry Blossom Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/47... The 15th Atami Cherry Blossom Itogawa Festival (2025 concluded; light-up only until February 24) https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/208...

Photos taken on February 23 and 24: the plum blossoms at Atami Plum Garden are at their best. The 81st Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/355...

A cold snap hits the Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival! The plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but a spectacular bloom of snow flowers has appeared ❄️ Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

【Winter at the Three Nishina Lakes ⛄️】 Omachi City has seen consecutive midwinter days❄️ At this time of year, the city’s lakes offer winter-only scenery😌 Thin ice spreads across wide areas of Lake Kizaki’s surface❄️ Snow has piled on the banks of Noguga River, which flows from Lake Nakatsuna, forming a white serpent🐍 Thin ice has formed along the shore of Lake Aoki❄️ The three lakes lie toward the northern part of the city, where heavy snowfall has built high walls of snow along both sides of the roads⛄️ The lakes are almost hidden from the road by the snowbanks💦 Today the sky was cloudy, but at the newly opened ao LAKESIDE CAFE from last year you can enjoy coffee or a meal while gazing at the snow-capped Hakuba Peaks across the lake☕ ☕ao LAKESIDE CAFE🍽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/ao-lakeside-cafe/... ⭐️For sightseeing in Omachi City⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Scene of acorns rolling in the Menkawa Valleys in Ehime Prefecture. The headwaters of Niyodo Blues Minamoto are highly transparent and very attractive. Scenes of acorns rolling are video and posted on youtube.

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is now underway! At Romantopia Tsukigase, Yumekko Cafeteria is open♪ At Romantopia Tsukigase, enjoy the proud "irori set" cooked over a sunken hearth: you grill Tsukigase-grown log shiitake mushrooms, homemade konnyaku, and yomogi rice dumplings over charcoal yourself! Cover them generously with our special yuzu miso and enjoy♪ We also recommend our udon dishes, made with carefully prepared dashi broth!! The meat udon features Iga beef plus shiitake, spinach, and thinly sliced mochi for a luxurious bowl! We carry many souvenirs not only from Tsukigase but from neighboring areas as well! A cold snap has arrived, so the plum blossoms still haven't opened much yet... For now, food beats flowers♪ When the blossoms are at their peak, every teahouse gets extremely crowded! Come now for the food while you can♪

Hello, this is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. The cold days continue for a while yet. At Shosenkyo Gorge you can enjoy winter-only scenery. The dramatic Sengataki Waterfall is not to be missed. Spray from the falling water catches the sunlight and sparkles even more beautifully. The air is clear and feels wonderfully refreshing. Take a peaceful walk through quiet Shosenkyo Gorge. The birthstone for February, amethyst ✨, carries meanings such as sincerity, inner peace, love, and mental stability. Amethyst is said to calm the mind, and placing it by your pillow is believed to help with a good night’s sleep. We also offer a wide selection of natural stones and gemstones, so please stop by. We look forward to meeting many smiling faces 😊

Is it the moment it lands on the branch? This shot perfectly captures the majestic presence of a white-tailed eagle ✨ (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)