Photographed on January 11, 2014.
This is the New Year’s ladder-riding ritual by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.
Actually, I was laid up with a cold and couldn’t go see the ladder acrobatics, the rifle team demonstration, or the boat parade on the Shingashi River. 😭

Sakuhomachi Tourist Facility Opening Information

Tourist facilities on Yachiho Kogen
will open for the season in stages🌿

■ Yachiho Lake
Operating period: April 17 – October 30
🐟 A popular spot for fishing and relaxing by the lakeside

■ yachiho highland nature park
Operating period: April 23 – November 8
🌲 Enjoy a walk through birch groves and past waterfalls while soaking in nature

■ Flowering Tree Garden and Mallet golf course
Operating period: May 16 – October 12
🌷 A casual area to enjoy the natural scenery of Yachiho Kogen

Each facility has different opening hours,
so please check the image for details.

This season, come to Yachiho Kogen to enjoy everything from fresh greenery to autumn leaves🌱

When I go to Japan I often forget many things.
I wonder if you are the same as me?
Here are items I often leave behind:
passport, visa, phone, small pack of tissues, sanitary products, copy of ID, ID card, swimsuit, sunscreen.
I hope everyone can enjoy their trip abroad!

A while ago, I went to Okinawa for a trip.
It was so fun that I now have a good idea of what to do.
If you’re new to traveling, don’t forget Japanese public transport etiquette.
1. Line up while waiting for the bus or train and follow the rule of letting passengers exit before boarding.
2. After boarding, switch your backpack to a handheld bag or carry it in front of you.
If you’re a beginner, I recommend reading more articles about traveling in Japan.
Please support me.

A magnificent magnolia was in bloom. Against the blue sky, it really makes a strong impression!

A beautiful weeping cherry tree was in bloom.
Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are lovely, but the weeping cherry is lovely too 💓

Pale pink camellia blossoms were blooming beautifully💓 I really like this flower’s color scheme😊

I found a cute purple flower.
Pink cherry blossoms are the main attraction at this time of year, but purple ones are lovely too ❤

I found a lovely flower bed in the park on a sunny day. White and yellow flowers are blooming energetically ☺️

The sky over Kushiro, said to be one of the world’s three great sunsets.
After checking in, time slows as you take in the view beyond the window.

You can’t know the ease of Kushiro until you experience it in person.
Its silence and the feeling in the air turn every moment into something special.

Enjoy a comfortable stay in pollen-free Kushiro.
We also offer high-floor upgrade plans and Golden Week packages.

▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja

Photographed on March 25, 2014.
This is Homare-zakura along the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
It was half in bloom.

Photographed on March 25, 2014.
Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store has reached its eighth anniversary since opening.
Congratulations‼️㊗️🎉🌈

From special-date limited-value accommodation plans to extended-stay plans for a leisurely multi-night visit.

Choose from a wide range of stay styles to match how you want to spend your time.

Which way will you spend your time?

Green season operations begin Saturday, April 25.
📍Kussharo Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/

Photographed on March 25, 2014.
Yesterday I went to see the homarezakura (Homare cherry blossoms) along the Shingashi River.
Before visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I took a break at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store.
I had an oat milk latte and a strawberry doughnut.

At the park I sometimes visit with my child, vibrant purple magnolia blossoms were in bloom 😊
Their deep pink stood out beautifully against the blue sky ✨

Ongoing events through Golden Week‼

① Ongoing until supplies last
Ihama margaret picking
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=91181&cat=18736&type=event

② Ongoing until around May 5
Strawberry picking
https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/

③ March 28–April 5
Yuigahama cherry blossom tour
http://www.the-surface.com/event.html#sakura

④ April 1–May 5
Bamboo shoot picking and the takeno‑ko eatery opens
http://takenokomura.com/

⑤ April 3
Irozaki Gongen Festival
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=3725&cat=18736&type=event

⑥ April 18 and 19
Va'a Japan 4th Japan Cup in Minami‑Izu
https://www.vaajapan.com/2026-japan-nationals

⑦ April 29
Lead-horse riding experience day
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=7746&cat=18736&type=event

Spring in Minami‑Izu features both Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms, and it also offers abundant sea- and mountain-based nature experiences, so it’s surprisingly hot (exciting) just for that‼

Events across Minami-Izu Town!
https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-eventlist&eventlist=18736

Photographed on March 24, 2014.
This is Homarezakura by the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
The cherry blossoms were about 30% in bloom.

March 23rd
A gloriously clear, sunny day in Azumino
Many hikers at the summit of Mount Nagamine were enjoying this view!!
Today even hang gliders made an appearance

March 18th
Today's scenery of Azumino
View from Ohisama Road

March 18th
Spring has arrived in Azumino
Plum blossoms have begun to bloom at Daio Wasabi Farm, and the red and white hues stand out against the wasabi fields

March 5th
From the summit of Mount Nagamine in Azumino’s satoyama, you can enjoy a sky-high view
Views of Azumino town and the Northern Alps
The forest road is still closed for the winter, so please climb on foot and work up a sweat♪

March 4th
Azumino, where it rained all day yesterday
When the rain stopped, the mountains were dusted with snow
Just when I thought most of the snow had melted, the Northern Alps put on their winter coat again

Photographed on March 1, 2014.
This is the hana-temizu (decorative floral water basin) at the omikuji distribution counter of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store before going to see the Homarezakura cherry blossoms along the Shingashi River.
I had an oat milk latte and a vanilla old‑fashioned doughnut.

Cherry blossom season has arrived 🌸
The lovely pink hues are so soothing ☺️

A sunset that takes your breath away no matter how many times you see it.

From the moment the sun sets,
to the instant it turns into a night view,
every moment makes mealtime special.

Enjoy a variety of lunch options and dinner courses featuring Western and Japanese cuisine, all served with the view from the top floor.

We offer seasonal dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients, such as a limited-time herbal set.

For a quietly lovely time in Kushiro.

👉 For details, follow the link in our profile
▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
A wooden Buddhist statue exhibition was on display in the main hall of Chu-in.
From the left: the Eleven-Faced Kannon, an Eleven-Faced Kannon bodhisattva statue, and the Chuguji bodhisattva.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Nakanoin.

Photographed on March 21, 2014.
These are the weeping cherry tree and mimosa at Nakanoin.
I tried again.

Toyama’s Spring Quartet

Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind.

For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.