Event Announcement📣 The 7th Shimizu Shakkoi Festival will be held🎵 This year we plan to bring back the ever-popular Snow Treasure Hunt game and candy toss😊 There will also be festival stalls offering target shooting and raffle draws, plus food trucks😍 We promise a fun day and look forward to welcoming everyone🤗 🔶Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026 🔶Time: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM (canceled in severe weather) 🔶Venue: Shimizu Central Park and Shimizu Town Cultural Center 📞Inquiries: 0156-62-2208 (Shimizu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry) https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_75.html...

Photographed on January 31, 2014. These are the flower-filled water basins at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 1, 2014. This is the Setsubun floral chozu (flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Event Announcement📣 From February 7 to February 8, Japan’s coldest town, Rikubetsucho, will host the 42nd Shibare Festival😊 Over two days, the festival will feature stage shows, local idol live performances, comedy acts, a children’s raffle, gaming tournaments and many other attractions🎵 The “Human Cold Endurance Test,” where you can experience Japan’s coldest conditions, draws participants from across and beyond Hokkaido every year. Participants stay overnight in a balloon mansion (an ice kamakura) and endure a brutally cold night in this extreme challenge! (Registration for this year is closed) There are no stoves; the only permitted source of warmth for challengers is the festival’s symbol, the giant fire storm, which helps warm participants🔥 The venue also hosts numerous food stalls where you can enjoy local cuisine😍 You can try venison dishes made from Ezo deer raised in Rikubetsu’s great outdoors, stylish cafe menus, and festival classics like yakitori and curry🤗 📍Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Sunday, February 8, 2026, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM 📍Location: Event Square (Uenbetsu, Rikubetsu Town) 📍Contact: Shibare Festival Executive Committee Office (Rikubetsu Town Office, Industry Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section TEL:0156-27-2141) https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/shibare/...

Photographed on February 1, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a cacao mousse latte and a chocolate tart. 😊🍫

Event Announcement📣 On Friday, February 6, join us in Shihorocho for a one-night candlelit evening called “Shihoro on ICE,” featuring ice candles made by the community😊 The evening will include candle art by the Shihoro Town Central Junior High School Art Club, and—weather permitting—snow sculptures created by local volunteers may make an appearance!?⛄️ Warm snacks and beverages will be available at the venue☕️ 📍Date and Time: Friday, February 6, 2026, 4:30 PM–7:30 PM 📍Location: In front of Town Plaza 📞Contact: Shihoro on ICE Organizing Committee (Hattori: 080-1897-4728) 🔶Ice Candle Drop-off Period Tuesday, February 3–Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM: Committee members will collect ice candles at Town Plaza, so please make them at home and bring them by✨We look forward to seeing your creations🤗 🔶Volunteers Wanted Volunteers are needed on Friday, February 6 from 1:00 PM to help with venue setup and lighting—join us in making the event shine🎵

Today I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the shrine grounds around 7:30 a.m.

Photographed on January 21, 2026. This week's lunch at le bilboquet in Akasaka is chicken thigh and Chinese cabbage simmered in a ginger cream sauce. With ginger 🫚 in the dish, it warms the body.

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026 The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held February 1 – March 10 🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸 Live Camera https://x.gd/smGtI... 〈If arriving by public transportation〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.) The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop. Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp// 〈If arriving by car〉 Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them. ⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety. Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.

Photographed on January 21, 2014. These are the hana-chōzu (flower water basins) at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the dog-year omikuji from Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. It has a lovely retro vibe. 😊

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the twelve-zodiac omikuji from Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. It's cute. 😊

[Held at Hakata Station] Announcing the Amakusa Reihoku “Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event” and the Ohisama Marche, packed with the charms of Amakusa Reihoku! On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the big event “Learn About Amakusa: Amakusa Reihoku Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event,” where you can experience the attractions of Reihoku with all five senses, will take place at Hakata Station Square, Fukuoka’s gateway! The Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association will also bring our proud local specialties to enliven the Ohisama Marche booth. Feel the breeze of Amakusa Reihoku—less than an hour’s flight from Fukuoka—right at the venue. 🛍️ Ohisama Marche: Featured Lineup This time’s market carefully selects the best tastes from Reihoku! ⚪︎ Celebrating the Kumamoto-Oshi Dora Grand Prix 2025 award! “Salt Dorayaki” — a masterpiece from long-established local wagashi maker Kurose Seikaho. The just-right saltiness enhances the sweetness, creating a taste you won’t forget. ⚪︎ “Canned Fish from Amakusa Takushin High School Marine Campus” packed with youthful energy — these popular specialty cans were lovingly made by local high school students during practical training. ⚪︎ “Processed Seafood Products” — seaweeds and senbei (rice crackers) made with shrimp and octopus caught in Amakusa’s rich waters; perfect for cooking or snacking. ⚪︎ “Fresh Seasonal Vegetables” sold directly by local farmers — proudly grown under Reihoku’s abundant sun. 👓 Experience & Consultation Booths: Learn About and Get Close to Reihoku In addition to the market, we offer corners where you can learn more deeply about Reihoku. ⚪︎ Metaverse Reihoku Travel (VR experience) — Using VR, why not tour Reihoku’s beautiful sea and scenery in 360-degree video while staying in Fukuoka? ⚪︎ Migration and Dual-Base Living Consultation — Reihoku town staff and regional revitalization team members will staff a consultation corner. Let’s talk openly about daily life and work in Reihoku. ⚪︎ Tourism PR & Talk Events — We will share every last highlight of Amakusa Reihoku. We have lovely gifts prepared for participants, so please stop by. 📅 Event Details Name: Learn About Amakusa! Amakusa Reihoku Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event Date and Time: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 11:00–17:00 at Hakata Station Square Organizer: Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture Contact: (Event planning and management) Parallab Co., Ltd. 📞092-986-9671 ✉️info@parallab.jp To everyone using Hakata Station and anyone with even a slight interest in Amakusa and Reihoku: we truly look forward to meeting you at the venue and sharing stories about Reihoku!

Photographed on January 26, 2014. A cafe latte from cafe andon, an apple pie, and soft-serve ice cream from forest ranch.

Photographed on January 26, 2014. This is an apple pie from cafe andon and soft-serve ice cream from forest ranch.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen monkeys A place famous for monkeys bathing in hot springs A monkey gazing at the hot spring amid falling snow A sense of melancholy lingered.

Photographed on January 26, 2014. This is cafe andon's avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set. When your workplace environment changes, it can be quite challenging. 😅

From January 27, 2026, local sake sales begin🍶 At roadside station iwanai, we offer “Junmai Daiginjo Yama” and “Junmai Ginjo Umi” in 720ml and 300ml bottles♪ *Amazake is not available for sale. Prices are as follows ⇩ “Junmai Daiginjo Yama” 720ml 2,970 yen (tax included) 300ml 1,485 yen (tax included) “Junmai Ginjo Umi” 720ml 2,200 yen (tax included) 300ml 1,100 yen (tax included) “Junmai Daiginjo Yama” polished rice ratio 45% It has a fruity, clean taste without off-flavors, making it an excellent match with snacks like cheese! “Junmai Ginjo Umi” polished rice ratio 60% Enjoy it as a table sake that brings out the best in dishes such as sashimi It won the gold prize in the Junmai category at the 2023 new-sake tasting contest hosted by the Sapporo Regional Taxation Bureau✨ We look forward to seeing you♪

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine at around 7:30 a.m.

※This gift campaign is open to registered Miyoshi Tourism Ambassadors only. “Posting a review (impressions) on Instagram” is a condition to participate in this campaign, which lets you experience a “Miyoshi Specialty”🖊️ ◼︎“Miyoshi Specialty” Experience & Review Campaign Application period: Monday, January 26, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026 Winners announced: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 ※Only winners will be contacted. Please reply with the required information by the deadline stated in the winning notification. ◼︎List of Miyoshi Specialties A total of 30 winners will be selected, five winners for each item🎁✨ A. Western-style liqueur cake (10 pieces) B. HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY 3-bottle set C. Good Morning Fruit Breakfast Set D. Cheese manju (6 pieces) E. Hojicha syrup & habu grass tea set F. Mountain yam energy set ※Items A and B contain alcohol. If you are sensitive to alcohol, please refrain from applying. Applicants under 20 years old cannot apply for item B. ◼︎How to apply After registering as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador, apply via the official LINE account. ◼︎How to register as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador If you are not yet registered as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador, sign up via the link below → then register with the official LINE account from the auto-reply email♪ https://miyoshi-daisuki.com// ◼︎Eligibility requirements ・Be a registered Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador ・Have an Instagram account and post with a public profile ・If selected, be able to post a product review (impressions) on Instagram ・Be able to complete a survey after the gift campaign ◼︎Notes ・Shipments are scheduled for around mid-February. ※Because the campaign aims to have winners experience Miyoshi specialties and share them on Instagram, entries from private (locked) accounts will not be selected. We look forward to applications from everyone who loves Miyoshi City💕☺️ https://miyoshi-daisuki.com//

Photographed on January 21, 2014. These are New Year decorations at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.🎍

Take a little breather from your busy days. The popular market event “Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche” is finally celebrating its 7th edition! This time marks the third time it will be held in Reihoku Town👏 Why not spend a special day filled with “beauty, healing, and deliciousness” at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center? 🌿 How to enjoy the marche This edition features three delightful sections. [Treatment Corner]💆‍♀️ Warmth therapies, massages, head spas, and other treatments that help you relax both body and mind. [Hands-on & Sales Corner]🛍 Stalls selling handmade goods, fortune-telling, beauty experiences, and other booths perfect for treating yourself. [Food Corner]🍕🥐 From bento boxes and sweets to bread and pizza—there’s a satisfying lineup to fill your stomach. ✨ Highlights this time! Stamp rally! Visit venues around the site and collect stamps for a chance to win great prizes♪ Everyone is welcome! Admission is free. Whether you come with family and friends or drop by on your own for a little “yorimichi,” you’re warmly invited🤍 📅 Event details Date & Time: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (national holiday) 10:00–16:00 Location: Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) Admission: Free Organizer: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) Planning & Management: CROSSLINK On a winter afternoon, our staff look forward to seeing your smiling faces. Please feel free to stop by for a little “yorimichi”🌼

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the 'Musubi no Kirameki Flower-Hand-Water' at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, along with a good-luck horse talisman for the Year of the Horse. 🐴✨ This seasonal flower-hand-water display is for a limited time, and today is the final day.

Photographed on January 21, 2014. This is the “Musubi no Kirameki” floral water basin at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is on display for a limited time until January 27.

Event Announcement 📣 The 63rd Obihiro Ice Festival runs from January 30 to February 1. 😊 With the theme of bringing warmth and joy to the northern winter, the festival offers a wide variety of attractions. 🎵 The venue features ice-focused works: ice carvings, ice and snow sculptures, and ice masks made by elementary school students. Families can also enjoy popular attractions like rotating sleds, tube sliders, ice slides, and snow rafting. 😍 Workshops for building snowmen and creating sparkling snow domes let visitors fully experience snow and ice over these three days. 🤗 📍Date and Time: Friday, January 30, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10:00–20:00 (Final day closes at 5:00 PM) 📍Location: Midorigaoka Park 📞Contact: Obihiro Festival Promotion Committee TEL: 0155-22-8600 https://obihiro-icefes.com//

There was a Statue of Liberty in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture. Its purpose is unclear, but similar statues seem to be found in many places across Japan. If you are interested, please look it up.

Photographed on January 22, 2014. This is the New Year “Musubi no Kirameki” flower water basin at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is on display for a limited time until Tuesday, January 27. I start work at my new workplace today. With a fresh start, I will do my best. 😊

"Gyugyutto, a compact roundup of tourist information" At the recent Okhotsk Fair held at Chi-Ka-Ho we distributed an A4 double-sided summary of Nishiokoppe Village tourist information. Eat, stay, play, shop… I thought about what first-time visitors to Nishiokoppe Village would want to know and carefully selected information, so I decided to post it on social media too! 〇 Access Since the event venue was sapporo station I looked into travel options from sapporo station to Nishiokoppe Village. It takes about four to six hours by car 🚙 It’s a bit of a short road trip. There are gas stations in the village, so you can feel reassured if you come by car 🙌 〇 Eat, stay, play… Some facilities are open only in summer. In addition to the images, there are events and outdoor activities you can enjoy in nature. 〇 Souvenirs You can buy souvenirs not only at Roadside Station Kamu and Hotel Rimu but also at local shops. Some items are offered as hometown tax return gifts (furusato nozei) and some are available from online shops ✨ Hometown tax sites >> Satofull, Rakuten Furusato Nozei, Furusato Choice > Milk Design, which handles grass-fed milk > Seto Beef Farm, which grows and sells vegetables - Last year, Nishiokoppe Village released a new tourism pamphlet that provides more detailed introductions to each facility’s appeal and basic information. For general tourism inquiries, please feel free to contact the Nishiokoppe Village Tourist Information Center the Rizumu. 📞 0158-85-7125 📩 ni.kankouannai at mark gmail.com #Okhotsk #Access #Stay #Eat #Drink #Shop"

Photographed on January 24, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s lemonade and a kumquat Basque cheesecake. On cold days, citrus-flavored treats taste especially good. 😊🍊🍋

Photographed on January 24, 2014. This is LEC COFFEE’s kumquat Basque cheesecake. It contains kumquats and is delicious. 😊🍊