56th Takashima Castle Festival Hello everyone! The hot weather continues. 💦 This weekend the forecast is uncertain, but the Takashima Castle Festival will take place on Sunday the 25th. The festival commemorates the 1970 reconstruction of Takashima Castle’s keep. Along with Taiko drumming, a dragon-god dance, and kiyari work chants, the grounds will host a Suwa City recommended souvenir exhibition and sale, among other events. ・Date and time ⇒ Sunday, May 25, 2025, 9:00–15:00 ・Location ⇒ Takashima Park ・Attractions ⇒ Stage performances and various vendors ・Parking ⇒ Suwa Lake Event Plaza (for visitors) For details, please check the URL below! https://suwacci.or.jp/suwayoiteko/lp/takashimajousai/...

"Between Light and Prayer" Winter sunlight shines softly from behind the snow-covered Buddha. In the freezing air, I felt the warmth of quiet and sure prayer. This is one of the images of Japan that I saw. A country where tranquility, beauty and prayer are together.

At the ‘‘Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park’’ in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—situated almost in the exact center of the Chugoku region—the rose garden has reached peak bloom starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Colorful roses are in full bloom, and each one is beautiful. This rose garden was newly established in 2020 on roughly 400 square meters and features 118 varieties and 206 repeat-blooming rose shrubs. To enliven the north area and enhance the garden’s appeal, we began collaborating with rose enthusiasts from Shobara City in July 2024 to improve fertilization, perform detailed pruning, and train plants on arches and fences as part of ongoing cultivation and maintenance. We have added varieties such as Michelangelo and Christian Dior to further enrich the rose garden. The garden is expected to be at its best from mid-May through late July and again from mid-October through late November. Blooming information (as of May 21) Name: Roses Varieties currently in bloom: Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and many others Bloom condition: Peak bloom Blooming period: Mid-May to late July; early October to late November Basic facility information Location: Inside Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 Contact: Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Website: For details, check the official Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park website!

Photographed 5/22/25. I went to Omotesando bread and espresso at approach to the temple. It's a moo toast set. They are moo toast, salad, deli, fried eggs, bacon and yogurt. 🍞🥗🍳🥓 The word "mou" means "soft" in French. Moo toast is tender and delicious. 😊

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】 Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"! We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨ From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏 Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️ Here is how to vote💡 【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】 ⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person. <If voting via Google Form> ・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A... ・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response. ⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance. <If voting via Instagram> ・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍ ⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware. <If voting at a polling location> ・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope. Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨ ⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand. Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗 1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1) 2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2) 3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3) 4 @_yuta610 (photo 4) 5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5) 6 @8215dr72 (photo 6) 7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7) 8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8) 9 @reoron001219 (photo 9) 10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10) 11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11) 12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12) We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

✳︎Events Information︎ ✳ 〜 Hirakawa Thanksgiving Day 〜 ◆ Date Saturday, May 24 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday, May 25 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ◆ Location @cafeandbar.lazo This weekend, café & bar LAZO will hold a Thanksgiving Day for Hirakawa Co., Ltd. There are also exhibits of Rinnai and Noritsu gas stoves and gas dryers. Also, if you are thinking of buying a new one or a new one because it seems to be a special price for Thanksgiving, please feel free to stop by. Also, if you can't come to the store at night! Why don't you take this opportunity to visit just to take a look inside the store? On the day of the event, you can enjoy drinks offered at the bar from the morning, as well as the owner's special 〆 Parfait 🍨 and various Cream Soda. You can also eat @get_new_sand sandwiches 🥪. Why don't you come to Shintoku Town on the weekend? #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Events Information #Station front Complex facility #tuktuk ##hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Today, I had a morning activity. It is milk tea with bread and espresso.

NEW OPEN on May 23! A new general store is opening in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture☕🌳 Its name is bonheur poche (bonheur poche). In French it means "pocket of happiness." The owner, Mr. Motoyoshi, is from Osaka and has worked mainly as an interior coordinator, contributing to the creation of over 1,000 homes. Driven by a long-held wish to run a café, Mr. Motoyoshi opened Satoyama Cafe An in October 2024. Families, café lovers, and visitors from afar keep returning to Satoyama Cafe An. The café, renovated from a 100-year-old traditional house, feels stylish and refined while holding a hint of nostalgia. He places particular care on creating a comfortable atmosphere. He sources everyday goods that blend into daily life and add a little richness to living. Bonheur poche will also host workshops in the future. Both Satoyama Cafe An and bonheur poche will continue to develop as places that visitors can enjoy. For details, see the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi site, Shobara Tourist Navi. Basic information for bonheur poche Opening date: Friday, May 23, 2025 Address: 89 Kamihara-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Monday and Tuesday; Sundays irregularly closed Parking: Available (shared with Satoyama Cafe An) Contact: 0824-74-6994 (shared with Satoyama Cafe An)

"A small prayer, a sparkling stream" Aomori Kinsei Inari Shrine. The sound of the water streaming quietly and the foxes wishing for good luck soothe my heart.

《Dancing in the Spring Breeze, Wishing Dharma》 Under the cherry blossoms, there was a row of small darumas. As if entrusting a wish that has not yet been fulfilled to the Spring breeze.

"Prayer of the North Country, Illuminated in Silence" Winter in Jozankei, Hokkaido. The countless lights floating in the snow make you feel the warmth of people even in the cold. The small light that illuminated my feet gently warmed my heart.

"Shiroi Road, Green Line" 　Where did you come from and where are you going? 　As I followed the green line with my eyes, I began to travel to my heart. 　

The tulips at Shichiku Garden are reaching their peak bloom 🌷 The garden offers free loaner hats decorated with flowers in a range of colors. Return to your childhood—put on a hat, take photos, and stroll around the grounds. On sunny days they also provide shade!! 👒 📌Good deals If you plan to visit three gardens, the “Tokachi Flower Tour Common Ticket” is a great value!! You can use it at any three of the six eligible gardens in the Tokachi area.♪ [Price] Three-garden admission ticket: ¥2,000 [Validity] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to October 13, 2025 (Monday, national holiday) [Eligible gardens] Shichiku Garden, Manabe Garden, Tokachi Hills, Tokachi Millennium Forest, Rokka no Mori, Nakasatsunai Art Village Garden [Where to buy] Each garden, Tokachi Tourist Information Center (Obihiro Station ESTA East Building 2F), Tokachi Gardens Hotel, Premier Hotel - CABIN - Obihiro, Hokkaido Hotel, Kangetsuen, Sasai Hotel, Dai-ichi Hotel, Daiheigen, Marimo Hire 📌Shichiku Garden [Open period] April 19 (Saturday) to October 31 (Friday) [Hours] 8:00–17:00 [Closed] Open every day during the season [Admission] Adults (high school and older) ¥1,000, elementary and junior high students ¥200, preschoolers free [Access] About 35 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport, about 15 minutes by car from Roadside Station Nakasatsunai https://shichikugarden.com//

JTB Special Column Car "Tabimonogata-go" has arrived! JTB "Tabimonogatari-go" has been a stop for three consecutive years since R5 This year, we had 🚃 the pleasure of entertaining for about 34 minutes on the platform of the station Approximately 60 customers, Shintoku Soba tea, 2 types of Soba hot water (rich Soba bath, Soba bath with dashi), Taste Soba Karinto, A limited assortment set was sold. After that, each of the participants took pictures in front of the photo frame on the platform and in front of the station, and enjoyed shopping at the shop on the premises. After leaving Shintoku Station, more than 10 groups were taking pictures at the "Soba Red Photo Frame" installed on the left hand side. And at the shop on the premises, the "Soba Karinto" that I tasted was well received and sold out. Even when we talk to customers who are returning to the platform "Because it was so delicious." "It goes well with Tea." I was able to hear a happy voice with Soba Karinto in my hand. We saw them off in the hope that they would stop by again next year. A little advertisement. The "Soba Red Photo Frame" installed in front of the station is not a face-fitting panel, but it can be photographed as if you were eating Soba noodles. If you are interested, please come to 💡 Shintoku Station The JTB special train "Tabimonogatari" has arrived! The JTB "Tabimonogatari" has been stopping by for three consecutive years since 2013. This year, we once again entertained customers on the station platform for about 34 minutes. 🚃 About 60 customers were served Shintoku soba tea, two types of soba soup (thick soba soup, soba soup with dashi), and soba kunto, and we sold them a limited assortment set. After that, each customer took photos in front of the photo frame on the platform or in front of the station, and enjoyed shopping at the shop on the premises. More than 10 groups of people took photos at the "Soba Red Photo Frame" installed on the left hand side just after leaving Shintoku Station. And at the shop on the premises, the "Sobakurentou" that was offered for tasting was so popular that it sold out. When we spoke to customers returning to the platform, we were able to hear happy voices with soba kunto in hand, saying, "It was very delicious" and "It goes well with tea." We sent them off in the hope that they will stop by again next year. A little advertisement: The "Soba Red Photo Frame" installed in front of the station is not a face-in panel, but you can take a picture of yourself as if you are eating soba noodles. If you are interested, please come to Shintoku Station. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Tourism #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #jr #Stellar Station #jtb #Tabimonogatari No. #Hospitality #Station front Complex facility #tuktuk ##hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #omotenashi #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Photographed 5/19/25. CAFE ANDON's Lemon and Poppy Seed Shortcake. 🍋

Photographed 5/19/25. This is CAFE ANDON's Andon chicken curry.

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

Photographed 5/19/25. CAFE ANDON's Squid was Ume Plum Specification. ☂️

There is no application for this Events, so there is no problem even if you jump in on the day!

[Video played on a large screen at the Ventforet Kofu match on May 17] On Saturday, July 5th, the world's first "Anisong fireworks festival" will Held in in Fujikawa Town! Broadcasting various attractions that you may not notice when you are in your Local area! * For more information, please search HoriPro Speed YouTube Channel!

Photographed 5/18/25. LEC COFFEE's Cold Yellowtail Cream and Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. Both are recommended. 😊

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!

Photographed 5/18/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. It was so delicious that I would like to visit again. 😊

Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, in a historic tea plantation. The starry sky was also wonderful.

Today was the Ennichi of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Precincts and Kawagoe Senarai Benten Itsukushima Shrine. There was a dedication.

Photographed on May 15, 25. After work, I took a walk around Shinjuku. It was my first time in Tokyo in a yellowtail. Soy latte and blueberry rare cheesecake. 🫐

The hydrangeas blooming in the tea plantation in the sky were wonderful. Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture 2024/7 gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

An aerial photo of Tomakomai ✨🛫 Can you sense the generally flat terrain with little elevation change? To the northwest of the city stands Mount Tarumae, an active volcano with an elevation of 1,041 meters. 1. Lake Utonai (does it look a bit like the shape of Hokkaido...?) 2. The city viewed from above Tomakomai West Port 3. The oil storage facility in eastern Tomakomai 4. Mount Tarumae lava dome (in the distance you can see Lake Shikotsu and Mount Fuppushi in Chitose)

Participate in the contest for the first time.