Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, stands as the best-preserved castle in Japan. This stunning fortress is not just a Japanese National Treasure but also a World Heritage site. With its 400-year-old, seven-story castle keep and over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom in spring, the castle's grounds are a sight to behold.

Doll Memorial Service Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Onsenji Temple, Rinzai Myoshinji School On March 17, 2014, I visited Onsenji Temple. It is about a ten-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. This temple performs memorial services for dolls and stuffed animals. It felt much like a funeral for dolls and stuffed toys. Onsenji holds a doll memorial service every March. In Japan, Boys’ Day falls on May 5 and Girls’ Day on March 3. Most grandparents give dolls to their grandchildren to pray for the child’s healthy growth. These are traditional Japanese dolls unique to Japan. As a result, many Japanese households own Japanese dolls. I believe dolls also have a spirit, like animism suggests. When your child owns a doll, the child plays with it. As the child grows up, they tend to move away from the doll. Most Japanese people do not simply throw away the dolls that watched over their children’s growth. That is because the dolls spent time with the child. Most Japanese think dolls have a soul. That is why they hold memorial services for dolls. That day, over 1,000 dolls were gathered. The chief priest chanted sutras for the dolls and stuffed animals for about 30 minutes. The priest offered thanks to the dolls with purifying salt. We prayed with the same feeling. It was a very mysterious experience. It was my first time seeing so many dolls and stuffed animals. Still, it was a deeply heartfelt Buddhist memorial for the dolls. I felt I could sense a little of Buddhist sentiment. That is why I love Japan!! Also, Onsenji is famous as a spot for autumn leaves. If you want to see beautiful foliage, please come and see the autumn colors at Onsenji.

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

Traditional Japanese straw raincoat in the coming season Nagoya, Aichi

Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles, is famous for its unique black exterior. Located in Matsumoto City for over 400 years, it houses a remarkable collection of weapons and armor from the Warring States Period. Despite never witnessing battle, it's a must-visit in Nagano Prefecture, especially during twilight hours for a peaceful experience. The sight of swans on the moat against the castle and the blueish-purple horizon is unforgettable.

Oshi Castle, located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, has a rich history dating back to the late 15th century. Despite facing numerous attacks, this formidable castle never succumbed. While the original structure no longer stands, visitors can still witness the earthen foundation of the main castle, the towering stone walls, the Korai Gate, and other fascinating ruins. The reconstructed "Three-storied Tower" from the Edo Period now houses captivating exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Ascend to the observation room on the highest floor for a breathtaking view of Gyoda City. My visit at twilight revealed an eerily silent and empty atmosphere, evoking the enchanting aura of this ancient site.

The sculptures at the Chichibu Treasure Climbing Shrine were gorgeous, and I couldn't help but take a picture. The fineness of the carvings and the vividness of the colors are all wonderful. It is a workmanship that makes you feel Cool Japan.

It is the Marunouchi station building of Tokyo Station that everyone knows. It is a symbol of the history of Japan's railways. After completion in 1914, it was partially destroyed during the Pacific War, and restoration work was completed in 2012. I think the spirit of trying to restore historical buildings to their original state is cool Japan.

I started helping farmers this year! For the first time, I learned that most of the famous lily root takes a lot of traditional manual work, and it takes five years to eat. And the young Indonesians I work with. Although we don't speak the language, we are important friends ^^ who work together to cherish historic specialties

Hyogo Prefecture Tamba Sasayama City Losing Kirai Inari If you climb the stone steps lined with the red Torii shrine gate gates of Mt. Tamba Sasayama and Mt. Oji, you will find the Heizaemon Inari Shrine enshrined on the Dohyo sumo ring, which is called "Makekirai Inari". It is widely believed that he is the god of good luck, disaster removal, prosperity in business, protection of victory, and success from the name of "defeat".

Nayoro Asparagus Festival will be held this weekend! Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024 Location: Nayose Street Shopping Street Special venue ▼Details▼ 1 Asparagus direct sales In the direct sale of the featured project, 500g each of seasonal asparagus L size and 2L size will be sold at a special event price! Sales are scheduled after the Opening Ceremony around 11:30, but may change before or after. 2 Asparagus Gourmet About 30 shops Stalls from Town/Village neighboring cities! Enjoy ♪ the event-limited asparagus gourmet 3 Asparagus Athletic Race Clear various obstacles to reach the goal and get asparagus and sweets! 4 Asparagacha An asparagus gacha with a good deal on asparagus will be set up at some time! 5 Various stages Don't miss the spectacular stage project, such as performances by circles and groups! One day ♪ of annual asparagus Please come to the venue!

This is higashichaya district. A chaya is basically “tea house “... during the edo period this place was crowded with rich people who came here for entertainment. Mainly geisha performance were the prime attraction. there are two more chaya districts popular in kanazawa. The other two are nishichaya and kazuemachi.. love that experienced and highly recommended place to visit in 2023.

I took a picture of the round window of Meigetsu-in Temple in Kita-Kamakura. Famous as a hydrangea temple, the iris garden behind the round window is also wonderful. It's cool Japan to make a window with such a design.

I looked up at Himeji Castle. You can see the multi-layered roof and the structure of the eaves, and it is not only beautiful. You can get a glimpse of the original appearance of the sturdy castle, and the people who made it in the past are the very essence of Cool Japan.

It is the Imperial Gate of Daigoji Temple, Kyoto. The chrysanthemum crest of the Imperial Family and the crest of Toyotomi's 75 paulownia shining in gold are truly gorgeous.

I cut out the corner window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

I cut out the round window of Unryu-in, a separate temple of Senchuku-ji Temple in the south of Kyoto. Senchung Temple is a prestigious and splendid temple, but perhaps because the transportation is a little inconvenient, tourists Surprisingly few, it is a hidden gem temple. You can see Unryuin Temple by going to the right hand side of the temple instead of heading to the main hall after entering the gate. Please visit it when you go to Kyoto.

Tea plantation in the sky While being bitten by leeches, I went to the Observatory. I can't 😅 climb anymore Ibi-gun, Gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

Carp streamers festival in Suzukawa As part of Suzukawa's environmental protection activities and the healthy development of children, each family had their unwanted Carp streamers swim, but when I see Carp streamers swimming energetically under the blue sky with Mt. Fuji in the background, I feel Spring every year.

During Golden Week, colorful Carp streamers appear in front of the main entrance on the first floor of Tokyo Tower. Carp streamers began when they decorated streamers in the shape of carp in hopes of the healthy growth of boys during the Dragon Boat Festival, but 333 Carp streamers were displayed to match the height of Tokyo Tower at 333m. It is spectacular to see them fluttering in the wind and swimming in the sky in unison.

Akitani / Tateishi Coast I have been going here several times a year for more than 30 years to see Mt. Fuji. This landscape, painted by the Edo period landscape painter Hiroshige Ando under the title "Aishu Miura Akiya no Sato," is a typical Japanese landscape, and personally, the sunset of Mt. Fuji and the single pine tree that grows wild on the rocky shore make me feel nostalgic.

It's exciting to be close to rice planting. Because you can take pictures of this kind of scenery. I took an aerial shot with a drone. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Flight plan report and flight log book have been prepared.

The Genbaku Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is a haunting UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. This solemn monument serves as a symbol of peace and a fervent plea to put an end to the use of nuclear weapons. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the Genbaku Dome was left standing in its ruined state to honor the lives lost and to inspire hope for a peaceful future.

Mita City, Hyogo Prefecture Prefectural Road No. 308 is a waterfall that can be seen along the prefectural road on the road that was opened as the Nagasawa Temple Mountain Road. A long time ago, the nuns of Nagasawa Temple practiced at this waterfall, so it was named Nun Falls.

Nagoya Castle 🏯 has a history of more than 400 years This is Nagoya Castle in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615 and then prospered as a residence of the Tokugawa family until the 16th generation. Later, it was burned down in World War II, but it was rebuilt. Today, it is crowded 🤤 with people from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the scenery that Ieyasu saw

During my visit to western Japan last autumn, my final stop was Hiroshima. Despite its tragic history, the city serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, much like the phoenix rising from the ashes. The Hiroshima Castle, which was reconstructed after being destroyed in World War II, stands as a testament to this resilience. The castle grounds provide a peaceful retreat with a variety of trees and flowers, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting for visitors. Inside the castle tower, the museum offers a chance to explore the rich history of the Hiroshima castle town and provides breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform at the top.

With the aim of regional revitalization, promotion of recognition, and expansion of consumption by Tomi Wine, which leads the Chikuma River Wine Valley, we will invite visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area and all over the country to hold a wine festival outdoors in May with a new look from every year autumn. This year, the event will be held for two days, and will also sell limited edition wines that assemble mix and harmonize grapes from each producer in the city, and to convey the charm of delicious food in the region. I hope you all enjoy it. Name: Tomi Wine Festa 2024 - Assemblage Date and time: May 11 Sat and 12 Sun held for 2 days in Reiwa 6 　　　11:00~16:00 on both days Implementation in case of rain Location: JA Shinshu Ueda Tomi Branch La Vérité Parking Lot 63-4 Tanaka, Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture 　　　Shinano Railway About a 5-minute walk from Tanaka Station Participation fee: Free for everyone Bring your own wine glasses 　　　* All drinks and food Will be sold charged. Wine glasses with participating winery logos 2024 limited sale 700 yen will end as soon as they run out Organizer: Tomi Wine Club wineries in the city, wine grape producers, wine support group Supported by: Tomi City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association, Nagano Wine Association Sponsor: Tomi City, each company Cooperation: 82 Bank Tanaka Branch, JA Shinshu Ueda Tomi Branch Vendors: Wineries, wine grape producers, local restaurants, etc.

Dolphins flying over Nagoya Port at night This is one photo taken at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium in Aichi Prefecture. I went there for the first time because I was only doing 😆 a night dolphin show during GW The dolphins dancing in the night sky were very soothing 🤤 to watch

【Matsumoto Castle】 松本城 - Matsumoto Castle Nagano Matsumoto Castle is the oldest national treasure castle in Japan among the existing five-story and six-story castle towers. In 1936 Showa 11, the entire site was designated as a national treasure. Later, in 1952 Showa 27, five buildings, the castle tower, the Inuiko castle tower, the Wataru tower, the Tatsumi tower, and the Tsukimi tower, were designated as national treasures. Half of the body is illuminated by the setting sun, and the light and shadow form a wonderful harmony. Ducks swimming leisurely in the moat accentuate the enormity of the castle.

Tamba Sasayama City Daishoin While many castles in various parts of Japan were destroyed by the decree for the abolition of castles after the abolition of feudal prefectures, Daishoin escaped the disaster, but it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in Showa 194 1944. After that, it was rebuilt in April of 2000 Heisei 12 Heisei 12 with the passionate wishes and precious donations of citizens. The structure is similar to Nijo Castle in Kyoto.