🌸 At Higashikawa-cho’s famous cherry spot, Kitoushi Forest, cherry blossoms are a little late this year. They usually peak during Golden Week, but as of May 2 they are still in bud. It looks like it will take a little longer before full bloom. 🌱 In the meantime, the forest offers spring wildflowers like katakuri and ezohengosaku. Pale purples and blues of these delicate blooms herald the arrival of spring. 🐤 Kitoushi Forest is also a haven for wild birds, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching! ❄ And Higashikawa’s symbol, Mt. Asahidake, is once again a world of silver. The contrast of the snowy peak against the blue sky is stunning, offering spectacular views. 🌿 Come and enjoy the nature-filled town of Higashikawa during Golden Week! 🚗

Cherry blossoms in Meiji Jingu Imperial Garden. The pink color is vivid and dazzling to the eye.

Photographed 5/1/25. This is the Ai sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a bright green color like a young leaf, and it is said that it is called "moeki".

Cherry blossom viewing begins on May 1st. Hanachozu has begun. Hand water bowl for one tatami mat Fresh flowers according to the season, etc. It is decorated and very beautiful.

It becomes a wonderful scenery like houses streaming through the Paddy Field. A special scenery unique to this time of year.

Iseji Seven Mile Crossing The road that the seniors of the Edo period walked to Ise Jingu. I have experienced the history of Japan firsthand.

It snowed recently, but the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom little by little. Snow still dresses the mountains, and on clear days you can enjoy beautiful mountain views, so here are a few highlights. ■Tokachi Millennium Forest @tokachi_millennium_forest From the vast grounds you can see the Hidaka Mountain Range. During Golden Week, May 3–6, the Spring Garden Festa takes place. ■Tokachigaoka Observatory Located near Tokachigawa Onsen, it offers views of the Tokachigawa River, the hot spring town, and the Hidaka Mountain Range. It’s also a lovely spot for watching the sunset. ■Shinarashiyama Sky Park Observatory The Tokachi Plain spreads below like a patchwork quilt, making it a perfect panorama point, with the Hidaka Mountain Range visible behind. ■Obihiro Shrine @obihirojinja Cherry trees along the approach and within the shrine grounds are beginning to bloom. The hanachozu (flower-filled water basins) are decorated with pink, white, yellow, and other flowers, creating a festive scene. ■Nupuka no Sato @nupukanosato Located within Daisetsuzan National Park at an elevation of 600 meters, Nupuka no Sato offers sweeping views of Tokachi. With cottages and camping areas, it’s a place for outdoor experiences. At night you may be treated to a beautiful moon and starry sky. Events are also held during Golden Week! For event details, please check the URL below. Why not come visit Tokachi? You might even catch the cherry blossoms. https://tokachibare.jp/event/...

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa touseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour invites you to visit seven scattered kilns along this coast. Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Located in the Shimoda-minami area of the Amakusa West Coast, Jurou Kiln sits right by the sea where you can feel the ocean breeze. The kiln owner, Goh Kameyama, shapes and fires his pieces with a powerfully refined technique that gives the work a quiet tension. Meanwhile, Sanae Kameyama’s painted brushwork is delicate and graceful yet carries a distinctively modern sensibility that lends the vessels a soft expression. From sturdy, no-nonsense wares to charming, smile-inducing painted scenes, the couple’s contrasting sensibilities resonate to produce pieces that gently speak to both viewers and users. Location: Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto 863-2802 TEL: 0969-42-3143 _______________________________ On Sunday, May 4 at Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln! Sanae will perform an impromptu whale painting and in-situ blue-and-white underglaze dyeing, “whale painting 🐳 impromptu dyeing.” Please feel free to drop by and watch 👀 For details, search Instagram: Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln @takahamaware_kilnjyuho ⚠️ Please note this event will not take place at Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln. _______________________________ This is the final introduction to the participating kilns tomorrow 😿 Please be sure to take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event, each kiln will offer new works for display and sale, plus special discount offers and other activities. Take this chance to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln, and savor the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto health points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

One after another, Water are entering ☀️ the rice fields of In the town The Northern Alps reflected in the water mirror are unique 🏔️ to this time of year

This is a photo of the pond at the Horyu Temple Treasure Museum, Tokyo National Museum. Even when the cherry blossoms fell, they were still floating in full bloom on the water.

　About 25 minutes by car from Hida Takayama Downtown, this kominka house stands quietly. In the house built by the master craftsman of Hida, Kiso horses are still bred. It is a historical building where you can see the scenery of a former Farming village, but even small children There are fun elements everywhere. There are days when it is temporarily closed, but in a place that has become a Sightseeing spot If you are bored, it may be a place that sticks. 　

✨🍴Hiroshima Prefecture — New Restaurant News🍴✨ In spring 2025, a new cozy kominka café opened in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍 Its name is “Tsuchinoko-tei.” Owner Yuki Watanabe, together with her husband and local friends, spent a year renovating the old house, and it has finally opened. Built in Taisho 5 (1916), the 110-year-old kominka blends seamlessly into Shobara’s landscape. The recommended dish is Tsuchinoko-tei’s homemade ramen (750 yen à la carte / 900 yen with coffee). The soy-sauce–based broth offers a comforting richness that appeals to all ages. The handmade chashu is light and easy to eat. The husband, Ippei, is in charge of the cooking; his experience working in restaurants inspired this homemade ramen. Also popular is the daily set meal, limited to 10 servings per day (1,000 yen / +200 yen with coffee). Going forward, they plan to use locally grown Shobara green onions and eggs and vegetables from their home garden. They are also planning to add a bath and sauna on the property, plus accommodations, a BBQ area, and karaoke space — so stay tuned for future developments! 😍✨ For more details about Tsuchinoko-tei, please visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website, the official tourism site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture ✅

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. The azaleas in front of the hall were very beautiful. 🌺

Hoshitoge (Niigata Prefecture)2024.06.05 About 200 Paddy fields of various sizes Unfold on the slopes like fish scales, and it is a terraced rice field where a sea of clouds easily appears, and in 2022 it was certified as a "Tsunagu Terraced Rice Heritage" by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water. In May-June, Water enter the Paddy Field and become Water mirror. There is also a teahouse, which opens at dawn and you can enjoy freshly cooked rice balls.

In search of cherry blossoms, I went to Kairakuen Garden in Water City, Ibaraki Prefecture. What I found there was the beauty of a gorgeous garden.

Photographed on April 7, 25. CAFE ANDON's Moke Chocolate and Strawberry Butter Sandwich. 🍓 On warm days, terrace seating is also good.

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa tōseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will take place across seven kilns dotted along this scenic shore. This time we introduce one of the participating kilns, Mugen Kiln. Please take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 In upcoming posts we will also introduce the two kilns participating from Amakusa Town! 🌸 Mugen Kiln Mugen Kiln is the creative studio where potter Seiko Tanaka, who once aspired to be a poet, nurtures her distinctive artistic vision. Inspired by poetry and the arts, her pieces serve as everyday tableware while carrying the presence of true works of art. Tanaka’s unique motifs, born of her deep knowledge of earthenware and mingei folk crafts, give each piece a sense of story and message. Her work gently sparks the imagination of whoever holds it and leaves a lingering, mysterious afterglow. Mugen Kiln’s vessels speak in quiet tones, each quietly infused with Tanaka’s sensibility and poetic spirit. 📍 Mugen Kiln 588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2506 TEL: 080-1703-6886 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions and sales of new works and special discount sales. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln, and take in the wonderful scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! * Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshuu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahamayaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famous as one of the world’s leading sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa porcelain stone. Using seven scattered kilns along this coastline as venues, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will run for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Unshu Kiln! 🌸 Unshu Kiln Tomioka, Reihoku Town. Unshu Kiln sits by the sea that locals fondly call the West Sea. The kiln owner, Mr. Miyoshi, practices pottery here. Unshu Kiln’s unique technique presses wild flowers and grasses into clay to transfer their patterns, capturing the breath of nature directly on the vessels. The simple, gentle pieces blend quietly into daily life and add a calm joy to ordinary moments. Friendly conversations with Mr. Miyoshi are one of the pleasures of visiting. Among the old photos on display, you can even see Mr. Miyoshi’s father-in-law taking part in the shark fishery once active in Tomioka, known as fuka-gari. During the Spring Kiln Tour, vendors will sell local agricultural products, and stalls offering antiques and succulent plants will also appear. Enjoy a relaxed time with the gentle air of the West Sea. 📍 Unshu Kiln 2829 Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2507 TEL: 0969-35-0945 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will present new works for sale and special discount sales, among other attractions. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! * Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 * Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of the porcelain raw material Amakusa porcelain stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, running for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Here is an introduction to one participating kiln, Tenjiku Kiln! Please have a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸 Tenjiku Kiln Tucked away in the mountains of Kobaba in Tororo, Reihoku, Tenjiku Kiln sits quietly in a peaceful setting. The kiln owner, Mr. Sumida, brings a warm sense of humor, and the many cats that greet visitors create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Drawing hints from Mr. Sumida’s everyday life, the kiln produces freely conceived vessels whose shapes and colors show distinctive personalities. They blend gently into daily life. The pottery classes held weekly attract many regulars, making Tenjiku Kiln a warm place rooted in the local community. The pottery, the people, and the cats alike all convey a friendly, comforting charm. 📍 Tenjiku Kiln 6121 Tororo, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2611 TEL: 0969-36-0860 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event you can enjoy new work exhibitions and sales, special discount offers, and other activities. Take this chance to visit and appreciate the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln against the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally with a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayamayaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Announcement] ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast, famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone “Amakusa toseki,” will host the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour at seven scattered kilns from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Kobo Kaze. Please take a look💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸Kobo Kaze Kobo Kaze sits quietly amid the verdant nature of Reihoku Town. The workshop’s simple, warm aesthetic harmonizes with the natural beauty around it. The kiln owner, Mr. Hayashida, favors works produced by a carbonization firing technique that lines charcoal around the vessel during the main firing to create unique textures and tones. In recent years he has also focused on new Oribe pieces with rich green glazes, presenting tableware that is calm yet full of character. During the Spring Kiln Tour, you can also enjoy locally grown produce, woodworkers’ pieces, bamboo dragonfly crafts, sweets, and other items for sale, offering a chance to fully experience handiwork rooted in everyday life. Be sure to take in the fragrant scent of the trees and flowers that surround the workshop with all your senses. 📍Kobo Kaze 2915 Shiki, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event we will feature new works for exhibition and sale, special discount offers, and various other activities. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 * A stamp rally that gives you a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen-gama, Tenjiku-gama, Unshu-gama (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro-gama [Inquiries] Secretariat, Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa Pottery Stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns dotted across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, held for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. We will share introductions to the participating kilns, so please take a look 💁‍♀️ 🌸 Uchida Sarayama Ware In the Meiji era, Naohiko Kiyama began mining with advice from Yukichi Fukuzawa, laying the foundations for the pottery here. In 1970, the third generation, Katsuhiko Kiyama, discovered an Edo-period kiln site and reopened production. Subsequent excavations revealed a history of porcelain production that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. Carrying that history into the present is Uchida Sarayama Ware. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, Kentaro Kiyama, the kilns still quarry Amakusa Pottery Stone and Shiki clay themselves. From materials nurtured by Amakusa’s land, they craft each piece with care. The lineup pairs traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. For this Spring Kiln Tour, you can expect seasonal treasures such as pieces decorated with raised itchin patterns that convey three-dimensional texture, and charming May picture plates made for Children’s Day. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of vessels shaped by Amakusa’s history and landscape. 📍 Uchida Sarayama Ware 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions of new works and special discount sales. Please visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelains from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Reihoku: 5 kilns) Uchida Sarayama Ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Amakusa: 2 kilns) Takahama Ware Juho Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurogama Inquiries: amakusa_pottery_stone_research_and_development_promotion_council_office (inside reihoku_town_hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The nemophila field in 138 Tower Park is 🤤 in full bloom This is a nemophila field Located in in Aichi Prefecture. Flowers can be enjoyed here regardless of the season. It's even better 🤤 if you put the 138 tower, which is a symbol

Photographed on April 7, 25. This is a hot sandwich of CAFE ANDON's stick chicken.

Photographed on April 7, 25. During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing from CAFE ANDON's terrace seats.

Fujiwara Palace Ruins in Nara Prefecture Due to work, I usually only have one Vacation a week on Weekdays, and most of the time I shoot when there are no people, but I can take a Sunday off only once a month, and it is a popular Spot Visit for family trips, so it was difficult to shoot like this. I gave instructions to my wife on my cell phone from quite a distance and waited for people to disappear, but I clicked the shutter at the moment when people stopped streaming more than I had imagined. I wanted to shoot in a horizontal composition, but I shot in a vertical position because people were reflected.

The ruins of Fujiwara Palace in Nara Prefecture I finally came to the place I wanted to visit and see, and it was Sunday, so I could imagine it to some extent, but it was a very popular Spot for tourists from overseas.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is a boat trip on the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms fell and a flower raft was formed.

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The cherry blossom front has arrived in Tomakomai 🌸🌸 Many of the cherry trees you can see in Tomakomai are the species Ezo-yamazakura. They grow naturally across Hokkaido and show a deeper pink than the yamazakura found south of Honshu. This year, full bloom in Tomakomai is expected on May 5th. One of the city’s top cherry-viewing spots, Midorigaoka Park, will hold the Midorigaoka Park Festival on May 4th. Come to Tomakomai for hanami, everyone 🌸🌸

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.