🌸Spring Mountain School — Now Accepting Participants🌸 ~A casual hands-on experience in traditional pan-fried tea picking and hand-rolling🍵~ On Saturday, May 10th, we will hold a hands-on tour to make traditional pan-fried tea by hand-picking and hand-rolling the pan-fried tea that has long been handed down in Morotsuka Village. This rare tea, accounting for only about 0.02% of Japan’s production, invites you to try making it by hand-picking and hand-rolling in an atmospheric traditional house. 《Pan-Fried Tea Experience in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture》 ◎ How to make handmade pan-fried tea🍵 1. Tea picking Pick one bud and two leaves. Start at the tip of the new shoot and pick the second or third leaf from the top. 2. Initial pan-frying Heat the pan, add the fresh leaves, and stir-fry while mixing to prevent burning. Heat the pan until you hear a popping sound the moment the fresh leaves hit it. 3. Hand-rolling Spread the leaves on a mat to cool, then press down with your body weight and roll vigorously. If clumps form, break them apart (untangling the balls). 4. Drying and final frying With the heated pan, rub the tea leaves against the bottom of the pan with your hands while frying. As the moisture gradually evaporates and the leaves begin to dry, stop rubbing and dry the leaves while stirring them by hand so they do not burn. Why not take this chance to experience making pan-fried tea, something you rarely get to taste? We look forward to your participation 🤗 *For applications and more details, please check Morotsuka Navi.*

Children’s Day! Come play at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza! 2025 Information 😄 This is the annual opening event at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza!! On the vast lawn we provide play areas using equipment to give children a place to play. On the day there will be demonstrations of a model rocket launched with powder and a PET bottle rocket launched with air!! How far will they fly?? Look forward to finding out!! • First show 11:00 • Second show 14:00 We also offer loaner play equipment, so come with your family and run around to your heart’s content! Date: Monday, May 5, 10:00–15:00 (held rain or shine) Location: Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza (10-1 Aikoku-cho, Obihiro) Who it’s for: Infants through elementary school students and their guardians Fee: Free admission, free equipment loan Note: Many play items available for free loan, including kite flying, badminton sets, flying discs, and strikeout games Contact ☎️ Data Management Co., Ltd. (designated manager of Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza) Phone: 0155-67-7868 (Contact: Yoshida) e-mail: kita-aikoku@data-g.com

Photographed 4/27/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. COLD BREW CREAM. It is recommended to drink it without mixing. It is moderately sweet and delicious.

2025/4/19〜21 A solo trip to Shiraho on Ishigaki Island for 3 days and 2 nights. I found ♡ a cute Squid Fe near the inn Red and yellow flowers shine against the blue sky. On the second day, we took a ferry to Kuroshima. Stared at by a cow, I'm not a bad person. Send telepathy. Today, the Shiraho Coast is beautiful Thanks for the 1 beach cleanup a month. It's full of sparkle and vitality. The sea, the sky, the greenery, with warm and kind people I want to cherish it together for a long time. If you were thinking about such a thing, By the time I left, I missed Osaka. To everyone who has met and been involved, Thank you very much. I want to go see the blue sea again someday.

The wisteria shelves in Tennogawa Park were 🤤 in full bloom This is Tennogawa Park Located in in Aichi Prefecture. Since it was my first visit, I got lost 😅 in the cars parking lot, and it was a good walk after a week of making a 🥲 mistake in the pond Since it was GW, it was crowded with many people, but the place where you can take a reflection was even more crowded! But the reflection was 🤤 awesome

Ipponzakura in Hakuba Village Plain, Nagano Prefecture You can take pictures with the remaining snow of the Northern Alps in the background. The cherry blossoms in Hakuba Village bloom late in late April.

Today, I took a walk in Kawagoe. I found a jasmine flower. Aroma that I like very much.

On April 26th I visited the Atami Pudding Kinomiya Station shop that opened the day before. The retro atmosphere of Kinomiya Station fits it perfectly. The first photo shows the Kinomiya-only “Mugikogashi Pudding.” I recommend it. ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/atami_kankou/...

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

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Late-blooming Double Cherry Blossom (Yae zakura) and Carp streamers The collaboration between Carp streamers swimming in the Spring breeze and Morimori's Double Cherry Blossom (Yae zakura) is wonderful "Hanedani Dandan Park" Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture 2025/4

🚴‍♀️✨ Starting today! Bike rentals are now available! Based at Roadside Station Higashikawa Michikusa-kan, you can now rent bicycles! Choose from serious road bikes to electric-assist bicycles and reserve according to your needs 😊 📍Location: 1-1-15 Higashimachi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 🕘Hours: 9:00–17:00 📞Inquiries: 0166-68-4777 🔗 For details, visit the Higashikawa Tourism Association website!! Feel the breeze and go discover the charms of Higashikawa 🌿

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the cherry blossom of Kitain.

A world full of Japanese umbrellas This is Hotoku Temple Located in in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. This is a Temple Famous for its floor maples. We hold events according to the season. 🤤

Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association 🌸【The sacred tree at Kanazakura Shrine is in full bloom】🌸 The sacred tree at Kanazakura Shrine is now reaching its peak bloom. Its pale golden petals look as if wrapped in light, elegant and beautiful, and simply watching them lifts the spirits. The sacred space, wrapped in fresh green leaves, offers a beauty that seems to cleanse both mind and body. Why not visit Kanazakura Shrine during Golden Week for an outing? Spend a moment soothed by nature and its energy 🍃

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the five-storied pagoda and cherry blossoms of Kita-in.

Kikuchi Gorge: a breathtaking retreat of fresh verdant beauty Kikuchi Gorge, a signature attraction of Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a stunning canyon chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls. About 17 km east of central Kikuchi, it lies on the northwestern slopes of the Aso outer rim at elevations between 500 m and 800 m, spanning a vast 1,193 hectares of peaceful woodland. A cobalt-blue stream so clear that the trees reflect on its surface runs through the gorge. The average water temperature stays around 14°C year-round. On bright blue-sky days the water turns an even deeper blue as sunlight filters through the trees, creating a beautiful scene. In May the contrast between fresh green leaves, the sky, and the stream is especially striking. You can hear the gentle flow of the river and birdsong, and see many wildflowers in bloom. Well-maintained trails run through the gorge, with clear signs to guide you, so you can take a relaxed walk through the primeval forest. The gorge also features many waterfalls, including Shijusanman Falls, Reimei Falls, and Ryugafuchi, all selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Be sure to find your favorite. Rest facilities with a souvenir corner sell items such as coffee made with the gorge’s delicious water, allowing you to unwind while overlooking the canyon. In spring you can feel new life in the fresh green leaves after winter. Summer makes the gorge an ideal cool retreat, often described as a natural air conditioner with its crisp, cool air. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and winter offers a clear, bracing atmosphere. Please experience Kikuchi Gorge through all four seasons. ■ About Kikuchi Gorge ■ 〇 Open season: April 1–November 30 (typical) 〇 Hours: 8:30–17:00 〇 Maintenance cooperation fee: 300 yen per person for high school students and older ※ The receipt for the cooperation fee includes a 200-yen discount voucher usable at Kikuchi Onsen day-use baths. Parking First parking lot: approx. 80 spaces / 7 large vehicle spaces Second parking lot: approx. 45 spaces (open during busy periods only) Central parking lot: approx. 80 spaces (open during busy periods only) A free shuttle bus operates from the central parking lot during Golden Week and other busy periods. Parking fees Standard car: 300 yen Motorbike: 200 yen Microbus: 1,000 yen Large vehicle: 2,000 yen Kikuchi Sightseeing Shared Taxi A reservation-based shared sightseeing taxi links major Kikuchi City attractions (including Kikuchi Gorge) with the city center. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, substitute holidays, and Golden Week. Service is suspended during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3). Take a deep breath at Kikuchi Gorge. Bask in negative ions and enjoy a leisurely moment in nature.

When it comes to Tomakomai’s two signature local dishes, think Curry Ramen and Hokkigai Curry.🍜🍛 Enjoy the spicy, soul-warming curry ramen and the Hokkigai curry rich with the sweet umami of surf clams! Both dishes have long been beloved by locals and can be found at many restaurants around the city.

Announcement for the Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival 😍 The Honbetsu Sankeitsutsuji Festival takes place at Honbetsu Park, where Ezo-murasaki azalea and Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees bloom in full. 🎵 The event is packed with activities, including a jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot, a bingo tournament, a performance of the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums, and a stage show by Oklahoma. The Tokachi Aozora Ladies will also participate. Bring your family and friends and come enjoy the festival. ■ Date: Sunday, April 27, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM ■ Location: In front of the Yoshitsune-no-Sato Honbetsu Park stage (Higashimachi, Honbetsu) ■ Stage guest: Oklahoma ■ Program 10:00 – Opening announcement; release of stream fish and river fishing Booths by the Chamber of Commerce Women’s and Youth Divisions; inflatable play area Azalea and other plant sales; various vendor booths Local performing arts: performance by the Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko drums Smoke experience (Honbetsu Fire Station) 10:30 – Opening ceremony 11:00 – Jumbo Yoshitsune hotpot 11:20 – Introduction of the Tokachi Aozora Ladies 12:00 – Azalea Festival Photo Contest and Model Photo Session Distribution of bingo cards (first 400 people) 12:45 – Stage show “Oklahoma” 13:30 – Bingo tournament 14:00 – Closing ceremony ■ Inquiries Tsutsuji Festival Executive Committee / Honbetsu Town Tourism Association Office: Honbetsu Town Future Creation Division TEL (0156) 22-2141 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/post_1.html...

Photographed on April 7, 25. It is the five-storied pagoda and cherry blossoms of Kita-in.

The azaleas at Nezu Shrine are 🤤 in full bloom This is Located in, Tokyo It is Nezu Shrine. From mid to late April every year The azaleas are in full bloom. This is the only place in Tokyo where you can enjoy so many azaleas! Please come and visit us 😊

Photographed 4/24/25. I went to the Taiwan Fair Held in at Maruhiro Department Store. It is a bean flower from Shanhai Douhua and a Taiwanese donut. The bean blossoms contain boiled peanuts, mung beans, milk warabi mochi, sencho jelly, Sweet potato Dango, and taro Dango. This is Mr. 168's chicken rice. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 😊

Three Ways to Enjoy the Akajomatsu Forest Stroll through the woods, sometimes stepping close to a tree, sometimes stepping back to take it all in… If you use not only your sight but also your hearing, smell, and touch, one surprising discovery after another awaits. Notice the seasonal changes and your walk in the forest becomes even more delightful. Behind the Kawayu Visitor Center there are two walking trails centered on a natural stand of Akajomatsu firs. This time, we created this text with reference to and excerpts from part of the "Akajomatsu Forest Guidebook" available at the Kawayu Visitor Center. The brochure describes many more ways to enjoy the forest beyond these three. For more details, please see the brochure mentioned above.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City is a sightseeing destination blessed with nature where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, fireflies and fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves and trekking; and in winter, snowfall. You can enjoy local food, agriculture, outdoor activities, and nature walks. Please follow and check us out as a travel reference! ✨ If you want to learn more about the nature-rich Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, please see our basic profile and the Shobara Tourist Navi website. 😍

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony Announcement🍷 Every year, Ikeda Town holds the Tourism Opening Ceremony to pray for a successful tourist season. The ceremony for safety prayers and a bountiful flow of visitors is paired with events that residents and tourists can enjoy together. The Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies will also attend to add a touch of elegance to the ceremony. If you have time, please come and join us. Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM–around 2:00 PM Location: In front of JR Ikeda Station * The event may be canceled in case of rain. If canceled, announcements will be posted on the Ikeda Town Tourism Association website and social media. Ikeda Town Tourism Association → @tokachi_ikeda The fountain opening ceremony in front of Ikeda Station begins at 10:30 AM, and vendor events start at 11:00 AM. Program ● Fountain Opening Ceremony in front of the station ● Local food and products corner ● Wine-pouring experience into the fountain ● Children’s festival corner ● TOCORON (Tocoron) Ikeda version Banana Manju Macaron on sale ● Performance by Ikeda High School Wind Ensemble Vendors Super Ryokuen, Hiro Kitchen, Tokachi Ikedaya (Café & Life akao, son of Juraku), Ikeda Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, TOCORON Project Team (volunteer high school circle from Tokachi area) Contact Ikeda Town Tourism Association (Tel: 015-572-2286) * Please note that program details may change. https://kankou-ikeda.com//

Photographed on April 5, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's matcha tiramisu.

[Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council established] Today, the Fujikawa Development Corporation with members and established the Yamanashi Prefecture Drone Business Council Have. In the future, the council will fly in the event of a disaster We will provide training and human resource development. As the second part, in the event of a disaster using a logistics drone We made a demonstration flight as expected.

Akimasu Observatory ◎First Viewing Point Akimasu Observatory has a first viewing point and a second viewing point. At the first viewing point, the surrounding trees 🌳 have grown tall so the view is no longer clear, but you can enjoy a pleasantly open space♪ ◎Second Viewing Point This 1,000 m–high panoramic platform offers a full 360° view, letting you see from Nobeoka as far as Aso in the distance. On clear days you can also spot Hyuga-nada and Mt. Osuzu, and even the Asahi Kasei smokestack with the naked eye. Facing the direction of the rising sun, it also attracts visitors who come to watch the first sunrise of the year 🌄. *All photos were taken from the second viewing point.* (Photographer: Masahiro Aya) With little light from buildings and a clear sky, some visitors come to photograph the starry night 🌟. ◎Parking If you do not turn toward the viewing points and continue straight, you will find a parking area 🅿️ at the end. Why not come to Akimasu Observatory to capture seasonal panoramic photos 📷 throughout the year? 🤗