【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 12 — 🌸】 The submission period finally ends today, Sunday, May 11. We’re showcasing entries to “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025,” currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.💪❤️‍🔥 @hanpenpen2022 @goto0619 (in no particular order) This time’s photos show the Akebono azaleas on Mt. Futagami and the white flowers in Kuraoka…what kind of flowers are those, I wonder?🤔 Everyone clearly knows well when and where different flowers bloom, and many have personal memories and attachments to these blooms. Those feelings seem to shine through in the photos — they’re truly lovely.✨ -------------------------------------------------------------------- “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” also ends today, Sunday, May 11!👏 If you meant to enter but haven’t yet, don’t miss the chance — submit before you forget!💡❗ ≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... 【Period】From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other terms and conditions appear on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the Bonshō bell and cherry blossoms of Lotus Temple.

[Hanakien Opens] Hanakien on Yachiho Kogen opens today, Saturday, May 10. 🌸 The garden is filled with blooming pink azaleas (rengetsu tsutsuji), Enkianthus (dodantsutsuji), and three-leaf azaleas (mitsuba tsutsuji), and in June the park will be dyed red with flowers. 💐💐 Come and visit us. 🌳🥰 Opening period: Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:20 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

Yachiho Kogen Natural Garden A nature garden that captures the natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen...😌🩷 At the garden, you can enjoy three walking courses suited to your available time♬ White Trail: 1 km, about 30 minutes Blue Trail: 1.5 km, about 50 minutes Green Trail: 2.5 km, about 80 minutes In spring and summer, the highland flowers bloom, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant—there’s plenty to see!🍁 We hope you’ll come and visit😸✨✨

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the cherry blossom of Lotus Temple. The cherry blossoms are also wonderful.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms were beginning to fall, and a flower raft was being formed.

A quiet corner of the clear Garden that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the Central Tokyo. In the midst of the bustle of the daytime, the appearance of the kakei and the kick that suddenly caught my eye made me feel as if time had stopped and. In contrast to the surrounding hustle and bustle, only the sound of water stream quietly fills the space. The greenery of the trees reflected in the polished stone water bowl, the texture of the mossy cane. It was a simple and tranquil beauty lurking behind the glamour, a world of wabi-sabi. I was deeply impressed by the fact that this ancient beauty has not changed in the midst of many people coming and going. We hope that you will feel that the aesthetic sense of Japan is condensed in a moment of tranquility.

🌊 [GW is refreshing at the sea! ] Family refreshment course & fun dive in Kawana] 🌿✨ During this year's Golden Week, Hokule'a Shonan Held in a family refreshment course and fun dive in Kawana, Shizuoka Prefecture! ☀️ The best diving day with a blue sky. 🌞 The sea of Kawana, with its outstanding transparency, was as beautiful as a painting, with schools of sparkling fish in the water and seaweed swaying gracefully creating a fantastic landscape. 🐠🌿 From the moment we entered the sea, everyone was full of smiles. 😊✨ Those who participated in the refresher course were able to enjoy diving for the yellowtail first time in a long time and were able to dive with peace of mind with the careful support of the instructor. Confirm basic skills and practice buoyancy control in water. 🤿✨ Meanwhile, the Fun Dive team enjoyed a calm stroll in the water and enjoyed the charm of Kawana's colorful sea. 🐠🪸 After diving, everyone took a commemorative photo 📸✨ The smiles in the water and the group photo on land remained as special memories. 🌈 [Hokule'a Shonan's Refreshment Course & Fun Dive] 🌈 At Hokule'a Shonan, you can request a family refreshment class or fun dive Anytime! ✅ Those who want to enjoy diving safely for the yellowtail first time in a long time ✅ Those who want to make memories with family and friends ✅ Those who want to relax and enjoy themselves Dates and dive sites can also be tailored to your wishes. 🌊 📩 Please feel free to contact us to make a reservation for your next refresher course or fun dive. We look forward to your participation! 🤗✨ 👉 For diving Information on Hokule'a Shonan, please see our profile! #ScubaDivingAdventure #FamilyDivingExperience #RefreshDiveCourse #FunDivingJapan #KawanaDiving #DiscoverUnderwaterWorld #ScubaWithFamily #OceanExploration #DivingInJapan #HokuleaShonan #PADI

🌼 Azalea Mountain Park 🌼 in Toyono Best time to visit this weekend!! *Photo taken on May 8 We are updating the flowering Information in Nagano City on our Home page!

✨Experience a magical early-summer evening at Izu Ōkawa Onsen✨ [23rd Firefly Viewing Evening] Dates: Friday, May 30, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM At Ōkawa Onsen’s Takegasawa Park, whose water runs so pure it even grows wasabi, spend a special night wrapped in the gentle glow of fireflies. Strolling the lantern-lit “Chōchin Walk” feels like a scene from a picture book. After your walk, enjoy lively moments at the “Hotaru Market,” where local gourmet food and festival stalls line up. 🌟[Weekday Special]🌟 Visitors wearing yukata or kimono will receive one bottle of the Higashiizu-exclusive craft beer “Moon Road Beer” per person (weekdays only). ▶If you’d like one, please come to the festival square headquarters wearing the applicable attire. Enhance the nostalgic mood of the event with traditional dress and savor a Japanese summer evening🌙🍺 📍Venue: Takegasawa Park, Ōkawa, Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 🚌Free shuttle bus available (operates from Izu-Ōkawa Station and temporary parking areas) 💡Firefly conservation donation: from 300 yen per person (your support is appreciated) Yukata, lanterns, firefly light, and the bustle of festival stalls. Why not experience this unique, soothing night tucked away in the mountains of Izu?

Cherry blossoms have started to bloom. The town's Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees have begun to flower! Some trees are already at their peak. Spring is in full swing! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

<Regarding the Lifting of the Closure on the Mashu-dake Trail> The Mashu-dake trail, which had been closed from the Mashu Lake First Observatory to Mashu-dake due to confirmed bear activity, has been reopened as of today. While passage is now allowed, please use the trail only after taking the usual safety precautions. https://masyuko.or.jp/news/mashudakekinshi/...

Today, the terraced rice fields of Otoyo Town are filled with water, and the blue sky, clouds, and sunsets are reflected like mirrors. This place, where the traditional farming village life still lives, is the original scenery of Japan. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a journey that quietly fills your heart. Please visit the special scenery only at this time of year!

Good morning! 🌞 Continuing our series, we introduce Furosen at Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional house inn in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Furosen sits in Kamitani, a town of terraced rice fields and houses in Shobara City. According to legend, an immortal sage once lived in this valley, and the house stands at the valley’s innermost point, atop the highest terraced field as if it grew from the land itself. In this secluded valley, only vast green hills and birdsong break the silence. Misty dawns, dusks sinking into deep blue, nights filled with the moon and stars. The valley’s seasonal beauty brings profound calm and healing. The spacious 200 m2 house on a broad plot features a clean, white-based interior. Spend time losing yourself in the valley view from the front garden chairs where you can enjoy a BBQ, lounge freely on a Yogibo sofa in the living room, or laze on the engawa that connects to the scenery. At night, relax in the large indoor bath with gently drawn hot water or soak under a sky full of stars in the open-air Goemon-style bath—unique pleasures of Furosen. This inn lets you fully savor the mountain village’s beauty in complete privacy, a feeling you appreciate most by staying overnight. About a 30-minute drive away, you’ll find many leisure facilities, restaurants, and cafes. Within an hour you can reach Izumo or Onomichi, so you can plan flexibly according to your mood and the weather. Facilities provided: cooking utensils, tableware, basic seasonings, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, stove, kettle, water server, audio speakers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser, shaving foam, body towel, brush, hairdryer, toothbrush set, face towels, bath towels, razor, cotton swabs, lotion, yukata (casual robe), slippers, and Wi-Fi. Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome ・Elementary school age and older: 4,400 JPY per person ・Preschool children: 2,200 JPY per person

🌳Old Farmhouse in the Forest Series🌳 Yamashigi Forest A 140-year-old farmhouse stands on a sky-high site at 650 meters above sea level. There are two buildings: Shitashigi, built in the Taisho era, and Nakashigi, built in the Meiji era. A gentle forest breeze 🍃 flows through, making this a pleasant place to be. Nearby you will find tea fields, bamboo groves, and orchards, and a variety of hands-on activities let you experience mountain village life. Capacity: 2 buildings, 15 people each, total 30 people Facilities: Goemon bath, kamado hearth, irori sunken hearth *The Goemon bath and kamado hearth are available only in Shitashigi.* ◎Experiences 📍Tea picking and pan-roasted tea making The tea fields in the valley have their picking season every May. Around that time, Yama Gakkou offers tours where you can pick tea and make pan-roasted tea. Pan-roasted tea grown in Yamashigi Forest is also sold as Yamashigi Tea at places such as Donko-tei and Morokko House. 📍Ume picking and ume preparations The two plum trees have long been indispensable to daily life. In Morotsuka, households prepare ume (plums) for year-round consumption. Learning these ume preparations is a popular part of the Yama Gakkou tours. Ume syrup and pickled ume are both big hits. 📍Yuzu harvesting and yuzu processing From autumn into winter, yuzu take center stage. Whether picked green or after they turn yellow, they each serve a wonderful purpose. This is another staple of the Yama Gakkou tours held at Yamashigi Forest. You can harvest yuzu, make yuzu kosho, take a yuzu bath, and more… Enjoy yuzu to the fullest with no part wasted. *For accommodations and experiences, please contact Morotsuka Village Tourism Association in advance.* Contact Morotsuka Village Tourism Association (Shiitake Hall 21) Phone number: 0982-65-0178

2025 Shintoku Town cherry blossoms Mt. Shintoku Shrine is a famous cherry blossom spot, but the cherry trees blooming along the town’s riverbanks and in its parks are also very beautiful. The town’s cherry trees are swaying in the wind and their petals are gradually falling. However, the cherry trees toward Kutcharo are now in full bloom and at their best. Although the weekend sadly looks cloudy and rainy ☁️☔️, why not come and enjoy a drive while viewing Mt. Shintoku Shrine’s blossoms, strolling among the town’s cherry trees, or exploring the cherry trees around Kutcharo? We also offer rental bicycles and rental cars, so feel free to contact us 💁‍♀️ Wishing everyone a wonderful day today as well 🌸 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Tokachi tourism #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #JR Shintoku Station #rental bicycles #sightseeing by rental bicycle #rental cars #cherry blossom spots #famous cherry blossom sites #Tukutuku station-front complex #tuktuk #tukutuku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #cherryflowers #blossom #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In the raft, the boatman was practicing.

"Falling Yang ~Shadow Engraving Sansama~" Dusk during Golden Week. A breakwater at a fishing port along the Sea of Japan in Tottori Prefecture, not far from sightseeing spots. Under the setting sunset as usual, each time was streaming slowly. Even though we were in the same air, I felt that the silence of the three of us was engraved on it, and I involuntarily clicked the shutter.

An article is introducing Gokasecho 👏✨ Please take a look 😆!

Josenji Temple with Azaleas in Bloom In spring, Josenji Temple bustled with many cherry-blossom viewers.🌸 Now the petals have fallen, and the weeping cherry trees with fresh green leaves are beautiful.✨ Azaleas bloom across the temple grounds, and the contrast between the new greenery and the vermilion flowers is delightful.😆

Continuing from the previous post, this time we introduce Kozako Forest from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional country house inn in harmony with nature in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture.✨ Takano Town in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where Kozako Forest is located, is a heavy-snow area whose wide temperature swings create ideal conditions for local produce such as Takano apples, rice, and goods stored in snow cellars. When buying ingredients from Takano, please stop by Roadside Station Takano. About a 12-minute drive from Roadside Station Takano, Kozako Forest appears when you turn down a small lane through broad, peaceful rice fields—an idyllic spot you might miss if you’re not paying attention—surrounded by a quiet woodland. The 150-year-old exterior evokes the feel of a typical old farmhouse at first glance. Step inside, however, and the space transforms into a state-of-the-art glamping environment with modern design. Features include an earthen-floor living area enclosed in full-height glass that blends the surrounding forest and interior, a bioethanol fire pit, and a large projector. This playful accommodation lets you enjoy nature and time with friends in comfort with the latest amenities. Stay with family, a group, a partner, and small to medium-sized dogs are welcome. Enjoy a restorative yet lively stay wrapped in the tranquil natural surroundings. Facilities provided Cooking utensils/tableware/basic seasonings/refrigerator/microwave/toaster/stove/kettle/water server Shampoo/conditioner/body soap/face wash/shaving foam/body towel/brush/hair dryer/toothbrush set/face towel/bath towel/razor/cotton swabs/skin toner/yukata/slippers/Wi‑Fi/large projector with Android TV functionality Check‑in / Check‑out Check‑in from 15:00 Check‑out by 11:00 Children welcome ・Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person ・Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person Pets allowed ・Only small and medium dogs accepted (up to 20 kg) ・Additional fee required (first dog: ¥3,300 / please consult for a second dog) ・Acceptance conditions: housebroken/toen vaccinated/able to stay alone/not in heat ・The property provides only a cage. Please bring toilet supplies, bowls, leashes, sheets, etc. ・Please spend time with your dog in the earthen-floor living area inside the building. ・When making a reservation, please review and agree to the pet accommodation terms and conditions before your visit.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In front of the Hikawa Kaikan, a flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

A few years ago, at university, I became a licensed nurse and midwife. After graduating from university, I got a job in my Local Niigata. Due to the declining birthrate and aging population, the number of babies born is small, and the recruitment of midwives is low, so I decided to build a career as a nurse instead of a midwife. The profession of a nurse not only supports the daily lives of people facing illness, but also heals people's hearts at times, and at other times, it is wonderful to be involved in people's lives themselves. As a nurse, I also had a very fully equipped life. However, my longing for the profession of "midwife," which I had studied hard for and obtained a qualification for, did not disappear, and somewhere in my heart, my desire to take on the challenge became stronger. Just as I was thinking about changing jobs to a midwife, I found a very beautiful row of cherry blossom trees in my Local Nagaoka area. In the sunset, the cherry blossoms that were just beginning to bloom caught my eye. It was warm and dignified, like a baby born into this world. At that time, I felt encouraged by the cherry blossoms and decided to take on the challenge of becoming a midwife. This photo is of the cherry blossoms that gave me the final push after my struggle. You only live once, and I want to do what I like and want to do to the fullest, and enjoy my seemingly long and short life to the fullest.

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. A flower raft was made.

Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to many traditional folk houses in Japan. Among the three Kominka stays that harmonize with nature, this time we introduce Chojaya from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima. Chojaya is a breathtakingly beautiful building that has preserved its trade name in this area for 250 years. Its vast 200-square-meter space retains the weight of history while being reborn as a luxurious kominka hotel that offers modern guests comfort and ease of stay. Chojaya is located in Hiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a satoyama landscape so picturesque that it appears on tourism posters. In autumn, you can gaze over golden terraced rice fields. Enjoy modern comforts such as a designer spacious bathroom, Western-style bedroom with beds, and an island kitchen. Please bring your own ingredients to cook and dine as you like. Basic seasonings, cooking utensils, and tableware are provided. Address 1528 Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0311 Access 40 minutes by car from the Chugoku Expressway Shobara IC exit 35 minutes by car from JR Geibi Line Bingo-Shobara Station 110 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport 115 minutes by car from Hiroshima Station Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome to stay • Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person • Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person

"Toshio Suzuki and Yellowtail Exhibition" Zenkoji Temple Limited Held in Commemorative Goods are now on sale at Zenkoji Temple Gift Shop! When you come to "Toshio Suzuki and the yellowtail Exhibition", be sure to stop by Zenko Temple!

Photographed on April 9, 25. It is the honorary cherry blossom of the Shingashi River behind the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.