The JTB special train “Tabimonogatari” has arrived! The JTB “Tabimonogatari” has made a stop here for three consecutive years since Reiwa 5. This year too, we welcomed guests on the station platform with about 34 minutes of hospitality. 🚃 About 60 guests enjoyed Shintoku soba tea, two kinds of soba-yu (rich soba-yu and dashi-infused soba-yu), and soba karinto, and we sold a limited assortment set. Afterward, guests took photos on the platform and in front of the station’s photo frame, and enjoyed shopping at the station shop. More than ten groups posed at the “Soba Red Photo Frame” installed immediately to the left after exiting JR Shintoku Station. At the station shop, the soba karinto offered for tasting proved so popular that it sold out. When we spoke with guests returning to the platform, we heard happy remarks like “It was very delicious” and “It goes well with tea,” with people holding soba karinto. We bade them farewell, hoping they will stop by again next year. A short announcement. The “Soba Red Photo Frame” in front of the station is not a face-in panel, but you can pose as if you are eating soba noodles. If you’re interested, please come visit JR Shintoku Station.💡 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido tourism #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #JR Shintoku Station #JR #Stella Station #JTB #Tabimonogatari train #hospitality #Station-front complex Tokutoku #tuktuk #Tokutoku #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.

Photographed on May 15, 25. For work, I went to Shinagawa. The City Bakery is a CB plate in Atré Shinagawa.

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

🍵 Yamashigi kama-iri tea 🍵 The delicious season for new tea 🍵 Kama-iri tea grown at Yamashigi Forest is ready! Yamashigi Forest is an old farmhouse set in woodland over 600 meters above sea level This farmhouse, more than 140 years old, prospered as a key transit point in the days before cars. Travelers and freight once moved along exposed ridgelines with good views rather than the low river valleys. We picked the tender new shoots that grew up strong at Yamashigi Forest and made them the traditional way to create this “Yamashigi kama-iri tea” 🍵 It is made only from the first flush. During Golden Week every tea-growing household turns its attention to picking the leaves. The few tea mills in the village run full time from morning to night. Yamashigi kama-iri tea was produced amid that bustle. The kama-iri tea arrives at your home as a “boxed” product that has never left Morotsuka once it was packed. (In reality it arrives in a bag.) Kama-iri tea is a method the people of Morotsuka have kept alive for generations. It was brought long ago from China and now survives in pockets across Kyushu. Apparently it makes up only about 0.02% of the tea distributed nationwide. The tea offers a gentle sweetness and a slightly toasty aroma. After the water boils, wait a moment before pouring, drink quickly, and from around the third cup the leaves open fully and the “kama-ka” aroma drifts out. Kama-iri tea is popular in Morotsuka Village but remains rare across the country. 🍵 You can buy it from the online shop Morotsuka Store, at the Donko-tei Storefront, or at Morokko House. ※Stock is limited, so please order early 🙇‍♀️

Ginkgo biloba photographed at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden last autumn is 🍁🍂 one of the characteristics of the warm orange and yellow gradation and the contrast with the green trees in the background. I also took a picture with a creative way of hitting the light, so please pay attention to it 💡

Introducing the kiosk inside Shintoku Station, Stella Station We sell souvenirs from Shintoku Town, drinks, snacks, and more, and we also offer something called a “Children’s Ticket” at the register. With the tickets we bought, children can exchange them for dagashi (cheap snacks) or drinks. They are for students up to high school and are handy as a snack before school or outings, or for when mom or dad won’t buy snacks (laughs). Here’s how the children use it: First they draw a ticket fortune (omikuji), then exchange it for a ticket, choose dagashi and drinks up to the amount shown on the ticket, and have the staff at the kiosk confirm the total is within the limit. Finally, the children write a thank-you message. These messages are displayed densely under the Stella Station sign, so please take a look. Watching this, I noticed some kids giving a piece of candy to friends with smaller amounts or pooling tickets with friends to get snacks together, and I was impressed by their friendship and thoughtfulness. Seeing the children, I bought a ticket with the coins in my wallet. I felt like I’d done a small good deed (laughs). This lovely initiative is happening inside Shintoku Station, so if you’re interested in it, if you’re looking for souvenirs in Shintoku, or even if you just want to kill time while waiting for a train, come and drop by—any reason is fine. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido tourism #Tokachi #Tokachi tourism #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #kiosk #Stella Station #children’s fortune tickets #children’s omikuji #omikuji #children’s tickets #Toku-Toku station-front complex #tuktuk #TokuToku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

May 13, 2025 Takashima Castle Wisteria On this day, foodie KAWANISHI visited the wisteria at Takashima Castle (Takashima Park). This year, I came to see the wisteria at Takashima Castle again! I think it will finish blooming by the end of this week. At Takashima Castle, two rows of wisteria trellises stand side by side, and there are wisteria over the pond as well. The colors are stunning, with a beautiful contrast of purple and white!!! Usually, they reach their best around Golden Week.

A roundup of dog-friendly dining and dog runs where you can eat with your pet in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is now featured in the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi website! For details, please check the homepage.✨ Basic information on shops that offer menu items for dogs 🐶 Be sure to visit the spots that catch your eye! 1. Dog Cafe Pacem (Pacem) [Address] 634-2 Heiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] (0824) 74-1201 [Hours] 9:00–19:00 [Closed] Wednesday, Thursday [Parking] About 10 spaces [Recommended dog meal menu] Chicken and tofu dog burger 260 yen (tax included) The carrot paw print is adorable, and all dog menu items list ingredients, so you can feel secure about allergies! 2. National Hibakokuryo Hill Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari [Address] 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 080-8242-4173 [Hours] 9:30–17:00 (varies by season) *Both park admission and dog run reception close one hour before closing* *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Closed] Monday, New Year holidays (12/31, 1/1) *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Parking] Lot 5 is open free of charge *During busy periods (about five days a year) it becomes a paid parking lot* 3. Hiroshima Prefectural Forest for Citizens [Address] 156-14 Yuki, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-84-2020 [Hours] 8:00–17:00 [Closed] Closed for the winter season *Dogs are allowed to run freely in the snow* [Parking] Available 4. Nanatsukahara Service Area (downbound) [Address] 560-4 Yamauchi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Hours] Open 24 hours [Closed] None [Parking] Available 5. Roadside Station Takano [Address] 49 Shimomonda, Takano-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-86-3131 [Hours] 9:00–18:00 [Closed] 2nd and 4th Wednesday [Parking] Available

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

"Aragi Island", a rare round-shaped terraced rice field in Wakayama Prefecture Shot on DJI MAVIC 3 JAPAN Wakayama 2024/6 * Notification is required for the flight of Aragi Island. * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Photographed on May 12, 25. LEC COFFEE's black latte and gateau fromage 🍊. 🍊 I'm happy because I like it 🍋. 😊

Photographed on May 12, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's gateau fromage. 🍊 🍊 ☕️ But it goes well with.

Photographed on May 12, 25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. It's a black latte. Latte art is a work of art.