Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture. The red of the torii and the pink of the blossoms create a scene you can only see now. I stopped on my way home from Kanatsu Elementary School. The cherry trees along Arata-zaka formed a beautiful tunnel again this year.

I rode the Matsukawa sightseeing boat in Toyama Prefecture. The weather wasn't great, but when cherry blossom petals floated on the water and the boat slipped under a bridge, the scene looked like a painting. At one moment, a plane took off between two stretches of cherry trees, creating a surreal view that made me snap a photo without thinking. I hope I can take the ride again next year when the weather is nicer.

Minami Shinshu weekend outing info 🚗💨 The katakuri (dogtooth violet) at Katakuri no Sato in Oosegi, Iida City, is in full bloom! A pale purple carpet stretches as far as the eye can see — a once-in-a-season spectacle. It’s perfect for photos 📸✨️ Plus! On Sunday, April 12, the Katakuri Festival will take place. Come enjoy a spring stroll with family and friends. ⁡ 📸: Friday, April 3, 2026 📍 Katakuri no Sato (2609-27 Oosegi, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture) Best time to visit: Now in peak bloom! Event: Katakuri Festival on Sunday, April 12 ※ Sakura-sama Cherry Blossom Festival held at the same time! ※ Check Minami Shinshu Navi for details 👀

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The cherry trees at Ryugamonbuchi Park in Akeina are about 80% in bloom Still, with a forecast for summer-like temperatures today, they might reach full bloom… It’s a pleasant park. Visit with a picnic spirit!!

April 6th Azumino cleared to a brilliant blue today Forecasts say the temperature will rise to 25°C by midday It looks like an unseasonal summer day… MtJonen in the Northern Alps is watching over us!!

April 6th Spring has arrived in Azumino, and plants are bursting into new growth all at once!! Wasabi flowers, cherry blossoms, and even the ridges… After a long winter, Azumino is at its most radiant right now♪

April 5th Azumino Cherry Blossom Update The Hyakuraku Cherry tree in front of the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum is in full bloom This is an Edo-higan cherry, and its pale pink petals are beautiful!!

April 5th Azumino’s tourism hub, in front of Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line The willow tree that starred in the so‑called "symbol tour" is budding, and the daffodils are in full bloom When you visit, stop by briefly and then pop into the Tourist Information Center!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Anyouzan Seigenji Temple, located along the foothill road in Azumino, has begun to bloom Two large weeping cherry trees stand beyond the moss-covered approach This Soto Zen temple is also notable in summer for the lotus flowers beside the temple grounds!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Hodakasan Soutokuji Temple near hotaka station in Azumino is in full bloom!! You can also enjoy a zazen meditation experience here♪ For details, check the official site of the Azumino Tourism Association

Hello. This is Waraji, a Koshu local cuisine restaurant. The news of cherry blossoms already in full bloom arrived earlier than in many other parts of the country, and though it’s the season that makes you feel spring’s arrival, here at Shosenkyo Gorge the trees need a little more time to reach full bloom 🌸 The gorge’s towering rock faces still hold a touch of chill, yet each day brings a gentler hint of spring filling the air. On clear mornings, the crisp air carries the bush warbler’s beautiful song, soothing the heart like a natural soundtrack 🎶 Against the grand scenery, these moments of slowly approaching spring feel like a luxurious experience unique to Shosenkyo Gorge ⛰️ If you feel a bit peckish during your stroll, please drop by our shop 😊 At this chilly time of year, we recommend Yamanashi’s specialty, houtou (thick vegetable noodle stew) 🍲 A gentle bowl brimming with pumpkin, root vegetables, mushrooms, and other plentiful vegetables warms you to the core and eases the heart ✨ Enjoy the comforting taste that soaks into a body chilled by the outdoors. Waiting at our entrance to greet you is Houtou no Tanuchan, our beloved houtou raccoon character, who is eagerly looking forward to meeting visitors 🐻‍❄️ (It’s a raccoon!) Its charming figure is sure to make you want to take a photo 📸 At Shosenkyo Gorge, where spring arrives slowly, come and enjoy a time that warms both heart and body. We sincerely look forward to your visit 🌿

April 3rd The Somei-yoshino cherry trees at Azumino’s scenic spot Jitensha Hiroba have begun to bloom They are still opening here and there It will be delightful to see them in full bloom alongside the pink moss (shibazakura)!

Introduction to a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Kasane kine sukashi Tsuba Signature Unidentified (Mumei) Kanayama Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size Length 70mm Width 70mm Thickness 4.5mm Period Momoyama period School Kanayama Description The accepted view is that Kanayama tsuba were made around Owari, though some suggest production spanned from Mino into Owari. Their history goes back as far as the mid-Muromachi period, with a heyday during the Sengoku era. The style is somewhat small; the iron ground takes on a pleasing dark tone. The rim sometimes shows pronounced iron ridges and sometimes more gentle ones. Robust and full of character, they have a devoted following. This piece displays fine iron character and attractive rim ridging, making it an excellent example that fully conveys the charm of Kanayama tsuba.

The “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes,” which began at the end of March, is at about 80% bloom as of April 3. The coming weekend will be the peak, so please come if you have time. Please use the Mihama Town Kitasaigo Community Center Parking and Mihama Town Lake Center Parking. A glittering night at Wakasa Bay’s scenic Mikata Five Lakes—“Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes” debuts! Following last autumn’s well-received “Waves of Light Project in Shoishohama” at Shoishohama Beach, Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture presents a new nighttime light art event that will illuminate Mikata Five Lakes: the “Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes.” Shifting the light art stage from the sea (Shoishohama Beach) to the lakes (Mikata Five Lakes), we will create a dreamlike atmosphere over the night-time lakes. Enjoy the beautiful pairing of shimmering night cherry blossoms and the lakes. Event Overview Event Name Yoi no Sakura Project in Mikata Five Lakes Dates and Times Late March to early April (from cherry blossom blooming until the event ends) 6:00 PM–8:00 PM (admission free) Venues In front of Mihama Town Lake Center and Mt. Takeyama Trailhead Hokusaisato Community Center Main Features Cherry blossom light-ups • Cherry trees at the Mt. Takeyama trailhead • Cherry trees at Hokusaisato Community Center Ground-level light decorations • Footlights (on the lawn plaza at Hokusaisato Community Center) • Illuminations (along the lakeside road of Lake Kugushi) Notes Some areas have little lighting. For safety, we recommend bringing a flashlight. Parking is limited, so please be considerate and share spaces. The event may be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. We cannot accept responsibility for accidents, theft, or other incidents in parking areas, on-site, or while viewing the event.

In 2026, the Gokoichi Bus will continue to run, departing from and arriving at Tsuruga Station and Mihama Station and circling the Mikata Five Lakes. [Service Period] The service operates on weekends and public holidays only from Saturday, April 4, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026. *The bus will also run on some weekdays (Thursday, April 30; Friday, May 1; Thursday, May 7; Friday, May 8; Monday, August 10; Monday, November 2). [Route] Departing from either Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station, the route calls at sightseeing spots such as Mihama Town Lake Center, Rainbow Line Summit Park, and Jomon Roman Park, and stops at Mikata Station before returning to Tsuruga Station or Mihama Station. Please see the bus timetable for details. *Seat reservations are not available. [Inquiries about buses and service status] Fukui Railway Reinoku Office TEL 0778-21-0712

March 30th The Hyakuraku cherry tree at the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum has begun to bloom!! With spring-like warmth, the cherry blossoms can’t wait any longer These are Edohigan cherry trees, an early-blooming variety in Azumino Today they are about thirty percent open, showing deep pink petals♪

Minami Shinshu Cherry Blossom Report — A fleeting dream floating in the nightfall. Here are last night’s (March 27) nocturnal cherry blossoms from Minami Shinshu. This year the blooms came earlier than usual, and their full splendor stood out in the stillness of the night. Lit from below, they seemed almost alive. 📸 Lineup ①② Azumi no Sato Butai-zakura: The ancient tree’s power is overwhelming when lifted by the lights. ③④ Ishizuka no Sakura: Its branches reach into the night sky with strength and grace. ⑤⑥ Koubaiin Temple weeping cherry: A cascading curtain of rosy blossoms. ⑦⑧ Senshoji Temple weeping cherry: The temple setting lends it a sacred aura. Date photographed: 2026.3.27 A night-time magic found only in this season and this place. Come and quietly gaze up at a spring night that you must experience in person. Starting today, the Minami Shinshu Single Cherry Tree Digital Stamp Rally and the Instagram Photo Contest are also underway! Check the southern Nagano tourist information site Minami Shinshu Navi for details.

Sakuhomachi Tourist Facility Opening Information Tourist facilities on Yachiho Kogen will open for the season in stages🌿 ■ Yachiho Lake Operating period: April 17 – October 30 🐟 A popular spot for fishing and relaxing by the lakeside ■ yachiho highland nature park Operating period: April 23 – November 8 🌲 Enjoy a walk through birch groves and past waterfalls while soaking in nature ■ Flowering Tree Garden and Mallet golf course Operating period: May 16 – October 12 🌷 A casual area to enjoy the natural scenery of Yachiho Kogen Each facility has different opening hours, so please check the image for details. This season, come to Yachiho Kogen to enjoy everything from fresh greenery to autumn leaves🌱

Nagano Prefecture Minami Shinshu Iida Cherry Blossom Report🌸 Spring has arrived in Minami Shinshu again this year🌸 Blooming began earlier than usual this year, and some lone cherry trees are already in full bloom or at their peak. Each tree seems to tell its own story, offering a spring landscape unique to this region. Here’s today’s lineup📷✨ 1. Kuyoto no Sakura (its dignified presence captivates) 2. Yasutomi Sakura (a celebrated tree representing Iida City) 3. Meotozakura (their closeness is heartwarming) 4. and 5. Koubaiin’s red weeping cherry trees (their vivid crimson contrasts with the sky) 6. Unsaizi Temple’s cherry tree (its blooming in silence feels otherworldly) Photo taken: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

March 23rd A gloriously clear, sunny day in Azumino Many hikers at the summit of Mount Nagamine were enjoying this view!! Today even hang gliders made an appearance

March 18th Today's scenery of Azumino View from Ohisama Road

March 18th Spring has arrived in Azumino Plum blossoms have begun to bloom at Daio Wasabi Farm, and the red and white hues stand out against the wasabi fields

March 5th From the summit of Mount Nagamine in Azumino’s satoyama, you can enjoy a sky-high view Views of Azumino town and the Northern Alps The forest road is still closed for the winter, so please climb on foot and work up a sweat♪

March 4th Azumino, where it rained all day yesterday When the rain stopped, the mountains were dusted with snow Just when I thought most of the snow had melted, the Northern Alps put on their winter coat again

Toyama’s Spring Quartet Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind. For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Spring is starting to show itself little by little in Shosenkyo Gorge…🌸 The mitsuba azaleas that usually peak around this time are a bit slower this year. Many buds still dot the gorge, so the full bloom will likely be a little way off. Meanwhile, at Tenkorin we found a tree that bloomed a little early✨ The surroundings remain quiet, but that tree seemed to be announcing the start of spring. Shosenkyo will soon burst into color, and we’re looking forward to it. The sight of full bloom will have to wait just a bit longer🌿

Hello everyone, this is Jewelry Town. Shosenkyo Gorge, a Japan Heritage site, is bathed in the soft light of spring and welcomes a season of crisp, refreshing air🏞️ At Arakawa Dam, early-blooming kanhizakura cherry blossoms have begun to open, giving a sense that spring has arrived🌸 Ride the ropeway up to 1,058 meters and, on a clear day, you can see the distant, beautiful Mount Fuji🗻 Nearby, Jewelry Town stands quietly, where a variety of raw stones, including power stones inspired by the 2026 zodiac sign 🐎, rest peacefully, creating a space that gently comforts the hearts of visitors🤗 Surrounded by the calm of nature, why not take your time and find that one favorite stone in a relaxed moment💎 Enjoy a gentle, peaceful springtime experience that softly colors the season✨ Please do stop by when you can. All of our staff warmly await your visit.

[🧸For Sakuho town residents only🧸] Montbell annual membership fee Normally 1,500 yen, but the Sakuho Town Friend Card lets town residents join for 1,000 yen✨ As a member, you will receive benefits such as ・Earning points on purchases ・Receiving the member magazine OUTWARD ・Discounts at partner facilities ・Event information and more. This is recommended not only for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those who want to get started🌿 🔽Join or Inquire🔽 Visit Montbell Sakuho Store inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen

Doshi Village Furusato Nozei Thank-You Gift Announcement of the “Doshi Village Travel Fan Ticket” This regional voucher can be used at Tourism Association member facilities, including campsites, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, fishing services, hot springs, and Michi-no-Eki Doshi. Please use it when you visit Doshi Village during spring break or Golden Week.