Today, Saturday, February 15th, we are holding the monthly Kanagawa Yamato Antique Tools and Folk Crafts Market. This time, the market is selling specialty tankan oranges from Yamato Village in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture. According to the Yamato Village website, tankan is a subtropical citrus native to China, born from the natural cross between ponkan and orange and preferring high temperatures. They look simply delicious. For reference, Yamato Village in Kagoshima Prefecture is about 1,500 km from Yamato City in Kanagawa Prefecture, and it would take roughly 250 hours on foot. Thank you for coming all the way here...!

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Opening of Oyama-dera Temple: “Pilgrimage to Oyama and the Offering Swords” *The Oyama pilgrimage, a popular practice in the Edo period* ✨Experience Corner✨ Try on the pilgrimage garments, carry an offering sword for a photo, and take home the memory! The weight of the sword is striking and adds to the emotional impact. Up to 6 m in length✨All 15 actual offering swords once dedicated here make an impressive sight! Ukiyo-e prints that offer a glimpse of the Oyama pilgrimage are also on display✨ A must-see! Don’t miss this rare opportunity with your family. ◆Dates: On display through Monday, February 17, 2025 9:30 AM–5:00 PM ◆Venue: Isehara City Central Community Center, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit [Bus] From Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Stop No. 1 Take the “Isehara Shako” bound bus and get off at “Chuo Kominkan-mae” (Central Community Center) ◆Admission: Free ＊＊Contact＊＊ Isehara City Board of Education, Educational Affairs Division, Cultural Properties Section Tel: 0463-74-5109 (direct) ＊＊Organizer＊＊ Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Use of Local Cultural Properties

[Notice of Temporary Closure of Public Restrooms at Mount Oyama Summit and Mount Oyama-dera] 2025.2.14 The public restrooms at Mount Oyama Summit and the restrooms at Mount Oyama-dera are currently unavailable due to frozen water supply pipes. *The restrooms at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine are currently available.* ✨A special opening of the nationally registered tangible cultural property Mount Oyama-dera Main Hall runs until Tuesday, February 18 (9:30–15:30). Please check the trail map for restroom locations and use facilities before your visit. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We will announce when reopening is expected. Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for “Oyama Cable” for about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along the Koma approach to the cable car station

Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Notice of the Large Armor Exhibition and Armor Workshop About 60 impressive handmade armors worn by the corps members will be displayed together‼ ✨Armor Workshop (15 sessions in total)✨ is also recruiting students! Take this chance to make your own armor✨ ◆Dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Sunday, February 23, 2025 9:00 (1:00 PM on the first day) – 17:00 (4:00 PM on the final day) ◆Venue: Isehara City Central Public Hall, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit 【Bus】Kanachu Bus from Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 1 Take the "for Isehara Depot" bus and get off at "Chuo Kominkan-mae" (in front of the Central Public Hall) ◆Admission: Free ◆Inquiries: Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Office (Tel: 0463-95-2385, Wakabayashi) https://isehara-kattyuutai.com/?p=14010...

Isehara Flower Report 2025.02.12 *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (Shimokasuya 2168-2) The white plum blossoms have finally started to open in duet with the red plums, but the red plums will likely finish blooming by the time the white ones are fully out. *Uga-bunko Yamaguchi Residence Plum Garden Free Admission* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plums have begun to open considerably, but they need a bit more time. ◆Period: until Sunday, March 9, 10:00–15:00 ◆Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus platform 4 Get off at the “Shimebiki” stop on the “Mt. Oyama Cable Car” route ※Hina dolls are displayed only on Sundays during the period (Adults 300 yen, includes admission to the nationally registered tangible cultural property Yamaguchi Residence) *Isehara City General Sports Park* (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees between the Slope Cherry and Ginkgo Promenade are still some way from blooming. *Hyuga Yakushi Plum Garden* (Hyuga 1644) The plum garden above the Hyuga Yakushi rear parking lot will take a while longer. We will post updates on blooming status as they come, so please look forward to them! #Isehara Flower Report #Isehara #plum #plum blossoms #Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Uga-bunko #Isehara City General Sports Park #Hyuga Yakushi

Back to Atami! 🤿 📍 Atami City, Shizuoka Continuing from yesterday, dive into the waters of Atami! 🌊 The inside of the sea changes every day, so you have to go right away so as not to miss the "seasonal" sea! 👍 🔹 Transparency is more than 15m! In the clear blue water, the huge wreck "Asahi 16" with a total length of 81 meters has an overwhelming presence 👏 This wreck lies in the sand at a depth of about 30 meters, and the depth of water on the deck is about 20 meters. The ship was originally carrying gravel and is said to have sunk in 1986. It is one of the largest divable wrecks in Japan, and its sense of scale is impressive! 🚢✨ Parts of the crumbling hull are thrilling 🤩, almost like an adventure movie 🔹 We also dived into the cave point, which is limited to the winter season! On a sunny day, the cave is flooded with light and has a fantastic beauty. There is no doubt that it is a special experience unique to this time of year! And... Two new AOW* divers have been born! 👏🎉 Thank you to 😊 everyone who participated ✨ Limited time cave diving until March! ✨ Atami boat requests, welcome to do so! 🚤💙 ---------------------------------------- *What is Advanced Open Water (AOW)? It is a qualification that allows you to dive deeper than the first Sense OW (Open Water) and in special environments. ----------------------
 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Enjoy the winter sea! Heal with ✨ a neighborhood dive It's close, it's beautiful, it's funny, and it's the best 😄 Only 40 minutes by car from the shop in Hiratsuka! I dived at the neighborhood point "Manazuru / Enoura"! The visibility was 15m, the weather was clear 🌞, and it was 👏 a perfect diving day Diving in the glitter is soothing ✨ I was also able 🤗 to meet the lord of Enoura "Kobudai" It was very powerful! In addition, a commemorative photo with Doraemon is also perfect 📸 Thank you to 🙏 everyone who participated After all, the sea in winter is beautiful and awesome! ---------------------- 😍 Embark on an unforgettable diving trip! 🌊 Let's 🇯🇵🗻 enjoy the beautiful sea of Japan with "Hokule'a Shonan" ⭐️ Experience Diving ⭐️ Snorkeling ⭐️ Sense acquisition ⭐️ Fun Diving We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅 ---------------------- 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

The 4th Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition — Free Admission 🆓 Finally tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (national holiday) ✨ The Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition ✨ takes place Amateur rakugo performers selected by public application will compete, bringing a heated contest that showcases their hard-earned skills This is your chance to experience classic (Edo) rakugo live You’re sure to enjoy laughs and even moments of genuine emotion Plus, a distinguished panel of judges with ties to Isehara ✨ Yukichi Sanyutei (from Shimokasuya) Komba Kinbaratei (from Higashi-Otake) Issa Shunputei (from Hadano) Kitaro MukashiMukashitei (from Itado) Don’t miss the professional rakugo judges’ evaluations Please come with friends and family and join us Date and Time Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (national holiday) Preliminaries 10:00–14:00 Finals from 15:00 Venue Isehara Civic Cultural Center, Small Hall (348 Tanaka, Isehara) #Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition #rakugo #amateur rakugo #classic rakugo #Edo rakugo #Isehara #Isehara City #Isehara tourism #Kanagawa #amateur rakugo performers #Yukichi Sanyutei #Komba Kinbaratei #Issa Shunputei #Kitaro MukashiMukashitei #free admission #free event #February 11 #national holiday #Isehara Civic Cultural Center https://www.isehara-rakugo.jp//

National Registered Tangible Cultural Property: Special Opening of the Main Hall of Oyama-dera Special Exhibition ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage and the Dedicated Sword’’ 2025 Oyama-dera is a component cultural property of the Japan Heritage ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage,’’ and its main hall ranks among the finest early modern temple and shrine buildings in Isehara. A local guide will explain its cultural value and its place within the Oyama pilgrimage. Why not take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit? ✨Special Opening of the National Registered Tangible Cultural Property ‘‘Oyama-dera Main Hall’’✨ ◆ Dates: February 11 (Tue, public holiday) – February 18 (Tue) 9:30–15:30 *The public display of the principal image during the special opening is only on Tuesday, February 18.* ◆ Venue: Oyama-dera (724 Oyama, Isehara) ◆ Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for ‘‘Oyama Cable’’ for about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along Komamiendo Shopping Street Or take the cable car 2 minutes and get off at ‘‘Oyama-dera’’ ◆ Admission: Free (Viewing the principal image: 400 yen) ✨Commemorative Special Exhibition: ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage and the Dedicated Sword’’✨ Actual dedicated swords and ukiyo-e woodblock prints depicting the Oyama pilgrimage will be on display. ◆ Dates: February 13 (Thu) – February 17 (Mon) 9:30–17:00 ◆ Venue: Isehara City Central Community Center, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆ Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit [By bus] From Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus Stop No. 1 Take the bus bound for ‘‘Isehara Depot’’ and get off at ‘‘Chuo Kominkan-mae (Central Community Center)’’ ◆ Admission Fee: Free ＊＊Inquiries＊＊ Cultural Properties Section, General Affairs Division, Board of Education, Isehara City Phone: 0463-74-5109 (direct) ＊＊Organizer＊＊ Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Use of Local Cultural Properties #Isehara #Isehara Tourism #Oyama #Oyama-dera #Cultural Property #History #Special Opening #Exhibition

[Isehara Flower News] 2025.2.6 The white plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but the red plums at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park (Shimokasuya 2168-2) in the photo are dazzlingly beautiful✨!! A few plums have started to bloom at Isehara City General Sports Park (Nishitomioka 320) and the plum grove at Hinata Yakushi (Hinata 1644), but most buds remain tight. I’m looking forward to watching the blooms open gradually from now on💖 *Free opening of the plum garden at the Ugaku Bunko Yamaguchi House* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plum trees are just beginning to bloom now. ◆Period: Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) – Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ◆Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus Platform 4 Take the ‘To Oyama Cable Car’ bus and get off at “Shimehiki” ※On Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) and Sundays during the period, hina dolls will be on display (Adults 300 yen; includes admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi House) Please come and see it✨ #Isehara #Plum #Plum blossoms #Red plum #White plum #Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Isehara City General Sports Park #Hinata Yakushi #Ugaku Bunko #Yamaguchi House #Hina dolls #Arrival of spring #Isehara tourism

Isehara City Community Center Festival Notice The Isehara City Community Center Festival✨ runs from Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 16th at each community center in turn. Enjoy a full program of circle and group exhibitions, activity presentations, food stalls, and events. The Isehara City Tourism Association will have a booth at Ota Community Center on Saturday, February 8th only! Come and visit us💖 Inquiry: City Board of Education, Division of Social Education Phone 0463-93-7500 (Central Community Center)

It's finally here! Dogashima 🎉 📍 Shizuoka, Nishi-Izu Hello! This time, I went diving at Dogashima, a popular spot in Nishi-Izu! It was a point that I had been interested in for a long time recently, so I am very excited 💡✨ to be able to visit it [This place is amazing! ] Attraction points of ✨ Dogashima] Speaking of Dogashima, the natural monument "Tensodo" is known as a famous landmarks. The unusual boat diving style that sails from here is fascinating! Taking a boat ride through a dimly lit cave to a dive site is like the beginning of an adventure. You can experience an extraordinary feeling from the moment you set sail, so you can't stop feeling excited! Please experience 😃 this tour where you can feel the ease and comfort unique to boat diving [Impression of the undersea Hot Spring! ] ♨️】 What surprised me even more was that I was able to experience an undersea Hot Spring while diving! Impression fills my heart ... 🥹✨ 🖼️The third photo shows me touching the Hot Spring Minamoto spring! [A new AOW* diver has been born! ] 👏】 On this tour, we have a new Advanced Open Water (AOW)* diver! It is also an ideal environment for those who want to further improve their skills in the future. From beginners to advanced divers, it is a recommended Spot for stepping up and acquiring Sense! Dogashima has been added 🐠💖 to the list of Spots that we would like to recommend ---------------------------------------- *What is Advanced Open Water (AOW)? It is a qualification that allows you to dive deeper than the first Sense OW (Open Water) and in special environments. ---------------------------------------- 🤿 Information 🤿 for the next Dogashima tour The next tour will be Held in on Saturday, March 8th! If you are interested, please 🙏 make a reservation as soon as possible We also welcome requests for dates other than those listed above! Please feel free to contact us 😁

Oyama Isehara Market is on! Rain or light showers will not cancel; the event will be called off only in severe weather. Once again this month—so popular—discover plenty of delicious food and fun in Isehara! Sunday, February 9, 2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) A wide variety of food tents and kitchen cars, local vegetables for sale, and diverse booths will gather, and you can also enjoy stage performances including music♬! It’s sure to be a day full of smiles 😊 ● Access 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station From the north exit, take Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from platform 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I-34 or I-36, get off at Sogo Undokoen (General Sports Park) ▪ If you take routes I-31 or I-37, get off at Sogo Undokoen Iriguchi (General Sports Park Entrance) and walk 5 minutes *Crowds are expected, so please cooperate by using public transportation. [Contact] By email to the Isehara Ichi Executive Committee iseharaichi@j4.gmobb.jp (Contact: Sakamoto)

Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House ♪ 2025 At Ekinaka Kururin House, the Kururins welcome everyone in a Valentine’s mood 💖. ✨New product announcements✨ ◍ Hot spring bath additive ♨️ ‘Isehara Ooyama no Yu’ (Oyama natural hot spring Komaya no Yu) - One sachet 300 yen - ◍ Bear-repellent bell A good charm for mountain climbing ⛰️ and hiking! Its gentle sound alerts others to your presence and approach, and it is said to reduce the chance of encountering bears. - One bell 200 yen - ◍ Carabiner for attaching bear-repellent bells and similar items - One carabiner 100 yen - We also recommend the hugely popular Kururin goods that you can only get in Isehara! ♬ We look forward to seeing you♪ 【Open every day, including during the New Year holidays】 On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round) https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/... #Present #Kururin #Isehara #Ooyama #Bear-repellent bell

Izumi no Mori, one of Yamato City's premier nature parks, lies within walking distance of Yamato Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line and the Sotetsu Main Line. The park’s spacious grounds showcase a variety of plants and animals through the changing seasons. Even in winter, birds gather at the springs, reflecting their graceful, free movements on the water as they search for food and groom themselves. Izumi no Mori offers many birdwatching spots where you can enjoy the birds’ different behaviors and expressions depending on the season and location.

[Please be careful of mountain accidents] As of Monday, February 3, 2025, Mt. Ooyama is hidden in clouds but covered in white. The photo shows the state of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine on February 2. Please take extra care when going out. Also, climbing Mt. Ooyama (especially from the Lower Shrine to the summit) requires proper equipment. Be sure to prepare, such as wearing trekking shoes and bringing trekking poles. In the coming season, Mt. Ooyama can have enough snow that crampons may be required on some days. *The Mount Oyama Summit Public Toilet is currently unavailable due to a frozen water supply pipe. Please start early to allow plenty of time and use nearby toilets such as those at Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine before you leave.* ★Essential gear for safe mountain climbing Backpack: a rucksack to carry your gear Hat: to protect your head from sun and cold Rainwear: waterproof clothing; a two-piece set is recommended Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from sun and glare off the snow Sunscreen: to protect your skin from UV rays Change of clothes and warm layers: to change into if you sweat or the temperature drops Gloves and neck warmer: for cold protection Crampons: metal traction devices attached to boot soles to prevent slipping on snow or ice Mountaineering boots or walking shoes (flat-soled sneakers are dangerous because they are slippery) Don’t forget water and food! ★About submitting a climbing notification To enjoy climbing Mt. Ooyama safely, please submit a climbing notification. You can also submit a notification online via the QR code. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet, enter the required information, and submit. Submitting a climbing notification helps prepare for emergencies and enables prompt rescue operations if needed. We appreciate your cooperation. #Isehara #Ooyama #Hiking #Safe climbing #Climbing notification

Setsubun Festival on February 2, 2025 On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Setsubun Festival was held at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (guests: sekitori stablemasters Takadagawa, Ryurai, Shonan no Umi, Teru; rakugo storyteller Sanyūtei Yukichi), and Isehara Daijingu. The morning brought unfortunate rain, and snow fell in the cold at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, but many worshippers still gathered. At the customary bean-throwing, everyone chanted “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto!” to drive away demons and welcome good fortune. There was also a lottery exchangeable for koban coins and other draws, with lovely prizes awarded, making the event very lively!

Rear-end collision caution ⚠️😆 Bizen jellyfish 🪼 Go to Shizuura in Nishi-Izu for a diving Sense course! !️ 📍 Shizuoka, Numazu City, Shizuura The diving Spot, which is about an hour from the shop in Hiratsuka, is extremely interesting 🎵 This photo is of the sea 🌊 in Shizuura taken in October The sea conditions are calm and the weather is sunny ☀️ The transparency is good and there is nothing to 👍 say. The sparkling water is the best healing space 😁✨ From autumn to winter, a large number of bizen jellyfish occur 🪼🪼🪼 at this time of year If you're crazy, you'll be rear-ended by a jellyfish, so be careful. 🤗 However, there is no 📸 doubt that this underwater photo is Instagrammable There was 🐠 a pair of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat and a child in a bleached sea anemone I'm looking forward to the revival of sea anemones next year! Sense was successfully acquired, and a new diver was born 🎉 Thank you for 😄 your participation There are many life-changing diving experiences waiting for you! !️

Isehara Flower Report — January 31, 2025 The days are still bitterly cold. With the Setsubun Festival on Sunday, February 2, weather is on everyone’s mind, so dress warmly when you go out. Walking along the Oyama koma approach, you’ll be soothed by the sweet scent of the yellow, delicate flowers of robai (wintersweet). Plum blossoms are beginning to open here and there. Many buds remain, but it’s exciting to watch the blooms progress from now on! *Utage Bunko* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The robai beside the torii in the parking area is still beautiful. Most plum trees in the grove are still in bud, but you can see a patch of rapeseed flowers blooming toward the back. *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (Shimokasuya 2168-2) The robai at the park entrance is in bloom. The plum trees beyond the stairs are developing many buds; the white plums have not opened yet, but red plums are starting to bloom. *Isehara City General Sports Park* (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees between the cherry- and ginkgo-lined slope up to the entrance are beginning to show buds. *Hinata Yakushi Plum Grove* (Hinata 1644) The plum grove behind Hinata Yakushi is just starting to form buds.

Refreshment Diving 🫧 📍 江之浦, 小田原市, Kanagawa Thrilling as a couple?! Exciting! Na Diving 🤿 for the first time in a long time yellowtail What is Refresh Diving? "I want to dive, but I'm worried because it's been a long time since I've had a yellowtail." "I have a skill that I'm not good at, and I'm worried about going diving..." This is 😃 a return-to-diver program to refresh the knowledge and skills necessary for diving and to be able to enjoy the sea with peace of mind In this course, we will check your breathing and practice neutral buoyancy! I 👍 improved a lot in one day At Hokule'a Shonan, requests for refresher courses are welcome! Any concerns or unclear points about diving in the eaves yellowtail Please feel free to tell us ✋

Yamato Stadium is a baseball field located roughly in the center of Yamato City in Kanagawa Prefecture, tucked inside Hikichidai Park. The stadium displays statues and illustrations from Shinji Mizushima's baseball manga Dokaben, so locals affectionately call it "Dokaben Stadium." Yamato Stadium serves as the stage venue for the spring City Festival and as a game site for the summer Kanagawa Prefectural High School Baseball Championship, making it a familiar and beloved ballpark for the people of Yamato.

Lots of ✨ things to see 📍 Nishi-Izu, Shishihama About 1 hour 🚙 by car from the shop in Hiratsuka Shishihama in Shizuoka Prefecture is a popular diving spot packed with many things to see! 🐟 What, that Roman "mouth of truth" is also here?! 😆🇮🇹 You can 📸 also enjoy it as a photo Spot From deep to shallow, you can 😁 enjoy it at various points Perfect for those of you who are looking for a "close and interesting sea"! Would you like to make new discoveries at Shishihama? ✨ 🛟 Requests are now being accepted! We will ✋ propose a diving plan according to your wishes. Interested parties, please feel free to contact us!

Ebi-chan 💜🤍💚 Don't you think this color and pattern are too fashionable? ✨ Recommended for photo divers Nishi-Izu and Shizuura 📷 The shrimp in the photo are everywhere. You can 😄👍 take a picture of each person

Notice: Partial Closure of the Oyama Historic Path in the Oyama Area – January 29, 2025 A section of the Oyama Historic Path in the Oyama area is currently closed to traffic. (See map) We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Notice: Reopening of a Section of Yakushi Forest Road The Yakushi Forest Road (from the back of Hinata Yakushi to Atsugi Nanasawa) has been reopened after the closure at the end of last year. It is now passable.

The 22nd Lively Senior Isehara Festival 2025 On Saturday, January 25, the Isehara Lifelong Learning Volunteer Association and the Isehara Tourism Volunteer Guide & Walk Association co-hosted the event at the Central Community Center. This year’s festival proved to be a lively day where children through seniors could mingle and enjoy activities across generations. The Sanno Junior High School brass band’s selections—“Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki,” and “Matsuken Samba” among them—sent the crowd into a roar and filled the venue with warm smiles! The energetic rec dance by the Smile Club, a passionate kodan (traditional storytelling) performance of “Ota Dokan” by Kotosei Takarai, a bold martial demonstration by the Isehara Handmade Armor Corps, and songs by local singer Keiko Ogura were all well received and contributed to the lively atmosphere! Building on the 22nd festival and continuing enjoyable events helps release feel-good hormones, bringing energy and vitality to everyone! For Isehara’s further development and to support the realization of an NHK Taiga drama about the Sengoku warlord Ota Dokan, we ask for your cooperation starting with a signature campaign. Let’s raise the excitement together! We’re also looking forward to the Sanno Junior High School brass band and chorus club’s next regular concert on Saturday, March 15 (Isehara Civic Cultural Center, curtain at 3:00 PM).

✨ The most gourmet tour of the year! ✨ Do you know the best gourmet tour in Hokule'a Shonan? That is [Crab Gurume & Strawberry Picking Tour] 💡 This year, too, Held in on 2/15 (Sat) - 16 (Sun)! Dive 🤿 underwater with a transparency of at least 15 meters during the day Dinner is sashimi funmori, extra-large boiled fish, scallops, Haliotis, Turbo sazae, shrimp 🐟 There! The biggest crab in the world! Up to 🦀 Takaashi Crab More food than you 🍴 can get on the table On the way back on the second day, sweet ~ "Strawberry picking 🍓" A special tour👏 where you can enjoy diving and food to your heart's content The remaining [4 people] are 😊 available Popular tour, so make a reservation as soon as possible 🙏 We look 😋 forward to your participation

The scent of plum blossoms drifting in the clear winter air. Enjoy a peaceful moment soothed by their delicate forms blooming in the cold in Kanagawa. https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/plum_2024...

[Notice of the Setsubun Festival on February 2, 2025] Oni out—fortune in! Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held on the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring), and this year it falls on February 2. Face this year’s lucky direction, west-southwest, and either silently eat an ehomaki roll whole while making a wish or eat beans equal to your age. Drive away evil spirits and pray for a healthy, happy year as you welcome good fortune—please join us for the Setsubun Festival!

Isehara Flower Report January 23, 2025 Plum groves at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park, Hinata Yakushi, Ugaku Bunko, and the Sports Park The wax-like, yellow, dainty flowers of the wintersweet (roubai) are beginning to reach peak bloom in some spots ahead of the plums. The swelling plum buds only add to the anticipation! *Ugaku Bunko* (862-1 Kamikasuya) The wintersweet by the torii next to the parking lot is very beautiful. Most of the plum grove is still in bud, but a few early flowers have already opened. *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (2168-2 Shimokasuya) The wintersweet at the park entrance is in bloom. The plum trees beyond the stairs are laden with many buds. *Isehara City Sports Park* (320 Nishi-Tomioka) The plum trees behind the cherry row at the entrance are just beginning to show buds. *Plum Grove at Hinata Yakushi* (1644 Hinata) The plum grove behind Hinata Yakushi has started to bud. Wintersweet is blooming beside Hojiden. A few mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha) trees are planted beside the main shrine building.

Underwater trash pick-up program 🗑️🌊 I received my Dive Against Yellowtail certification card! 😃 The design is a sea turtle 🐢✨ The theme of this design card changes every year. The theme for 2024 is sea turtles, which have been greatly damaged by ghost gear (discarded fishing nets), which has become a problem in recent years. The message of this card is not only to improve your diving skills, but also to raise awareness of marine conservation and the protection of marine life. Thereare, if you wish to use this specially designed card instead of the usual certification card, you will need to pay a donation of at least 500 yen per unit to a non-profit environmental protection organization called the AWARE Foundation. The donations are used ♻️ for "shark and ray conservation" and "marine debris recovery activities" In this activity, you don't just end up picking up trash! We measure and classify the garbage we collect, and create data while discussing the causes and problems. This data is reported through PADI (the world's largest Scuba Diving educational institution) to researchers, environmental groups, and government agencies for analysis and action. Diving is not just a leisure activity or picking up trash, but it is 💡 a valuable activity that allows you to think deeply about environmental issues and contribute to improvement through concrete data Let's protect the future of the ocean together. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us! 📩 We can ✨✨ change the inside of the ocean with our own hands