📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

For travel memories and gifts for someone special.
Buy local products or artisans’ creations as proof that you visited on your own two feet.
Every time you see them, the memories come flooding back—that’s the magic of souvenirs.

These days people talk more about experiences than things,
but cherish the spark in your heart…💗💭

The amount of remaining snow varies by area in Nagawacho⛄
Even though these photos were taken on the same day (January 21, 2025), the difference is striking📷

Photo 1: Himekidaira
Photo 2: Nagakubo

Himekidaira sits at about 1,300 m and Nagakubo about 650 m, so the difference in elevation makes sense, but it still surprises me😂

Fuji seen from Lake Kawaguchi

Fuji in the Water Mirror
Fuji in the water mirror seen from Lake Kawaguchi

I took a picture with the shadow of the fence

Komono Town, Mie Prefecture "Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway"
2025/1

Heart-shaped coral reef ❤️
📍Izanami Island Coastal Park, Okinawa Prefecture
Appears around a tidal height of 100 centimeters on sunny days
A three-minute walk from Nakata Port Terminal on Izanami Island

Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. The “juhyo” I introduced the other day looked so beautiful when seen up close on a sunny day that it seemed as if crystals were being born. It truly felt like Shosenkyo.

In the first photo, I placed a crystal cluster on the juhyo.
Can you see where it is?

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

January 20 — Shimoda Onsen Suisen Festival blossom status [50% in bloom]
They're nearing full bloom!
https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250120

Cherry blossom Information 2025

Weather News predicts cherry blossom bloom 2025 on January 9
It has been announced.
The cherry blossoms in Fujikawa Town bloom around the end of March.

Currently Furusato Nozei Tax Planting Experience in Oboshi Park Cherry Blossom Tree Planting
We 🥰 are recruiting

[ Taiki Town ’s Unremarkable Scenery — Winter ]

To residents it’s an ordinary view, but looking again reveals the quiet beauty of Taiki Town’s landscape!
This photo shows an evening scene from mid‑January this year. There’s surprisingly little snow…!
Wide skies and open land, a straight road, and neatly aligned windbreak trees are my favorite points.

Find more Taiki Town tourist information here!↓
https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/

🌳 Is this a fairytale world? 🌳✨

When I look back at the photos of the shop, I am always amazed that such a fairytale-like scenery is spread out in the sea so close to me!

The photo shows Nishi-Izu 🌳 in Spring.
The seaweed grows as beautifully as a forest, and the soft Spring light shines through the water, and the breath of life is overflowing 🌸✨.
The sea of Japan has a rich expression of the four seasons, and new discoveries There are every time you visit.

I would be happy 🇯🇵 if I could share with everyone who reads it the opportunity to love the sea of Japan even more

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💬 Let us know in 😃 the comments
Would you like to feel the charm of diving in the waters of Japan? 🌸🐠🐢
Tag your ocean-loving friends and plan your next adventure together!

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Let's 😍 enjoy diving together
Hokule'a Shonan offers hands-on courses that even beginners can participate in with confidence, a PADI certification program that allows you to qualify in three days, and special tours that allow you to fully enjoy the charm of the sea in all four seasons.

The Izu Peninsula, Manazuru Peninsula, and Shonan area can be participated in even on a day trip! Why don't you enjoy the beautiful scenery and encounters with creatures in the water with outstanding transparency?

Now it's time to take the first step towards an unforgettable diving experience! 🌸✨

Mild Seven Hill that you visit every time you go to Biei

There are two, and this is the hill of the new Mild Seven.

All seasons are beautiful, but the snowy scenery in winter is the best.

Especially in the afternoon when the sun goes down

🏝️ Tokyo's Paradise: Izu Oshima Island ✨

From the night of January 8th to January 11th, I went to Izu Oshima Island!
It's 🏝️ a paradise just 90 minutes from Tokyo
The transparency of the sea is outstanding, and the visibility is ✨ more than 30 meters

In addition, the miracle 🐢🩵✨ of encountering sea turtles at all points
In total, we were able to see 18 sea turtles! 🤩

Try 🌙 night diving
The fantastic beauty of the light looking up from the water soothed 👏 my heart

It was a fulfilling three days of diving, eating, and resting 💤.
I enjoyed 9 dives! 😆🤿

Unfortunately, the boat did not leave the originally planned Shikinejima......
It was changed to the Izu Oshima Island tour in a hurry,
Thanks to everyone who participated, it was a 👍 great tour

There is a really! 🙌

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🐠 [Next Announcement]
🌟 Shikinejima Revenge Tour is scheduled to be held in in April!
Ladies and gentlemen, let's ♨️ go together

🌟 Izu Oshima Island tours are also being requested!
Please let us know 👌 your preferred dates

2025 (2025 (Reiwa 7)) Gari operation schedule information

This year as well, we will operate a shuttle bus connecting city tourist facilities, popular souvenir shops, and hotels to coincide with the drift ice season.

【Highlights and Attractions】
☆ Ice Sea Observation Tower "Okhotsk Tower" with a 360-degree view, and "Drift Ice Sightseeing Boat Gari Nko-go" that proceeds exciting while rotating a drill in the sea covered with drift ice
☆ At Japan's only protection facilities specializing in seal, you can see cute seal up close.
☆ In addition to learning about drift ice and the Sea of Okhotsk, you can touch real drift ice in a world with a temperature of 20 degrees below zero.
☆ Activities such as walking skiing, including indoor playground equipment popular with children, can be experienced at "Okhotsk Drift Ice Park (Aozora Exchange Hall)"
* The shuttle bus to Drift Ice Park operates Traditional Japanese straw raincoat only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in February, where you can experience snow Rafting.

In addition, we will visit popular Souvenir shops and hotels in Monbetsu.

Summary frequently asked questions about drift ice tourism, so please see here as well.

[Operation period]
January 17 ~ January 31 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only
February 1st ~ February 28th Daily operation (Note: Operating hours change on Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
March 1st ~ March 31st Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only

* Cash payment only

It is a scenic spot in KushiHonmachi, Wakayama Prefecture. In winter, the sea has excellent transparency. Located inside the area of Nanki-Kumano Geopark, Hashipile Rock attracts a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts from all over the country.

Tree Ice and Mt. Kamagatake

Near the summit of the Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway
The ice was very beautiful.

Komono Town, Mie Prefecture Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway
Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO
2025/1

Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Presents ♨️
The Birthplace of Japan
Dash Through Takaharacho’s Sano Shrine! Recruiting Participants 🎉
This event, held as part of the town’s 90th anniversary celebrations, returns for its second year following last year’s event!

This year, every participant receives a day-use bathing ticket redeemable at a local onsen facility as a gift 🎁
Limited to 300 people, with perks such as complimentary hot cocoa!!
Who will claim the title of this year’s lucky man or lucky woman of fortune!? 🤩
We hope you’ll apply!

⭐︎Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (National Holiday)
⭐︎Participation Fee: Free
⭐︎Venue: Sano Shrine ⛩️ (South Approach)
Those who reserved should check in by 8:20 AM on the day
⭐︎Application Deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2025
⭐︎How to Apply: Fill out the application form on the back of the flyer and send it by FAX or email (please include name, gender, and grade). Preschool children and elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian.
If applying online, please use the application form below.

[Application Form]
https://fsmk.co/t/HRngF4-syzaow?openExternalBrowser=1

[Divisions]
※Those who have previously won the same division may enter but are not eligible for the title of lucky man or lucky woman.
Elementary School Grades 1–3 (Boys’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Elementary School Grades 1–3 (Girls’ Division) (approx. 300 m)
Elementary School Grades 4–6 (Boys’ Division) (approx. 300 m) Elementary School Grades 4–6 (Girls’ Division) (approx. 300 m)
Adult Division (Men’s) (approx. 300 m)
Adult Division (Women’s) (approx. 300 m)
A total of six divisions.

[Elementary Divisions] 300 m
1st Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥5,000
2nd Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥3,000
3rd Prize: Bookstore Gift Card ¥1,000
[Adult Divisions] 300 m
1st Prize: Gift Certificate ¥30,000
2nd Prize: Gift Certificate ¥20,000
3rd Prize: Gift Certificate ¥10,000

For details, please see the website (flyer) ☺️✨

https://fsmk.co/t/XexOJk-syzaow?openExternalBrowser=1

⭐︎On the day, the Kigensai ceremony for National Foundation Day will be held at Sano Shrine at 10:00 AM, with the formal ceremony scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM. Please join us 😊✨

Hello 😊 This is Ryusuido. The rock walls around Senga Falls and Hachiju Pond in Shosenkyo Gorge have become glazed with frozen droplets, creating a winter-only landscape.
When the sunlight hits, they glitter and sparkle beautifully!

Garnet, the birthstone for January 💎, symbolizes friendship, passion, and fruition.
Also known as the “stone of victory,” it is famed for helping efforts bear fruit and guiding people to success.
We recommend it to anyone working hard at exams, job hunting, sports, or similar challenges.‼️

We also carry a variety of other natural stones and accessories, so please stop by to enjoy a soothing space where gemstones and the sound of the falls intertwine.

We look forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles 😊

Writer Arata Iyohara was awarded the Naoki Prize. Congratulations.
One of the five stories in this award-winning book, "The Sea of Indigo," is set in Shirataki, Engaru Town.
In the work, the Nature of Shirataki and the harsh and long winters are beautifully depicted.
Shirataki is the oldest national treasure "Hokkaido Shirataki Archaeological Site Excavation". We are delighted to receive this kind of attention again.
Please read the work.
*The photo is for illustrative purposes only. This is a photo of the Shirataki area, but it has nothing to do with the book.
Photo 1: Tengu Taira
Photo 2: Potato flowers

Jewelry Ice 2025
Jewelry Ice · Harunire Tree Adventure Experience 😊

“Jewelry Ice” refers to chunks of ice that break free from the Tokachi River, drift out to the Pacific, and wash up on the Otsu Coast at the river mouth.

Their beauty as they sparkle in the sunlight is utterly mysterious ✨

Why not come see this natural phenomenon of Tokachi’s severe cold and the Tokachi River known as “Jewelry Ice”?

The second photo shows the state of the Jewelry Ice from yesterday 🎵

At the rest area we offer warm drinks, shells and Jewelry Ice goods, and local seafood, so please drop by if you like 😄

This plan also includes a visit to Toyokoro’s symbolic tree, the Harunire Tree 🌳

For inquiries, contact Hokuto Taxi 🚕
☎️0155-67-5681 (9:00–17:00)

The long night continues on. The sparkling illuminations are still shining. Please stay warm and come visit!

https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/ilumination2024

The beach with the most beautiful sunset 🏖️
📍Izenama Beach

Izanami Island, a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture
A one-hour ferry ride from Unten Port in Nakijin Village

Sunset on the Kushiro River with lotus leaves and ice drifting
In the brackish waters of the mouth of the Kushiro River, lotus leaf ice can be seen during the extremely cold season
The Kushiro River, which opens its mouth to the west, is a perfect sunset viewing Spot
Lotus leaf ice streams through the Kushiro River dyed by the setting sun

Kushiro Marsh in winter
Frost covers the trees, the Kushiro River meanders widely, and the marshland becomes a snowfield of silver and white
If you look closely, you can see a herd of deer grazing under the snow in the frozen marshland
Feel the workings of Nature

SL Winter Marshland running again this year!
The SL Winter Marshland is an SL sightseeing train Car that makes one round trip per day on weekends between Kushiro and Shibecha on the Kusami Main Line.
Boarding can also be reserved. Please come and see the brave figure running through the white and silver Kushiro Marshland.

Kitahama Station on the Kusami Main Line along the Sea of Okhotsk
Looking at the peaks of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the distance over the Sea of Okhotsk
This is the station closest to the Sea of Okhotsk
Drift ice is about to come ashore

With the silver Shiretoko mountain range in the background, the Kusami Main Line runs along the Sea of Okhotsk
This is a hill between the Kusami Main Line and Hamakoshimizu
A large view of the Shiretoko mountain range over the Sea of Okhotsk
The Car on the Kusami Main Line goes along the Sea of Okhotsk
Drift ice has not yet docked

📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

People made small New Year decorations called mayudama and mochibana!
They decorated the vinka tree with mayudama and kumquat, and attached mochibana to bamboo.

A large decoration was also placed in front of the Tsumago Tourist Information Center ♩

The decorations will remain until Setsubun on February 2.
Enjoy the seasonal scenery unique to Tsumago inn ✨

Tonight is the third episode of HTB's "Machi no On-chan" Tsubetsu Town edition! I wonder where they'll walk today—looking forward to it (o▽n)
Please check the program's YouTube channel to watch previous episodes!