Jacaranda Flowers Are you familiar with jacaranda, a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to South America? As shown in the photos, it produces clusters of purple flowers like bunches of grapes, and the contrast of green leaves and purple blooms makes it a very beautiful deciduous tall tree. In Atami City, you can find tall trees (towering overhead) and smaller shrubs (at eye level) along Route 135 (the Jacaranda Promenade in Tokaigancho to Shinshicho “Waterside Park” along the sidewalk, and inside Waterside Park). Although jacaranda’s flowering season in Japan is said to be June, it is extremely rare for it to bloom outdoors on the mainland because of the climate. Some years in Atami saw no flowering at all, and some trees bloom a second time in September or October rather than only in June. Even when they do bloom, not all trees flower; some years only a few trees bloom. Some trees produce many flowers, some only a single cluster, and some not at all. How much will bloom this season? ※Bougainvillea along the Itagawa River also reaches its best viewing at the same time, so please visit both. Main jacaranda planting locations and numbers ● Jacaranda Promenade (along Route 135, beside the sun deck) … one tall tree about 10 m, four trees 3–5 m, and 100 shrubs 1–2 m ● Along Route 135, downbound (from the Central Police Box to Waterside Park Section 2) … 20 trees 5–6 m ● Waterside Park Section 3 … one tall tree of about 2 m near the pedestrian bridge, and five shrubs on the Wada River slope Total above: 25 tall trees (non-shrub) and 105 shrubs History ・In July 1990, one tree was planted in Omiya Green Space to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Cascais, Portugal ・In 2000, 24 trees were planted along the national highway (diagonally in front of the Central Police Box to in front of the Waterside Park event plaza) (Since then, some have been transplanted and others newly planted.) ・In April 2013, trees were planted in Waterside Park Section 2 (in front of the Tourist Association) and Section 3 (three trees in Section 2 and two in Section 3) ・On June 1, 2013, the “Jacaranda Promenade” was completed in Omiya Green Space (45 young trees planted) ・From September 2013 to June 2014, Omiya Green Space (west side) was developed (planting), and a few trees were transplanted from along the national highway ・June 2014, completion of the “Jacaranda Promenade” Address / Tokaigancho to Nagisacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Park and Greenery Division) Access / To the Jacaranda Promenade (Omiya no Matsu) ■ About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■ About a 5-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Omiya no Matsu” Parking / City-operated paid parking (East parking lot, Waterside Park, etc.) and others

Nishikigaura One of Atami’s scenic spots. This celebrated coastline of sheer cliffs stretches about 1 kilometer south from Uomizaki, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. (Uomizaki–Nishikigaura–Sogaura totals about 2 kilometers) When the sun rises, its light pours over the bay and flashes in five brilliant colors, so the place took the poetic name Nishikigaura, borrowing the image of woven brocade from Kyoto. Remnants of the Atami-Taga volcano remain here, and legends linked to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kato Kiyomasa still survive. The cliffs tower about 80 meters high. Strange rock formations carved by the rough waves—Kabuto Rock, Bedrock, Eboshi Rock, Benten Rock—stand in a row, while Hatsushima and Oshima float offshore. For the best view, head to the area near Hotel New Akao and the cafe “Hana no Yousei.” Note: Access to Hotel New Akao’s rooftop garden is limited to hotel guests only. Thank you for your understanding. Address / 〒413-0033 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (near Hotel New Akao) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ajiro for about 15 minutes and get off at Nishikigaura Parking / None

Former Hinata Family Atami Villa (Former Hinata Villa) Rihei Hinata, who prospered in Asian trade, completed this detached villa in 1936 (Showa 11) as an annex to his main residence. The two-story wooden main building was designed by Jin Watanabe, known for projects such as Wako in Ginza, Tokyo, the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, and the Aichi Prefectural Office. The basement’s interior was designed by the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut, making this the only surviving architectural work he left in Japan. The villa comprises three main rooms: a social room richly furnished with bamboo and paulownia wood, a Western-style room with an interior staircase as part of the room, and a Japanese-style tatami room. The design consciously reflects Japanese aesthetic traditions such as the Katsura Imperial Villa and Ise Grand Shrine. After the death of the Hinata family head, the villa was carefully used as a corporate retreat. Faced with the threat of demolition in 2004 (Heisei 16), Atami City acquired the property thanks to a donation from a philanthropist living in Tokyo. In 2006 (Heisei 18), it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. More than 80 years after its completion, deterioration and the urgent need to improve seismic performance made repairs critical. From fiscal 2018 (Heisei 30) to fiscal 2021 (Reiwa 3), large-scale conservation and repair work was carried out. In August 2022, the villa reopened to the public after preserving and reproducing its original condition as much as possible. ※Visits require advance reservation only (online reservations only). For details and reservations, please check the Atami City official website. Address／8-37 Kasuga-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0005 Phone／0557-86-6232 (Atami City Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Exchange Office: weekdays only) Access／About a 10-minute walk from atami station Opening days／Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:00–17:00, shift schedule ※online reservation required Admission／Adults 1,000 yen; junior and senior high school students 700 yen Parking／None

February 16 The early-blooming atami sakura have finished, and the Oshima zakura are coming into full bloom! White cherry blossoms are blooming at the seaside park beside Marine Spa Atami.

Atami Nanayu (The Seven Hot Springs of Atami) As you walk through the town, you can spot steam rising from various slopes. These are the source springs known as the “Atami Seven Hot Springs.” You can tour the springs and experience their long history and hot-spring atmosphere. (Each of the seven guideboards has a commemorative stamp.) • The Oyu Geyser was a naturally erupting spring famous worldwide as an old intermittent spring. Oyu erupted six times day and night, blasting water and steam in alternating, violent bursts that were said to make the ground tremble. Its activity gradually declined from the middle of the Meiji era and ceased in 1923 (Taisho 12) though it did erupt again during a major earthquake. In 1962 (Showa 37) it was preserved as a city cultural property and remains so today. ※Today, water is artificially ejected roughly every five minutes to recreate the historic eruptions of Oyu. Address / 〒413-0018 Kamiyadocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0577-86-6232 (Atami City Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Facilities Office) Access / About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station / About 20 minutes from JR atami station by Yu-Yu Bus → get off at Oyu Geyser → about a 3-minute walk Parking / None • Ozawa no Yu The baths in the gardens of Sawaguchi Yazaemon, Fujii Bunjiro, and Yonekura Sazaemon were once called Heizaemon no Yu, but locals called them Ozawa no Yu because they were in a small ravine. Like Seizaemon no Yu, it is said that calling out loudly caused a strong flow, while calling softly produced a weaker flow. At Ozawa no Yu you can cook hot-spring eggs with the steam that wells up. Locals vouch for how tasty they are, making this a small but beloved Atami attraction. ※Renovation completed on July 1, 2023. Two steaming vats were added and new benches installed. Address / 〒413-0013 Ginza-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (in front of Tenjin Liquor Store) Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / About a 15-minute walk from JR atami station Parking / A few paid parking spaces are available nearby In addition to these two sites, there are Furo no Yu and Mizu no Yu, Sajiro no Yu (Eye Bath), Seizaemon no Yu, Nonaka no Yu, and Kawarayu. ※The Atami Seven Hot Springs are not bathing facilities.

Atami Sightseeing Boat SANREMO (Sanremo) The Sanremo was named after Atami’s sister city, the Italian port town of Sanremo. Departing from Shinsui Park Third Pier (at the mouth of the Hatsukawa River), this roughly 30-minute cruise passes offshore sites such as Nishikigaura and Sogaura, turns back just before Akanesaki, and offers sea views of Atami, the Manazuru Peninsula, Kawana in Ito City, and Izu Oshima. In the underwater observation room with glass windows, you can see fish from inside the boat. If you climb the steps to the open deck, you can feed the seagulls and feel as if you are flying over the sea with them. The vessel has a capacity of 50 passengers, and small pets are allowed on board. Enjoy cruising around Atami. Address / 3rd District, Shinsui Park (near Hatsukawa), Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0014 Phone / 0557-52-6657 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port, Korakuen, or Ajiro Asahi-cho → get off at Shinsui Park → 1-minute walk Departure times / 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40 (approx. 30 minutes) Closed / Every Tuesday, in severe weather, and during maintenance. Please check the official website beforehand just in case. Fares / Adults (junior high school and older) ¥1,700; Children (ages 3 to elementary school) ¥900 Children under 3 free; small dogs free; discounts available for people with disabilities. Parking / Adjacent municipal Shinsui Park Second Parking Lot and others (municipal parking rate: ¥110 per 30 minutes) Tickets are available at the boarding point. Routes may change or services may be canceled due to weather. The underwater observation room is only likely to show fish before departure.

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Period: February 1 to March 10 (now ongoing) Photo: Otsuka Tokiya

Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima　　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Jigozen 👈 One piece 📸 with the silhouette of Morning Sun and Yurikamome I think it's time for Yurikamome to leave. See you next year!! 😊👋

Takeda Castle Ruins! From September to November, the sea of clouds can be seen 🏯 beautifully It was 🌅 great to climb the mountain lightly before the sun rose and greet the sunrise at the ruins of Takeda Castle

When humans team up with nature to create something, it becomes more intriguing. The Lake Shikotsu ice festival is a perfect example of this. Hokkaido's crystal clear water lake serves as the primary source for crafting marvelous ice sculptures.

Yes, Chizu! "Okay, it's decided! ｣

Kawazu cherry blossoms 🌸 in full bloom This is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival held in Minami-Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It blooms the earliest in Honshu and is a sight to behold! It is very crowded, so I recommend 😆 going early in the morning

Fukuyama, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Abushusa Kannon 👈 Looking at 📸 the Seto Inland Sea from the vermilion-painted Kannon Hall built on the quay It is a Kannon-do temple built at the tip of the Numakuma Peninsula. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from here is spectacular! 👍 Inside the Kannon Hall, there are many emas of boobs for praying for safe birth

It's nice to be able 😊 to take pictures of Japan's pride "Mt. Fuji" and "cherry blossoms" in spring. Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji City Junigawa

Atami Ropeway Just in front of the Atami Korakuen bus stop, enjoy a retro gondola and a roughly three-minute aerial stroll. When you step off the ropeway, you arrive at the summit of Mt. Hachiman, Atami’s premier observation point. From the summit terrace you can look down over Atami city. On clear days you can see the Boso Peninsula and Miura Misaki to the east, Hatsushima in the foreground to the south, and far out in the Pacific Ocean, Izu Oshima. At the tip of the observation deck is the Umi-Sora Terrace, where you can feel how close the sea and sky are. Pay attention also to the lovers’ memory spot, the Aijo Monument, the popular Umi-Sora Cafe known for its ice cream, and the Koimikuji Hall. Address / 8-15 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-81-5800 Access [Foot of the Mountain Station (in front of Korakuen Hotel)] From JR atami station take the bus bound for Atami Port/Korakuen for about 10 minutes and get off at "Korakuen." [Summit Station] From JR atami station take the Yu-Yu bus for about 15 minutes and get off at Atami Castle, then walk about 3 minutes. Business Hours / First uphill 9:30, last uphill 17:00, last downhill 17:30 Open year-round (may close temporarily during severe weather or maintenance) Fees/ Adults (junior high school and older) one way 400 yen, round trip 700 yen Children (ages 4 to elementary school) one way 300 yen, round trip 400 yen Parking / Use the Atami Korakuen Hotel multi-story parking garage (show your parking ticket at the counter for 2 hours free)

Kiunkaku Kiunkaku began as a villa built in 1919 (Taisho 8) and was praised as one of Atami’s "three great villas." Reborn as a ryokan in 1947 (Showa 22), it welcomed many guests as one of Atami’s representative inns and was beloved by Japan’s leading writers, including Yamamoto Yuzo, Shiga Naoya, Tanizaki Junichiro, Dazai Osamu, Funahashi Seiichi, and Takeda Taijun. It is now open to the public as a cultural property of Atami City. A lush garden that feels far removed from the town center. The main building (Japanese wing) and detached annex retain the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. A Western-style building blends decorative elements and styles from Japan, China, and Europe, creating a unique atmosphere. These elegant facilities will be preserved as historical and cultural heritage for future generations. Please visit and see it for yourself. Address / 4-2 Showa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0022 Phone / 0557-86-3101 Access / ■From JR atami station: take a bus bound for Ainohara Danchi, Umezono, Nishiyama, or Hakone (or the Shimizu-machi loop) for about 10 minutes and get off at Kiunkaku-mae. ■From JR atami station: take a bus for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes and get off at Tenjin-cho, then walk about 2 minutes. ■By Yu-Yu Bus: get off at Kiunkaku West Entrance and walk about 2 minutes. Hours / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed / Every Wednesday (open on public holidays), year-end (Dec 26–30) Admission / Adults 610 yen (460 yen for groups); middle and high school students 360 yen (240 yen for groups); elementary school age and younger free. Parking / 37 standard car spaces (free). Medium buses up to 9 m are permitted; large buses are not allowed.

Atami Castle Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum Atami Castle rises atop the summit of Nishikigaura, a scenic spot in Atami. The castle keep’s observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama: it looks out over Atami city, Yugawara, the Manazuru Peninsula, and on clear days the floating silhouettes of Hatsushima and Oshima, with the Ajiro–Ito side of the Izu Peninsula stretching beyond—making it Atami’s premier viewpoint. In spring the castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and in summer you can watch fireworks from the keep like a feudal lord. (The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March to early April.) Inside the castle you’ll find the Samurai Culture Museum displaying armor and swords, a ukiyo-e shunga gallery, an Edo costume experience room where you can dress up for photos, a jet footbath at 120 meters above sea level, and a free game corner—packed with sights and surprises. In the castle annex, the Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum offers wonderfully strange illusions where flat paintings appear three-dimensional. About 40 trick artworks feature marine creatures, dinosaurs, wild beasts, and Jaws-style scenes. You can do more than admire the art—take hilarious photos, experience illusions of becoming a giant or a tiny person, touch the exhibits, and snap shots for big laughs. Lose track of time as you get absorbed in the tricks. It’s a place that excites families, friends, and couples alike. Address / 1993 Sogayama, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0033 Phone / 0557-81-6206 (Atami Castle) Access / ■ About 10 minutes by car from atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from atami station toward Atami Port or Korakuen; get off at "Korakuen" → take the AtamiRopeway for about 3 minutes → about a 3-minute walk from Summit Station ■ About 15 minutes from atami station by Yu~Yu~ Bus → get off at Atami Castle Open / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Open year-round Admission / Adults 1,100 yen; elementary and junior high students 600 yen; ages 3–6 450 yen (Two-site set ticket / Adults 1,800 yen; elementary and junior high students 950 yen; ages 3–6 700 yen) Parking / 100 spaces; parking fee: 500 yen (per visit)

The Tadami Line 🚃 running through Oku-Aizu This is the Tadami Line seen in Okuaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It only runs early in the morning and during the day, so please be careful 🙇 ♀️ when visiting This year, there is little snow due to the warm winter, but originally it was even heavier and you can 😆 see a snowy landscape

Nature creates some of the astonishing wonders just like this. This huge snow wall is breathtakingly stunning. This time I visited lake shikotsu ice festival. Amazingly beautiful.

Hashiriyu Perched above the Sagami Sea, Hashiriyu is a rare horizontal cave spring in Japan and is counted among the country’s three great ancient springs. Discovered about 1,300 years ago, it was named Hashiriyu—literally “running hot spring”—because the water gushes from the mountains and seems to run toward the coast. As Minamoto no Sanetomo wrote, “The swift spring that issues south of Mount Izu-no-Kuni is a sign from the gods,” and until the Meiji era the spring was revered as the sacred water of Izusan Shrine. From a cave about 5 meters deep, water at 70°C still wells up at 170 liters per minute, creating a mysterious scene around the source. Address / 604-10 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0002 Phone / 0557-81-2631 (Izusan Onsen Tourist Association) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Izusan or Yugawara for about 5 minutes, get off at Aioibashi Bridge, then walk about 10 minutes Parking / None Note: This is not a bathing facility

Kinomiya Shrine Kinomiya Shrine has long been revered as a deity of good fortune and auspicious beginnings. Beside the main hall stands a sacred camphor tree designated a National Natural Monument, said to be about 2,100 years old with a trunk circumference of 24 meters. It is famous as a power spot. Legend holds that circling the trunk once adds a year to your life, and many visitors pray here for longevity, healing, and good health to share in the tree’s vitality. It is also said that those with a wish should quietly circle the tree without telling anyone; doing so helps clarify the wish. The tree is lit up at night, offering different expressions in the morning, daytime, and evening. The annual grand festival takes place each year from July 14 to 16. Address／43-1 Nishiyama-cho, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0034 Phone／0557-82-2241 Access／About 15 minutes by bus from JR Atami Station toward Motohakone or Nishiyama, then get off at Kinomiya Jinja-mae. Parking／15 spaces + 25 spaces (paid). A discount is available for those receiving prayers or amulets. ※It gets crowded, so please use public transportation.

ACAO FOREST A vast floral garden spread across 200,000 tsubo of rolling hills, composed of 13 distinctive themed gardens. Framed by the Atami-blue sea and sky, you can enjoy striking scenes crafted by roses, bulb plants, herbs, perennials and a variety of other plants. Not only does the garden offer seasonal floral displays year-round, it also features COEDA HOUSE, a cafe designed by Kengo Kuma; Soga Sengen Shrine; a hands-on herb and aroma workshop; and a commercial complex, ACAO ROSE SQUARE, where visitors can dine and shop. Address / 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0101 Access / About 20 minutes by bus toward Ajiro from JR Atami Station → get off at “ACAO Forest” Hours / Regular season 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:00) Closed / None ※ Closed temporarily in severe weather possible Admission / Adults ¥4,000 · Children ¥1,000 · Pets ¥1,000 Parking / Paid parking for 100 vehicles ※ Hours, closure days, and fees may change, so please check the official website in advance.

"Snack on~! ｣ I was appealing while lying down!

Plum blossoms are now at their best in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture! The 80th Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival runs at Atami Plum Garden until March 3, and as of February 11 the blooms are at their peak. (The photo was taken on February 10.) The garden houses 469 plum trees across 60 varieties, so you can enjoy a wide range of flower types.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rape Blossom Festival February 10 Night Cherry Blossom Illumination: Minami’s Night Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo Lanterns Photo by Otsuka Tokiya

Kisuke: "Come on~! ｣ Unlike adult animals, they were wrestling very cutely!

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flower Festival February 11 (Sun) Bloom Report and Parking Congestion Update 〇 Bloom Report Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 80% bloom to full bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. 〇 Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (main venue) → Full (cars are continuously filling the lot) ※A voluntary contribution is requested as an environmental conservation fee.

I think Mt. Fuji and the cherry blossoms are the strongest. Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji City Junigawa

Ice 🎇 Candle Festival with Fireworks This is Narai Lodging in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Every winter, an ice candle festival is held. Candles are lit along the Shukuba-machi, so it is 😆 very fantastic There are also fireworks at night, so be sure to 😊 visit

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Blooming and Parking Update for Saturday, February 10 Blooming Update Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% in bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 70% to full bloom Hino rapeseed field → At peak bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → Full (remains full at all times) Kinomiya Bridge Parking Lot → Busy to full ※From February 10 to 12, the Minami-Izu Town Hall parking lot will be open free of charge (no attendants will be on duty).