Kitsuki Castle A landmark towering over the Castle Town Kitsuki Since its construction in 1394, Kitsuki Castle has watched over this town for 600 years. Although it Castle Keep simulated, the three-tiered Castle Keep towering over the Ruins of the Castle is reminiscent of the appearance of this castle in the past. Built in the early Muromachi period by the Kitsuki clan on Mount Tai at the mouth of the Yasaka River, the castle was surrounded by natural strongholds such as the Takayama River to the north and Morie Bay to the east. While the castle changed its location and shape due to subsequent natural disasters and earthquakes, the castle owners were also replaced by the Maeda, Japanese cedar, and Hosokawa clans, and the Ogasawara and Matsudaira clans finally marked the end of the Edo era, and Kitsuki Castle continues to this day without welcoming a new castle owner. It is said to be important for understanding the actual state of castles in the early Edo period, such as understanding the building composition and structure of the castle before its destruction by the "One Country, One Castle Order" from historical documents and excavation results, and in March 2020, the Ruins of the Castle in the Taishan area and the ruins of the Lord's Palace at the foothills were designated as national historic sites. Some of the stone walls still exist. Today, the top of the mountain is open to the public as Shiroyama Park, and there is also a stone park where valuable stone structures such as the Kunisaki Pagoda found in various parts of the city are exhibited outdoors. At the time of the castle's construction, it was named "Kitsuki", but since it was mistakenly written as "Kitsuki" on the shogunate's shuin stamps, it has been changed to "Kitsuki". It is also known as "Katsuyama Castle" because it withstood the onslaught of the Shimazu for two months. Inside the castle, valuable items such as items related to the lords are on display, and armor, weapons, and Buddhist statues are on display. You can also enjoy dressing up and taking commemorative photos. It is visited by many tourists as the final destination of a walk around the Castle Town, and the superb view from the Castle Keep and the comfort of the wind will be a memory of the trip.

June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies. At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late. Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents. Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching. At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…! Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day. Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car! ● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2513 *The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00* *If no one answers, the manager will call you back* Parking: Available, about 30 spaces ● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence) Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. (Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward) There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies. For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

The Merchant Records Museum on Shokamachi Street will be closed for renovations from June 1 through July 26. It is scheduled to reopen on July 27. After the renovation, the museum plans to add hands-on bamboo craft and torn-paper collage (chigiri-e) workshops and a teahouse.

When you come to Teshikaga, the must-do is definitely the hot springs! And the easiest way to enjoy them is a foot bath!👣 So, here we’ve gathered free foot-bath spots you can enjoy around Teshikaga Town🐥🌱 When using them, please follow the precautions and rules so you can enjoy them safely🚨 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C670...

Photographed 5/26/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. It's a semifreddo with caramel nuts. Semifred is an Italian word that means half cold. It's an ice cake.

At Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, 🤍 I found a hydrangea of.

Good morning, everyone. Event announcement!! On June 1, 2025, the “Town of Photography” will celebrate its 40th anniversary. On this milestone 40th birthday, we will hold a variety of events so townspeople and everyone who supports us can enjoy the Town of Photography. At the Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery, there will be a photo exhibition and talk by local photographer Minoru Okuda, an answer reveal for the crossword published in the May public relations issue, and a talk event tied to the publication of the Town of Photography 40th Anniversary Magazine. At the Higashikawa Town multipurpose exchange facility Sento Pure, there will be hot air balloon flight experiences, food trucks, a concert by Tokiko Kato, and te-tetsu hand-held fireworks by the Higashikawa Tetotetsu Fireworks Entomo-kai. The main event will be a birthday celebration with everyone gathered, singing “Happy Birthday” together with Tokiko Kato to mark the town’s 40th birthday! We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the Town of Photography’s 40th birthday, and we hope many of you will come. On the day of the event, the parking lot on the Sento Pure grounds will be unavailable because of the hot air balloon and te-tetsu fireworks events, so please use nearby public parking such as the JA Higashikawa lot or the Higashikawa Town Office parking. For details, please see the attached flyer. Contact: Higashikawa Town, Town of Photography Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 590)

Photographed 5/26/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu approach to the temple. It's already hydrangea season.

It was already 5 o'clock on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama that day, the weather was very good like going to shoot the sunset, the first time I arrived in Toyama, I was attracted by the train next to the station and decided to sit over, but because the first time I got on the train, I found that I was sitting in the opposite direction, and it was almost dark when I turned back to the station, and I was afraid that I would take the wrong seat again and decided to use it, and after walking for about 10 minutes, I finally caught the beautiful blue hour, and pressed the shutter under the breeze of the spring evening to record this beautiful moment.

At Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, which I visited on a trip, I was able to see a water mirror of Tambo reflecting the mountains with a superb view.

✨ The mysterious blue Squid spawning season has arrived ✨ From Spring to summer, the drama of life unfolds in the sea. 🌸🌊 From April to June, this season is the spawning season for blue Squid. It is a precious time to encounter a special sea scene that will remain in your heart "Only now". The first time I experienced diving was just during the spawning season of this blue Squid. 🦑 Swimming softly in the water, and a silent ritual to connect lives. I even now remember being overwhelmed and gasping for breath at the mystery of the sea. The female of the blue Squid is escorted by the male, At the base of seaweed, in the crevices of corals, and in the spawning beds set up by fishery cooperatives, Eggs that look like white pearls are carefully laid one by one. 🤍 Its appearance is fantastic, yet somehow ephemeral. There are males who swim alone. It is a male whose courtship did not come true. Under the straightforward instinct of connecting lives, a quiet "choice of life" is taking place in the sea. 🐚 Having finished laying eggs, the female finishes her role and quietly closes her life. When you witness the moment of "risking your life to connect your life", the back of your chest gradually warms up. You will be deeply moved by the great power and mystery of the sea. 🏝️ At Hokule'a Shonan, we carefully guide you to the spawning scene of blue Squid unique to this season every year. Because of the small number of people, we deliver a "sea experience" that you can observe closely. 📷 That atmosphere, that quiet impression that cannot be conveyed by photographs. Please try it out in Water. And so that first-timers and those with blanks can participate with peace of mind, The instructor will support you 💁 ♂️💁 ♀️ 🌿 At this time of year, when the water temperature and transparency begin to stabilize, it is ideal for diving. 🌊 A special Impression that you can never experience on land awaits you. Why don't you go and see the "baton of life" unfolding in the sea together? The once-in-a-lifetime story of the blue Squid will surely remain deep in ✨ your heart #VisitJapan #KanagawaTravel #ManazuruDiving  #ExploreJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #HokuleaShonan #TokyoDayTrip #JapanNature #OceanAdventure #TravelToJapan #JapanBeachLife #DiscoverJapan #HiddenGemsJapan

Today, it's Mr. 168's breakfast. Taiwanese rice balls and citrus soy milk 🍋. Taiwanese rice balls contain mustard greens, meat noodles (Lawson), fried eggs, takwan (fried bread), and yujo (fried bread). In addition, black Rice is used. Citrus soy milk contains lemon and is very tasty. Thank you for opening early in the morning. 😊

**Ehime Prefecture Niihama City Flowering Information** (1) Satsuki at the "Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Hall" in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture is in 🌸 Best time to visit Best time to visit is until the end of May. [Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Hall HP] ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: With the aim of conveying the history and significance of the Besshi Copper Mine to future generations for a long time, It opened in 1975 (Showa 50), two years after the closure of the Besshi Copper Mine. Inside the facility, there are Historical materials, ores, mining technology documents since the opening of the mine, Documents on the life of the mine and other items related to the Besshi Copper Mine are on display. Address: 〒792-0844 3-13 Kadono-Shinden-cho, Niihama-shi, Ehime TEL.0897-41-2200　FAX.0897-41-9459 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: (2) Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture "Minetopia Besshi" and "Shaku Yakuen" Late bloomers 🌸 are in bloom [Minetopia Besshi HP] :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Minetopia Besshi utilized the site of the Besshi Copper Mine in June of 1991 (Heisei 3). Opened as a tourist facilities! Minetopia Besshi has two main areas. The first is the Hadeba area, and the second is the Tohei area. ◎ The end participation area is also certified as a Main Building and Roadside Station with Complex facility. Souvenirs shop, mine sightseeing, and placer gold mining experience in the park There are Thereare Besko Hot spring ~ Hot Spring in the Sky ~, Akagane Kids Park, Restaurant, etc.  📍 About 20 minutes by car from Niihama Station   　It takes about 10 minutes by car from the nearest Niihama Interchange. ◎ The Tohira area is in the mountains 30 minutes away by Car from the Main Building end participation area There is a It is commonly known as the "Machu Picchu of the East" and is made of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat from all over the country. It is a popular area visited by tourists over narrow and rugged roads in search of industrial heritage. 　📍 About 50 minutes by car from Niihama Station 　  It takes about 40 minutes by car from the nearest Niihama Interchange. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

kurakurakura Festival 2025 The kurakurakura Festival returns this year. The Taketa–Bungo Ono area, fed by abundant mountain waters, hosts a wide variety of breweries and distilleries producing sake, shochu, wine and craft beer. Special limited-time experience programs will be held at those breweries. ❚ What is the kurakurakura Festival The Taketa–Bungo Ono area features a diverse range of producers, from sake and shochu to wine, craft beer and whisky. Alongside enjoying great drinks, visitors can take part in many exclusive, limited-time brewery experiences. Learn about the breweries and you’ll love the drinks even more. Whether you’re a fan of alcohol or not, discover new ways to enjoy these beverages. [Event Period] Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 [Venues] Eight breweries across the Taketa–Bungo Ono area For details, please check the link below. ■■■Access to central Bungoono City■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250526event-bungoono/...

Chowa Town Sasayaki Shrine Sasayaki Shrine at Marmelo Station Nagato. It was dressed up stylishly 😍! They say that if you whisper to the "ear stone" visible in the back from both sides, a bond will be formed… 🤭🌟 #Chowa Town #Marmelo Station Nagato #Sasayaki Shrine #wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrella) #Nagano Prefecture

Photographed on April 12, 25. Before Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Cold onion soup, salad, latte and Neapolitan. 🥗☕️🍝

The town flower of Otofuke: 'Lily of the Valley' It was blooming behind the tourism association! A quintessential spring flower that heralds the season🌼 The bell-like flowers look so charming together💓 Note: Lily of the Valley is poisonous, so please be careful.

Direct flights between Obihiro and Cheongju operated by Aero K Airlines have been running since May 21! 🛫 You can reach South Korea in about three hours😮✨ Please consider using this service!! *The photo shows the scene from May 21.* Operation period May 21, 2025–October 24, 2025 Three round trips weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)🛬 *For more details, please refer to the official Tokachi-Obihiro Airport website.*

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop! In early summer at Shosenkyo Gorge, the fresh green leaves sparkle while a cool breeze and the murmuring clear stream soothe the soul. Senga Falls pours down over jagged rock faces in a truly spectacular scene. You are sure to be moved by this work of nature.🍃 And here is a recommendation perfect for this season! We have launched “Delaware Cloudy Sparkling Wine.”🍇🍾 Its fruity, sweet-and-tart flavor spreads pleasantly with gentle bubbles. Chilled, it delivers a refreshing lift that blows away humid heat in an instant. Enjoyed in nature, it will soothe all your senses.☺️ On the terrace we offer a relaxing space where you can feel the river’s babble up close.🌿 There are plenty of photo spots too, so you can capture a memory with cute ornaments or the falls as a backdrop.📸✨ Shosenkyo shows a different face with each season. Please enjoy a special wine moment here alongside the spectacular fresh-green views available only now.♪ We sincerely look forward to your visit 💚

Photographed 5/22/25. Prayer to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

We present the official tourism association website that packs together the charms of Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture—tourist information, access details, dining spots and more♩ It's convenient for checking before your trip! Be sure to take a look☺ ▶Visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association website here https://yachiho-kogen.jp//

In Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture, the noble prince azalea (Tougoku mitsuba azalea) is reaching its peak bloom. Against the soft fresh greenery, the vivid pink stands out, and just walking through it lifts your spirits in this season. Come see this fleeting scenery while it lasts ☺

Photographed 5/22/25. We Prayer the Higashi Township Shrine in Hara inn.

At Rokka no Mori, Shirane-aoi, large-flowered Trillium, and anemone are in full bloom 😊 At the attached Rokka’ café (Rokkafe), you can enjoy freshly made Marusei butter sand, so please try one during tea time after strolling through the garden 🎵 📌 Rokka no Mori [Open Period] April 25, 2025 – October 26, 2025 [Opening Hours] ■ April, May, August, September, October 10:00–16:00 Shop: 10:30–16:00, Café: 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:30) ■ June, July 9:00–16:00 Shop: 9:30–16:00 Café: 11:00–16:00 (last order 15:30) [Admission] Adults ¥1,000, elementary and junior high school students ¥500 [Access] 🚗 About 40 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 20 minutes by car from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, 🚌 About 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station (get off at the nearest stop: Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai) From Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai it’s about a 15-minute walk, or rent a bicycle at Michi-no-Eki Nakasatsunai and cycle about 5 minutes https://www.rokkatei.co.jp/facilities/%E5%85%AD%E8%8A%B1%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE-...

56th Takashima Castle Festival Hello everyone! The hot weather continues. 💦 This weekend the forecast is uncertain, but the Takashima Castle Festival will take place on Sunday the 25th. The festival commemorates the 1970 reconstruction of Takashima Castle’s keep. Along with Taiko drumming, a dragon-god dance, and kiyari work chants, the grounds will host a Suwa City recommended souvenir exhibition and sale, among other events. ・Date and time ⇒ Sunday, May 25, 2025, 9:00–15:00 ・Location ⇒ Takashima Park ・Attractions ⇒ Stage performances and various vendors ・Parking ⇒ Suwa Lake Event Plaza (for visitors) For details, please check the URL below! https://suwacci.or.jp/suwayoiteko/lp/takashimajousai/...

📢Limited time only! A special exhibition at Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an✨ On Sunday, May 18, the tea utensils used at the Teppō Blacksmith Residence’s tea-serving event are now on display at Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an!👀 ✨Featured tea utensils on display… Works by ceramic artist Takahiro Koga, who champions “anti-wabi-sabi”! Flashy × studs × a reinterpretation of tradition = one-of-a-kind tea ceremony pieces🔥 The exhibition runs through Wednesday, May 28! Please drop by and take a look if you’re in the neighborhood!🚶‍➡️

Hokkaido Heritage 'Moor Hot Spring' 🌟 A promotional video introducing the Moor Hot Spring, selected as a Hokkaido Heritage, has been released on the official Hokkaido Heritage YouTube channel! The snowy white Tokachi Plain and the amber glow of this beauty-enhancing hot spring ♨️ This delightful video is full of the many charms of the Moor Hot Spring!! Please take a look!

At the ‘‘Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park’’ in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—situated almost in the exact center of the Chugoku region—the rose garden has reached peak bloom starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Colorful roses are in full bloom, and each one is beautiful. This rose garden was newly established in 2020 on roughly 400 square meters and features 118 varieties and 206 repeat-blooming rose shrubs. To enliven the north area and enhance the garden’s appeal, we began collaborating with rose enthusiasts from Shobara City in July 2024 to improve fertilization, perform detailed pruning, and train plants on arches and fences as part of ongoing cultivation and maintenance. We have added varieties such as Michelangelo and Christian Dior to further enrich the rose garden. The garden is expected to be at its best from mid-May through late July and again from mid-October through late November. Blooming information (as of May 21) Name: Roses Varieties currently in bloom: Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and many others Bloom condition: Peak bloom Blooming period: Mid-May to late July; early October to late November Basic facility information Location: Inside Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 Contact: Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Website: For details, check the official Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park website!

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Report as of May 22, 2025 Fukoji Temple stands in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. At present, most hydrangeas are still buds. We will update the bloom status as it progresses. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station [Parking] Available (free) [Restrooms] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The rock-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its base, stands approximately 11 meters tall and ranks among Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The central giant figure represents Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo traditionally appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have softened this carving into a rounded, gentle face. Although it is a large Fudo Myoo, it has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called Hydrangea Temple for good reason, with many hydrangeas planted across the grounds. During the rainy season you can see abundant hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas planted here are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Photographed 5/22/25. I went to Omotesando bread and espresso at approach to the temple. It's a moo toast set. They are moo toast, salad, deli, fried eggs, bacon and yogurt. 🍞🥗🍳🥓 The word "mou" means "soft" in French. Moo toast is tender and delicious. 😊