[🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2025 🌸] From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, May 11!

(Surely) with the last of the snow behind us, the season of flowers is finally approaching Gokasecho ✨ We’re running a spring Instagram campaign too 🤩🙌

Follow the Gokase Tourism Association account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/) and post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho to Instagram using two hashtags: #GokaseHana2025 and #dateofphoto (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥

Every day during the campaign, one person will win a mini set of Gokasecho specialty products 🎁✨
This time, amazingly!
During the nighttime illumination of Kijiya’s weeping cherry tree organized by students of Gokase Secondary School’s “Gokase Sakura Project” (March 23 [Sun]–April 16 [Wed] ※updated 4/2), entries featuring photos of Kijiya’s weeping cherry will have double the daily winning chance 😮✨!?

Plus! Outstanding entries will receive a gift box of Gokasecho specialty products 🤩👏
And even more! This time there will also be a “Gokase Sakura Project Award”…🤭🌟!?

Submitted entries will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association and Gokase Sakura Project social media channels as they are selected 💡

[Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025

⚠️Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html
⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

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In spring in Gokasecho you can enjoy not only weeping cherry but also rhododendrons, akebono azaleas, and many other flowers 🌸
In the warm weather, how about a flower tour around Gokasecho 🤗?
We sincerely look forward to your participation ✨

This photo was taken on Kawaramachi Street in Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Colorful and cute bells.
It was a moment when I was able to make a new discovery that bells might look better than wind chimes in the cityscape of Castle Town.

When I was passing by on the Car, I saw a sparkling bell, so I parked my Car at the Car parking lot and went back to take pictures.
I was also able to find a nice café on that street. It was a cold day, so if it weren't for the bell, I might not have gotten out of the car and walked down this street.
When I think about it, I'm very grateful ☺️ to Suzu for giving me that encounter

This is a photo of a cat's interior goods at a café in Sanrazaka-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
Use the lights in the store,
I expressed "a cat in the twilight of the sunset".

According to the owner, it is a work made by an iron craftsman in Miyoshi City.
"I like the view from behind, but I can't take a good picture," the owner said.
Squid was able to take this photo ☺️ when I was trying to figure out how to capture it well

The thinness of the limbs and neck, as well as the symmetrical ears, convey that the iron craftsmen are carefully and thoughtfully made.
The skills of Japan craftsmen. I thought it was cool! ✨

It is also a wonderful memory ☺️ that I was able to share my impression with the owner in this photo

Arao's Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks — No. 4

We introduce Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting dishes.
From addictive popular flavors to hearty rice bowls!
These outrageously tasty dishes will fill you with energy and pep you up for sure!

4. Momo Ju Bento — Hon-ten Toraiichi, Specialty Shop for Bone-in Chicken and Karaage
The Arao main shop’s limited Momo Ju bento. It features a whole carefully selected chicken thigh, slowly and gently roasted in olive oil, creating a very hearty bento. The shop also offers karaage à la carte and a variety of other bento options.

Hon-ten Toraiichi — Bone-in Chicken and Karaage Specialty Shop: Highlights!
Founded in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, this shop serves bone-in chicken and freshly fried karaage made with a special method. The bone-in chicken uses tender, juicy young birds. The owner, a karaage fanatic, perfected his signature fried chicken—be sure to try it. There are also Omuta and Tamana branches.

◆ Shop name: Hon-ten Toraiichi — Bone-in Chicken and Karaage Specialty Shop
◆ Address: 813-1 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
◆ Phone: 0968-62-6268
◆ Hours: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
◆ Closed: Irregular holidays

◆ Seating: Takeout only
◆ Website: https://karaage-toraichi.com/
◆ SNS: Facebook

Photographed on March 10, 25.
CAFE ANDON's Matcha Shortcake with Strawberries and Anko.
The acidity of the strawberries and the moderate sweetness of the fresh cream and red bean paste go well together.

Photographed on March 10, 25.
This is CAFE ANDON's matcha latte.
The latte art is very nice. 😊

Suzuka Forest Garden Light up 2025.03.15

Enjoy the weeping Ume plums in full bloom

It was raining lightly, so there were not many people.

Suzuka Forest Garden is a research Cultivation farm that aims to preserve and disseminate the "tailoring techniques" of weeping Ume Plum, which is one of the traditional horticultural cultures of Japan.

Photographed on March 10, 25.
This is a hot sandwich set of avocado shrimp from CAFE ANDON.
It's my favorite combination. 😊🦐🥑

Sakura Along the Shibuda River 🌸 2025
Yesterday, Tuesday, March 18, the kawazu cherry blossoms along the Shibuda River created a beautiful collaboration with Ooyama✨
The best viewing period has passed, but you can still enjoy them in some spots😊
In preparation for the Shibazakura Festival from Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 13, planting of shibazakura took place last weekend🌸
We are steadily preparing to welcome everyone🙌
We can’t wait for the carpet of delicate flowers to appear✨
Address Kanagawa Prefecture, Isehara, Kamitani
Access From Isehara Station South Exit, Bus Stop No. 3
Take the bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit (via Ota and Yokouchi), Hiratsuka Station North Exit (via Jojima and Hachima Street), or Aiko-Ishida Station (via Shimoochiai); about 7 minutes by bus
Get off at Ota Elementary School-mae and walk about 10 minutes

Hosenji Temple 4th “Hanamatsuri”
At last, tomorrow, Thursday, March 20, Hosenji will hold the 4th “Hanamatsuri” to celebrate the birth of Buddha.
Enjoy the handmade hanamido (flower shrine) filled with beautiful blooms, the gentle scent of amazakecha (sweet tea), and a heartwarming memorial service.
We will offer special goshuin and shuin unique to the Hanamatsuri.
The first 100 visitors will receive a kirie (paper-cut) gift, and there will be rakugo storytelling by Kitaro Mukashi Mukashi-tei, a rakugo performer from Isehara, among other attractions.
There are many more events planned.
Please invite friends and family and join us for worship.
Date and Time
Thursday, March 20
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Participation Fee
Please bring one flower to offer to the Buddha.
You may use one of the flowers from a grave visit or a wildflower picked by the roadside.
Venue
Hosenji, Isehara
Access
From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, take the Kanachu Bus “I16” for about 30 minutes.
Get off at Kurihara Bus Stop and walk about 10 minutes.
From the bus stop, go straight up the slope.
For details, visit the official website:
https://www.ho-senji.info/hanamaturi
#Hosenji #Hanamatsuri #Isehara #Buddha #hanamido #amazakecha #goshuin #shuin #signs of spring #Buddhism #temple #event #sightseeing

Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks in Arao — Part 3

Introducing Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting gourmet dishes.
From addictive flavors to hearty rice bowls!
These outrageously tasty dishes will fill you with energy and leave you feeling revitalized!

3. All-You-Can-Eat Ultimate Course — Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao

Enjoy a thoroughly satisfying course at Nulbon Garden, which has devoted itself to meat for over 40 years, featuring carefully selected grilled meats and authentic Korean cuisine. From premium domestic sirloin and premium domestic short ribs to Korean dishes and desserts, this course is perfect for family dinners and banquets!



Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao — Highlights!
At this yakiniku restaurant you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat course with a wide menu that includes carefully sourced meats such as Kyushu-raised black Wagyu, as well as authentic Korean dishes like cold noodles and bibimbap. The spacious interior offers comfortable booth seating and private rooms. Takeout grilled meat boxes and bento meals are also popular.

◆Name: Yakiniku Nulbon Garden Arao
◆Address: 1518-90 Motoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
◆Phone: 0968-65-5333
◆Hours: Weekdays 4:00 PM–10:00 PM (last order 9:30 PM); Sat, Sun, and holidays 11:30 AM–11:00 PM (last order 10:30 PM)
◆Closed: None

◆Seating capacity: 240 seats
◆Private rooms: Yes
◆Smoking seats: No
◆Website: https://www.nurubon.co.jp/tenpo/arao.html
◆SNS: Facebook・Twitter

【Flowering Information 1】Saitobaru
We would like to inform you of the flowering status of Saitobaru on March 19 (Water).
The rape flowers in Saitobaru have begun to bloom, albeit little by little.
Cherry blossoms are still in buds.
As in every year, it is expected to reach its best time to visit at the end of this month.

■ Information on Toilets and Car Parking in the Saitobaru Kofun Tumulus Group
Saitobaru Guidance CenterIn addition to the Toilet of Konohanakan Saitobaru there are six public Toilet in the Kofun Tumulus (Imperial Tomb Square, Takatoriyama Parking Lot Car, Takatoriyama Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 2, Kofun Tumulus Car Parking Lot 3, and Saitobaru Sports Park, so please Use those as well. (with multi-purpose Toilet)
* For details, please see the West City Tourism Association website.

Sakurajima Eruption
2025.03.07 Sakurajima Island had two eruptions at 16 and 17 o'clock
The photo shows Sakurajima at 17:38.

Metaseikochia trees in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

We aimed for a day when it snowed.

It started snowing at dawn, and the Water of the Water on the road began to increase, and I was able to take a reflection shot.

This is a landscape photo taken when I visited Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
I thought the beauty of Lake Biwa peeking through the trees on a sunny day was the coolest, so I posted it for people who like landscape photography to see.
Best regards.
I'm not familiar with hashtags, so I'll add them as soon as I 😂 can

Arao’s Top 7 Stamina Dishes — Part 2

Here are Arao City’s delicious stamina-boosting dishes.
From addictive signature flavors to hearty rice bowls!
These insanely tasty plates will power you up and keep your energy high!

2. Kumamoto Horse Sashimi Assortment, Five Cuts — Rakusai Dining Kuito
This Kumamoto specialty features five cuts—marbled, premium horse sashimi, lean red meat, kone (fatty mane), and futaego—each offering different sweetness and textures. Enjoy them with garlic soy, fresh grated ginger, or spicy miso, pairing each condiment to the cut.

Rakusai Dining Kuito — Highlights
Available only twice a month! Their rare raw horse liver sashimi, prepared with a focus on freshness, offers a unique taste you won’t find elsewhere. The izakaya also prides itself on daily-selected fresh fish from direct sources, Hinomoto pork from Nagomi Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, and premium binchotan charcoal skewers. Spend a fun evening that sparks lively conversation with someone special.

*Arrival of horse liver sashimi will be announced on social media.*

Name: Rakusai Dining Kuito
Address: 1616-67 Shimoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, inside Green Smile Ichibankan
Phone: 0968-66-0804
Hours: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Closed: Thursdays, New Year’s Day

Seating capacity: 100 seats
Private rooms: Available
Smoking: Outdoor smoking area provided
Website: https://www.kuraudo.site/
Social: LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

[Announcement ❄️ of Winter Gokase 2025❄️ Results]

Thank you for waiting! !️
Announcement 🥳🎉 of the results of "Winter Gokase 2025"

This time, in addition to the followers of the Gokase Tourism Association's Instagram Account, we decided 👏✨ the winning item by voting by Facebook and Google Form

Thank you to 🙇 ♀️💕 everyone who voted
Now, let's announce the 👇👇👇 results

[🥇 Gold Award]
Mr. @mas8787a
[🥈 Silver Prize]
Mr. @fowafuwarin5
[🥉 Bronze Award]
Mr. @yamabico_san

The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been revived in yellowtail three years, and the winter appearance of Josenji Temple, which enjoys beautiful scenery in both Spring and autumn, won prizes 🤩✨

It is raining today, but there was a lot of snow this year, so ❄️ there are many difficulties, but I am always amazed 👏 by the power of Nature that creates beautiful scenery and by the people who express themselves through the viewfinder

Congratulations ㊗️🥳🎉 to all the winners

And There is a to 😭❤️ 🔥 everyone who applied, voted, and participated

Spring is finally here 🌸
We will inform you of the Spring campaign soon, so when you come to Gokase to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, please take many photos and cry when 😭💕 you participate

💫 Best regards

Will Tomakomai continue into spring...? On March 17th the city recorded about 25 cm of snowfall. Since it was wet March snow, it is expected to melt soon.
At Utonai Lake, the snowy landscape made a great backdrop for a graceful great egret in flight.✨
(Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Photographed on March 10, 25.
It is the Hanachozu of rape flowers of Senba Toshogu Shrine.

📢 Happening this weekend!
[#Isehara Cultural Heritage Festa 2025 Spring 🌸]

A treasure of Isehara ✨ Enjoy a luxurious event where you can actually experience many intangible folk cultural properties!

Dive into the world of Noh with the "#Ooyama Noh" Noh workshop, try on rare masks and practice sliding-footwork techniques, lose yourself in the beautiful sounds of the "#Nagauta #Hayashi (yokobue)" concert and dance demonstrations 🎶, and have fun watching and spinning at the "#Ooyama Koma" top-spinning experience 🪅—and much more!

Why not experience Isehara’s rich cultural heritage through a variety of traditional performing arts and crafts? 😊

🗓️ Date and time: Sunday, March 23, 10:00–16:00
※For each booth’s detailed schedule, see the site below
📍 Venue: Isehara City Central Community Center, 2nd floor Recreation Room
🚶 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit
💰 Admission: Free
📝 Registration: Not required

Organizer: Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Utilization of Local Cultural Properties
📞 Inquiries: Isehara City Board of Education, Education Administration Division (0463-74-5109)

Check booth times and other details here 👇
https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/bunkazai/docs/2025022100031/

#Isehara #Cultural Heritage #Intangible Folk Cultural Properties #Traditional Performing Arts #Traditional Techniques #Hands-on Event #Free Event #Weekend Event #Family-friendly #Spring Event #Ooyama

One week has passed 🏔️ since the opening of Mt. Morotsuka
Customers of the Stamp Rally, which is being held in until Sunday, March 23, are also visiting ☺️
At the Shiitake Pavilion, at the same time, we are posting the trajectory of the 40th anniversary of the opening of Mt. Morotsuka and distributing pennants distributed at the opening of the 🚩 mountain

Pennants are limited to a first-come, first-served basis, so hurry up 🏃 if you wish

Stamp Rally applications are also waiting for 😆 you

#Morotsuka Village #Morotsuka #Miyazaki Prefecture #Morotsuka Village Tourism Association #morotsuka #morotsukavillage #miyazaki #miyazaki_countryside #Morotsukayama #Pennant

Photographed on March 10, 25.
This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

【Oyanagawa River Valleys Fresh greenery trekking 🥰】

In early summer, you can enjoy fresh greenery in the Oyanagawa River Valleys
It has become a popular trekking spot.

In the Valleys, there are 10 bottles large and small Suspension Bridge and five waterfalls.
Yes, you can enjoy a walk casually.

Isehara Flower Report 2025.3.17
🌸 Flower Scenes to Enjoy in Isehara 💐
* Maruyama Castle Ruins Park (Shimokasuya 2168-2)
On the park's north side, a vivid carpet of rapeseed flowers and delicate Kawazu cherry blossoms 🌸 are in peak bloom together, creating a spectacular sight.
At the top of the stairs, the flowerbeds host a colorful mix, including Christmas roses.
Below the park, the almond trees' buds are swelling and will bloom soon.

* Hinata Yakushi (Hinata 1644)
The mitsumata shrubs beside the temple grounds are blooming with charming yellow flowers.

* Oyama New Trail
The deep pink Okame cherry blossoms 🌸 are now at their best.

Look forward to more updates 🎵

#Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Rapeseed flowers #Kawazu cherry blossoms #Spring flowers #Flowerbeds #Blooming updates #Hinata Yakushi #Mitsumata #Spring news #Yellow flowers #Ooyama #Oyama New Trail #Okame cherry blossoms #Cherry blossom avenue #Spring hiking #Pink flowers #Isehara #isehara #isehara #Isehara Tourism #Spring outings #Cherry blossom viewing

Miyazaki Prefecture Kita Three major festivals in Spring "Yoshinonomiya Shrine Grand Festival Zatogami Festival"
Held in on March 28th!! Please go to Morotsuka Village in Spring

March 28 (Fri)
9 o'clock ~ Festival / Kagura Dedication
11 o'clock~ Satsuma biwa player Kanako Kitahara performance
==============================
Zato-san's Specialties "Zato Udon noodles and Sonpachi Soba noodles" and Morotsuka Village Specialty products are sold
There is a sale of shuin stamps and bills for only one day in a year
Taro Gomi's Picture book "Yoshinomiya Monogatari" will be sold
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
In the middle of the Ashikaga period, a blind monk who was killed during his journey was enshrined, and his death anniversary was anniversary.
The place where the festivals have been held in on March 28, "Yoshinonomiya Shrine".
The festivals are called "Zato-san" by the locals.
It continues uninterrupted to this day.

#miyazaki #miyazaki_countryside #morotsukavillage #morotsuka #Miyazaki Prefecture #Patchwork Village #Morotsuka Village #Morotsuka Village Tourism Association #shuin stamps collection #Miyazaki shuin stamps tour #Yoshinomiya Shrine #Zato-san Festival #Zatogami #Yoshinomiya Monogatari

Ooyama Cable Car
Notice: Restroom at Ooyama Cable Station Out of Service
As of Monday, March 17, 2025, the restroom at Ooyama Cable Station on the Ooyama Cable Car is out of service due to a clogged pipe.
For the latest information
please visit the Ooyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. website.
https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/

Also, the public restrooms at the summit of Ooyama remain unavailable due to frozen water supply pipes.
Please use the public restrooms at Afuri Shrine Lower Sanctuary, Ooyama-dera, or the Ooyama Cable bus stop.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

The Okame cherry trees along the Ooyama Shindo are now in full bloom.
Their charming pink blossoms await your visit.

Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4
Take the ‘Ooyama Cable’ bus for about 30 minutes
Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along Koma Sando to the cable car station.

#Ooyama #Isehara #Sightseeing information #Ooyama Cable Car #Restroom out of service #Outing information #Spring sightseeing #Cherry blossoms #Flower viewing #Hiking #Trekking #Afuri Shrine #Ooyama-dera #Koma Sando #Odakyu Line #Isehara Station

Photographed on March 8, 25.
This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.
It has mimosa in it, and it is a Spring Hanachozu.

It’s very windy and snowing heavily in Teshikaga today🌀
Please be careful when going out⚠️⛄️🌨️❄️

Discover a new way to travel! 🚗💨
Special site now live 🎉 Let’s feast around Tanzawa, Ooyama, and Miyagase! 😋
"#Gourmet Guri" Ken-O Yamanami #Gastronomy Tourism

The Ken-O Yamanami area—including Isehara, Atsugi, Hadano, Aikawa, and Kiyokawa✨—is rich in ingredients that have long been loved and that may stir your memories.
How about a trip that’s different from the usual? 🍽️

"Gastronomy" means deepening your understanding of the relationship between food and culture 📚
Through this experience, ordinary places might become special to you…💎

Check the special site now! 👉
https://www.atsugi-kankou.jp/site/yamanami-gastronomy/
Atsugi City Tourism Association

#Isehara #Atsugi #Hadano #Aikawa #Kiyokawa #Ken-O Yamanami #Tanzawa Ooyama Miyagase #Feast it all #Food travel #Local gourmet #Delicious discoveries #Taste of memories #Tourist information

Saitama's Kawazu cherry blossoms are also in full bloom 🌸

This is located in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture
It is a row of cherry blossom trees along the Aoge Hori River.

Saitama's Kawazu cherry blossoms start 😊 here every year
The Kawazu cherry blossoms blooming along the river for about 1 km are a sight to behold