【Shot in Fujikawa Town Komuro area】 It's getting warmer and warmer, and it's time for bud break. Celebrated. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March.

Notice: The Grand Sumo March Tournament The tournament began on Sunday, March 9th! Ichiyamamoto Seki is ranked West Maegashira 4 in the March banzuke!! His current record is 1 win and 1 loss! Let’s all cheer for Ichiyamamoto Seki together again this tournament! Thank you for your support 🙏

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

A coal mine trolley will run at Manda Pit! The coal mine trolley displayed at the Manda Pit coal preparation plant will run! Of the two displayed cars, No. 12 will run. The coal mine trolley used the Miike Coal Mine private railway to carry coal mined at Manda Pit for export from Miike Port. Be sure to see the trolley as it glides along in pleasant operation. Scheduled running times Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 Manda Pit Postal code 864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year holidays ◆Admission fees: Adults 410 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary and junior high students 210 yen, Infants free *Group rates available (20 people or more) ◆Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) ◆Phone: 0968-57-9155

Isehara Flower Report 2025.3.10 * Hinata Yakushi Plum Garden (Hinata 1644) The plum grove above the rear parking lot of Hinata Yakushi is at its best ✨. Mitsumata shrubs are also in bloom. * Ugaku Bunko Yamaguchi Residence (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plums around the parking lot and the Yamaguchi residence are at their best ✨. The free opening of the plum garden that had passed its peak has ended. Rapeseed flowers along the path behind the plum garden are beautiful. Tour of the nationally registered tangible cultural property Yamaguchi Residence: Adults 300 yen * Along the Ooyama New Trail Okame cherry blossoms are late in opening. Some spots have just started to bloom, depending on location, The buds are swelling, and the best is yet to come ✨ * Photos show yesterday’s conditions. #Isehara Flower Report #Isehara #Plum #Plum blossoms #Ugaku Bunko #Hinata Yakushi

The 40th Ooyama Mountain Climb Marathon 2025 On Sunday, March 9, the Ooyama Mountain Climb Marathon was held! Blessed with clear skies, guest runner and former Olympian Kayoko Fukushi and many other runners dashed from Isehara Station toward Ooyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine⛩️, racing through the streets of Isehara. Regular participants commented, “Those final 1,610 stone steps before the finish were as brutal as ever this year!” 💦 At Isehara Elementary School, local product sales and servings of the famous Ooyama tofu drew crowds, while Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit hosted a lively welcome event cheering on the runners. Meanwhile, the ISEHARA Bread Festival Wheat Fest, held the same day at Isehara City General Sports Park for bread lovers, gathered popular bakeries and was a great success! Look forward to the next event 🍞 ✨Isehara buzzed with excitement across the city that day✨ Isehara Isehara City Event Marathon Sightseeing Mountain Climb

Meet the blue world and coral paradise 🌊🐠 on the Okinawa main island tour The sea on the main island of Okinawa is as beautiful as if you were lost in another world. Hokule'a Shonan Held in a tour of the main island of Okinawa where you can fully enjoy this charm. In this article, we will introduce you to plenty of fantastic sights that you can encounter during the tour. 【Impression experience 💙 surrounded by the world of blue】 When you dive into the waters of Okinawa, you will see a world of crystal clear blue in front of you. The color of the sea is deep and clear, and you feel as if you are being sucked in. The sunlight shining into the water beautifully highlights the silhouettes of corals and fish, and you will lose track of time. Especially from winter to Spring, the sea in Okinawa is even more transparent, and you can clearly see the details of fish and coral in the distance. During the tour, experienced instructors will provide solid support so that even beginners can enjoy this mysterious sight with peace of mind. 🤿 [A coral paradise 🌿🪸 woven with pale greenery] Okinawa's coral reefs are impressive with their gentle greenish hue. The sight of coral spreading out like a flower garden is truly a paradise under the sea. If you look closely, you can see colorful small fish swimming around energetically in the coral gaps, like a scene from an Anime. 🐟🐡 Coral reefs are an important part of Okinawa's rich ecosystem. In order to protect this beautiful coral reef, Hokule'a Shonan dives while conveying the importance of environmental protection. Participants are also encouraged to be aware of environmentally friendly behaviors. 🌍 【Encounters 🐠🐟 with a variety of fish】 In the waters of the main island of Okinawa, you can encounter a variety of fish, such as colorful tropical fish, schools of blue-purple fish, and small and cute yellow fish. In particular, the fish swim densely near the coral reef, making it a perfect scene that makes you want to take pictures. 📸 On the tour, you can enjoy each of them, admiring schools of fish swimming leisurely and looking for rare creatures hidden behind the rocks. The instructor will also introduce the names and ecology of the fish, so one of the attractions is not only to see them, but also to have a learning experience. 📝 [How to 🧳✈️ participate in the Okinawa main island tour] Hokule'a Shonan's tour of the main island of Okinawa can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experienced people. We propose a plan tailored to the skills and wishes of the participants, so that they can safely experience the beautiful world of the sea. Details and dates of the tour are available on the official website and social media, so be sure to check them out. 👀 Why don't you create your own special memories in the sea of Okinawa? ✨ [The possibilities are endless! ] 🌟】 Hokule'a Shonan supports the first step into the unknown. In the sparkling blue waters of Okinawa, let's embark on a journey to free your mind and find a new you. 🌊💫

Today at breakfast, I visited Mr. 168. It is a soy milk and onion egg sandwich. It's freshly made. All of the Taiwanese breakfasts look delicious, so I get lost every time. 😊

[Hokule'a Shonan] is certified by the PADI 5 Star ID Center! [Hokule'a Shonan goes to the PADI5 Star ID Center] Hokule'a Shonan is the seventh dive shop in Kanagawa Prefecture to be officially certified as a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (PADI 5 Star ID Center) in July 2024! [What is the PADI 5 Star ID Center?] 】 The PADI 5 Star ID Center is a special dive center 🤿 that not only meets the standards of a 5 Star Dive Center, but also provides training from beginner Sense OW divers to aspiring professional instructors This certification is awarded only to 5-Star Dive Centers that meet the following four PADI criteria and are recognized for their higher water level education and achievements: Education: We offer a wide range of educational programs from beginner to advanced Participation in community activities: Contribution through activities and events in the local community Environmental Protection Activities: Proactive Efforts to Protect the Environment Equipment & Experience: Extensive diving equipment and high-quality diving experience In this way, the PADI 5 Star ID Center is a certification built on our desire to "share the joy of diving with as many people as possible" and our belief that we want to provide safe, high-quality services to divers. [A diving experience that you can enjoy with peace of mind] Hokule'a Shonan is a small dive shop, but they put a lot of effort into meticulous care and safety measures. Since we try to respond closely to each customer, we have created an environment where you can Fun diving with peace of mind while valuing the relationship of trust between the instructor and the customer. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to a world we have not yet seen!", we want to provide an exciting experience of discovering new worlds and values through diving. Hokule'a Shonan is not just a diving experience, but also a place where you can feel comfortable in harmony with nature and discover a new you. We will continue to work hard to bring you new discoveries that inspire your sense of adventure, experiences that make you feel Gari connect with your Nature, and Impression that will last a lifetime. When you come to our shop, we would be happy if you could talk a little about the sea!

The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kawazu Town were 🌸 in full bloom This is a row of Kawazu cherry blossoms that are in Best time to visit in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Please 😊 visit to see the 4km long Kawazu cherry blossoms

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is a weeping Ume plum from Naritayama Kawagoe Betsuin. It is in full bloom. 🌸

Photographed on March 8, 25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Original scenery of Japan Aso's crossing along the Okuaizu-Tadami River River fog streams thinly on the surface of the river, and mountains approach the village behind the rice fields, and fog rises Japan's Farming villages continue to protect small rice paddies inherited from their ancestors How many more years can we see?

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is the red Ume Plum of the Middle Hospital.

Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot! Arao City's symbol Manda Pit In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage. The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world. Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century. Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!! Many cosplayers and photographers use the site. Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup. Here are some precious off‑shot photos. When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling. Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes. You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended. We look forward to your visit. Information Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form. Please download the application form from the Arao City website. For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid). This also requires advance reservation. Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability. Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300 If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station. ◆ Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155 ◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156 ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays ◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) ◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free ◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station ◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars #Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Exploring Japan goes beyond just stunning landscapes; it’s a journey steeped in rich traditions. Experiencing traditional Japanese style tea ceremony and making Wagashi with friends in Kimono or Yukata is just a wonderful experience which I will remember my whole life. This is the other side of cool Japan beyond the Natural beauty and mouth watering food. We enjoyed it in Asakusa area of Tokyo.

Zoom in on Tokyo Station at night! Zoom in Tokyo Station !

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

What did the mine baths look like? At the Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit there is a newly opened Safety Lamp Room and Bathhouse that opened to the public in fiscal 2024. This bathhouse is the facility that was used from around 1951 (Showa 26), about 74 years after coal extraction stopped at Manda Pit, until 1997 (Heisei 9). Because this bathhouse served the small number of miners who performed maintenance work underground, it is different from the large bathhouses from Manda Pit’s heyday. Although smaller in scale, it served the same purpose of washing off the grime from underground work. Because coal dust that stuck to workers during work was hard to wash off, the washing area was separate from the tubs, and the tubs were divided into the "first bath" and an "up-bath (kakari-yu)" used after cleaning oneself thoroughly. (For details about the large bathhouse used by about 3,500 miners at Manda Pit’s peak, guided tours at Manda Pit offer more information, so please consider using a guide.) The Miike Coal Mine had abundant groundwater and required constant pumping. You might think that plentiful groundwater would be suitable for filling the tubs, but the water used for bathing was tap water. The reason was that water drawn from underground contained fine fragments of coal and other materials that posed a risk of injury, so it was not used at Manda Pit. On Hashima (Gunkanjima), water had to be brought in by supply ship from the mainland until a submarine water pipeline opened in 1953 (Showa 28). At that time, sea water was boiled for baths, and fresh water was reserved for the final "up-bath (kakari-yu)." A scene in the 2024 drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" also shows miners using the bathhouse after finishing underground work, so please pay attention to that when you watch.

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Isehara Flower Report 2025 The Okame cherry trees along the Shindo trail usually reach full bloom around the time of the Ooyama Climb Marathon, but this year flowering seems a little delayed. The buds have swelled considerably, so we’re looking forward to the blossoms. ✨Sunday, March 9th — Ooyama Climb Marathon✨ The Isehara Tourism Association will also have a booth at Isehara Elementary School (11:00–16:00). ＊Offered with the sacred salt from Ooyama Afuri Shrine Sakamoto Poultry’s Sakamoto no Tamago Boiled egg — 100 yen each (tax included) ＊New release: Value pack Large size 250 g (10 servings) Ooyama Natural Hot Spring Komaya no Yu “Isehara Ooyama no Yu” ♨️ 1 bag 1,500 yen (tax included) And more — a bounty of Isehara’s delicious local specialties and famous products. Once sold out, they’re gone—come early! We look forward to seeing you. #Isehara #Isehara #Ooyama Climb Marathon #Okame cherry #cherry blossoms #flower report #Isehara tourism #sightseeing #local specialties #souvenirs #hot springs Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit — on the stairs Station Shop Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

I went to Nishihirabatake Park and Aguri Park in Matsuda-cho, Ashigarakami-gun. The second photo is my favorite.

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is also exceptional.

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is exceptional.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily is in full bloom on the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily blossoms in the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Oga Hasu When botanist Dr. Ichiro Ohga sowed the seeds of a lotus found in a stratum 2,000 years ago, they succeeded in germinating and flowering, and the divided Oga lotus blooms in the lotus pond of Anayama Flower Valley in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Flowering is in July.

A six-minute walk from Tomakomai Station. At Machinaka Exchange Center, located at the intersection of Tomakomai Ekimae Hondori and Sanjo Dori, you can enjoy a free foot bath and hand bath using hot spring water. Please stop by while sightseeing or shopping.