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.

Mt. Meshimori's Daylily Mt. Meshimori, located on the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, has an elevation of 1643 m and the elevation of Shishiiwa at the trailhead is 1457 m, making it a mountain suitable for Hiking that even children can climb. The Mt. Meshimori is located on the Water ridge of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and Mt. Asama. Mt. Meshimori, the daylily are in full bloom in July. It is a superb view point that you should definitely visit.

Rest Yuzu and Mount Fuji Photographed in 🥰 the Komuro area of Fujikawa Town There were still yuzu left on the tree.

Photographed 3/2/25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

The theme park with the most attractions in Japan Greenland, one of the largest amusement parks in western Japan with a grounds area of 550,000 square meters Beyond roller coasters and thrill rides, more than 70 varied attractions include shooting games and haunted houses! Don’t miss the limited-time events, fireworks displays, and popular character shows! Two new attractions opened at Greenland in spring 2025✨ Enjoy a full day at Greenland. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

Photographed 3/2/25. LEC COFFEE's black latte and black sesame Basque cheesecake.

Hello. This is En'emon Denshōkan. As the weather swings between warm and cold, spring is slowly approaching♪ The foliage around Kaku-enpeak seems to be getting a bit greener. March 3rd was Hinamatsuri across the country🎎 In Yamanashi, many places celebrate on April 3rd, so the festive mood of the doll festival continues for a month✨ The tradition of wishing for healthy growth has been passed down for a long time. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is said to purify the heart and give hope, and its stone meaning is “filled with happiness,” so it also makes a good charm✨ Also, the rose quartz we recommend this time is a healing stone and a stone of love, and it is considered a protector of women. We look forward to seeing your smiles🙂✨

HANABI Festival at Greenland!! ＼This spring’s HANABI Festival is back／ Enjoy fireworks lighting up the spring night sky✨ Of course, the attractions will run at full operation until 8:00 PM!! * Please note that some areas will be off-limits during the fireworks display. * Viewing is free (park admission required separately) Date: Saturday, March 29 * In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, March 30. Time: Fireworks start at 7:30 PM Opening hours: 9:30 AM–8:00 PM Recommended viewing spot: Pond Front Plaza For guests arriving by car If you come by car, please cooperate by refraining from parking on the street or leaving your vehicle in nearby facilities without permission. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 5/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest has reached its 14th edition this year. While digital submissions and SNS entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest keeps a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, a Teshikagacho resident and internationally known mountain photographer, as a special judge to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won prizes! Here we present five Special Prize winners and the Organizing Committee Special Prize. With this announcement, we have published all the winning works of the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Congratulations to the prize winners 🎊 ✴︎Special Prizes✴︎ "Kiriwataru" (Mist Spreading) Shizuo Murakami "Bridge of Hope for the Future" Maruni Urata "Ice Opening in the Bitter Cold" Yoneko Tazawa "Moonlit Lake Mashu" Noriyuki Hatahashi "Reunion" Yui Amy Murakami ✴︎Organizing Committee Special Prize✴︎ "The Call Within the Silence" Go Kan-iku

Photographed 3/2/25. LEC COFFEE's Limited Time Black Sesame Basque Cheesecake. It's very, very tasty, so I recommend it. 😊

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon and *Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street* Welcome Event 2025 The Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon finally takes place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! A brutal course awaits: a one-way 9 km route with a 650 m elevation gain and 1,610 stone steps just before the finish line. Starting from Isehara Station North Exit, the course runs past Japan National Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, Oyama Old Road, Afuri Bridge, Koma approach, Onna-zaka (women's slope), Daisenji Temple, and up to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ *Star Guest Runners* 10:00 start: Men 50s and 60 and over Karen Michibata and Angelica Kayoko Fukushi and Ryoko Ichikawa 10:30 start: Men 40s; Women under 39 and 40 and over Mako Chiba, Zhao Youfeng, and Reiko Tosa 11:00 start: Men 30s and under 29 Yuriko Kobayashi, Mari Ozaki, and Kayoko Obata ※Please note that on the day of the event, Chuodori from Isehara Station North Exit to the Japan National Route 246 Isehara Crossing will be temporarily closed to vehicles except route buses, as traffic restrictions related to the climb will be in effect from 9:50 AM to 12:00 PM. At Isehara Elementary School, where the opening ceremony takes place (11:00 AM–4:00 PM), local specialties from Isehara will be on sale, and 100 blocks of Oyama tofu (enough for 900 servings) will be distributed free of charge, among other attractions! A grand welcome event will be held along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit✨ ※For details of the Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street welcome event, visit the Isehara City Tourism Association website https://isehara-kanko.com/news/9796/... You can run, of course, but also cheer on the runners and soak up the festival atmosphere at the welcome events and more Come on—let’s all get excited together🎉