The Sacred Tree Festival: Once every 20 years, the sacred tree destined for dedication at Ise Jingu is felled in the Omomasahajime Ceremony, followed by the celebratory Sacred Tree Festival. This grand festival, held once every 20 years, will take place in June 2025. The Omomasahajime Ceremony on June 3 is part of Ise Jingu’s rituals and is not open to the public, but the Sacred Tree Festival from June 4 to 6 is open to everyone. You can also enjoy dedication rituals and traditional performing arts. You may join the rare and important tree-transport procession, the Okihiki, which carries the sacred tree to Ise Jingu. Registration closes once capacity is reached. For inquiries, contact Agematsu Tourism Association at 0264-52-1133 or check the website. Exclusive original goods available for a limited time are on sale now. See the Kiso Tourism Federation website “Kiso Valley Trip” for purchase details. Due to this event, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest will be closed all day on June 3 and closed the morning of June 4. Please note that entry to the park will be prohibited. The sacred tree will also stop in Nagiso Town and other locations on June 6. If you live nearby, please come see it. For full details, check the official Kiso Dedication Association website.

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The sixth installment is―― “A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”! The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town. Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state! There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches. It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature. The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life. Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words. Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold. These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape— We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

Photographed 5/19/25. CAFE ANDON's Squid was Ume Plum Specification. ☂️

[Video played on a large screen at the Ventforet Kofu match on May 17] On Saturday, July 5th, the world's first "Anisong fireworks festival" will Held in in Fujikawa Town! Broadcasting various attractions that you may not notice when you are in your Local area! * For more information, please search HoriPro Speed YouTube Channel!

🍶 “Rikyukura” Sake Tasting Event🌸 Come and sample a variety of sake labels from Rikyukura! Whether you love sake or are trying it for the first time, everyone can enjoy this event🌸 Ask our staff about foods that pair well with sake and about the relationship between sake and Sakai’s traditional culture🍶 📅 Sunday, May 25, 11:00–16:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line Myokokuji-mae Station For details, search “Sakai Densho-kan Rikyukura”🔍

🌸 Special Exhibition and Sale of Sakai May Carp Streamers 🎏🌸 ✨The Beauty of Hand-Painted Carp Streamers 🎏✨ A special exhibition and sale featuring hand-painted carp streamers by Takeshi Takada, the sixth-generation artisan of Sakai May Carp Streamers "Takagi"! Take this chance to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-painted carp streamers with a history spanning more than a century. 🎵 📅 Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22, 10:00–18:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line "Myokokuji-mae" For details, search for "Sakai Densho-kan carp streamers" 🔍

The immortal grand champion Taiho's glory and legacy are on display here. Kawayu Onsen in Teshikaga, where Taiho spent his boyhood years. Here you will find the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum, which tells the story of Taiho's dominant career from the 1960s onward. This time, we introduce the Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum of the great Showa-era yokozuna Taiho. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/sightseeing/facility/taiho_sumou_k/...

Photographed 5/18/25. LEC COFFEE's Cold Yellowtail Cream and Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. Both are recommended. 😊

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!

[Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition and “KawaCos” Held Together on June 7 and 8!] A perfect chance to enjoy subculture in Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, amid fresh green scenery! On June 7 and 2025 and June 8, 2025, the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” and the cosplay event “KawaCos” will take place simultaneously. The illustration exhibition features a record 30 creators from Hokkaido and beyond, showcasing a variety of illustrations full of love for Kawayu and Teshikaga. Admission is free, and the venue will distribute a special “Bath Tour Passport” that offers half-price day-trip baths for adults at four member ryokan of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, while the public bath “Yukichi” in Kawayu will be available at Teshikaga resident rates. Meanwhile, at KawaCos, cosplayers can enjoy shooting around the hot spring town and in the great outdoors of Akan–Mashu National Park, including Mt. Iou, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. This year, for the first time, there will also be an itasha (decorated car) display and a small parade through the hot spring town. Please stop by and join us!! ・Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition “Kawayu＋i Exhibition” Third Edition ・Date and Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 and Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (open until 9:00 PM on June 7 only) ・Venue: Onyado Kinkiyu, 2nd floor (former restaurant), 1-5-10 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District ・Organizer: Kawayui Exhibition Executive Committee ・Supported by: Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association ・Cooperation: East Hokkaido Illustration Project For the latest on the Kawayu Onsen Illustration Exhibition, please see the official Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association X account. Hokkaido Kawayu Onsen (Illustration exhibition on June 7 and 8) (@kawayuonseniine) / X For the latest on KawaCos, please see the official KawaCos X account. Official KawaCos Management (@kawayu_cos) / X

🌸[Introducing Sakura Spots in Hokuryu vol.5]🌸 Hello from the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce more sakura spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fifth installment is―― “A Shrine Tour of Hokuryu Town”! Today we present three shrines in Hokuryu Town and the cherry blossoms we found there⛩️🌸 Each shrine offers its own character, a soothing quiet, and striking harmony with the cherry blossoms. 🌸[Hekisu Shrine] Hekisu Shrine greets visitors with a vivid red torii gate and a classic shrine atmosphere. Four to six cherry trees bloom on the grounds, creating a beautiful contrast against the sky. With spring breezes blowing, the view of the blossoms framed by the torii felt so still it seemed time had stopped. 🌸[Shinryu Shrine] Shinryu Shrine is notable for its brownish torii gate. The cherry tree on the right side of the precincts is especially lovely, its soft petals blending perfectly with the calm shrine buildings. A guardian lion-dog sitting atop a ball makes a memorable, slightly unusual sight—one of this shrine’s little charms🤔 🌸[Mibau Shrine] Mibau Shrine stands quietly a little way from the town center. Set amid open rice fields, its solitary presence evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia. As the cherry blossoms sway softly, listening to the wind here brings a natural calm to the heart🌾 Each shrine’s history, atmosphere, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms— Hokuryu Town is dotted with these quiet, moving moments. Enjoying the blossoms while feeling the town’s history and people’s sentiments— come and try this serene spring shrine tour for yourself 😊✨ We warmly await your visit 😊✨

Photographed 5/18/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Kawagoe Matcha Basque Cheesecake. It was so delicious that I would like to visit again. 😊

Today was the Ennichi of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Precincts and Kawagoe Senarai Benten Itsukushima Shrine. There was a dedication.

Toyooka Iris Garden is still in full bloom. Over 200 varieties of iris set against the scenic Ina Valley. Please enjoy your visit. For more details about the Iris Garden, see below: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/tourist-spot/hana/3280/...

Photographed on May 15, 25. After work, I took a walk around Shinjuku. It was my first time in Tokyo in a yellowtail. Soy latte and blueberry rare cheesecake. 🫐

Photographed on May 15, 25. Prayer at Takanawa Shrine in Shinagawa.

The Forest Park is now open! Opened with the start of Golden Week, Nishiokoppe Village Forest Park. There are plenty of events. Food trucks and vendors from various regions appeared, making for a lively Golden Week. Thank you to everyone who visited! Here’s a quick introduction to the playground equipment. Batting: 20 balls for 200 yen Struck Out: 12 balls for 200 yen (This year’s first home run was by a villager, it seems!) Battery Car: Airplane & Sheep shape 100 yen per ride Dinosaur shape 200 yen per ride Go-Kart: Single rider 300 yen for one lap Double rider 400 yen for one lap (With many curves and challenging spots, it’s a thrilling go-kart experience.) Bouldering: Shoe rental 100 yen per use *Not available with outdoor shoes or socks *You can use your own indoor shoes (You’ll use your arms and legs, engaging your whole body!) Additionally, there are free play equipment like a bouncy dome, tarzan rope, spring toys, and swings. Relaxing on the lawn is also recommended. Please wait a little longer for the opening of the tent sites. For meals, head to "Kuu Raku" within the park! Takeout is also available, so feel free to ask. We look forward to seeing many of you this year too!

Photographed on May 15, 25. For work, I went to Shinagawa. The City Bakery is a CB plate in Atré Shinagawa.

[Special Collaboration Soft-Serve Ice Cream for the Detective Conan Movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” Now on Sale!] A limited-time special soft-serve ice cream collaborating with the now-screening Detective Conan movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” is being sold at eateries throughout Minamimaki Village 🍦🐄 With the new Minamimaki Village Dining Map produced by the Minamimaki Village Chamber of Commerce in hand, please enjoy the local cuisine 🥗🍲🍜🍴 ■ Shops Offering the Special Soft-Serve Ice Cream 1 Takizawa Farm Co., Ltd. 2 Restaurant Saikochiten Co., Ltd. 3 Restaurant Straw Hat 4 Minamimaki Village Rural Culture and Information Exchange Center Co., Ltd. (Vegitable With) 5 Hanafubuki 6 Restaurant 141 8 Kominka Meals and Sweets Furusato 9 Canadian Rocky 16 White Rabbit Those are nine shops in total (the numbers correspond to the shop numbers on the dining map) *Depending on the shop, sales begin on Saturday, May 17 or Sunday, May 18. ▼ View the Minamimaki Village Dining Map here https://www.kanko-nobeyama.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mmmfoodmap.pdf...

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

It is a cherry blossom that I saw in Nemuro, which is said to be the latest blooming declaration in Japan. It was still a little chilly in Hokkaido, but there were people here and there who came to see it, and I was able to enjoy the second flowering.

2025 Summer Poster Complete! Summer is just getting started! You might dread another hot summer, but last year’s highest temperature was 33°C (recorded at the weather station in Irouzaki), and we had no extreme-heat days. In other words, Minamiizu Town is a cool retreat. Soak up summer at this seaside escape with its beautiful waters! * Posters are provided free to members of the Tourism Association. * Non-members can purchase the small size (B2) for 500 yen or the large size (B1) for 1,000 yen. * We do not ship posters. Beaches are listed here https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=183791&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.4]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we introduce another cherry blossom spot that colors spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The fourth feature is―― “Cherry Trees in the Ichii Forest”! Today we present Ichii Forest, a handmade woodland cared for by Hokuryu residents, filled with a pioneering spirit🌳✨ This forest charms visitors with a promenade dotted with song and poetry monuments tied to the town’s history, offering a literary romance. In spring, several Ezo-yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry) bloom along the path, delighting walkers🌸 What stayed with me most this visit was―― a solitary cherry tree quietly blooming deep along the trail. With its graceful branches and delicate blossoms set against the neighboring farmland, the scene felt like a painting and moved me to tears…! In the hush of the forest, the unexpected encounter with this spring miracle felt cleansing to the heart😂 Because it sits a little off the beaten path, it may still be little known, but that seclusion brings a rare tranquility and a moment to face nature. Even after cherry season ends, Ichii Forest’s appeal does not fade🍃 We want to continue cherishing and protecting this forest where the townspeople’s feelings live on. When you visit Hokuryu Town, please be sure to stop by Ichii Forest. We warmly look forward to your visit😊✨

Photographed on April 12, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

May 13, 2025 Takashima Castle Wisteria On this day, foodie KAWANISHI visited the wisteria at Takashima Castle (Takashima Park). This year, I came to see the wisteria at Takashima Castle again! I think it will finish blooming by the end of this week. At Takashima Castle, two rows of wisteria trellises stand side by side, and there are wisteria over the pond as well. The colors are stunning, with a beautiful contrast of purple and white!!! Usually, they reach their best around Golden Week.

Hello, this is Ryusuido 😊 Shosenkyo Gorge is now in the season when plants grow vigorously and the fresh green is dazzling!! We recommend taking a stroll to feel the refreshing breeze while sunlight filters through the layers of green. May’s birthstones are emerald and jade! Emerald, famous as the gem beloved by Cleopatra, has long been prized for its healing effects and symbolizes healing and stability.💎 Jade signifies prosperity, longevity, and health, and it has been selected as one of Japan’s representative national gemstones. Both feature a beautiful green that fits the fresh-leaf season perfectly!! We also carry a wide variety of natural stones and accessories, so come and enjoy a soothing space woven by gemstones and the sound of the waterfall. Please drop by.

🌹✨One of Britain’s two leading ballet companies, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, returns to Japan for the first time in seven years!✨🌹 Enjoy a casual dinner at Sakai Terrace Salto, the restaurant adjacent to Fennie Che Sakai, including an appetizer platter, soup, main course, bread, dessert, and one drink, and savor one of the world’s finest ballet companies in this special plan.🩰 📅Performance date: Wednesday, July 2 –🎭 The Sleeping Beauty, full three acts 🎭 📍Fennie Che Sakai Grand Hall ⌚Doors open 18:30 / Ends around 21:30 🎫 S seats (1st floor) with meal: ¥26,000 🎫 A seats (3rd floor) with meal: ¥22,500 📅Application deadline: Friday, June 20 🔍For details, please see the Sakai Tourism Guide website 💡Would you like to enjoy Britain’s beautiful ballet and Sakai cuisine in this special package?

A roundup of dog-friendly dining and dog runs where you can eat with your pet in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is now featured in the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi website! For details, please check the homepage.✨ Basic information on shops that offer menu items for dogs 🐶 Be sure to visit the spots that catch your eye! 1. Dog Cafe Pacem (Pacem) [Address] 634-2 Heiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] (0824) 74-1201 [Hours] 9:00–19:00 [Closed] Wednesday, Thursday [Parking] About 10 spaces [Recommended dog meal menu] Chicken and tofu dog burger 260 yen (tax included) The carrot paw print is adorable, and all dog menu items list ingredients, so you can feel secure about allergies! 2. National Hibakokuryo Hill Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari [Address] 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 080-8242-4173 [Hours] 9:30–17:00 (varies by season) *Both park admission and dog run reception close one hour before closing* *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Closed] Monday, New Year holidays (12/31, 1/1) *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Parking] Lot 5 is open free of charge *During busy periods (about five days a year) it becomes a paid parking lot* 3. Hiroshima Prefectural Forest for Citizens [Address] 156-14 Yuki, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-84-2020 [Hours] 8:00–17:00 [Closed] Closed for the winter season *Dogs are allowed to run freely in the snow* [Parking] Available 4. Nanatsukahara Service Area (downbound) [Address] 560-4 Yamauchi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Hours] Open 24 hours [Closed] None [Parking] Available 5. Roadside Station Takano [Address] 49 Shimomonda, Takano-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-86-3131 [Hours] 9:00–18:00 [Closed] 2nd and 4th Wednesday [Parking] Available