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. 😊

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】

Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"!
We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨

From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏

Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️

Here is how to vote💡

【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】
⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person.

<If voting via Google Form>
・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below
https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A
・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response.
⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance.

<If voting via Instagram>
・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/
・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍
⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware.

<If voting at a polling location>
・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck.
・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope.

Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨

⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand.

Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗

1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1)
2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2)
3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3)
4 @_yuta610 (photo 4)
5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5)
6 @8215dr72 (photo 6)
7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7)
8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8)
9 @reoron001219 (photo 9)
10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10)
11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11)
12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12)

We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻

The moss phlox at Kompira Park Campground has reached its peak bloom!
At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, moss phlox spreads across the slope in the spring sunshine, creating a carpet of flowers that unfolds into a breathtaking view✨

These moss phlox plants were first planted in 1979 and have been lovingly tended by the local community. Over the years they continue to bring joy to many people🌸

It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed camping trip or picnic while enjoying the blossoms🎶

On sunny days, be sure to visit Kompira Park!

Today, I had a morning activity.
It is milk tea with bread and espresso.

🎨 Tea service using contemporary artists' tea ware at Shin-an 🍵

📢 A tea gathering that used contemporary artists' tea ware from the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo has been held! 🎉

To let people enjoy the Expo experience within the city as well, a standing-style tea service using contemporary artists' tea ware is available for a limited time at Sakai City tea room Shin-an until Wednesday, May 28. ✨
Take this chance to enjoy a standing-style tea service using the tea ware that was used at the Expo♪

NEW OPEN on May 23! A new general store is opening in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture☕🌳
Its name is bonheur poche (bonheur poche). In French it means "pocket of happiness." The owner, Mr. Motoyoshi, is from Osaka and has worked mainly as an interior coordinator, contributing to the creation of over 1,000 homes.

Driven by a long-held wish to run a café, Mr. Motoyoshi opened Satoyama Cafe An in October 2024. Families, café lovers, and visitors from afar keep returning to Satoyama Cafe An. The café, renovated from a 100-year-old traditional house, feels stylish and refined while holding a hint of nostalgia. He places particular care on creating a comfortable atmosphere. He sources everyday goods that blend into daily life and add a little richness to living. Bonheur poche will also host workshops in the future. Both Satoyama Cafe An and bonheur poche will continue to develop as places that visitors can enjoy.

For details, see the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

Basic information for bonheur poche
Opening date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Address: 89 Kamihara-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Hours: 11:00–17:00
Closed: Monday and Tuesday; Sundays irregularly closed
Parking: Available (shared with Satoyama Cafe An)
Contact: 0824-74-6994 (shared with Satoyama Cafe An)

"Introducing Sakura Spots Around Hokuryu Town vol. FINAL"
Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻
The cherry blossom scenes we've shared since early May come to an end with this final installment
To conclude, we present a roundup of all the spots we've introduced so far.

Please enjoy once more the beautiful cherry blossoms of Hokuryu that we encountered at each location!

May beautiful sakura bloom again next year 🙏

Thank you for staying with us until the end 🌸

The tulips at Shichiku Garden are reaching their peak bloom 🌷
The garden offers free loaner hats decorated with flowers in a range of colors.
Return to your childhood—put on a hat, take photos, and stroll around the grounds.
On sunny days they also provide shade!! 👒

📌Good deals
If you plan to visit three gardens, the “Tokachi Flower Tour Common Ticket” is a great value!!
You can use it at any three of the six eligible gardens in the Tokachi area.♪
[Price] Three-garden admission ticket: ¥2,000
[Validity] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to October 13, 2025 (Monday, national holiday)
[Eligible gardens] Shichiku Garden, Manabe Garden, Tokachi Hills, Tokachi Millennium Forest, Rokka no Mori, Nakasatsunai Art Village Garden
[Where to buy] Each garden, Tokachi Tourist Information Center (Obihiro Station ESTA East Building 2F), Tokachi Gardens Hotel, Premier Hotel - CABIN - Obihiro, Hokkaido Hotel, Kangetsuen, Sasai Hotel, Dai-ichi Hotel, Daiheigen, Marimo Hire

📌Shichiku Garden
[Open period] April 19 (Saturday) to October 31 (Friday)
[Hours] 8:00–17:00
[Closed] Open every day during the season
[Admission] Adults (high school and older) ¥1,000, elementary and junior high students ¥200, preschoolers free
[Access] About 35 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport, about 15 minutes by car from Roadside Station Nakasatsunai

https://shichikugarden.com/

The JTB special train “Tabimonogatari” has arrived!

The JTB “Tabimonogatari” has made a stop here for three consecutive years since Reiwa 5.
This year too, we welcomed guests on the station platform with about 34 minutes of hospitality. 🚃

About 60 guests enjoyed Shintoku soba tea, two kinds of soba-yu (rich soba-yu and dashi-infused soba-yu), and soba karinto, and we sold a limited assortment set.
Afterward, guests took photos on the platform and in front of the station’s photo frame, and enjoyed shopping at the station shop.

More than ten groups posed at the “Soba Red Photo Frame” installed immediately to the left after exiting JR Shintoku Station.
At the station shop, the soba karinto offered for tasting proved so popular that it sold out.
When we spoke with guests returning to the platform, we heard happy remarks like “It was very delicious” and “It goes well with tea,” with people holding soba karinto.

We bade them farewell, hoping they will stop by again next year.

A short announcement.
The “Soba Red Photo Frame” in front of the station is not a face-in panel, but you can pose as if you are eating soba noodles.
If you’re interested, please come visit JR Shintoku Station.💡

#Hokkaido
#Hokkaido tourism
#Tokachi
#Shintoku Town
#Shintoku Town Tourism Association
#JR Shintoku Station
#JR
#Stella Station
#JTB #Tabimonogatari train
#hospitality
#Station-front complex Tokutoku
#tuktuk
#Tokutoku
#hokkaido
#hokkaidotrip
#hokkaidotourism
#tourism
#Tokachi
#Shintoku
#omotenashi
#welcomeshintoku
#discovershintoku

Notice of the 35th Magatama Festival
This weekend, at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, where fresh green leaves shine, a festival blends ancient romance with modern liveliness.
Feel the breath of antiquity and enjoy a special time with family and friends.

📅 Date and Time

Saturday, May 24th, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM

Sunday, May 25th, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

📍 Location
Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)


🎭 Stage Offerings
A variety of performances will appear on a special stage, including iaido and kendo, taisho-koto, classical Japanese dance, shigin (recited poetry), taiko drumming, kids' dance, popular music stages, folk songs, yosakoi, and jazz.

🕯️ Special Program
On Saturday the 24th from 5:10 PM to 6:30 PM, an evening of court music and bugaku (gagaku dance) will grace the shrine grounds with elegant sounds and dance.

🏺 Hands-on Activities and Exhibits

Magatama-making experience (materials fee required)
Special exhibition of archaeological materials at the Sannomiya Local Museum (including designated cultural properties)
A lively enjoyment area featuring local farm produce sales, food trucks, and festival stalls!


Please note that the program may change in case of rain. Thank you for your understanding.

For details and access, please see the official website.
👉 https://hibita.jp/

Photographed 5/19/25.
CAFE ANDON's Lemon and Poppy Seed Shortcake. 🍋

Photographed 5/19/25.
This is CAFE ANDON's Andon chicken curry.

The 58th Oketo Summer Festival and the 48th Human Banba Competition will take place on Sunday, June 29th!

The “Human Banba” competition, now synonymous with Oketo Town, draws many teams from across Hokkaido, with about 50 teams taking part in this popular event. Last year it was a huge success, with teams filling the entry slots!
As you may know, the “Human Banba” reflects Oketo’s history of prosperity built on the timber industry, and for many years it has been held as a town-run festival that brings the community together.
The festival also features food stalls, festival games, the Oketo Kouta dance, guest stage shows, and a fireworks display—there’s plenty to enjoy!

For more details, please see the poster or Oketo Town’s website!
https://www.town.oketo.hokkaido.jp/shokai/kanko/natsumatsuri/

Sell the pumpkins you grew 🎃!
Pumpkin contest participants wanted!
1 Application deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025 (Reiwa 7)
2 How to apply: Contact Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry by phone or apply via Google Form.
3 Distribution dates: Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 9:00–17:00
4 Distribution location: Takaharu Town Tourism Association (inside JR Takaharu Station)
5 Seedling pots to be distributed: four varieties
• Atlantic Giant (for ornamental use)
• Fukuebisu (for eating) ・ Korinqui (for eating) ・ Butternut (for eating)

Details about the pumpkin contest
• Pumpkin drop-off: Thursday, September 11 to Saturday, September 13, 2025. Drop-off from 9:00 until 12:00.
• Exhibition and sale: Saturday, September 13 to Monday, September 15, 2025 (public holiday), 9:00–16:00

※The contest venue and drop-off location is Koubashira Park Jinmu no Yakata.
※The exhibition and sale on Saturday, September 13th runs from 13:00–16:00.
※All pumpkin entrants will receive a participation prize.
※Winners will receive special prizes.
(There are many categories, including most entries, weight, color, and shape.)

Google Form to apply↓↓
https://docs.google.com/.../1nB.../edit

-- Inquiries --
Takaharu Town Tourism Association
0984-42-4560