Today I will tell you a story about the stone statues at Josenji Temple in Yamato City and how incredibly cute they are. Josenji is a well-known temple in Yamato City, famous as the "Temple of Flowers." Its trees and blossoms soothe the mind throughout the seasons, making it a peaceful retreat. Scattered across Josenji’s grounds are rakan statues and kappa. Each one wears a vivid expression that sparks all kinds of imagination: "What are they thinking?" "They look so close and heartwarming," "They seem to be having fun together." Perhaps they, too, enjoy watching the visitors who come to the temple. These lively stone figures are truly full of personality and utterly charming. Temple of Flowers Josenji 2176 Fukuda, Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture http://www.jousenji.com//

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🎉

On Sunday, March 9, the always-popular ISEHARA Bread Festival: Wheat Fest will take place! Many beloved bakeries will be attending, so please come and join us✨! For venue and schedule details, check the official Tourism Association website below https://isehara-kanko.com/news/9790/... #ISEHARA Bread Festival #Wheat Fest #Isehara Bread Festival #Bread Festival #Isehara #Isehara City #Isehara Tourism #Isehara Events #bread #bakery #bread lovers #bakery shop #gourmet #food stroll #event #outing

Tateishi of Akitani The standing stones of Akitani seen from Tateishi Park in Yokosuka on the Saikai coast of the Miura Peninsula, and a huge rock 12 m high stands upright on the Coast. It is also one of a scenic spot for sunsets. When it is clear, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

🌊March 5th is Coral Day! Protecting 🪸 the future of coral reefs Today, March 5th, is [Coral Day]! 🌍 Named after a pun on the words "3 (san)" and "5 (go)", the anniversary aims to raise awareness of the importance of coral reefs and raise awareness of conservation efforts. 🐠 What is a coral reef? Why is it important? 🌊 Coral reefs are an integral part of the marine ecosystem. Not only does it create a beautiful seascape, but it also serves as a habitat for many marine life. It also plays a role in purifying sea water, absorbing carbon dioxide, and cushioning the impact of tsunamis, making it a very important part of the global environment. ⚠️ However, in recent years, coral reefs around the world have Located in in crisis due to climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, and other factors. In particular, coral bleaching due to rising sea water temperatures is a serious problem. 🌏 It's important for each of us to start with what we can do. 🏝️ Three important roles played by coral reefs 1️🐟 ⃣ A paradise for marine life Coral reefs, also known as the "cradle of the sea," provide a rich environment for a wide variety of organisms, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks. 2️🌎 ⃣ Nature's filters to protect the ocean and the planet Corals absorb carbon dioxide and purify sea water. In coastal areas, it also absorbs the energy of waves and reduces the damage caused by tsunamis and storm surges. 3️🛫 ⃣ Attractiveness of Tourist Resources and Ecotourism The coral reef waters are a popular Spot for tourists who enjoy diving and snorkeling. It also serves as a base point for ecotourism and is an important Minamoto to support the local economy. 🌱 5 Things You Can Do to Protect Coral Reefs ✅ 🛍️ Opt for eco-friendly products 　For daily necessities and cosmetics, consider that they will stream into the ocean, and choose environmentally friendly ingredients. In particular, it is important to choose an anti-UV cream with "coral-friendly" ingredients. ✅ 🚯 Reducing plastic waste and keeping our oceans clean 　Try to reduce single-use plastics and pick up trash on the Coast. Plastic waste has a serious impact on marine life. ✅ ♻️ Be aware of actions to prevent Global Warming 　Coral bleaching is caused by rising sea water temperatures. Be aware of actions that contribute to Global Warming measures, such as saving electricity, using renewable energy, and eco-Drive. ✅ 🤿 Observe good manners when diving and snorkeling 　When diving or snorkeling, be careful not to damage the coral. If you kick it with your fins or touch it unconsciously, the coral can easily be damaged. ✅ 💙 Participate in coral reef conservation efforts 　Participating in environmental groups and local cleanup efforts can help protect coral reefs more directly. Online donations and coral farming support are also options. 🌊 Let's 🪸 connect beautiful coral reefs to the future In order to protect the future of coral reefs, it is essential for each of us to be aware of and take action. Whether you enjoy diving or not, protecting the marine environment Gari protects our entire planet. 💡 Let's be aware of "what we can do today" and act together to connect beautiful coral reefs to the future! 🌍 What actions do you take to protect corals? Think about it! ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

 ----------------------
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Snow conditions on Ooyama ⛄️ The photos show Ooyama around 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. By 3:00 PM it was completely white and invisible. A snowfall forecast has been issued for the period from Tuesday, March 4 to Wednesday, March 5. When going out, please check the latest weather updates and service information. For cable car operations and details refer to the Ooyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/20250304.html...

Special Exhibition "Kamakura, Enoshima, Ooyama Walking the New Board Journey Sugoroku ~From the Early Modern Period to the Present~" Opens in 2025 This exhibit displays a travel sugoroku board (sugoroku) drawn as a roadside ukiyo-e game by Katsushika Hokusai in the late Edo period. Starting at Nihonbashi, the popular destinations of Kamakura, Enoshima, and Ooyama take center stage as the route circles through Shibuya for a roughly 40 ri 11 cho (about 157 km) journey over six nights and seven days. Each scene is explained in detail. Dates and Times: Sundays only from March 2 (Sun) to April 27 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 Free admission Venue: Ugaku Bunko Archive (on the grounds of the Yamaguchi family residence) 862-1 Kamikasuya, Isehara City Also running concurrently through this weekend for your enjoyment♬ *Plum Garden Open Free* Almost in full bloom✨ It's beautiful! Period: Through March 9 (Sun) *Hina doll display: final day only, March 9 (Sun) (10:00–15:00) (Adults ¥300, includes admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi family residence)

Yokohama Marine Tower at night The landmark Marine Tower in the Port of Yokohama is a bewitching Light up at night and is an old and new Sightseeing spot.

Night Cherry Blossoms and Minato Mirai Night View The night view of Yokohama Minato Mirai seen from the rows of cherry blossom trees on the Yokohama Car road, the Yokohama Landmark Tower and Queen's Square Yokohama's skyscrapers and night cherry blossoms somehow harmonize and become an oasis in the city.

Drooping cherry blossoms in Yamashita Park Yamashita Park's hanging cherry blossoms and Hikawa Maru facing Yokohama Port are parks that you should visit at least once when you come to Yokohama.

Rape flowers and Kawazu cherry blossoms In Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there is a Kawazu cherry blossoms of Sakurayama There are. At the Matsudayama Herb Garden and the Aguri Park Sagayama Garden in the back, you can enjoy an early Spring and Early Blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape flower fields. If it is not cloudy, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Rape flowers and Kawazu cherry blossoms In Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there is a Kawazu cherry blossoms of Sakurayama There are. At the Matsudayama Herb Garden and the Aguri Park Sagayama Garden in the back, you can enjoy an early Spring and Early Blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape flower fields. If it is not cloudy, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Rape flowers and Kawazu cherry blossoms In Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there is a Kawazu cherry blossoms of Sakurayama There are. At the Matsudayama Herb Garden and the Aguri Park Sagayama Garden in the back, you can enjoy an early Spring and Early Blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape flower fields. If it is not cloudy, you can see Mt. Fuji.

Rape flowers in Ninomiya Azumayama Park Just Get off Ninomiya Station on the JR Tokaido Line, the rape blossoms are in full bloom from January to February in a park in a Hilltop overlooking the sea. You can see the Boso Peninsula, Oshima, and Izu Peninsula in the distance, and you can also see Mt. Fuji.

Rape Blossom and Fuji You can see rape flowers and Mt. Fuji from Azumayama Park in Ninomiya Town, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Ninomiya Station on the JR Tokaido Line

Three venues in Yamato City are currently hosting Hinamatsuri events. The Joint Three-Venue Exhibition “Hinamatsuri in Old Houses” is held at Tsurumai no Sato Historical Museum Shimo-Tsuruma Furusato-kan and the Local Folk House Garden, where visitors can enjoy the Hinamatsuri atmosphere in traditional house settings. Colorful hanging hina dolls and chirimen (crepe fabric) crafts are also on display, offering many encounters with various hina dolls. This event runs through Sunday, March 9. https://www.city.yamato.lg.jp/gyosei/bunka_sports/bunka_geijutsu/rekishi_bunkazai/11825.html...

At the Yamato City Event and Tourism Association's Yamato City Cultural Creation Hub Sirius, hina dolls are on display until Monday, March 3. It is a very splendid seven-tiered set. When I was a child, I thought the faces of Japanese dolls looked kind of scary, but seeing them now as an adult, I feel their beauty and charm. It's strange, isn't it….

Notice: Ooyama Cable Car Service Suspension Due to wire rope replacement, the cable car will be suspended for three days from Monday, March 12, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Ooyama Kanko Densha Official Website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/unkyu202303-copy.html...

[Oyama-dera Five-Platform Goma 2025] At Oyama-dera, on the grand festival day of February 28, the only Five-Platform Goma ascetic ritual in Japan was performed. The sacred flames rose together on five goma platforms as prayers for the worshippers’ wishes were ritually empowered.✨ The crackling fire, the chanting sutras, and the pounding taiko drums combined into a breathtaking prayer service that left everyone holding their breath in awe…! The solemn flames🔥 and the otherworldly scene woven by sutra recitation and drumbeats felt like a cleansing for the heart! [Notice of Reopening of Mount Oyama Public Toilet on February 28, 2025] The Mount Oyama public toilet, which had been closed due to pipe damage from freezing, has now reopened.

Announcement of Kururin Birthday Exhibition Everyone’s beloved Kururin’s birthday falls on March 1, 2025 🎉 A birthday exhibition runs at the in-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) on the north side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station until Sunday, March 9, open 9:00–17:00 🎂 You’ll also find a video message from Odakyu’s Mokoron-chan! Come and join us! Plus! Today, February 27, from 10:00 to 14:00, is the final day of the Isehara local gourmet specialty pop-up sale in the entrance hall on the first floor of Isehara City Hall Ryoben’s “Ooyama Manju” is on sale in limited quantities They’re likely to sell out—grab them early! We also have extremely popular Kururin goods you can only get in Isehara ✨ We look forward to seeing you! ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ North side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station In-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open daily) #Isehara #Kururin #Birthday #Tourist Information #Ooyama Manju #Souvenirs #In-station #Odakyu Line #Mokoron #Event #Limited #Outing #Kanagawa Tourism #Isehara Tourism #Yuru-chara #Happy Birthday

Hello everyone. This is the Yamato City Event and Tourism Association! On Sunday, March 16 next month, we will present a short film screening, YAMATO FILM FESTIVAL 2025, at Sirius, the Yamato City Cultural Creation Hub in Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture. We have released a trailer on our official YouTube channel, Ibekan Channel 2, so please take a look (*'ω'*) Our channel also features introductions to various events and recommended spots around Yamato City, and we would be very happy if you watched those as well (*‘∀‘) You can access the channel from our association website https://www.yamato-kankou.com//

A samurai diver is born! ?️ When I asked ChatGPT to make a group photo of divers in the Edo period, I was able to create 😅 something like this Everyone's face is a little scary, but it's funny 😂 Maybe people in the past used to dive like this...? 🤔 If there had been Scuba Diving in the Edo period, I wonder what style it would have been! What kind of Japanese-style diving gear would you make? 👘 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

 ----------------------
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Neighborhood Diving! 🚙✨ Enjoy it in Enoura! Today, I enjoyed diving in Enoura, the sea of Kanagawa, which is only 35 minutes away from the store! 🏝️✨ 📍 江之浦, 小田原市, Kanagawa I'm really happy 😊 that the sea is so beautiful even though it's so close 🏖️ < There are plenty of diving Spot that can be reached in less than 1 hour!> From the Hokule'a Shonan shop, you can access many dive sites such as Enoura, Iwa, Fukuura, Zushi, Shizuura, etc.! 🚙💨 Today's schedule is truly a luxurious day ✨ ☀️ Leisurely dive 🤿 in the morning 🍽 Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way back ⏰ Before you know it, it's only 14 o'clock! What to do after this? In this way, you can enjoy both diving and private time, which is the charm of neighborhood diving! 📍 < Transparency 15m> Today, we were divided into a fun dive team and an underwater mapping team! 🔦 Swim between tetrapods and feel adventurous! 📍 The underwater mapping team is also practicing on the surface of the water to improve their skills! 💪 Growing to become a Divemaster! Acclaimed, followed by ✨ the best seas Let's dive together! 🐠😊 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please contact DM! ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

 ----------------------
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Today is February 22nd, commonly called Cat Day. A huge mural by Masamichi Oikawa, the illustrator known for the magazine Pia, brightens Yamato Nadeshiko Square on the west side of Sotetsu Line Yamato Station. If you look closely, there’s a cat…! (=^・・^=) You can also see a cheerful Yamato-n character painted there. By the way, Oikawa’s illustrations also wrap the community buses that run around the city.

Isehara Flower Report 2025.2.20 Plum blossoms bloom delicately✨ Their composed beauty soothes the heart. ＊Maruyama Castle Ruins Park＊ (Shimokasuya 2168-2) White plum blossoms are opening and, together with red plums, are at their best! ＊Rainkaku Bunko Yamaguchi Family Residence Plum Garden Free Admission＊ (Kamikasuya 862-1) The blossoms are coming into full view. ◆Period: Until Sunday, March 9, 10:00–15:00 ※Hina dolls will be displayed only on Sundays during the period (Adults 300 yen, including admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi Family Residence) ＊Isehara City General Athletic Park＊ (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees on the slope have begun to bloom. ＊Hinata Yakushi Plum Garden＊ (Hinata 1644) The plum garden above the rear parking lot at Hinata Yakushi shows scattered blossoms, and it will likely take a little longer. The flowering of mitsumata is gradually beginning. We will update the flowering status as needed, so please look forward to it!

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon The memorable 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! The time limit is 90 minutes for a one-way 9 km course along the Oyama Kaido, climbing 650 meters in elevation and tackling 1,610 stone steps. It’s one of Japan’s most grueling, heart-pounding courses! Starting from the north exit of Isehara Station, the route passes the Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, the old Oyama road, Afuri Bridge, Koma Sando, Onnazaka (the women’s slope), Oyama-dera temple, and finally Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ Guest runners include Karen Michibata and Angelica, along with celebrated former Olympic athletes such as Kayoko Fukushi, Masako Chiba, and Reiko Tosa, among other distinguished participants On the day, festive welcome events will be held at Isehara Elementary School and along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit ✨ Join everyone and celebrate together♪

Are you Pikachu? 📍 Osezaki, Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka Would you like to search for Pokemon in the ocean with us? 🌊✨🤩 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ 
⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

 ----------------------
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Public facilities in Yamato City are each named after stars. Sirius A flagship cultural and creative complex in Yamato City. It houses a library, a hall, a cafe, and a play area for young children, so you can spend an entire day there. The Yamato City Events and Tourism Association office is currently located here as well. Polaris A citizen interaction hub on the northern side of the city. The first floor has meeting rooms, a multipurpose room, a community space, and a playroom, while the second floor features an impressive arena (gymnasium). It’s ideal for both studying and sports. A park called "Hoshinoko Hiroba" sits next to the building. Betelgeuse A civic activity center where a variety of people and groups can gather casually and deepen exchanges. It includes an entrepreneur support space and a youth counseling room, and you can find publications and event information from civic groups. Procyon A rest area in Yamato Park. The glass-walled building lets you sit and watch the park and the trains that race along the elevated tracks. We hope the town will shine like the brightest star.

[Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House] 2025 ✨Oyama pickled greens sold out—thank you for your support✨ Our seasonal favorite, "Oyama pickled greens," has sold out due to popular demand. We sincerely thank you. We were delighted to hear so many people say, "I want to eat this again!" Look forward to the next sale♪ At Ekinaka Kururin House, we also offer many other popular Kururin goods you can only find in Isehara, along with local delicacies and souvenir items. We are open every day all year round, so please stop by. [Open through the New Year holidays] On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 Tel/Fax 0463-95-5333 https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/... #Gift #Kururin #Ekinaka Kururin House #Isehara Station #Tourist Information #Oyama pickled greens #Sold out—thank you #Kururin goods #Souvenirs #Isehara #Sightseeing

One month remains until the YAMATO FILM FESTIVAL 2025, the film festival hosted by our association. Now in its 15th year, this event will screen short films of up to 15 minutes, submitted last year from across the country by professionals and amateurs of any nationality. From a record 74 submissions, twelve films were nominated after rigorous judging by a panel including Daisuke Miyazaki, an active film director working both domestically and internationally. The nominated films will be screened in one program, followed by the announcement and presentation of the Grand Prize. After the awards ceremony, we will also premiere works specially produced for this festival. One of these pieces was filmed with the cooperation of local residents and is currently being edited with great care. No registration is required, and attendees may come and go freely. Enjoy a variety of films for free. YAMATO FILM FESTIVAL 2025 Sunday, March 16, 2025, 1:00 PM start (doors open at 12:30 PM) Yamato Art and Culture Hall, Sirius, 1st Floor, Sub Hall, Yamato City Cultural Creation Hub (1-8-1 Yamato Minami, Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture) Organizer: Yamato City Event and Tourism Association Contact: 046-260-5799 (closed Mondays and public holidays)