"Breath of Spring" With my first old lens in hand, I headed to Hikarigaoka Park in early spring. The park was still devoid of blooming flowers. As I strolled, I suddenly felt a gaze from the shadows? There stood a messenger of spring, illuminated by a spotlight. Beyond the fresh green, the bokeh from the old lens sparkled like bubbles of breath. It was spring that could only be captured by an old lens and the latest DSLR.

"Blown by the Spring Breeze" Pink sways in the strong spring wind. I felt the arrival of spring at Shinjuku Gyoen.

I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The cherry blossoms in Jinja Hiroba were in full bloom.

Azumino Cherry Blossom Blooming Information The cherry blossoms at Jōnen Dōsojin are in full bloom. It was chilly in Azumino this morning, but I'm worried about the weather deteriorating starting tomorrow...

Taken on April 4, 2014. This is Homarezakura and Shuyu along the Shingashi River, behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

I visited Osaka Prefecture and Expo Commemoration Park. The cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and tulips in the Japanese-style garden against the blue sky were beautiful in spring colors, and everyone visiting seemed to be having a great time. The Tower of the Sun also shouted, 'Art is an explosion!' (I don't really know though...)

Tsubosaka-dera Temple's Sakura Daibutsu April 4, 2026 It was rainy, so there were reflections. This time, parking at Tsubosaka-dera was completely reservation-based, eliminating traffic, and we were able to smoothly reach the parking lot at the reserved time.

Photographed on April 1, Heisei 26 (2014). Behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are the Homare-zakura (誉桜) and boat rides on the Shingashi River.

Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture An airplane takes off right behind Matsuyama Castle, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring. The Seto Inland Sea spreads out behind, creating a beautiful moment.

This week’s cherry blossom viewing reference! Cherry blossom bloom report from April 7 to April 8 🌸 ① Shoubu Pilgrimage Cherry Tree An Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 700 years old. This giant tree stands about 18.2 meters tall, making it quite a sight! It is said to have received its name from its location on an ancient path leading to Togakushi from Koichi. 【Bloom Status】50% Blooming *Photo taken on April 7 【Location】3991 Shoubu, Nagano City ② Kourinji Temple This temple features a weeping cherry tree that is about 300 years old, along with other Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Many people come to photograph the impressive cherry blossoms and the temple. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】2329 Komatsubara, Shinonoi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available ③ Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle, the residence of the Sanada clan, features about 100 cherry trees blooming beautifully in the castle grounds from the late Edo period! 【Cherry Blossom Illumination】April 4 (Saturday) to April 13 (Monday) from 18:00 to 21:00 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】44 Matsushiro, Matsushiro-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available City-operated Tonemachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 disabled parking spots Matsushiro Castle North Parking (5-minute walk from the north side of Matsushiro Castle): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 disabled parking spots ④ Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This is a battlefield famous for the battles between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. Enjoy cherry blossoms with about 100 Somei Yoshino trees at this viewing spot! 【Cherry Blossom Illumination】After blooming until April 11 (Saturday) from 18:00 to 21:00 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1384-1 Oshimada, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (Expect congestion in the park's parking lot. Please refrain from unauthorized parking at nearby facilities.) ⑤ Shiroyama Park Located next to Zenkoji, this is Nagano City’s premier cherry blossom spot, featuring about 470 Somei Yoshino trees in full bloom. The cherry blossom tunnel during full bloom is incredibly beautiful! 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】Hakoshimizu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available First Parking Lot (155 cars), Second Parking Lot (123 cars), Third Parking Lot (155 cars) 100 yen for the first 20 minutes, plus 100 yen for every additional 20 minutes *Those with a Nagano City Childcare Passport can park for free for up to 2 hours when visiting the park or zoo. ⑥ Sakuradote (Arks) About 60 Somei Yoshino trees line the banks of the Sai River near Arks. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1-32 Arks, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture ⑦ Unjouden About 650 cherry trees bloom along the cherry blossom slope and scenic road leading from behind Zenkoji to Unjouden. Being on a high ground, it offers a panoramic view of the city. 【Bloom Status】Full Bloom *Photo taken on April 8 【Location】1775-3 Hakoshimizu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available *The "Nagano Tourism Net" webpage is currently providing information on cherry blossom bloom in Nagano City! 🌸 Please make use of it as a reference for cherry blossom viewing 🌸 #cherry blossom #cherry blossom viewing #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal running through Azumino The cherry trees blooming along its riverbank are in full bloom The Yamabiko Bicycle Path runs right beside it, so you can enjoy a walk while viewing the blossoms 🚶‍♀️ or a leisurely bike ride 🚴!! This spot is near Toyoshina Nanbu General Park♪

Azumino cherry blossom update The popular Azumino sightseeing spot, Jitensha Hiroba, is in full bloom A trio of cherry blossoms, moss phlox, and fresh green leaves Mt. Jonen in the Northern Alps was partly shrouded in clouds, with the summit briefly visible

Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is Homarezakura along the Shingashi River, behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

A trout farm landscape in Azumino Using spring water from the Northern Alps, cold-water fish farming—most notably Shinshu salmon—thrives here There are fish pens everywhere, and the fish are swimming energetically!!

Why not enjoy spring in Oozora-cho again this year?😊 This year’s Shibazakura Festival is scheduled from Sunday, May 3 to Sunday, May 31. Events will be held every Sunday, so be sure to check them out! The scenery turns pink as far as the eye can see—come and see it for yourself! For details on blooming conditions and more, please check Shibazakura Park’s website and social media.🌸

Photographed on March 25, 2014. This is Homarezakura by the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. Behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Honozakura and boat rides on the Shingashi River.

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture. The red of the torii and the pink of the blossoms create a scene you can only see now. I stopped on my way home from Kanatsu Elementary School. The cherry trees along Arata-zaka formed a beautiful tunnel again this year.

I rode the Matsukawa sightseeing boat in Toyama Prefecture. The weather wasn't great, but when cherry blossom petals floated on the water and the boat slipped under a bridge, the scene looked like a painting. At one moment, a plane took off between two stretches of cherry trees, creating a surreal view that made me snap a photo without thinking. I hope I can take the ride again next year when the weather is nicer.

Spring Has Arrived This is a view of Suijin Shrine from the back. It looked beautiful no matter which angle I saw it from~~♪

Peeking at Spring I took a quick peek at the cherry blossoms on Nakasu, a short walk from Suijin Shrine.

It is precisely because of the cloudy sky that the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms stands out 🌸 the deep green of the willows 🌳 their reflections on the water seem to weave a story…

[Fukushima’s Peach Blossom Paradise] This is "MtHanamiyama" in Fukushima. It is private land owned by an individual, but it is open to the public and feels as if you are in a utopian peach-blossom land.

Minami Shinshu weekend outing info 🚗💨 The katakuri (dogtooth violet) at Katakuri no Sato in Oosegi, Iida City, is in full bloom! A pale purple carpet stretches as far as the eye can see — a once-in-a-season spectacle. It’s perfect for photos 📸✨️ Plus! On Sunday, April 12, the Katakuri Festival will take place. Come enjoy a spring stroll with family and friends. ⁡ 📸: Friday, April 3, 2026 📍 Katakuri no Sato (2609-27 Oosegi, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture) Best time to visit: Now in peak bloom! Event: Katakuri Festival on Sunday, April 12 ※ Sakura-sama Cherry Blossom Festival held at the same time! ※ Check Minami Shinshu Navi for details 👀

A spring scene in Reihoku: a photo of the cherry blossoms along the regional agricultural road! They looked to be in full bloom last weekend, but some may still remain. If you pass by, be sure to take a look! 📍 Location: Northern regional agricultural road on Amakusa Shimojima (the Reihoku to Amakusa City area) If you’ve driven this way before or think it’s beautiful, tell us in the comments 🌸

Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is Homare-zakura along the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on April 4, 2026. This is LEC COFFEE’s Sakura × Espresso Latte and a matcha Basque cheesecake topped with sakura.

Mannen-zan Ankokuji Temple is located in Oodaracho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. A large weeping cherry tree on the temple grounds was lit up, and its reflection in the water spread across the stone path at the gate, creating a very magical scene. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸

Spring that seems within reach but never quite arrives. When you stretch out your hand it feels close enough to touch, yet it seems it would spill away the moment you did. I quietly preserved this fleeting moment.

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.