Photographed on February 28, 2014. These are the flower-filled hand-washing basin displays at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Dinner in Gokase 🍴 Today I’m sharing a dinner that a tourism association staff member recently enjoyed ✨ Starting with the dinner 🍴 Top photo: roasted venison 🥩 Look at that shine… 🤩 (Ah… this is very much the staff member’s personal impression) This was a shocking dish that made me think, I’ve never had venison this delicious before… 💡 After tasting this roasted venison, all my previous assumptions about game meat were turned upside down! The vegetables were mainly local, seasoned so you could eat them endlessly 😊 The wild boar stew left no trace in the pot—scooped up with bread— the chicken was tender and juicy, and the venison Bolognese was neatly finished off 😋 Even the dessert, a kettle-roasted tea brownie, made this a hugely satisfying dinner 👏 This time I had a non-alcoholic cocktail, and it was thoroughly satisfying ✨ …I’m really frustrated I couldn’t drink alcohol… 😭 (saying it out loud) This dinner was at: Guesthouse & Bar EL CAMPO 📍872-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Note: The venue normally opens Friday through Sunday, but will open on weekdays by reservation. Note: Course meals are available with a reservation at least one day in advance.

The tallest self-supporting broadcasting tower in the world, Tokyo Sky Tree, and Japan’s symbol of spring, the cherry blossoms. This photograph captures a moment where cutting-edge technology and nature cherished since ancient times show perfect harmony. In Japan, cherry blossoms are more than mere flowers. They symbolize new beginnings and the poignant beauty of a fleeting moment. In this composition, the tower’s urban, sharp steel frame is gently outlined by soft pink petals, reflecting both the energy of ever-changing Tokyo and the unchanging beauty of the four seasons. The clear blue sky contrasted with vivid cherry blossoms embodies Japan’s warm hospitality toward visitors. Through this single image, we hope you can feel the breath of tradition and innovation that Japan proudly offers.

Photographed on February 24, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Hara Florist.

Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is Tomori Dining's honey lemon. 🍋🍯

I photographed this scene in the plum grove of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most celebrated gardens. In this historic garden I sought to capture the passage of time played by the plums and the quiet vitality hidden within them, rendering both with a dreamlike interplay of light that blurs dream and reality. A single drooping branch holds a few delicate pink blossoms, and countless floating orbs of light—bokeh—wrap around them. Those many bokeh spheres symbolize layers of time linking past and future and the glitter of innumerable lives. I composed the shot to lead the eye to the central blossom, emphasizing its fleeting beauty and refined dignity.

[Komaide Pond Campground Reservations Open] Komaide Pond Campground sits in a stunning stand of white birch often called the most beautiful in Japan, offering a superb location for camping 🏕️ Reservations for the 2026 season are now open! Season opens: Friday, April 24 Bookings open: Tuesday, March 10 at 10:00 AM To reserve, search for "komaide pond campground" on the NAP site for campground reservations. Komaide Pond Campground official site https://yachiho-kogen.com/camp/...

Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is a meal set from tomori dining. It includes domestic chicken karaage, homemade ganmo (fried tofu fritter), simmered hijiki seaweed, miso soup, and pickles. It's quite a feast. 😊🍚

Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is the hanachozu at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on February 21, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Himeji

Photographed on February 24, 2014. These are the hanachozu (flower water basins) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 21, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 17, 2014. This is the hanachouzui (decorative flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, located at the omikuji distribution area.

Photographed on February 18, 2014. The red plum blossoms line the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Photographed on February 20, 2014. These are the red plum blossoms along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Ihama Margaret Flower Picking Garden https://x.gd/kljYT... Period: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – until supplies last Hours: 9:00–15:00 Fee: Free (up to 10 stems per person) Scissors available for loan Venue: Ihama Coast Ichijo Takenoko Village https://x.gd/1iKvL... - Bamboo Shoot Picking Experience April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Admission: Adults ¥650, Children ¥300 May end early when supplies run out Harvested bamboo shoots must be purchased Rubber boot rental ¥50, work gloves ¥50 available for purchase Bamboo shoot picking or the dining area may close or have reduced hours depending on shoot growth - Bamboo Shoot Cafeteria (limited season) April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Open daily (about 10:30–14:30) Takeout of bamboo shoot dishes available Kusamochi making (reservation required) is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Bamboo craft workshops (reservation required) Bamboo shoot picking may be suspended once shoots run out

Photographed on February 18, 2014. These are the red plum blossoms along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. 🌸

Photographed on February 22, 2014. This is Chabudai-san’s morning set. It includes carrot potage, a salad, a fried egg, homemade bread, and natsu mikan jam. The natsu mikan jam and homemade bread go very well together. 😊🍊

Photographed on March 4 The early winter cherry trees near Ginza Street, at the Sakimicho curve, are now in full bloom and catching the eyes of passersby. Of the three trees, the one at the top is called the "Sakamachi Temple Cherry". It is said to be one of the trees planted in the grounds of Iou-ji Temple, which once stood here in the early Meiji period. The tree is over a hundred years old. It survived the Honcho great fire of 1944 and the Atami great fire of 1950, making it a precious cherry tree. Sakamachi Temple Cherry — Address: Sakimicho, Atami City (opposite Hotel Kan-ichi) About 20 early winter cherry trees in Shinsui Park are also continuing to bloom, so please visit if you are in the neighborhood. Shinsui Park — Address: Nagisacho, Atami City (Shinsui Park Daiichi Kouku to Shinsui Park Second Section)

Delicious and fun! Sneaking into the Shobara Fan Festa! Fans from Shobara City in the nature-rich Hiroshima Prefecture gathered at Hirogin Holdings, Inc. "Tomorrow Square" in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City! We report on tastings of Hiba Beef and Yukiko (cheese), plus local sake sampling ✨ Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5555...

Setsubunso in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture is now in full bloom! 🌼💛 Setsubunso, a wildflower that heralds spring in Soryo town, Shobara City. It is said to be named because it begins to bloom around Setsubun, which corresponds to the lunar calendar’s New Year’s Eve.✨ Its small white blooms look charming, and it gives off a citrus-like fragrance. That sweet, refreshing scent is even called the "scent of first love"! 📌The public viewing period for the natural habitat runs until Sunday, March 8. For more details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... Please come and visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture✨ (Fukujusou, seribaouren and other flowers are also in bloom)

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] March Event Announcement📣 [Reihoku Sunset Marche] March Event Announcement📣 Hello everyone! Reihoku Town is preparing for the Hatsu-uma Grand Festival next week, and we’re pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche taking place in March♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣At the Reihoku Sunset Marche, where Reihoku’s farm produce, processed goods, and prepared dishes are sold, asparagus shipments will begin this time! Seasonal citrus like Shiranui and dekopon will also be on sale🍊 We’ll also offer a fill-your-own bag of out-of-spec onions, the limited-season hanahajiki, and outdoors there will be a flea market and a grilled gyoza stall❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Produce Planned for Sale] ・Asparagus (green, white, purple) ・Turnips🫜 ・Sun-dried winter daikon ・Cabbage ・Rice🌾 ・Taro ・Snap peas ・Daikon ・Onions🧅 ・Tomatoes (Aiko, mini) ・Broccoli🥦 ・Bell peppers ・Mandarin oranges🍊 (Hinoho, Shiranui) ・Lettuce (sunny) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, March 8, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, Kamitsufue, Reihoku Town 4535-1)

Photographed on February 22, 2014. I visited Chabudai in front of KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION. This is a HOT natsumikan. 🍊 By chance I ran into a follower, and it was fun. 😊

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is the “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour” exhibition held at nakamachi sightseeing information center.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is a kai-awase shell-matching game from the "Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour" held at nakamachi sightseeing information center.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. This is a kai-awase (shell-matching game) held as part of the “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour” at Nakacho Tourist Information Center.

Photographed on March 1, 2014. I went to see the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center exhibition “Kai-awase and Hina Doll Tour.” Today is the Doll Festival. 🎎

Photographed on February 15, 2014. This is Hanatetsu's hanachōzu (flower hand-washing basin).