Shinano-Omachi is now wrapped in full spring weather. Starting in April, Station-to-Hike finally begins! https://www.jreast.co.jp/ekihai/w_app.html... This year the app gets a refresh. Please download it before you join! There are two spring courses, both themed around flowers and water. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90973/... Please also read the article from my reconnaissance visit. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... This walking route is packed with human activity from the Paleolithic era to the present, the wisdom of predecessors, and the gifts of vast nature. You’ll find flowers, delicious sweets, and charming craft shops. We’ll introduce places recommended for lunch, so come walk Shinano-Omachi this spring. Flowers, water, the Alps, and many smiling faces await you! posted by Ruru

Photographed on March 15, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Introducing an experiential tour you can take in Hokkaido’s Tokachi😄 A journey to touch the preciousness of life through gratitude for the food we receive An experiential tour: “Visit Kyoko Endo, a livestock farmer in Shihorocho, and meet her beloved wagyu”!! In the heart of Tokachi, the agricultural and dairy town of Shihorocho, the Endo family raises cattle🐂 Kyoko Endo, who supports the family business as a veterinarian, compiled the story of one particular cow into a video and booklet titled “Beloved Wagyu.” She wants people who eat that beef to see the cow’s journey of overcoming injury and growing strong, and to feel the wonder and energy of receiving life as food!! “Beloved Wagyu,” carrying Kyoko’s feelings, is sent to households across the country🥩 On this occasion, through caring for the cows, you will reflect with Kyoko on the value of taking life to nourish us😄 Tour Schedule 10:00 Gather at Endo Livestock Farm 10:05 Farm introduction and presentation of “Beloved Wagyu” (video screening) Change into work clothes and learn about “Beloved Wagyu” while watching the video! 10:35 Barn tour and hands-on work (brushing, cleaning, etc.) Move to the barn to help with grooming the wagyu and assisting with tasks around the farm! 11:35 Make “Beloved Wagyu” pizza with Ms. Endo Try making pizza using Beloved Wagyu beef and vegetables and cheese produced in Shihorocho 13:00 Tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 10:00–13:00 (about 3 hours) Group size: 2–6 people Price: For 2 people, per person Adult 18,700 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 12,100 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY If English interpretation is included, the prices are as follows. For 2 people, per person Adult 30,800 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 20,900 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date of use. (We may be unable to meet your requested date due to guide availability or other reasons.) Please note that visitors who have arrived in Japan within the past seven days and live abroad may not be allowed to enter sanitary areas for quarantine reasons. Depending on the “Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation” as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we may refuse participation in the tour. Thank you for your understanding. This tour offers a great opportunity to meet producers and learn about livestock farming and the realities behind our food while taking part in hands-on experiences!! We hope you will make an experience in Tokachi a memorable page in your travel memories😄 If you are interested, please visit our federation’s official website section “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – Journeys that connect you to Tokachi, the source of food.” Contact Knao Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

2024 Minamiizu Town Photo Contest Results Announced! We have selected six prize-winning works—Grand Prize and Runner-up—across three categories. Submission period: Saturday, June 1, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025. Eligible works: Photographs taken between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. Total submissions: 310 entries (two winners chosen from each category). Thank you very much for the many entries that expressed such deep affection for Minamiizu. The results page is as follows. https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/award.html?cn=52...

Photographed on March 15, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. 🌸🌹🦅

Ume Plum Ishigaya Park, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture This is a Ume Plum park where you can park your car in the parking lot of the Daini Shinmei Road Akashi service area, and since it is a highway, it is a recommended Spot in a place where it is easy for people from far away to stop by.

New: The Nagano Prefecture tourism map has arrived. The 2025–2026 edition of the Nagano tourism map is here, and gracing the cover is the 45 m antenna of the Nobeyama Radio Observatory—surely one of this year’s most talked-about sights. It’s a great honor for the observatory to appear on the cover of a map that represents Nagano’s 77 cities, towns, and villages. Copies of the map will be available at tourist spots throughout Nagano Prefecture. Pick one up and take a look.

"Haruiro Shoku Night Market" https://atagawa-kyuhun-tomoru.jimdofree.com// On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the "Haruiro Shoku Night Market" will take place across the entire Atagawa Onsen area!! About 1,200 Taiwanese lanterns now decorate Atagawa Onsen, coloring the streets with warm light and steam to create a magical scene. Thanks to everyone, it will be one year since the 2024 lighting ceremony! From 12:00 to 21:00 on the day, more than 20 stalls will offer local delicacies and Taiwanese street food, along with Taiwanese goods and cultural items you can feel and enjoy! You can experience Taiwanese traditional culture with performances like Chinese lion dance, erhu music, and sky lantern releases—there is plenty to see and do! The local Atagawa Dokan Taiko drum performance will be beautifully lit red by the lanterns, creating a perfect atmosphere. Enjoy the soothing nights of Atagawa Onsen. *Parking around the area is limited, so please take the Izu Kyuko Line and relax while you enjoy the event♪ https://atagawa-kyuhun-tomoru.jimdofree.com//

A row of someiyoshino cherry trees stretching about 400 meters announces the arrival of early spring. 🌸 Welcome to Higashiizu Town, Inatori Highlands “#Sakura Corridor”! 🌸 https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=422834&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot... The “Sakura Corridor” that spreads across Inatori Highlands in Higashiizu Town is a hidden hanami spot known to those in the know. The straight avenue of someiyoshino trees is breathtaking, and their pale pink petals color the grassy plaza. One of its charms is the spacious setting where you can relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms at leisure. The cross-country course also features a playground and walking paths, so you can feel the coming of spring while getting light exercise. It’s also a welcome point that families with children can spend time freely without worry.🌿✨ Why not spend a soothing moment gazing at cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze?🌸 📍 Location Inatori Highlands Cross-Country Course, Higashiizu Town Postal code 413-0411 Inatori Cross-Country Course, Higashiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture ⏰ Season Blooming is forecast around March 25 The peak viewing period is expected to be from March 28 onward. (These are forecasts, so the timing may vary.) ✉ Inquiries Higashiizu Town Industry Association Liaison Committee (Secretariat: Higashiizu Town Tourist Association TEL: 0557-95-0700) #Higashiizu #Inatori Highlands #Sakura Corridor #Hidden Spot #Hanami #Spring Scenery #Family Outing #Izu Trip #Sightseeing Spot

I've been diving in the wreck & cave of Atami! About 1 hour 🚗 by Car from Hiratsuka I went to a diving Spot in Atami, Spot Access by far the most popular from Kanagawa Prefecture! One of Japan's one of the best sunken ships, the Asahi 16, is waiting there 🚢 This wreck is one of the Specialties of Atami diving, and it is a Spot that tickles the adventurous spirit that divers should visit at least once! The wreck is Dawn! and Powerful. The depth is about 25m, so you will need to be an AOW diver. This is the next step for OW divers. If you want to go, but you're worried about ear removal, neutral buoyancy, and dry suits, don't worry! Even if you are a beginner in diving, you can practice well if you request it, so you can challenge it 😃 with peace of mind This time, a guest from Florida, USA, participated! Therefore, a Japanese ban has been issued for diving this time! The yellowtail was also done 🖐️ entirely in English If you want to practice diving in English, go to Hokule'a, an international diving school. We are also looking for people who can speak English! Diving is a wonderful opportunity to ♪ connect with the world On the way back, I had a delicious Kaisen Donburi bowl at Ishida Shoten in Manazuru, which can be reached by car from Atami, and it was 😃 a very satisfying day In fact, this day was also 🎂✨ the 43rd birthday of Our Store Representative Koike Pachiri 📸 for a commemorative photo with everyone Thank you for the many warm blessings! We will continue to do our best to bring you the charm of Kanagawa, Atami, and the wonderful diving Spot of many, so we will continue to Best regards in the future! #ShipwreckDiving #DiveAdventure #UnderwaterWorld #DiveJapan #AtamiDiving #KanagawaDiving #WreckDivingJapan #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #OurOceanCrew #DiveWithUs #BlueWorldJourney #ScubaTravel

🚨Reopened Today🚨 Notice of Completion of Repairs to the Sunayu Public Restroom The Sunayu public restroom in the Sunayu parking area at Lake Kussharo had been closed for repair work, but it reopens today at noon. Reopening Date and Time: Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

📍 Enoshima It was taken on the same day as the day of the Enoden shooting. The Sunrise seen from Enoshima Island in winter is my favorite view in the world. When the air is clear and the waves are calm, the sun's rays are reflected on the surface of the sea, creating a golden path. There are not many people, so it is a beautiful scenery that almost sucks you in. It is not the same place as Enoshima in the summer, you can spend a peaceful time, and the roads are not crowded, so it is recommended. Even though the waves were calm, it was a little windy and very cold on this day, so when you go to the sea in winter, I recommend that you bring warm clothes and hot drinks!

📍 Enoshima This is Enoden, taken at the end of 2024. I visit once every winter to see the Sunrise on Enoshima. I'm sure I've ridden it many times already, but the view of the sea from Enoden is always exciting. In particular, the sea on a winter morning that can be seen from the vicinity of Kamakura High School Station is calm with few people, unlike summer, and it seems to be a beautiful painting with a sense of loneliness. In addition, the air is clear and Mount Fuji looks very beautiful, so it is highly recommended to heal the fatigue of the year. * Please refrain from stopping on the tracks or entering the level crossing.

Photographed on March 15, 25. It is the Kawazu cherry blossoms of the Shingashi River behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Next week, I'm going to see the cherry blossoms blooming on the Shingashi River.

Samurai Armor Experience In April 1615, the Tokugawa forces marched on Osaka Castle. Here, the "Osaka Summer Campaign" begins. You, a member of Toyotomi's side, will wear armor and participate in the battle. You will be the best soldier in Japan, and go into battle! #osakacastle #samuraiarmor

Photographed on March 10, 25. CAFE ANDON's Matcha Latte and Strawberry and Anko Matcha Shortcake. It's great to eat this Shortcake while looking at the cherry blossoms at CAFE ANDON. 🌸

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop. It was warm just a few days ago… where has spring gone? Yesterday, snow fell in Shosenkyo Gorge, transforming the area into a winter scene ❄️ Senga Falls is also dusted with snow, creating a magical sight 🙃 This may be the last snowy landscape before true spring arrives. Meanwhile, Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop has already received wines that won prizes at the spring-themed Sakura Award 🌸 wine competition! We have wines that won the top Diamond Trophy 🏆 from Maruki Budoshu, as well as other award-winning wines ☺️ Some wines are available in limited quantities, so please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop when you visit Shosenkyo Gorge! It’s still chilly, so we’ll keep the store warm and look forward to your visit 😌

Nagawacho Tourist Information Center will begin lending e-bike rentals called “Nagawa Cycle” for this season from Saturday, April 12. Reservations opened on Wednesday, March 12! Please make your reservation from the site below! https://fd-system.tours/plan/?plan=plan000257... 〇 Reception hours 9:30–14:00 〇 Usage hours 9:30–16:30 〇 Pickup location Nagawacho Tourist Information Center (2424-19 Furumachi, Nagawacho, Chiisagata District, Nagano)

Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura, Famous for its hydrangeas Autumn leaves in autumn are also a wonderful temple The autumn view from the window of enlightenment is very cool

Before sunrise in autumn An unexplored station that has gradually emerged The appearance of Okuoi Kojo Station in Shizuoka was like a phantom beauty

Tsubetsu Tourism Association’s special mug【WOOD MANS】will now be available at the guesthouse nanmo-nanmo! Nanmo-nanmo is a guesthouse filled with Shigenari Onishi’s works and designs in every corner. We are deeply grateful that they will carry the Shige-chan designed mug here 😭 When you stay at Nanmo-nanmo, be sure to take a look at the shop corner as well ✨ #Okhotsk #okhotsk #Tsubetsu #tsubetsu #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu Town #Hokkaido #hokkaido #Tsubetsu Tourism Association #new product #new goods #new release #Shige-chan #Shigenari Onishi #design by Shigenari Onishi #Shige-chan design #mug #Nanmo-nanmo #guesthouse #guesthouse nanmonanmo

Sakura Jingu Shrine is nearby, so I often go there, but the coolest time is on a rainy day When you walk around the city, this figure suddenly appears

[About Bamboo Shoot Picking 2025 and Bamboo Cutting and Shredding Work] Preparations are underway in the park this year to hold the bamboo shoot picking event again. The day before yesterday, we carried out bamboo cutting and shredding work. The cutting work involves thinning out old bamboo to expose the ground surface to sunlight. (Rising ground temperature is necessary for bamboo shoot growth.) The cut bamboo has its branches and leaves removed and is fed into a shredder to make bamboo chips. When spread on the ground, the bamboo chips become compost. This improves soil nutrition and helps produce tastier bamboo shoots. Preparations are currently under way to hold this year’s bamboo shoot picking. The event period is under consideration, but it is expected to run from around mid-April to early May. Details will be posted on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website by the Toyooka Village Tourism Association, so please check it for updates. https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/5968/...

I thought it wouldn't snow in Tokyo this year. In March, the early-blooming cherry blossoms began to bloom, and then the snow fell. Snowy scenery of early-blooming cherry blossoms at Sakura Jingu Shrine Very cool scenery typical of Japan

【⛄️Snow-Dusted Omachi City❄️】 After yesterday’s snow, fukujusō flowers in the Shinko area of Miasa were nestled in the snow❄️The yellow blooms peeking out from the white snow create a lovely contrast🌼A few photographers were taking pictures📷✨The cityscape visible from Omachi Park also showed a light dusting of snow⛄️After the chill through yesterday, today’s sunlight feels pleasantly gentle☀️A few sunny days look likely😌That said, it may still be a little while before true spring arrives in Omachi City😌 🌼Spring Flower Update 2025🌼 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/... 🌸Last Year’s Cherry Blossom Report🌸 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88713/...

[🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2025 🌸] From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, May 11! (Surely) with the last of the snow behind us, the season of flowers is finally approaching Gokasecho ✨ We’re running a spring Instagram campaign too 🤩🙌 Follow the Gokase Tourism Association account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/)... and post photos of flowers taken in Gokasecho to Instagram using two hashtags: #GokaseHana2025 and #dateofphoto (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥 Every day during the campaign, one person will win a mini set of Gokasecho specialty products 🎁✨ This time, amazingly! During the nighttime illumination of Kijiya’s weeping cherry tree organized by students of Gokase Secondary School’s “Gokase Sakura Project” (March 23 [Sun]–April 16 [Wed] ※updated 4/2), entries featuring photos of Kijiya’s weeping cherry will have double the daily winning chance 😮✨!? Plus! Outstanding entries will receive a gift box of Gokasecho specialty products 🤩👏 And even more! This time there will also be a “Gokase Sakura Project Award”…🤭🌟!? Submitted entries will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association and Gokase Sakura Project social media channels as they are selected 💡 [Period] From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In spring in Gokasecho you can enjoy not only weeping cherry but also rhododendrons, akebono azaleas, and many other flowers 🌸 In the warm weather, how about a flower tour around Gokasecho 🤗? We sincerely look forward to your participation ✨

This photo was taken on Kawaramachi Street in Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture. Colorful and cute bells. It was a moment when I was able to make a new discovery that bells might look better than wind chimes in the cityscape of Castle Town. When I was passing by on the Car, I saw a sparkling bell, so I parked my Car at the Car parking lot and went back to take pictures. I was also able to find a nice café on that street. It was a cold day, so if it weren't for the bell, I might not have gotten out of the car and walked down this street. When I think about it, I'm very grateful ☺️ to Suzu for giving me that encounter

First, we will explain what calligraphy is, followed by an explanation of attitudes and tools first. You will better understand the difference between calligraphy as a form of character decoration (caligraphy), which also exists overseas, and Japanese "shodo" (calligraphy). Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese culture that uses brush and ink to express characters artistically, and is appreciated for its neatness, the way the brush is carried, the shade of the ink, and the beauty of the overall arrangement of the characters. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy #tatamiroom #samurai

Photographed on March 10, 25. CAFE ANDON's Matcha Shortcake with Strawberries and Anko. The acidity of the strawberries and the moderate sweetness of the fresh cream and red bean paste go well together.

The Samurai sword is the most cutting blade to date and can only be worn by Samurai. After changing into a samurai costume and learning how to handle a sword, it's time to try your hand at sword cutting! Let's try zanjiri zanjiri! #katana #samuraiSword #bushido