Kure Volcano, Hiroshima Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Kurahashi Volcano 👈 1 from 📸 the volcano on Kurahashi Island It is a superb view spot overlooking the 360° Seto Inland Sea. There are various climbing routes here, and there are many scenic points. I want to go again! It's a wonderful mountain that makes you think! 😊 ◾️ Currently, the road that can be reached near the summit is closed due to falling rocks, and you will have to climb from the middle of the mountain. It takes about 40 minutes from the road and about 1 hour from the mountain trail, but I definitely recommend the mountain trail! The stairs are a little tough, but... 😅

Sunny weather in winter Lake Nakazenji in Nikko was dyed a dark blue. It shows a different look depending on the season and time of day. It is a fascinating attraction that will not let you get bored no matter how many times you visit.

Matsukawa, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture The pink of the cherry blossoms and the red of the sightseeing boat were beautiful, and I thought it was wonderful that all the people on the sightseeing boat were looking at the cherry blossoms.

Himenosawa Park Himenosawa Park, a famed flower spot in Atami, overflows with seasonal blooms all year round. It is a natural park where you can also enjoy a full-fledged adventure playground. About 600 species of plants grow within the park. In an environment that feels like a botanical garden, flowering trees such as azaleas and a variety of wildflowers burst into bloom. (The photo shows azaleas that bloom from late April to early May.) About a 90-minute trek from Himenosawa Park will take you to Jukkoku Pass, allowing you to fully enjoy nature on the way. Please enjoy the moving floral scenes to your heart’s content, where flowers welcome you whenever you visit. Address / 1164 Himenosawa, Izu-san, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0002 Telephone / 0557-83-5301 (Himenosawa Park Management Office) Access / From JR atami station, take a bus bound for the Motohakone area for about 30 minutes and get off at Himenosawa Park Admission / Free Parking / Free (Sazanka Parking: 46 passenger cars, 3 buses) and others

Jacaranda Flowers Are you familiar with jacaranda, a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to South America? As shown in the photos, it produces clusters of purple flowers like bunches of grapes, and the contrast of green leaves and purple blooms makes it a very beautiful deciduous tall tree. In Atami City, you can find tall trees (towering overhead) and smaller shrubs (at eye level) along Route 135 (the Jacaranda Promenade in Tokaigancho to Shinshicho “Waterside Park” along the sidewalk, and inside Waterside Park). Although jacaranda’s flowering season in Japan is said to be June, it is extremely rare for it to bloom outdoors on the mainland because of the climate. Some years in Atami saw no flowering at all, and some trees bloom a second time in September or October rather than only in June. Even when they do bloom, not all trees flower; some years only a few trees bloom. Some trees produce many flowers, some only a single cluster, and some not at all. How much will bloom this season? ※Bougainvillea along the Itagawa River also reaches its best viewing at the same time, so please visit both. Main jacaranda planting locations and numbers ● Jacaranda Promenade (along Route 135, beside the sun deck) … one tall tree about 10 m, four trees 3–5 m, and 100 shrubs 1–2 m ● Along Route 135, downbound (from the Central Police Box to Waterside Park Section 2) … 20 trees 5–6 m ● Waterside Park Section 3 … one tall tree of about 2 m near the pedestrian bridge, and five shrubs on the Wada River slope Total above: 25 tall trees (non-shrub) and 105 shrubs History ・In July 1990, one tree was planted in Omiya Green Space to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Cascais, Portugal ・In 2000, 24 trees were planted along the national highway (diagonally in front of the Central Police Box to in front of the Waterside Park event plaza) (Since then, some have been transplanted and others newly planted.) ・In April 2013, trees were planted in Waterside Park Section 2 (in front of the Tourist Association) and Section 3 (three trees in Section 2 and two in Section 3) ・On June 1, 2013, the “Jacaranda Promenade” was completed in Omiya Green Space (45 young trees planted) ・From September 2013 to June 2014, Omiya Green Space (west side) was developed (planting), and a few trees were transplanted from along the national highway ・June 2014, completion of the “Jacaranda Promenade” Address / Tokaigancho to Nagisacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Park and Greenery Division) Access / To the Jacaranda Promenade (Omiya no Matsu) ■ About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■ About a 5-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Omiya no Matsu” Parking / City-operated paid parking (East parking lot, Waterside Park, etc.) and others

Nishikigaura One of Atami’s scenic spots. This celebrated coastline of sheer cliffs stretches about 1 kilometer south from Uomizaki, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. (Uomizaki–Nishikigaura–Sogaura totals about 2 kilometers) When the sun rises, its light pours over the bay and flashes in five brilliant colors, so the place took the poetic name Nishikigaura, borrowing the image of woven brocade from Kyoto. Remnants of the Atami-Taga volcano remain here, and legends linked to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kato Kiyomasa still survive. The cliffs tower about 80 meters high. Strange rock formations carved by the rough waves—Kabuto Rock, Bedrock, Eboshi Rock, Benten Rock—stand in a row, while Hatsushima and Oshima float offshore. For the best view, head to the area near Hotel New Akao and the cafe “Hana no Yousei.” Note: Access to Hotel New Akao’s rooftop garden is limited to hotel guests only. Thank you for your understanding. Address / 〒413-0033 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (near Hotel New Akao) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ajiro for about 15 minutes and get off at Nishikigaura Parking / None

I photographed a landscape shrouded in early spring morning haze.

February 16 The early-blooming atami sakura have finished, and the Oshima zakura are coming into full bloom! White cherry blossoms are blooming at the seaside park beside Marine Spa Atami.

📍 Aichi / Yamato Daicho A large strawberry tree in Toyokawa City. There are a lot of people during the day and you can't take good pictures, so I recommend going early in the morning.

📍 Nagano Prefecture / Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest It is a famous autumn leaf × minecart spot. Because I didn't run a lot of runs, I remember working hard to get the best shots in continuous shooting.

Atami Sightseeing Boat SANREMO (Sanremo) The Sanremo was named after Atami’s sister city, the Italian port town of Sanremo. Departing from Shinsui Park Third Pier (at the mouth of the Hatsukawa River), this roughly 30-minute cruise passes offshore sites such as Nishikigaura and Sogaura, turns back just before Akanesaki, and offers sea views of Atami, the Manazuru Peninsula, Kawana in Ito City, and Izu Oshima. In the underwater observation room with glass windows, you can see fish from inside the boat. If you climb the steps to the open deck, you can feed the seagulls and feel as if you are flying over the sea with them. The vessel has a capacity of 50 passengers, and small pets are allowed on board. Enjoy cruising around Atami. Address / 3rd District, Shinsui Park (near Hatsukawa), Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0014 Phone / 0557-52-6657 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port, Korakuen, or Ajiro Asahi-cho → get off at Shinsui Park → 1-minute walk Departure times / 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40 (approx. 30 minutes) Closed / Every Tuesday, in severe weather, and during maintenance. Please check the official website beforehand just in case. Fares / Adults (junior high school and older) ¥1,700; Children (ages 3 to elementary school) ¥900 Children under 3 free; small dogs free; discounts available for people with disabilities. Parking / Adjacent municipal Shinsui Park Second Parking Lot and others (municipal parking rate: ¥110 per 30 minutes) Tickets are available at the boarding point. Routes may change or services may be canceled due to weather. The underwater observation room is only likely to show fish before departure.

Shinsui Park - Moon Terrace A waterside park stretching south from Sun Beach. Atami City is a sister city of Sanremo in northern Italy, and because the terrain and townscape are similar, the park was developed with the image of a northern Mediterranean resort. The first section, Sky Deck, evokes the South of Europe and the Côte d'Azur and is primarily brick. The second section, Rainbow Deck, evokes the northern Italian Riviera of Sanremo and is mainly stone. The third section, Nagisa Deck, linked by Nagisa Small Park and a pedestrian bridge, evokes the Bay of Naples in southern Italy and features planted flowers and trees. The park is loved by locals and visitors alike as a place for walks, sunbathing, events, and commemorative photos. ・March 1997: Completion of the first section (including Moon Terrace), approximately 170 by 50 meters ・March 2000: Completion of the second section (138 meters) ・April 2009: Completion of the third section, approximately 160 by 40 meters Nicknames ・September 2003: Names decided for the first section as Sky Deck and the second section as Rainbow Deck ・October 2009: Name decided for the third section as Nagisa Deck Address / 〒413-0014 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes and get off at Ginza or Shinsui Park-shita Parking / Municipal Shinsui Park parking lot, 140 spaces (municipal parking: 110 yen per 30 minutes)

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Period: February 1 to March 10 (now ongoing) Photo: Otsuka Tokiya

The flower language of Baikaouren is "second love" or "enduring love". It's quite a passionate flower language. It's that time of year.

Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima　　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Jigozen 👈 One piece 📸 with the silhouette of Morning Sun and Yurikamome I think it's time for Yurikamome to leave. See you next year!! 😊👋

Takeda Castle Ruins! From September to November, the sea of clouds can be seen 🏯 beautifully It was 🌅 great to climb the mountain lightly before the sun rose and greet the sunrise at the ruins of Takeda Castle

When humans team up with nature to create something, it becomes more intriguing. The Lake Shikotsu ice festival is a perfect example of this. Hokkaido's crystal clear water lake serves as the primary source for crafting marvelous ice sculptures.

Location: Higashi-Chichibu Village Thoughts when shooting Invited by the cheerfulness, we drove around Higashi-Chichibu Village. I was surprised, "What the hell was there in such a place!?", so I parked the car and clicked the shutter many times. The scenery of the mountain villa surrounded by peach blossoms is truly Shangri-La in Japan!

Location: Scenery found on the way to the old road in Okutama Town Thoughts when shooting: I felt like I had traveled back in time, and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic

Even in the rain, it is a mejiro that comes to our house every day. It's a photo taken through a gap in the curtain, but it's very vigilant, and I take a bite and look around.

Kawazu cherry blossoms 🌸 in full bloom This is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival held in Minami-Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It blooms the earliest in Honshu and is a sight to behold! It is very crowded, so I recommend 😆 going early in the morning

Fukuyama, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Abushusa Kannon 👈 Looking at 📸 the Seto Inland Sea from the vermilion-painted Kannon Hall built on the quay It is a Kannon-do temple built at the tip of the Numakuma Peninsula. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from here is spectacular! 👍 Inside the Kannon Hall, there are many emas of boobs for praying for safe birth

It's nice to be able 😊 to take pictures of Japan's pride "Mt. Fuji" and "cherry blossoms" in spring. Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji City Junigawa

Atami Port Sea Fishing Facility Attention fishing enthusiasts and those thinking of trying it for the first time! At the Atami Port Sea Fishing Facility, you can enjoy fishing in a superb location with views of Atami’s streets and surrounding mountains. The breakwater is 260 m long and 14 m wide, using the inner sea (Atami Bay side) — the outer side is off-limits. In spring you can catch species such as umitanago (blackfish), rockfish (mebaru), Japanese whiting (shirogisu), mejina (black porgy), bigfin reef squid (aori-ika), red squid (akai-ika), and japanese halfbeak (urume iwashi). In winter you can expect mejina, rockfish, kasago (scorpionfish), togorou iwashi (small sardine), frigate mackerel (soda gatsuo), filefish (kawahagi), and mebaru. Black sea bream (kurodai) and red sea bream (madai) are also caught. We rent rod-and-bait sets (rod, reel, bait, tackle, bucket, water bucket, etc.), and sell foam coolers with ice for taking your catch home, so you can enjoy fishing even if you come empty-handed. Make your sea fishing debut in Atami! Address / 1694-32 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-85-8600 Access / From JR atami station, take a bus bound for Korakuen for about 10 minutes → get off at the final stop, Korakuen → 10-minute walk Hours / April–October: 6:00 until sunset November–March: 7:00 until sunset Closed / The facility may close for safety reasons in cases of stormy weather, high waves, or strong winds. ※Closed from 12:00 onward on days with fireworks displays ※Closed on the third Wednesday of months without fireworks displays ※Closed on the third Wednesday when fireworks are held once a month ※Open on the third Wednesday when fireworks occur two or more times in a month Fees / ■ Fishing admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high students 300 yen (children under elementary school age free) ■ Rental rod set: 2,000 yen per rod for 2 hours (tax included; admission fee not included; no advance reservations) Parking / Standard cars 500 yen per day (prepaid) ※Parking closes at 13:00 on fireworks days (you must exit because it is a danger zone) Notes ※Pets not allowed ※Please check other precautions posted on the official website in advance.

Atami Sun Beach A blue sea and white sand, a row of hotels, and a palm-lined promenade create a beach that feels like an upscale overseas resort. In summer it serves as a bathing beach and, as a place to stroll along the sand or play in the waves, it is popular with families and couples. At dawn you can see a beautiful scene as the sunrise rises from the horizon, dyeing the beach and town, and at night the beach is lit in a magical display—the first beach illumination in Japan—designed by world-renowned lighting designer Mikako Ishii. During the summer season many people use the beach as a swimming area, and the hugely popular Sun Beach Water Park is also thriving. The beach is frequently used as a location for TV and photo shoots, including the drama Hibana. Address / 〒413-0012 Higashikaigancho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station / About 5 minutes by bus from JR atami station toward Atami Port or Momijigaoka → get off at Sun Beach → about a 3-minute walk Hours / Swimming permitted during the beach season from 9:00 to 16:00 Illumination every night from sunset to 22:00 (lights off during fireworks displays) Parking / Adjacent municipal Higashi Parking Lot, 250 spaces (municipal P parking fee: 110 yen per 30 minutes) *This is a non-smoking beach; please smoke only in designated areas.

It is a scenic spot in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Enzuki Island. I took a picture of an angler aiming for blue squid in the foreground.

The Tadami Line 🚃 running through Oku-Aizu This is the Tadami Line seen in Okuaizu, Fukushima Prefecture. It only runs early in the morning and during the day, so please be careful 🙇 ♀️ when visiting This year, there is little snow due to the warm winter, but originally it was even heavier and you can 😆 see a snowy landscape

Nature creates some of the astonishing wonders just like this. This huge snow wall is breathtakingly stunning. This time I visited lake shikotsu ice festival. Amazingly beautiful.

Lamps The 50th anniversary of the Shimokawa Ice Candle Museum in Shimokawa Town, Hokkaido At the venue, many ice candles lit up the feet, and the hearts were warmly lit so as not to feel the freezing cold sky I took a picture with a cloth filter and impressed with the light of an ice candle

Jukkokutoge (Jukkoku Pass) Jukkoku Pass is said to have gotten its name because, long ago, you could see ten provinces—Izu, Sagami, Suruga, Tōtōmi, Kai, Awa, Kazusa, Shimōsa, Musashi, Shinano—and five islands (Ōshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Toshima). From the summit of Mt. Hikaneyama, you can look north to Mt. Fuji, west to Suruga Bay, and east to Sagami Bay. Over the years many artists have tried to capture this panorama with a brush, but tradition says the scale and beauty defeated them. A cable car runs to and from the summit. You can also reach it by trekking from Himenosawa Park in about an hour and a half, enjoying the natural surroundings. In spring azaleas bloom in profusion, summer brings a pleasant cool breeze, autumn waves fields of silver grass, and winter welcomes you with the warm sunshine of the highlands. ※The “Sky Dog Run” reopened on November 11, 2023! Address / 1400-20 Kuwahara, Kannami, Tagata District, Shizuoka Prefecture 419-0101 Phone / 0557-81-6895 (Jukkokutoge Cable Car) Access / From JR atami station, take the bus bound for the Motohakone area for about 40 minutes and get off at “Jukkokutoge Noboriguchi.” Hours / Cable car 9:00–17:00 (runs every 15 minutes; one-way trip about 3 minutes) Open year-round. Temporary closures may occur for maintenance, weather, or public circumstances. Fares / Round-trip cable car: adults (junior high school and older) 730 yen; children 370 yen ※Dogs are allowed (leash required; 300 yen round trip per dog) Parking / 320 spaces; 22 large-vehicle spaces (free)