Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Hello, this is Minamoto 😊 The beautiful season of fresh greenery has finally arrived in Shosenkyo Gorge, where the buds of the trees are flourishing, making it a delightful time for a stroll 🌿 The clear waters of the river, the unique rock formations, and the blooming Mitsubatsutsuji create a stunning landscape, offering a refreshing experience of nature that is different from the vibrant autumn colors that adorn the valley ✨ During the Golden Week, especially when the young leaves are shining ✨, a popular and recommended route is to walk from the Tenjinmori Municipal Parking Lot along the path by the gorge, passing through the Stone Gate and reaching Senga Falls 🚶‍♂️ Please give it a try♪ Currently, we at Minamoto have received a variety of new products‼️ The photo shows a Lemurian Seed Crystal 💎 When you go out, please come and see it 😊 Also, during the Golden Week period from May 2nd to 6th, the shops in the Shosenkyo Falls area and along the Crystal Highway will extend their hours by 30 minutes, staying open until 5:30 PM 🕔 *Some stores may be excluded. If you have time, please come and visit us 🍀 All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you 👋

Introduction of Japanese Swords from Wakedo Inscription: Made by Akitsugu Amata (Living National Treasure) Heisei 15, Yayoi Kichijitsu Sign: Akitsugu Amata korewo tsukuru (living national treasure) Heisei 15 (AD 2003) Yayoi (March) Kichijitsu Box: With original box Dimensions: Blade length 2 shaku 4 sun 5 bu (74.5 cm), curvature 2.4 cm, mekugi hole 1 Width at the base: 32.5 mm, width at the tip: 24 mm, thickness at the base: 8 mm Size: Blade length 74.5 cm, curvature 2.4 mm, mekugi 1 hole Country: Echigo Province Period: Heisei 15 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an-tō, body width, thickness balance, curvature, middle cut tip, resembling a tachi from the Kamakura period Forging: Well-packed ko-itame, with chikei, and ji-nuki Hamon: Gunome-chōji midare, with ashi, some areas have tobiyaki, with bright nioi and clear nioiguchi Boshi: Midare-komi, rounded tip Nakago: Raw, kurijiri, with file marks at an angle Shirasaya: Yes Explanation Born in 1927 as the eldest son of the late Teikichi Amada in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture. Entered the Japanese sword forging apprenticeship of Hikozaburo Kurihara in 1940. Approved for sword making in 1954. Received the Masamune Award (Yamashiro style) at the New Sword Exhibition in 1977. Designated as an intangible cultural asset of Niigata Prefecture and Toyoura Town in 1978. Received the Masamune Award (Sōshū style) for the second time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1985. Elected as the chairman of the All Japan Swordsmith Association in 1990. Received the Masamune Award (Bizen style) for the third time at the New Sword Exhibition in 1996. Designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. Awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Toyoura Town." Received the Order of the Rising Sun, Fourth Class, in 2003. Became an honorary citizen of Niigata Prefecture, Shibata City in July 2003. Passed away on June 26, 2013. Akitsugu Amata's real name is Seichi Amata. He was recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (Living National Treasure) in 1997. He is a contemporary swordsmith representing Niigata. Born in 1927 as the eldest son of Teikichi Amata in Honda Village, Niigata Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo in 1940 to study under Hikozaburo Kurihara. He then achieved notable results in various sword-making competitions and became a non-examined swordsmith in 1972. Designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in 1997, he received numerous awards and honors until his passing in 2013. Akitsugu Amata is also known for selecting sand iron and creating his own steel for the blade. He mastered styles such as Bizen and Sōshū and left behind many famous swords. This work is a fine example of Akitsugu Amata's Bizen style, replicating the majestic tachi of the Kamakura period. The steel is well-packed with itame, and the hamon features gunome with chōji mixed in, with bright nioi and a clear nioiguchi, resulting in an excellent piece. It comes with an original box.

Golden Week is the most beautiful season in Azumino. With the remaining snow on the Northern Alps, sparkling water, and fields full of flowers and greenery, we present the "special scenery" that can only be seen at this time of year. 1. Water Mirror... The best time to see it is early morning. If the wind blows, the surface will be disturbed and you won’t be able to see it! 💦 2. Daio Wasabi Farm... The cold-resistant net is already up. 3. Mount Nagamine... You can drive there, and of course, you can also hike. 4. National Alps Azumino Park... Tulips, rapeseed flowers, and nemophila are in full bloom. 5. Apple orchards in the Misato District... Apple blossoms as far as the eye can see. Why not come to Azumino this Golden Week to capture a "special shot"? The time spent surrounded by water and greenery will surely fill your heart. 😆 We recommend exploring by rental bicycle!

On April 25th, while strolling through the bicycle plaza, the pink moss phlox was beautiful.

Gokoi-chi Challenge ~Let's Cycle Around Mikata Five Lakes~ https://wakasa-mihama.jp/gokoichichallenge2026/... Complete a cycling tour of the Mikata Five Lakes Cycling Course (commonly known as Gokoi-chi) and take pictures at all five designated checkpoints. Those who do will be recognized for completing the tour and will receive a limited edition badge. Join the Gokoi-chi challenge! Period: May 1, 2026 (Friday) to March 31, 2027 (Wednesday) How to Participate: 1. You can start from any location. 2. Cycle around the Gokoi-chi Cycling Course. There is no fixed route, so feel free to explore Mikata Five Lakes. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise. 3. Take photos at the following five checkpoints. There is no specific order, so feel free to visit them. Make sure the locations are clear in the photos. Checkpoint 1 Hinata Bridge (Lake Hiruga) Take photos that include Hinata Bridge or views of Lake Hiruga from the bridge. The monument for "Heshiko-no-Sato" is also a recognizable feature. Checkpoint 2 Suigetsu Lake Observation Deck (Lake Suigetsu) Capture photos that include the observation deck or views of Lake Suigetsu from above (or below) the deck. Checkpoint 3 Thatched Boathouse (Lake Mikata) Please take photos that include the thatched boathouse. Checkpoint 4 Horikiri (Lake Suga) Capture photos of the river connecting Lake Mikata and Lake Suga. Checkpoint 5 Heshiko-chan Statue (Lake Kugushi) Please take photos that include the Heshiko-chan statue. 4. After completing the tour, present your photos at the certification locations. Certification Location 1: Mihama Station Reception Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM It serves as the gateway for those heading to Mikata Five Lakes after getting off at the JR Obama Line. Rental bicycles are also available. *Note: The reception will be closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays. Certification Location 2: Mikatagoko Roadside Station Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM This is a certification location where you can stop by during the Gokoi-chi route. If you start from Mikata Station, you will pass by this location after visiting all checkpoints if you go clockwise. If you arrive by car, you can use the parking lot of the nearby Mikata Seinen no Ie. Rentals for cross bikes and road bikes are also available. *Note: The reception will not be available if the facility is closed for maintenance or during the New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 3). 5. Certification Badge Limited edition badge for completing one round of Gokoi-chi (first 400 participants) Limited edition badge for completing two rounds of Gokoi-chi (first 100 participants) *Please bring the badge received for completing one round when you complete two rounds. 6. Important Notes - Please adhere to traffic rules and cycle safely. - Helmet use is recommended. - Please cycle at a pace that is comfortable for you based on the weather and your physical condition. - The organizers are not responsible for any accidents or troubles. - Ensure that the photos clearly show the checkpoints. 7. Organizer and Contact Information (Organizer) Mikata Goko Regional Tourism Council (Contact) Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-32-0222 Wakasa Mikata Goko Tourism Association, Phone: 0770-45-0113

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

Azumino: A Floral Trio 'Canola Flower Edition' The canola flower fields in the Horigane and Hotaka areas of National Alps Azumino Park are in full bloom! 😄 Five million canola flowers are spreading across the fields! ♪ A yellow carpet stretches as far as the eye can see! 😆

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Tulip Edition" The tulip fields in National Alps Azumino Park, Horigane and Hotaka District are in full bloom! 😄 With 130 varieties and 260,000 tulips 🌷 You can enjoy a colorful display of tulips throughout the vast park! ♪ Today and tomorrow, as well as during Golden Week, the Azumino Park Craft Marche Spring is also being held Food trucks and craft shops will be there too Bring the whole family along! 😆

The scenery of Azumino, with its beautiful fresh greenery.

Water has started to fill the rice fields in Azumino that have been plowed. The season of Azumino's breathtaking scenery, "Suikyo," is just around the corner.😊

The fresh green sprouts have begun to emerge in Azumino. The clear water flows from wasabi fields and trout farms that utilize spring water.

On April 23rd, Azumino enjoyed a sunny morning. The dogwood trees began to bloom, adding beauty to the landscape of Azumino. This is the northern part of Azumino, along the streets of Aokemi Industrial Park.

The former Japanese National Railways Shinonoi Line abandoned track in Azumino Walking here, you will find two brick tunnels One of them is the Urushikubo Tunnel😄 This charming tunnel was built in 1897 In the past, steam locomotives🚂 ran here.

Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakeido Title: Sakana zukushi zu Fuchikashira Signature: Katsura Sorin (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira: Height 38.8mm, Width 22.6mm, Thickness 13mm Head: Height 35mm, Width 17mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Katsura school Explanation Toshimasa Egawa was born in Mito in the third year of the Ansei era. He studied under Eisei Yokotani and became an adopted son of Katsura Eiju. He succeeded the Katsura family's duties and became the official metalworker for the Kurume Domain Arima family, taking the name Katsura Sorin. He excelled in high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, carving lions, tigers, horses, fish, and figures. This work also features his trademark high-relief color painting on red-copper fish skin, beautifully depicting lobsters and flatfish.

Nemophila Festa 2026 (May 2) A fun and delicious event awaits you! The Nemophila Festa 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, at Horticulture LABO Hill. Tomato harvesting experience Sedum planting experience Strawberry daifuku making Mini craft experience Quiz rally around the park Tomohiro Furuya live performance Serikawa concert Myony Brass Ensemble concert featuring Tsuruga Technical High School Wind Orchestra Fukuizer show Balloon art Bingo tournament Food trucks Super ball scooping Candy fishing Gem scooping Dried fish by Mr. Morishita Coffee sales by Herb Time Sweets by Sachi Hana and many other exciting activities are planned. We hope to see you there! Nemophila Festa 2026 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Fukui Prefecture Horticultural Experience Facility, Horticulture LABO Hill 35-32-1 Hisakko, Mihama Town (inside the Horticulture Research Center) Phone: 0770-47-6162

The cherry blossoms at Ariakesan Shrine in Azumino have started to fall🌸 The carvings on the shrine's mountain gate, Yumeimon, are impressive❗️ It is said to be modeled after the Yōmeimon of Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 3 Mimi Shrine's King Dance (May 4) This dance is performed during the annual grand festival of Mimi Shrine in May, dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest. The performance lasts about an hour. Dancers wear colorful costumes, showcasing a graceful and powerful display. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukui Prefecture. Starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, the grand festival of Mimi Shrine will be divided into two parts: May 1 (only the ceremony) and May 4 (offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events). Mimi Shrine Grand Festival Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday) Time: Around 8 AM - King Dance starts in the afternoon Location: Mimi Shrine, 10-25-1 Miyashiro, Mihama Town Please note that the Mimi Shrine Grand Festival, which used to be held on May 1, will now only have the ceremony on that date starting from the 7th year of Reiwa, while the offering of meals, welcoming rituals, pressing of the sacred offering, King Dance, lion dance, and other ceremonial events will take place on May 4. The schedule has changed, so please be aware. Please note that the schedules for events such as the King Dance and lion dance are posted on the Mimi Shrine website, but the timing may vary due to the nature of the ceremonies. Even if you only wish to see the King Dance, it is recommended to wait at Mimi Shrine from the early afternoon and keep your schedule open until late in the evening.

Events around GW (April 29 - May 11) Part 2 Children's Kabuki in Hayase (May 3) In Hayase, Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture, there is a tradition of "Children's Kabuki" performed by elementary school boys that has been passed down for about 150 years. It is said to have originated during the Edo period when cholera spread in Hayase, leading to the offering of Children's Kabuki at local temples and shrines to calm the disease. The head priest of Zuirinji at that time received a divine message stating, "The epidemic is a curse from gods and buddhas; therefore, offer Children's Kabuki to the temples and shrines." The villagers promptly constructed a float for the offering and on May 8 of the following year, they paraded the float to Hiyoshi Shrine, Zuirinji, and Jomoji, offering Children's Kabuki. As the epidemic subsided, this day became the grand festival of Hiyoshi Shrine, and the tradition of Children's Kabuki has been preserved and offered ever since (it is currently held on May 3). Children's Kabuki in Hayase Date: May 3, 2026 (Sunday) Time: Starting around 8 AM. Location: Hayase, Mihama Town Offered in front of Hiyoshi Shrine and Zuirinji *After offering Children's Kabuki in front of Hiyoshi Shrine, the float will be moved to Zuirinji for another performance. The exact timing will depend on the situation, so we cannot provide a fixed time. If you wish to see Children's Kabuki, please keep your schedule open throughout the morning. https://www.view-wakasamihama.jp/trip-03-02...

Events around Golden Week (April 29 - May 11) Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival (May 3 - 5) At the "Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club" in Shinjo, Mihama Town, we cultivate the native "Kōdōdantsutsuji" (red azalea) that grows in the mountains of Mihama. During Golden Week, we will hold our annual sales event, the "Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival." Kōdōdantsutsuji Festival Date: May 3 (Sunday) - 5 (Tuesday), 2026 Location: Mori to Kurasu Donguri Club 182-1-1 Shinjo, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-3330

Around the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, the white iris flowers are in full bloom. They have started to bloom a bit earlier than usual. Typically, we mention that the best viewing time is during Golden Week, but it’s a bit uncertain until the Kuniyoshi Castle Festival on May 5th. This weekend (April 25-26), the weather is nice, so it’s a great time to see them. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (until the end of March) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if it's a holiday) Address: 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Takanoha Mon Chirashi Zu Tsuba Signature: Koyama Motohiro made this, Touryusai Kiyotoshi carved it Bunsei 13th year, Oborotsuki, requested by Arakawa Kougyo Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 86.5mm Width 83mm Thickness 4.5mm Period: AD 1830 School: Touryusai school Description This is a tsuba crafted by Koyama Motohiro, the official swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, with engraving done by Touryusai Kiyotoshi. Koyama Motohiro was the finest swordsmith of the Nihonmatsu Domain, having trained under Kunisada in Sendai and further honing his skills in Edo under Suishinshi Masahide. The Touryusai school traces its origins to Kiyotoshi Tanaka, who was born in Aizu in the first year of the Bunka era and is said to have trained in the Aizu Shōami school during his youth. He honed his skills under Kōno Shunmei when the latter visited Tōhoku, completing a clever style known as the Touryusai school that became popular during the late Edo period. This tsuba is a collaboration between a swordsmith and a metalworker, making it a rare piece.

Hello! Welcome to Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch. 😆 This Golden Week, why not take a deep breath and visit us? 🌿 Experience Japan's most beautiful gorge, Shosenkyo. Indulge in the luxury of walking through a tunnel of fresh greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The approximately 5km promenade features the stunning Senga Falls and a landscape of bizarre rocks and formations that resemble art. ✨ Let's reset both mind and body while enjoying the soothing sounds of water and the negative ions all around us. 😊 Now, at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch, we are excited to introduce a perfect wine made from Shine Muscat, just in time for the season. 🍇 We have unique wines like a cloudy Petillant and sparkling wines, as well as our original still wines, all offering the refreshing taste of Shine Muscat. ✨ After being healed by nature, treat yourself to something special. 🍷 If you visit Shosenkyo, be sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Branch. We look forward to welcoming you!

Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Title: Kamewari Onkou Tsuba Signature: Gagetsusai Hamano Naochika (Seal) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 72.5mm, Width 68.5mm, Thickness 4mm Period: Late Edo period, around Bunka and Bunsei School: Hamano school Explanation The Hamano school is a prestigious lineage founded by Masazumi, producing notable artisans such as Kizuzui, Naochika, Horie Kousei, and Iwama Masaru. Naochika, known as Seibei, studied under Kizuzui to hone his skills, leaving behind collaborative works with his master. He resided in Kofu, Kai. This work features high relief carving and inlaid color painting on a quarter-inch surface, depicting the scene of Kamewari Onkou. Kamewari Onkou refers to the story of Sima Guang, a politician from the Northern Song dynasty in China, who cleverly saved a friend who had fallen into a water jar during childhood. This tale teaches that a person's life is more precious than a valuable jar, symbolizing the importance of life in temple carvings and festival floats. It is also known as "Sima Onkou's Jar Breaking" or "Breaking the Jar to Save a Child." https://wakeidou.com/pages/705/...

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedō Title: Akikusamushi zu Kozuka Signature: Made by Nakagawa Isshō Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 97.5mm, Width 14.5mm Period: Last of Edo School: Goto Ichijō school Description Nakagawa Isshō is a distinguished craftsman from the Goto Ichijō school. He was initially called Naojirō and later Gohei, born as the second son of Nakagawa Katsusuke in 1829 in Tsuyama, Mimasaka. The Nakagawa family has served the Matsudaira clan of Tsuyama for generations and he first studied under his father, taking the name Katsumi and becoming a clan craftsman. Later, on command, he went to Kyoto and became a disciple of Goto Ichijō. In 1851, he went to Edo with his master and was permitted to take the name Ikki in 1857. After Ichijō returned to Kyoto in 1862, he remained in Edo, serving the Tsuyama clan there, and changed his name to Isshō around this time. His work is similar to that of his master Ichijō. This piece is also of excellent quality, resembling Ichijō's work, and the short verse on the back is a poem by Ichijō.

Introduction of Menuki from Wakeido Title: Nihiki Shirauo zu Menuki Signature: Kibatamei Masa Kage Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Left: Height 52mm, Width 14mm Right: Height 51.5mm, Width 14mm Period: Last of Edo School: Toryusai School Explanation The Toryusai School was founded by Tanaka Kiyotoshi, who was born in the first year of the Bunka era and is known to have been related to Haruaki Hōgen. The Toryusai style, characterized by its cleverness, was completed by Kiyotoshi, who trained many disciples, including Jurō, Jumatsu, and Masakage. Masakage was one of them, known for his high skill, and this Menuki is finely crafted with great attention to detail.

Introducing Kozuka from Wakedo Title: Mouko zu Kozuka Signature: Katsuryuken (Iwama Masayoshi) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 97.5mm, Width 15mm Period: Late of Edo (AD1764 to 1837) School: Iwama school Description Iwami Masayoshi is the founder of the Iwama school. He was a disciple of Hamano Naosuke and was allowed to use the character 'Nao' at the age of twenty, taking the name Naoyasu. After training at the main house, he signed as Katsuryuken Masayoshi, and in his later years, he adopted the name Juboku in pursuit of the ideal techniques of Riju and Mizume Masazui. He excelled in high carving in the Seizui style, and his skills were praised as exceptional. This work is a kozuka depicting a fierce tiger, notable for its interesting composition. The tiger looks up at the sky with a vivid expression, and the high relief technique used in the background creates a three-dimensional representation of the fierce tiger, which is impressive.

Introduction of the Fuchikashira from Wakeido Title: Botan shishi zu Fuchikashira Signature: Hidenaga (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchi - Height 38mm, Width 22.5mm, Thickness 13.4mm Head - Height 33.8mm, Width 13mm Period: Middle Edo Period School: Oomori School Description The Oomori School is a prestigious lineage alongside the Ishiguro-ha and Yanagawa-ha within the Okutani School, founded by Hidehisa, who trained under Yokoya Somin, and flourished under the second generation, Hidenaga. Hidehisa Omori, the eldest son of Hidehisa, initially took the name Hanjitsu and later assumed the name Shirobe. After passing away earlier than his father, the family estate was inherited by his younger brother, Fusami. Consequently, the number of his works is limited. This piece showcases the high skill of the Oomori School, featuring a high relief color painting of a peony lion on a red-copper fish scale ground in the Yokoya style.

On April 12th, the Takeda diamond, signaling the arrival of spring, was clearly visible on Mt. Goryu in Hakuba. Cherry blossoms and snow-capped mountains! And a clear blue sky. I received the best hospitality from Hakuba!

Hello, this is Ryusuidō. Shosenkyo Gorge is enveloped in soft new greenery, welcoming a pleasant season🌿 The weeping cherry blossoms at Shōgyokudō in the Takigami area are gradually turning into leaf blossoms, but they are doing their best to greet everyone😊 The mountain rose (yamabuki) blooming close to the rocky surface also reminds us of the season!❗️ Shosenkyo is also famous as the birthplace of the April birthstone, crystal. It can be used for everything from accessories to interior decor and is said to be a "universal stone" that brings good fortune, purification, and protection, making it suitable for anyone✨ In the Takigami area, there are many spots where you can forget your daily routine and have fun, such as the Hachushuike, where you can toss in eight balls for wishes, so please come visit Shosenkyo‼ All of our staff are looking forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles😊