Lured by the warm, sunny weather, I looked down to find bright dandelions in bloom!! These spring flowers have long been beloved in Japan🌼 Their yellow petals shine like the sun, and just looking at them lifts your spirits. The fluffy seed heads getting ready to drift on the breeze also bring a uniquely seasonal sense of charm✨️

Introducing a Tsuba from Wakeido Title Fujikoshi Ryu-zu Tsuba Signature Shohakudo Sunagawa Masayoshi (kao) Certification The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords (N.B.T.H.K.) Tokubetsu Hozon Tousogu Dimensions Vertical 78 mm Horizontal 73.4 mm Seppa-dai thickness 4 mm Period Late Edo period School Sunagawa school Description He was the third head of the Sunagawa family and used the art-name Shohakudo. He specialized in plant motifs such as chrysanthemums, orchids, and pines, as well as dragon designs. This work skillfully depicts a dragon crossing Fuji in sukidashi carving, showing high technical ability. The iron has a pleasing texture, and the workmanship is excellent.

For residents of Michihigashi: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026 plan goes on sale!! This spring, why not use and revive at Teshikaga Kawayu Onsen with a great deal? The weekday and Sunday-only “Use and Revive: Kawayu Accommodation Discount 2026” plan for residents of Michihigashi went on sale March 23, 2026 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. With the snow melting and spring almost here, stay at Kawayu Onsen this season and revive both your mind and body. 🌸

Weekend cherry-blossom guide! Sakura bloom update photographed April 2–3 🌸 1. Denkyu-ji Temple A mix of weeping cherry and Oyama cherry fills the garden in front of the main hall. When the weeping cherry is in full bloom, the garden becomes a sea of blossoms. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 1000 Shinonoi Kinebuchi, Nagano City Parking: Available 2. Kourinji Temple A roughly 300-year-old weeping cherry stands here, and you can also enjoy some Someiyoshino cherry trees. Many visitors photograph the impressive trees alongside the temple. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 2329 ShinonoiKomatsubara, Nagano City Parking: Available 3. Matsushiro Castle Ruins Matsushiro Castle was the residence of the Sanada clan. About 100 cherry trees set against the late-Edo castle grounds create a striking sight. Sakura light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: 50% bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 44 MatsushiromachiMatsushiro, Nagano City Parking: Available Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 regular cars, 2 disabled spaces Matsushiro Castle North Parking (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 regular cars, 2 disabled spaces 4. Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park This battlefield is famous for the clashes between Takeda Shingen and Kenshin Uesugi. About 100 Someiyoshino cherry trees make this a great hanami spot. Sakura light-up: After bloom until April 11 (Sat), 18:00–21:00 Bloom status: 30% bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: 1384-1 Kojimada, Nagano City Parking: Available (Park parking is expected to be crowded. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 5. Shiroyama Park Adjacent to the east side of Zenkoji Temple, this is Nagano City’s premier cherry-viewing spot, with about 470 Someiyoshino trees in bloom. The cherry tunnel at full bloom is stunning! Bloom status: 20–30% bloom ※Photographed April 3 Location: Hakoshimizu, Nagano City Parking: Available Parking 1 (155 spaces), Parking 2 (123 spaces), Parking 3 (155 spaces) 料金: 100 yen for up to 20 minutes, then 100 yen added every 20 minutes ※Visitors using the park or zoo who present the Nagano City Child-Rearing Passport get up to 2 hours free Other: Matsushiro Tojo apricot blossoms On clear days you can view apricot fields with the Northern Alps as a backdrop. You can stroll here with your dog. Bloom status: Full bloom ※Photographed April 2 Location: MatsushiromachiHigashijo, Nagano City Parking: Available (free) Other: Roukaku Plum Garden in Shinshu-Shinmachi The white plum blossoms are beginning to fall, but the red plums are still at their best. Enjoy the contrast with the Saikawa River. Bloom status: Beginning to fall ※Photographed April 2 Location: Shinshu Shinmachi, Nagano City Parking: Available ※Free admission to the garden from Sunday, March 22 to Sunday, April 5 ※The Nagano Tourism net website provides sakura bloom information for Nagano City! 🌸Please use it as a reference for your hanami🌸 #cherry blossoms #hanami #bloom #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

Onsen website "From the Information Desk" updated 📝🆙 The annual event report for "Forest Snow Park 2026 in Kawayu Onsen" has been updated ☃️✨ Although snow is already melting in Kawayu Onsen as spring approaches, please take a look.

I visited Tokiwa Shrine in Mito ⛩ In the peaceful shrine grounds, cherry blossoms bloom as if covering the sky 🌸 Historic buildings and pale pink hues Truly a spring scene Japan can be proud of May this gentle light and color reach someone’s heart across the sea.

From a hill above the residential area, you can see many Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom, and from the high ground the Tokaido Shinkansen and Suruga Bay also offered beautiful views.

🟢🟢🟢 Manhole covers are local items with different designs across the country. At Lake Akan Onsen they distribute manhole cards. The design features marimo and the red-crowned crane, and two actual covers match the card design (they appeared as the snow melted). After getting a card, take a stroll around the onsen and be sure to look for them!

Introducing spectacular cherry trees! Single-tree cherry blossom spots in Nagano City🌸 ① Isozakura Jinja’s Jindai Zakura A legend says the staff thrust by susanoo no mikoto grew into this massive tree. With a trunk circumference of about 9 meters, it is an estimated 1,200-year-old Edo-higan cherry and is designated a National Natural Monument. Typical peak season: late April to early May Location: Nagano City, 513 Izumihira ② Kinasa Takahashi’s weeping cherry This 400-year-old weeping cherry stands in the front garden of Takahashi Community Center and is a Nagano City Natural Monument. Takahashi Yakushido houses a group of stone statues, including a finely carved Saigoku Sanjusankasho Kannon. Typical peak season: mid April to late April Location: Kinasa Takahashi, Nagano City ③ Shobu’s Pilgrimage Cherry An estimated 700-year-old Edo-higan cherry. At about 18.2 meters tall, this impressive tree is well worth seeing! Its name is said to come from its location along the old road that ran from Shoushi no Watashi toward Togakushi. Typical peak season: mid April to late April Location: Shobu Ko 3991, Nagano City The “Nagano Tourism net” website provides cherry blossom updates for Nagano City! 🌸Use it as a reference for your hanami🌸 #cherry blossoms #single-tree cherry #hanami#Nagano City #Nagano sightseeing

Updating cherry blossom reports for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! Uenoike, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, is now about 50% in bloom 😍🌸✨ Find sakura updates here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special//4472... Uenoike Address: 1 Higashihonmachi, Shobara City Night illumination: Friday, March 20, 2026 (national holiday) through Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

The cherry blossoms in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in the Chugoku region of Japan are about to reach full bloom! The long, cold winter has come to an end, and spring is finally awakening the trees and plants. The Bihoku Flower Picnic at the National Bihoku Hillside Park is a famous cherry-blossom spot… Shobara City has many places to enjoy spring flowers, and it’s exciting to start planning outings now! This time, we introduce takeaway gourmet foods you can buy in Shobara City—perfect for spring excursions. Prefer snacks over flowers? Not at all—let’s enjoy both the blossoms and the treats! Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5576...

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Call 🚢 The cruise ship Regatta is arriving in Kushiro! Passengers will disembark to enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope residents will welcome them warmly with a festive atmosphere 😊 When the ship departs, the Hokkaido Kushiro Ezo Daiko Preservation Society will perform taiko drums to see it off 👋 We look forward to everyone’s participation ✨ *General visitor parking available* Date and time: March 26, 2026 (Thursday) Berthing 8:00 Departure 17:00 Location: Earthquake-resistant Passenger Ship Terminal Local product stalls 10:00–14:00 Farewell performance around 16:40

STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting’s Dosanko Weekend devoted two full weeks to Teshikaga, showcasing it in depth👀❣️ They featured the miraculously clear Lake Mashu, the rare skin-beautifying waters of Kawayu Onsen, delicious local cuisine, and even scenes of people patiently digging into the sand at Sunayu with shovels to reach the hot springs… and much more. Thank you for beautifully introducing all the things to enjoy in Teshikaga 👾💫 It was a lot of fun.

⛰️ Mashu-Kussharo Trail 🚶‍♂️ Would you like to walk with an MKT guide? Join the event and complete the full MKT route (62.5 km)! Please take part in any of the events held three times in 2026 and three times in 2027. You may of course join just one event. Those who attend all sessions will receive an original MKT commemorative gift! https://mashukussharotrail.jp//
 
 Session 1 Saturday, May 30, 2026, 8:30–13:00 Lake Mashu First Observatory to JR Biruwa Station — 7 km 
 Session 2 Saturday, June 27, 2026, 8:30–13:00 Miruwa Spring to JR Kawayu-Onsen Station — 11 km 
 Session 3 Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30–13:30 JR Kawayu-Onsen Station to Sunayu — 14 km 
 
 Capacity: 10 people per session (minimum to run: 5) Participant requirements: Be in good health and able to walk about 10–15 km in one day. Maximum elevation gain is about 450 m. Participation fee: JPY 5,000 (tax included) per session * The fee includes guide services and accident insurance. * Participants will receive a section map for the route concerned. Contact NPO Teshikaga Trail Club mashu.kussharo.trail@gmail.com Mashu Kussharo Trail How to reserve: Apply via the QR code. We will send further details afterward.

Toyama’s Spring Quartet Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind. For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is made possible by the support of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Orchard grass! Check out Teshikaga Navi for a wide range of information. Thank you very much to Orchard grass for supporting this event! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

(2026-03-21) Night View II of the Tomei Expressway and Mount Fuji Seen from Satta Pass Observatory This is a night scene I once photographed At that time I had no intent to capture Mount Fuji’s slopes; I was simply photographing light-trail nightscapes I had been waiting for another chance When a friend gave the go-ahead, I jumped at it and went out This time I kept shooting until the very last moment when Mount Fuji could be revealed by the morning sun, then combined the images using comparative brightening (stacking)

Rinyoji Temple dyed in spring crimson This temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is about 200 years old. A limited-time light-up of the tree is popular. ※Those who visit are asked to consider donating to the Cherry Blossom Fund 🙏 Rinyoji Temple, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

There’s a Pokémon manhole cover in front of the entrance to Ayame Park! Come and see it!!

Introduction to Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Hotel Mashu‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi shares a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Hotel Mashu for supporting this event 🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and for Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

♨️Very Popular♨️ Weekday and Sunday-only accommodation discount for residents of Michihigashi, "Kawayu Stay Discount 2026", goes on sale from March 23.✨ The eligible period runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026, so please take advantage of it.🏃‍♂️💨 Kawayu Stay Discount 2026 ・Eligible Dates Weekdays and Sundays between Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026 ※Excluded dates: May 2 to May 5 ・Eligible Area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and Tokachi regions ・Participating Properties Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) ・Discount Amount Adults: 2,000 yen　Children: 1,000 yen　(no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to Purchase Via each property's official website or by phone The program ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please make use of it.

Enjoy beautiful floral scenery! Spring event information✨ 1. Matsushiro Spring Festival About 100 cherry trees bloom at the Matsushiro Castle Ruins. The sakura light-up at Matsushiro Castle Ruins is a must-see! Venue: Matsushiro Castle Ruins Sakura light-up: April 4 (Sat)–April 13 (Mon), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) Municipal Tonomachi Tourist Parking: 7 large buses, 50 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers Matsushiro Castle North Parking Lot (north side of Matsushiro Castle, 5-minute walk): 10 large buses, 60 standard cars, 2 spaces for disabled drivers 2. Kawanakajima Battlefield Santachi Sakura Festival At the famous cherry blossom spot of Kawanakajima Battlefield, the event features a sakura light-up and paper lantern illumination during the period. Plenty of activities are arranged for visitors of all ages! Venue: Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Site Park Sakura light-up: From blooming until April 11 (Sat), 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Parking: Available (free) (Park parking lots are expected to be crowded during the period. Please refrain from parking without permission at nearby facilities.) 3. 24th Matsushiro Hina Festival Various hina dolls from different eras are exhibited at cultural property facilities across Matsushiro Town. Enjoy a traditional castle-town style hina festival. Venue: Cultural property facilities, public facilities, and shops in Matsushiro Town Period: March 3 (Tue)–April 3 (Fri) Parking: Available (free) (Please use municipal parking lots in town.) 4. Shinshu Matsushiro Tojo Apricot Festival On clear days you can take in a full view of apricot flower fields with the Northern Alps as a backdrop! You can also stroll with your dog. Venue: Matsushiro Town Tojo Iwasawa Amusement Park Period: March 28 (Sat)–April 6 (Mon) (scheduled) Parking: Available (free) 5. Rokaku Plum Garden Flower Festival This is the earliest flower festival in the Hokushin Region. The Genghis Khan barbecue area is very popular every year! Venue: Rokaku Plum Garden Period: March 28 (Sat) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, March 29 (Sun) 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Parking: Available (free), 100 spaces #Event #Sakura #Light-up #Nagano City #Nagano Sightseeing

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we have presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses located in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support this contest. (In no particular order) This time, we introduce Fugetsudo Confectionery‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi shares fun and delicious information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Fugetsudo Confectionery for supporting this event🙇❣️ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Aerial footage over Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture March 2026 ※Model has given permission ※Confirmed with the management office ※Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Notification of the flight plan and creation of a flight log

🌸🌸Spring Kushiro Sightseeing Bus Tour [Cherry Blossom Edition]🌸🌸 We are now accepting participants for a bus tour that visits Kushiro’s native double-flowered cherry, Kushiro-yae. ☺ Kushiro-yae is a double-flowered variety selected by Rokuro Inazawa, a landscaper who worked in Kushiro City, and it was registered as a cultivar in 1981. Its petals layer upon one another in many folds, giving it an exceptionally charming appearance. The tour visits notable cherry-viewing spots around the city, and participants will eat an original tour bento at Yanagimachi Park, the venue for the Kushiro Cherry Blossom Festival. As the final stop of the cherry blossom front, enjoy Kushiro-yae here in Michihigashi Kushiro. ✨ Date and time: May 16 (Sat) 9:00–13:00 Capacity: 30 people Participation fee: ¥6,500 (tax included) *Please pay in cash on the day. ・Children pay the same price Meeting point: kks convention center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) Assemble at 8:50 For more details and to apply, please check the link in our profile ^ ^

A radiant morning on the Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road. It was delicious 😋 Kasamatsu Kawazu-zakura Road, Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO March 3, 2026

Wandering Traveler🚙 Mie Prefecture is full of wonderful places🥰 Inabe City Plum Grove Park This view 🤩 perfect for spring 🌸 a lovely spot You can experience a magical, delightful world here. It was a magnificent plum garden🥰 Photo taken on 2026.03.09

Mirai Towers and Kawazu cherry blossoms I photographed Mirai Towers (formerly the TV Tower) together with Kawazu cherry blossoms in Central Park in Sakae, Nagoya. March 2026

It's finally Saturday tomorrow📺❣️ 📢Program Broadcast Announcement📢 The finale of Teshikaga town features will air on STV Sapporo Television Broadcasting's Dosanko WEEKEND on Saturday, March 14, starting at 9:25 AM👀✨ Last week's first episode about Teshikaga showed the miraculously clear view of Lake Mashu, let visitors enjoy hot springs and footbaths, and savor delicious Mashu Wagyu… among many other wonderful highlights🍦🧚🏻‍♀️ We can't wait to see what the finale brings this weekend❣️Please be sure to tune in‼︎