In Azumino, the "soba flowers" are blooming
They are blossoming like a white carpet
The locations are in front of Azumino Mirai Farm and around HAMA Flower Park 😄

🚌 Announcement of Bus Tour 🚌
"Regional Co-Creation Infrastructure Tour (Konsen Dairy Edition)"
A day trip bus tour to learn about the Konsen region, which supports Japan's dairy farming!
We will trace the journey of a single milk bottle, from the transportation and storage of imported livestock feed in the Kushiro-Nemuro region to raw milk production, processing, and transportation outside the region.
Kushiro Port is the only place in Hokkaido where you can see the Roll-on Roll-off ship "Hokuren Maru" up close.
We hope you will join us! ☺

*August 5 (Wednesday)
Capacity: 15 people (minimum number of participants: 12 people)
Fee: 9,500 yen per person (including tax)

9:00 Departure from KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center)
Kushiro Port West Port Area 2nd Wharf International Logistics Terminal→Mitsuwa Unyu Co., Ltd. Feed Ingredient Storage Facility→Akan Agricultural Cooperative Kushiro TMR Center→National Emergency Agricultural Land Reorganization and Improvement Project, Akan District→Yamahana Onsen Refure (Shokado Bento)→Jinsei Farm Ranch→Yotsuba Dairy Co., Ltd. Kōsen Factory→Hokuren Maru→Dissolution at KKS Convention Center

For more details and to apply, please visit the following URL.
Kushiro and Akan Lake Tourism Official Site
https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19525/

The broadcast of "In the Town Where Forget-Me-Nots Bloom - Azumino Medical Record" will start on June 28th (Sunday) at 10 PM on NHK BS.
This story is set in Azumino!
So, I went to look for forget-me-nots.😄
The location is the Yūsui Tansaku Road, which is on the northern side of Village Azumino.
Here, I found the Myosotis scorpioides blooming!

Taken on June 11, 2014.
This is the flower water offering from Hara Florist.

Taken on June 11, 26.
These are the wind chimes at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine's office.
May everyone's wishes come true.

Introducing the Hands-Free Rental Bicycle Service🚲🚲

Leave your large luggage at the airport shuttle bus and set off light on your bicycle🎵

With a bicycle, you can enjoy beautiful scenery that is too far to walk or easily missed by car😊

As you casually stop by enticing places, you can fully experience the local atmosphere through the scents of the wind and air😍

While pedaling freely, you may discover special sights that you wouldn't encounter on a car or walking trip🎶🎶

Make sure to enjoy the overwhelming vastness and stunning landscapes unique to Tokachi🤗

We offer a range of options including "electric bicycles" for beginners and those lacking confidence, as well as "cross bikes" for smooth rides, and professional "road bikes" or "mountain bikes"🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️
Choose according to your riding experience and preferred style❗️

🔶Usage Period: June 1, 2026 (Monday) to November 1, 2026 (Sunday)
🔶Service Route: Tokachi Obihiro Airport ⇔ Obihiro Station Bus Terminal
🔶Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🔷Important Notes
The hands-free rental bicycle service is available only to customers using the rental bicycles and is completely reservation-based.
*The service will be suspended during the Obon period and Silver Week due to airport congestion.

🔷Reservations and Inquiries
📍Departing from Tokachi Obihiro Airport
ANDOOR TEL: 0155-66-5894 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

📍Departing from Obihiro Station
ECO Bus Center Rikuru TEL: 0155-23-5920 (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)

https://andoor.jp/%e6%89%8b%e3%81%b6%e3%82%89%e3%83%ac%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf%e3%82%b5%e3%82%a4%e3%82%af%e3%83%ab-2/

Introduction to Tsuba from Wakeido

Item Number E380612

Title Kabu Sukashi Tsuba

Sign Mumei Yagyu

Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu

Size Length 68mm Width 62mm Thickness 5.5mm

Period First to middle of Edo

School Yagyu

Description
Yagyu Tsuba is said to have been produced under the guidance of Yagyu Ren'ya Saiken, who served as the instructor to Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain. It is said that only those who were taught the essence of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu received this tsuba, making it highly sought after by samurai of the Owari domain during the Edo period. The motifs often suggest martial arts, and the shape is slightly smaller with a thicker layering. The iron texture tends to be somewhat rough, featuring angular ears with patterned iron bones. This piece is also compact with thick layering, displaying layers at the ears, exemplifying the typical Yagyu Tsuba.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido

Item Number: T380603

Title: Musashino zu sukashi Tsuba

Signature: Mumei, 2nd Akasaka Tadamasa

Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Special Important Sword Fittings

Dimensions: Length 80mm, Width 78mm, Thickness 5.5mm

Period: Early Edo

Description
Akasaka Tsuba craftsmen are said to have migrated from Kyoto in the early Edo period, and the name comes from their settlement in Akasaka, Edo. They are renowned as iron tsuba craftsmen alongside those from Kyoto, Owari, and Higo, with all of the top three generations in early Edo being unsigned.
This piece is attributed to the 2nd Akasaka Tadamasa, featuring a design of thick blades of susuki (pampas grass) adorned with dew and a moon, known as the Musashino design. The round shape is crafted with susuki and dew as openwork, and a crescent moon is intricately depicted on the left edge, showcasing a masterful composition of yin and yang, with a refined carving that avoids unnecessary bulk. The ironwork and rust color are excellent, and the pointed thickness at the top and the small size of the kogai hole stand out against the larger size of the other holes. The layering of iron, said to be three layers, is also well represented in the ears, highlighting the characteristics of ancient Akasaka. Important designated pieces from ancient Akasaka are scarce and precious.

On June 11th, Azumino is clear and sunny.
Mt. Ariake, also known as Shinano Fuji, offers a beautiful view.
It's a town that makes you love the morning. 😊

Introduction of the Wakizashi from Wakedo

Model Number: W380610

Inscription: Mumei Yoshioka Ichimonji
Sign: Mumei Yoshioka Ichimonji

Certification: Japan Sword Preservation Association, Important Sword
Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken

Dimensions: Blade length 1 shaku 5 sun 8 bu (47.9 cm), Curvature 1.2 cm, 3 Mekugi holes, 2 filled, Width at the base 2.9 mm, Width at the tip 2.55 mm
Size: Blade length 47.9 cm, Curvature 1.2 cm, Mekugi 3 Hole

Country: Bizen Province
Country: Bizen

Period: Nanbokuchyo
Period: Nanbokuchyo

Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, Anmune, Wide body with a delicate tip. Shallow curvature

Forging: Well-textured itame, flowing grain, with a lively appearance.

Hamon: Choji midare, vibrant, with gunome, pointed edge, and small downward curves, with lively ashi and ha. The nioi-guchi is tight.

Boshi: Irregular, slightly returning in a yakitsume style.

Nakago: O-suriage, Kurijiri tip, with a file mark at an angle.

Shirasaya: Yes

Description
This wakizashi is attributed to the Yoshioka Ichimonji school from the Nanbokuchyo period. Its wide body and delicate tip construction are characteristic of this era. The lively hada with a flowing appearance and the choji midare with gunome and pointed edges showcase the features of this school. Both the ji and ha are in good condition and well-crafted.

【Announcement】 Event Information♪
🦁Lions Charity Festival 2026✨

On June 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday),
it will be held at Iwanai Michi-no-Eki Front Event Square😊

📅June 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday)
⏰11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
📍Iwanai Michi-no-Eki Front Event Square

Iwanai Lions Club Beer Garden🍻 and
Iwanai Station Cheerleading Team will liven up the venue!

And every day at 6:00 PM…
🎁We will hold a bingo and lottery with fabulous prizes!

Join with your family and friends,
enjoy delicious food and drinks,
and have a wonderful time together✨

We look forward to your visit♪

*For more details, please refer to the flyer.

Taken on June 6, 2014.
This is a yo-yo fortune at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🪀

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for June📣
Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in June♪
👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀
❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes for sale. The famous "Ninoya" will also have a stall with its delicious ikinari dango!
You can also enjoy a pack-your-own deal with Amakusa Bankan and small onions!
We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨

【Items for Sale】
・Amakusa Bankan (pack-your-own)
・Okra
・Rice🌾
・Side Dishes
・Pumpkin
・Cucumber🥒
・Bitter Melon
・Potato🥔
・Small Onion (pack-your-own)
・Dekopon
・Corn🌽
・Eggplant🍆
・Flower Grass
・Bread
・Beets
・Bell Pepper🫑
・Botamochi
・Mini Tomatoes
・Molokhia

🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔
Reihoku Sunset Marche
【Date: June 14th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM
【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)

Photographed on June 6, 2014.
This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on June 6, 2014.
This is the flower water ritual at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

【Perfect Day for Unoko Falls☀️】

Today (June 10th) brings a rare sunny break!
In the morning, the sunlight was soft, and a refreshing breeze created a pleasant climate 😌🌿

With the rain up until yesterday, the water volume at Unoko Falls is expected to be impressive, right? So, I went to capture it 📸✨

Just as anticipated! I was able to see the breathtaking Unoko Falls 😆💕

The beautiful sunlight sparkled on the water spray and the dancing leaves, creating a truly mystical atmosphere 👏

Taken on June 6, 2014.
This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on June 5, 26.
This is LEC COFFEE's coffee jelly and an iced black latte.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Otaru, Hokkaido, stands the remarkable Sea Lion Rock, a lesser-known gem that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. In winter, the surrounding waters become a gathering place for hundreds of Steller sea lions, creating a spectacular wildlife scene against the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan. As the seasons change, summer brings flocks of black-tailed gulls that fill the skies and cliffs with life.
Rising behind this iconic rock formation is the striking red-and-white Shukutsu Observatory, visible prominently above the coastline and extending toward the vast Sea of Japan. Together, the observatory, the wildlife, and the rugged seascape create a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of northern Japan's natural beauty.
While Otaru is often celebrated for its canals and historic streets, this hidden coastal viewpoint offers a different perspective—one where nature, history, and scenery converge.

[June 9]
We have updated the hydrangea blooming status💠✨
Currently, they are 50% in bloom, but they will soon reach their peak!

We are featuring the current state of the garden and the latest blooming status on our blog🫧
Please take a look for your outing reference.
https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260609

Taken on June 5, 2014.
This is the coffee jelly from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on June 5, 26.
This is a hot sandwich set from LEC COFFEE.
It includes a hot sandwich with egg, bacon, and lettuce, a salad, and a chilled soup made with new onions.

Introducing Rental Bicycles 🚲🚲

At the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, we offer rental bicycles called "Peachari" for convenient travel and sightseeing within the village 😊
Choose between two types of bicycles: "regular bicycles" and "electric bicycles," based on your physical strength‼️
The popular tourist spot "Rokka no Mori" is about 1 km from the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, which takes approximately 5 minutes by bicycle 🎵
Why not use the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai as your base and explore the village by bicycle for unforgettable memories?

To apply, please visit the general information desk located in the "Country Plaza" at the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai 🤗

🔶Rental Period: From Friday, April 24 to Sunday, October 25

🔶Rental Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🔶Rates
●Regular Bicycle: 200 yen for 4 hours
●Electric Bicycle: 200 yen for 2 hours

🔶Access
🚗About 40 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, and about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport 🚗
🚌About 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station (nearest stop: get off at Roadside Station Nakazatsunai)

*Important Notes
📍Rental bicycles are not available for advance reservations. Thank you for your understanding.
📍The use of Peachari is restricted to within the village.
📍Please return by 5:00 PM.

🔶Contact Information
Nakazatsunai Village Tourism Association TEL 0155-68-3390 (8:30 AM to 5:15 PM)

https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/

Dining inside the hangar is an irresistible experience for airplane enthusiasts.
The recommended omurice is a type of "Japanese Western cuisine" that originated in Japan and is now one of the elements of Cool Japan spreading worldwide.
Although there are gates and security checks, the surprisingly low crowd inside, thanks to this "high threshold," made it a true hidden gem.
Anyone can enter (no need to board a flight).
The location is Chofu Airport in Tokyo.

Photographed on June 5, 26.
I took a stroll in Kawagoe.
This is bitter cream coffee and blueberry rare cheesecake. I reunited with someone I used to work with at Hon-Kawagoe Pepe, and it filled me with warmth after a long time.

Taken on June 4, 26.
These are the kakigori (shaved ice) fortune and watermelon fortune at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🍧🍉

Umekita Plaza at Grand Green Osaka

As you step into Umekita Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the "large roof" designed by the architectural unit SANAA. It envelops the space with three soft curves spanning 120 meters from north to south, beneath which lies a complex facility featuring the information dissemination center "PLAT UMEKITA," along with cafes and large event spaces. Surrounding it is the spiral staircase "Gate Lantern," which serves as a guiding light for people at night.
The plants in the park are primarily selected from those native to the Uemachi Plateau in Osaka, evoking the city's history and culture. Trees that change color in autumn, such as cherry blossoms, maple trees, and katsura, along with flowers like azaleas and camellias, showcase the beauty of Japanese nature throughout the seasons. Why not take a leisurely stroll in the park, where the scenery changes with the seasons?

You wouldn't believe that this is in the middle of the city
There were hydrangeas blooming...
It's a nice plaza filled with greenery in Umeda, Osaka...
A great place has been created in the city center 😊😊😊.

Taken on June 6, 26.
These are the hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.
They look like 🩷.

Taken on June 6, 2014.
I visited Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.
This is the wind chime at the fortune slip distribution office. 🎐

【A Summer Retreat Behind the Hotel】
You can feel the temperature rising significantly,
and the hot summer is approaching.

It's a relief that the morning and evening breezes are still cool.🎐🍃

For those who want to enjoy a refreshing atmosphere,
Kourakuen, a pure Japanese garden behind Hotel Morimu, is highly recommended.

The spring foliage and azaleas stand out beautifully against the greenery.

The white flowers are called Asebi.
Written in kanji, it is 「馬酔木」.

The leaves are toxic, and horses that eat them can become numb in their legs and have difficulty walking. This is how it got the name Asebi.

The gazebo within the garden is perfect for potluck picnics or leisurely tea time.

The sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and the chirping of little birds will soothe your ears.