We visited Ogijima, an island with nature and art in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, as a family and took a walk to the edge of the island (the walking ark). It was a hot day, making the walk challenging, but we had a great time.

Meeting after the sea, a special day spent at the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri 🎋 About an hour by train from Tokyo. In Hiratsuka, located in Kanagawa Prefecture's Shonan area, the entire town is adorned with colorful Tanabata decorations every summer. "Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri." Known as one of Japan's three major Tanabata festivals, it is a summer tradition. Gigantic Tanabata decorations fill the streets. People in yukata. The summer town shifts from dusk to night. A nostalgic atmosphere flows, reminiscent of a scene from a movie. However, the charm of Hiratsuka is not just the festival. Close by, there is a beautiful sea. The crystal-clear blue sea, unlike anything you'd expect near Tokyo. Colorful fish swim around. Soft corals sway gently. In the morning, dive into the sea world. And in the evening, immerse yourself in a Japanese summer festival. This is the allure of the Shonan area, where you can spend such a special day. Diving is not just about entering the sea. It's about feeling the local atmosphere, walking through the town, meeting people, and experiencing Japan's seasons. The time spent after the sea also becomes an important part of the journey's memories. This year's "Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri" is scheduled to be held from July 3rd to 5th. Discover another Japan that you won't find just by sightseeing in Tokyo. Experience the summer of Japan that unfolds beyond the sea. 🌈At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer small-group diving tours in the seas near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are also welcome. English support is available. We hope you enjoy not only the sea but also a special day spent in Japan. 【Related Keywords】 Diving near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Shonan Diving / Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri / Tokyo Day Trip / Hidden Japan / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Summer Festival / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri Photo provided by the Hiratsuka City Tourism Association.

Hakusan River Fireflies ❚ Status of Fireflies as of May 29, 2026 Every year, many visitors come to Hakusan River to see the fireflies. Fireflies are flying around Hakusan River. They can also be seen near the Inazumi Water Cave and Hoge Rock. They are expected to be at their best from this weekend into next week. Since low temperatures can lead to fewer fireflies, it's a good idea to aim for temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. 【Location】Mie Town, Bungoono City ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

At the end of the gently winding path, a view that seems to connect with the sky unfolds at Mt. Oomuro. Each step taken while holding hands feels as if you are getting closer to the sky. It is a hidden gem of breathtaking scenery that is still not widely known, where your heart can truly unwind.

In the corridor of Aobayuen, seasonal flowers trapped in transparent spheres shimmer under the summer light. A moment where I couldn't help but stop my feet in front of the colorful world that unfolds above. This captures the fantastical "hidden summer scenery" that exists right beside our everyday lives.

Hirasawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is a quiet sea in Japan that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. From late spring to early summer, a special scenery appears in this sea. A forest of seaweed extending to the water's surface. A gently swaying green world. Soft light filtering through. It feels as if a forest is spreading underwater. As you quietly swim between the seaweeds, small blue fish appear. In the shadows of the rocks, small lives grow in the spring sea. These seaweed areas are called "moba" in Japan. They are important places where many fish and marine creatures live. From spring to early summer, it is also the spawning season for the bigfin reef squid. The changing scenery of the sea with each season is one of the charms of Japan's waters. The sea of Hirasawa is a bit different from the tropical seas of Okinawa. It lacks flamboyance. However, it possesses a quiet beauty. Light filtering through the seaweed. A time when only the sound of waves can be heard. The slowly flowing underwater scenery. You can feel the gentle air typical of Japan's nature. At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer guidance centered around the sea of Kanagawa and Izu, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from the Tokyo area. With a small group, even beginners can feel at ease. English support is also available. Experience the time of Japan's sea that cannot be encountered just by visiting tourist spots. It is recommended for those looking for "an experience in Japan that is more than just diving." Related Keywords: Hirasawa Diving / Nishi-Izu Diving / Izu Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

The large-flowered trillium at Fureai Forest, a nature park in Bansei, is currently in full bloom! You can see the large-flowered trillium flourishing in the Fureai Forest along the way to Horokayanto from Bansei Onsen. Be sure to visit this beautiful natural flower field to experience the beauty of spring! For tourist information about Taiki Town, click here! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

A short train ride from Tokyo leads you to a peaceful seaside experience. This time, I visited Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a popular beach for day trips near Tokyo. The previous day was closed due to strong winds. Excited to see how the sea has changed, I headed to Zushi in the morning. Upon entry, a clear blue underwater world awaited. Countless damselfish. Sardines and mackerel swimming while reflecting the light. Schools of fish filled the water. The scenery was unlike anything you'd expect near Tokyo. But the charm of Zushi's sea doesn't stop there. Looking down a bit reveals a small world beginning. A goby hiding in the rocks. Colorful sea slugs. As I searched slowly, new discoveries came one after another. What impressed me most was the moment I saw a Sagami ryugu sea slug riding on a scorpion fish. Just a few seconds of a small event. Yet, such serendipitous scenes remain as memories of the sea. Time spent observing the schools of fish. Time spent looking for small creatures. In the same sea, you can enjoy completely different experiences. That's the allure of Zushi's sea. After diving, I had lunch at a local diner. The calm air after returning from the sea is one of the joys of traveling in Japan. A glimpse of another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo. A tranquil world by the sea, right near the city. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. Why not experience a "day by the sea" during your trip to Japan? 【Related Keywords】 Tokyo Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Zushi Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Hirasawa, located along the coast of Nishi-Izu. A few hours from Tokyo. Here, time flows completely differently from the city. In the morning, the road leads to the sea. A blue sky. The calm Suruga Bay. The summer air. This day was for OW, AOW, and Assistant Instructor courses. Some are nervous about their first time in the sea. Others are moving on to the next step. Some are learning to support others. Each enters the same sea with different purposes. Underwater, it is quiet. Swaying seaweed. Light slowly filtering through. A world where only the sound of bubbles can be heard. The sea at Hirasawa has a beauty that is a bit different from flashiness. Clear water. Gentle currents. Time spent slowly regulating one's breath. Even for those diving for the first time, it's a place where you can gradually get used to the sea. At Hokulea Shonan, tours and courses are conducted in small groups. Enjoying the sea at your own pace, without rushing. That is the style that is cherished in this place. After diving. Everyone stopped by Mentai Park. Local food after seeing the sea. Time to choose souvenirs. Scenery along the coast while driving. Such moments are also part of the journey in Japan. Japan is not just about visiting famous tourist spots. The road to the sea. Local towns. Small diving shops. Scenery that can only be seen that day. Nishi-Izu has such quiet charm. For those wanting to spend a slightly special day near Tokyo. Time spent in the sea of Japan will surely remain in your travel memories. #Hirasawa #Izu Trip #Day Trip #Near Tokyo #PADI

Crimson clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Although the evacuation order was lifted temporarily due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating crimson clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland will be restored. As a result, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread gradually on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. The Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village are collaborating to set up three photo spots with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to make it a highlight for tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of crimson clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to check them out next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "sofa."

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to recover. Then, photos of the vast red fields gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media coverage. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but please come next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "swing."

Crimson Clover in Katsuraomura, Fukushima Prefecture Although the evacuation order due to the nuclear accident has been lifted temporarily, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the damaged farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to be restored. Soon, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread on social media, and this initiative was featured in the media as well. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsuraomura collaborated to set up three photo spots with the cooperation of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three spots and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsuraomura. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is titled 'Piano.'

Mojiko First Ship Dock The sun tilting over the strait and Shinsui Hiroba Photo taken on: May 16, 2026 Equipment: SONY α7II + Sigma 20–200mm Sunlight filtering through the Blue Wing in the Mojiko Retro Area The time when Shinsui Hiroba at the First Ship Dock is dyed in the sunset Mojiko, more people are coming to capture the sunset At the end of the last century, just when the retro project was starting, I used to wonder, "Why doesn’t everyone take pictures of the sunset here?"

Yokeno Entei This is a stone and concrete sediment control dam located in the upper reaches of the Shigenobu River. Constructed in 1935, it is made entirely from stones sourced from the islands of Setouchi. In spring, the collaboration of cherry blossoms and stone masonry is beautiful, and around Golden Week, a local event called "Shigenobu River Koinobori Hanging" takes place, attracting many visitors. The prefectural direct-operated project began construction in 1932. A secondary dam, measuring 92 meters in length, was built downstream of the primary dam, which is 115 meters long, with both featuring a surface made of granite. The excellent condition of the remaining structure showcases the advanced construction techniques of the time. It has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property by the national government.

Saragamine The Saragamine hiking trail is popular for its lush paths and the colorful flowers that change with the seasons, offering various scenic views. Among them, the "Ryūjin-daira" that unfolds before you halfway up the mountain is a must-see. A gentle and vast wetland stretches out ahead, leaving first-time visitors amazed, thinking, "I can't believe such a view is so close by..." From Ryūjin-daira, you pass through a beech virgin forest to reach the summit. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kumakogen town (to the south). While multiple routes exist, the one from the wind hole trailhead at Kamihayashi Forest Park in Toon City is the most popular.

The Hokkaido East Trail has started this season! The Hokkaido East Trail is a long trail of approximately 410 km connecting Kushiro and Rausu. Why not take a walk while enjoying the scenery of Eastern Hokkaido? For more details, please check the latest information on the Hokkaido East Trail's website and social media.🚶‍♂️⛰️ https://www.facebook.com/dototrail/... https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/atosanupuri_trekking_tour/...

The view of the fishing port seen from Armor Station in Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, was breathtakingly beautiful.

A special season unique to spring has begun at Enoura in Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour from Tokyo. During this time, you can witness the "spawning of the Japanese common squid" in the waters of Japan. Usually drifting quietly in the sea, the squids begin to gather in shallow waters for spawning as spring arrives. Underwater, a unique tension and a quiet presence of life spread throughout. Divers can observe the squids heading to their spawning grounds and the eggs laid on branches up close. Spawning has just begun. Over the next few weeks, small lives will develop within the eggs. In a few weeks, you will also be able to see tiny baby squids swimming inside the eggs. Watching underwater feels like peeking into a small story within the sea. Moreover, this scenery can only be seen during the short period of spring. It's not at an aquarium, not in a video, but a seasonal landscape you can experience in the actual waters of Japan. On this day, we encountered clownfish, sea slugs, and even "underwater Doraemon." It's another side of Japan that you won't find just by visiting Tokyo or Kyoto. A day spent at the sea, a little away from the city, will surely become a special travel memory. Enoura is a diving area that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours suitable for beginners. They also provide English support, making it popular among travelers from abroad and foreign residents in Japan. Come to the spring-only waters of Japan. Why not go see the quiet drama of life? 📍 Enoura (Kanagawa Prefecture) 🚃 Day trip possible from Tokyo 🤿 Small group tours with English support #Near Tokyo #Day trip #Extraordinary experience #Japanese common squid #Squid spawning

In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Create special memories with your family near Tokyo 🤿☀️ This time, we visited Usami in Higashi-Izu. It's a seaside area in Japan that you can access from Tokyo in a day. In the morning, we departed the city, heading towards Izu while enjoying the coastal scenery. The landscape gradually changes. Time flows slowly. Just that alone allows you to feel a different side of Japan compared to Tokyo. On this day, we participated in a PADI Open Water Diver course as a family. At first, they seemed a bit nervous, but once they entered the water, smiles began to appear. Seeing the same ocean, watching the same fish, and being moved by the same scenery. Diving offers such special moments. The waters of Higashi-Izu are a popular diving area for international guests as well. The scenery changes with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy schools of fish and the serene blue underwater world. "I can't believe there's such a sea near Tokyo." It's not uncommon to hear such remarks from first-time international visitors. Obtaining a diving license is not just about getting a qualification. It's about challenging yourself to enter a new world together. It's about spending the same time in Japan's waters. That experience itself will remain as a memory of the journey. It's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by visiting tourist spots. That is the charm of "Dive Near Tokyo." At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer small-group beginner-friendly diving tours and license courses. We can accommodate English speakers, making it a great option for international travelers and foreigners living in Japan. Why not spend a slightly special day during your trip to Tokyo?

There is a spring when window frames become paintings. The Kyoto Prefectural Office Former Main Building, located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, is an important cultural property built in 1904. Compared to Gion and Arashiyama, it attracts fewer visitors, making it a hidden gem where you can quietly savor the true depth of Kyoto. Every spring, the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival is held, where magnificent weeping cherry trees bloom in the courtyard surrounded by Meiji-era Western-style architecture. The view of the cherry blossoms and the courtyard through the old wooden windows creates a composition that resembles a painting, offering a special spring experience unique to this place. Despite being an active government building, it is free to visit, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious collaboration of historical architecture and cherry blossoms. This is a place that those tired of the usual Kyoto sightseeing spots should definitely visit. 85-3 Yabunouchi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Is there really such a different world in Nagoya? Yokisō, located in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, is a villa garden built by Jirozaemon Itō, the first president of Matsuzakaya, during the Taisho to Showa periods. Surprisingly little known even among locals, it is a hidden gem favored by connoisseurs. The vermilion bridge spanning the pond, the charming wooden corridor, and the autumn scenery with vibrant maple leaves reflecting on the water create a beauty reminiscent of Kyoto's famous gardens. The tranquil space enveloped in shades of green, yellow, and red allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission is free, making it easy to visit, and it remains uncrowded even during the autumn foliage season. Be sure to enjoy this hidden Japanese garden, the best in Nagoya. 2-5-17 Hōō-chō, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

Is this Nagoya? It’s a corridor from another world that makes you do a double take. The Nagoya City Archives, located in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, is an important cultural property built in 1922 in the Neo-Baroque style. Compared to Nagoya Castle and Sakae, it has fewer tourists, making it a hidden architectural gem where you can take your time exploring. Upon entering the building, you are greeted by an elegant marble staircase, stained glass, and arched windows that create a majestic space, making you feel as if you've wandered into a European palace. Its overwhelming beauty has made it a popular filming location for dramas and movies. The fact that admission is free and you can easily drop by is another delightful point. You can discover a new side of Nagoya. 3-1 Shirakabe 1-chome, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

This sky is unique to this place. Located in the northern part of Mie Prefecture, Inabe City is a nature-rich agricultural town overlooking the Suzuka Mountains. From late September to early October each year, the vast fields are blanketed with white buckwheat flowers in full bloom. During sunset, the dramatic sky is dyed in shades of crimson, creating a fantastical scene where the silhouette of flower fields stretches to the horizon against the backdrop of the mountains, resembling a painting. It is precisely because of the unspoiled rural landscape that one can experience this overwhelming sense of scale and tranquility. With easy access, just about an hour's drive from Nagoya, be sure to visit with your camera in hand to seek out this hidden gem of a view. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, Inabe Town.

A sunflower field in the city center, encountered right in front of the station. Located just next to Nagoya Station, the Dai Nagoya Building hosts a stunning sunflower field every summer, a hidden gem known to those in the know amidst the towering skyscrapers of the downtown area. The golden rows of sunflowers create a unique contrast with the modern glass buildings, offering a one-of-a-kind view that is distinctly Nagoya. Even passersby can't help but stop in their tracks, amazed that such a floral spectacle can be enjoyed right in front of the station without needing to travel far. During the event period, admission is free, making it an attractive stop to visit while shopping or having lunch. This is a delightful spot to quietly add to your summer sightseeing in Nagoya. 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

In Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, the sea is home to some of the largest schools of fish in Japan.🐟 It takes about 40 minutes by car from Hiratsuka, where Hokulea Shonan is located. This popular boat diving area can even be visited on a day trip from Tokyo.🚗 On the way to the sea, you can enjoy a small cruise while taking in views of Enoshima and Mt. Fuji.🛳️ Once you arrive at the dive site and enter the water, you'll be greeted by an overwhelming number of red sea bream. At first, it may look like the water is murky. But as you get closer, you'll realize it's all a school of fish. Countless small fish fill the water. More and more schools of fish continue to appear. It's a mysterious sight, as if the underwater world itself is alive.✨ The density of fish is astonishing, making it hard to believe you're underwater. Divers who see this view for the first time often gasp in amazement. There are still special seas near Tokyo that are not widely known.🇯🇵 This is another aspect of Japan that you won't encounter through tourism alone. In the tranquil sea, you can feel the energy of nature all around you. Hokulea Shonan offers small group diving tours centered around the Shonan and Izu areas. They also provide beginner-friendly tours and English-speaking diving support.🌊 #Tokyo Area #Nature Experience #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery

On a summer night, lanterns sway in the fiery sky. Tokugawa Garden, located in Higashi-ku, Nagoya City, is an authentic Japanese garden associated with the Owari Tokugawa family. Unlike Nagoya Castle, which attracts many tourists, this hidden gem allows you to leisurely enjoy the seasonal scenery. The Floating Lanterns event, held every year during the Obon period, is especially a must-see. Against the backdrop of a blazing sunset gradient, the sight of numerous white lanterns floating on the tranquil surface of the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. The weeping willows and green pines are fantastically illuminated, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that feels far removed from the city. Be sure to visit for a special summer memory.

In the purple tunnel, you forget the time. Tennogawa Park in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is cherished locally as a famous spot for wisteria, yet it remains a hidden gem with modest national recognition. From late April to early May each year, the massive wisteria trellises that cover the area are nothing short of breathtaking. Clusters of pink, purple, and white flowers hang down like waterfalls, creating a fantastical space that feels like stepping into another world. The nighttime illumination reveals a different, ethereal, and glamorous expression compared to the daytime. The free admission is also a delightful point, and it's conveniently accessible, taking about 40 minutes by train from Nagoya. 1 Miyagawa-cho, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture.

Discover a hidden gem in Nagoya. Quietly standing in the heart of Nagoya is Ueno Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. While well-known among locals, it remains an off-the-beaten-path spot for tourists. The impressive bronze statue of the reclining cow in the shrine grounds is a stunning sight. In front of it, colorful omikuji dolls in red, yellow, and green are neatly arranged, exuding a cuteness that makes you want to take a photo. The contrast between the vermilion shrine and the clear blue sky is beautiful, and aside from the exam season, you can visit peacefully with fewer people around. If you're tired of the usual tourist spots in Nagoya, make sure to stop by. 3-40-2 Uchiyama 3-chome, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

At the foot of Mount Fuji lies Lake Motosu. 🗻 Located in Yamanashi Prefecture at an elevation of about 900 meters, Lake Motosu is a rare freshwater diving spot in Japan. The water in the lake is highly transparent, revealing a serene blue world. 💧 Underwater, you can see fantastical landscapes formed by the eruptions of Mount Fuji, volcanic ash accumulating on the lakebed, and large sunken trees. In some places, spring water flowing from Mount Fuji emerges from the lakebed. It offers a tranquility completely different from the sea. This is a special underwater world connected to the history of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji. Just a short distance from Tokyo, you can discover landscapes of Japan that you won't encounter through typical tourism. 🇯🇵 Hokulea Shonan offers small-group diving tours in lakes around Mount Fuji and the seas near Tokyo. 🌊 A tour of Lake Motosu is also scheduled for August 9-10, 2026. Be sure to experience the tranquil blue world at the foot of Mount Fuji. ✨ #Near Tokyo #Nature Experience #Lake Diving #Day Trip #Local Travel #Japanese Scenery