Season for outings ☀ Drive spot feature ✨ 1. Alps Tenbo Hiroba Yume no Eki With the remaining snow of the Northern Alps in the background, fields of rapeseed bloom profusely, while about 100 koi nobori (carp streamers) swim overhead. 【Best viewing period】Late April to early May 【Location】Nagano City, Nakajo Miyamasa 【Parking】Available 2. Oyachi Marsh At Oyachi Marsh, located along the Shinanoji Nature Trail, you can enjoy not only skunk cabbage but also the yellow flowers of the buttercup family, called ryukin-ka. 【Best viewing period】Early May to mid-May 【Location】Ageya, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 3. Okususobana Nature Garden *Scheduled to open on April 25 (Saturday) Known for its clusters of skunk cabbage, in early May, the wetland with 810,000 skunk cabbages sparkles with the melting snow. 【Skunk cabbage best viewing period】Early May to late May 【Location】16943-4, Kinasa, Nagano City (Okususobana Dam) 【Parking】Available (300 cars, 25 large buses) 【Fees】410 yen for middle school students and above (310 yen for groups of 20 or more) From June 1, 200 yen for middle school students and above (150 yen for groups of 20 or more) *A shuttle bus is planned to run between the Okususobana Nature Garden Visitor Center and the entrance to the nature garden. 【Operating period】April 29 (Wednesday, national holiday) to May 20 (Wednesday) 【Closed days】May 12 (Tuesday) and May 19 (Tuesday) 【One-way fare】600 yen (including tax) for middle school students and above 【Operating hours】Approximately 9:30 to 13:30 (may change depending on weather) *Tentative 【Interval】Approximately every 30 to 40 minutes *The number of users may cause fluctuations. 4. Daibō Pass This pass offers a view of the distant Northern Alps and the legendary Ichiyama, said to have been created by a demon in one night, as well as the nature of the hidden area of Kinasa. It is also a recommended spot for autumn foliage. 【Location】Daibō Pass, Kinasa, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (approximately 5 cars) 5. Toyono Tsutsuji-yama Park With flowers over 100 years old blooming riotously, it is said to be the best flowering site in northern Nagano Prefecture. 【Best viewing period】Early May 【Location】Kawatani, Toyono-machi, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (approximately 30 cars) 6. Jizukiyama Park The view from Nagano City to Shiga Kogen is superb, featuring an observation deck, a roller slide, and athletic play equipment. 【Location】3024-1 Kamimatsu, Nagano City 【Parking】Available (73 spaces, 71 for regular cars and 2 for disabled, large vehicle parking available) 【Opening period】April 1 to November 23 (closed in winter and at night) 【Opening hours】April to May (8:30 to 16:30) June to August (8:30 to 18:30) September to November 23 (8:30 to 16:30) #Drive #Flowers #Scenic views #Nagano City #Nagano tourism

On April 17, 2026, the Lake Mashu Safety Prayer Festival was held at Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, and at the same time, the drive course connecting Lake Mashu First Observatory and Mt. Io, known as the Mashu Lake Mount Io Sky Road, was opened 🚙🐾 At Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace, flags, as shown in the photos, are also on sale 🚩 The season has arrived to enjoy Lake Mashu visible from the Third Observatory ✨ We invite you to visit us at least once. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/masyuresthouse/...

[All About Gokasecho in Spring 🌸] Here are some photos of Gokasecho in full bloom 📷 Rhododendrons, weeping cherry blossoms, and Akebono azaleas were in full bloom! Please feel free to submit your photos for Gokase Hanami 2026!

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The award-winning works of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and each winner has received a prize. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses 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 would like to introduce 'Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)'! 📝 Teshikaga Navi contains a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you to 'Teshikaga Town Lab (Teshikaga Marche)' for your support of this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the 'Teshikaga Photo Contest' and 'Teshikaga Navi'.

Located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Arakurayama Sengen Park💁 The five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms standing in the morning mist, along with Mount Fuji, truly represent Japan's original landscape. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸🗻

【Notice of Winter Road Closures and Reopenings】 This is a notice regarding winter road closures and reopenings. The following roads in the Mashu Area will be reopened for winter traffic starting from the dates listed below. ・Prefectural Road 150, Lake Mashu Nakashibetsu Line (Ura-Mashu Viewpoint) will reopen on April 20 at 9:00 AM. ・Prefectural Road 587, Atosato Koshimizu Line will reopen on April 20 at 10:00 AM. ・Prefectural Road 588, Kussharo Tsubetsu Line (Tsubetsu Pass) is scheduled to reopen on May 15 at 10:00 AM. *During the winter, the detour for Tsubetsu Pass will be along Japan National Route 243 (Bihoro Pass). For more information on winter road closures, please check the Teshikaga Navi. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We look forward to everyone's participation in the following tours and experiences. 【*Spring session fully booked, summer and autumn spots available*】'Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour' Images 1-8 - Observe seasonal subalpine plants with a guide - Enjoy safe and secure private bus transportation - Experience the changing vegetation while traveling up to an elevation of about 1700m. - Take commemorative photos at scenic points - Stroll leisurely along paved paths and enjoy the mountain air easily. Date and Time: May 7th (Thursday) Spring session fully booked August 19th (Wednesday), 20th (Thursday) Summer session October 7th (Wednesday), 8th (Thursday), 21st (Wednesday) Autumn session Tour Fee: 8,900 yen Payment on the day of the tour, cash only (Includes: bus operation fee, guide fee, accident insurance, lunch) Each day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (*Gathering at 8:35 AM, reception at the Saijo City Tourist Exchange Center next to iyosaijou station*) Capacity: 20 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis (minimum number of participants is 15) Application Deadline: 14 days before each tour date 【*A few spots left*】 'Experience the Aroma of the Forest with Kuromoji' Images 9-11 - Enjoy part of the extraction process of Kuromoji essential oil and distillate, as well as a silk scarf dyeing experience - High-quality Japanese essential oil, distillate, and silk scarf extracted from just 1.5ml from 1kg of branches and leaves will be souvenirs - Relax in the noble aroma of the forest at the foot of the mountain Date and Time: May 18th (Monday), June 15th (Monday) Tour Fee: 6,000 yen, payment on the day of the tour, cash only (Includes: instructor fee, lunch) From 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM (*Gathering at 9:50 AM, reception at the Ishizuchi Nature and Living Research Room (former Ooboki Clinic)*) Capacity: 8 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis (minimum number of participants is 4) Application Deadline: 10 days before each tour date Contact and Application Information (General Incorporated Association) Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered travel agency No. 3-201 by the Ehime Prefectural Governor Phone: 0897-56-2605 FAX: 0897-47-3733 #Tour #Nature #Ishizuchi #Plants #Stroll #Subalpine #Foot of the Mountain #Scenic View #Guide #Essential Oil #Distillate #Floral Water #Kuromoji

Toyama Castle Park is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most picturesque locations for enjoying cherry blossoms, blending natural beauty with deep historical significance. The park surrounds Toyama Castle, whose origins date back to the Sengoku period, when it functioned as a strategic stronghold under regional rulers. Although the original castle was lost to time, the present structure symbolizes Toyama’s feudal heritage and now serves as a cultural landmark within the city. The cherry‑blossom experience becomes especially memorable when viewed from a quiet, slow‑moving boat gliding along the castle moat. From this serene vantage point, visitors can fully appreciate the delicate fragrance of the blossoms, while petals occasionally drift down and gently settle around them. This harmony of history, landscape, and sensory richness creates a tranquil atmosphere that offers a timeless and deeply rewarding hanami experience.

Shinobazu Pond The strong winds from the day before scattered the petals, and the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo are nearing their end. After the storm, brilliant light pours into the clear blue sky, and I set out for one last cherry blossom viewing, embracing the spirit of Taisho Roman. The white, red, and Kanzan cherry blossoms are now in full bloom under the sunlight. Swaying in the light and wind, the vibrant purple blossoms shine brightly.

(2026-04-05) Night Cherry Blossom Illuminations at Shingashi River Flowing behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture the cherry blossom avenue here is famous I went to take photos for the first time last year This year, I aimed for "flower rafts" The flower rafts along The Philosopher's Walk at Lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto are too high a hurdle, so I decided to go for Saitama instead, haha With various plans overlapping I managed to squeeze in a visit on Sunday night After transferring trains three times and switching to a bus Result: No flower rafts appeared Maybe the strong wind blew them away That said, I think I got some pretty nice shots of the night cherry blossoms I figured out the route to get there and I captured some beautiful night cherry blossom illuminations (●´ω｀●)

[Notice of the Lifting of Winter Closure for the Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line] This is a notice regarding the lifting of the winter closure for the Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line. Considering the impact of frozen road surfaces and snowfall during the winter period, the closure of the following section will be lifted as detailed below. "Kussharo–Lake Mashu Lakeside Line (Route 52)" This road leads from Kawayu to the Lake Mashu 3rd Observation Deck. The road will be reopened on the following date: Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM <Contact Information> Kushiro Construction Management Department Teshikaga Substation (015-482-2147) https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/r8dodokaijyo/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes have been awarded to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have kindly supported us. (In no particular order) This time, we would like to introduce the "Northeast Canoe Center"! 📝 Teshikaga Navi has a wide range of information, so please take a look! ✨ Thank you very much to the "Northeast Canoe Center" for your cooperation in this event. 🙇🛶 We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi.

Tsubosaka-dera Temple's Sakura Daibutsu April 4, 2026 It was rainy, so there were reflections. This time, parking at Tsubosaka-dera was completely reservation-based, eliminating traffic, and we were able to smoothly reach the parking lot at the reserved time.

Photographed today, Wednesday, April 8: the wisteria at san remo park. There are white and purple wisteria trellises; the white is in full bloom while the purple has just begun to open. The azaleas are also coloring up, so please take a look if you are nearby. san remo park Address / Wadahaminamicho (next to Atami Port)

Introduction of Supporting Companies – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and prizes were presented to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the cooperation of businesses in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported the contest. (In no particular order) This time we introduce Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Soba Dokoro Fukuzumi 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/...

Why not enjoy spring in Oozora-cho again this year?😊 This year’s Shibazakura Festival is scheduled from Sunday, May 3 to Sunday, May 31. Events will be held every Sunday, so be sure to check them out! The scenery turns pink as far as the eye can see—come and see it for yourself! For details on blooming conditions and more, please check Shibazakura Park’s website and social media.🌸

Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, April 26th we will hold a one-day special cycling event across Horoka Pass, which links Lake Shikaribetsu and Lake Nukabira 😊 There are two starting points—Lake Shikaribetsu side and NukabiraGensenkyo side—so you can choose according to your level 🚴‍♀️ 1) From Lake Shikaribetsu (for beginner to intermediate riders) 14 km to the summit, 200 m elevation gain, and a gentle climb. Enjoy the relaxed beauty of the national park 🎵 2) From NukabiraGensenkyo (for those who like climbing) 8 km to the summit, 500 m elevation gain, with a series of steep slopes. The sense of accomplishment is unbeatable 🎶 Ride through the early-spring Taisetsuzan on your bike‼ We sincerely look forward to your entry 🤗 For registration and details, please check the Tokachi Cycle Network website. 📍Horoka Pass is part of the National Cycle Route Tokapuchi 400 🚵🚵‍♂️🚵‍♂️ http://tokachicyclenetwork.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-144.html...

Mannen-zan Ankokuji Temple is located in Oodaracho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. A large weeping cherry tree on the temple grounds was lit up, and its reflection in the water spread across the stone path at the gate, creating a very magical scene. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷🌸

Spring arrives quietly in Toyama… not with noise, but with fresh breath. In the blue hour, when day surrenders to night, the cherry blossom avenue awakens in soft golden light. Lanterns glow gently beneath blooming canopies, and people walk slowly, as if afraid to disturb the moment. Behind it all, the snow-capped Tateyama Range stands in silent majesty — timeless, unmoving, watching spring unfold below. The mountains hold the last light of the evening, their white peaks glowing softly against the deepening sky. In the foreground, the lake refuses stillness. Wind brushes across its surface, rippling reflections of blossoms and lights into fleeting fragments. The air turns colder after sunset, and yet the warmth of spring lingers in every step, every breath, every quiet glance. This photograph captures the delicate balance of spring — warmth and chill, movement and stillness, fleeting beauty and eternal mountains. A moment where nature whispers, and time gently pauses.

The Great Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosaka-dera Temple It was a day of on-and-off rain, but I enjoyed the cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry blossoms looked beautiful lit up at night. At Tsubosaka-dera Temple, there was a temporary observation platform—apparently only for this season—that let visitors enjoy views of the Cherry Blossom Buddha. I’m grateful for it. This year, the parking lot required a full reservation in advance.

Introducing Our Sponsors – The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winners of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each recipient. This Teshikaga photo contest is held with the cooperation of businesses based in Teshikaga. 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 Kussharo Prince Hotel‼︎📝 Teshikaga Navi offers a wide range of information, so please take a look✨ Thank you very much to Kussharo Prince Hotel for supporting this event🙇❣️ We look forward to your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/k_princehotel/...

Meguro River Night cherry blossoms and the Meguro River, lit crimson by lanterns. The cherry trees in full bloom are still vibrant. In a week, the river will take center stage as petals drift like a floating raft of flowers.

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of local businesses in Teshikagacho. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that support us. (Order is not indicative) This time we introduce Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd.! Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look. Thank you very much to Sogo Fuel Co., Ltd. for supporting this event. We appreciate it! We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Introducing Our Sponsors: The 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced, and we presented prizes to each winner. This Teshikaga Photo Contest is held with the support of businesses located in Teshikaga. On the official Teshikaga Navi Instagram, we will gradually introduce the sponsoring companies that have supported us. (Order varies) This time we feature Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten‼︎📝Teshikaga Navi carries a wide range of information, so please take a look✨Thank you very much to Teshikaga Ramen Sohonten 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/...

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

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.

March 18th Today's scenery of Azumino View from Ohisama Road

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 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)