The entertainment in Azumino, "Azumino F-1 Park" is a rental karting facility where both young children and adults can have fun.😆 You can easily experience F1!😄

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.

Reihoku has become a place where you can say "I'm home." Would you like to come and hear about the present and future of six people who have fallen in love with this town? Thank you for always visiting the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association's website. We are pleased to announce that a joint activity report meeting will be held by the "Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team" and "Local Revitalization Entrepreneurs" active in Reihokumachi! Six members are working hard every day, utilizing their respective areas of expertise for the future of Reihokumachi. At this report meeting, they will share their current activities and passionate thoughts about the "future" they aim to achieve with their own voices. Kenta Ogata, who is in charge of tourism promotion and information dissemination at our association (Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association), along with a diverse group of members, will take the stage. We welcome not only the townspeople but also anyone interested in the revitalization of Reihokumachi, community building, immigration and settlement, and digitalization to join us! ■ Event Overview Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 13:30 to 15:40 (Registration starts at 13:00) Venue: Shiki Meeting House Community Hall Admission: Free (Everyone is welcome to participate) ■ Introduction of Speakers and Their Fields Koichiro Nakano ── Promotion of Immigration and Settlement Atsushi Kudo ── University Collaboration and Regional Branding Kenta Ogata ── Tourism Promotion and Information Dissemination Hideki Ohnita ── Solving Local Issues Using Digital Tools and Public-Private Partnerships Yuki Okuyama ── Digital Divide Countermeasures Yoko Goto ── Promotion Advisor ■ Contact Information Reihokumachi Planning and Policy Division Address: 660 Shiki, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture, 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-3334 FAX: 0969-35-2454 We sincerely look forward to your attendance!

The snow shape of Mt. Chogatake can be seen from Azumino.😀 On the left shoulder of Mt. Chogatake, the snow shape resembling a butterfly, which inspired its name, is visible. Due to the recent heat, the snow is melting quickly, and before I knew it, it has become quite different from its original butterfly shape…💦

Rokuzan Hall, located in the Rokuzan Art Museum in Azumino, is an iconic presence in Azumino. You can encounter works by Moriye Ogihara (Rokuzan) and Kotaro Takamura, who opened the door to modern Japanese sculpture. 😄

Under the cherry tree is the Jōnen Dōsojin It looks like the village shrine of Jōnen-dake 😆

Meeting the sea, a special day spent at the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in Shonan, Japan 🎐 About an hour by train from Tokyo. In Hiratsuka, located in Kanagawa Prefecture's Shonan area, the entire town is adorned with vibrant Tanabata decorations every summer. The "Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival." Known as one of Japan's three major Tanabata festivals, it is a summer tradition. Giant Tanabata decorations fill the streets. People in yukata. The summer town transitioning from dusk to night. A nostalgic atmosphere flows, reminiscent of a scene from a movie. However, Hiratsuka's charm isn't just about the festival. Close by, there is a beautiful sea. A crystal-clear blue ocean that feels far removed from the Tokyo suburbs. Colorful fish. Soft corals gently swaying. In the morning, dive into the world of the sea. And from 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 water. It’s about feeling the local atmosphere, walking through the town, meeting people, and experiencing the seasons of Japan. The time that follows the sea becomes an important memory of the journey. This year's "Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival" is scheduled to be held from July 3rd to 5th. Discover another side of Japan that you won't find just by sightseeing in Tokyo. Feel the Japanese summer that spreads beyond the sea. 🌈Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours in the ocean near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. English support is also available. We hope you enjoy not just the sea, but a special day spent in Japan. 【Related Keywords】 Diving near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Shonan Diving / Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival / Tokyo Day Trip / Hidden Japan / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Summer Festival / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival Photo provided by the Hiratsuka City Tourism Association.

The rural landscape of Azumino and Mt. Jonen This is the Horigane District The rice fields are planted with rice, creating a lush green scenery. 😀

From Ohisama Road, you can see Mt. Jonen. Head straight west from Daiou Wasabi Farm to encounter this view! 😄

The 118th Nitten Azumino Exhibition is currently being held at the Azumino City Museum of Art, and the end of the exhibition is fast approaching. The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy five different genres all at once! From traditional "Japanese paintings" and "Western paintings" to dynamic "sculptures," exquisite "craft arts," and resonant "calligraphy," a selection of carefully chosen works is on display. Each piece varies greatly in expression and theme, creating a luxurious space where thoughts like "I really like this" and "I wonder how it was made?" rush in one after another. After viewing, be sure to stop by the attached café! 😊 In conjunction with the exhibition, a menu featuring handmade dishes made with locally grown strawberries from Azumino is available. Drinks can be taken out, allowing you to enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the artworks while gazing at the roses. 🥰

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

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

The Rose Garden adjacent to the Azumino Art Museum is at its best 🌹 On the expansive grounds of about 10,000 tsubo, over 250 varieties and more than 500 blooming roses are on display throughout the seasons♪ Admission to the garden is free The museum is also hosting the "118th Nitten Azumino Exhibition" 😄 You can view 193 selected works from approximately 3,000 pieces displayed last autumn at the National Art Center, Tokyo, which include Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and calligraphy, along with works by local artists from Nagano Prefecture For more details, please visit the Azumino Art Museum www.azumino-museum.com

A tourist spot in Azumino, Jitensha Hiroba The gently flowing Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal and Mt. Jonen In the morning, the clouds that were on the mountain disappeared by noon, but the temperature rose, making it a hot day💦

The cornflower, also known as the bluebottle, blooms in a fallow field near the Azumino bicycle plaza. It is not a target for eradication as a dangerous invasive species, but rather a flower that has long been established in gardening culture.

It looks like it will be hot in Azumino on May 25th...💦 Ise Miya Shrine stands amidst the countryside with views of Mt. Ariake and Mt. Tsubakuro in the background. 😃

On May 22nd, Azumino had a day of rain☂️ Even on rainy days, Azumino has its charm This is the precinct of Hotaka Shrine It feels solemn and moist with a dignified atmosphere😄

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

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?

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

The "Murmuring Stream Path" located along the riverbed of Yorozuigawa flowing through Azumino is a pleasant walking trail that served as a filming location for the East Japan Railway Company's Adult Holiday Club and the serial TV drama "The Sun"!! The false acacia along the trail is blooming with white flowers.

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

April 26, 2018, Agematsu Town, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest Currently, Kiso has transformed into a season of fresh greenery after the cherry blossoms have fallen. The entire area is green, showcasing a different side of Kiso compared to March and April! As we transition from spring to summer, it is getting hotter...🥵

[Kumamoto - Amakusa] Experience genuine leather and tools. Adult leather craft workshop A leather craft workshop based on traditional European techniques will be held at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center in Reihoku, Kumamoto Prefecture. The workshop will feature high-quality Italian leather called "Buttero." Using professional-grade tools, participants will create their own card cases while experiencing the craftsmanship from hole punching to sewing. As you work with your hands, your unique personality will naturally emerge. Why not enjoy the pleasure of crafting and indulge in a luxurious time that tells the story of life in this beautiful local town in Japan? Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 2nd floor of the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Participation Fee: 6,000 yen Capacity: First 10 participants (reservation required) Instructor: Makida Leather Workshop (Mr. Koichi Makita) *For inquiries, please contact the instructor For details on how to apply, please check the announcement section on the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website.

The rice planted in the fields is growing steadily in Azumino. Beyond the beautiful rows, the scenery of Azumino unfolds!♪ We welcomed a refreshing morning.😊

Located at the foot of the mountains in Azumino, Kuriosan Mangan-ji This is a famous spot for azaleas Although only a few azaleas are blooming, the temple grounds have a serene atmosphere.

Water has filled the rice fields in Azumino, and rice planting is in full swing. From the top of Mount Nagamine, the rice fields illuminated by the setting sun look radiant.

On May 12th in Azumino Mizukagami 😄 You can still find rice paddies where the rice hasn't been planted yet. Why not explore by renting a bicycle...

Daio Wasabi Farm A beautiful contrast between the blue sky and the water's surface A place to fully enjoy Azumino A place to feel the flow of time through the ages