Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Saturday, February 1 Opening ritual ◎Location: Hinona rapeseed flower field ◎10:00 — A Shinto ritual praying for the festival’s success and safety ◆Sunday, February 16 & Sunday, February 23 Spiny lobster miso soup service ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of the local Minamiizu specialty, spiny lobster miso soup! ※Served twice per day (about 200 bowls per serving) ※First serving: 11:00 — Second serving: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Night cherry blossom illumination ◎Location: Around Maehara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ※This event runs daily even in rain ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Near Gin-no-yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 Lottery gachapon draw ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information center) ◎10:00–15:00 on weekends and holidays! ◎Participation: If a group completes one questionnaire, the group may draw once per group member. ※Prizes are currently being decided ※Prize contents may change ◆Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 Cherry blossom rickshaw rides ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on bloom conditions. Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The schedule may change due to weather or bloom conditions. ・Each rickshaw seats up to two people. ・The event may be canceled due to severe weather (rain, strong winds, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, a single rider may be required to ride alone in one rickshaw. ・The above fee is per person for single use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Sunday, February 2 – Around Saturday, March 15 Rapeseed flower door and rapeseed flower maze ※Although the pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・The pamphlet states February 1–March 10 for the Rapeseed Flower Door and Rapeseed Flower Maze, but the correct period is Sunday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15. ・The Night Sakura Marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・The Minamiizu Town Hall (3rd-floor observation deck) is open during the festival. You can access it via the outside stairs. ・Some visitors step on the rapeseed flowers blooming on the riverbank slopes around Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana. Because illumination wiring and other hazards are present, please refrain from entering these areas for safety. Parking — Please use public transportation where possible, as parking is limited. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Passenger cars (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental conservation contribution at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minamiizu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Buses (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycles (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other reasons, parking may be free. ※During the period February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with an environmental conservation contribution. ※Total parking capacity across locations is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because parking is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

Wednesday, February 19 — Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) blooming status 🌸The reference tree near the town hall (upper reaches of the Aono River) is in bud. 🌸The area near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (middle reaches of the Aono River) is from bud to 20% bloom. ❁Rapeseed flowers are at their best. Overall, the trees are mostly in bud, but blossoms have begun and some trees have reached about 20% bloom!! ⁡ 🌸The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival 🗓️Held February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to March 10, 2025 (Monday) 📍Along the Aono River, Minamiizu Town O-hanami rickshaw rides available Food trucks will be on site. ※Operations may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival is now running through March 10th! February 9 (Sun) — Minami Sakura blooming status The buds are currently in a “bud” stage. However, today is warm, and the buds are swelling so that the petals look ready to open at any moment. Rain is forecast around February 12, with temperatures rising to 16–18°C, so there is a possibility the flowers will begin to bloom all at once. ※From February 1 onward every day from 18:00 to 21:00 We are holding evening cherry blossom illumination, bamboo lanterns, illuminations, and nanohana (rapeseed flower) lighting. ◇Please refer to the following for the “blooming status” https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=162849&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot... ◇For information about the 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, see here https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=73493&cat=18736&type=event...

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Opening ceremony on Saturday, February 1 ◎Location: Hinona nanohana flower field ◎10:00 – A Shinto ritual to pray for the festival’s success and safety ◆Lobster miso soup service on Sunday, February 16 and Sunday, February 23 ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of miso soup made with Minami Izu Town’s specialty, spiny lobster (ise ebi) ※Served twice a day (about 200 bowls per service) ※First service: 11:00 – Second service: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Night hanami SUP on Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 16 ◎Details will be posted here once they are finalized ◆Nighttime cherry blossom illumination on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: Around Maebara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ※The illumination runs every night, even in rain ◆Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Around Gin no Yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ◆Gachapon lottery on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information desk) ◎10:00–15:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ◎Participation: If one person in a group completes the questionnaire, the whole group may draw the number of times equal to the group size. ※Prizes are currently under consideration ※Prize contents may change ◆Hanami rickshaw service on Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on blooming conditions Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The period may change due to weather or blooming conditions. ・Each boat/rickshaw (unit) accommodates up to two people. ・Events may be canceled due to bad weather (rain, strong wind, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, you may be asked to ride alone in one unit. ・The above fee is for single-person use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Nanohana Door & Nanohana Maze from Tuesday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15 ※The pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, but the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・Although the pamphlet states the Nanohana Door and Nanohana Maze run from Saturday, February 1 to Monday, March 10, the correct period is Sunday, February 2 to around Saturday, March 15. ・The night cherry blossom marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・Minami Izu Town Hall (3rd floor observation deck) will be open during the cherry blossom festival. It can be accessed via the outside stairs. ・Some people step on the nanohana (rapeseed flowers) blooming on the riverbank slopes near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, but there are light-up cables and other hazards, so please refrain from entering those areas for safety. ◆Parking — Parking is limited, so please use public transportation where possible. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Standard car (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental preservation fee (contribution) at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot only. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minami Izu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Bus (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycle (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other conditions, parking may be free. ※During February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with the environmental preservation fee (contribution). ※Total parking capacity, including all lots, is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because the number of parking spaces is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

When the Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom each year, we Japanese are reminded just how much we truly love cherry blossoms, and our hearts dance as we look forward to the mountain-dyeing yamazakura and the cherry-lined banks of the Aono River. Please enjoy a relaxed, countryside-style hanami in Minami-Izu from a kayak, a very different experience from the urban cherry-viewing in central Tokyo. For lunch we provide the annual chirashi sushi—let’s eat beneath the cherry trees. After lunch we will, of course, head out for strawberry picking. This year we welcome participants from elementary school age. ◆Event period: Saturday, March 23, 2024 to Sunday, April 7, 2024 ※The schedule may change depending on cherry blossom conditions. ※There is no cancellation fee for date changes or cancellations due to flowering conditions. ◆Meeting time and place ・Meeting place: SURFACE office ・Meeting time: 10:00 ◆Schedule 10:00 Meet and travel to Yumigahama (start from Aono River depending on weather) 10:30 On-land briefing on paddling and safety, then launch from Yumigahama toward the Aono River 12:00 Land at Deai Bridge (near the rape blossom field) for chirashi sushi lunch 13:00 Drive from the landing site to strawberry picking 13:30 Return to the kayaks and head back to Yumigahama 15:00 Finish ◆Fees (tax included) ・Rental participation: ¥12,100 ・Elementary school students: ¥7,700 ・Bring-your-own-kayak participation: ¥8,800 ※Included in the price: kayak rental, kayak guide, instruction, lunch, and strawberry picking fees, etc. ※Boot rental: ¥500 (Please tell us your size in advance. We may not be able to accommodate same-day requests.) ◆Who it’s for ・Beginners welcome ・Junior high school students and older (single-person kayak) ・Elementary school students (two-person sit-on-top kayak) ・Families with elementary school children will use two-person sit-on-top kayaks. ※If an adult feels anxious, we can provide a two-person sit-on-top kayak—please let us know. ◆What to bring Clothing suitable for sea kayaking: clothes that can get wet, a lightweight fleece, rain jacket, rain pants, and boots. ※If you plan to shop during the landing, bring money. ※Because the two-person sit-on-top kayak in particular will get your seat wet, please be sure to bring rain pants. Address: 961-1 Minato, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0152 Phone: 0558-62-2114

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom update for Wednesday, February 21 Overall, the blossoms have passed their peak and leaves are starting to show more prominently. Also, the canola fields are still in their peak viewing period.

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rape Blossom Festival February 17 Evening Cherry Blossom Lighting and Bamboo Lantern Night Photo by Tokiya Otsuka

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report for Sunday, February 18 Overall, the flowers are still in full bloom *In areas that bloomed earlier, petals are drifting on the wind*

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Period: February 1 to March 10 (now ongoing) Photo: Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom update for February 16 Overall, the flowers are in full bloom. * In areas that bloomed earlier, the petals are fluttering down. * The parking lot at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is very crowded.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rape Blossom Festival February 10 Night Cherry Blossom Illumination: Minami’s Night Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo Lanterns Photo by Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flower Festival February 11 (Sun) Bloom Report and Parking Congestion Update 〇 Bloom Report Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 80% bloom to full bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. 〇 Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (main venue) → Full (cars are continuously filling the lot) ※A voluntary contribution is requested as an environmental conservation fee.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Blooming and Parking Update for Saturday, February 10 Blooming Update Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% in bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 70% to full bloom Hino rapeseed field → At peak bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → Full (remains full at all times) Kinomiya Bridge Parking Lot → Busy to full ※From February 10 to 12, the Minami-Izu Town Hall parking lot will be open free of charge (no attendants will be on duty).

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom report for February 9 Areas where flowers have not yet opened are at 50–70% bloom, while the main venue area is at 70% to full bloom and is now at its best viewing time. We recommend changing your plans when you go out.

February 6th: 26th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report The cherry blossoms are early this year. Behind the town hall → 20–30% in bloom Behind Roadside Station → 50–70% in bloom (peak viewing) Overall, the downstream areas are also steadily reaching peak bloom. They are likely to fall by late February.