🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our theme is "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

About an hour from Tokyo. In the sea, there is an unknown Japan. Manatsuru, which can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This small port town has special views known only to divers. This time, we visited "Iwa." It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hiratsuka. A convenient boat diving spot. It takes just a few minutes to reach the sea by boat. Once you enter the water, colorful soft corals spread out before you. Schools of fish swim slowly through the calm sea. The highlight of this place is the large iron frame reef sunk to the seabed. Originally used as scaffolding for bridge construction, it has now become a habitat for marine creatures and a popular spot for divers. Swimming between the massive structures feels like exploring underwater ruins. Soft corals sway above, and light filters through. Lionfish swim slowly, while small fish dart around them. The creatures you encounter change with the seasons. In summer, you see schools of fish. In winter, vibrant sea slugs. Throughout the year, you can enjoy different scenery with each visit. After diving, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Manatsuru or Shonan is also recommended. Just a little stretch from the city, a day like this awaits you. Japan's seas hold many undiscovered charms. On your next trip, why not visit the underwater Japan?

A special view of the sea in Japan that appears only in summer. In Higashi-Izu, Kawana, there is a special diving spot that can only be accessed during the summer. Its name is "Ubako Coral." Just three minutes from the port. The time spent heading out to sea on a small boat is also part of the joy of the journey. Once you enter the water, schools of fish greet you. Fish swimming around the reef transform the ocean view in every direction. Vibrant soft corals spread out, allowing you to not only watch the fish but also to slowly enjoy Japan's rich sea. Ubako Coral is available only until the end of August each year. It is a special view of the sea in Japan that you can encounter only in summer. There are still lesser-known seas in Japan. Why not encounter such views on your next trip?

On Sunday, June 21, the 5th Urahoro Marathon 2026 will be held‼️ This year's theme is "message" 😊 Let's spend a warm time together, encouraging each other, sharing our thoughts, and spreading smiles! The Urahoro Marathon is open to everyone, from preschoolers to adults, allowing participants to enjoy the thrill of taking small steps and sharing a sense of accomplishment with friends. Cherish your curiosity to "want to run!" and challenge yourself at your own pace and goals. The sense of achievement after finishing is exceptional 🎵 Also, you don't have to run❗ Why not join us as a supporter on the day? Cheering for runners at the finish line is also a great way to participate. The venue will feature delicious gourmet food, as well as various booths for job experiences and sports activities to enjoy 🎶 You might encounter new discoveries and fun meetings 🤗 *Please note that pre-registration for this year's marathon events has ended. Thank you for your understanding. *For children aged 2 to 6 (under elementary school age) participating on the day, "Hajime no Ippo" does not require prior registration and can be entered on-site. Please gather at the venue when the announcement is made.

Introducing Rental Bicycles 🚲🚲 At the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, we offer rental bicycles called "Peachari" for convenient travel and sightseeing within the village 😊 Choose between two types of bicycles: "regular bicycles" and "electric bicycles," based on your physical strength‼️ The popular tourist spot "Rokka no Mori" is about 1 km from the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, which takes approximately 5 minutes by bicycle 🎵 Why not use the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai as your base and explore the village by bicycle for unforgettable memories? To apply, please visit the general information desk located in the "Country Plaza" at the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai 🤗 🔶Rental Period: From Friday, April 24 to Sunday, October 25 🔶Rental Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 🔶Rates ●Regular Bicycle: 200 yen for 4 hours ●Electric Bicycle: 200 yen for 2 hours 🔶Access 🚗About 40 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, and about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport 🚗 🚌About 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station (nearest stop: get off at Roadside Station Nakazatsunai) *Important Notes 📍Rental bicycles are not available for advance reservations. Thank you for your understanding. 📍The use of Peachari is restricted to within the village. 📍Please return by 5:00 PM. 🔶Contact Information Nakazatsunai Village Tourism Association TEL 0155-68-3390 (8:30 AM to 5:15 PM) https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com//

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

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

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

Event Announcement 📣 Masuya Shoten, a bakery based in Obihiro City, will open a new experiential facility called "Mugioto Horse Park – Hill of Horses and Wheat" on Saturday, April 18, 2026, focusing on horses and wheat. 😊 This facility is an experiential space adjacent to the Mugioto bakery, where visitors can enjoy interactions with banei and Dosanko horses, take part in horse-drawn carriage experiences (reservation required), and learn about local resource circulation, all while appreciating the unique values of Tokachi. Before the opening, the "Horses and Wheat Forum" will be held on Friday, April 17, followed by an opening event on the 18th (Saturday) and 19th (Sunday). 🎵 🔶Horses and Wheat Forum This forum will discuss the new relationships and possibilities between horses and the local community from various perspectives. 📍Event Overview ・Date: Friday, April 17, 2026, 13:00 - 16:00 ・Venue: Beat Museum / Mugioto Horse Park ・Participation Fee: Free (Capacity: 30 people, online streaming available) 📍Content ・Lecture: "New Possibilities for Horses" ・Panel Discussion ・Carriage Demonstration and Ranch Tour Experts from various fields, including support for retired racehorses, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and local culture, will participate in discussions about the future of horses and the community. 🔶Opening Event Overview 📍Date April 18 (Saturday) 10:30 - 14:30 April 19 (Sunday) 10:00 - 14:00 📍Main Activities ・1,000-Person Pizza Experience Participants will create pizzas using Tokachi-grown wheat "Banei Kitano Kaori" and "Tokachi Mush" from the local resource circulation project "Banei to Mushroom to Wheat Circle". During the event, experience tickets will be distributed to purchasers of a certain amount. The goal is to provide experiences for 1,000 people over the two days. ・Carriage Experience Two types of horse-drawn carriages pulled by two horses will circulate within the facility. ・Mobile Sales and Limited Products Event-exclusive products and bread inspired by horses will be sold by the Masuya bus.

Event Announcement 📣 This is an event where you can ride a bicycle on unpaved roads amidst the magnificent nature of Tokachi 🚴‍♀️🚴 You can choose between a short course suitable for beginners and a middle course for experienced riders that offers a great challenge. At the aid stations, we will provide local specialties, and after crossing the finish line, you can enjoy a pizza-making experience 🍕 Come ride, savor, and fully enjoy the nature of Tokachi 🤗 📍June 28 (Sunday) [Middle Course] 3 aid stations + a special aid station at the hill climb viewpoint + a pizza-making experience after finishing Location / Start & Finish: Poroshiri Nature Park Address: Takusei-cho Nishi 5-sen, Obihiro City, Hokkaido 7:15 AM – 8:15 AM Registration 8:30 AM Start 2:00 PM Finish 📍June 28 (Sunday) [Short Course] 2 aid stations + a pizza-making experience after finishing Location / Start & Finish: Poroshiri Nature Park Address: Takusei-cho Nishi 5-sen, Obihiro City, Hokkaido 7:15 AM – 8:30 AM Registration 8:45 AM Start 2:00 PM Finish 📍Fees Middle Course (approximately 70 km) 10,000 yen Short Course (approximately 40 km) 7,000 yen 📍Entry Method Please apply through the Sports Entry website. *Please note that registration for the Welcome Ride on June 27 (Saturday) has closed.

Sapporo ⇔ Obihiro Intercity Bus Information 😊 From April 1, 2026, the Potato Liner between Sapporo and Obihiro will add one round trip, making travel more convenient 🎵 Meanwhile, the New Star service is also operating, so please use these options when planning your trip 🤗 Here is a brief introduction to Tokachi 📣 Tokachi lies in southeastern Hokkaido and consists of Obihiro City and 18 towns and villages centered around Obihiro. In 2024, Hidaka Mountains Erimo Tokachi National Park was established, and the region is now surrounded by three national parks—Daisetsuzan National Park and Akan-Mashu National Park among them—creating a land rich in nature 🗻 Blessed with clean water and a cool climate, Tokachi thrives on primary industries such as agriculture and dairy farming 🐄 The area offers abundant nature-based activities and campsites, including horseback riding, canoeing, rafting, and hot air ballooning ⛺️ You can also visit observation points with sweeping views of the vast Tokachi plain and surrounding mountains, as well as gardens where seasonal flowers and wild plants bloom 🌷 Fresh vegetables, cheese, soft serve ice cream, and a variety of sweets are all readily available and delicious 😍 Come and soothe your everyday weariness—please visit us sometime 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp//

Event Announcement 📣 From Saturday, February 7 to Monday, February 23, Roadside Station Pia 21 Shihoro will host a "Korea Fair" 😊 In 2025, a direct flight from Tokachi Obihiro Airport to Korea began, making access to Korea more convenient ✈️ This is a collaboration between JAL and Roadside Station Pia 21 Shihoro, designed so those who can’t travel right now can still enjoy the feeling of being there 🎵 You can taste "Korean gourmet and sweets" recommended by Korea-loving staff, and try a cabin crew role-play experience where you perform in-flight announcement practice and drink service like a JAL flight attendant. Take this chance to enjoy the atmosphere of a trip to Korea 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-22980/...

👹✨February 3 is Setsubun✨👹 When you think of Setsubun, you think of ehomaki! The lucky direction for 2026 is south-southeast. Face that direction, hold a wish in your mind, and silently take a big bite of the whole thick roll—this is the tradition of eating an ehomaki. This year, why not make your very own ehomaki at the sushi counter?🍣 Using delicious, naturally sweet rice from Kikuchi and guided directly by a sushi chef, enjoy a rare rolled-sushi-making experience. It’s designed so even young children can join in, making it perfect for creating family memories. Bring your family and friends and make special Setsubun memories together✨ 📌Details and reservations here https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

Happy New Year. For Hokulea Shonan, this year is a year of “brush up.” We believe the future lies in steadily building careful work. We will further hone our skills and thinking, and bravely take on new challenges. We will not forget our gratitude to everyone who supports us, and we will continue to grow while honoring the sea and nature. We look forward to your continued support this year. Hokulea Shonan Representative Terushige Koike --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme “Let’s set out for an unseen world!”, we offer experiences that let you discover the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We hold courses and tours year-round in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. We also respond flexibly to requests tailored to each person. Now, let’s set off together for a new world.

Enriched dive to the shipwreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited the shipwreck dive site in Atami 🚢 Large schools of fish gathered around the wreck, and we were thrilled by the dramatic underwater scenery 🤩 This time we dived using enriched air (Nitrox). Thanks to that, my body felt much better after the dive ☺️ Enriched air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because less nitrogen accumulates in the body, it reduces the risk of decompression sickness and allows for safer dives 👍 Another big benefit is that you get less tired ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Diving as a family was truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s shipwreck more comfortably with enriched air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn the Enriched Air Specialty (SP) certification 🙌 We also welcome requests for course dates! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Let’s travel to unseen worlds!”, we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run lessons and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #Hokulea Shonan #Enriched Air #Nitrox #Enriched Diving #CoolJapanVideos #HokuleaShonan #NitroxDiving #EnrichedAir #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue

[Outdoor and Active Picks in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture] Fun for everyone! 😍 Enjoy Shobara’s vast nature with these activities Blessed with expansive wilderness, Shobara is a summer retreat and home to Ogidani Auto Campsite, one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest campgrounds where you can even try rare snow camping in Western Japan during winter. Beyond camping, thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting, canoe and kayak experiences, and river walking. In winter, you can fully enjoy outdoor sports like skiing. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4018...

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨ Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗 This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿 Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏 Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive! On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏 No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄 On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨ We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍 Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳 Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏 If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟 We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜! --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!", we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving. We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan #HokuleaShonan

Introducing the first Sake Tourism tour 😊 On Saturday, November 29th, join “Experience the Blessings of Grapes!! Winery Tour and Grape Dyeing Workshop.” At Tokachi Makiba-no-Ie Winery, learn the winemaking process and taste three different wines. Afterwards, visit the dye studio nosome to try dyeing with grape canes and clusters left over from wine production at Tokachi Makiba-no-Ie Winery, and enjoy a moment that connects you with the cycle of the grape’s bounty. nosome has long extracted dyes from agricultural waste and used them for dyeing. Why not upcycle items languishing in your dresser by grape-dyeing them and create something truly one of a kind? https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour01/...

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive

Atami – Where Adventure Meets Serenity Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka offers one of the most fascinating diving experiences in Japan — where adventure and serenity come together beneath the surface. Known for its wreck diving and mysterious blue cave, Atami attracts divers who seek both excitement and peace in one destination. The highlight of Atami is the wreck of Asahi No.16, one of the largest wrecks in Japan. Resting quietly on the seafloor, this massive structure is now covered in colorful soft corals and swarming with marine life. As you descend, the silhouette of the wreck slowly appears out of the blue — a breathtaking sight that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an underwater museum. Exploring this wreck is an unforgettable experience for divers who love large-scale structures full of history and mystery. Then, shift from adventure to calm in Atami’s Blue Cave. As you enter, sunlight pierces through the narrow opening, filling the space with an ethereal blue glow. The soft light, bubbles rising toward the surface, and the quiet stillness of the cave create a dreamlike world beneath the waves. It’s a moment of pure serenity — a dive that connects you deeply with the ocean. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wreck diving or a peaceful cave dive, Atami offers both just a short train ride from Tokyo. With easy access, clear water, and diverse dive sites, it’s a perfect destination for weekend divers and international visitors alike. If you’re searching for wreck diving in Japan, or want to discover the best diving spots near Tokyo, Atami is a must-visit. Dive into its hidden blue world — where every moment beneath the sea feels like a journey between adventure and serenity. 🌊💙 📍 Atami, Shizuoka, Japan About Hokule’a Shonan 🌈 Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ Dive Center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa — just a short trip from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help you discover the beauty of nature and the joy of exploring the ocean. We offer more than 300 diving tours and courses a year across Japan, from Izu to Okinawa and even overseas. With our small-group style, beginners can dive safely and comfortably while enjoying a personalized experience. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or joining an advanced adventure — we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. Let’s dive and enjoy the ocean together! 💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaDivingJapan #UnderwaterWorld #DivingNearTokyo

Mindfulness tourism was held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in nature’s clear streams to maximize mental and physical performance. Away from everyday noise, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. The program featured mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked through Kikuchi Gorge together with a resident priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature—lying on rocks, sitting in zazen, or otherwise pausing in reflection. In the calm atmosphere, attendees refreshed their minds and bodies and seemed to find new insights. On the first day, we held “Mindfulness Walking and a Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The water of Kikuchi Gorge was used for the tea. In the silent morning space, guests settled their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day, participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and a Breakfast Gathering.” They ate breakfast in the crisp morning air while sensing the surrounding nature. They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed, peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water from Kikuchi Gorge, offering clay-pot rice and meals made with local Kikuchi ingredients. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience in their own way. By walking and touching nature in the morning, many said they were able to forget work worries and busyness. The matcha tea ceremony eased tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature with the murmur of the river and the cool air felt pleasant. Freshly cooked rice in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul; the dishes were elaborate, truly delicious, and left guests very satisfied. These were among many comments we received. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with the five senses. Instead of letting a day pass by unnoticed, participants seemed to appreciate spending time in nature solely for themselves.

"Mindfulness Tourism" will be held at Kikuchi Gorge. It is a fusion experience of mindfulness walking with a tea gathering or breakfast. This is a one-of-a-kind meditation experience held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. "Listen, walk, taste"—cleanse your mind and body through all five senses. Enjoy a luxurious moment of quiet tea drinking, wrapped in the murmuring sounds of the clear stream. Savor a breakfast that dialoguess with nature in an extraordinary setting. Spend a special time sharpening your five senses while feeling the breath of nature. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat designed to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■Saturday, November 1, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering" A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The tea gathering will use water from Kikuchi Gorge. It is a special experience where you can enjoy delicious tea. ■Sunday, November 2, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering" Enjoy breakfast in the crisp morning air while feeling connected to nature. We use water from Kikuchi Gorge and serve rice cooked in an earthenware pot along with dishes made generously from ingredients sourced in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

Event Announcement📣 The wood-filled event “Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE,” held every year on a Saturday in mid-October, will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025🌲🌲😊 Set among the trees at Shizuyama Camp Village, this wood education event invites visitors to touch wood, play with wood, and be captivated by wood!!😍 Woodworking artists from across Hokkaido will showcase their creations, and you can enjoy a variety of wood-based activities such as coaster and xylophone workshops, wooden bat batting experiences, mini house-building sessions, and food trucks—an outdoor shopping experience centered entirely on wood🪵🪵 There will also be live music and a log-cutting competition!!🎵🎵 As a special gift for visitors, the first 50 attendees will receive a log-grown shiitake mushroom spawn log🎁🎁 Come and savor the beauty of wood amid the lush greenery of Shizuyama Campground🤗 📍Date and Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:00–15:00 📍Location: Honbetsu Park, Shizuyama Camp Village, Campground No. 1 📌Contact Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE Executive Committee (Knaou Publishing Co., Ltd.) TEL: 0155-38-4188 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/sightseeing/fes/details/tree_festival_in_kidake.html...

Introducing our rental bicycles 😊 We rent bicycles at the Eco Bus Center Rikuru inside Obikuru, the bus terminal at Obihiro Station 🎵 You can use them throughout the Tokachi region, so when you visit Obihiro, why not explore the town by rental bike as a way to get around and make travel memories 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️ 📍Rental period: April 26, 2025 – November 30, 2025 (The period may change depending on weather and other conditions) 📍Registration and pickup location Eco Bus Center Rikuru inside Obikuru at Obihiro Station bus terminal Tel: 0155-23-5920 Fax: 0155-23-5921 📍Hours of use: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM 📍Fees 🔶Folding bicycle From 400 yen per hour 🔶City bicycle From 300 yen per hour 🔶Electric city bicycle, electric sport bike From 600 yen per hour https://www.machicen.com/bicycle/...

Event Announcement📣 On September 28th, “2025 Onneto Stories” will take place 😊 This event invites you to immerse yourself in Onneto’s primeval forest and enjoy its charms with all five senses. There will be a variety of activities, including campfire and wood-splitting workshops focused on wood learning (mokuiiku), and a nature interaction class where you can enjoy forest bathing while learning about the trees and the mysteries of the Yuno Falls. After refreshing yourself with forest bathing, relax at a forest concert while enjoying delicious local food 🎵 Spend a leisurely autumn day in this richly natural setting 🤗 On the day, a free shuttle bus will run from Roadside Station Ashoro to the Onneto campsite. 📍Outbound: Roadside Station Ashoro departs 8:30 → Onneto Campsite arrives 9:30 📍Return: Onneto Campsite departs 14:00 → Roadside Station Ashoro arrives 15:00 *Please note that due to recent heavy rain, the Onneto lakeshore Yuhodo trail course of the nature interaction class has been canceled.* 📞Inquiries Ashoro Tourism Association Office TEL:0156-25-6131 https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/news/2025/onneto_2025.html...