Nestled along the rugged coastline of Otaru, Hokkaido, stands the remarkable Sea Lion Rock, a lesser-known gem that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. In winter, the surrounding waters become a gathering place for hundreds of Steller sea lions, creating a spectacular wildlife scene against the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan. As the seasons change, summer brings flocks of black-tailed gulls that fill the skies and cliffs with life. Rising behind this iconic rock formation is the striking red-and-white Shukutsu Observatory, visible prominently above the coastline and extending toward the vast Sea of Japan. Together, the observatory, the wildlife, and the rugged seascape create a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of northern Japan's natural beauty. While Otaru is often celebrated for its canals and historic streets, this hidden coastal viewpoint offers a different perspective—one where nature, history, and scenery converge.

[June 9] We have updated the hydrangea blooming status💠✨ Currently, they are 50% in bloom, but they will soon reach their peak! We are featuring the current state of the garden and the latest blooming status on our blog🫧 Please take a look for your outing reference. https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260609...

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//

Goto City, Fukuejima. An endless blue sky and a winding road. As you walk while feeling the breeze, you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a moment that lightens your heart.

Crossing the Kanmon Straits from Mojiko, where the morning sun shines, to Shimonoseki A morning view of crossing the Kanmon Straits from Mojiko to Shimonoseki on a 5-minute boat ride Photo taken: April 3, 2026 Equipment: SONY α7II + FE24-240 Receiving the morning sun from behind Mojiko, overlooking the city of Karato in Shimonoseki across the strait A morning crossing of the Kanmon Straits on the Kanmon Ferry for 5 minutes The silhouette of the city of Mojiko recedes beyond the wake of the boat.

Introducing Rental Bicycles 🚲🚲 At the ECO Bus Center Rikuru inside Obikuru at Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, we offer convenient rental bicycles 😊 You can ride anywhere in the Tokachi area, making it perfect for sightseeing in Obihiro 🎵 We have a variety of bicycles available, allowing you to choose the best one based on your fitness level and riding experience. With electric assist, long-distance travel and hills become a breeze 😍 Feel the wind as you ride and create memories of your "town tour"! Enjoy cycling in Tokachi at your own pace without any stress 🤗 🔶Rental Period: April 18, 2026 - November 30, 2026 (The period may change due to weather conditions) 🔶Rental and Pickup Location ECO Bus Center Rikuru inside Obikuru at Obihiro Station Bus Terminal Tel: 0155-23-5920 Fax: 0155-23-5921 🔶Operating Hours 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM ●Folding Bicycle 400 yen per hour and up ●City Cycle 300 yen per hour and up ●Electric City Cycle and Electric Sports Bike 600 yen per hour and up https://www.machicen.com/bicycle/...

Shosenkyo Gorge is currently welcoming a particularly beautiful season as it transitions from fresh green to deep green. Hello everyone, this is Koshu Regional Cuisine Waraji. Under the clear blue sky, the soft young leaves transform into a rich green, and the mountains display a vibrant expression full of life. Time spent in this landscape, where the sound of water resonates pleasantly, is truly a moment of healing. During this season, we invite you to enjoy our proud dishes at Waraji. Soba noodles with a rich flavor made from pure water. Aromatic char carefully grilled to perfection. Each dish, utilizing the blessings of the season, makes your travel experience even more special. The simple and gentle flavors, enjoyed while feeling the energy of nature, are sure to nourish both your heart and body. Please enjoy the seasonal delicacies along with the deepening greens of Shosenkyo Gorge.

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.

Event Announcement 📣 The "Tokachi Ohira Plain Exchange Festival," where you can experience the charm of agriculture up close, will be held on Sunday, June 7th 😊 We have prepared a variety of content, including experiential programs in collaboration with local students and universities, as well as gourmet delights from Tokachi 🎵 🔷Agricultural Machinery Experience: From historical old farming tools to cutting-edge robotic tractors and toy tractors, a wide range is on display‼ 🔷Hands-on Workshops: Experience making "pork skin bookmarks" and "pressed flower bookmarks" with students from Obihiro Agricultural High School 😍 🔷Fun Learning Booths: Experience cow displays and hands-on activities from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine's "Dairy Farming, How About It?" as well as free tastings and surveys of meat products devised by high school students. Tokachi's gourmet delights will also gather together! ❗😍 Enjoy delicious local flavors to your heart's content 🍴 A special day where both adults and children can get excited! We warmly invite you to come with your family 🤗 https://www.tokachi-a-muse.jp/daiheigen...

I went to Busan, South Korea.

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.

June is a rare month for Japan in that it has no national holidays. After "Golden Week", it is a difficult time for some, as the days without a day off continue and the days get more and more humid, culminating in the rainy season that covers most of the country in regular rainfall. After the cherry blossoms, before the delights of autumn, and just in time for rain and humidity, it is not exactly the most popular season for travel. But rain in Japan has a culture all of its own! Did you know Japan spends more on umbrellas than anywhere else in the world? There are designer umbrellas, cute and distinctive umbrellas, and umbrellas decorated with subculture characters, but the real workhorse of the Japanese umbrella world is the see-through vinyl umbrella. They are available in any convenience store for a few hundred yen, and this cheap cheerfulness leads them to being left behind. (Or taken- charitably, we may say that as they all look indistinguishable, someone may have mistaken your vinyl umbrella for another.) They also can break in a strong wind. But the disposable, readily-replaceable nature of this umbrella is at the core of its charm. In a country with so much foot traffic, the transparency comes in handy for navigating crowded streets. In a crowd a majority of people can often be seen holding these exact same umbrellas in the rain, giving off a distinct atmosphere you can't find in another time or place. If you find yourself in the country in this drizzly time of year, why not bring yourself a cheap and iconic umbrella souvenir?

🚢 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Special Boat "Hashidate" Open to the Public 🚢 "Hashidate" is a rare vessel, the only one of its kind in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 👀✨ This will be the first entry of a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship into Shimoda Port in two years, aside from the Black Ship Festival. 📅 June 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday) ⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before each session) 📍 Shimoda Port, Sotogaoka Quay 💰 Free admission 📝 No reservation required Please take this opportunity to come and see it 😌⚓

We have updated the hydrangea blooming status💠✨ Thanks to the good weather, the opening ceremony successfully concluded in the morning😌🌿 Despite being the first day, many guests have visited the garden! We are introducing the current blooming status and the venue atmosphere on our blog📸💠 Please take a look👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260601...

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

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

A 2-day, 1-night model course in Kushiro. Just a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station. The journey begins at a hotel with a panoramic view of the sea. Experience Kushiro's night with robatayaki (grilled food). In the morning, take your time while enjoying the unique scenery of a port town. Kushiro's charm lies not only in "visiting tourist spots" but also in enjoying the very air itself. How about making your next travel destination Kushiro? You can make reservations through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Hello, this is Crystal Sound! ✨ Shosenkyo is embracing a beautiful fresh green season. 🌿 Recognized as a Japan Heritage site, Shosenkyo is also a popular tourist destination known as a power spot. ⛰️ Surrounded by magnificent valleys and rich nature, just walking around brings peace to the heart. 🍃 The area is lined with shops selling natural stones and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll. ♪ Be sure to try Yamanashi's specialty, "Hoto." 🍲 Why not spend some relaxing time in Shosenkyo, filled with negative ions, to heal your daily fatigue? ✨ May's birthstone is the "Emerald." 💎 This natural stone is captivating with its deep, beautiful green color. The stone's meanings are 🍀 "Luck" 😊 "Happiness" ❤️ "Love" 🌟 "Hope" 🌿 "Healing" In the store, you can see emeralds and natural stones from around the world. ✨ You might just find the perfect natural stone for you right now. 💍 Please come visit Shosenkyo! 🚗✨ All of our staff are looking forward to seeing you. 😊

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

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the deteriorated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland is restored. A photo of the entire field in bright red gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the help of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to boost tourism. If you take photos at the three locations and show them at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before going. I participated in the photo tour organized by Tokyo Camera Club this time. It was held with the full cooperation of Katsurao Village, and I was moved by the warmth of the villagers. Please be sure to visit Katsurao Village.

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

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

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

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

【Nishiokoppe Campground OPEN】 Thank you for your patience!🙌 The campground located in Nishiokoppe Forest Park will open on Saturday, May 23rd!🎉 Usage fee: 500 yen per tent per night Reception hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM *Reception will be available the following day after 4:30 PM Please check in at the administration building located before the batting center. The administration building also sells garbage bags. For more details, please visit our website. https://www.vill.nishiokoppe.lg.jp/feeuub0000001a7a.html... We look forward to your visit! #Campground #Open #Free site

From the beginning to the end of the day. A place where everything becomes a special view. Feel the breath of nature and spend a relaxing time in a room overlooking the lake. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Kussharo that stretches endlessly. Experience "the luxury of nature" at Kussharo Prince Hotel. You can make a reservation from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

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

Mid-May Wakin Peninsula Trekking The season is gradually warming up. It’s the perfect time to enjoy various activities! The trekking course on Wakin Peninsula includes some paved paths, making it a popular choice for those who want to acclimate before climbing the surrounding mountains. For those trekking, enjoy encounters with the unique flora and fauna of this season. And don’t forget your bear bell!🐻 Please make sure to confirm information in advance and engage in activities safely. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/wakoto/...

【Announcement of Lecture - Kawayu Visitor Center】 On Saturday, June 20th, we will host a lecture by Masashi Ohara, an emeritus professor at Hokkaido University, titled "The Life History of the Giant Lily - A Unique Life History of the Giant Lily." Additionally, from June 20th to July 20th, a special exhibition co-hosted by the Ministry of the Environment will take place at the Kawayu Visitor Center. Titled "A Journey at 3 km/h - Walking the Eastern Trail of Hokkaido," this exhibition will explore the allure of the long trail that just opened in October 2024.🚶‍♂️💨✨ We hope you enjoy both the lecture and the special exhibition! 😊 For more details, please contact the Kawayu Visitor Center. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/ooubayuri-vc/...

The special exhibition conveying the history and culture of Teshikagacho, "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" is currently being held. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. As part of the "Seibu Group Showa 100th Anniversary" event, please enjoy this special exhibition!👀✨ The exhibition introduces the journey of Teshikagacho, the achievements of the local hero Taihō Kōki, and the history and culture of the Ainu people. Exhibition Title: "Heroes Who Lived in the Showa Era and the Memories of the Town - The Power of the Era Nurtured by Taihōkan and Teshikagacho" Exhibition Period: Currently ongoing until Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Viewing Hours: 14:00 - 22:00 Venue: Basement Exhibition Room of Kussharo Prince Hotel *Free admission Contact Kussharo Prince Hotel 015-484-211 Cooperation Teshikagacho and Teshikagacho Board of Education