In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

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?

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, May 24th, the 46th Hirocho Azalea Festival will be held at Daimaruyama Forest Park😊 Approximately 12,000 Ezo Yamazutsujis will beautifully decorate the venue🎵 On that day, Yasu from HBC Radio's "Car Navigation Radio Afternoon First!" will serve as the host, energizing the venue. A variety of programs will be available, including Tokachi Port's Soran Dance, a special balloon show by the clown Gucci, a BINGO tournament with luxurious prizes, and a quick-eating contest called "Shishamon Pick" featuring local specialties‼ In the gourmet corner "Full Belly Market," delicious offerings from various shops will be sold. You can also enjoy fresh seafood purchased on-site using the grilling station. Additionally, you can taste the "Hakkaku Oyakata's hometown Chanko Nabe" provided by the Women's Promotion Council of three organizations in Hirocho😍 Shuttle buses will operate from Hirocho Elementary School to the venue, ensuring that elderly guests and those with small children can attend comfortably🤗 Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Venue: Special Venue at Daimaruyama Forest Park https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp/kankou/event/...

A carefully curated buffet featuring Hokkaido ingredients. Enjoy as much as you like, both morning and night. A limited-time fair filled with strawberries is also underway 🍓 Available from Saturday, April 25, 2026, to Sunday, May 31, 2026. Save this if you're interested 👇 Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

There is a spring when window frames become paintings. The Kyoto Prefectural Office Former Main Building, located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, is an important cultural property built in 1904. Compared to Gion and Arashiyama, it attracts fewer visitors, making it a hidden gem where you can quietly savor the true depth of Kyoto. Every spring, the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival is held, where magnificent weeping cherry trees bloom in the courtyard surrounded by Meiji-era Western-style architecture. The view of the cherry blossoms and the courtyard through the old wooden windows creates a composition that resembles a painting, offering a special spring experience unique to this place. Despite being an active government building, it is free to visit, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious collaboration of historical architecture and cherry blossoms. This is a place that those tired of the usual Kyoto sightseeing spots should definitely visit. 85-3 Yabunouchi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Is there really such a different world in Nagoya? Yokisō, located in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, is a villa garden built by Jirozaemon Itō, the first president of Matsuzakaya, during the Taisho to Showa periods. Surprisingly little known even among locals, it is a hidden gem favored by connoisseurs. The vermilion bridge spanning the pond, the charming wooden corridor, and the autumn scenery with vibrant maple leaves reflecting on the water create a beauty reminiscent of Kyoto's famous gardens. The tranquil space enveloped in shades of green, yellow, and red allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission is free, making it easy to visit, and it remains uncrowded even during the autumn foliage season. Be sure to enjoy this hidden Japanese garden, the best in Nagoya. 2-5-17 Hōō-chō, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

Is this Nagoya? It’s a corridor from another world that makes you do a double take. The Nagoya City Archives, located in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, is an important cultural property built in 1922 in the Neo-Baroque style. Compared to Nagoya Castle and Sakae, it has fewer tourists, making it a hidden architectural gem where you can take your time exploring. Upon entering the building, you are greeted by an elegant marble staircase, stained glass, and arched windows that create a majestic space, making you feel as if you've wandered into a European palace. Its overwhelming beauty has made it a popular filming location for dramas and movies. The fact that admission is free and you can easily drop by is another delightful point. You can discover a new side of Nagoya. 3-1 Shirakabe 1-chome, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan.

This sky is unique to this place. Located in the northern part of Mie Prefecture, Inabe City is a nature-rich agricultural town overlooking the Suzuka Mountains. From late September to early October each year, the vast fields are blanketed with white buckwheat flowers in full bloom. During sunset, the dramatic sky is dyed in shades of crimson, creating a fantastical scene where the silhouette of flower fields stretches to the horizon against the backdrop of the mountains, resembling a painting. It is precisely because of the unspoiled rural landscape that one can experience this overwhelming sense of scale and tranquility. With easy access, just about an hour's drive from Nagoya, be sure to visit with your camera in hand to seek out this hidden gem of a view. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, Inabe Town.

A sunflower field in the city center, encountered right in front of the station. Located just next to Nagoya Station, the Dai Nagoya Building hosts a stunning sunflower field every summer, a hidden gem known to those in the know amidst the towering skyscrapers of the downtown area. The golden rows of sunflowers create a unique contrast with the modern glass buildings, offering a one-of-a-kind view that is distinctly Nagoya. Even passersby can't help but stop in their tracks, amazed that such a floral spectacle can be enjoyed right in front of the station without needing to travel far. During the event period, admission is free, making it an attractive stop to visit while shopping or having lunch. This is a delightful spot to quietly add to your summer sightseeing in Nagoya. 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

On a summer night, lanterns sway in the fiery sky. Tokugawa Garden, located in Higashi-ku, Nagoya City, is an authentic Japanese garden associated with the Owari Tokugawa family. Unlike Nagoya Castle, which attracts many tourists, this hidden gem allows you to leisurely enjoy the seasonal scenery. The Floating Lanterns event, held every year during the Obon period, is especially a must-see. Against the backdrop of a blazing sunset gradient, the sight of numerous white lanterns floating on the tranquil surface of the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. The weeping willows and green pines are fantastically illuminated, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that feels far removed from the city. Be sure to visit for a special summer memory.

Event Announcement📣 The "Tokachi Shimizu Pottery Market" showcasing the charm of pottery from Hokkaido will be held in Shimizu Town😊 Kilns from all over the region will participate, displaying handmade items such as dishes, cups, and vases that radiate warmth. The venue will also feature a fun lottery and a limited number of local product giveaways (milk and famous sweets), making it a delightful two-day event filled with gourmet treats and shopping🎵 Take a drive in May and come find your favorite pottery! This event is enjoyable for pottery lovers and families alike🤗 📍Date and Time ・Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ・Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍Venue Shimizu Town Cultural Center Foyer (3-3 Minami, Shimizu Town / Across from Shimizu Town Hall) 🔶The first 200 attendees each day will receive "milk"🥛 🔶After 2 PM, the first 200 attendees will also receive "Shimizu Town's famous sweets"!😍 🔶Fun lottery: One entry for every purchase over 3,000 yen! Exciting prizes are up for grabs (one ticket per 1,000 yen) https://www.shimizu-hokkaido-ta.jp/2026/04/13/%E3%82%84%E3%81%8D%E3%82%82%E3%81%AE%E5%B8%82%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B/...

[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.

Hello 😊 This is the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building 🍷 Thank you so much to everyone who visited Shosenkyo Gorge during the Golden Week! ✨ How did you all spend your Golden Week? With the holiday over, a sense of calm is gradually returning to Shosenkyo 🍃 In this season, why not take some time to relax in the nature-surrounded Shosenkyo? 😊 First, let's visit "Senga Falls," which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Feel the negative ions and enjoy a healing time ✨ The fresh greenery is becoming more beautiful, and the scenery is becoming more vibrant 🌿 This year as well, the dogwoods in the garden of the wine kingdom have started to bloom 🤍 I look forward to seeing them bloom even more beautifully 😊 When you visit Shosenkyo, please take your time to enjoy the garden of the wine kingdom as well ✨ Also, this season is perfect for BBQs 🍖 For such moments, I recommend "Koshu Orange Wine," which pairs well with any meal 🍷 We sincerely look forward to your visit! ✨

Event Announcement 📣 The off-road race in Rikubetsucho started in 1982! In 1986, one of Hokkaido's largest off-road courses, "Rikubetsu Circuit," was established, hosting races for buggies and ATVs 🎵 On Sunday, May 17th, the first round of "Off-Road Battle 2026," marking the start of this season, will be held 😊 This is an important battle that could determine the chances of victory this season, so be sure to experience the excitement at the venue. We look forward to your visit 🤗 Date: Scheduled to start at 9 AM on Sunday, May 17, 2026 Location: Motorsports Land "Rikubetsu Circuit" (Uenbetsu, Rikubetsucho) https://www.rikubetsu.info//

Event Announcement📣 On May 16th (Saturday), the "Sumomo no Sato Matsuri 2026" will be held in Sarabetsumura😊 This event allows you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and local gourmet food in the "Sumomo no Sato," where about 1,000 plum blossoms will be in full bloom🎵 At the venue, there will also be a "Nodate" (outdoor tea ceremony) by the tea ceremony club and a "Yoga Experience." Additionally, as a special gift for attendees, the first 500 people who respond to the survey will receive a bag of "Donguri Mura Potato Chips"‼ Furthermore, a photo contest will be held simultaneously! Please post your photos of plum blossoms taken at Sumomo no Sato on Instagram with the hashtag "#SarabetsumuraSumomoNoSatoMatsuri2026" and tag the Sarabetsumura Tourism Association (sarabetsumura_kankou)! Prizes will be awarded for outstanding works, so be sure to participate🤗 Date and Time: May 16, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM *The event will be held rain or shine Location: Inside Donguri Park, Sarabetsu Sumomo no Sato https://www.sarabetsu.jp/sightseeing/event/sumomo/...

Matsuo Taisha 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Matsuo-taisha Station [West Exit] is a 3-minute walk Matsuo Taisha has a parking lot for visitors located on the south side of the premises, which can accommodate around 100 regular cars, and visitors can park for free for a limited time (approximately 1 hour), after which parking becomes paid. Matsuo Taisha is a shrine established in the first year of the Taiho era (701) and is famous as the god of sake brewing. Upon entering the premises, visitors are drawn to the mountain-like stacks of sake barrels, which have been donated by sake producers from various regions. There is a legend that sake brewed with the spring water known as Kame no I will not spoil.

Swaying in the wind, my own special seat. A small hill enveloped by pampas grass, offering a panoramic view of Hatoyamamachi in Saitama Prefecture. This place, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots, flows with quiet moments and gentle breezes. It's a hidden gem, still unknown to many, where you can unwind and relax.

\The highlight event of the Black Ship Festival is back this year!\ 📍【Reenactment "Signing of the Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"】 Set in the late Edo period in Shimoda, this performance comically reenacts the actual signing of the "Japan-U.S. Shimoda Treaty"! The actors, embodying historical figures, deliver a captivating performance full of realism✨ There are moments that will make you chuckle…!😆 Even those not well-versed in history or children will enjoy it. May 16 (Saturday) 12:40 PM – Ryōsen-ji May 17 (Sunday) 12:30 PM – Shimoda Civic Cultural Hall Parking Lot Experience the unique history of the Black Ship Festival at this event; be sure to check it out at the venue!👀⚓

The 87th Black Ship Festival "General Information Pamphlet" is now complete! 📖✨ This pamphlet is packed with information to enjoy the Black Ship Festival, including event schedules, venue guides, and parade route maps. 🙌 "Where is everything happening? 🤔" "What time does the parade start? 👀" This pamphlet will be a great help during those moments! ✨ If you want to fully enjoy this year's Black Ship Festival, be sure to check it out in advance! It will also be distributed in print in the future. 📚 If you come across it, please take a look! ⚓✨

🚨 This is the last year‼︎ Be sure to check it out‼︎ The stamp rally for the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" has started on April 24th, marking its final operation this year. 🚂✨ You can collect various designs of the "2nd Generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" stamps at six participating post offices! The period is from April 24, 2026, to April 23, 2027. This will be your last chance, so be sure to take part❣️ For more details, please check the flyer or the participating post offices.

【Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour Starts!】 The season of the blooming Ezo Iso Tsutsuji has arrived. Would you like to take a stroll through Tsutsujigahara, connecting Kawayu Onsen and Mt. Io? The "Tsutsujigahara Morning Walking Tour," where you can observe the Ezo Iso Tsutsuji that will soon be at its peak, is starting! Since the course begins from Kawayu Onsen, you can enjoy the walk on the morning after staying in the hot spring town. <Guide to Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail> ■Period: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 ■Time: Every morning at 6:00 AM (Total duration about 1 hour) Meeting at 5:55 AM, Departure at 6:00 AM. *Cancelled in case of rain ■Participation Fee: 500 yen for elementary school students and above (free for infants) *Cash payment at the venue ■Meeting Place: In front of Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ■Application: Please fill out the application form by 7:00 PM the day before, including: ① Name of the representative ② Number of participants ③ Contact phone number ④ Name of your accommodation. You can access the application form via the QR code on the flyer. *If you cannot send the application, please call the office at 090-2512-3143. [ Notes ] ・This is a tour walking approximately 3 km from Kawayu Onsen to Mt. Io (returning from Mt. Io will be by car). ・Please participate in comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for movement. ・The tour will be cancelled in case of rain. Participants will be notified in case of cancellation. ・The content may change or be cancelled depending on the blooming status of the Iso Tsutsuji. ■Organizer: Akan-Mashu National Park Kawayu Area Management Association ■Contact: 090-2512-3143 (Yoshida) https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tsutsuji2026/...

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for May📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in May♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes, with the popular "Ninoya" selling their famous "Ikinari Dango" as well! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Cabbage ・Chiffon Cake ・Potatoes ・Zucchini ・Broad Beans ・Onions🧅 (bulk purchase of irregular items) ・Dekopon ・Bankan (Kiyomi, Amakusa) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】May 10th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

I came back again this year! It's the Koinobori Festival at the Ryujin Suspension Bridge 🎏 I usually arrive early, so there weren't 1,000 carp this time 💦 This year's new discovery! The "Ryujin Café" I casually dropped by was absolutely amazing ☕️ Looking up at the carp from below was much more dynamic and beautiful than viewing from above, as they seemed to swim through the sky ✨ The scenery was beautiful, and I was thrilled to find such high-quality food as well. I'm definitely going to be a regular now 👍 Being healed by delicious pasta and a stunning view made for the perfect holiday...

From the summit of a small mountain called Uomidake in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, you can see a landscape that feels like a foreign land. Since there are not many tourists, you can take your time.

A special moment spent at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. Breathtaking views, spacious rooms, and meals that satisfy the soul. In spring at Kussharo, you can also encounter the unique nature and wildlife of the season. Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy the leisurely flow of time. We are looking forward to welcoming you at the Kussharo Prince Hotel. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Hello, this is Minamoto 😊 The beautiful season of fresh greenery has finally arrived in Shosenkyo Gorge, where the buds of the trees are flourishing, making it a delightful time for a stroll 🌿 The clear waters of the river, the unique rock formations, and the blooming Mitsubatsutsuji create a stunning landscape, offering a refreshing experience of nature that is different from the vibrant autumn colors that adorn the valley ✨ During the Golden Week, especially when the young leaves are shining ✨, a popular and recommended route is to walk from the Tenjinmori Municipal Parking Lot along the path by the gorge, passing through the Stone Gate and reaching Senga Falls 🚶‍♂️ Please give it a try♪ Currently, we at Minamoto have received a variety of new products‼️ The photo shows a Lemurian Seed Crystal 💎 When you go out, please come and see it 😊 Also, during the Golden Week period from May 2nd to 6th, the shops in the Shosenkyo Falls area and along the Crystal Highway will extend their hours by 30 minutes, staying open until 5:30 PM 🕔 *Some stores may be excluded. If you have time, please come and visit us 🍀 All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you 👋

Golden Week is the most beautiful season in Azumino. With the remaining snow on the Northern Alps, sparkling water, and fields full of flowers and greenery, we present the "special scenery" that can only be seen at this time of year. 1. Water Mirror... The best time to see it is early morning. If the wind blows, the surface will be disturbed and you won’t be able to see it! 💦 2. Daio Wasabi Farm... The cold-resistant net is already up. 3. Mount Nagamine... You can drive there, and of course, you can also hike. 4. National Alps Azumino Park... Tulips, rapeseed flowers, and nemophila are in full bloom. 5. Apple orchards in the Misato District... Apple blossoms as far as the eye can see. Why not come to Azumino this Golden Week to capture a "special shot"? The time spent surrounded by water and greenery will surely fill your heart. 😆 We recommend exploring by rental bicycle!

Event Announcement📣 The 36th Rekifune River Clear Stream Carp Streamers event in Taiki Town will host a "Children's Day Mini Event" 🎏 You can see a variety of "working vehicles" including the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's high-mobility vehicles, police cars, and fire trucks 🚒🚓 Experience the rare opportunity to view carp streamers from a high-altitude work vehicle, and enjoy the popular inflatable play equipment (for a fee) ✨ There will be plenty of delicious food at the food stalls and fun activities 🎵 Bring your family and come have fun 🤗 📍Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Holiday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 📍Location: Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed *Event may be canceled in case of bad weather https://www.town.taiki.hokkaido.jp/soshiki/kikakushokoka/3/1/482.html...

The green season is open. Surrounded by magnificent nature, the Kussharo Prince Hotel is finally resuming operations. Enjoy the lake, sky, greenery, and delicious moments. Experience a special stay exclusive to this season. Reservations can be made through the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph...

Nemophila