Toyama’s Spring Quartet Cherry blossoms drift in the breeze beneath the snow-crowned Japanese Alps. At sunset, pink light washes over rapeseed fields—when suddenly, a woman in white crosses the flowers, moving against the wind. For a moment, it feels less like a photograph, and more like a painting come to life.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, March 28, the festival where children and adults alike can shine, “Tokachikarapute,” will be held 😊 This time’s theme is “Discovering the Future”🎵 From children’s dance performances and a kids’ festival with games and candy tossing to a wide variety of hands-on booths, heart-and-body healing corners, stage events, and a grand lottery, the event is packed with attractions😍 Come deepen your interests through many different experiences🤗 📍Date and Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00–17:00 📍Venue: Tokachi Plaza, 1st Floor 🔶Hands-on Corners ・Cooking observation & experience・Model experience・Nurse experience・Rehabilitation experience・Hand massage experience・Sign language experience 🔶Kids’ Festival Booths ・Shooting gallery・Animal basketball・Bowling・Ring toss 🔶Heart and Body Healing Corner ・Verde・Bi-Leave・HopefulLight・Shinraku Shoku Musubi Kiki・Grandma House Riki ・Shuccho Atama Hogushi more・Murachika・Tetoteto・TeFu, a hidden salon・Tokachi Milk Peace ・Knitting Granny・Total Beauty KUSU♡KUSU・Kato Massage Clinic・KiDoAiraku ・Hand Massage Kanan・Chou Momi, Nou Momi Yuwa YUIWA 🔶Food Stalls ・Takoyaki・French fries・Frankfurters・Chocolate bananas・Tabekko Animal pancakes・Onigiri (rice balls) 🔶Stage Events＊ 11:00–11:10 Opening Ceremony 11:30–12:00 Otofuke Baton 12:40–13:00 Obihiro Rhythmic Gymnastics 13:15–13:30 True-or-False Game 13:30–13:45 Candy Toss 14:00–14:30 Yotsuba Dance 14:45–16:15 JOYFIT Dance 16:30–17:00 Lottery 📞Contact: Tokachikarapute Executive Committee TEL:080-5584-4222 https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-23120/...

Delivered by the guides at Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center! Reihoku fishing seasonal update 🎣 Here are the fish you can catch in Reihoku’s waters at this time of year! Black sea bream (kurodai/chinu), mullet, squid, and more… Reihoku’s sea offers memories to last a lifetime for beginners and veterans alike. Amakusa and Reihoku are great not only in summer but in winter too. Come and visit!

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Spring is starting to show itself little by little in Shosenkyo Gorge…🌸 The mitsuba azaleas that usually peak around this time are a bit slower this year. Many buds still dot the gorge, so the full bloom will likely be a little way off. Meanwhile, at Tenkorin we found a tree that bloomed a little early✨ The surroundings remain quiet, but that tree seemed to be announcing the start of spring. Shosenkyo will soon burst into color, and we’re looking forward to it. The sight of full bloom will have to wait just a bit longer🌿

Hello everyone, this is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. This Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Shiki Community Center in Reihoku will host an event everyone from children to grandparents can enjoy: HAPPY PARTY REIHOKU Sports Exchange. The highlight this time is the trending world of e-sports. From an easy-to-play bowling tournament to popular puzzle and versus games, the event is packed with activities that bridge generations. ■ Featured content E-sports bowling tournament: wonderful prizes await the winner! Nintendo Switch demo booths: familiar titles such as Suika Game, Super Smash Bros., brain-training games, and racing games will all be available. If you’re not very familiar with games, don’t worry—this is a great chance to boost your health or discover a new hobby. Come enjoy the event with three generations of your family. 📅 Event details Date and time: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00–15:00 Location: Shiki Community Center, Reihoku (444-1 Shiki, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Who can attend: Everyone (children, students, and seniors are especially welcome!) Organizer: Amakusa Father’s Club Supported by: Reihoku and the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association, among others Contact Taiyo e-Sports (Contact: Honda) Phone: 090-2080-0661

Event Announcement 📣 From March 27 to March 29, a three-day screening of diverse films, including works directed by Tokachi Tourism Ambassador Yoshiyuki Fuji and director Yoshio Osaka, will be held at Shikaoi Town Community Hall. The Hokkaido International Film Festival travels across the prefecture to bring new stories to communities without movie theaters. Please come and enjoy a variety of films if you can 🤗 📍Date and Time: March 27, 2026 – March 29, 2026 📍Venue: Shikaoi Town Community Hall 🔶Advance Tickets: 2-DAY PASS (March 28 & 29) with clear file 4,000 yen (tax included) 1-DAY PASS (March 28 or March 29) 2,000 yen (tax included) ※Free for junior high school students and younger 🔶Ticket Outlets Shikaoi Town Community Hall, Shikaoi Town Hall Urimaku Branch, Shikaoi Town Chamber of Commerce, CAFE Oshaberi na Photo Studio, Torisei Shikaoi Branch, Usui Tenkodo, Ide Pharmacy, Shimizu Cultural Center, Shintoku Community Center, Makubetsu Centennial Memorial Hall, Otofuke Cultural Center, Memuro Central Community Center, Obihiro Civic Cultural Hall (Ticket Live), Mint Cafe 🔶Same-day Tickets (tax included) 2-DAY PASS (March 28 & 29) 4,000 yen 1-DAY PASS (March 27) 1,000 yen 1-DAY PASS (March 28 or March 29) 2,000 yen Single Program (one film) 1,000 yen https://hokkaido-movie.com/shikaoi/...

I visited Omusubi Kokoro, which opened this February (^○^) While rice-ball shops that let you pick from a display case are nice, this place shapes your onigiri after you order 🍙✨ Located near Shimoda’s popular spot Perry Road, it’s a perfect stop to grab a snack after a stroll when you start to feel peckish 🎵 For me, ume (pickled plum) is a must for onigiri, but I couldn’t decide on the second filling…. In the end I narrowed it down to simmered alfonsino, dried fish from Ogiso Shoten, or okaka from Yamada Katsuo Bushi Shop. After much deliberation I chose the simmered alfonsino. The hot, hefty onigiri are great for taking to your favorite spot this season or for enjoying while walking around! Of course, you can also eat them inside the shop if you prefer (^^) Please stop by when you’re exploring the town.

Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

“Petals Drift on a Spring Voyage” Fushimi, Kyoto, Ujikawa River Diversion Canal. As petals scatter across the emerald-green surface, a Jikkokubune boat moves slowly. Passengers in kimono gaze at the spring scenery while cherry branches arch over the boat, creating a spring scene unique to Fushimi.

"Spring River, Boats Drifting" Fushimi, Kyoto — a tributary of the Uji River. As cherry trees bloom to cover the water with a canopy of blossoms, a jukkoku-bune (traditional flat-bottomed boat) glides slowly along. On the banks, people savor spring in their own ways, and lantern-lit boats sway as they slip quietly into a tunnel of flowers.

“Plum Reflections of Silence” — Spring at Umegomiya Taisha Shrine’s Sacred Garden — In the sacred garden of Umegomiya Taisha Shrine, an ancient stone bridge stands quietly over the pond as blooming plum trees melt into the water’s surface. Pink and purple blossoms sway in the reflective water, where the springtime of Kyo gently comes to life.

【🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2026 🌸】 From Friday, March 20th to Sunday, May 10th! The cherry buds are growing darker and larger, and we eagerly await the blooms😊 Please follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/)... and post photos of flowers taken in Gokase Town with the two hashtags #GokaseHanami2026 and #PhotoDate (e.g., #March20) 🤳❤️‍🔥 Every day during the event one person will win a specialty product from Gokasecho🎁✨ Outstanding entries will receive a gift set of Gokasecho specialty products🤩👏 Following last year, there is also the "Gokase Sakura Project Award" chosen by members of the student-led Gokase Sakura Project from Gokase Secondary School✨ ⚠️This award applies to the weeping cherry at Kijiya🌸 Entries posted with the hashtags may be featured on the social media of the Gokase Tourism Association and the Gokase Sakura Project💡 [Period] From Friday, March 20th, 2026 to Sunday, May 10th, 2026 ⚠️Other terms and conditions are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/index.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing. ------------------------------------------ In Gokasecho, which at last welcomes spring, you can enjoy many flowers besides the weeping cherry, including rhododendrons and akebono azaleas🌸 Why not take a leisurely flower tour around Gokasecho while soaking up the warm sunshine🤗? We sincerely look forward to your participation✨

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, March 29, a lecture titled “The Path of Naumann’s Elephant Revealed by Ancient DNA” will be held at The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant😊 The genus Palaeoloxodon, which includes Naumann’s elephant, was an extinct group of elephants that once ranged across Eurasia. Last year, a research team including Yamanashi University succeeded for the first time in analyzing ancient DNA from Naumann’s elephant and published their findings in a US scientific journal. We have invited Naoki Kohno of the National Museum of Nature and Science, a member of that research team, to give a lecture on the evolutionary history of Palaeoloxodon across Eurasia and the route taken by Naumann’s elephant. This is a rare opportunity to explore Naumann’s elephant in depth. If you are interested, please register in advance by phone🤗 📍Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 PM–3:00 PM 📍Venue: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant 📍Capacity: 40 people (first come, first served) 📍Fee: Free (participants may also view the museum’s exhibits free of charge) 🔶Advance registration required by phone: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) 📞Contact: The Churui Museum of Naumann's Elephant, Makubetsu Town TEL: 01558-8-2826 (closed Tuesdays) https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-23045/...

Hello everyone, this is Jewelry Town. Shosenkyo Gorge, a Japan Heritage site, is bathed in the soft light of spring and welcomes a season of crisp, refreshing air🏞️ At Arakawa Dam, early-blooming kanhizakura cherry blossoms have begun to open, giving a sense that spring has arrived🌸 Ride the ropeway up to 1,058 meters and, on a clear day, you can see the distant, beautiful Mount Fuji🗻 Nearby, Jewelry Town stands quietly, where a variety of raw stones, including power stones inspired by the 2026 zodiac sign 🐎, rest peacefully, creating a space that gently comforts the hearts of visitors🤗 Surrounded by the calm of nature, why not take your time and find that one favorite stone in a relaxed moment💎 Enjoy a gentle, peaceful springtime experience that softly colors the season✨ Please do stop by when you can. All of our staff warmly await your visit.

📣 World Heritage Balloon Shuttle Bus Service Begins! 🚌✨ 📍Free sightseeing bus touring Sakai, the World Heritage town with a gas balloon 🎉 From Friday, March 20, you can easily hop between Daisen Park, where a gas balloon offers sweeping views of the Mozu Kofun Group World Heritage site, Sakai Risho no Mori, which exhibits items related to Sen no Rikyu and Akiko Yosano, and Old Sakai Port, a famous sunset spot! 👀 Make sightseeing in Sakai freer and more comfortable. Please take advantage of this service💕 ■ Service period: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from March 20, 2026 to March 31, 2027 ■ Operating hours: 9:00–18:00 (about one round trip per hour, eight trips per day) ■ Stops: ① Sakai Old Port Porto Mare (Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai) ② Sakai Risho no Mori ③ Mozu Kofun Group Visitor Center ■ Fare: Free From March 20 to 22, the loop-style event Himo Tokeba Sakai 2026 – OSAKA SAKAI EXPO – will be held, letting you experience the charms of Sakai. On the 20th, MYAKU-MYAKU will also appear in Daisen Park. Why not ride the shuttle bus and easily visit experience programs, gourmet food, and the stamp rally? 🚩 For information about Himo Tokeba Sakai, visit this URL 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435... 🔍 For details, search for "World Heritage Balloon Shuttle Bus"! 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/106...

🌸 Hike the highest peak of Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, and enjoy a spectacular azalea walk! 🌸 On Sunday, April 19, join the “Spring Tenjiku Azalea Walk for Health”✨ The setting is Tenjiku, the highest peak on Shimoshima Island, Amakusa, located in Reihoku. At this time of year, the summit greets visitors with azaleas in full bloom. The contrast between fresh green leaves and the azaleas creates a truly breathtaking view! Would you like to walk an out-and-back course of about 11 km while feeling the pleasant spring breeze? After descending, a tasty onigiri boxed lunch included in the participation fee will be waiting for you🍙 This event is limited to the first 100 people. Bring your family and friends and enjoy spring in Amakusa together! 🎁 This event qualifies for Kumamoto Health Points (20 points). 📅 Event Details 〇 Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 [Registration] 8:30 AM – [Departure ceremony] 9:30 AM ※Held in light rain; canceled in heavy rain 〇 Meeting place: Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School (site of Kiba Elementary School) 📍 Search Google Maps for “Amakusa Kiba no Mori Nature School” 〇 Course: Approx. 11.0 km round trip 〇 Participation fee (includes onigiri boxed lunch and insurance) ・Elementary school age and older: 1,000 yen ・Preschool children: Free (boxed lunch can be ordered separately for 500 yen) 〇 Capacity: First 100 applicants 〇 Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM 👉 How to apply Please apply through the application form on the homepage linked in the profile URL. We look forward to your participation!

Hello everyone. This is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On March 6–7 (Friday–Saturday), we held a joint product fair with Kikuchi City at the farmers’ market "grape vineyard" in Minami Ward, Fukuoka City. Products representing the proud flavors of Kumamoto Prefecture’s mountains and seas gathered in Fukuoka for a lively event. ■ Collaboration: Kikuchi’s Mountains × Reihoku’s Sea At this product fair, we sold Kikuchi City’s delicious rice and agricultural produce alongside a wide range of seafood and processed goods nurtured by Reihoku’s abundant sea. ■ Interaction with the local community We were able to introduce Reihoku’s food appeal to many food-minded visitors to grape vineyard, and the experience was very meaningful for our staff. Beyond sales, visitors showed interest in Reihoku’s scenery and travel attractions, and we feel the emotional distance between Fukuoka and Reihoku has grown a little smaller. Also, on the first day, Friday, March 6, kumamon came to cheer us on, which thrilled the crowd 🐻 ■ Thank you Thank you very much to everyone who attended and to the staff of grape vineyard for providing the venue. Through events like this, we will continue to bring Reihoku’s delicious flavors and excitement to the whole country. Look forward to our next event!

Event Notice 📣 March 22 (Sunday) only! Special opening of Banei Tokachi Farm! Aligned with the top-tier showdown “Banei Kinen” at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse, Banei Tokachi Farm will be specially open for one day only 😊 The farm raises many ban'ei horses, and you can see them up close. Be sure to see the lively ban'ei horses before watching the “Banei Kinen” 🤗 📍 Date and Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Last admission at 1:30 PM) 📍 Admission: Junior high school and older: 700 yen, Elementary school: 300 yen, Preschool children: Free https://baneibokujo.co.jp/news/news_27.html...

[🧸For Sakuho town residents only🧸] Montbell annual membership fee Normally 1,500 yen, but the Sakuho Town Friend Card lets town residents join for 1,000 yen✨ As a member, you will receive benefits such as ・Earning points on purchases ・Receiving the member magazine OUTWARD ・Discounts at partner facilities ・Event information and more. This is recommended not only for outdoor enthusiasts but also for those who want to get started🌿 🔽Join or Inquire🔽 Visit Montbell Sakuho Store inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen

＼ ˗ˏˋ Everyone, thank you for waiting!! 📢⚡ ˎˊ˗ ／ Bike rentals will begin on Wednesday, April 1, 2026! 🚲💨 Reservations are accepted by phone or email📲💻 We look forward to many of you using the service!! 😊✨

I photographed Angkor Wat in Cambodia 📸

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, March 22, “One-Ton Weight! Deciding the Strongest Banei Horse!” The 58th Banei Memorial takes place 😊 This is the ultimate Banei showdown, with Banei weights run at the maximum of 1 ton! Among the BG1 races, the most prestigious class in Banei racing, this event sits at the very top 🎵 Also, from Friday, March 20 (national holiday) through Sunday, March 22, the “Banei Memorial” event offers a packed schedule of attractions and activities 😍 🔶 A corner exhibiting four-panel manga by the very popular Mayu Sawada, featured on the official Banei Tokachi LINE 🔶 Gourmet stalls gathering winners from past Banei Kitchen Car Grand Prix and other tasty vendors 🔶 On-site predictions and talk shows by comedians and notable personalities, and more Come for all three days to enjoy the events and cheer on the powerful draft horses up close 🤗 https://www.banei-keiba.or.jp/ed_detail.php?id=1580...

The snowy season has ended, and Lake Kussharo moves on to the next season. Winter operations concluded on March 7. We sincerely thank everyone who visited this winter. Amid the quiet lake and white scenery, we are truly grateful that so many guests could spend special moments here. Now, we move into spring. The green season begins on April 25. We look forward to seeing you again at Lake Kussharo in the new season. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Hello everyone. This is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On Saturday, February 28, we exhibited at Amakusa Fair 2026 in Fukuoka, held at HiRaKu in Tenjin, Fukuoka City. Blessed with good weather, many visitors stopped by our booth from the moment we opened. ■Reihoku’s seasonal specialties sold out—thank you! We sold Reihoku’s proud salted dorayaki and processed goods made from fresh seafood. The local products we prepared sold out one after another, which reminded us how much interest people in Fukuoka have in Amakusa. ■Tourism PR and hopes for air travel At the same time, on the venue’s second floor, the Reihoku Town Community Development Cooperation Squad promoted Reihoku at the municipal booths. It was a valuable chance to directly convey Reihoku’s appeal and the convenience of air connections. Thank you very much to everyone who visited the venue and to all who supported our exhibit. We hope the tastes of Reihoku you tried at the event will inspire you to come and visit Reihoku in person next time. All of our staff look forward to welcoming you in Amakusa and Reihoku!

Exhibition Report: We presented new ways of living in Reihoku at the “Discover Amakusa! Amakusa Reihoku Two-Region Living Experience and Exchange Event.” Hello everyone. This is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. We took part in the “Discover Amakusa! Two-Region Living Experience and Exchange Event” held on Sunday, February 8th. On the day, we met many people who live in urban areas and are highly interested in “two-region living,” maintaining a base in both city and countryside. Booth Highlights Under the theme “Another everyday wrapped in sea and sunset,” we introduced the town’s charms and accommodation options. Particular interest focused on the rich natural environment, seasonal flavors that enhance daily life such as fresh seafood and citrus, and the warm, welcoming nature of the townspeople that greets first-time visitors. Reflections on the Exchange Two-region living offers more than lodging; it’s an experience of blending into the local everyday life. We will continue preparing a welcoming environment that makes visitors want to say “I’m home.” Thank you very much to everyone who stopped by our booth! All of our staff look forward to the day we can meet you in Reihoku.

Tracing the footprints of stories, an adult getaway.🌿 Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk unearths Reihoku’s literary heritage and proposes a new kind of journey. Recently, with the cooperation of people inside and outside the town, we held a monitored tour📖✨ Literary monuments blending into Reihoku’s beautiful scenery and the landscapes beloved by great writers. As you walk listening to a literary tourism guide’s commentary, the familiar streets begin to sparkle like a novel. A stroll themed around “words” offered a wonderfully indulgent refresh that makes you forget the rush of daily life. From now on, we will prepare to bring this “story” and the landscapes that gave it life to many more people. Look forward to future updates!

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. March has arrived, and Shosenkyo Gorge is slowly showing signs of spring. It’s still a bit chilly, but the mountain trees are starting to take on a hint of green, and the landscape’s expression is softening 🌿 Shosenkyo Gorge was once known as a source of quartz, and the beautiful crystals mined here helped Yamanashi become known as the City of Gems ✨ Shosenkyo Gorge is also home to Kanazakura Shrine, which enshrines quartz as its sacred object, making it a particularly recommended spot for fans of stones and power stones 💎 It’s a mystical place where you can feel nature and history ⛩️ When you visit Shosenkyo Gorge, be sure to see Senga Falls. The view of the waterfall up close is full of power and so photogenic you’ll want to capture it on camera 📸 When touring Shosenkyo Gorge, please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Building. At this time of year, we offer wines that feel bright and springlike 🍷🌸 We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Welcome to the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 🌸 Kikuchi City will hold the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival at Shimin Hiroba to coincide with the cherry blossoms. Please enjoy the spring scenes of cherry trees spreading through the town on the breeze. 【A red carpet will be installed on the Kikuchi Shrine Sando】 Event period: March 20 – mid-April (scheduled) 【Kikuchi Sakura Marche】 Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM The venue will feature local gourmet food, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche, workshops, and stage performances with a spring feel. There will also be family-friendly activities such as hands-on experiences for children, appearances by local mascots, and a small mobility test-ride event. 【Kikuchi Sakura Marathon Marche】 Date and time: Monday, March 22, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM A gourmet market will gather at Shimin Hiroba, the marathon’s starting point, bringing together Kikuchi’s local foods. Additionally, the KUMAMOTO FURUGI CARAVAN is scheduled for March 28 and 29. Please note that details may be announced on the day or subject to change. Mornings tend to be relatively less crowded, so a morning stroll is recommended. Please consider adding it to your plans! Contact Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival Executive Committee TEL 080-9106-7416 Executive Committee Chair Sato #Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival #Cherry Blossoms #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Untying the Threads of Sakai — A World Tour in Sakai!? 🌍 “SAKAI Gourmet EXPO” Confirmed! Gather hungry on the long weekend in March at Sakai Risho no Mori (@rishonomori)! ✨ A colorful lineup of international food trucks and tents will offer a global feast 🤤 From authentic flavors you rarely get to try to family favorites that kids and adults love, six food trucks and two tent vendors will serve up fresh, delicious dishes! 🚚💨 Enjoy the open-air setting and savor world cuisine while spending a lovely spring moment. 🌸 Tag friends and family and strategize what to eat! 👇 📅 Date: Friday, March 20 (national holiday) and Saturday, March 21 ⏰ Time: 10:00–16:00 📍 Venue: Sakai Risho no Mori ※ Exhibit lineup is subject to change 🔍 Search “Untying the Threads of Sakai 2026” for details! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/news/detail/20251217133435...

Event Announcement 📣 Tokachi Craft Makers Night will take place on Thursday, March 19. 😊 This one-night event brings together three makers who craft beverages in Tokachi with their own philosophies and participants to discuss the future of Tokachi’s drinking culture. 🎵 Part One is a panel discussion (about 45 minutes) with the three makers leading “new beverage making in Tokachi”: beer, cider, and gin. Part Two is a social gathering (about 60 minutes) where you can enjoy drinks paired with food and freely chat with the three makers. 📍 Date and time: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 18:00–19:45 (reception starts at 17:30) 📍 Venue: LAND, 1st Floor, Tenkodo Building, 12-1, West 2 South 11, Obihiro 📍 Capacity: 40 people (reservation required, first-come, first-served) 📍 Eligibility: Ages 20 and over (alcohol will be served) 📍 Fee: 3,000 yen (drinks from three companies plus pairing dishes from Kobito no Daidokoro in Ashorocho) *Payment in cash on the day* 📍 Registration deadline: Saturday, March 14, 2026 — registration closes once capacity is reached. *Please apply via the QR code on the attached flyer.* 📞 Inquiries: Tokachi Plain Distillery TEL: 0155-65-0479 (We may not be able to answer depending on business conditions. Thank you for your understanding.) https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/...