I visited the Yokohama Museum of Art to see "Vienna at the Fin de Siècle: The Golden Age of Beauty." The exhibition wraps you in the atmosphere of the era. Rather than simply looking at the works, it offers time to experience the values of beauty. Egon Schiele’s presence quietly yet powerfully lingers in the memory. I think this is an exhibition that comes across only when you visit in person. #Vienna at the Fin de Siècle #Egon Schiele #Art exhibition #Japanese culture #Cool Japan

Mount Fujiwara and Sangi Railway (Hokusei Line) Inabe City, Mie Prefecture January 24, 2026

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Flowers That Color the Shimanto River Basin 1. Climate of Shimanto City Shimanto City enjoys abundant forests, the clear Shimanto River, and the pacific ocean to its southeast, offering a rich natural environment. From 1991 through 2020, the average temperature was 16.5°C and the average annual precipitation was 2,877.9 mm, giving the area a warm, Pacific-type climate. 2. Flowers Nurtured by the Mild Climate [Spring] 〇 Around late February, when the spring sun begins to warm the days, the Iruta Yanagi Grove in the Shimanto River lower basin turns a tender yellow-green as new buds swell, and some 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom across the willow groves like a yellow carpet. This is an iconic scene that announces spring in the Shimanto River watershed. 〇 By late March, the cherry trees at the hilltop viewing spot Tamesho Park come into full bloom. Lanterns are lit during the cherry blossom season, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms as well. The Shimanto City Local Museum sits nearby, so while learning about local history you can also take in the views from its observation floor. (Shimanto City Local Museum opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Wednesdays) At Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park, neatly planted cherry trees and well-kept lawns invite visitors to sit and enjoy hanami while admiring the spring-bright Shimanto River. In the Shimanto River lower basin, plowing of rice fields begins around this time and the frogs start to call. 〇 When the cherry blossoms fall and the trees turn to leaf, look toward Kōzan-ji Temple to see the city flower, wisteria, paint the slopes purple. Kōzan-ji is also popular for hiking and birdwatching, and a park with play equipment makes it a favorite spot for families on holidays. 〇 In breezy May, roses and lilies cultivated by local residents brighten the pastoral inland landscapes in the Nishitosa area. Omiya Rose Garden welcomes visitors with about 500 rose bushes, while Nishitosa Yabukachi greets them with roughly 12,000 lilies. 〇 At this time of year, Shimanto Dragonfly Park shows dragonflies dancing above waters edged with water lilies and irises. Established in 1985 as the world’s first dragonfly reserve, the park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly. The Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio, attached to the park, exhibits insect specimens from around the world including dragonflies, alongside fish that inhabit the Shimanto River. (Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Mondays) [Early summer] 〇 Under rainy, cloudy skies in June, Yasunami Waterwheel Village delights visitors with the rhythmic clack of turning waterwheels while hydrangeas along the waterways blaze with color. Sheltered pavilions near the channels make it pleasant to sit and watch the hydrangeas and the rural scenery. In the inland parts of Shimanto City, summer heat can be intense; when northwesterly winds blow, the foehn effect can raise temperatures and sea breezes from the pacific ocean have difficulty reaching inland, causing high heat. On August 12, 2013, Egawazaki recorded Japan’s highest temperature that year at 41.0°C. [Autumn] 〇 In late September, when the sky seems a little higher, the Iruta Yanagi Grove is enlivened by clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) that dye the area bright red, and autumn insects begin to call from the grasses. Around this time the severe summer heat gradually eases. 〇 In early November, when autumn deepens, beautiful fall colors appear along the ravines of the Kurozon River, a tributary of the Shimanto River. [Winter] Although Shimanto City benefits from a mild climate, snow does fall some winters in the mountain valleys and on plains opening toward the Bungo Channel, and mornings and evenings often dip below freezing. Daytime, however, tends to be mild with many pleasant, sunny winter days. 3. Events to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring The Iruta Yanagi Grove, introduced above, hosts the Nanohana Festival. At the Nanohana Festival, the rapeseed flower groves spread like a yellow carpet and a variety of events are planned, including sales of local specialty products and wind band performances by junior and senior high school students. Please come and enjoy Shimanto River sightseeing when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

Hokkaido Travel for Women Project Mombetsu City Tourism Support Division Original goods featuring Rinne Himi are on sale! Store exclusive • Rinne Himi acrylic figure • Rinne Himi pin badge On the website, Rinne introduces the charms of Mombetsu City! Search for “Hokkaido Travel for Women Project” now‼ Website, YouTube, Instagram, X

🐬✨Half-price Admission for Sakai City Residents!✨🐬 One day only: Sunday, February 1, 2026 With thanks for your continued support ＼ Sakai Citizen Appreciation Day ／ celebrates with you🎉 On this day only, residents of Sakai City receive half-price admission! Enjoy thrilling dolphin training sessions and paid hands-on programs suitable for both adults and children✨ It’s a special day the whole family can enjoy💙 We look forward to welcoming you😊 [Eligibility] Residents of Sakai City *Please present proof that confirms your residence in Sakai City. *Discount applies only to the person shown per one form of ID presented. *This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. *The dolphin interaction experience program requires a separate regular fee. [Admission Fees] ◯ Regular admission Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥1,210 Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥770 ◯ Nighttime (admission from 5:00 PM onward) Adult (junior high school age and older): ¥770 Child (age 4 to elementary school): ¥550 *Free for children age 3 and under all day [Hours] 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍 For details, search “Noah Dolphin Dome”! https://www.dolphindome.jp//

Event Announcement📣 The nighttime winter-only event at TokachigawaOnsen, called "Sairinka," is held each year in honor of the swans that fly into TokachigawaOnsen.😊 A fantasy show synchronizing sound and light creates a magical atmosphere. About 600 luminous objects made from agricultural insulating material and LED bulbs change with the music to delight spectators' eyes.🎵 Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Venue: Tokachigaoka Park Event Maintenance Contribution: 500 yen per person for junior high school students and older; free for elementary school students and younger Contact: Tokachi River Onsen Tourism Association TEL:0155-32-6633 https://www.tokachigawa.net/event/sairinka.html...

A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids. On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place. The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!" Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…! They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body. Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves, I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive. From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event. Winter in Tomioka is the best. If you missed it, why not join the circle next year? If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

Photographed on January 20th: Atami cherry blossoms are in full bloom at several spots 🌸 (Kamanariya Heishichi Statue · Itokawa Promenade · Shinshui Park Third Section · Sanremo Park · Kaihin Park · Nagisa Koen Park) Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs until February 8th https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

This is a photo of the Atami Cherry Blossoms along Itokawa Promenade illuminated on January 17th 🌸 https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Good morning! The blooms are advancing! What will this week's cold snap do?! Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival February 14, 2026–March 29, 2026