Taken on May 2, 2014. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and Suzuran Fūrin.

Photographed on May 2, 2026. This wind chime is shaped like a lily of the valley and is located at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is a very cute wind chime.🎐

Taken on May 2, 2026. This is the "Blessing Water Flower Handwashing" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It looks beautiful from any angle. Available for a limited time until May 6.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Water Offering of Happiness" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was available for a limited time, until May 6.

I walked along the abandoned railway track in Akashina District, Azumino City. The cloudy sky and fresh greenery create a nostalgic atmosphere.😊 At the nearby Ushio Shinmei Shrine, preparations for the "Shibafune" are underway. The grand festival will be held on May 4th and 5th.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplets of Happiness Flower Water" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until May 6.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplet of Happiness" flower water at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until today.

【GW was full of events! 🎏】 Gokasecho's Golden Week was packed with events every day! All the events were created by the local community. 👏 Here are some highlights from the events enjoyed by both adults and children during Golden Week. 💡 【May 3 (Sun)】 ● Shiroyama Opening Ceremony The Shiroyama Opening Ceremony was held to pray for the safety of hikers. Unfortunately, due to rain, it took place at the Kotono Shrine assembly hall, but there were rice balls, grilled meat, drinks, and a lottery! 【May 4 (Mon)】 ● Kurara Festival The festival featured a flea market, various goods, workshops, fortune-telling, relaxation, and many delicious food stalls! This year, a stamp rally was also held! The popular lottery from last year had many prizes! It was bustling with people! 【May 5 (Tue)】 ● Utakeyama Azalea Festival The Utakeyama Azalea Festival was held to pray for the safety of hikers. In the morning, a "koinobori sports day" was held, enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly. In the afternoon, there were quizzes, stage programs, and a variety of activities!

The carp streamers and the lily of the valley wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

The carp streamers and the giant ema at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The ascending carp seems to bring good fortune. 🎏

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the year-round safe fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The deep green color is said to be Tokiwagi.

Taken on May 1, 2014. This is a moegi-colored fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is said to be available for a limited time.

Taken on May 1, 26. I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Until the evening of May 6, a thousand carp will be displayed at the gokoku shrine. The hanging carp decorations were offered with hopes for the healthy growth and peace of children.

Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

In Sakurashinmachi, Tokyo, I discovered a unique view of spring at the Sakura Jingu Shrine. This rare shrine inherits the tradition of Ancient Shinto, and during spring, the grounds are filled with pink ribbons. These ribbons are tied with wishes for "matchmaking." The contrast between the traditional shrine atmosphere and the pop, vibrant pink is very cool, reflecting the beauty of modern Japan. Under the fully bloomed Kawazu cherry blossoms, the sound of children's laughter creates a peaceful moment.

Photographed on March 25, 2014. This is the love water at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Taken on March 25, 2014. This is the love water at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌸

【Teppen Kagura Festival👹】 Today (April 26th), the "Teppen Kagura Festival" was held at the Gokase Winery-style hall✨ Despite the unfortunate rainy weather, the venue was filled with people and excitement that blew away the rain and cold🔥 This festival features not only Kagura from Gokasecho but also Kagura from the neighboring Yamatocho in Kumamoto Prefecture💡 It seems there were some first-time Kagura fans in attendance, and I was delighted to see that events in Gokasecho are becoming more widely known🥰 Gokasecho has plenty of events lined up for the Golden Week🙌 Be sure to check out the tourism association's website and social media!😊

Taken on April 22, 2014. This is the wisteria trellis in front of Sanno Saryo at Hie Shrine.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Hie Shrine. The azaleas were very beautiful.🌺

Photographed on April 22, 2014. This is the cherry blossom tying at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.🍒 To convey their wishes, the shrine maiden ties a red thread to the cherry blossom. At that time, a wedding ceremony was taking place in the main hall.

The cherry blossoms at Ariakesan Shrine in Azumino have started to fall🌸 The carvings on the shrine's mountain gate, Yumeimon, are impressive❗️ It is said to be modeled after the Yōmeimon of Nikkō Tōshō-gū.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was having a pre-shoot.

Photographed on April 22, 2014. Near the chozuya at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, azaleas were in bloom. Upon closer inspection, a bee was coming to sip nectar.

Taken on April 22, 2014. I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was around 8:30 in the morning. In the afternoon, I tried facial yoga.

Photographed on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at the omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

A vibrant gift found at Tokiwa Shrine🌹 Even on a cloudy day, seeing this red color somehow makes me feel energized.

Taken on March 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on March 8, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.