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

Today, I am exploring Tokyo. It's an oat milk latte and a banana chocolate donut. 🍌

Taken on May 2, 2024. These are the pink lily of the valley at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. They are known as Peach Flower Bellflowers.

Taken on May 2, 2024. This is the lily of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The language of flowers is "happiness arrives."

Taken on May 2, 2014 (Heisei 26). This is a Suzuran Fūrin, a type of traditional Japanese wind chime.

Photographed on May 2, 2026. This is a lily of the valley wind chime from 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.

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.

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

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March every year. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

Taken on April 22, 26. This is le bilboquet near Akasaka Station. This week's lunch features pork belly and green peas with butter rice.

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

In the garden at dusk, small cherry blossoms bloom softly against the backdrop of the three-storied pagoda, adding a gentle touch to the scenery of Chinzan-so.

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

Taken on April 22, 2022, in the 26th year of the Heisei era. This is a flower water offering (a traditional Japanese practice) at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.

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.

Today I love to recommend a place in Tokyo which is Yushima Tenjin Shrine. Spring in Japan isn't just about enjoying the cherry blossoms, spring begins with the beautiful fragrance of plum blossoms, and you can witness the ume matsuri, or plum festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine. It is near the Ueno park area and this festival usually held in 1st week of March. Ume lasts much longer than sakura, so its beauty can be enjoyed for a long time. Around 300 plum blossom trees are spread over the temple premises which are visited by many visitors every day. Besides, during this festival, various cultural events are held on the temple ground during the holidays.

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.

Shinobazu Pond The strong winds from the day before scattered the petals, and the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo are nearing their end. After the storm, brilliant light pours into the clear blue sky, and I set out for one last cherry blossom viewing, embracing the spirit of Taisho Roman. The white, red, and Kanzan cherry blossoms are now in full bloom under the sunlight. Swaying in the light and wind, the vibrant purple blossoms shine brightly.

Meguro River Night cherry blossoms and the Meguro River, lit crimson by lanterns. The cherry trees in full bloom are still vibrant. In a week, the river will take center stage as petals drift like a floating raft of flowers.

Sumida Park A row of cherry trees at dusk caught my eye, and I stopped at a particularly dark patch among them. Looking more closely, countless pigeons perched on a black tree of twisted branches, with no flowers or leaves. At first glance, it was a little bit like a horror scene. Beneath my feet, fresh green shoots; above, a canopy of pink cherry blossoms; in the distance, the Skytree gleaming in the sunset—and so many pigeons. Although the composition should have felt lively, the image took on an eerie quality, producing a strangely contrasting shot.

Shinobazu-ike Bentendo Temple After the rain, the sky is a striking blue. The cherry trees around Shinobazu Pond are blooming a little later than elsewhere in Tokyo; many blossoms that withstood the wind and rain remain as buds, so they are about 90 percent in bloom. Though the spring breeze shakes the branches, the petals remain strong and vibrant. It’s a scene of spring in full bloom.

I went to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum on my graduation trip.

My first visit to Japan turned magical when I found a lone Sakura at the entrance to Ueno Park, blooming early on the first day of March. Locals, tourists, people of all ages, and even birds were enjoying the symbol of Spring. To immortalize their joy, I simply had to photograph the birds enjoying the blossoms. I feel proud of this photo, and very lucky to have witnessed such a magical Spring moment in the heart of Tokyo.

I took part in an exchange event at Hachioji Municipal Dairoku Elementary School! Activities with the second graders and school lunches with each grade made for a very fun day 😊✨

Photographed on January 23, 2014. This is a lucky beckoning cat talisman from Kanda Myōjin Shrine. 🐈

Photographed on January 23, 2014. This is the Shishiyama at Kanda Myōjin Shrine.

Photographed on January 23, 2014. This is Sukuna Hikona, the enshrined deity of Kanda Myōjin Shrine.