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?

\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! ⚓✨

Information about ongoing events! From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to Sunday, July 12, 2026 "Izutsu and Creators." https://www.instagram.com/irozaki_oceanpark/... Location: Irozaki Ocean Park Until May 10, 2026 Strawberry Picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... Location: Baby Berryf Farm From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to July 12, 2026 Summer is approaching! Tide Pool Observation Experience [Beginner Level] https://www.eco-surf.com/reservation/... Location: Oogahama next to Yuigahama.

The staff of the tourism association has visited again! "Seretis," located right in front of Iritahama Beach, is a popular spot where you can enjoy meals while feeling the ocean in a spacious location!✨ This time, we chose the Wagyu burger (1600 yen) and Shimoda Blue Pudding (600 yen).🍔🍮 The burger features the rare cut "Togarashi" from Shimanto Beer Beef, meticulously prepared over two days. It's tender and juicy, bursting with the flavor of the meat.🤤 The "Shimoda Blue" used in the pudding comes from eggs of free-range chickens, known for their bluish shells.🥚 With a subtle sweetness, it offers a rich, adult flavor.😌🤎 Indulge in this luxurious gourmet experience while gazing at the sea—make sure to check it out!☝️✨

The Iwata City Tourism Association is hosting a collaborative project with Daytona Co., Ltd. called "Iwata Morning Activity Cafe" at the Communication Plaza. Enjoy morning coffee, use it as a meeting point for touring, and feel free to drop by anytime. After the Morning Activity Cafe, we will hold a Morning Activity Market, where families can participate in workshops to experience crafting and purchase popular sweets. Food trucks will also be present, so enjoy a fun holiday at the Communication Plaza throughout the day. Iwata City's mascot, Shippei, will also come to visit! Date: Saturday, May 9th, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, rain or shine. (In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled. Notifications will be posted on this site in case of cancellation.) *A portion of the sales from the food trucks and workshops will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross as "Relief Fund for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster of Reiwa 6." *The Welcome Bikers Roadstation (WBR) project promotes a network of regions and facilities that welcome motorcyclists, calling for traffic safety and improved manners for visitors. *The content of the stalls may change.

Cherry blossom viewing spots in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture 🌸 A breathtaking view that spreads 360 degrees. ・ ・ ✅ Shishigahana Park ◎ 62-2 Ohira, Iwata City ◎ Parking: Available 📷 Taken on April 2, 2026 🌸

Date and Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026 *Cancelled in case of rain (no backup date) Venue: Mitsuke-juku Street The "Enshu Daimyo Procession" will faithfully recreate the scene where the feudal lords participating in the Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) stay at the 28th station of the Tokaido, Mitsuke-juku, welcomed by the inn staff, the main inn, and townspeople on Mitsuke Main Street. The "Mai-guruma (Dance Cart) Pulling and Fire Dance" will reenact the story of the Mitsuke Gion Festival. In addition, various performances will be showcased throughout Mitsuke Main Street as a stage. Iwata City tourism ambassadors will also participate in the procession wearing kimonos! *Traffic regulations will be in effect from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM on the day.

Photographed today, Wednesday, April 8: the wisteria at san remo park. There are white and purple wisteria trellises; the white is in full bloom while the purple has just begun to open. The azaleas are also coloring up, so please take a look if you are nearby. san remo park Address / Wadahaminamicho (next to Atami Port)

From a hill above the residential area, you can see many Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom, and from the high ground the Tokaido Shinkansen and Suruga Bay also offered beautiful views.

Ongoing events through Golden Week‼ ① Ongoing until supplies last Ihama margaret picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=91181&cat=18736&type=event... ② Ongoing until around May 5 Strawberry picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... ③ March 28–April 5 Yuigahama cherry blossom tour http://www.the-surface.com/event.html#sakura... ④ April 1–May 5 Bamboo shoot picking and the takeno‑ko eatery opens http://takenokomura.com// ⑤ April 3 Irozaki Gongen Festival https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=3725&cat=18736&type=event... ⑥ April 18 and 19 Va'a Japan 4th Japan Cup in Minami‑Izu https://www.vaajapan.com/2026-japan-nationals... ⑦ April 29 Lead-horse riding experience day https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=7746&cat=18736&type=event... Spring in Minami‑Izu features both Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms, and it also offers abundant sea- and mountain-based nature experiences, so it’s surprisingly hot (exciting) just for that‼ Events across Minami-Izu Town! https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-eventlist&eventlist=18736...

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.

Photographed on March 4 The early winter cherry trees near Ginza Street, at the Sakimicho curve, are now in full bloom and catching the eyes of passersby. Of the three trees, the one at the top is called the "Sakamachi Temple Cherry". It is said to be one of the trees planted in the grounds of Iou-ji Temple, which once stood here in the early Meiji period. The tree is over a hundred years old. It survived the Honcho great fire of 1944 and the Atami great fire of 1950, making it a precious cherry tree. Sakamachi Temple Cherry — Address: Sakimicho, Atami City (opposite Hotel Kan-ichi) About 20 early winter cherry trees in Shinsui Park are also continuing to bloom, so please visit if you are in the neighborhood. Shinsui Park — Address: Nagisacho, Atami City (Shinsui Park Daiichi Kouku to Shinsui Park Second Section)

The 87th 'Kurofune Festival' crowdfunding campaign opened for contributions on Sunday, March 1st! 🚢✨ This project aims to bring everyone together to make the Kurofune Festival even more exciting🤝🌊 We offer a variety of rewards depending on the donation amount🎁✨ We sincerely appreciate your support! 🙇‍♀️🔥 *If you visit the site and add the project to your favorites, it will be featured as a highlighted project⭐ For details 🔍 Search for "CAMPFIRE Kurofune Festival" 〈Crowdfunding page〉 https://camp-fire.jp/projects/918377/view... 〈Contact〉 Kurofune Festival Executive Committee Office (Shimoda City Tourism and Exchange Division) 0558-22-3913

The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Finale Town’s 70th Anniversary Commemoration “Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars” Period: Friday, February 27, 2026; Saturday, February 28, 2026; Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM Release section: a 400 m stretch from Harumachi Bridge to around Kinomiya Bridge ※The event may be canceled due to rain or other conditions. ※The Inoriboshi® will be released a little upstream from the Roadside Station. ※This event is expected to be very crowded. ↓If you want to avoid crowds, please join the tour below.↓ ・Tour organized by Minamiizu Town Tourism Association: Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars Tour (until 2/28) Reserve/Apply here → https://x.gd/EGMCM... ・Vendors will be located behind the Tourist Information Center and Yunohana Chokubaijo (Yunohana Farm Stand). There will be special vendor stalls during the Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars event from 2/27 to 3/1. ※The posted images are from 2015. ※The Milky Way Project🄬 is a registered trademark, so unauthorized use is prohibited. Commercial use by entities other than individuals is also prohibited. 【The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival】 Held from February 1 to March 10 🌸About “The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival” https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸Bloom status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸Parking status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸Live camera https://x.gd/smGtI...

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026 The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held February 1 – March 10 🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸 Live Camera https://x.gd/smGtI... 〈If arriving by public transportation〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.) The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop. Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp// 〈If arriving by car〉 Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them. ⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety. Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.

Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawaku, Tokyo Metropolis will host the annual Narcissus Festival on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8. (^○^) The exchange began more than 20 years ago in 2005 when Shimoda City donated narcissus bulbs to Kasai Rinkai Park, and it continues to this day. Since fiscal 2006, the Shimoda City Tourism Association has been happily taking part in special events during the Kasai Rinkai Park Narcissus Festival, selling Shimoda products such as kinme croquettes, kinmedai fish head soup, dried fish, Shimoda brand goods, and all-you-can-pack Izu mandarins to promote tourism.✨ Members of the Shimoda Taiko Traditional Preservation Society also join the event to perform traditional drumming with a history of about 400 years on stage. If you are nearby, please stop by the Shimoda City Tourism Association booth at the Kasai Rinkai Park Narcissus Festival. (^○^) *The booth photo was taken at last year’s event.*

On a clear, cold winter day, our family enjoyed flying kites in a park with a great view of Mount Fuji.

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...

🌼We updated the daffodil blooming report🌼 They are in full bloom, so now is the best time😌🤍! Today (January 19) at Cape Tsumeki the wind was calm and the weather was warm enough to skip a jacket! (It is often windy here, so don’t forget to dress warmly💨🧣) See the blog for photos and more details👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260119...

Minami-izu Town, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is dotted with a wealth of geosites that give a sense of the workings of the Earth, including a complex coastline and dynamic cliffs created by undersea volcanic activity. Additionally, Mikomoto Island in Minamiizu Town is a world-famous diving spot where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks. Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, the area is extremely dense with fish, and there is a high probability of encountering large schools of fish (hammer rivers) from summer to autumn, attracting many experienced divers from both Japan and abroad. Located in the open ocean, you can enjoy drift diving (diving while being carried away by the current) and it boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of fish. -- For more information about tourism in Minamiizu Town, Minamiizu Town Tourism Association【official】 WEB：https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=596705&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

Happy New Year This year is the Year of the Horse (Hinoe-Uma) and the auspicious eighth year of Reiwa, a year of expanding opportunities. Let us step forward toward the new era one step at a time. I humbly ask for your continued support this year as well. Photo: Irozaki Lighthouse

Happy New Year! 🎍 I look forward to your continued support this year. I updated the first blooming status of the daffodils for the new year 🌼! See the blog for details 👇 Wishing everything goes smoothly this year… 🐎✨ https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260102...

Happy New Year! This year I again photographed the first sunrise from the waterfront park. There was no wind and it was not as cold as in past years, but a warm layer of clouds on the horizon kept the sky dull and dim even after the scheduled sunrise time of 6:51. Around 7:05 the edges of the clouds began to glow, and just after 7:20 the sun finally appeared! As every year, many residents and tourists gathered early at the waterfront park to watch the first sunrise of Reiwa 8. May Reiwa 8 bring you a year full of happiness. We appreciate your continued support of Atami Onsen this year as well.

Please visit Izu Shimoda Onsen in 2026 (^○^) 🌼 Shimoda Onsen Narcissus Festival The flowers are expected to be at their best around mid-January ♬ After the narcissus, 🌸 Minamiizucho "Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival" 🌸 Kawazu Town "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" Both are about a 30-minute drive from Shimoda City. Stay at Shimoda Onsen and enjoy the early spring flower relay ✨ Right now, JTB’s website is offering "discount coupons usable at Shimoda Onsen accommodations" (＼(^o^)／) Right now, JTB’s website is distributing great discount coupons usable at Shimoda Onsen accommodations (＼(^o^)／) No minimum fare required: 10% OFF ✨ (maximum discount 5,000 yen) Limited quantity! Take this chance to visit Shimoda Onsen ♨️ https://www.jtb.co.jp/kokunai-hotel/list/22219/?multiarea=22219&suggestkeyword=%E4%B8%8B%E7%94%B0%E5%B8%82&godate=&checkindate=&staynight=1&dateunspecified=1&roomassign=m2&room=1...