大石晃 posted.
The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore.
Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.
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大石晃 posted.
This is Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This time, we showcase the autumn cosmos fields.
In the background is Mt. Akagi. Being on a hill allows for a great view of the surroundings.
As seasonal flowers are planted, the scenery changes, adding to the excitement.
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大石晃 posted.
In the flower fields of Agrostemma, the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou can be seen.
The Agrostemma fields belong to a local farmer, and we are truly grateful.
The sight of the Agrostemma swaying in the wind is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing summer atmosphere.
The mountains in the background are the Nikkō Mountains, where you can capture stunning photos of beautiful peaks like Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou.
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大石晃 posted.
The Sunflower Festival held in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, features a stunning display of sunflowers in full bloom.
This year marks the 35th edition, and towering sunflowers will bloom in the fields where farmers have worked hard for many years.
The event will take place on July 18th and 19th, 2026, but the sunflowers can be enjoyed even on days outside of the event.
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大石晃 posted.
At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted.
On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka.
While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.
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大石晃 posted.
Nogi Hofmann Hall, located in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a place where visitors can observe a brick kiln.
Next to it, a row of dawn redwoods continues. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering a wonderful view.
I was moved when the pathway turned red with fallen leaves.
I believe it is a hidden gem that is not widely known.
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大石晃 posted.
The weeping cherry blossoms in Kamihocchimachi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. They are located on a mound, with a Jizo statue at the base, and in the background, you can see the remaining snow on Joshu Hotaka Mountain. This is one of my favorite photography spots. The weeping cherry blossom, known as Hatsuchi no Jizo Zakura, is in full bloom. On a clear day, the Jizo statue served as a model for my photos. The parking area is small, making it a landscape in the satoyama that I wish to cherish.
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Thank you very much for your application to the "33rd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest – Spring in Japan."
We sincerely congratulate you on being selected as an excellent entry among many submissions.
The judges' comments are as follows:
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This photograph captures the "Hatsuchi Weeping Cherry Tree" blooming in Kamihocchimachi, Numata City, under a clear blue sky. The fully bloomed weeping cherry tree, spreading its branches from atop a mound, seems to quietly watch over the spring of the satoyama (village forest), with the red figure of the Jizo statue at its base adding a gentle warmth to the scenery.
In the background, you can also sense the presence of Mt. Joshu Hotaka, leaving a lasting impression of the spring landscape, where nature, faith, and daily life unique to Numata City come together.
This excellent entry not only showcases the splendor of a tourist destination but also embodies the charm of a cherry blossom spot that the local people have cherished and protected, making you want to visit the weeping cherry trees in Gunma Prefecture, the Hatsuchi Weeping Cherry Tree, and the satoyama scenery of Numata City.This text has been automatically translated.
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大石晃 posted.
I took photos at Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, which is famous for its wisteria flowers and illuminations. Ashikaga Flower Park offers various flowers throughout the seasons, including roses, water lilies, and tulips, all of which bloom beautifully on a grand scale. Although it had rained until the morning, the weather cleared up, allowing me to see droplets on the early-blooming tulips, truly capturing the essence of spring.
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大石晃 posted.
I took this photo at the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the Kan-etsu Expressway. I happened to stop by and was able to see the beautiful Joshu Hotakayama and Komagatake with their remaining snow. I included the cherry blossoms that were blooming at the service area in the shot. It turned out to be a photo that captures the feeling of "the arrival of spring."
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