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Kurobe–Tateyama: Where Majestic Landscapes Meet Lasting Memories - 30th April - 1st May 2005

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The Kurobe Tateyama area is a magnificent mountainous region representing the Northern Japan Alps, renowned for the spectacular scenery of the Tateyama mountain range that spans Toyama and Nagano Prefectures.  Kurobe Dam, one of the largest arch dams in Japan, impresses visitors with its grand scale, nestled within a deep valley, and the powerful spray of water released during discharge. Murodo, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,450 meters, serves as a central base for exploring Tateyama and offers a highland landscape where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Nearby stands Hotel Tateyama, known as the highest-altitude hotel in Japan, where guests can experience the tranquility above the clouds and a sky filled with countless stars. In spring, one of the highlights is the “Snow Corridor” (Yuki-no-Otani), where buses pass between towering walls of snow rising several meters high, providing a truly unique and memorable experience.  From Murodo and Ku...

Shinjuku Central Park Flowers: Gaura and Lavender in Early Summer Tokyo - 5th June 2026

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In the flower beds of Shinjuku Central Park, a harmonious variety of seasonal plants is carefully arranged throughout the year. In particular, during early summer, Gaura (also known as whirling butterflies) gently sways in the breeze, while the refreshing fragrance of lavender delights visitors’ senses. Gaura produces delicate white and pale pink blossoms at the tips of its slender, graceful stems. Its light and airy appearance evokes the image of butterflies or even swans dancing in the air, blending beautifully with the park’s open and spacious scenery. In contrast, lavender captivates with its purple flower spikes and soothing, cooling fragrance, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. In addition to these flowers, various seasonal plants that are replaced throughout the year add color and variety to the flower beds. Their rich layers of color bring a sense of natural abundance, even in the heart of the city. The neat and orderly flower beds, set against a backdrop of towering skys...

Hydrangeas at Shinjuku Central Park: A Tranquil Rainy-Season Escape in Tokyo - 5th June 2026

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The hydrangeas at Shinjuku Central Park are widely appreciated as a seasonal highlight that allows visitors to experience the changing beauty of nature even in the heart of Tokyo. Within the park, particularly around the walking paths and the Water Plaza area, hydrangea bushes have been carefully planted. During the rainy season, they bloom in a rich variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, white, and pink, creating a vibrant and picturesque scene. Despite being surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the hydrangeas flourish in the calm, moist atmosphere, offering a sense of quiet relaxation to those who visit. Especially after rainfall, droplets of water remain on the petals, enhancing their delicate beauty and providing a truly captivating sight. The park itself is spacious and easy to explore, making it an ideal location for photography and seasonal nature observation. The hydrangeas of Shinjuku Central Park serve as a refreshing reminder of nature’s presence, gently helping...