Other domestic walks

Hasami Ware is famous for its HASAMI brand, known for sturdy, simple designs with colorful mugs. But it's also known for delicate porcelain painted with indigo on white, and I'd always been curious about both, hoping to visit someday. Since it was close to Sasebo, I stopped by, and browsing the potteries was so much fun that I ended up buying way too much... I kind of regret it now!

This year's Golden Week plan was to relax with my family in Motobu Town, Okinawa, after enjoying a traverse of the snowy Northern Alps. The day we arrived in Okinawa, the weather wasn't great, and we entered Motobu Town in the evening, so I thought maybe the crowds would have somewhat thinned out, so we headed to the Churaumi Aquarium.

After being discharged from the hospital, I chose the Atsumi Peninsula Canola Flower Festival for my first long trip in a while. Seeing so many canola flowers blooming across a vast field, their bright yellow color made my anxious feelings a bit brighter, which made me happy. The sandy beach near the venue was also beautiful, and I was lucky to enjoy a gourmet battle comparing oysters and clams. Next time, I'd love to come here cycling on an eBike.

We often talk about providing "experiences that exceed expectations" at work, but it's rare to actually experience one yourself. Since we were heading to Hokkaido, I decided to stay at Tower Eleven Hotel to see for myself.

Instead of just buying products, why not try making one? While browsing Google Maps around Biei, I stumbled upon a place I'd never noticed before called Aizome Yui no Mori. It's a lovely spot on a hill where indigo-dyed wooden benches and fabrics flutter in the wind...

Last year, I just drove right past. Last summer, after enjoying some summer skiing in Engaru, I was heading to Maruseppu Onsen to wash off the sweat and noticed the Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi-no-Mori. It had an insect museum and I could see a steam locomotive running.

On my two previous visits, the bridge was either submerged under the lake or hidden beneath the ice. I've been to the Nukabira and Horoka Onsen areas once in summer and once in winter, but both times the Taushubetsu River Bridge was completely out of sight.

Who would've thought I'd get to visit the JAL factory for work! I often exchange information with people from other industries, but this was a total surprise to get this opportunity through work. I've always wanted to visit an ANA or JAL factory tour someday.

I'd heard a while ago that my Swedish friend's child was very promising in diving, and we even talked about them possibly making it to the World Championships or Olympics someday. But guess what, they actually got selected to represent Sweden.

I wanted to learn about advanced MaaS (Mobility as a Service) powered by Level 4 autonomous driving. Eiheiji Town in Fukui Prefecture is home to Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of the Soto Zen school. While I haven't heard the specific triggers, I imagine this initiative, supported by METI and MLIT, aims to solve the pressing issue of ensuring transportation for both local residents and tourists.