🏆 Teshikagacho has won the Green Destinations GOLD AWARD for sustainable tourism! Teshikagacho received the "Gold Award" in the "Green Destinations Awards," an awards program conducted by the international certification organization "Green Destinations" that promotes sustainable tourism. The Green Destinations Awards evaluate the sustainability of tourist destinations based on a wide range of international criteria, including environmental protection, local culture, tourism management, regional economy, and social sustainability. The evaluation is conducted through a document review of 84 items and an on-site assessment. This award recognizes Teshikagacho's long-standing efforts to create a sustainable community, which have been highly praised internationally, involving residents, businesses, and local government working together. Additionally, this marks the second Gold Award in Japan, following Kamaishi City, making it the highest domestic recognition at this time. Notably, this is the first instance in Japan where a location has received a Gold Award on its first attempt, marking a significant achievement. While this Gold Award is a major milestone for Teshikagacho, it is not the end goal. Moving forward, residents, businesses, and local government will continue to collaborate in efforts to achieve both environmental conservation and regional revitalization. We will also sincerely consider the recommendations made during this assessment and work towards further improvements, advancing the development of a sustainable tourism destination that we can proudly present to the world. For more details about the award and related information, please visit Teshikagacho Navi.

On August 23, 2026, the 33rd Sugaoi Stone Buddha Fire Festival was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. During the festival's signature event, the "Chicken Crowing Contest," participants donned creative costumes and showcased their unique crowing sounds. The venue was filled with warm smiles and applause throughout the event. Additionally, the stage featured powerful performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums by the "Toyokai" and dances from "Okubata Kagura," captivating the audience with a series of impressive acts. In the latter half of the festival, the "Torch Throwing" event took place, where lit torches were thrown at a pillar approximately 3 meters high, with many children eagerly participating. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is a Chinese morning set featuring Gomoku Okowa rice balls from CAFE ANDON. It is available exclusively until Saturday, the 29th, from 8:00 to 10:00. The set includes Gomoku Okowa, chicken soup, lightly pickled celery, Kyoto-style pickled daikon, boiled eggs topped with chili oil, and lemongrass jelly. It was a great success. 😊

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Arrival 🚢 The cruise ship "Asuka II" is coming to Kushiro! Passengers will disembark and enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope the local residents will warmly welcome them with a friendly atmosphere 😊 As the ship departs, there will be a farewell performance featuring Ainu musical instruments and traditional dance by the Harutori Ainu Ancient Dance Kushiro Rimse Preservation Society 👋 We look forward to your participation! ✨ *General visitor parking available Date: Thursday, August 27, Year R8 Arrival 8:00 Departure 17:00 Location: Kushiro Port West No.4 Pier Local product stalls from around 9:00 to 14:00 (including food trucks and miscellaneous goods for sale 🥪🥤) *Some stalls will open from 8:00 Farewell around 16:40 #Kushiro City #Cruise Ship #Eastern Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Asuka

The "Goldfish Lantern" lights up on Shirakabe Street in Yanai. This summer, the goldfish that gently illuminated the old street corners during the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" will soon be taking a break. They look a little lonely. Thank you for this summer. See you again next year. Location: Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Photographed on August 6, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Kaikan.

Taken on August 6, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Kaikan, featuring red and white wind chimes tied with a decorative cord.

Silent Authority in the Summer Rain On a rain-soaked summer afternoon in Wakayama, a conductor walks alone along the tracks of the Kishigawa Line. Ahead, the colourful Tama and Umeboshi trains wait beneath the old wooden depot. Seen only from behind, his straight posture, white gloves, and measured steps carry a quiet authority. Under the words “Safety First,” even this whimsical local railway takes on an almost ceremonial dignity. Xi Lun

An Island Summer, Passed On On the morning of July 19, 2026, the Ieshima Tenjin Festival brought music, colour, and tradition to the sea off Himeji. A young performer danced in ceremonial dress aboard a richly decorated danjiri boat, framed by the blue Seto Inland Sea. In this focused gesture, I saw the heart of a Japanese summer festival: an island passing its traditions from one generation to the next. Xi Lun

A Different Kind of Japanese Summer Fire Japanese summers are often remembered for fireworks. At 7:00 p.m. on July 25, 2026, I encountered another kind of summer flame at Tanukidani-san Fudoin in Kyoto. During the Hiwatari Matsuri, or Fire-Walking Festival, a yamabushi tended the sacred goma fire as sparks rose into the humid night air. In that instant, the heat of summer, the energy of a matsuri, and an old Japanese tradition burned together. Xi Lun

Thank you for the 2026 Photo Contest! Our annual photo contest "Shibazakura and the Fantastic Photos of the Valley" Thank you for all the participation this year. The winners for 2026 have been decided, and we are pleased to announce them! We will introduce the honorable mentions for each category! *Participants have already been notified of the results. At the free space on the second floor of the roadside station, we are exhibiting again this year, so please stop by and take a look♪ #Takinoue Town #Tourist Association #Takinoue Town Tourism Association #Hokkaido #Photo Contest

Thank you for the 2026 Photo Contest!① Our annual photo contest "Shibazakura and the Valley Town Fantastic Photo Award" Thank you for your participation this year as well. The winners for 2026 have been decided, so we will announce them! First, let's introduce the gold, silver, and bronze award winners in each category 🥇🥈🥉 Next, we will introduce the honorable mentions! *Participants have already been notified of the results. At the free space on the second floor of the roadside station, we are exhibiting again this year, so please stop by and take a look♪ #Takinoue Town #Tourist Association #Takinoue Town Tourist Association #Hokkaido #Photo Contest

It's really hot, isn't it? 🫠 This is a wind chime water.

[Let's Dance in a Circle] In Nishiokoppe Village, the Bon Odori was held for two consecutive nights on the 14th and 15th. Thank you to everyone who came! 🙌 I participated in the Nishiokoppe Bon Odori! 🏮 As I was drawn in by the sound of the drums, I found a row of stalls waiting for customers. Before starting the dance, I took a bite. After filling my stomach a bit with udon, the children's Bon Odori began. What started as a circle of a few people quickly grew larger with children and adults joining in. Those who didn't join the dance but were watching while eating and drinking also wore calm expressions. As the children's Bon Odori ended and we took a break, a group of bipedal frogs appeared. Following them, more and more costumed people arrived. Before long, a circle around the yagura was formed. I was overwhelmed by the energy of those dancing for 45 minutes in their various costumes. I was glad to experience another page of summer this year. Since I couldn't attend the Kamiokoppe Bon Odori this year, I hope to conquer both days next year...! #Nishiokoppe Village #Bon Odori #Cool Summer Nights #Costumes #Summer

【Woody Successfully Concluded!】 The annual "Woody Summer School" has successfully concluded! This year's challenge was to create a【tractor】🚜✨ over a period of two nights and three days. Participants assembled each part in order, drilling holes and cutting with a jigsaw. Despite the intense heat over consecutive days, the participants faced the wood with serious expressions. To support these participants, the instructors provided gentle guidance. Thank you to everyone who participated! This one-of-a-kind tractor is something to cherish and play with at home🚜 #Nishiokoppe Village #Woody Summer School #Woodworking #Tractor #Manufacturing

Photographed on August 16, 2014. The wind chimes on the benches at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine had changed to a love color.

Photographed on August 16, 26. This is the peach parfait from Hikawa Suzukaze-sou. It includes tai monaka, coconut meringue, lychee & raspberry macaron, almond cookie, peach milk sorbet, whipped cream & soufflé cheesecake, almond sable, peach & raspberry, and chewy peach jelly & lychee agar.

My son, filled with anticipation, exclaimed, "I'm going to catch some bugs!" This place, where nature spreads out and the sounds of insects resonate, is a paradise for him! He seemed so happy to interact with so many creatures. (By the time we left, he had missed them all.)

In a magnificent landscape filled with trees, my son was filled with anticipation as he exclaimed, "I'm going to catch lots of bugs!" Wearing a straw hat and holding a bug net, he chased after insects, embodying the essence of a Japanese summer.

A Hidden Gem! Introducing Recommended Photo Spots✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the 'save' icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 ①Ōmuro Kofun Group This site is considered the largest stone mound burial group in Japan, featuring around 500 ancient tombs that are truly impressive! It is home to a concentration of uniquely structured tombs that are rare even on a national level. Within the grounds, you can find the Oomuro Kofunkan, which provides guidance on the tombs and exhibitions related to the ancient burial mounds in the city. 【Address】310 Ōmuro, Matsushiro, Nagano City 【Hours】Open from April to November, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 【Closed】Mondays (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday), the day after public holidays (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), winter season 【Fee】Free ②Hijiri Daijingu Shrine A place that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli world. Walking through the serene grounds, you are enveloped by the greenery of the trees and soft light, creating a calming moment. The natural beauty that changes with the seasons is also a charm. 【Address】5405-2 Ooka, Nagano City ③Shinsugara no Tanada Shinsugara no Tanada is a perfect photo spot where you can enjoy the original scenery of the satoyama (village forest)! The beautiful landscape of rice fields changes its expressions depending on the season and time of day. 【Address】Tanaguchi, Shinsugara Town (the photo was taken along Prefectural Route 70) ④Sansai Station Sansai Station is a unique photo spot that makes you want to take pictures! It’s a tradition to take commemorative photos with the letters of Sansai in front of the station, making it perfect for travel memories and family photos. 【Address】2207 Nenbutsuzuka, Oaza Sansai, Nagano City ⑤Minagami Mountain This mountain resembles an artificially raised lava dome. Minagami Mountain is a mystical spot that has sparked theories about it being the largest pyramid in the world created in ancient times, with related books published. 【Location】Toyohide, Matsushiro, Nagano City ⑥Old Battlefield Sign (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) This road sign has become a topic of conversation for being incredibly stylish. Some have even said it has the 'majesty of a king' at the intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park! 【Location】Intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) #Photo Spots #Hidden Gems #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

📺📢 【STV Dosanko Wide 179 Appearance】 On Monday, August 24, 2026, the staff from the Lake Mashu Tourism Association will promote Teshikagacho for one minute on "Dosanko Wide 179"!! It seems that the appearance time was earlier than scheduled, but I was relieved that it was broadcasted properly. Thank you to everyone who watched. #Dosanko Wide 179

On August 22, 2026, the 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue featured various stalls offering light snacks such as shaved ice and sweets, as well as drinks like juice and coffee. Additionally, there were lottery draws, free tuk-tuk rides, and a light truck sauna, making it a bustling event from evening until night. The stage showcased a variety of performances including children's taiko drumming, ukulele, kagura, hula, and kids' dance, culminating in a lively lottery and mochi throwing that drew cheers from all around the venue. A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors, performers, and attendees. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🌿✨ Would you like to observe the distillation process of the rare "Wahakka"? ✨🌿 "Wahakka" is carefully cultivated in Takinoue Town. In fact, Takinoue Town boasts the highest production of Wahakka in Japan. A special experience plan has been introduced where you can closely observe the "distillation process" that extracts aromatic components from this rare Wahakka! 🌿 This time, it's a collaboration between Takinoue Wahakka Lab, Takinoue Hotel Keikoku, and Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Not only will you observe the distillation process, but you can also enjoy mini-seminars, lunch using Wahakka, a Wahakka bath, and a Wahakka Lorry sauna, all of which allow you to fully enjoy the unique "aroma" of Wahakka in Takinoue. 🌿 Day trip plan on September 19 (Saturday) 4,000 yen (tax included) ・Observation of Wahakka distillation process ・Hakka arranged meal ・Hakka bath & Wahakka Lorry sauna 🌿 Accommodation plan on September 18 (Friday) 18,000 yen (tax included) for one night with three meals ・Observation of Wahakka distillation process ・Lunch and dinner featuring Wahakka ・Wahakka amenities and more 👥 Limited to the first 20 participants! Additionally, those who bring an empty 500ml plastic bottle will receive aromatic distillate water of Wahakka as a gift for those who wish! 🎁 This is a special day to enjoy Takinoue's Wahakka through your five senses, not just by "seeing," but also by "smelling," "tasting," and "being healed." 📞 For applications and inquiries Takinoue Hotel Keikoku 0158-29-3399 📞 For inquiries about the tour Takinoue Town Tourism Association 0158-29-2730 *Please note that the content may change or be canceled due to weather or growth conditions.

When you think of Tomakomai, you think of "hokki clams" 😊 In addition to classic dishes like sashimi, butter-grilled, and curry, a new one-handed gourmet option has arrived! Available at Roadside Station Utonai Lake "Plaisir," the "homemade hokki clam skewers" were created with the desire for everyone to enjoy the locally sourced hokki clams more easily!✨ Please feel free to give it a try!✨ (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Taken on August 16, 2014. I relaxed at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfūsō. It's cold Kawagoe Green Tea.

Photographed on August 16, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

I had ramune and watermelon at a park in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. I never thought I would be able to spend my youth with my high school classmates at almost 30!

When you open the door, a tranquil moment gently welcomes you. Beyond the curtains lies Lake Kussharo. With your favorite drink in hand, simply gaze at the scenery. No need to worry about the time. It's perfectly fine to have a day like that. Welcome to a time just for you and the lake. Indulge in the luxury of doing nothing at Kussharo Prince Hotel. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates from 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

If you're looking for lunch in Kushiro🍴✨, head to "Kushiro Prince Hotel Top of Kushiro." Enjoy a leisurely hotel lunch while taking in the views from the top floor of the hotel. We offer a variety of lunch options, from limited-time menus to classic favorites, so you can choose according to your mood. Be sure to save this for your next lunch outing and feel free to stop by! *Please note that the menu may change depending on the circumstances. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel 17F "Top of Kushiro" Check the link in our profile for the latest information!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

As of August 23rd, the six beaches in Shimoda City have concluded their opening period for swimming. For a safe beach experience, it is recommended to visit the swimming areas that are open during the designated period, where lifeguards and monitors are present🏖️✨ In Shimoda City, Shirahama Chuo will remain open until Sunday, August 30th, while Shirahama Ohama and Kyūjūhama will be open until Monday, August 31st🌺! At the end of the blog, we have summarized the facility information for the beaches that have concluded their opening period! *This information is accurate as of August 24, 2026. Please note that the content may change in the future.* https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260824...