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Ashinoko Lake in Hakone offers a "Pirate Ship Cruise" Interestingly, none of the ships are "pirate" ships proper, but designed and modeled from European navy vessels from the age of sail, making them a sort of museum exhibit you can experience! There have been a long line of ships in Hakone; The Pioneer, which sailed Ashinoko from the cruise's start in 1961, was joined by the Victoria and the Royal to make up the first generation. The iconic trio that succeeded the first generation were the Vasa, inspired by the 17th century Swedish Royal vessel of the same name, the Victory, based on the HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame, and the Royal II, based on the 18th century French "Royal Louis." No trace of pirate associations to be had, but for many European sail vessels are inextricably linked with pirates, who enjoy good PR. I blame Jack Sparrow! The "Vasa" was retired in 2019 after almost three decades of service, and the newest ship is the "Queen Ashinoko"- Perhaps characteristically of recent developments in Japan, it is no longer modeled on a foreign antecedent but is a Hakone original, albeit unmistakably aiming for the same aesthetic as the other vessels. Hakone is famous for its Onsen, and many people visit with Onsen in mind. But if you should find yourself in the area, why not consider a lake cruise as well? Its certainly an unexpected and interesting diversion to find yourself on a boat that looks like it sailed out of European history in a tranquil lake to the southwest of Tokyo!

When mentioning Nagano Prefecture, the first highland delicacy that comes to mind is probably Shinshu soba. Nagano is one of the few inland prefectures in Japan, surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed by clear streams, which has fostered a unique mountain dining culture. This time, I visited Nagano and specifically went to "Kirishita Soba-dokoro Sagaya" to taste the famous Kirishita soba, and unexpectedly encountered a local dish full of Nagano flavor—char sashimi. The so-called "Kirishita soba" refers to soba cultivated in highlands where fog easily forms in the morning and evening, and the climate is cool. The area around Shinanomachi in Nagano Prefecture is a well-known production site, and the huge temperature differences between day and night, along with clear water sources, give the soba noodles a delicate aroma and a smooth texture. I ordered the classic "duck soba" (kamo soba). Duck meat and soba noodles are a perfect match—soba noodles are refreshing, while the fatty, sweet, and rich duck meat, when blended with the broth, not only enriches the soup's flavor but also highlights the grain aroma of the soba noodles. The fine noodles carry the rich duck oil aroma as they slide down the throat, simple yet memorable. Equally impressive is the plate of char sashimi. Although Nagano has no sea, it boasts rich mountain streams, making river fish like char and Yamame trout important mountain products. When thinking of river fish, one might worry about a muddy taste, but char, which grows in clear, cold streams, is completely different. Properly handled char sashimi has a slightly bouncy texture; as you chew, a refreshing and elegant wild aroma gradually spreads in your mouth. Looking at the translucent fish flesh with a hint of pink in the plate, one might even momentarily lose focus, thinking they are tasting the sweet flavor of summer sweetfish. From a bowl of exquisite soba to a plate of refreshing freshwater fish sashimi, Nagano, without an ocean, distills its high mountains and clear streams into a rich dining experience. This meal deeply illustrates the close and intimate connection between Shinshu cuisine and this natural landscape.

Taken on September 1, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime will be available until September 6.

The straight road in the city center is adorned with ginkgo trees. Tokyo is one of the regions in Japan with particularly abundant ginkgo trees, and their presence transforms the urban landscape into vibrant autumn hues. The yellow leaves, tinged with the light of dusk, seem to ease the hustle and bustle of the city just a little. (Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Photographed on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

These are the flowers in my garden.

Taken on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a big move from Ichibanchou to Yokohama to Kawagoe.

Captured on September 1, 26. This is the string fortune at Motomachi Itsukushima Shrine.🧵

Taken on September 1, 26. This is Honey Ginger Milk Tea from SAND GLASS.

Tohoku is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, but I also enjoy the time spent idly gazing at the autumn rice ears. From rice harvesting in September to October, autumn festivals, and the first snowfall in November, why not visit Tohoku this season?

Inukai Stone Buddha ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark The Inukai Stone Buddha is located in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This rock-carved statue, etched into a cliff by the Ono River, depicts a Fudo Myoo (Acala) with a height of approximately 3.8 meters. While many may envision Fudo Myoo with a stern expression, this stone Buddha is known for its gentle, rounded face. Flanking it are standing statues of Seitaka Doji and Kongara Doji, carved closely beside it, with the characters "Ryūdenzan" also inscribed on the rock face. Nearby, a Gorintō (five-storied pagoda) stands, creating a tranquil space that evokes a sense of history by the quiet riverbank. The rock on which the statue is carved is believed to be welded tuff formed from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago, and it is estimated to date back to the Kamakura period based on the style of the statue. 【Location】Tawara Watanose, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Location: Former Ikeda Family Gardens, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture The Former Ikeda Family Gardens in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This was the residence of the prominent landowner Ikeda family, and the Western-style building within the gardens is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The wet red colors quietly stand out, subtly adding to the history of this place. Nearby, you can also find the nationally designated historic site, Hotta-no-saku Ruins (remains of an ancient castle). Why not come to Akita this autumn and trace its history?

This is Kokia at Hitachi Seaside Park. In autumn, the red Kokia spreads across the hills, moving those who see it.

It has become cold. Lake Kawaguchi continues to experience autumn rain. In between, we can also see such a beautiful sunrise.

Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Model Number K380911 Sign Mumei Naoe Shizu Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Scabbard Document Sato Kanzan Size Blade length 74.3 cm Curvature 1.35 cm Mekugi 1 Hole Country Mino Period Nanbokucho Shape Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, body width, thickness balance, with curvature, and a lively tip. Forging It features itame-hada and o-hada, with a visible surface pattern Hamon Gunome midare with a slightly drooping pattern, featuring ashi, and a flowing grain in the hamon, with gold lines present. Boshi Irregular with a sweeping tip, resembling flames. Tang O-suriage, with a pointed end Explanation In the region of Naoe in Mino Province, Kaneuji, counted among the ten great masters of Masamune, settled and his faction flourished. Later, his disciples Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, and Kanenobu relocated to Naoe, where they continued to forge swords. Thus, the group of swordsmiths from this lineage is collectively referred to as Naoe Shizu.