Social media posts by our community

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.