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Taken on June 5, 26. This is LEC COFFEE's coffee jelly and an iced black latte.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Otaru, Hokkaido, stands the remarkable Sea Lion Rock, a lesser-known gem that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. In winter, the surrounding waters become a gathering place for hundreds of Steller sea lions, creating a spectacular wildlife scene against the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan. As the seasons change, summer brings flocks of black-tailed gulls that fill the skies and cliffs with life. Rising behind this iconic rock formation is the striking red-and-white Shukutsu Observatory, visible prominently above the coastline and extending toward the vast Sea of Japan. Together, the observatory, the wildlife, and the rugged seascape create a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of northern Japan's natural beauty. While Otaru is often celebrated for its canals and historic streets, this hidden coastal viewpoint offers a different perspective—one where nature, history, and scenery converge.

The Kitano area of Kobe is well up the slope of the city, away from the port and Sannomiya station. The long trek uphill can be daunting, but some of Kobe's most vibrant cityscape means you at least can enjoy looking around on your way from the heart of the city. Once you get up to Kitano, though, you are rewarded with a neighborhood with a meaningful international character. Whether it be the local Mosque (one of the oldest and largest in Japan), or the prestigious British international school nearby, there are plenty of signs that the cosmopolitan aspect of Kitano is more than a shallow veneer of foreign cuisine restaurants. To be sure, those are there as well, and they are delicious! From memory, besides the ubiquitous Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, German, Russian and Egyptian dining formed some of the more eclectic additions, as well as Mexican food, a sure treat for any visitors from North America missing a classic mainstay. But the most lasting and striking stamp that the wider world has left on Kitano are the Kitano "Ijinkan", the former western residences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stateliness of this old-world refinement are well complemented by the dazzling modern city visible below the hills. Even a global chain Starbucks gets in on the fun, with a famous repurposed building that is considerably fancier than your typical starbucks cafe. Whether for appreciating Meiji history, western architecture, foreign cuisine, the vibrant and diverse culture of the neighborhood, or just getting some good exercise in and enjoying the view from the hills of Kobe, the trip from Sannomiya up to Kitano is well worth the effort!

[June 9] We have updated the hydrangea blooming status💠✨ Currently, they are 50% in bloom, but they will soon reach their peak! We are featuring the current state of the garden and the latest blooming status on our blog🫧 Please take a look for your outing reference. https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260609...

The coal mine train is an essential part of the history of Manda Pit. To transport coal, not only the mining locations but also the transportation system were crucial. Looking at the coal mine train reveals that Manda Pit was not just a single facility, but a significant part of a larger industry connected to railways, ports, and the entire region. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Railway Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Modern Industrial Heritage #History Lovers #Manda Coal Mine #Coal Mine Railway #Industrial Heritage #Arao City #Kumamoto Travel #Japan Travel #World Heritage #Visit Japan

This is the light purple Kitayama Yuzen Chrysanthemum blooming in the Hisada District of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It is a beautiful flower that only blooms in this area around mid-July, and the view at sunrise is breathtaking.

Taken on June 5, 2014. This is the coffee jelly from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on June 5, 26. This is a hot sandwich set from LEC COFFEE. It includes a hot sandwich with egg, bacon, and lettuce, a salad, and a chilled soup made with new onions.

The sky reflected on the lake. The sunrise seen from above the clouds. And a drink that colors the night's journey. In Eastern Hokkaido, there are landscapes that gently calm the heart. A journey wrapped in special moments, healed by nature. For accommodation, visit the profile URL. ▶ Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Introducing Rental Bicycles 🚲🚲 At the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, we offer rental bicycles called "Peachari" for convenient travel and sightseeing within the village 😊 Choose between two types of bicycles: "regular bicycles" and "electric bicycles," based on your physical strength‼️ The popular tourist spot "Rokka no Mori" is about 1 km from the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai, which takes approximately 5 minutes by bicycle 🎵 Why not use the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai as your base and explore the village by bicycle for unforgettable memories? To apply, please visit the general information desk located in the "Country Plaza" at the Roadside Station Nakazatsunai 🤗 🔶Rental Period: From Friday, April 24 to Sunday, October 25 🔶Rental Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 🔶Rates ●Regular Bicycle: 200 yen for 4 hours ●Electric Bicycle: 200 yen for 2 hours 🔶Access 🚗About 40 minutes by car from Obihiro Station, and about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Airport 🚗 🚌About 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station (nearest stop: get off at Roadside Station Nakazatsunai) *Important Notes 📍Rental bicycles are not available for advance reservations. Thank you for your understanding. 📍The use of Peachari is restricted to within the village. 📍Please return by 5:00 PM. 🔶Contact Information Nakazatsunai Village Tourism Association TEL 0155-68-3390 (8:30 AM to 5:15 PM) https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com//

Dining inside the hangar is an irresistible experience for airplane enthusiasts. The recommended omurice is a type of "Japanese Western cuisine" that originated in Japan and is now one of the elements of Cool Japan spreading worldwide. Although there are gates and security checks, the surprisingly low crowd inside, thanks to this "high threshold," made it a true hidden gem. Anyone can enter (no need to board a flight). The location is Chofu Airport in Tokyo.

Photographed on June 5, 26. I took a stroll in Kawagoe. This is bitter cream coffee and blueberry rare cheesecake. I reunited with someone I used to work with at Hon-Kawagoe Pepe, and it filled me with warmth after a long time.

The "hidden gem" of Tokyo Station is the rooftop of KITTE, located right in front of the Yaesu South Exit. Surprisingly, it's not very crowded, making it a favorite spot where you can relax with a coffee in hand. As you watch the people passing by, you can quietly sense each individual's pace.

Taken on June 4, 26. These are the kakigori (shaved ice) fortune and watermelon fortune at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🍧🍉