Social media posts by our community

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...

On August 23rd, Azumino experienced a stunning sunrise 😆 Waking up early was truly rewarding.

★Tsurumaru & Yūhippī ESCON Debut★ On August 19th, during the Fighters vs. Hawks game at ESCON, Yūhippī and Tsurumaru will join JR Hokkaido to promote tourism in Kushiro. We cheered for the Fighters with all our might!❣️❣️

Opening the book "A History of Cats in Japan," one discovers that the bond between cats and the Japanese people is deeper than one might imagine. Cats have appeared in literature such as "The Tale of Genji" since the Heian Period, even enjoying the favor of emperors. During the Warring States period, cats also became companions of military leaders. As we entered the Edo Period, cats appeared more frequently in ukiyo-e, literature, and the lives of common people. Reading through the pages, one can see how cats transitioned from being precious pets to an indispensable part of Japanese culture. In modern times, this "cat-loving culture" has developed new forms, the most interesting of which is the cat café. Japan's first cat café, "Neko no Jikan," opened in Osaka in 2004 and quickly gained popularity across the country. For those living in apartments who cannot keep pets, cat cafés provide a space to get close to cats. Sipping coffee while watching cats sleep, stretch, or stroll by creates a leisurely atmosphere that naturally encourages one to slow down. From ancient courts to Edo-period ukiyo-e, and now to today's cat cafés, the Japanese people's affection for cats spans over a thousand years. Times may change, but the place of cats in people's lives has never disappeared; rather, it continues in different forms to this day. Perhaps, this is what makes Japanese cat culture so enchanting.

📺📢 【Announcement of Appearance on STV Dosanko Wide 179】 On Monday, August 24, 2026, staff from the Lake Mashu Tourism Association will appear on "Dosanko Wide 179" to promote Teshikagacho for one minute. The broadcast is scheduled for 16:42 on 8/24 (Monday) 🐴❣️ We will introduce various aspects of Teshikagacho, including the JA Mashu Lake Festival, so please be sure to tune in 👀✨ We look forward to it!

Taken on August 22, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on August 22, 2014. This is the flower water offered at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Starting from September 1st, the Kyonan Town Tourism Association is participating in the JR Thank You Chiba Free Pass. This free pass offers unlimited rides in the free area within Chiba Prefecture for two days, making it a very cost-effective ticket. 🎫 Those who present this free pass will receive free bicycle rentals 🚲 from the tourist information centers located at Hota Station and Awakatsuyama Station. It's a great opportunity to discover hidden gems in Chiba Prefecture. We encourage everyone to take advantage of it!

Gentazakura This is an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 300 years old, located on a mountain path known as "Sakura Sanri." There are two trees with diameters of 2.88m and 2.15m. They are designated as a natural monument by the city. The origin of the name "Gentazakura" comes from a story about Matsuyama han-shi Yano Goroemon Genta, who made prisoners plant cherry trees along the Nakayama River road. Unable to endure the harsh labor, one prisoner lamented, "Though the cherry blossoms bloom, it is Genta who punishes, and they will bear no fruit," which inspired the name. On Sundays in late March or early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the "Gentazakura Festival" is held, bustling with events like bazaars and rice cake throwing, attracting many tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the grand Edohigan cherry tree.

Taken on August 22, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

At the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin, there are plenty of apples on display✨ The red, ripe apples are lined up in the store👀🍎 As the season progresses, it's exciting to see various fruits appearing on the shelves! When you stop by, be sure to take a look♩

At Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin, you can find a wide variety of plums on display! 👏🏻👏🏻 A plum harvest calendar is also posted at the store, which can help you choose the right variety.✨ Enjoy the plums that are unique to this season!

Taken on August 22, 2014. This is the yo-yo omikuji at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

August 22nd was the Tanabata Festival at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The 4th National Stream Fishing Tournament Under the scorching summer sun, the "National Stream Fishing Tournament" was held 🎣 This time, an impressive total of 242 participants, both adults and children, joined in 💡 While there were many fishing enthusiasts, a lot of children came to participate in the fish-catching event ✨ Watching the children chase after the escaping fish with beaming smiles made me feel the essence of summer in Gokase 😁