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Why are the blue leaves in summer so beautiful?

This is a photo from the local fireworks festival two years ago. I invited my friends, and we went as a group of four. Since then, I haven't gone to see fireworks for a while, but occasionally I look at this photo and feel like I want to go see fireworks again, haha.

Taken on July 2, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

From the city to the great outdoors. A journey through Kushiro Shitsugen. The sounds of the wind, the ripples on the water, what you hear on the wooden path is only the breath of the Earth. Based at Kushiro Prince Hotel, step into another world that is just around the corner. You can make your reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our theme is "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

The flowers of the crepe myrtle are vibrant and charming, showcasing their delightful beauty.

Summer in Kyoto Can Be Intense – Take a Break and Enjoy Traditional Japanese Play at AriHana Kyoto Kyoto’s rainy season has already ended, and the city is now experiencing very hot summer days. July is also the season of the famous Gion Festival, one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer events. As the festival begins and the Yoiyama evenings start from July 14, the city becomes even more lively and crowded with visitors. When families visit Kyoto in summer, we often hear comments like, “It’s much hotter than we expected,” or “Everywhere is crowded. Is there a quieter place where we can relax with children?” We truly understand how challenging summer sightseeing in Kyoto can be, especially for families traveling with young children. That is one of the reasons we opened AriHana Kyoto. AriHana Kyoto is an indoor family-friendly space where children and parents can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese play together. Families from many different countries have visited us and spent time playing freely, discovering Japanese culture through simple, nostalgic games. Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as kendama, daruma otoshi, karuta, and more in a calm and comfortable tatami room. Children can play, parents can sit back and relax, and families can spend unhurried time together away from the summer heat and crowds. If you are looking for a quiet indoor place to rest and create special family memories during your Kyoto trip, we would be delighted to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto. Why not add a different kind of Kyoto memory to your journey this summer?

The August issue of the magazine "Discover Japan" (Discover Japan Co., Ltd.) features our town's "Uchida Sarayama Ware" and "Tomioka Castle - Reihoku Town History Museum." It includes information about the kilns that have been passed down in this region for generations, as well as guides that convey the history of Reihokumachi. The content is filled with the rich history and warmth of craftsmanship from Reihokumachi. We hope you will take a look at it in bookstores or online stores and use it as a reference for your next visit to Reihokumachi. Featured Content Special Theme: To the Sea and Mountains Featured Facilities Uchida Sarayama Ware Tomioka Castle Reihoku Town History Museum About "Discover Japan" For more details, please visit the official website of "Discover Japan." We look forward to welcoming you along with the nature and culture of Reihokumachi. Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association

When you come to the area around Greenland, be sure to stop by Manda Pit. You can enjoy a quiet historical time, which is different from the hustle and bustle of amusement parks. This course allows you to experience both play and learning during your family trip. The large buildings and coal mine trains are attractions that children can easily understand. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if it's a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Fees: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Around Greenland #Arao City Tourism #Family Travel #Parent-Child Travel #Educational Travel #Day Trip #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #FamilyTrip #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #EducationalTravel

In the western part of Tomakomai City, the Japanese iris garden at Nishiki Onuma Park is in full bloom with about 10,000 irises✨. The Japanese iris, designated as the "city flower" of Tomakomai City, sways beautifully in the wind with its colorful large blossoms. The park is open from 7 AM to 7 PM until Sunday, July 12th (normally from 9 AM to 5 PM). We warmly invite you to come and visit!♪

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will host the 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and the collaborative exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" starting Saturday, July 18th. This collaborative exhibition involves the Tsuruga Municipal Museum, Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum, and Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, and it highlights the major renovations of Kuniyoshi Castle by Kimura Hitachinosuke Sadamitsu, a direct vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as the establishment of the castle town of Sagaki, in relation to the broadcast of the historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and Collaborative Exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" Duration: July 18, 2023 (Saturday) to October 12, 2023 (Monday, public holiday) Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to November) 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December to March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

【Nii Tete Boye LIVE】 Panlogo player Nii Tete Boye is back in Nishiokoppe Village! Panlogo is a traditional instrument from West Africa, Ghana. By changing the striking position and technique, it produces a variety of sounds. Will the rhythm of the drum make your heart and body dance!? On Friday, July 17th at Guesthouse GA.KOPPER Doors open at 18:30. Food and drinks will be available for sale. It's a special donation live performance. How about enjoying Ghanaian music while eating Ghanaian cuisine? #Nishiokoppe Village #Panlogo #Live #Donation #Nii Tete Boye

Taken on July 2, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I visited around 3 PM. It was raining, and perhaps because of the dim light, the lanterns were lit.

Since today is a day off, I strolled from Kawagoe to Omiya. I relaxed at the Hikawa Satei in Omiya Hikawa Shrine. This is "Tsukikage Hotaru," inspired by Tanabata. 🎋🌌