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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.

Photographed on August 16, 26. This is the peach parfait from Hikawa Suzukaze-sou. It includes tai monaka, coconut meringue, lychee & raspberry macaron, almond cookie, peach milk sorbet, whipped cream & soufflé cheesecake, almond sable, peach & raspberry, and chewy peach jelly & lychee agar.

My son, filled with anticipation, exclaimed, "I'm going to catch some bugs!" This place, where nature spreads out and the sounds of insects resonate, is a paradise for him! He seemed so happy to interact with so many creatures. (By the time we left, he had missed them all.)

In a magnificent landscape filled with trees, my son was filled with anticipation as he exclaimed, "I'm going to catch lots of bugs!" Wearing a straw hat and holding a bug net, he chased after insects, embodying the essence of a Japanese summer.

A Hidden Gem! Introducing Recommended Photo Spots✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the 'save' icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 ①Ōmuro Kofun Group This site is considered the largest stone mound burial group in Japan, featuring around 500 ancient tombs that are truly impressive! It is home to a concentration of uniquely structured tombs that are rare even on a national level. Within the grounds, you can find the Oomuro Kofunkan, which provides guidance on the tombs and exhibitions related to the ancient burial mounds in the city. 【Address】310 Ōmuro, Matsushiro, Nagano City 【Hours】Open from April to November, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 【Closed】Mondays (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday), the day after public holidays (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), winter season 【Fee】Free ②Hijiri Daijingu Shrine A place that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli world. Walking through the serene grounds, you are enveloped by the greenery of the trees and soft light, creating a calming moment. The natural beauty that changes with the seasons is also a charm. 【Address】5405-2 Ooka, Nagano City ③Shinsugara no Tanada Shinsugara no Tanada is a perfect photo spot where you can enjoy the original scenery of the satoyama (village forest)! The beautiful landscape of rice fields changes its expressions depending on the season and time of day. 【Address】Tanaguchi, Shinsugara Town (the photo was taken along Prefectural Route 70) ④Sansai Station Sansai Station is a unique photo spot that makes you want to take pictures! It’s a tradition to take commemorative photos with the letters of Sansai in front of the station, making it perfect for travel memories and family photos. 【Address】2207 Nenbutsuzuka, Oaza Sansai, Nagano City ⑤Minagami Mountain This mountain resembles an artificially raised lava dome. Minagami Mountain is a mystical spot that has sparked theories about it being the largest pyramid in the world created in ancient times, with related books published. 【Location】Toyohide, Matsushiro, Nagano City ⑥Old Battlefield Sign (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) This road sign has become a topic of conversation for being incredibly stylish. Some have even said it has the 'majesty of a king' at the intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park! 【Location】Intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) #Photo Spots #Hidden Gems #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

📺📢 【STV Dosanko Wide 179 Appearance】 On Monday, August 24, 2026, the staff from the Lake Mashu Tourism Association will promote Teshikagacho for one minute on "Dosanko Wide 179"!! It seems that the appearance time was earlier than scheduled, but I was relieved that it was broadcasted properly. Thank you to everyone who watched. #Dosanko Wide 179