2026 Limited this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce "Oshokujidokoro Misato" As soon as you enter, you will see a tank with fish swimming happily, and there are plenty of comics to enjoy. With counter seating, tables, and tatami rooms, you can enjoy meals with various groups. The menu is extensive, and you can choose the amount of rice, making it a place you will want to visit repeatedly. The "Curry with Lamb and Cilantro" is an adult curry that becomes addictive after just one bite. It’s spicy and perfect for summer, guaranteed to energize you, with fresh tomatoes adding a refreshing accent. The fragrant cilantro and freshly squeezed lemon enhance the flavor, making it easy to keep eating. I also tried the popular "Shinshu Salmon Donburi." The vibrant orange and beautiful Shinshu salmon is the pride of Shinshu. It comes with a salad and small side dishes, providing a satisfying portion. Be sure to try this as well. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Oshokujidokoro Misato 【Address】 5059-10 Horikane, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-72-6952 【Business Hours】 Lunch: Reservations only Dinner: 18:00 - 22:00 【Closed】 Wednesdays Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save this for future reference!

2026 Limited to this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation. Today, we introduce "Village Azumino" which offers "Chicken Tomato & Black Keema Curry," allowing you to enjoy two types of curry at once. The Chicken Tomato Curry is visually appealing with large chunks of meat, which crumble beautifully and are well-cooked. The impactful black Keema Curry is made with bamboo charcoal powder, offering a rich flavor that makes you want to eat it again and again. Above all, the sausage unique to this curry was exquisite! The homemade sausage primarily uses Shinshu pork, but surprisingly includes Shinshu salmon, making it light yet allowing you to truly taste the Shinshu salmon. We also enjoyed the "Jumbo Fried Shrimp Omelet Rice." The large fried shrimp that overflows from the bento box is satisfying! It's perfect for those who want to eat their fill. It comes with miso soup made with homemade miso and a salad. Not just for lunch, the rice served at Village Azumino comes from the Chūgyū District, and many vegetables used are also from the Chūgyū District. Reservations are required for lunch, so please make sure to book ahead before heading out. Village Azumino is conveniently located near the Azumino Interchange, offering various enjoyable experiences. You can also enjoy day-use bathing, making it a great stop before heading home from your trip. Additionally, there's the Azumino Glass Studio, where you can observe and experience glass-making, and the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum, home to Japan's leading insect ecology researcher and nature photographer. With a large parking lot and share cycle ports available, it serves as a great starting point for your travels. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Village Azumino 【Address】 6780 Toyoshina Minamihotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8201 【Phone】 0263-72-8568 【Business Hours】 Reservations only (Weekdays 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Second Tuesday of every month (Open in August) Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Also, don't forget to like and save for future reference!

2026 Limited this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Sunday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the availability may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry at Restaurant Abe" A retro-style, traditional Western-style restaurant. It's popular among people of all ages. With a rich menu, you might find it hard to decide what to order! Despite being generous in portion, the prices are very reasonable. A mountain of rice topped with a generous serving of nine kinds of deep-fried summer vegetables, making it quite filling! The vegetables are said to be made from fresh local ingredients. The curry has a gentle flavor, with a spicy kick that comes later, making it a delicious dish. Don't miss out on trying the homemade pickles as well. Additionally, we enjoyed the popular hamburger course lunch. Includes soup, salad, hamburger steak, rice or bread, dessert, and a drink. It's truly a satisfying lunch that makes you want to come back for more. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Restaurant Abe 【Address】 8148-6 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-82-6047 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM 【Closed】 Irregular holidays 【Parking】 Dedicated parking available Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save so you can refer back later! The restaurant has many table seats, and some seats offer a view of the Northern Alps. Recommended courses are listed, and it's impressive that the calories are noted. The hamburger is juicy and large, providing a satisfying meal. A completely satisfying lunch There's also a children's lunch available, and they provide toys to keep kids entertained while waiting for their food, which is great! It's often fully booked, so making a reservation is recommended.

【Summer Festival with Swaying Lanterns】 Many of you may have already seen it. The summer version display inside Komu! From the parking lot outside, you can see the lantern decorations swaying in the small window. Lanterns are also hanging from the ceiling inside the building, and fireworks are displayed on the walls. (Amidst them, Setoushi-kun was launched 🎆) You can enjoy games like ring toss, shooting, goldfish scooping, and watermelon catching, experiencing the fun of the festival. When I visited Komu, the kids were running the stalls while their fathers played customers. The quality of the handmade ice creams lined up at the ice cream shop is incredible, so I hope you take a good look at them...! The original fan featuring Setoushi-kun is also cute. Before summer ends, please come and visit us! - 【Forest Art Museum "Komu"】 Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Admission is accepted until 4:30 PM Closed: Every Tuesday Admission fee: High school students and above: 500 yen 4th grade elementary to middle school students: 300 yen Children aged 3 to 3rd grade: 100 yen Children under 3: Free Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Nishiokoppe Village #Komu #Summer Festival #Indoor Display #Yen Festival

Taken on July 26, 2014. This is Little Patricia's lemon cake. 🍋

On August 9th, there will be plenty of events. In the morning, there will be a rock-paper-scissors tournament at Hota Coast and Katsuyama Coast, and in the afternoon, a cool evening event at Roadside Station Hotta Elementary School. The rock-paper-scissors tournament at Hota Coast starts at 10:30 AM, while the one at Katsuyama Coast begins at 11:30 AM. At the cool evening event at Roadside Station Hotta Elementary School, fireworks will start at 7 PM, so please come and enjoy!

Title: A Wish Come True This photo was taken at the Wind Chime Festival held at Sagi Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. I was struck by the sight of one wind chime missing its strip of paper, and with its cool sound, I thought perhaps the wish of this wind chime had come true.

📢 Announcement of the 28th Kimobetsu Summer Festival This weekend, the "28th Kimobetsu Summer Festival" will be held in Kimobetsucho! This year, enjoy live performances by Kodai Sato and Shiranui Suzuka, as well as YOSAKOI Soran dances by the members of Hokkaido University’s "En", and music performances by the Self-Defense Forces Band. The annual fireworks display and bingo tournament will also take place, along with fun games, so please come and join us!! You can participate in the bingo tournament by purchasing the "Bingo Card with Usapara-kun Sticky Notes", which is available for pre-sale at the Seven-Eleven Kimobetsucho store until the day before the festival. It will also be sold at the venue on the day of the festival, but quantities are limited, so please purchase early if you wish to get one! Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday, August 9, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM Location: Omachi Chibikko Hiroba Contact: Kimobetsu Summer Festival Executive Committee (Kimobetsucho Town Hall Community Development Promotion Section 0136-33-2211)

We have a Hercules beetle at home, which my son is raising with great care. Say cheese outside! For insect lovers, an irresistible summer has arrived.

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ August 12-16, 2026 The Harajiri Falls Boat Tour will be held at Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Experience the beauty of Harajiri Falls, known as the Niagara of the East, up close in a raft boat this summer. The view from near the waterfall offers a unique perspective, showcasing the impressive scenery that can only be enjoyed during this time of year. For those wanting to enjoy the splashes of water, the Adventure Course is recommended, while those who prefer a leisurely view can opt for the Scenic Course. Why not enjoy a moment closer to Harajiri Falls this summer in Bungoono? 【Date】August 12 (Wed), 13 (Thu), 14 (Fri), 15 (Sat), 16 (Sun), 2026 ▶Each day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 【Location】Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata Town, Bungoono City) ▶Please arrive at the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation time. 【Courses】You can choose from the following two options ①Adventure Course (approximately 30 minutes) ¥4,000 per person *You will get wet. Please bring a change of clothes, shoes that can get wet, and a towel. A simple changing room will be provided. ②Scenic Course (approximately 15 minutes) ¥3,000 per person *You will get slightly wet from the splashes of water. 【Eligibility】Ages 3 and up (children must be accompanied by a guardian) 【Application】Please apply using the QR code on the flyer ■Other Information The event may be canceled due to weather conditions or river flooding. If there are openings on the day, we can also accommodate walk-ins without reservations. Reservations for non-event times are also accepted at any time (please check the application form above for details). ■Inquiries about the event Moon Bridge Co., Ltd. × South Wave (Contact: Ono) TEL 090-6896-5296

Taken on July 26, 2026. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I took a break at Little Patricia. This is lemon coffee. 🍋

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. Here is a performance of the festival music. The weather is starting to look ominous.⛈️

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 8th, we will hold the "Bakkan Festival" in Otofuke, a town that boasts the highest wheat production in Japan this year😊 The Bakkan Festival is an event where you can experience Otofuke's "delicious," "fun," and "warm" through wheat, featuring a variety of gourmet foods and hands-on activities centered around wheat!! The venue consists of three spots along the "Otofuke Melody Line" on the town road from the Otofuke-Obihiro Interchange to Tokachigawa Onsen: Roadside Station Otofuke, Miura Farm, and Tokachigawa Onsen. We have prepared various experiences and events at each venue🎵 You can enjoy family-friendly activities such as "Stone Oven Pizza Making Experience," straw roll rolling, and flour milling to learn about and taste Otofuke-grown wheat😍 There are plenty of limited menu items using "Otofuke No. 1 Wheat," allowing you to enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes! Additionally, a giant art installation will appear in the wheat fields! You can view the giant art from a high-altitude work vehicle (fee required) Moreover, a stamp rally will be held across the three venues! Finally, please relax by soaking in the mall onsen at the Roadside Station's garden spa🤗 https://www.tokachigawa.jp/ed_detail.php?id=253&dateid=7184...

8/22 Iwata Summer Festival Fireworks Display Date: Saturday, August 22, 2023 *Canceled in case of bad weather Opening Ceremony: 19:15～ Fireworks Launch Time: 19:30～20:30 Location: Fukuda Fishing Port Special Venue For more details, please check the Iwata City Chamber of Commerce website. Shuttle Bus Information Shuttle buses will operate from Mikurigaoka Station North Exit to the venue area. For more details, please check the Iwata City Chamber of Commerce website under "Shuttle Bus Operations." Contact: Iwata City Chamber of Commerce (0538-36-9600) https://iwatanohanabi.com//

STV Dosanko Festival This year, it will be held at the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden! Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! It’s an event to support Hokkaido. Experience the charm of Hokkaido with three days of "drinking, eating, and having fun!" The Mashu Lake Tourism Association from Teshikagacho will also participate! Let’s head to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden this weekend. For more details, please visit the official website. https://daidosai.jp// STV Dosanko Festival 【Date】August 7, 2026 (Friday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 9, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 【Venue】Hokkaido Government Former Main Building (Red Brick Office) Red Brick Garden 【Admission】Free 【Organizers】The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Akarenga Mirai Kiko 【Support】Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Sapporo City Board of Education 【Cooperation】STV Radio Co., Ltd.

Manda Pit is a place where you can learn about the workings of a coal mine just by looking at the buildings. The shaft tower, hoisting machine room, and coal mine train each appear to be separate facilities, but they are actually part of a larger system for digging, transporting, and supporting coal. Walking through this industrial heritage also means understanding the connection between technology and human labor. 【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 Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Coal Mine Mechanisms #Arao City Tourism #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Modern Industrial Heritage #History of Technology #Educational Travel #Historical Studies #Manda Coal Mine #Arao City #Kumamoto #Japan Travel #Visit Japan #World Heritage #Industrial Heritage #Educational Travel

I heard that teamLab Borderless is a world without boundaries, but it wasn't until I stepped in personally that I truly understood what that meant. Here, it feels as if the entire reality is left behind, leaving only light, colors, and my present self. The boundaries of this space are blurred; the light flows with my footsteps. There are no rules on how to view the exhibition; all you need to do is walk in, reach out to touch, and quietly feel. At that moment, the message the exhibition wanted to convey suddenly became clear. It turns out that the observer is not just a bystander; they are part of the art itself, immersed in this world. Standing alone in a space where blue light flows and flowers rain down, faint sounds echo in my ears. Delicate beams of light cascade down like waterfalls, and soft flowing light spreads at my feet, making me feel as if I reside in a quiet, mysterious forest. The flowers beside me bloom with the light and wither with the wind, changing in an instant, so beautiful that I dare not blink. Then I stepped into the pink mirrored space, where twinkling lights refract in countless reflections, creating an illusion of entering a parallel universe filled with stars. Every time I turn around, there's an unexpected surprise. This is a space that is difficult to define, walking between reality and fantasy. Each step reshapes the artwork and quietly transforms my current state of mind. As I left the museum and walked home, the flowing lights and floral whispers still flickered in my mind, leaving me wanting more. I never expected that seemingly cold technology could be so gentle and soulful.

Kiyokawa Summer Festival – A Children’s Fair for Adults Too! ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The Kiyokawa Summer Festival will take place in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue is the lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa, featuring summer festival activities such as kick target, yo-yo fishing, ring toss, shooting gallery, lottery, cotton candy making experience, and a fireworks corner. There will also be food stalls offering yakitori, takoyaki, pizza, French fries, and drinks, making it a delightful experience to enjoy meals as well. Exciting events like the Garigari-kun eating contest and Kiyokawa Bayashi are also planned, promising a lively summer experience. 【Date】 August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 17:00 – 20:00 【Location】 Lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa (1574-1 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Additional Info】 Free game corner for junior high school students and below 【Parking】 Available ■Contact Information Kiyokawa Regional Promotion Council TEL: 0974-27-4686

Trekking on Rebun Island, I have immersed myself in various mountainous landscapes representative of Japan, such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as a lover of mountain walking. However, the flower fields on the floating hills in the sea offer a unique world that can only be experienced by coming to this place. The vast panorama, scattered with a variety of alpine plants in vibrant colors, makes me think that if there is a heaven, it might look like this. In the northernmost summer of Japan, the breathtaking scenery that can only be encountered in this season and at this location is something I hope everyone can come, see, and feel at least once in their lifetime. It truly is a paradise.

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. This is a performance of the festival music. ☺️

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. A collaboration between Okame and Hyottoko.

Event Announcement📣 From August 7th to August 9th, the 53rd Hokkaido Balloon Festival will be held in Kamishihoro Town, where hot air balloons from all over the country will gather😊 Colorful hot air balloons from various regions will compete in the vast skies of Kamishihoro Town🎵 In addition to the fun of looking up at the balloons, there will be a tethered hot air balloon experience (paid) where you can actually feel the sensation of floating, a special live performance by the folk duo Sasuke, and many other exciting stage events, as well as a "Balloon Shopping Street" where you can enjoy local gourmet food😍 Come and create summer memories with your family and friends🤗 🔶For event details and the latest information, check the official Instagram of the Hokkaido Balloon Festival Executive Committee → @hbf_1974_kamishihoro Please follow and support us!! https://hbf.jp//

Enjoy a special night experience✨ Here are some recommended night events! 1. Sun Marine Nagano Night Pool Spend a summer night at a fantastical illuminated pool that’s different from the daytime! Photography is allowed in the usually off-limits pool! Enjoy unlimited rides on the slide♪ You can have fun at a great price with all-you-can-drink and light snacks included! 【Event Dates】August 8 (Saturday), August 22 (Saturday), September 5 (Saturday) Every day from 21:30 to 23:30 【Price】 Advance ticket: ¥3,500, On-the-day ticket: ¥4,000 *Includes all-you-can-drink and light snacks *No entry for those under 20 *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. 2. Shiroyama Zoo Evening Cool Night ZOO Continuing from last year, we are hosting the Night ZOO again this year! Enjoy popular events like the "Night Mormor Line," "Nocturnal Animal Guide," and "California Sea Lion Feeding Time," along with fun festival booths like ring toss and shooting! Experience Shiroyama Zoo at night, which is unique compared to the daytime! 【Event Dates】 August 22 (Saturday), September 19 (Saturday), October 31 (Saturday) 【Opening Hours】9:00 to 20:30 【Price】Free *Some events may require a fee. *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. 3. Summer Night ZOO in Chausuyama Chausuyama Zoo will be open for night visits until 20:30. There will be special exhibits featuring nocturnal animals, such as "Armadillo Night Walk" and "Close Encounter with the Blakiston's Fish Owl," along with many night-only events! Chausuyama is also a beautiful spot for night views, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the zoo with stunning night scenery! 【Event Period】August 11 (Tuesday, holiday) to August 15 (Saturday) 【Opening Hours】9:30 to 20:30 (Entry until 20:00) 【Price】Adults: ¥600, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥100, Free for preschoolers *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. #Night Pool #Chausuyama Zoo #Shiroyama Zoo #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

On my way home. I love this scenery.

The weekend after work is the best.

Asaji HOT FES ❚ Scheduled for August 11, 2026 On Tuesday, August 11th, a public holiday, the "Asaji HOT FES" will be held at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. On that day, 18 performers from both inside and outside the prefecture will gather, with live performances scheduled throughout the day. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the venue, featuring meals such as curry, fried skewers, yakisoba, and loco moco, along with beer and shochu. It promises to be a day where you can leisurely enjoy music and food amidst the summer scenery. 【Date】 August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, public holiday) Doors open at 9:30 AM, starts at 10:00 AM 【Location】 Yusaku Park (3914 Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Admission】 Free 【Parking】 Available ■ Contact Information Yusaku Base (Contact: Arimoto) TEL: 080-5285-0477

Matcha has exploded in popularity worldwide, and Kyoto needs no introduction. But whether you have newly come to like Matcha or are an old fan from before the boom, Uji is the place to go, and well worth braving the Kyoto crowds. Uji has been a center of green tea production for centuries, and my dusty 1935 book on the history of tea affords it pride of place, describing it in detail, indicating it was known to America as a famous matcha center even in the first half of the 20th century. 2026 isn't 1935, and there's considerably more ice cream than there used to be, to say nothing of foreign visitors. But there is a core of authentic continuity there that continues to serve locally made tea, and its hard to beat the flavor. As a plus, the area is quite beautiful, with notable historical sites like the Byodoin temple, and a peaceful atmosphere. I always feel happier after having visited, so it has become a repeat destination for me.

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I watched a performance of the festival music at Kajimachi Plaza.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I cooled off at Koedo Kurari.

Gozan no Okuribi: Saidaimonji's Oya-bi This image captures the powerful figures of people carrying the Oya-bi (parent fire) of Saidaimonji during the traditional event "Gozan no Okuribi," which concludes the summer in Kyoto. Men dressed in happi coats and headbands marked with "Saidaimonji Preservation Society" carry a large, fiercely burning torch on long bamboo poles, advancing in a procession toward the fire platform on the mountain. In the darkness, the flames create a fantastical light and heat, conveying the serious expressions of the participants who uphold the tradition, along with the unique fervor and solemnity of the event. Ookitayamakagamiishichou, Kitaku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture