The Wombadals

Taken on July 1, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Grand Front Osaka
The Green Bear

This bear is named "Ted Ibel," with the nickname coool.
In fact, this is a work by the contemporary French artist Fabrice Hyber.
It sprays water from its mouth.

Depending on the weather, it feels like a different world.
The mist and cloudy skies brought about by the cool climate unique to the Kushiro region add a distinctive beauty to the wetlands.

On the wooden paths, you can encounter seasonal flowers, wild birds, and deer, while listening to the sound of the wind if you pay close attention.

With comfortable shoes, take your time.
From the city to the great outdoors.

Why not embark on a journey to the Kushiro Shitsugen from the Kushiro Prince Hotel?

You can make your reservation through the profile URL.
📍Kushiro Prince Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try!

<Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!>

1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi
If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease!


2. Forest Adventure Nagano
Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake!
Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨
With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely!


3. Togakushi Campground
A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm.
It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan!
Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site.
【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative)
From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use)
【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website
【Closed】Winter break
【Parking】Available (free)


#Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on July 1, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

On July 11, 2026, hydrangea flower picking took place around Fukoji in Asaji Town, Bungoono City.
About 50 participants carefully picked the hydrangea flowers blooming in the temple grounds and surrounding areas. Thank you very much to everyone who helped out.
This flower picking is an important task to ensure beautiful hydrangeas bloom next year. By properly maintaining them at this time, we can enjoy magnificent flowers again during the rainy season.

I am already looking forward to seeing even more beautiful hydrangeas blooming next year.

■■■Access to downtown Bungoono City■■■
Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture
Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu
■■■■■■■■■■■■

The former Satsuma Village chief's house – Shibuya Family Residence, a nationally registered tangible cultural property –

Located in Nakazatsuma 1-chome, Kamagaya City, the Shibuya Family Residence is the birthplace of Shibuya Sōji, an important figure of the Akahōtai during the late Edo period. The Shibuya family has served as village chiefs for generations since the mid-Edo period, and their residence is a grand building befitting of a chief.
The main house, built exactly 200 years ago in 1826 (Bunsei 9), is the oldest existing building in the city. Its large floor plan and tall roof make it a standout in the Satsuma District.

The roof features thatched roofing covered with iron plates shaped like tiles, and upon entering and looking up at the ceiling, one can still see the thatch from the Edo period.
A notable feature of the Shibuya Family Residence is that the main layout has remained unchanged since its construction.
The entrance hall for welcoming guests, along with the inner rooms known as Nakano-ma and Oku-no-ma, have hardly been altered and retain their original appearance.

The Tokonoma (alcove), display shelves, and attached writing alcove in Oku-no-ma have also not been remodeled, creating a space of high formality. The sturdy pillars, beams, and the kamidana (household shrine) in the living room still reflect the original construction, showcasing the traditional farmhouse layout that has continued since the Edo period.
The Shibuya family possesses a "house layout diagram" drawn in 1848 (Kaei 1).
This valuable document not only depicts the layout of the house but also includes images of the storehouse, shed, and household deity, conveying the conditions of the late Edo period. The fact that both the building and the diagram have been preserved together is extremely valuable.

Comparing the diagram with the current state reveals that the land divisions are accurately depicted, and the layout of the buildings remarkably matches the current floor plan.
The building has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has been continuously inhabited, evidencing the Shibuya family's dedication to preserving this home.
Furthermore, it retains the traditional landscape of a settlement built along the base of a plateau facing the highway. The depiction of the plateau in the diagram reflects the original scenery of the Satsuma settlement that still exists today.

Over the years, the Shibuya Family Residence has suffered some damage. Future plans include preservation and repair work, seismic reinforcement, and renovations for community use, aiming to develop it into a place of relaxation for the region.


For more details, please check the city’s website!


【Cultural and Sports Division】
https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/sibuyakemaruya.html

Good morning!
Today, Azumino is forecasted to have a scorching hot day...💦
To all visitors, please take measures against heatstroke and enjoy your time in Azumino!😊

Taken on July 1, 2026.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features a summer prayer water offering for love.

When it comes to summer in Japan, it's all about sweet and cold wagashi (Japanese sweets). Enjoying sweetened beans set in jelly or agar while wearing a yukata is a delightful summer tradition for young girls. The photo features a summer limited menu from Kanou Shoujuan, which has branches nationwide but is rooted in its local area.

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the summer prayer water for love at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌻🏮

(2026-07-11) Night View of Light Trails on Mount Fuji Climbing Path
One of Life's Unfinished Shots

Photography of Light Trails on Mount Fuji Climbing Path

This time, I took on the challenge
At Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Park, I struggled surrounded by fog
Just around 2:00, as we were starting to pack up, I thought, "Wait? I can see it"
So we changed locations and resumed shooting. I managed to capture something :)

The Hokkaido Fair is currently being held at AEON Lake Town mori in Saitama Prefecture, featuring a booth from Teshikagacho!

Join us until Sunday, July 12th, and be sure to visit the Teshikagacho booth✨

At the Teshikagacho booth, if you follow us on social media, you can receive a cute special eco-bag as a gift🎁 It's a very convenient size and highly recommended~🧚🏻‍♀️💫

By the way, it seems that Governor Suzuki from Hokkaido will also be visiting today, the 11th❣️

This weekend, let's head to AEON Lake Town mori🏃‍♀️💨
*The last day is scheduled to end at 6 PM.

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the chawa (ring of reeds) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Shiraito Falls in Karuizawa offers a stunning view, with water flowing like white threads, bringing a sense of calm just by watching it. It's a wonderful memory where I could relax in the cool air, and I would love to visit again.

Notice of Cancellation for the "Ice Tunnel One-Day Opening"
We sincerely apologize to those who were looking forward to this day.

Due to rain leading up to the event date,
the footing near the Ice Tunnel has become extremely poor, and this year's one-day opening has unfortunately been cancelled.

Please note that there will be no alternative date.

We appreciate your understanding and hope you will look forward to next year's opening.

#Ice Tunnel #Cancelled

Taken on July 2, 26.
This is the pudding and black latte from LEC COFFEE.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I captured the image of a girl quietly gazing at a small stream enveloped in soft light on a summer night. The scenery created by the shrine, which has watched over people's prayers for centuries, and the fantastical lights swaying by the waterside represents a beautiful summer landscape unique to Japan. I felt that the time spent in tranquility, allowing the heart to be clear, is also an important charm of the Japanese summer.

The Gion Festival, passed down in Okegawa City, Saitama Prefecture. The photo captures a girl savoring a fruit candy chosen from a stall amidst the sounds of festival music. Dressed in a yukata, she walks with her family through the festival, and the moments of excitement in front of the stalls create summer memories in Japan that transcend generations. It encapsulates the warmth of the festival that the local people have continued to protect and the innocent joy of children.

[Traditional Event] Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine in Kanbayashi
Every July, the Satokagura is offered to pray for the peace of the Kanbayashi District.
It has also been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city.
The Satokagura is said to have been continued since the Kamakura period, but it was interrupted once after World War II.
In the 1950s, local people revived this important ritual, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kagura Preservation Society.
The Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine will be offered tomorrow.
Offering Date and Time: July 12, 2023 (Sunday)
From 1:00 PM, the ritual
Around 1:30 PM, the Kagura offering
After that, there will be a children's sumo tournament and mochi throwing.
*There is no parking available at the shrine.
#Toon City #Kanbayashi District #Satokagura #Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine #Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Traditional Event #Kamibayashi Kagura Preservation Society #Kagura Offering

【Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park】
On a morning after the rain, I received information that the lotuses were blooming.
I quickly set out.
Being in a region famous for Hasune, many varieties were in full bloom.

Enjoying a day in Shizura, Nishi-Izu with guests from Sweden

Nishi-Izu, easily accessible for a day trip from the Tokyo area.

On this day, we headed to Shizura in Nishi-Izu with guests visiting from Sweden.

Shizura is a quiet diving spot with calm seas.

Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions, a relaxed atmosphere typical of Japan's seaside flows here.


Mixing English and Japanese by the sea

The conversations of the day were a mix of English and Japanese.

If there were words we didn't understand, we communicated in different ways or used gestures.

Even if we didn't fully understand each other, entering the sea together and sharing the same scenery naturally brought us closer.

Diving is not just about enjoying the ocean.

It's also a time that connects people beyond nationalities and language differences.


Lunch at a local spot after the sea

After diving, we enjoyed lunch together at a local restaurant.

Reflecting on the time spent in the sea, we gathered around the same table.

Diving into Japan's waters, dining at a local place, and spending leisurely time in a seaside town.

It's a local day that's a bit different from a typical trip to famous tourist spots.

Thank you for joining us.


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 Japan's seas, such as Shonan and Izu, perfect for a day trip from Tokyo.

The theme is "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!"

Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience.

Tours are conducted in small groups.
Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers 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?

Based on your travel schedule and diving experience, we'll propose the perfect sea for you.

Feel free to contact us first.

♨️
【Walking in the Hot Springs - Mt. Io to Kawayu Onsen Guided Tour】
Would you like to travel with hot springs from the origin of Kawayu Onsen, Mt. Io?

The third tour will be held on Sunday, July 26th!
(Future tours are planned to be held irregularly☺️)

【Tour Flow】
A local nature guide will walk with you from Mt. Io through the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail to Kawayu Onsen, providing explanations along the way🚶
At the end of the tour, you can enjoy bathing at Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi♨️ (An original Yukichi towel will also be a gift❗️)

The more you learn about the nature and history around Mt. Io and Kawayu Onsen, the more enjoyable your hot spring experience will become☺️

【Information】
On the day of the tour, please gather at Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi, and we will provide free transportation to the parking lot at Mt. Io, the starting point.
The Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail has little elevation change, so anyone who can walk 3 km can participate.
To register, please scan the QR code in the fifth photo.
☑️Tour Date and Time
July 26th (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, free to disperse
☑️Meeting/Dispersal Location: Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi
@yukichi.kawayuonsen
☑️Capacity: 7 people (minimum required: 3 people)
☑️Tour Fee: ¥3500 per person (cash payment only on the day)
☑️Included: Insurance, hot spring admission fee, original Yukichi towel
☑️Walking Distance: Approximately 3 km (with breaks along the way)
☑️Clothing and Items to Bring
Comfortable clothing (long sleeves recommended for UV and insect bite prevention), comfortable shoes like sneakers, a hat, drinks, and a hot spring set (not provided at Yukichi)

⚠️Important Notes
・The tour will be canceled in case of bad weather or warnings.
・Please understand in advance that Mt. Io is an active volcano with a possibility of eruption, and the walking trail is a habitat for brown bears and wildlife.
・If you have any health issues, pre-existing conditions, or disabilities, please inform the guide in advance.
For inquiries, please DM Kamata at Omusubi Hokkaido Tour Guide (@omusubi_946).
We look forward to your participation.

Hokuto Pro Wrestling
The matches of Hokuto Pro Wrestling will be held in Nishiokoppe Village again this year!!

There's no doubt it will make the summer even hotter.

Monday, July 27
Doors open at 18:00 / Matches start at 19:00
At Nishiokoppe Village Community & Sports Hall
(📍It's an indoor sports facility behind Secoma)

Adults (high school students and above):
Advance tickets 2,000 yen / At the door 2,500 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: Free
*Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian.

🍺🍖🍺🍧🍺

Food and drinks will be available at the venue!!
(Grilled chicken, miso curry oden, shaved ice, beer, other alcoholic beverages, soft drinks)

Miso curry oden will be available
From 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, even for those who are not watching wrestling!
*After the doors open, only ticket holders can purchase oden
*One egg will be complimentary with each ticket🥚

🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫

Tickets are on sale now!
For inquiries, please contact 090-8631-0781 (Kikugawa).

It seems there will also be a time for kids vs. wrestlers!
We look forward to your attendance.

This project is supported by the Nishiokoppe Village Beautiful and Livable Vitality Village Development Subsidy.

#Hokuto Pro Wrestling #Match #Hokuto Wind #Crane Mask

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. Their popular pudding is firm and very delicious. 🍮

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.