Taken on July 9, 2014. This is the ice café latte from cafe andon, along with a carrot cake made with figs and prunes.

Every culture has its own special season for fireworks. In many parts of the Western world, winter brings the sparkle of fireworks, while in the part of Asia where I come from, autumn is illuminated by the lights of Diwali. But when I came to Japan, I discovered something beautifully different—**summer has a special place for fireworks here.** The sight of people in traditional yukata, enjoying taiyaki, gathering with friends and family, and waiting for the night sky to burst into a grand display of *hanabi* feels uniquely Japanese. The warmth of the summer evening, the laughter around me, and the vivid colors blooming across the sky create memories that stay long after the last firework fades. This photograph captures the **Toda Fireworks Festival**, taken this year from my rooftop—a summer night I will never forget.

Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakedo Item Number: F380801 Title: Hinode Hansen zu Fuchikashira Signature: Hidetoshi (kao) Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira - Height 38mm, Width 22.5mm, Height of Waist 13.4mm Head - Height 33mm, Width 16.5mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Omori School Explanation The Omori School is a prestigious school alongside the Ishiguro and Yanagawa schools within the Yokotani lineage, founded by Eishou who trained under Yokoya Somin, and it flourished with the second generation, Hidetoshi. Hidetoshi Omori was born in Sendai and became a disciple of Hidetoshi Omori. He was the son of Ichigyokusai Eichi and adopted the name Eichi for the second generation, but received the character 'Hidetoshi' from Hidetoshi, changing his name to Hidetoshi. He is a skilled craftsman specializing in dragon and lion motifs in the Omori style. This piece also features Yokotani-style sand inlay, showcasing the characteristic craftsmanship of the Omori School.

【Gardening Salon Event】 We are excited to announce a gathering where gardening professionals, including Green Advisers, will visit Nishiokoppe Village for an exchange! On August 4th (Tuesday) From 7 PM for about 2 to 3 hours At Koban Ko Ban Ko (Former Kitami Shinkin Bank Nishiokoppe Branch) This will be a casual space to discuss any gardening concerns, share stories about your favorite plants, or talk about your own garden. ▶ Free participation ▶ Open entry ▶ Bring your own drinks and snacks Everyone is welcome to join! If you're curious about what Koban Ko Ban Ko is like but haven't been there yet, please come and check it out!👀 We look forward to seeing you! #Nishiokoppe Village #Gardening Salon #Green Adviser #Exchange #Consultation Meeting

Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden You can now see the beautiful sight of Asagimadara and Swallowtail butterflies at Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden. It's perfect for nature walks, butterfly watching, and photography!✨ We look forward to your visit!😸👒

Taken on July 9, 26. This is the fig and prune carrot cake from cafe andon.

At CAFE ANDON, we offer morning service exclusively during the summer season. It's a quiche plate. It comes with a salad, soup, carrot rapé, prosciutto, and a luxurious quiche.

Event Announcement 📣 On August 2nd (Sunday), the 44th Doshin Off-Road Race will be held in Rikubetsucho 😊 In 1986, the largest dedicated course in Hokkaido, the Rikubetsu Circuit, was established to host races for buggies and ATVs. This tournament marks the final race of the Formula Buggy 2026 series, and an exciting competition is expected 😍 In addition to spectating, we have attractions for attendees to participate in‼ Experience the real course with the "Circuit Ride Experience" and the "Kids-Only Buggy Test Drive," along with the popular "Shibare-kun Fuwafuwa Dome" for children, ensuring a variety of engaging events 🎵 The venue will also feature gourmet offerings such as hot dogs and shaved ice, along with stalls showcasing local specialties from Rikubetsucho. Bring your family to experience the thrilling races and enjoyable attractions! 🔶Date: August 2nd, 2026 (Sunday) at 9 AM Race Start 🔶Location: Motorsports Land Rikubetsu Circuit 🔶Admission: Free 🔶Contact Information Secretariat (Rikubetsucho Office, Industry Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section) TEL 0156-27-2141 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/rally_offroad/offroad8/...

Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Product Number: T380710 Title: Wave Tsuba Signature: Gazan Hidetsugu (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 70mm, Width 65.5mm, Thickness 4.5mm Period: Late Edo School: Ohmori school Description Gazan Hidetsugu learned from Mito Kinko in the Ohmori school, with notable students such as Eino and Eiryuu. He specializes in the wave design of the Ohmori-ryu, and this piece is a typical example of his work. The waves are depicted with golden splashes, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and high quality.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Model Number: T380709 Title: Setsurin baijyu karigane sukashi Tsuba Signature: Mumei Daigoro Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 84.8mm Width 84.4mm Thickness 3mm Period: Middle of Edo School: Kyo Sukashi Explanation Kyo Sukashi refers to the ground-sukashi tsuba made in Yamashiro Province, famous alongside Owari, Kanayama, and Akasaka tsuba. Similar to other sukashi tsuba, the technique is believed to have developed in the late Muromachi period, and during the Edo period, Kyo tsuba contrasts with the robust and powerful construction of Owari tsuba, being elegant and delicate. The patterns are refined and sophisticated, reflecting the culture of Kyoto. Among them, the tsuba handled by the tsuba merchant, Daimonji Gorobei, during the middle of the Edo period are particularly well-crafted and refined, collectively known as Daigoro tsuba.

🚡Limited to summer vacation! Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the ropeway✨ Explore areas usually off-limits, such as the machinery room and control room, in our special event "Become a Ropeway Expert!"🎓🔍 Learn the secrets of the ropeway and create unforgettable summer memories or conduct your research!😊 📅Held on August 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28 📍Shimoda Ropeway For more details, click here https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/2026726...

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakedo Item Number: T380708 Title: Monsyosei zu Tsuba Sign: Gyoku ryu ken Nobukatsu Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 67.5mm, Width 61mm, Thickness 3mm Period: Late Edo School: Iwama school Explanation The Iwama school, founded by Masayoshi Iwama, has produced many skilled craftsmen such as Shinsui, Shinro, Shangluo, and Nobukatsu. Since Masayoshi Iwama studied under Naoyuki Hamano, the Iwama school left behind magnificent works characterized by the high carving of the Hamano style, producing many excellent pieces. This piece also features high relief inlay and color painting typical of the Hamano style, showcasing fine craftsmanship. The diagram of Monsyosei (also known as Bunshousei) The four stars of the ladle-shaped part formed from the first star of the Big Dipper, Kaisei, are deified as Tokai in China, revered as the god of high-ranking officials and success in the imperial examination. The character for 'kai' (demon) is composed of the characters for 'oni' and 'to' (ladle), depicted as a dancing deity holding a brush in the right hand and a ladle in the left. Bunshousei shines as the six stars next to Tokai, and together they are considered the gods of literature. These concepts were transmitted from China, and in Japan, they were regarded as deities bringing peace and prosperity, often depicted with a shachi (mythical creature).

Good morning! Azumino is sunny. It's a perfect day for sightseeing!♪ The temperature is expected to rise, so please be careful of heatstroke. A must-visit in Azumino is Ohisama Road!😆

"Great places, lots to discover." Campaign Phase 2 Registration Starts Starting August 1st, the second phase of the "Great places, lots to discover." campaign will begin accepting registrations. Participating establishments include inns and ryokans from the Kouno Tourism Association. Please note that the number of charge vouchers is limited, so we recommend making your reservations early.

【Karakuri Organ Out of Order】 The karakuri organ "Otogibayashi" welcomes visitors in the hall of Roadside Station Nishiokoppe "Kamu". Normally, it plays music every 30 minutes, but it has been out of order since mid-July and is currently not operational. We sincerely apologize to those who were looking forward to enjoying its melodies. The day when the little karakuri organ figures will move energetically is currently uncertain. We ask for your patience until it can be restarted... Meanwhile, the shop and flower park inside the Roadside Station are operating as usual. Please feel free to stop by if you're passing by. - 【Roadside Station Nishiokoppe "Kamu"】 - Open daily until August 17th (Monday) - Opening hours ▶ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed on ▶ Every Tuesday Admission ▶ Inside the Roadside Station: Free Flower Park: 200 yen for high school students and above Contact ▶ 0158-87-2333 #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station #Kamu #Out of Order #Karakuri Organ

This is Taiwanese oolong tea from CAFE ANDON's special Chinese morning menu. It's available for a limited time until today, from 8:00 to 10:00.

This is the special Chinese morning at cafe andon. It is available for a limited time until July 31st. The hours are from 8:00 to 10:00. Five-ingredient spring rolls Chicken and scallop porridge Lightly pickled celery Soy sauce pickled cucumber Peach almond tofu The spring rolls are freshly fried. It's a luxurious morning. 😊

Event Announcement📣 On August 2nd (Sunday), the 35th Taiki Town Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival, a major summer event that has been held since the first year of the Heisei era, will take place😊 Set against the backdrop of the Rekifune River, which has been rated the "cleanest river in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment, a variety of programs will unfold from afternoon to night🎵 During the day, unique events such as a pet bottle rocket contest, free character shows, and a fun lottery will be held, showcasing the charm of this space-themed town😍 At night, the festival will feature the summer tradition of the Doshin Fireworks Festival and the thrilling perupne fire festival, among many other attractions✨✨ A ceremony where a 20-meter tall torch is lit is believed to predict a good harvest if it falls towards the mountains and a good catch if it falls towards the sea, making it one of the highlights of the festival‼ Be sure to witness that moment🎶 ★11:00–: Taiki Junior Wind Ensemble ★12:00– / 14:30–: Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Show (Free Admission) ★13:30–: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 5th Band Performance ★15:40–: Live Performance by Marie Wanri, singer-songwriter ★16:30–: Fun Lottery ★18:00–: Perupne Fire Festival *To participate in the torch ceremony, a numbered ticket is required. Tickets will be distributed from noon at the main office. (First 100 people; children in 3rd grade and below must be accompanied by a guardian) ★19:20–: Doshin Fireworks Festival This festival allows you to fully enjoy the summer charm of Taiki Town. Gather your family and friends and come join us🤗 🔶Date: August 2, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00–20:30 *In case of rain, the fireworks festival and perupne fire festival will be held on the following day, August 3rd (Monday) 🔶Location: Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed 🔶Contact: 35th Taiki Town Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival Executive Committee (Taiki Town Tourism Association Office) TEL: 01558-6-2114 https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=450...

Hello 😊 This is Waraji in Shosenkyo Gorge. It has been hot every day lately, hasn't it? 🌞💦 Still, the trees, birds, and insects in Shosenkyo seem to be enjoying this season, full of energy today as well. ✨ On the way to Shosenkyo, you can admire the majestic Mount Fuji, and in the valley, you can be healed by the cool streams and deep greenery. 🗻🌿 How about refreshing your mind and body in nature at Shosenkyo? 🍃 After enjoying nature, please take your time to savor a meal at "Waraji". 😊 At Waraji, we serve carefully grilled iwana (sweetfish) raised robustly in the summer streams, one by one. 🐟🔥 The aroma of the perfectly grilled skin and the flavor of the tender flesh. It's a proud dish that allows you to taste the blessings of nature as they are. 😋✨ You will enjoy your meal in a kominka (traditional house) that has marked 150 years of history. 🏡 The warmth of the wood envelops the space, creating a nostalgic feeling as if time flows slowly. 🌿 Why not forget about the busy days for a moment and spend some time relaxing in nature? 😊 With delicious dishes and a calming view prepared for you, all of our staff sincerely awaits your visit. ✨🍀

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

About one hour from Tokyo. A day spent enjoying summer in Japan by the sea. As the rainy season ends, summer truly begins in Japan. In this hot season, why not take a little break from the city and head to the beach? Just a 30-minute drive from Hokulea Shonan, the destination is Enoura, a small seaside town in Kanagawa Prefecture. Although it is a place you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, time flows differently there compared to the city. The blue sky. The calm sea. Just listening to the sound of the waves naturally relaxes your mind. And then, into the water. The moment you enter the sea, the cool water envelops your entire body. This comfort makes you forget the summer heat. "I want to dive a little longer." It felt like I could hear such voices throughout the day. In this season, there are summer-only scenes beneath the sea. Clownfish have begun to spawn. The sight of parent fish carefully protecting their eggs is a special scene you can only encounter at this time. Diving is not just about enjoying the underwater scenery. Visiting a seaside town, feeling the seasons, and experiencing Japan's natural beauty. Such moments are also an important part of this experience. For those with a license, of course, we also offer introductory diving for beginners. How about adding a day at the sea to your Tokyo trip? Japan's hidden charms are surely waiting for you, not found in guidebooks. Experience a special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About one hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, including Shonan and Izu, which can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo. The 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, its rich nature, and the leisurely flow of time by the seaside. Our tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also offer guidance in English. Why not add a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the perfect sea experience for you, tailored to your diving experience and travel schedule. Feel free to contact us!

The "Kawayu Onsen Steam Beer Garden," which was held for the first time at Kawayu Onsen, along with the simultaneous experience project "AWAKE from KAWAYU" and four monitor tours, has successfully concluded✨ There were moments when the weather turned bad, but it seems that many people enjoyed themselves☺️🎶 So, I will post just a few photos here. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated🧚🏻‍♀️💫 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayubeergarden/...

This is an announcement from Kawayu Onsen Hotel Kitafukurou. ~Yuagaricha Saryo~ [Nekoban Engawa] Open for one day only♨!! Yuagaricha Saryo Here’s a message from Nekoban Engawa. 😊📨 For someone like me who loves hot springs and lakes, Teshikaga Town is one of my relaxation areas. This time, we will be having a POP-UP for the first time at Kawayu Onsen Hotel Kitafukurou @kitafukurou.kawayu The quality of the hot spring, along with the open-air baths, is wonderful, making it one of my favorite hot springs. We will be using the lobby with a fantastic view of the windows to run a day cafe. After soaking, I would be delighted if you could stop by for a casual tea.❀ The menu may change, but we will be serving the classic Nekoban dish, sesame tofu & special Chinese rice dumplings. New on the menu! Taiwanese tea plum, which is salted plums soaked in oolong tea and honey, is recommended as a summer snack. As for sweets, I wonder whether it will be water yokan or something else... Please look forward to the menu on the day!♡ Rumor has it that soft serve ice cream will be appearing soon at Kitafukurou, so I’m looking forward to that as well! What kind of scenery will we encounter at the end of July?🌿 I hope you enjoy a relaxing time at your leisure. On the day, I hope the owner can enjoy it casually too. (⁠^⁠^⁠) We are looking forward to seeing everyone!♨ [Date] Friday, July 31st 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Last Order 3:30 PM) [Location] Kawayu Onsen Hotel Kitafukurou 1-9-15 Kawayu Onsen 1-chome, Teshikaga Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido @kitafukurou.kawayu

The 2nd Saturday Night Market 2026 ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The 2nd Saturday Night Market 2026 will be held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At the venue, you can enjoy classic night market attractions like shooting games and super ball scooping. Familiar food stalls will offer yakitori, yakisoba, and shaved ice, making it a great opportunity to casually enjoy the lively summer atmosphere. From 6 PM, there will be performances including baton twirling, choir, dance, and taiko drumming, perfect for those who want to relax on a summer night at the station. Those who come in yukata will receive a complimentary juice. Why not enjoy a slightly different night at Mie Town Station Front? 【Date】August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM 【Location】Mie Town Station Square (539 Mie Town Market, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 6:00 PM – Baton Twirling 6:30 PM – Bungoono Rainbow Choir 7:00 PM – Dance Atelier ROⓂD 7:30 PM – Toyo Taiko 【Parking】None *Please use public transportation when visiting. We kindly ask that you do not park at nearby commercial facilities. 【Contact】 Bungoono City Chamber of Commerce Mie Branch TEL: 0974-22-1193

[Drinking Yogurt with Haskap Flavor] Sales began in the village from July! The "Drinking Yogurt with Haskap Flavor" by Milk Design is a product that won the gold prize in the general food category at the "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix" hosted by FM North Wave. The refreshing acidity of the haskap and the sweetness of the drinking yogurt are perfectly balanced, making it ideal as a souvenir or a travel companion! You can purchase it at Roadside Station "Kamu" and Q-Mart in Nishiokoppe Village. When you visit Nishiokoppe Village, please give it a try. - Milk Design processes grass-fed milk sourced from Nishiokoppe Village to produce not only milk and drinking yogurt but also cheese and butter. At Roadside Station Nishiokoppe "Kamu" and Hotel "Mori Yume," you can also enjoy Milk Design's soft serve ice cream🍦 – Online Shop: https://www.milkdesign.jp/onlineshop... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkdesignhokkaido?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==... #Nishiokoppe Village #Drinking Yogurt #Haskap #Milk Design #Sales Started

Taken on July 26, 26. This is the salt caramel banana basque cheesecake, ice cream, and original chai from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is ice cream from LEC COFFEE. 🍨

My first summer at Suishohama Beach was amazing.