Visited on 9/15/24. It is a rice set (+ fried chicken) from Tomori Shokudo. The miso soup and side dishes with many vegetables are also delicious. It is a set meal with a good nutritional balance. 😊

Honoring the Samurai girl The more ⚔️ onago is bullshit, the more the world will be bullshit. The stronger you are, the calmer you will be. ⚔️ The more ⚔️ you can hang your head and bow low, the more genuine nobility and strength you will acquire.

In a Soba (buckwheat noodles) field Dragon God Use a fallow field in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, the pure white Soba (buckwheat noodles) flowers were in full bloom. Aroma and delicious new Buckwheat noodles will be available next month.

Visited on 9/15/24. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, we went to the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It was a Sunday, so it was crowded. It is a pumpkin spice latte and Mont Blanc with chestnuts and roasted green tea. 🎃🌰

Tanabata Festival Town lower at Kappa Hashimoto Street Celebrating the meeting of Orihime and Hikosei The bamboo decorations of Tanabata sway in the wind, It made me feel a little cooler in the hot summer.

CAMP at Kijiya on Wednesday, September 18th⛺ I tried a CAMP experience at Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya🔥 We planned to start while it was still light, but the sun set early and we began at dusk🌆 Still, we had a lively barbecue with everyone while watching the sunset from Kijiya on the hilltop🥩 The autumn night breeze felt pleasant and there were fewer bugs, so this season is perfect for camping💡 Come and try camping at Kijiya—it's highly recommended✨

[Friday, September 13] Unoko Falls Today I visited the viewing platform at Unoko Falls. The waterfall had a strong flow today, and it looked impressive from the platform. Mt. Aso was clearly visible from the winery.

On October 13th, Tomakomai Tourism Ambassador and singer-songwriter Kanbayashi Manabu will hold a live performance in San Francisco, USA. He plans to perform a total of 12 songs, including English versions of “Sui Sui Sui Tomachop Water” and “Hokki no Uta.” If you live in San Francisco, please come. “The 8th Red and White Song Battle” (U.S. performance) ・Date: October 13, 2024 ・Venue: San Francisco Marin Center Showcase Theater ・Organizer: SFJ–Town New Year Kayo Festival (The image is a flyer for the farewell live concert to be held before his departure for the U.S.)

Pumpkin Contest A pumpkin contest will be held at Koushiobaru Park (Jinmu no Yakata)! What is the Pumpkin Contest?? This year marks the 18th Pumpkin Contest! For those who remember, it used to take place around the same time as the Higanbana Festival! Around June, the Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry distributes seedlings (four varieties) to people who will grow them! In September, pumpkins are delivered for inspection and judging (about 800 each year). From Sunday, September 22 to Monday, September 23 (a national holiday), a display and sale will be held at Koushiobaru Park! ---+---Admission to the pumpkin exhibition is free---+--- In the past, pumpkins over 80 kg have appeared, and we’re excited to see what kinds of pumpkins come this year! (*'▽') ---+---Edible pumpkins are available in addition to ornamental pumpkins---+--- We will also have edible varieties such as Fukuebisu, Butternut, and Colinky, so please buy them if you want to enjoy tasty pumpkins! ---+---Works by calligrapher Non-chan---+--- You can also purchase works by calligrapher Non-chan, known from Noyasobi Shima Shoya, on the day! They’re perfect as entrance decorations or gifts— you might find a wonderful piece!! Check the atmosphere in past photos! ---+---Contact---+--- Venue: Koushiobaru Park, 3-251 Kamamuta, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture Display and sales: 9:00–16:00 Contact: Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry 0984-42-4560

Hinata Yakushi 2024 Higan-bana Limited: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin Distribution ※Limited to 500 sheets (ends when sold out) Higan-bana Limited Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin ¥500 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the "Hinata Yakushi" bus for about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop, then a 15-minute walk via the approach to the temple ※Bus service is infrequent, so please check in advance. For details, please see the Hinata Yakushi website.

"I wonder if I've eaten yet~? ｣

[Yakushi Forest Road Partial Closure] Due to the effects of Typhoon No. 10, a section of Yakushi Forest Road (from the back of Hinata Yakushi to Nanasawa) is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians. There is no scheduled date for reopening at this time. For detailed information, please see the Kanagawa Prefecture website.

Isehara Flower Update: September 20 Gentle Hinata red spider lilies…their stems have grown and blooming has begun, and in some spots they are partially very beautiful! This morning’s view of the red spider lilies. Temporary Tourist Information Desk open at Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Lot September 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 23 (Mon, public holiday) 9:30–15:00 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “Hinata Yakushi” bus, about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop During the red spider lily season, the parking lot behind the Human Resources Development Center is specially opened and a red spider lily guide map is provided, so please make use of it. Please refrain from parking on the street. The season gets crowded, so please enjoy the flowers while observing good manners.

The 57th Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival The Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival, held in memory of the local samurai lord Dōkan Ōta, is the city’s largest event! This year’s Dōkan will be played by actor Ryohei Odai, and Masako Hōjō will be portrayed by TV personality LiLiCo, in the traditional Dōkan Ōta falconry procession and Masako Hōjō’s pilgrimage to Hinata Yakushi. The festival also features an exhibition 3x3 basketball match and a new puzzle event, “Isehara Puzzle Walking Tour: Dōkan Ōta’s Treasure,” among many other attractions. Event Dates and Times Saturday, October 5 — 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, October 6 — 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Venue: Around Odakyu Isehara Station, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Contact: 0463-94-4729 Tōkan Festival Executive Committee (Isehara City Commerce and Tourism Promotion Division)

This is an exhibition at the Kawagoe Prince Hotel in honor of the Kawagoe Festival. The Kawagoe Festival will be held on 10/19 (Sat) and 20 (Sun).

I have found that bushido means to die He was willing to die for a certain purpose. If you always act with the intention of dying every morning and evening, and if you are willing to die, you will be able to fulfill your family duties without fail for the rest of your life.

Shinto Shrine Festival September 11th marked the shrine festival in the Nishiokoppe district. Elementary and junior high schools ended classes early, and by 10:30 everyone had gathered at the starting point for the mikoshi procession. Adults and children alike wore happi coats and moved through each neighborhood association. Preschoolers dressed in ochigo (child attendant) costumes followed the adults and the older students, walking on bravely. It took about two and a half hours to complete the whole route. Because people usually travel around the village by car, it had been a long time since anyone walked this much. The lion-dance team reportedly visited each house with someone at home, which took more than twice as long. Thank you to everyone for your hard work. Despite all that walking, the elementary school children were full of energy for the sumo tournament! They worked hard to earn pocket money for enjoying the evening variety show. Although it was a serious competition, the sumo tournament was full of smiles. The whole village was awash in festival spirit for the day. I will post separately about the evening variety show! #Nishiokoppe Village #Shrine Festival #Mikoshi Procession #Parade #We paraded through the streets #Tengu #Sumo Tournament

Photographed 9/19/24. Hachimangu Shrine in the Precincts of Izumo Ihabi Shrine had been changed to Tenjinjigisha. The Instagram of Izumo Ihabi Shrine was also opened.

Mt. Ontake (Ondake) Mt. Ontake stands in Kiyokawamura, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Mt. Ontake rises to 568 meters. From the summit you get a superb view that takes in the whole Bungoono area. From the top you can see Mt. Kabeyama, Mt. Aso, the Kuju mountain range, and the Ono mountain area. The summit’s rocks are chart—a sedimentary rock formed from compacted plankton on the Pacific seafloor—that were swept onto the Japanese archipelago by plate movements. Passing through the torii and climbing a gentle stone stairway for about 10 minutes brings you to Mitake Shrine, said to have been founded in 1449, and the birthplace of Mitake Kagura. The rocky hill behind the shrine is called Sennodake and is regarded as a sacred place. When climbing Sennodake, enter with a feeling of gratitude and take great care with your footing, as the route remains rocky. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ---------- On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇✨ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us 😊 A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from our profile. ----------

Hello, this is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. Although it’s past mid-September, the hot days continue. How are you doing? At Shosenkyo, you can still feel the heat, but a refreshing autumn breeze is beginning to arrive, and it lifts the spirits. The iconic Kakuen Peak of Shosenkyo stands out brilliantly against the blue sky. You might know lapis lazuli and sapphire as September birthstones… But actually, kunzite is also a September birthstone! Its gentle, pale pink hue soothes you just by looking at it. The gemstone’s meanings are “love, peace, motherhood,” a compassionate stone that shelters and protects with inner strength. Many other natural stones stand in neat rows as well. Please take your time strolling and enjoy touching the stones. All our staff sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

Summer Ueno Farm 🏵️ Surrounded by 🌳 greenery and flowers I was healed 🥹✨

I ran errands and Town Town hall Mt. Moro, and Prayer the Izumo Ihahi Shrine yellowtail a long time. This year, I'm going to try to Prayer Yabusame Festival as well. 🐎

Torch Festival The torch Festival of the Annual event Misya Shrine will be Held in on Saturday, October 12th. As an evening festival, it is a traditional dedication festival in which the gods who have seen the safety of the residents' lives and the harvesting of crops have completed their great duties for one year and return to the inner shrine of Mt. Sansai on the smoke of torches due to the gratitude and enthusiasm of the residents. Departing at 7 p.m. from the front of the port of Asama Hot Spring, about 20 bundles of lit torches will parade toward Misya Shrine. It will be launched Dedication fireworks at 8 p.m. As a result, please note that the inside of Asama Hot Spring will be partially closed.

Photographed 9/15/24. This is Yatagarasu-sama of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Photographed 9/15/24. Prayer at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It is a circle of nagi using the nagi of the sacred tree of Kumano. It is the same as the circle of Kaya no Rinokuguri and cleanses impurities. Benefit is said to be good luck, protection from disaster, and peace and safety.

On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Tokoro Terrace in Shiga Akanuma, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture. This stylish spot, known in Suwa for selling kanten, also houses a cafe and dining area.☕ Tokoro Terrace promotes making kanten part of everyday life with the motto “bringing kanten closer to you.” The person who introduced the shop that day was manager Kurane. Next to the shop and cafe is a factory specializing in tokoroten, so the tokoroten served here comes fresh from the adjacent factory!!! I dislike vinegar-and-soy dressing, and since I learned about kuromitsu I’ve been hooked♪ It’s virtually zero calories (excluding the kuromitsu lol)!!! Kanten comes in many forms—block kanten (bō kanten), string kanten, and powdered kanten—and it’s a versatile ingredient you can add to rice, miso soup, or salads. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the school lunch day with mandarin orange milk kanten and used to pace around the serving area... Kanten provides dietary fiber and doesn’t overpower other ingredients, so it shines in main dishes, appetizers, and desserts alike—truly the Shohei Ohtani of the ingredient world!!! That day I found a pack of 100 sticks of kanten; some customers buy that size a few times a year!!! The quantity and enormity were astounding lol At the cafe, they use that kanten in tokoroten, cream anmitsu (their most popular item), soft serve, and even the hugely popular pudding. They serve lunch (11:00–14:00), where a salad with added kanten enhances the flavors of the main dish. The place is welcoming to men and has counter seating, so you can easily enjoy a casual cafe visit or lunch.🍴 You can also enjoy coffee made from beans by Yuhigahama Coffee of Matsumoto alongside the sweets, so try them together.☕ The entire shop is barrier-free, so customers in wheelchairs can enter with confidence. Many visitors come in three generations—grandmother, mother, and grandchild—and enjoy the cafe together. Why not consider this as a souvenir from Suwa? ◎ Tokoro Terrace 📍 1545-1 Shiga, Suwa (5-minute drive from Suwa I.C. toward Lake Suwa; parking for 40 cars) ☎ 0266-52-1056 ◎ Hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Shop hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Cafe hours: 10:00–17:00 (Lunch 11:00–14:30) ◎ Closed: Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2) ◎ Online shop available.

The sunflowers at Nakai Farm and Kuroda Farm near Tokachigawa Onsen in Otofukecho are in full bloom! 🌻 The vast fields of sunflowers are a spectacular sight, and just looking at them seems to lift your spirits. Please do visit! To all visitors, we ask that you observe proper manners while viewing the fields. These are not tourist farms, so you may not enter the fields without permission. Also, do not pick or take any flowers without permission. There are no parking lots, so if you stop on the roadside, please follow traffic rules when viewing. Location: Nakai Farm, Tokachigawa Onsen Kita 2 Chome 2, Kawato-gun, Otofukecho Kuroda Farm, 48-17, Shimo‑Shihoro, Otofukecho, Kawato-gun - At Nakai Farm and Kuroda Farm in Otofukecho, Hokkaido, sunflowers are now blooming after the wheat harvest! 🌻 【⚠ Important notes ↓】 *The sunflower fields are not open as public tourist farms!* Visitors coming to see the sunflowers, please do not enter the sunflower fields and please do not pick the sunflowers! Because these are not tourist farms, there are no designated parking spaces. When stopping to view the sunflower fields, be sure to park in accordance with Japanese traffic laws—safety first!

Isehara Flower Update: September 18 The spider lilies at Hinata are not yet in peak bloom. Some areas have already begun to bloom. A temporary tourist information desk will open at the parking area next to the Hinata Yakushi bus stop. It will operate on Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; and Monday, September 23 (a public holiday). From the north exit of Odakyu Isehara Station, take the Kanachu Bus from platform 3. Take the bus bound for Hinata Yakushi; the ride takes about 20 minutes. Get off at the final stop. ※Bus service is limited, so please check schedules in advance. If the temporary desk is not open, unmanned spider lily information maps are available at the Hinata Yakushi bus stop (parking lot restroom entrance) and at the Vocational Development Center (rear gate parking lot, 8:30–16:00). They are in a can—please take as many copies as you need.

The Way of the Brush For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention, and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the fullest.

Visited on 9/12/24. CAFE ANDON's lemonade and coffee jelly sundae. It is very tasty. 😊