Ashinoko Lake in Hakone offers a "Pirate Ship Cruise" Interestingly, none of the ships are "pirate" ships proper, but designed and modeled from European navy vessels from the age of sail, making them a sort of museum exhibit you can experience! There have been a long line of ships in Hakone; The Pioneer, which sailed Ashinoko from the cruise's start in 1961, was joined by the Victoria and the Royal to make up the first generation. The iconic trio that succeeded the first generation were the Vasa, inspired by the 17th century Swedish Royal vessel of the same name, the Victory, based on the HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame, and the Royal II, based on the 18th century French "Royal Louis." No trace of pirate associations to be had, but for many European sail vessels are inextricably linked with pirates, who enjoy good PR. I blame Jack Sparrow! The "Vasa" was retired in 2019 after almost three decades of service, and the newest ship is the "Queen Ashinoko"- Perhaps characteristically of recent developments in Japan, it is no longer modeled on a foreign antecedent but is a Hakone original, albeit unmistakably aiming for the same aesthetic as the other vessels. Hakone is famous for its Onsen, and many people visit with Onsen in mind. But if you should find yourself in the area, why not consider a lake cruise as well? Its certainly an unexpected and interesting diversion to find yourself on a boat that looks like it sailed out of European history in a tranquil lake to the southwest of Tokyo!

When mentioning Nagano Prefecture, the first highland delicacy that comes to mind is probably Shinshu soba. Nagano is one of the few inland prefectures in Japan, surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed by clear streams, which has fostered a unique mountain dining culture. This time, I visited Nagano and specifically went to "Kirishita Soba-dokoro Sagaya" to taste the famous Kirishita soba, and unexpectedly encountered a local dish full of Nagano flavor—char sashimi. The so-called "Kirishita soba" refers to soba cultivated in highlands where fog easily forms in the morning and evening, and the climate is cool. The area around Shinanomachi in Nagano Prefecture is a well-known production site, and the huge temperature differences between day and night, along with clear water sources, give the soba noodles a delicate aroma and a smooth texture. I ordered the classic "duck soba" (kamo soba). Duck meat and soba noodles are a perfect match—soba noodles are refreshing, while the fatty, sweet, and rich duck meat, when blended with the broth, not only enriches the soup's flavor but also highlights the grain aroma of the soba noodles. The fine noodles carry the rich duck oil aroma as they slide down the throat, simple yet memorable. Equally impressive is the plate of char sashimi. Although Nagano has no sea, it boasts rich mountain streams, making river fish like char and Yamame trout important mountain products. When thinking of river fish, one might worry about a muddy taste, but char, which grows in clear, cold streams, is completely different. Properly handled char sashimi has a slightly bouncy texture; as you chew, a refreshing and elegant wild aroma gradually spreads in your mouth. Looking at the translucent fish flesh with a hint of pink in the plate, one might even momentarily lose focus, thinking they are tasting the sweet flavor of summer sweetfish. From a bowl of exquisite soba to a plate of refreshing freshwater fish sashimi, Nagano, without an ocean, distills its high mountains and clear streams into a rich dining experience. This meal deeply illustrates the close and intimate connection between Shinshu cuisine and this natural landscape.

Taken on September 1, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime will be available until September 6.

The straight road in the city center is adorned with ginkgo trees. Tokyo is one of the regions in Japan with particularly abundant ginkgo trees, and their presence transforms the urban landscape into vibrant autumn hues. The yellow leaves, tinged with the light of dusk, seem to ease the hustle and bustle of the city just a little. (Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo)

Photographed on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

These are the flowers in my garden.

Taken on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a big move from Ichibanchou to Yokohama to Kawagoe.

Captured on September 1, 26. This is the string fortune at Motomachi Itsukushima Shrine.🧵

Taken on September 1, 26. This is Honey Ginger Milk Tea from SAND GLASS.

Tohoku is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, but I also enjoy the time spent idly gazing at the autumn rice ears. From rice harvesting in September to October, autumn festivals, and the first snowfall in November, why not visit Tohoku this season?

Inukai Stone Buddha ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark The Inukai Stone Buddha is located in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This rock-carved statue, etched into a cliff by the Ono River, depicts a Fudo Myoo (Acala) with a height of approximately 3.8 meters. While many may envision Fudo Myoo with a stern expression, this stone Buddha is known for its gentle, rounded face. Flanking it are standing statues of Seitaka Doji and Kongara Doji, carved closely beside it, with the characters "Ryūdenzan" also inscribed on the rock face. Nearby, a Gorintō (five-storied pagoda) stands, creating a tranquil space that evokes a sense of history by the quiet riverbank. The rock on which the statue is carved is believed to be welded tuff formed from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago, and it is estimated to date back to the Kamakura period based on the style of the statue. 【Location】Tawara Watanose, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of 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 sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Location: Former Ikeda Family Gardens, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture The Former Ikeda Family Gardens in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. This was the residence of the prominent landowner Ikeda family, and the Western-style building within the gardens is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The wet red colors quietly stand out, subtly adding to the history of this place. Nearby, you can also find the nationally designated historic site, Hotta-no-saku Ruins (remains of an ancient castle). Why not come to Akita this autumn and trace its history?

This is Kokia at Hitachi Seaside Park. In autumn, the red Kokia spreads across the hills, moving those who see it.

It has become cold. Lake Kawaguchi continues to experience autumn rain. In between, we can also see such a beautiful sunrise.

Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Model Number K380911 Sign Mumei Naoe Shizu Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Scabbard Document Sato Kanzan Size Blade length 74.3 cm Curvature 1.35 cm Mekugi 1 Hole Country Mino Period Nanbokucho Shape Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, body width, thickness balance, with curvature, and a lively tip. Forging It features itame-hada and o-hada, with a visible surface pattern Hamon Gunome midare with a slightly drooping pattern, featuring ashi, and a flowing grain in the hamon, with gold lines present. Boshi Irregular with a sweeping tip, resembling flames. Tang O-suriage, with a pointed end Explanation In the region of Naoe in Mino Province, Kaneuji, counted among the ten great masters of Masamune, settled and his faction flourished. Later, his disciples Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, and Kanenobu relocated to Naoe, where they continued to forge swords. Thus, the group of swordsmiths from this lineage is collectively referred to as Naoe Shizu.

Introduction of the sword from Wakeido Item number K380911 Sign Wakasanokami Fujiwara Ujifusa Certification N.B.T.H.K Tokubetsu Hozon Touken(Special Preservation Sword) Size Blade length 74.3 cm Curvature 1.35 cm Mekugi hole 1 Width at the base 30.7 mm Width at the tip 23 mm Thickness at the base 7.6 mm Country Owari Province Period Late Muromachi period, around Tensho Shape Shinogi-zukuri, with an anmune, body width, and thickness slightly curved, with a rounded tip Forging Well-formed itame-hada, with bright steel and fine ji-nuri Hamon Irregular choji midare with five patterns, with a strong nioi and bright nioi-guchi Boshi Irregular, rounded tip with a sweeping curve Tang Unfinished, slightly raised at the edge, with cross-cut file marks Shirasaya Yes Explanation Wakasanokami Ujifusa, initially known as Kanefusa, was the son of Kanefusa from Seki. He was invited to the provincial capital by Imagawa Ujizane to forge swords and was permitted to use the character 'Uji' in his name, becoming Ujifusa. He received the title of Wakasanokami in the 13th year of Eiroku and was active during the Genki and Tensho periods. Later, he moved to Owari and became a central figure in Owari swordsmithing along with his eldest son, Hida no Kami Ujifusa. His style features choji blades with a nioi finish and strong nioi, as well as those with mixed patterns. This piece exemplifies the former, showcasing a beautifully forged choji blade with a nioi finish, making it a masterpiece of Wakasanokami.

Everyone Enjoys Japan in Their Own Way There was no need for everyone to do the same thing. One person folded origami. Another chose Japanese calligraphy. The children enjoyed making things, while their parents joined in too. At the end, they were surrounded by the things they had made together — and there were lots of smiles. Sometimes, the best family time is simply enjoying different things together. And because no reservation is required, families can simply stop by when they have time during their Kyoto trip. #AriHanaKyoto #Kyoto #KyotoWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #JapanTravel #JapaneseCulture #Origami #JapaneseCalligraphy #FamilyTime

Taken on September 1, 26. This is a chiffon cake with tea from SAND GLASS in Motomachi.

Taken on September 1, 26. I visited Yokohama Masobyo located in Yokohama Chinatown.

Yamanashi Prefecture – Fuefukigawa Fruit Park. I visited with my daughter to enjoy the Shine Muscat parfait. The wind was gently flowing.

The torii gate serves as a barrier between the human world and the realm of the gods. "The autumn leaves in the back seem like a different world"—I suddenly felt that presence. Location: Nezu Museum, Tokyo Metropolis

Pour your heart into the final dish. Each dessert that concludes the Western course dinner is carefully crafted. After enjoying the meal, indulge in a sweet moment that melts your heart. At Kussharo Prince Hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening. Be sure to follow us to receive the latest updates from 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

In the morning at your travel destination, enjoy your favorites as much as you like. We offer a diverse menu ranging from Japanese to Western cuisine. 🍴 One of the morning delights is the seafood bowl, where you can enjoy your favorite toppings. 🐟✨ What would you start with? Enjoy your morning in Kushiro with the view from the top floor of the hotel. Follow us to check the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel! ✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakeido Item Number K380910 Title Hai ryu zu Kozuka Signature Mumei Eijyo Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Jyuyo Tousougu (Attached) Enkyo 2nd year, two gold coins, five ryo, Mitsutaka Origami Size Length 97mm Width 14mm Period Momoyama School Goto 6th Explanation Eijyo, the sixth generation of the Goto family, was the legitimate son of the fifth generation, Tokunori, born in the fifth year of Tensho. His childhood name was Kameichi, his common name was Genshirō, and his given name was Masahiro. At the age of eighteen, in the third year of Bunroku, he succeeded the family head and changed his name to Shirōbei Masamitsu, becoming the sixth generation of the family. He served Toyotomi Hideyoshi alongside his father and ancestors from a young age, but became a ronin after the fall of the Toyotomi clan. In the second year of Genwa, recommended by his uncle Naganori, he began serving the Tokugawa family, appointed by Shogun Hidetada to roles involving weights, large coins, and carving, and was granted 250 koku of his former territory in Yamashiro Province and a stipend for twenty retainers in Edo, but died of illness at the young age of forty-one in the following third year of Genwa. Eijyo's style is said to resemble that of Norimasa, often being somewhat larger, but the craftsmanship is generally more delicate than that of Norimasa. This piece features a flowing dragon in gold patterns over a background of goldfish. The dragon is elegant and dignified, reflecting the characteristics of the Goto family during the Momoyama period, particularly associated with Eijyo, and the attached confirmation from the thirteenth generation Mitsutaka is acknowledged. Overall, it is a splendid piece that showcases the unique charm of Eijyo.

[Save this] Here’s some tourist information about the Togakushi Shrine's Five Shrines tour!✨ Visiting the Five Shrines of Togakushi Shrine during the comfortable months of September to October is highly recommended! 〈Don’t forget to tap the "save" icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 "What is the Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine?" Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines: Okusha, Naka Shrine, Hokosha, Kuzuryū Shrine, and Hinomiko Shrine. Each shrine offers different benefits and stamps, so you can enjoy exploring their unique characteristics. "Overview of the Five Shrines Tour" 【Period】You can visit year-round. *Okusha and Kuzuryū Shrine are closed during winter.* 【Transportation】Bus, private car, walking, etc. *There are paid parking lots, but the number of available spaces may be limited.* *You can use the reserved Togakushi Line sightseeing express bus from Nagano Station.* 【Duration】It varies depending on your mode of transportation, but if walking the entire route, it generally takes about half a day. 【Order of Worship】There are no formal rules, so please visit according to your schedule. "Recommended Information" 【Lunch】 Togakushi Soba, considered one of Japan's top three soba noodles, is highly recommended. There are many Togakushi soba restaurants around Naka Shrine. Additionally, there are shops offering soba and soft serve ice cream at the entrance of Okusha Sandō. 【Scenic Spots】 The thatched Zuijinmon gate and the avenue of cedars, which are over 400 years old, located halfway along the path to Okusha, are among Japan's top scenic spots. 【Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits】 If you collect the stamps from all five shrines, you will receive a "Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits"! 【Togakushi Walking and Climbing Guide】 Walking with a guide who has extensive experience and knowledge not only provides a sense of security but also offers new discoveries that differ from walking alone! You can apply for courses such as the Okusha worship course or the Five Shrines tour course according to your needs. *For more details, please visit the Togakushi Shrine Official Website or @togakushi_jinja.* #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi #Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

The Saijo Festival Calendar for the 8th year of Reiwa (October 2023 to September 2024) is currently on sale. Price: 1,500 yen (tax included) per copy Sales location: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center

The Shine Muscat parfait enjoyed at Fuefukigawa Fruit Park in Yamanashi. It’s undeniably delicious—this prediction is 120% correct. The cream is subtly sweet, creating a perfect balance that doesn’t overpower the fragrance of the Shine Muscat. Last year, I was told it was "already sold out" and couldn’t taste it, but this year, I finally got to enjoy this long-awaited treat. It’s available for a limited time and in limited quantities, so be sure to check before you go.

Taiki Town Sightseeing Model Course - Autumn Relaxing Course in Taiki Town for Autumn [2 Days, 1 Night] Here is a model course for visiting Taiki Town in autumn. If you're coming to the Hakurin Park Festival on September 20 (Sunday), be sure to use this as a reference! Day 1: Arrive in Taiki Town in the early afternoon → Moiwa Mountain Forest Park Observation Deck → Handa Farm → Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki → Dinner at Ajino Ryūgetsu → Stay overnight at a lodging facility in the city (There are four hotels and many guesthouses or homestays in the city. Check out Visit Taiki for details!) Day 2: Breakfast at Hotel Cosmo → Participate in the Hakurin Park Festival or visit autumn foliage spots (recommended after mid-October) For details on each spot and the festival, check the Taiki Town tourism website "Visit Taiki"! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Taken on September 1, 2026. I visited Iseyama Kotai Shrine in Yokohama.

I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had the creamy honey sweet potato Haruka mousse tea latte and the baked honey sweet potato cake made with Haruka and Annou sweet potatoes.