Event Announcement 📣 On July 4th (Saturday), the "White Snake Princess Festival" will be held at Lake Shikaribetsu!! This traditional arts festival was inspired by the local legend "The Tale of the White Snake Princess" 😊 The "White Snake Princess Dance" performed on the lakeside stage captivates the audience with its fantastical and mysterious world 🎵 Before the main event, Ainu traditional dances and performances of the traditional instrument "Mukkuri" will be presented, offering a glimpse into Ainu culture. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this mystical traditional art born from the local "Tale of the White Snake Princess" 🤗 📍Date and Time: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) from 17:30 to 21:15 (In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. For more details, please check the Shikaoi Tourism Association website or Instagram.) 📍Location: Lake Shikaribetsu (Free shuttle buses to the venue will operate.) 🔶Free shuttle bus service to the venue: A free shuttle bus utilizing the local bus service will operate from "Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art" in Shikaoicho to the Lake Shikaribetsu venue. The departure times will align with the local bus schedule. Return times are as follows: Departing from Lake Shikaribetsu at 21:40, Urimaku at 22:05, Little House on the Prairie at 22:12, Takushoku Bus Shikaoi Office at 22:20, Shikaoi Town Hall at 22:22, and Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art at 22:23. 【Bus Inquiries】Takushoku Bus Headquarters TEL: 0155-31-8811 🔶Event Inquiries: Shikaoi Town Tourism Association (Shikaoi Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0156-66-4034 https://shikaoi-hakujyahimemai.studio.site//

Taken on June 29, 2014. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I took this around 7 AM. When there are no people around, it's always a composition I challenge myself with. 🎐

Sugao Stone Buddhas ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark The Sugao Stone Buddhas are located in Mie Town, Bungoono City. The "Sugao Stone Buddhas" are five stone statues believed to have been created in the late Heian period. When viewed up close, their delicate and beautiful presence is breathtaking. The highlight is the remaining red color, which conveys the vividness of the past to the present, evoking a sense of historical romance. In stark contrast to the usual calm atmosphere, the "Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival" heats up the summer nights of Bungoono. After a unique "Rooster Imitation Contest" based on local legends brings smiles to the venue, an impressive "Torch Throwing" event takes place, inviting participants into a fantastical and vibrant world, quite different from the usual serene scenery. 【Location】466 Asase, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Access】About 40 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 10 minutes by car from JR Sugao Station ■■■Access to Bungoono City Center■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🎤✨店舗エントリー受付中！！✨🎤 ＼あなたの歌声をステージで披露しませんか？／ 岩内観光協会では、怒涛まつり2日目（8月9日(日)）に開催するステージイベント 「選抜！歌うまコレクション」の出演者を募集しています！ 🎶 年齢・性別不問！ 🎶 ソロ・グループどちらでもOK！ 🏆 審査方法 ・カラオケ採点 ・審査員による審査 🎁 入賞者には豪華景品をご用意！ （町内飲食店で使える飲食券） 【応募方法】 町内店舗代表者によるエントリー必須！ ※個人での応募はできません。 店舗エントリーをお待ちしています😊 ぜひ自慢の"歌うま"さんをご推薦ください！ 一緒に怒涛まつりを盛り上げましょう！🎉 お申し込み・お問い合わせ 一般社団法人 岩内観光協会 ☎ 0135-63-1155（道の駅いわない内）

Taken on June 29, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／ Last year, many people stopped by for the "After the Hydrangea Festival" that we held. This year, it will take place over six days: July 3 (Friday), 4 (Saturday), 5 (Sunday), and July 10 (Friday), 11 (Saturday), 12 (Sunday)! The location is the same as last year, at the monument water tank in front of Izukyu Shimoda Station.🫧 These hydrangeas were pruned from those enjoyed by visitors at the Ajisai-en in Shimoda Park throughout the month of June. Even hydrangeas that have passed their prime this season will look fresh and vibrant when floated in water, making for a stunning sight! If you are nearby, please come and take a look! *Please note that the content may change or be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. We will provide the latest information on this account. *Pruning and collection of plants in Shimoda Park is conducted only by authorized personnel. You are not allowed to cut or take home any plants from the park. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.

On June 30th, a sea prayer festival was held at Hota Coast in Kyonan Town, where we prayed for the safety of the sea. Kyonan Town will open its beach from Saturday, July 25th to Sunday, August 16th.

Taken on June 29, 2014. The matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine have begun. Among the approximately 2,000 wind chimes, there is one red thread wind chime, inspired by a single red thread. It is said that its location changes daily. You might find something good if you spot it.🎐

The Akan Tourism Association is conducting a fundraising campaign for red feather pin badges at the counter on the first floor of Akan Lake Marimukan. There are a total of three types of badges. You can receive one by donating 500 yen or more.

🚁Lake Mashu SKY Cruise🚁 The Lake Mashu SKY Cruise is setting sail again this year! Why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above? The popular "Lake Mashu SKY Cruise" will set sail again this year. It will operate from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Wednesday, August 19, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. (On the final day, August 19, it will end at 3 PM.) The reservation period is from July 13 to August 19, with reception hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Same-day applications are also welcome. You can also take aerial photographs, capturing Teshikaga's vast nature from angles you usually can't see! This is a great opportunity for photographers as well. Be sure to experience this special opportunity! For applications and inquiries 011-781-1247

📢 Event Announcement‼︎ Tomorrow, June 30th, at 18:30, a presentation titled "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai Tribe" will be held at the Teshikaga Town Community Center✨ We are pleased to welcome Professor Tai-Ban Sasara from the Archaeological Research Institute of National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about diversity based on Ainu and Indigenous cultures. A panel exhibition will also be held in the community center lobby❣️ Participation is free for both events, so everyone is warmly invited to join us. "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai Tribe" Date and Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:00 Venue: Teshikaga Town Community Center, 2nd Floor Auditorium Instructor: Professor Tai-Ban Sasara, Archaeological Research Institute, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan Participation: Free Organized by: Hokkaido University Ainu and Indigenous Studies Center 　　　GRID (Global Research Unit for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity) Co-organized by: Teshikaga Town Board of Education

Wind Children Pīhyara Troupe Kazenoko Theater Company Hokkaido returns to Nishiokoppe Village! Saturday, July 4th Doors open at 17:30 / Show starts at 18:00 At Nishiokoppe Village Community Center Grand Hall 500 yen for ages 3 and up For the 30 minutes before the show, there will be time for traditional games like kendama and bamboo-copter. When they visited last autumn, we enjoyed watching newspaper play and after the performance, we got caught up in playing at the venue. Just when you think you're playing, the story has begun without you noticing... The boundaries between play and theater are blurred, making it a mysterious theater company. Tickets are also on sale. For inquiries, please contact 090-8631-0781 (Kikukawa). #Theater #Kazenoko Theater Company #Traditional games #Pīpu-Pīhyara Troupe

Let's enjoy Teshikaga with the whole family! Here are some recommended spots to spend quality family time in summer Teshikaga! People of all ages can enjoy together 🚗💨 ___ 01 Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folk Museum Experience Ainu culture and learn from various perspectives on food, clothing, and shelter 👀📝 02 Kussharo Eco Tours Everyone, including children, the elderly, those in wheelchairs, and even dogs, can enjoy canoeing together and immerse themselves in nature 🛶✨ 03 Katase Nature Guide Office Enjoy the great outdoors of Teshikaga with a private guide! There are plans that explain the stars in the night sky too ⋆⋆✶☆.。.:*・゜ 🔭 04 Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi A retro public bathhouse with a nostalgic charm. Soak in the hot water and refresh both body and mind ♨️ ___ You can directly access the Teshikaga Navi page from the QR images listed in each recommendation, so if you'd like to see more details, please check Teshikaga Navi ✨ Of course! Teshikaga has many activities beyond the ones introduced this time, and I will introduce them gradually ✌︎ Let's fully enjoy the refreshing summer in Teshikaga 🧚🏻‍♀️⛰️❣️ https://www.masyuko.or.jp...

The landscape of Manda Pit is a memory of the site that supported modern Japan. Walking through the steel frames and bricks in the spacious area allows you to feel the size and weight of the coal mine. Take your time to touch history while taking photos. Even ordinary walls and corridors have an allure that has endured over a long period. 【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 junior high school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Historical Walks #Traveling Japan Through Photos #Travel Photography #Coal Mine Ruins #Modernization of Japan #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHistory #HeritageTravel

Ritsurin Park is the most representative scenic spot in Kagawa Prefecture and one of Japan's Special Places of Scenic Beauty, renowned for its expansive strolling garden. The park skillfully blends the natural landscape of Shiun Mountain with exquisite garden designs, showcasing different aspects in each season. No matter when you visit, you can appreciate the unique elegance of Japanese gardens. As I stroll along the park's trails, I first ascend Mount Hira, where I can see Nanko, the lush green pine forests, and the distant Shiun Mountain all at once. The scenery before me resembles a slowly unfolding landscape painting, with a gentle breeze and shimmering water that invite you to slow down and savor this garden's beauty, shaped by the passage of time. Next, I arrive at Kikugetsu-tei by the lakeside, where I order matcha and wagashi in the quaint and elegant tea room. Enjoying the garden view through the window while savoring the slightly bitter yet sweet matcha and delicate wagashi, time seems to slow down. There is no hurried itinerary, just the sounds of birds, a gentle breeze, and the pond water accompanying me, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the tranquil atmosphere. What attracts people to Ritsurin Park is not only the meticulously crafted landscapes but also the serene ambiance that allows one to relax and quietly experience the changing seasons. Reflecting on the time spent enjoying tea and the scenery at Kikugetsu-tei still brings endless delight.

One of the most popular beaches in Chiba Prefecture is located in Kamogawa! The beach in Kamogawa City, with its crystal-clear blue sea, is the perfect place to create summer memories. It's enjoyable for families, couples, and friends alike! There are five recommended beaches. Maebara Beach, Kamogawa City, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Shirosaki Beach, Kamogawa City, Amatsu, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Futomi Beach, Kamogawa City, Futomi Hama, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Emi Beach, Kamogawa City, Emi Higashi Makado, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Uchiura Beach, Kamogawa City, Uchiura, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Light and easy, head to the ultimate resort. Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find an astonishingly clear sea before you. Enjoy the best summer vacation at the beaches of Kamogawa, surrounded by rich nature.

The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore. Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.

This is Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This time, we showcase the autumn cosmos fields. In the background is Mt. Akagi. Being on a hill allows for a great view of the surroundings. As seasonal flowers are planted, the scenery changes, adding to the excitement.

In the flower fields of Agrostemma, the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou can be seen. The Agrostemma fields belong to a local farmer, and we are truly grateful. The sight of the Agrostemma swaying in the wind is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing summer atmosphere. The mountains in the background are the Nikkō Mountains, where you can capture stunning photos of beautiful peaks like Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou.

The Sunflower Festival held in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, features a stunning display of sunflowers in full bloom. This year marks the 35th edition, and towering sunflowers will bloom in the fields where farmers have worked hard for many years. The event will take place on July 18th and 19th, 2026, but the sunflowers can be enjoyed even on days outside of the event.

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka. While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

栃木県足利市にある白髭神社です。小さな神社ですが、足利荘山川郷の鎮守として崇敬された神社だそうです。 春には、外側からハナモモが咲き中央には大きな桜の木があります。 この写真はハナモモと桜が満開の時期にちょうど訪れることができました。 ハナモモだけでも見ごたえ十分です。 余り知られていないハナモモの穴場スポットです。

Nogi Hofmann Hall, located in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a place where visitors can observe a brick kiln. Next to it, a row of dawn redwoods continues. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering a wonderful view. I was moved when the pathway turned red with fallen leaves. I believe it is a hidden gem that is not widely known.

Today is the Summer Purification Ceremony. We cleanse ourselves of sins and impurities from the past six months and pray for good health and safety for the remaining half of the year.

Taken on April 6, 26. This is the flower water at the omikuji (fortune-telling) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I'm curious about 🇯🇵🆚🇧🇷.

Kanawa Island in Hinodecho, Oita Prefecture, appears to be an ordinary couple's rock from a distance, but as you get closer, a large hole created by wave erosion reveals itself. This formation, visible only during low tide, truly deserves to be called a "hidden gem of Japan." I took this photo to convey the beauty of the shapes carved by nature.

The other day, I had lunch with my friend Ms. Hitomi at the teppanyaki restaurant Sazanka on the 35th floor of Hotel Okura Kobe. While enjoying the wonderful view from the 35th floor, we had appetizers, Sazanka salad, and grilled sea bream and shrimp. My friend said, "The flesh of the sea bream easily flakes apart with chopsticks, and it's served with a cream sauce made from clam broth. The shrimp is cooked just right, paired with American sauce. The flavors are thoughtfully combined and very enjoyable." Next, there was a stunning flame show (so cool!). The Japanese Black Wagyu ribeye was cooked medium, tender, and not overly fatty, making it easy to eat. My recommendation is to enjoy it with the accompanying whole grain mustard. (Comment from my friend, Ms. Hitomi) Then we had garlic rice and a special dessert from the pastry chef. In the best location with the best cuisine, and the warmest hospitality from the staff, I had a truly luxurious and wonderful time with my friend.

Light pink hydrangeas are lovely too.

The hydrangeas during the rainy season are enchanting.

Tsukiyomi Shrine 15 Matsumuroyamazoe-chou, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Parking available After walking a few minutes south along the road from the red torii gate of Matsuo Taisha, Tsukiyomi Shrine will appear on your right. At Tsukiyomi Shrine, the moon deity, said to have been enshrined from Iki, quietly resides. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and later became an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha. At Tsukiyomi Shrine (an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha), you can basically receive the goshuin at the issuance office of Matsuo Taisha as "Tsukiyomi Shrine" goshuin. You can receive it at Tsukiyomi Shrine. It's a written seal! Usually, it is available during the reception hours at Matsuo Taisha's shrine office (approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and there may also be written seal options, so it's best to check the latest information on the official Matsuo Taisha website or goshuin information sites before visiting.