8/22 Iwata Summer Festival Fireworks Display Date: Saturday, August 22, 2023 *Canceled in case of bad weather Opening Ceremony: 19:15～ Fireworks Launch Time: 19:30～20:30 Location: Fukuda Fishing Port Special Venue For more details, please check the Iwata City Chamber of Commerce website. Shuttle Bus Information Shuttle buses will operate from Mikurigaoka Station North Exit to the venue area. For more details, please check the Iwata City Chamber of Commerce website under "Shuttle Bus Operations." Contact: Iwata City Chamber of Commerce (0538-36-9600) https://iwatanohanabi.com//

STV Dosanko Festival This year, it will be held at the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden! Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! It’s an event to support Hokkaido. Experience the charm of Hokkaido with three days of "drinking, eating, and having fun!" The Mashu Lake Tourism Association from Teshikagacho will also participate! Let’s head to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden this weekend. For more details, please visit the official website. https://daidosai.jp// STV Dosanko Festival 【Date】August 7, 2026 (Friday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 9, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 【Venue】Hokkaido Government Former Main Building (Red Brick Office) Red Brick Garden 【Admission】Free 【Organizers】The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Akarenga Mirai Kiko 【Support】Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Sapporo City Board of Education 【Cooperation】STV Radio Co., Ltd.

Manda Pit is a place where you can learn about the workings of a coal mine just by looking at the buildings. The shaft tower, hoisting machine room, and coal mine train each appear to be separate facilities, but they are actually part of a larger system for digging, transporting, and supporting coal. Walking through this industrial heritage also means understanding the connection between technology and human labor. 【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 middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Coal Mine Mechanisms #Arao City Tourism #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Modern Industrial Heritage #History of Technology #Educational Travel #Historical Studies #Manda Coal Mine #Arao City #Kumamoto #Japan Travel #Visit Japan #World Heritage #Industrial Heritage #Educational Travel

I heard that teamLab Borderless is a world without boundaries, but it wasn't until I stepped in personally that I truly understood what that meant. Here, it feels as if the entire reality is left behind, leaving only light, colors, and my present self. The boundaries of this space are blurred; the light flows with my footsteps. There are no rules on how to view the exhibition; all you need to do is walk in, reach out to touch, and quietly feel. At that moment, the message the exhibition wanted to convey suddenly became clear. It turns out that the observer is not just a bystander; they are part of the art itself, immersed in this world. Standing alone in a space where blue light flows and flowers rain down, faint sounds echo in my ears. Delicate beams of light cascade down like waterfalls, and soft flowing light spreads at my feet, making me feel as if I reside in a quiet, mysterious forest. The flowers beside me bloom with the light and wither with the wind, changing in an instant, so beautiful that I dare not blink. Then I stepped into the pink mirrored space, where twinkling lights refract in countless reflections, creating an illusion of entering a parallel universe filled with stars. Every time I turn around, there's an unexpected surprise. This is a space that is difficult to define, walking between reality and fantasy. Each step reshapes the artwork and quietly transforms my current state of mind. As I left the museum and walked home, the flowing lights and floral whispers still flickered in my mind, leaving me wanting more. I never expected that seemingly cold technology could be so gentle and soulful.

Kiyokawa Summer Festival – A Children’s Fair for Adults Too! ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The Kiyokawa Summer Festival will take place in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue is the lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa, featuring summer festival activities such as kick target, yo-yo fishing, ring toss, shooting gallery, lottery, cotton candy making experience, and a fireworks corner. There will also be food stalls offering yakitori, takoyaki, pizza, French fries, and drinks, making it a delightful experience to enjoy meals as well. Exciting events like the Garigari-kun eating contest and Kiyokawa Bayashi are also planned, promising a lively summer experience. 【Date】 August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 17:00 – 20:00 【Location】 Lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa (1574-1 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Additional Info】 Free game corner for junior high school students and below 【Parking】 Available ■Contact Information Kiyokawa Regional Promotion Council TEL: 0974-27-4686

Trekking on Rebun Island, I have immersed myself in various mountainous landscapes representative of Japan, such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as a lover of mountain walking. However, the flower fields on the floating hills in the sea offer a unique world that can only be experienced by coming to this place. The vast panorama, scattered with a variety of alpine plants in vibrant colors, makes me think that if there is a heaven, it might look like this. In the northernmost summer of Japan, the breathtaking scenery that can only be encountered in this season and at this location is something I hope everyone can come, see, and feel at least once in their lifetime. It truly is a paradise.

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. This is a performance of the festival music. ☺️

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. A collaboration between Okame and Hyottoko.

Event Announcement📣 From August 7th to August 9th, the 53rd Hokkaido Balloon Festival will be held in Kamishihoro Town, where hot air balloons from all over the country will gather😊 Colorful hot air balloons from various regions will compete in the vast skies of Kamishihoro Town🎵 In addition to the fun of looking up at the balloons, there will be a tethered hot air balloon experience (paid) where you can actually feel the sensation of floating, a special live performance by the folk duo Sasuke, and many other exciting stage events, as well as a "Balloon Shopping Street" where you can enjoy local gourmet food😍 Come and create summer memories with your family and friends🤗 🔶For event details and the latest information, check the official Instagram of the Hokkaido Balloon Festival Executive Committee → @hbf_1974_kamishihoro Please follow and support us!! https://hbf.jp//

Enjoy a special night experience✨ Here are some recommended night events! 1. Sun Marine Nagano Night Pool Spend a summer night at a fantastical illuminated pool that’s different from the daytime! Photography is allowed in the usually off-limits pool! Enjoy unlimited rides on the slide♪ You can have fun at a great price with all-you-can-drink and light snacks included! 【Event Dates】August 8 (Saturday), August 22 (Saturday), September 5 (Saturday) Every day from 21:30 to 23:30 【Price】 Advance ticket: ¥3,500, On-the-day ticket: ¥4,000 *Includes all-you-can-drink and light snacks *No entry for those under 20 *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. 2. Shiroyama Zoo Evening Cool Night ZOO Continuing from last year, we are hosting the Night ZOO again this year! Enjoy popular events like the "Night Mormor Line," "Nocturnal Animal Guide," and "California Sea Lion Feeding Time," along with fun festival booths like ring toss and shooting! Experience Shiroyama Zoo at night, which is unique compared to the daytime! 【Event Dates】 August 22 (Saturday), September 19 (Saturday), October 31 (Saturday) 【Opening Hours】9:00 to 20:30 【Price】Free *Some events may require a fee. *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. 3. Summer Night ZOO in Chausuyama Chausuyama Zoo will be open for night visits until 20:30. There will be special exhibits featuring nocturnal animals, such as "Armadillo Night Walk" and "Close Encounter with the Blakiston's Fish Owl," along with many night-only events! Chausuyama is also a beautiful spot for night views, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the zoo with stunning night scenery! 【Event Period】August 11 (Tuesday, holiday) to August 15 (Saturday) 【Opening Hours】9:30 to 20:30 (Entry until 20:00) 【Price】Adults: ¥600, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥100, Free for preschoolers *For more details, please visit the official website or official account. #Night Pool #Chausuyama Zoo #Shiroyama Zoo #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

On my way home. I love this scenery.

The weekend after work is the best.

Asaji HOT FES ❚ Scheduled for August 11, 2026 On Tuesday, August 11th, a public holiday, the "Asaji HOT FES" will be held at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. On that day, 18 performers from both inside and outside the prefecture will gather, with live performances scheduled throughout the day. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the venue, featuring meals such as curry, fried skewers, yakisoba, and loco moco, along with beer and shochu. It promises to be a day where you can leisurely enjoy music and food amidst the summer scenery. 【Date】 August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, public holiday) Doors open at 9:30 AM, starts at 10:00 AM 【Location】 Yusaku Park (3914 Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Admission】 Free 【Parking】 Available ■ Contact Information Yusaku Base (Contact: Arimoto) TEL: 080-5285-0477

Matcha has exploded in popularity worldwide, and Kyoto needs no introduction. But whether you have newly come to like Matcha or are an old fan from before the boom, Uji is the place to go, and well worth braving the Kyoto crowds. Uji has been a center of green tea production for centuries, and my dusty 1935 book on the history of tea affords it pride of place, describing it in detail, indicating it was known to America as a famous matcha center even in the first half of the 20th century. 2026 isn't 1935, and there's considerably more ice cream than there used to be, to say nothing of foreign visitors. But there is a core of authentic continuity there that continues to serve locally made tea, and its hard to beat the flavor. As a plus, the area is quite beautiful, with notable historical sites like the Byodoin temple, and a peaceful atmosphere. I always feel happier after having visited, so it has become a repeat destination for me.

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I watched a performance of the festival music at Kajimachi Plaza.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I cooled off at Koedo Kurari.

Gozan no Okuribi: Saidaimonji's Oya-bi This image captures the powerful figures of people carrying the Oya-bi (parent fire) of Saidaimonji during the traditional event "Gozan no Okuribi," which concludes the summer in Kyoto. Men dressed in happi coats and headbands marked with "Saidaimonji Preservation Society" carry a large, fiercely burning torch on long bamboo poles, advancing in a procession toward the fire platform on the mountain. In the darkness, the flames create a fantastical light and heat, conveying the serious expressions of the participants who uphold the tradition, along with the unique fervor and solemnity of the event. Ookitayamakagamiishichou, Kitaku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kibune Shrine Surrounded by Fresh Greenery: Okumiya and Hirakado This scene captures the sacred gate (Hirakado) of Okumiya standing amidst the blue leaves and deep green trees at Kibune Shrine in early summer Kyoto. Lush moss and towering cedar trees line both sides of the approach, adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a sacred and clear atmosphere. In front of the gate, a quietly standing worshiper adds to the tranquility, making this image a striking representation of the deep emotional beauty of Okumiya and the rich nature surrounding it. Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival Shinko Festival: Countless smartphones capturing the Mikoshi procession This image captures the magnificent sight of the Mikoshi procession filling Shijō Street during the "Shinko Festival" of the Gion Festival, which symbolizes summer in Kyoto. The Tōmi Mikoshi, shining in gold and white, is powerfully carried by bearers in white garments. In a bid to catch a glimpse of this historic moment, the crowd lining the streets raises a multitude of smartphones in unison. This vibrant scene represents the fusion of traditional festival culture and modern societal behavior, encapsulating the spirit of our times. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival and Kankō-sai: The fervor and procession that fills the night in Kyoto This scene captures the grand procession that fills Shijō Street during the finale of the Gion Festival, known as Kankō-sai. As the warm light of lanterns illuminates the streets, a large number of men dressed in white garments march powerfully alongside the big tall lanterns of "Shiwaka" and the portable shrine. The gaze and excitement from the spectators resonate in the vibrant night streets of Kyoto, echoing the overwhelming fervor and vitality unique to this traditional event as they escort the deities back to Yasaka Shrine. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Gion Festival and Shinko Festival: The Enthusiasm of Children Connecting to the Future This scene captures the adorable yet reliable figures of children supporting the Gion Festival's "Shinko Festival," which colors the summer of Kyoto. Dressed in matching white hanten jackets and headbands, the children stand in a line, carefully holding onto a single rope. Their serious gazes and smiles amidst the lively atmosphere convey the warmth of this traditional event, as well as the vibrant spirit that connects it to the next generation. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Taken on July 30, 2026. Chillax Soda Orange & Mango and a mango cake.🍊🥭 It's hot, so going out is difficult.

📢 Happening today (August 2nd)! The "Shimoda City Fair" is currently being held at Fujisan Kodomonokuni✨ (until August 30th) Today, August 2nd and the 30th, we will host special events! 🐢 Display of Loggerhead Turtles (only on August 2nd) 🍊 Sale of Summer Citrus Sour 💧 Sale of Kannon Hot Spring Water 🎐 Windmill Making Experience 🎁 Galapon Lottery, and more We have activities that the whole family can enjoy😌 For more details, click here👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260731...

【ICHI LIVE】 This summer, ICHI will be touring Hokkaido. A LIVE performance will be held in Nishiokoppe Village!! On Saturday, August 8th 5:00 PM OPEN 5:30 PM START At Koban Ko Ban Ko (Former Kitami Shinkin Bank Nishiokoppe Branch) Adults: 2,000 yen High school students: 500 yen Free for middle school students and younger For inquiries, please call 080-6728-1980. #Nishiokoppe Village #ICHI #LIVE #Koban Ko Ban Ko #Summer

Taken on August 1, 26. At Maruhiro Department Store, an event featuring water sprinkling was held. Kobaton and Tokimo-chan also participated in the event. I feel like something good is going to happen since I got to meet Kobaton and Tokimo-chan.☺️🐦🍠

Taken on July 9, 2026. 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