Why are the blue leaves in summer so beautiful?

This is a photo from the local fireworks festival two years ago. I invited my friends, and we went as a group of four. Since then, I haven't gone to see fireworks for a while, but occasionally I look at this photo and feel like I want to go see fireworks again, haha.

Taken on July 2, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

From the city to the great outdoors. A journey through Kushiro Shitsugen. The sounds of the wind, the ripples on the water, what you hear on the wooden path is only the breath of the Earth. Based at Kushiro Prince Hotel, step into another world that is just around the corner. You can make your reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our 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, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

The flowers of the crepe myrtle are vibrant and charming, showcasing their delightful beauty.

Summer in Kyoto Can Be Intense – Take a Break and Enjoy Traditional Japanese Play at AriHana Kyoto Kyoto’s rainy season has already ended, and the city is now experiencing very hot summer days. July is also the season of the famous Gion Festival, one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer events. As the festival begins and the Yoiyama evenings start from July 14, the city becomes even more lively and crowded with visitors. When families visit Kyoto in summer, we often hear comments like, “It’s much hotter than we expected,” or “Everywhere is crowded. Is there a quieter place where we can relax with children?” We truly understand how challenging summer sightseeing in Kyoto can be, especially for families traveling with young children. That is one of the reasons we opened AriHana Kyoto. AriHana Kyoto is an indoor family-friendly space where children and parents can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese play together. Families from many different countries have visited us and spent time playing freely, discovering Japanese culture through simple, nostalgic games. Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as kendama, daruma otoshi, karuta, and more in a calm and comfortable tatami room. Children can play, parents can sit back and relax, and families can spend unhurried time together away from the summer heat and crowds. If you are looking for a quiet indoor place to rest and create special family memories during your Kyoto trip, we would be delighted to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto. Why not add a different kind of Kyoto memory to your journey this summer?

The August issue of the magazine "Discover Japan" (Discover Japan Co., Ltd.) features our town's "Uchida Sarayama Ware" and "Tomioka Castle - Reihoku Town History Museum." It includes information about the kilns that have been passed down in this region for generations, as well as guides that convey the history of Reihokumachi. The content is filled with the rich history and warmth of craftsmanship from Reihokumachi. We hope you will take a look at it in bookstores or online stores and use it as a reference for your next visit to Reihokumachi. Featured Content Special Theme: To the Sea and Mountains Featured Facilities Uchida Sarayama Ware Tomioka Castle Reihoku Town History Museum About "Discover Japan" For more details, please visit the official website of "Discover Japan." We look forward to welcoming you along with the nature and culture of Reihokumachi. Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association

When you come to the area around Greenland, be sure to stop by Manda Pit. You can enjoy a quiet historical time, which is different from the hustle and bustle of amusement parks. This course allows you to experience both play and learning during your family trip. The large buildings and coal mine trains are attractions that children can easily understand. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if it's a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Fees: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Around Greenland #Arao City Tourism #Family Travel #Parent-Child Travel #Educational Travel #Day Trip #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #FamilyTrip #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #EducationalTravel

In the western part of Tomakomai City, the Japanese iris garden at Nishiki Onuma Park is in full bloom with about 10,000 irises✨. The Japanese iris, designated as the "city flower" of Tomakomai City, sways beautifully in the wind with its colorful large blossoms. The park is open from 7 AM to 7 PM until Sunday, July 12th (normally from 9 AM to 5 PM). We warmly invite you to come and visit!♪

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will host the 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and the collaborative exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" starting Saturday, July 18th. This collaborative exhibition involves the Tsuruga Municipal Museum, Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum, and Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, and it highlights the major renovations of Kuniyoshi Castle by Kimura Hitachinosuke Sadamitsu, a direct vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as the establishment of the castle town of Sagaki, in relation to the broadcast of the historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and Collaborative Exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" Duration: July 18, 2023 (Saturday) to October 12, 2023 (Monday, public holiday) Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to November) 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December to March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

【Nii Tete Boye LIVE】 Panlogo player Nii Tete Boye is back in Nishiokoppe Village! Panlogo is a traditional instrument from West Africa, Ghana. By changing the striking position and technique, it produces a variety of sounds. Will the rhythm of the drum make your heart and body dance!? On Friday, July 17th at Guesthouse GA.KOPPER Doors open at 18:30. Food and drinks will be available for sale. It's a special donation live performance. How about enjoying Ghanaian music while eating Ghanaian cuisine? #Nishiokoppe Village #Panlogo #Live #Donation #Nii Tete Boye

Taken on July 2, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I visited around 3 PM. It was raining, and perhaps because of the dim light, the lanterns were lit.

Since today is a day off, I strolled from Kawagoe to Omiya. I relaxed at the Hikawa Satei in Omiya Hikawa Shrine. This is "Tsukikage Hotaru," inspired by Tanabata. 🎋🌌

Hello😊, this is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom🍷. The temperature is rising, and we are experiencing hot days that make us forget about the rainy season☀️. How is everyone doing? When we think of Shosenkyo, we naturally think of Senga Falls✨. The area near the waterfall is refreshingly cool, making it a perfect healing spot for the hot season🌿. Why not spend some relaxing time enjoying the beautiful scenery, pleasant sounds of water, and negative ions?😊 In the garden of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom, the lavender is in full bloom🪻. The gentle fragrance and the purple flowers swaying in the wind create a unique seasonal landscape✨. When you visit Shosenkyo, please make sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom as well😊. Additionally, sparkling wine is highly recommended for the hot season🍾✨. Its refreshing bubbles and crisp flavor make it the perfect choice for summer, helping you forget the heat. We have several types of sparkling wine available in-store, so please find your favorite and enjoy a refreshing moment🍷🌿. All of us are looking forward to your visit😊.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for July📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in July!♪ This month, following the "Beauty and Healing Detour Marche" on Saturday, July 11th (at Reihoku Town Community Center Gymnasium), the marche will be held consecutively! (There will also be the Jatto Festival & Peiron Tournament on July 18th and 19th!) 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣At the "Reihoku Sunset Marche," local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes will be available for sale. This time, in addition to the "Ama-kusa Bankan" and small onions available for bulk purchase, you can also experience a veggie check to see how much vegetables you consume regularly! We look forward to your visit! 😊 Don't forget to bring your shopping bag! 🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Ama-kusa Bankan (bulk purchase) ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes (various) ・Pumpkin ・Water Spinach ・Chiffon Cake ・Small Onions (bulk purchase) ・Tsurumurasaki ・Mini Tomatoes 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, July 12th, from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)

"Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour" Now Accepting Participants Explore the summer trails of Mt. Kamegamori with a natural guide and observe various plants. Travel safely and comfortably by chartered bus on mountain roads. Visit around 1,700 meters above sea level and enjoy the changing vegetation and alpine plants along the way. 〇Tour Fee 8,900 yen (tax included) per person Includes guide, chartered bus, and lunch 〇Dates August 19th (Wednesday) and 20th (Thursday), 2026 〇Time 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Gathering at 8:35 AM) 〇Location Around Mt. Kamegamori *Gathering/Dispersal at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 〇Capacity 20 participants per day, first come first served Minimum number of participants: 15 〇Reservations and Inquiries (General Incorporated Association) Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201, Ehime Prefecture TEL 0897-56-2605

"This summer vacation, create unforgettable memories here." Enjoy the breathtaking rice terraces overlooking the sea and feel the pleasant sweat. What awaits after is freshly cooked "new rice" and juicy BBQ…! Thank you for always following the posts from the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association! Today, we have an announcement for a special event that you absolutely must experience this summer✨ In the beautiful "High-altitude rice terraces" that Reihoku proudly boasts, we will hold a 【Rice Harvesting & New Rice BBQ Experience】!🌾🍖 The seedlings we planted together in spring have soaked up the blessings of the sun and are finally ready for the golden harvest. This is not just a farming activity. Harvesting rice while feeling the refreshing summer breeze and the blue sea before your eyes offers an emotion that cannot be experienced in the city. Moreover! After working up a sweat, enjoy the freshly harvested "new rice" in this stunning setting. Let’s have the best lunch time with sizzling meat and vegetables on the grill🤤 This will surely be a special day not only for children's free research and summer memories but also for adults to refresh their minds! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we are limiting participation to the first 15 sign-ups, so if you're interested, please apply early! We look forward to kicking off the best summer together with all of you! 📅 Event Overview 〇 Date: Saturday, August 8 (Rain or shine, but will be canceled in case of severe weather) 〇 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 〇 Location: Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture (near "Nōkō no Hi") 〇 Participation Fee (including lunch and insurance): Adults 3,000 yen, Elementary school students 1,500 yen *Payment will be made in cash at the reception on the day. Please help us by bringing exact change. 〇 Capacity: First 15 participants 〇 What to bring: Hat, drink, towel, clothes that can get dirty 📬 How to Apply ① Go to the profile of this account ② Tap the URL in the profile section ③ Fill out the required information in the dedicated application form and send it! *The application deadline is Sunday, August 2, but we will close applications as soon as the capacity is reached. BBQ at the rice terraces with a view of the sea sounds amazing, doesn’t it?✨ If you want to go, please 【save】 this and share it with family and friends you want to go with!

Taken on July 2, 26. The limited-time floral water display at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, Tanabata【Celestial Sparkling Floral Water】~ A prayer for falling stars. 🎋 I changed my icon, albeit a bit late. 🇳🇴

Lake Mashu Live Camera 📹✨ On "Teshikaga Navi," you can watch the live camera from the Lake Mashu First Observatory in real-time ✌︎('ω'✌︎ ) I want to go to Lake Mashu... Is the weather okay? Is there fog? I want to see what's happening at Lake Mashu! This is recommended for you‼︎ You can also access it from the top page of Teshikaga Navi. Please take a look 🔭👀

Taken on July 2, 2026. The limited-time flower water ritual at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, Tanabata – a prayer under the falling stars. 🎋

The hydrangeas in the neighboring house are still beautiful.

Taishaku Gorge ❚ Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark Located in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Taishaku Gorge is a scenic area surrounded by cliffs of welded tuff with developed columnar jointing, stretching along the Okudake River. The rock walls on both sides rise about 70 meters high, creating a majestic and impressive landscape in conjunction with the clear blue river flow. Taishaku Gorge is a canyon formed by the erosion of welded tuff created by a massive eruption of Mount Aso 90,000 years ago, with the Okudake River gradually carving it over a long period. The valley floor exposes rocks formed by volcanic activity around 15 million years ago, allowing visitors to closely feel the geological history of the area. It is also known as one of the geo-sites of the Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark, attracting attention for its natural landscape and geological value. Additionally, slightly upstream, there is a cave where charred wood, baked by pyroclastic flows, is buried, preserving traces of volcanic activity. Walking along the promenade brings visitors closer to the riverside, allowing for a more intimate experience of the rock faces, the tranquil air of the gorge, and the clarity of the water, which are all part of the charm of Taishaku Gorge. In summer, the clear waters present a refreshing landscape, while autumn brings colorful foliage to the gorge. With its varying expressions throughout the seasons, Taishaku Gorge is one of the representative natural landscapes of Bungoono City, and it is a spot that many people should visit. 【Location】Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kobara 【Access】About 20 minutes by car from JR Ogata Station 【Parking】Available 【Restroom】Available ■■■Access to the center of 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 and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, introducing recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Ohori Park on a holiday A handmade, unique bubble-making machine＾＾ It turns out it uses two rods.

The scenic beauty of Lake Kasumigaura: This was taken from a boat for viewing the sailing boats. It's amazing to think that such fishing methods existed in the past!

Taken on July 2, 2026. The limited-time flower water display at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine for Tanabata, "Tenku no Kirameki Hanate-mizu" – a prayer for falling stars.🎋

Photographed on July 2, 26. This is the Tanabata Festival at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.🎋

Taken on July 2, 26. I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The Tanabata decorations were splendid.🎋

Taken on July 7, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The grounds were beautifully decorated with Tanabata ornaments. 🎋