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.

Taken on July 9, 26. This is the fig and prune carrot cake from cafe andon.

At CAFE ANDON, we offer morning service exclusively during the summer season. It's a quiche plate. It comes with a salad, soup, carrot rapé, prosciutto, and a luxurious quiche.

This is Taiwanese oolong tea from CAFE ANDON's special Chinese morning menu. It's available for a limited time until today, from 8:00 to 10:00.

This is the special Chinese morning at cafe andon. It is available for a limited time until July 31st. The hours are from 8:00 to 10:00. Five-ingredient spring rolls Chicken and scallop porridge Lightly pickled celery Soy sauce pickled cucumber Peach almond tofu The spring rolls are freshly fried. It's a luxurious morning. 😊

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

About one hour from Tokyo. A day spent enjoying summer in Japan by the sea. As the rainy season ends, summer truly begins in Japan. In this hot season, why not take a little break from the city and head to the beach? Just a 30-minute drive from Hokulea Shonan, the destination is Enoura, a small seaside town in Kanagawa Prefecture. Although it is a place you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, time flows differently there compared to the city. The blue sky. The calm sea. Just listening to the sound of the waves naturally relaxes your mind. And then, into the water. The moment you enter the sea, the cool water envelops your entire body. This comfort makes you forget the summer heat. "I want to dive a little longer." It felt like I could hear such voices throughout the day. In this season, there are summer-only scenes beneath the sea. Clownfish have begun to spawn. The sight of parent fish carefully protecting their eggs is a special scene you can only encounter at this time. Diving is not just about enjoying the underwater scenery. Visiting a seaside town, feeling the seasons, and experiencing Japan's natural beauty. Such moments are also an important part of this experience. For those with a license, of course, we also offer introductory diving for beginners. How about adding a day at the sea to your Tokyo trip? Japan's hidden charms are surely waiting for you, not found in guidebooks. Experience a special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About one hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, including Shonan and Izu, which can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo. The 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, its rich nature, and the leisurely flow of time by the seaside. Our tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also offer guidance in English. Why not add a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the perfect sea experience for you, tailored to your diving experience and travel schedule. Feel free to contact us!

Taken on July 26, 26. This is the salt caramel banana basque cheesecake, ice cream, and original chai from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is ice cream from LEC COFFEE. 🍨

Taken on July 26, 2026. After the demonstration by the Kawagoe Domain matchlock gun squad, I took a break at LEC COFFEE. This is a salted caramel banana basque cheesecake. I was able to replenish my salt intake. 😊🧂

Photographed on July 26, 26. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. This is the procession of the daimyo from the Kawagoe Domain. It seems that the students from Kawagoe High School are participating this year.

Photographed on July 26, 26. This is a demonstration of matchlock guns by the Kawagoe Domain matchlock gun squad.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is a windmill at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's Naorai Hall.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is Enmusubi Red and White Soft Drink and Enmusubi Wind Chime Cider.

This is the Enmusubi Wind Chime Cider. Yesterday, I fully enjoyed the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

Today, I explored Kawagoe for the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. Due to the intense heat, I took a break right away. This is the red and white soft serve ice cream for matchmaking.

This is a floral water offering inspired by the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. 🏮

Tone Water Park I was told about it by a neighbor and decided to check it out I was surprised to see so many lotus flowers blooming I heard that they make a sound when they bloom Is that really true?

Today and tomorrow is the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

Photographed on July 9, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime. The location changes daily.

Photographed on July 9, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 24, 2014. Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a path for the heart. Mist is being sprayed, creating a refreshing atmosphere.🌁

I went to work from Hon-Kawagoe Station for the first time in a while. This is the Enmusubi Fuurin at the Honkawagoe Station Ticket Gate.🎐

Taken on July 9, 2026. These are the relationship-binding wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 9, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This year, I am challenging myself to see how many times I can capture this composition.

Taken on July 4, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌻

Taken on July 4, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌻

Taken on July 4, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.