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 🇯🇵🆚🇧🇷.

Taken on April 4, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

About an hour from Tokyo. In the sea, there is an unknown Japan. Manatsuru, which can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This small port town has special views known only to divers. This time, we visited "Iwa." It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hiratsuka. A convenient boat diving spot. It takes just a few minutes to reach the sea by boat. Once you enter the water, colorful soft corals spread out before you. Schools of fish swim slowly through the calm sea. The highlight of this place is the large iron frame reef sunk to the seabed. Originally used as scaffolding for bridge construction, it has now become a habitat for marine creatures and a popular spot for divers. Swimming between the massive structures feels like exploring underwater ruins. Soft corals sway above, and light filters through. Lionfish swim slowly, while small fish dart around them. The creatures you encounter change with the seasons. In summer, you see schools of fish. In winter, vibrant sea slugs. Throughout the year, you can enjoy different scenery with each visit. After diving, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Manatsuru or Shonan is also recommended. Just a little stretch from the city, a day like this awaits you. Japan's seas hold many undiscovered charms. On your next trip, why not visit the underwater Japan?

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

The Ōoka River flows through Isezakicho in Yokohama. While Yokohama boasts many famous tourist spots like Chinatown and Minatomirai, the cherry blossoms here are equally breathtaking. With a moderate foot traffic and food stalls lined up, the view from this spot is a spring delight I look forward to every year.

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water at the omikuji (fortune-telling paper) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 15, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Hara Florist.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. I visited Enko next to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I had ginger pork, cold tofu with dipping sauce, miso soup, and kombu tea. After the meal, I felt warm. It's a nourishing meal. 😊

Taken on June 26, 2014. These are the hydrangeas along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on June 16, 2026. These are the hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on June 16, 26. This is bitter cream coffee and lemon cube cake. It was a very hot day, and I had a lively conversation with the staff about sunscreen. I enjoy these kinds of casual chats. 😊

This photo captures the peaceful beauty of Japan’s hidden gem — where the gentle breeze moves across the clear blue water, green forests surround the lake, and snow-capped mountains rise quietly in the background. A perfect moment where early summer and winter meet in harmony.

Taken on June 16, 26. This is a pinwheel in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is a windmill in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on June 16, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms and hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is the spinning wheel at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. As the matchmaking wind chimes begin, this is the last chance to see the spinning wheel in front of the torii gate and next to the main hall.

Taken on June 16, 2026. This is the hydrangea along the approach to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on June 22, 26. This is a very cute chalk art in front of Yaoko. It is the work of Fukumitsu Tomoko.🐧🎈🧁

Taken on June 19, 2026. This is a floral water offering from Hara Florist, a traditional Japanese practice.

Taken on June 20, 2026. I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. A wicker ring was set up.

Taken on June 15, 2026. This is a matcha latte from LEC COFFEE and Kawagoe matcha tiramisu with matcha ice cream. 🍵

Taken on June 15, 2026. This is a limited edition Kawagoe matcha tiramisu with matcha ice cream from LEC COFFEE.

26年6月15日撮影。 LEC COFFEEさんのキッシュプレートです。 新じゃがいも、新玉ねぎ、ほうれん草、ベーコンが入ったカレー風味のキッシュ、サラダ、自家製パン、とうもろこしの冷製スープです。

Chahaku-chan came to visit. 🐈

Photographed on June 15, 2014. This is the flower water display at Hara Florist.