[Notice of Ooyama Star Festival (Tounen-seki Memorial Service)] At Daisenji Temple, a star festival will be held to honor the nine planetary stars (tounen-seki) that govern the year’s fortunes and to pray for turning misfortune into blessing in the coming year. Date and time: Monday, December 22, 14:00– Prayer fee: from ¥1,000 (postal applications accepted) How to apply: Please inquire by phone (applications accepted until December 21) Phone: 0463-95-2011 For details, please see Daisenji Temple’s website. https://oyamadera.jp/other/%e3%80%90%e5%a4%a7%e5%b1%b1%e3%81%ae%e6%98%9f%e3%81%be%e3%81%a4%e3%82%8a%ef%bc%88%e5%bd%93%e5%b9%b4%e6%98%9f%e4%be%9b%ef%bc%89%e3%80%9112-21%ef%bd%9e12-22/...

Photographed on December 8, 2025. This is the flower-filled hand-washing basin (hanachozu) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It features Christmas colors. 🎄

Photographed on December 8, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Also it is paradise for bird watchers. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

Photographed on December 4, 2025. This is the lunch plate from le bilboquet in Akasaka. It includes salad, carrot râpé, quiche, and roast pork.

Photographed on December 4, 2025. After the exam, I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was fortunate to be able to pay my respects, so I offered a katashiro (paper doll) for the year-end purification ritual.

Photographed on December 3, 2025. This is the lunch plate from Brasserie Catheri near Kawagoeshi Station in Kawagoe City. It’s packed with salad, gratin, quiche, and more. 😊

[Notice: Isehara Yoga in MtOoyama] Join a relaxing yoga session held at Ryokan Asada at the foot of MtOoyama. This special event lets you gently release everyday fatigue with yoga, restore body and mind, and enjoy the ryokan’s signature tofu kaiseki for lunch. We hope you will join us. Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: Yoga from 10:00 (90 minutes) ※Registration from 9:30 Venue: Ryokan Asada Fee: 5,000 yen (includes meal) Capacity: 20 people (minimum 10 participants required; advance reservation needed) What to bring: comfortable clothing, a drink, and a yoga mat (rental available for 200 yen) Application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 For details, please see the official website. https://isehara-kanko.com/isehara-yoga/...

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

Photographed on December 3, 2013. This is the Tori-no-ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. A kumade decorated with beckoning cat charms that looks auspicious.

Photographed on December 3, Heisei 25. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Here is a kumade decorated for the Year of the Horse, the zodiac sign for next year. 🐎

Photographed on December 3, 2025. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Just after sunrise, I stood on Mt. Wagakuni as the city below disappeared beneath a quiet sea of clouds. From the soft white surface, hints of autumn gold and crimson treetops—peeked through like floating islands. As the sky shifted from deep blue to pale rose, the clouds began to glow and for a brief moment, everything felt perfectly still between night and morning.

Photographed on December 3, 2025. I relaxed at Maestro in Risona Coedo Terrace, open every Wednesday. I had a Winter Berry Mocha and a buckwheat and matcha financier. The Winter Berry Mocha blends strawberry and chocolate for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The financier was freshly baked.

Photographed on December 2, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water offering) by Hara Florist.

[Announcement] Odakyu Family Fun Festa 2025 An event bringing memorable, fun times to children and families raising children The Odakyu Family Fun Festa returns this year! Enjoy a packed lineup for the whole family, including a railway staff job experience booth, workshops, and character stages! Date and time: Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 10:00–16:00 Venue: Ebina Central Park (right next to ebina station) For more details, please check the official website. https://www.odakyu.jp/oyako/info/17837/...

[Daffodil Festival Begins] The Daffodil Festival runs from December 6 through February 1 of next year. In Kyonan Town, one of Japan’s three major daffodil sites, you can enjoy abundant daffodils mainly along Ezuki Narcissus Road and at Okukuzure Narcissus Field from mid-December to the end of January. During the festival, we will hold the Gurutto Daffodil QR Stamp Rally, a photo contest, the Daffodil Marche, a Game Meat Marche, and more, so please join us. #Chiba Prefecture#Kyonan Town#Boso Peninsula#One of Japan’s Three Major Daffodil Sites#Gurutto Daffodil QR Stamp Rally#Daffodil Marche#Ezuki Narcissus Road#Okukuzure Narcissus Field

Photographed on November 30, 2025. After finishing the certification exam, I visited Taiwan Sabo e-one in Ōmiya. I had lu rou fan (braised pork rice), shrimp dumplings in soup, and Tieguanyin tea.

The exam finished safely. Tokyo was crowded, so I’m relaxing at home in my local area. I had a gingerbread latte and a white mocha cake.

I am in Tokyo today for an exam. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine around 8:00 a.m.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. A cafe latte from cafe andon and an apple caramel shortcake.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is the apple caramel shortcake from cafe andon.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is a cafe latte from cafe andon. What lovely latte art.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is the avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set from cafe andon. 🥑🦐

Photographed on December 1, 2025. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a s'more chocolate latte and a strawberry and chocolate tart.

Autumns in nagano is amazing. There are multiple location to see autumn colors in Nagano prefecture but lake momiji is exceptionally good one. The running water and fall colors look stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

Today I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the autumn leaves on the shrine grounds. 🍁

Today I took a certification exam in the Ōmiya area. I think I did my best. 💮 I had a gingerbread latte and a nuts and caramel cheesecake.

I photographed a ginkgo tree with beautiful autumn leaves at a time when few people were around.

Photographed on October 19, 2013. The portable shrine figure from the float is displayed. This is the float of Wakitamachi dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.