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.

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. 🎋🌌

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. 🇳🇴

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

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. 🎋

Taken on June 29, 26. This is the gateau chocolat and black latte from LEC COFFEE.

26年6月29日撮影。 LEC COFFEEさんのキッシュプレートです。 きのこ、新玉ねぎ、ベーコンのキッシュ、自家製鶏ハムのサラダ、自家製パン、とうもろこしの冷製スープです。

Until July 20th, works by Erina Ichikawa are on display at LEC COFFEE. They use coffee as a medium. ☕️

Taken on June 29, 2026. This is Hanatetsu's flower water.

Taken on June 29, 2026. This is the flower water of Hara Florist.

Photographed on June 29, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on June 9, 2026. This is the floral water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on June 29, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on June 29, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🐥

Photographed on June 29, 26. This is the Peach & Peach Milk Frappuccino and the White Peach & Earl Grey Tart. 🍑

Taken on June 29, 2014. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I took this around 7 AM. When there are no people around, it's always a composition I challenge myself with. 🎐

Taken on June 29, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on June 29, 2014. The matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine have begun. Among the approximately 2,000 wind chimes, there is one red thread wind chime, inspired by a single red thread. It is said that its location changes daily. You might find something good if you spot it.🎐

One of the most popular beaches in Chiba Prefecture is located in Kamogawa! The beach in Kamogawa City, with its crystal-clear blue sea, is the perfect place to create summer memories. It's enjoyable for families, couples, and friends alike! There are five recommended beaches. Maebara Beach, Kamogawa City, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Shirosaki Beach, Kamogawa City, Amatsu, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Futomi Beach, Kamogawa City, Futomi Hama, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Emi Beach, Kamogawa City, Emi Higashi Makado, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Uchiura Beach, Kamogawa City, Uchiura, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Light and easy, head to the ultimate resort. Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find an astonishingly clear sea before you. Enjoy the best summer vacation at the beaches of Kamogawa, surrounded by rich nature.

The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore. Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.

This is Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This time, we showcase the autumn cosmos fields. In the background is Mt. Akagi. Being on a hill allows for a great view of the surroundings. As seasonal flowers are planted, the scenery changes, adding to the excitement.

In the flower fields of Agrostemma, the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou can be seen. The Agrostemma fields belong to a local farmer, and we are truly grateful. The sight of the Agrostemma swaying in the wind is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing summer atmosphere. The mountains in the background are the Nikkō Mountains, where you can capture stunning photos of beautiful peaks like Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou.

The Sunflower Festival held in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, features a stunning display of sunflowers in full bloom. This year marks the 35th edition, and towering sunflowers will bloom in the fields where farmers have worked hard for many years. The event will take place on July 18th and 19th, 2026, but the sunflowers can be enjoyed even on days outside of the event.

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka. While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

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.