Meeting the sea, a special day spent at the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival in Shonan, Japan 🎐 About an hour by train from Tokyo. In Hiratsuka, located in Kanagawa Prefecture's Shonan area, the entire town is adorned with vibrant Tanabata decorations every summer. The "Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival." Known as one of Japan's three major Tanabata festivals, it is a summer tradition. Giant Tanabata decorations fill the streets. People in yukata. The summer town transitioning from dusk to night. A nostalgic atmosphere flows, reminiscent of a scene from a movie. However, Hiratsuka's charm isn't just about the festival. Close by, there is a beautiful sea. A crystal-clear blue ocean that feels far removed from the Tokyo suburbs. Colorful fish. Soft corals gently swaying. In the morning, dive into the world of the sea. And from the evening, immerse yourself in a Japanese summer festival. This is the allure of the Shonan area, where you can spend such a special day. Diving is not just about entering the water. It’s about feeling the local atmosphere, walking through the town, meeting people, and experiencing the seasons of Japan. The time that follows the sea becomes an important memory of the journey. This year's "Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival" is scheduled to be held from July 3rd to 5th. Discover another side of Japan that you won't find just by sightseeing in Tokyo. Feel the Japanese summer that spreads beyond the sea. 🌈Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours in the ocean near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. English support is also available. We hope you enjoy not just the sea, but a special day spent in Japan. 【Related Keywords】 Diving near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Shonan Diving / Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival / Tokyo Day Trip / Hidden Japan / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Summer Festival / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival Photo provided by the Hiratsuka City Tourism Association.

Taken on June 1, 2014. This is the windmill in the shrine plaza at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

This is the windmill of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is a limited-time kazaguruma (windmill). June 1st is considered "Mame Mando" day, and visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to grant benefits equal to a thousand visits.

Photographed on May 25, 2014. The hydrangeas have started to bloom.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is an ice cafe latte from CAFE ANDON, along with a marmalade and cinnamon crumble tart.

Taken on May 25, 2023. This is a marmalade and cinnamon crumble tart made by CAFE ANDON.

EXPO 2025 Official Cafe "LINKS UMEDA" Location: 1st Floor, LINKS UMEDA (1-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka) Operating Period: From Monday, April 27, 2026 to Saturday, October 31, 2026 Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last Order: 8:00 PM for dining in, 9:00 PM for takeout) Purchased "Myakumyaku-yaki" Chewy texture... a subtle feeling I also got a Myakumyaku sticker, so that's good... As a souvenir...

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is Andon Chicken Curry from cafe andon. It's my favorite dish. 😊

In the corridor of Aobayuen, seasonal flowers trapped in transparent spheres shimmer under the summer light. A moment where I couldn't help but stop my feet in front of the colorful world that unfolds above. This captures the fantastical "hidden summer scenery" that exists right beside our everyday lives.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water and wind chimes at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There are many chicks here.🐥🐥🐥

Taken on May 25, 26. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. The chick is adorable, isn't it? 🥰 The flower language of blue roses symbolizes dreams coming true, miracles, and God's blessings.

Taken on May 23, 2014. This is the flower water ritual at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

Hirasawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is a quiet sea in Japan that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. From late spring to early summer, a special scenery appears in this sea. A forest of seaweed extending to the water's surface. A gently swaying green world. Soft light filtering through. It feels as if a forest is spreading underwater. As you quietly swim between the seaweeds, small blue fish appear. In the shadows of the rocks, small lives grow in the spring sea. These seaweed areas are called "moba" in Japan. They are important places where many fish and marine creatures live. From spring to early summer, it is also the spawning season for the bigfin reef squid. The changing scenery of the sea with each season is one of the charms of Japan's waters. The sea of Hirasawa is a bit different from the tropical seas of Okinawa. It lacks flamboyance. However, it possesses a quiet beauty. Light filtering through the seaweed. A time when only the sound of waves can be heard. The slowly flowing underwater scenery. You can feel the gentle air typical of Japan's nature. At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer guidance centered around the sea of Kanagawa and Izu, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from the Tokyo area. With a small group, even beginners can feel at ease. English support is also available. Experience the time of Japan's sea that cannot be encountered just by visiting tourist spots. It is recommended for those looking for "an experience in Japan that is more than just diving." Related Keywords: Hirasawa Diving / Nishi-Izu Diving / Izu Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

Taken on May 23, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

A short train ride from Tokyo leads you to a peaceful seaside experience. This time, I visited Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a popular beach for day trips near Tokyo. The previous day was closed due to strong winds. Excited to see how the sea has changed, I headed to Zushi in the morning. Upon entry, a clear blue underwater world awaited. Countless damselfish. Sardines and mackerel swimming while reflecting the light. Schools of fish filled the water. The scenery was unlike anything you'd expect near Tokyo. But the charm of Zushi's sea doesn't stop there. Looking down a bit reveals a small world beginning. A goby hiding in the rocks. Colorful sea slugs. As I searched slowly, new discoveries came one after another. What impressed me most was the moment I saw a Sagami ryugu sea slug riding on a scorpion fish. Just a few seconds of a small event. Yet, such serendipitous scenes remain as memories of the sea. Time spent observing the schools of fish. Time spent looking for small creatures. In the same sea, you can enjoy completely different experiences. That's the allure of Zushi's sea. After diving, I had lunch at a local diner. The calm air after returning from the sea is one of the joys of traveling in Japan. A glimpse of another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo. A tranquil world by the sea, right near the city. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. Why not experience a "day by the sea" during your trip to Japan? 【Related Keywords】 Tokyo Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Zushi Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

Today, I am exploring Tokyo. It's an oat milk latte and a banana chocolate donut. 🍌

A blue paradise spreads just beside the residential area of Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. What lies ahead, pointed out by a finger, is a small yet unknown thrill. This city offers a unique scenery that can be encountered in everyday life.

Taken on May 25, 2024. I found hydrangeas (🤍) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on May 25, 26. This is an oat milk latte and Earl Grey basque cheesecake.

Taken on May 25, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by. This is an oat milk latte. The latte art is lovely. It made me feel relaxed.

Taken on May 25, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Since I take photos at the same time, they tend to look quite similar.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the windmill next to the Main Shrine. In the background, you can see the Main Shrine, designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake and café latte from cafe andon. The latte art is lovely too.😊☕️🍋

Taken on May 1, 26. This is the lemon and poppy seed shortcake from CAFE ANDON. This is also a cake I look forward to every year.😊🍋

Taken on May 1, 2026. This is the Bolognese rigatoni from cafe andon.

Photographed on May 22, 2026. This is the flower arrangement at Hara Florist.

Taken on May 17, 26. I visited Enko on the second floor of the building next to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It was a set meal with enzyme brown rice, sweet potato curry, kombucha, soup, and salad. It was a healthy lunch. I will visit again.