“The 1st SpoGOMI Tournament in Isehara” 2024 On Saturday, September 28, we took part in a team-based litter-picking competition at Isehara Daijingū, organized by the Isehara Heisei Rotary Club (President Yoshiaki Miyamoto). Forty-six teams and many more people joined, united by the slogan “Cleaning is a sport!” Teams competed by the weight of the litter they collected, and awards and prizes were presented, making this an enjoyable event that promoted both environmental cleanup and community service. With the Dōkan Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, Isehara is now clean and ready to welcome visitors from near and far!

Photographed 9/28/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Isehara Flower Update: September 30, 2024 The higanbana (red spider lilies) in Hinata are at their peak. The cosmos field in front of the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center in the Arouzu area is also beautiful. The parking area beside Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop is full, and many visitors continue to come. This shows the current condition of the higanbana near Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop today. According to local residents, many buds remain, so the flowers should stay beautiful through this week and next. Please note that bus services are limited, so check schedules in advance. Parking lots may become crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing proper manners. A map of the Hinata higanbana is available inside cans at the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop parking area and inside the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00). Please make use of it.

Photographed 9/28/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 9/28/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Today, during the break, I went to HK TEA. It fruit triple chocolate with passion honey and egg waffles. It is very tasty. 😊

The Way of the Brush For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention, and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the fullest. #kangi #calligraphy #kimono #osakacastle

Photographed 9/27/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu approach to the temple.

[Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House] Kururin fans and collectors, thank you for waiting! Introducing our new merchandise. Kururin canvas tote bag ***1,800 yen (tax included) Spacious with an inner pocket, it’s highly functional! It will make going out feel more cheerful. We look forward to seeing you! On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information Center) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

Visited 9/25/24. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. It is an original chai and an apple tart. 🍎 It is very tasty. 😊

Photographed 9/25/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Isehara Flower Report — Hinata's Red Spider Lilies 2024.9.26 This year the blooms are not opening all at once as in past years; flowering varies by location. Many shoots with buds were seen. Depending on the temperature, they may bloom rapidly. Hinata Yakushi is running late and only about one third of the flowers are open now, but it’s worth a visit during your shrine visit! *Red spider lilies special: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin available* ※Limited to 500 copies (while supplies last) ¥500 Many people were taking photos and strolling around the Hinata Yakushi bus stop area again today. ※There are few buses, so please check schedules in advance. Parking lots may be crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing good manners. *Please use the Hinata red spider lily guide map placed inside the can by the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi bus stop parking area and in the can in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00).*

Today, after renewing my license, I took a walk in Kawagoe. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It is an autumn specification. 🍁

Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market (canceled in case of rain) Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM Venue: On the grounds of Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara A wide selection of antiques that captivate collectors will be on display. You might find a thrilling discovery or a real bargain! Enjoy lively performances of taiko drumming, food trucks, and a free plant giveaway of flower seedlings from 11:00 AM for the first 100 visitors (one pot per person), among other attractions! Contact: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 0463-95-3237

Asakusa Samba Carnival After Coronavirus pandemic, the Asakusa Samba Carnival has been fully Held in in 5 years yellowtail! 👏👏 In the past, it was held on the last Saturday of August, and it was also a day of fighting against the piercing sun, but this time it was the middle of September, and although there was still some residual heat, a pleasant breeze blew and I was able to watch it comfortably. One team stands at the starting position and takes just over an hour to finish. How much preparation and effort did we put into this parade over the past year? The late-summer tradition in Tokyo is like a grand and ephemeral dream. I feel a hint of autumn in a little loneliness.

2024/08/24 Edogawa Fireworks Festival I headed to the venue from Asakusa, which was supposed to be nearby, an hour before the launch start time, but what a crowded yellowtail. I was in a hurry, but the Edogawa bank to the venue went on endlessly. When I was halfway through the program, I was finally able to sit down in the seat where I had bought a ticket. In the dark night sky, there are a hundred flowers of fire. The ephemeral light of a thousand purple crimsons, the ephemeral afterimages, and the memories that burn into the eyes. A distant summer day overlaps the back of an engrossed young child.

Visited on 9/21/24. LEC COFFEE's original chai and coffee jelly. available always. 😊

Summer in Japan never lets you down, although it's humid. The lush green nature, the sound of cicadas and wind chimes, light breeze, beautiful sunsets, and peaceful life make summer here calm and soulful. Photo taken in koishikawa korakuene

Isehara Flower Report: Higanbana in Hinata – September 24, 2024 This year’s bloom was delayed by the extreme heat, and flowering now varies by location. Depending on temperatures, they may all burst into bloom at once. Hinata Yakushi is currently largely not in bloom. Around Arouzu, many buds remain, so you should be able to enjoy them for a while. Near the Hinata Yakushi bus stop, some areas are in full bloom and look lovely (with some salvia as well), and many visitors with cameras have been coming. Parking lots may be crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing proper manners. Please make use of the Hinata Higanbana guide map found inside the can by the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi bus stop parking area and in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00). ※ The shaded path is currently impassable due to typhoon damage. ※ Bus services are limited, so please check schedules in advance. ※ We appreciate your donations to the Higanbana fund.

50th Isehara Commerce and Industry Festival / 18th ISEHARA Sole The 50th Commerce and Industry Festival and the 18th ISEHARA Sole bring performers and audiences together in a celebration of dance across many genres. Held at the same time as Isehara’s biggest event, the 57th Isehara Tourism Dōkan Festival, on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, the area around Isehara Station promises even more excitement! Venue: Around Odakyu Line Isehara Station Contact: Isehara Chamber of Commerce and Industry TEL: 0463-95-3233

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

This is the Asakusa Samba Carnival held near Sensō-ji Temple, one of the famous samba carnival of Japan. It was really a beautiful experience. Very lively enjoyable performances.

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It's an autumnal color.

Unfortunately it rained in the morning With a slight hope, we set off for Mt. Haruna! By the time we arrived at our destination, Lake Haruna, the rain had stopped and it was and sunny! I think the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat clouds gave a very good performance. In addition, the silhouette angler is backlit from the sunlight It fascinated me ♪ with the real thrill of the outdoors It became my favorite photo.

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine and yo-yo omikuji. On the left is the miraculous rice plant Isehikari. I put them all in.

Hamamatsuri It is a festival of dawn that heralds the arrival of summer in Chigasaki It is designated as an Intangible folk cultural asset of Kanagawa Prefecture Every year on Marine Day Held in at Chigasaki Nishihama Coast It's a very interesting festival

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu approach to the temple. 🌻

[Hinata Spider Lilies Notice: Temporary Tourist Information Desk Closed Today, 9/22] 2024.9.22 Due to weather conditions, the temporary tourist information desk run by volunteers in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Area will be closed today, Sunday, September 22. Please feel free to take a copy of the Hinata spider lily guide, which is placed by the toilet entrance in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Area and inside a can in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center. While parts of the Hyuga area are reaching peak bloom, please watch your step carefully and enjoy the flowers responsibly within your physical limits.

Visited on 9/15/24. It is a rice set (+ fried chicken) from Tomori Shokudo. The miso soup and side dishes with many vegetables are also delicious. It is a set meal with a good nutritional balance. 😊

Visited on 9/15/24. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, we went to the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It was a Sunday, so it was crowded. It is a pumpkin spice latte and Mont Blanc with chestnuts and roasted green tea. 🎃🌰