Ikusato Matsuri at Miwakare Park, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture was a fun festival with a free lottery, food stalls, and a stage, creating a relaxing atmosphere. (^_^♪

Yuzu Sunflower Yuyu Farm in Kasugamachi, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture It was fun with a sunflower maze, food stalls, and free sunflower picking!

I am a big fan of Toyooka's Mongol Culture Center, and find myself visiting there once every couple of years, even though it has not had many major updates. Imagine my surprise, then, to learn it has a collaboration with a new anime! Incredibly, the original work's author seems to be named "Tomato Soup". What a world we live in! For this new collaboration, which will run from August of this year to the next, the focus will be on notable female figures in Mongol history, especially Sorkhokthani Beki and Töregene. For fans of the anime, apparently there will be anime-related goods and content as well, so it is sure to have something for fans of either history or anime. Already the museum had a very interesting section where you could not just see but even try on various Mongolian clothes, but it sounds like they may specifically be adding some based on these Mongolian princesses. I think it is great that Toyooka maintains such an active cultural life, and I can't wait to go to my favorite museum in Hyogo again to see the new exhibit! Toyooka is a bit out of the way, but visitors are well rewarded with the famous Kinosaki Onsen, delicious crab cuisine, and lots of beautiful wildlife, including the nearby Stork Preserve. I would definitely recommend visiting!

The "Ehime Saijo Fair" will be held at the Ehime Prefectural Office in Osaka! From July 29 (Wednesday) to 31 (Friday), the "Ehime Saijo Fair" will take place at the Ehime Prefectural Office in Osaka. We will offer seasonal silk eggplants from Saijo, delicious chilled Anpo persimmons from Shusaku, local sake, rich carrot juice made from Saijo carrots, and other processed products from Saijo. We will promote the attractions of Saijo City to encourage many visitors to come. Residents in the Kinki region, please stop by! 【Ehime Saijo City Fair】 ・Event Period From July 29 (Wednesday) to 31 (Friday), Reiwa 8 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM *On the final day, July 31 (Friday), until 5:00 PM ・Location: Ehime Prefectural Office in Osaka 1-9-1 Edobori, Nishi Ward, Osaka City, 1st Floor, Higobashi Center Building ・Content Sales of local products from Saijo City and tourism promotion Image 1: Saijo Fair flyer Images 2 and 3: Last year's event.

Summer haze over the Harima-nada Sea. The view of the sunset from Ikuba Fishing Port on the western coast of Awaji Island also showcases the Harima-nada Sea. The sea during sunset is beautiful, with calm waves, and the hazy sky presents a lovely gradient, revealing a mysterious scenery.

Nishiwaki in the center of Hyogo prefecture proudly proclaims itself "The Navel of Japan." Being a bellybutton seems a little unflattering, but it is actually a hotly disputed title, since Shibukawa in Gunma prefecture contests the title with its own Navel festival, complete with painted stomachs. Weird. Nishiwaki itself has a "navel park", complete with monument, but thankfully has a lot more to indicate than its name or its relative geographic remoteness would indicate. A nice science museum and observatory is available, and the staff are very kind with on-hand demonstrations and explanations. A multipurpose community center "Mirai-e" has a large children's play area stocked with a very unusual amount of wooden toys from Sweden. If you are looking for something more cultural, Nishiwaki is a center of the Banshu-ori textile tradition, making it one of the best places to get cotton products that are grown in Japan.

Gion Festival Points for Enjoyment Walking to See the Floats The centerpiece of the Gion Festival is undoubtedly the floats. Seeing the luxurious decorations and intricate designs up close is truly impressive. During the day, you can enjoy the overall grandeur, while at night, the lanterns create a serene atmosphere. Experiencing the Atmosphere of the Evening Festival The time when the floats are lined up makes walking around the city enjoyable. The stalls, the flow of people, and the bustling atmosphere of the float districts all combine to create a festive air that is quintessentially Kyoto. Taking a Close Look at the Townhouses and Decorations Not only the floats but also the surrounding townscape and shop arrangements are charming. Walking while admiring the hanging decorations and ornaments reveals the depth of the festival. Avoiding Crowds The popular time slots can get quite crowded. If you prefer to take your time, choosing early hours or times closer to weekdays makes for easier walking. Useful Items to Have Comfortable shoes Drinks and hats for heat protection A small bag for crowded times Rain gear in case of weather changes Is it true that you shouldn't eat cucumbers during the Gion Festival? This is related to the family crest of Yasaka Shrine, the deity of the Gion Festival. The family crest of Yasaka Shrine resembles the cross-section of a sliced cucumber. Because of this, the townspeople of Kyoto have had a tradition of not eating cucumbers during the Gion Festival.

Gion Festival... Pre-Festival Night On July 15th (Wednesday) and 16th (Thursday), during the evening festivities, certain areas will become pedestrian-only zones (car-free zones), lined with food stalls. The pedestrian zone hours, excluding some streets, are from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The pedestrian areas include Shijō Street (from Higashioji Street to Horikawa Street), Karasuma-dori Street (from Oike Street to Takatsuji Street), Muromachi-dōri (from Sanjō Street to Takatsuji Street), and Shinmachidori (from Takoyakushi Street to Takatsuji Street). Bicycles are not allowed in the pedestrian-only zones. The Gion Festival nights can get quite crowded, especially around the floats and major streets, making movement difficult. Avoid going against the flow of people and steer towards less crowded streets. Parents with small children and elderly individuals should refrain from pushing into the crowded center. Stay hydrated and take measures against the heat. As evening falls, the sounds of "Konchikichin" resonate from each float district. The Gion music, played with bells, flutes, and drums, has long been cherished as a sound heralding the arrival of summer in Kyoto. Surrounded by the glow of lanterns, the time spent admiring the floats while listening to Gion music is truly enchanting. The lantern light adds a different kind of splendor compared to daytime. Due to the large crowds, stepping back to view the overall scene is also beautiful.

On a summer day with light rain continuing, Kobe Meriken Park was a sight to behold. The fine rain fell and stopped intermittently, and the raindrops resting on the white petals that had fallen due to the wind were beautiful.

I recently visited Glicopia, a factory in Kobe that makes Pocky and Pretz. I think Pocky was the first chocolate I ever knew was specifically Japanese, and I think it is definitely an iconic snack well-recognized around the world. It was fun to get a closer look at its production! The guided tours show the history of the company, from its early 20th century origins to the postwar expansion of products, with old commercials, toys that came included with snacks through the years, and a fun "digital cooking" game where you design and decorate your own sweets. The assembly line itself is very advanced, and you can see pocky being made in great quantities. This time they were making a flavor that has yet to hit shelves, which made it even more interesting. The air near the production area has a warm, delicious scent, which is a bonus. If you liked pocky a lot yourself growing up, or are travelling with kids, I think it is a great place to visit! Reservations are necessary, and I believe most of it is Japanese-language only, but looking at a chocolate factory is pretty universal regardless of language.

Grand Front Osaka The Green Bear This bear is named "Ted Ibel," with the nickname coool. In fact, this is a work by the contemporary French artist Fabrice Hyber. It sprays water from its mouth.

When it comes to summer in Japan, it's all about sweet and cold wagashi (Japanese sweets). Enjoying sweetened beans set in jelly or agar while wearing a yukata is a delightful summer tradition for young girls. The photo features a summer limited menu from Kanou Shoujuan, which has branches nationwide but is rooted in its local area.

Uchino Shrine in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, is famous nationwide for its flying fireflies. This year, it was another breathtaking sight.

Summer rain. Meriken Park in Kobe passes quietly and peacefully.

The other day, I had lunch with my friend Ms. Hitomi at the teppanyaki restaurant Sazanka on the 35th floor of Hotel Okura Kobe. While enjoying the wonderful view from the 35th floor, we had appetizers, Sazanka salad, and grilled sea bream and shrimp. My friend said, "The flesh of the sea bream easily flakes apart with chopsticks, and it's served with a cream sauce made from clam broth. The shrimp is cooked just right, paired with American sauce. The flavors are thoughtfully combined and very enjoyable." Next, there was a stunning flame show (so cool!). The Japanese Black Wagyu ribeye was cooked medium, tender, and not overly fatty, making it easy to eat. My recommendation is to enjoy it with the accompanying whole grain mustard. (Comment from my friend, Ms. Hitomi) Then we had garlic rice and a special dessert from the pastry chef. In the best location with the best cuisine, and the warmest hospitality from the staff, I had a truly luxurious and wonderful time with my friend.

Tsukiyomi Shrine 15 Matsumuroyamazoe-chou, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Parking available After walking a few minutes south along the road from the red torii gate of Matsuo Taisha, Tsukiyomi Shrine will appear on your right. At Tsukiyomi Shrine, the moon deity, said to have been enshrined from Iki, quietly resides. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and later became an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha. At Tsukiyomi Shrine (an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha), you can basically receive the goshuin at the issuance office of Matsuo Taisha as "Tsukiyomi Shrine" goshuin. You can receive it at Tsukiyomi Shrine. It's a written seal! Usually, it is available during the reception hours at Matsuo Taisha's shrine office (approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and there may also be written seal options, so it's best to check the latest information on the official Matsuo Taisha website or goshuin information sites before visiting.

Matsuo Taisha Shōfūen and others... 3 Arashiyamamiya-machi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The gardens of Matsuo Taisha consist of three gardens called "Shōfūen," designed by the renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori in his later years. Completed in 1975, this relatively new garden features a blend of traditional dry landscape and modern sensibilities. Kyokusui Garden expresses an elegant world with the flow of the Mitarai River and stones, reflecting the court culture of the Heian period. Upper Ancient Garden represents a mythical and ancient world with large stone arrangements and a rustic landscape. Horai-no-niwa symbolizes the ideal of longevity with its iconic stone arrangements resembling Turtle Island and Crane Island.

Minase Shrine 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka 618-0011, Japan A deity of literature, scholarship, and sports, Minase Shrine is also revered as a protector of safe childbirth and a guardian against theft. The parking lot is spacious and convenient. Many people bring bottles or containers to fill with the delicious water. Event Name: Wind of Good Fortune Event Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (regular worship) Admission Fee: Free (Note: Lighting up is an additional 500 yen) *Event information may change due to weather conditions. Please check Minase Shrine's official social media before your visit.

Along the banks of the Saho River in Nara, there is a cherry blossom avenue that stretches for 5 kilometers with over 1,000 cherry trees. This avenue not only represents Nara Prefecture but is also one of the most iconic cherry blossom spots in the Kansai region. Despite its scale, it seems that there are still relatively few tourists. Every year, I enjoy a 10-kilometer round trip walk while capturing the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

The morning mist lingers over "Aragijima". I was able to see the fantastical "Aragijima" illuminated by the morning sun. Aridagawacho, Wakayama Prefecture 2026/6

Toyonaka Tsubasa Park "ma-zika" Location: 2-2-14 Haradachū, Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture Area: 5.9 hectares Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Entry until 9:00 PM) Closed: Open year-round Admission Fee: Free Partial Opening Date: August 12, 2025 Full Opening Date: Scheduled for March 2027 Parking: During partial opening: 127 cars (including 3 for disabled persons and 1 for large buses) During full opening: 273 cars (including 5 for disabled persons and 1 for large buses) Parking Fee: 100 yen/20 minutes (maximum 900 yen on weekdays, no limit on weekends and holidays) No meals are available on weekdays... There is a convenience store nearby. Food trucks will be available on holidays, etc... Toyonaka Tsubasa Park "ma-zika" is a new urban park under development just south of Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), right next to the Senri River Levee. Its main feature is the ability to see planes just before landing from a very close perspective, and the name "ma-zika" comes from the sounds of "close" and "really?". There will be events... Check out the food trucks on weekends and holidays at Toyonaka Tsubasa Park 'ma-zika'.

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is actually surrounded by many small lakes that resemble satellites, and Pinghu is one of them. However, only fishermen are aware of its existence, so in spring, you can leisurely enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking in the sight of the giant cherry trees that encircle the lake, all while being gently blown by the lake breeze.

In Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, there is a beautiful area where 600 cherry blossom trees line both banks of a clear stream. It's a tranquil spot, perfect for leisurely cherry blossom viewing, and the view from the center of the pedestrian bridge is fantastic.

The filming location is "Takatori Castle" in Kamikoshima, Takatoricho, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. "Takatori Castle" is associated with Toyotomi Hidenaga, one of the Toyotomi brothers, and is counted among Japan's three great mountain castles, making it quite a hidden gem. What I want to introduce here is the "Kunimi Yagura Ruins" of Takatori Castle. The Kunimi Yagura offers a panoramic view of the "Asuka-Fujiwara Capital Area," which is set to become a World Heritage site. This photo captures "Mt. Unebiyama (where the Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu is located)," "Fujiwara-kyo ruins," "Asukamura," and "Mt. Nijo (a symbol of the ancient capital Nara for the people of Nara)." Under good conditions, you can also see "Mount Hiei in Kyoto" and "Mount Rokko in Kobe." The view, especially during the time from sunset to twilight, is magnificent. Have you noticed it? In the distance to the right of Mt. Nijo, the skyline of Osaka's high-rise buildings is visible. One of those buildings is "Abeno Harukas." Getting to the "Takatori Castle Ruins" involves a mountain trail hike. Please check the information and prepare suitable clothing and gear for a short mountain climb to enjoy your visit. Additionally, Takatori Castle has no lighting facilities, and at night it becomes pitch dark, which can be dangerous. It's necessary to have lighting equipment like headlamps. Last year, the Takatori New Tourism Association held a night walk tour. Please consider participating in such events.

At this time, the cherry blossoms were about 80% in bloom, but the morning sunlight was perfect. If the timing is right, the rays of light here are outstanding. Be cautious of deer at night.

The Kitano area of Kobe is well up the slope of the city, away from the port and Sannomiya station. The long trek uphill can be daunting, but some of Kobe's most vibrant cityscape means you at least can enjoy looking around on your way from the heart of the city. Once you get up to Kitano, though, you are rewarded with a neighborhood with a meaningful international character. Whether it be the local Mosque (one of the oldest and largest in Japan), or the prestigious British international school nearby, there are plenty of signs that the cosmopolitan aspect of Kitano is more than a shallow veneer of foreign cuisine restaurants. To be sure, those are there as well, and they are delicious! From memory, besides the ubiquitous Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, German, Russian and Egyptian dining formed some of the more eclectic additions, as well as Mexican food, a sure treat for any visitors from North America missing a classic mainstay. But the most lasting and striking stamp that the wider world has left on Kitano are the Kitano "Ijinkan", the former western residences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stateliness of this old-world refinement are well complemented by the dazzling modern city visible below the hills. Even a global chain Starbucks gets in on the fun, with a famous repurposed building that is considerably fancier than your typical starbucks cafe. Whether for appreciating Meiji history, western architecture, foreign cuisine, the vibrant and diverse culture of the neighborhood, or just getting some good exercise in and enjoying the view from the hills of Kobe, the trip from Sannomiya up to Kitano is well worth the effort!

This is the light purple Kitayama Yuzen Chrysanthemum blooming in the Hisada District of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It is a beautiful flower that only blooms in this area around mid-July, and the view at sunrise is breathtaking.

Umekita Plaza at Grand Green Osaka As you step into Umekita Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the "large roof" designed by the architectural unit SANAA. It envelops the space with three soft curves spanning 120 meters from north to south, beneath which lies a complex facility featuring the information dissemination center "PLAT UMEKITA," along with cafes and large event spaces. Surrounding it is the spiral staircase "Gate Lantern," which serves as a guiding light for people at night. The plants in the park are primarily selected from those native to the Uemachi Plateau in Osaka, evoking the city's history and culture. Trees that change color in autumn, such as cherry blossoms, maple trees, and katsura, along with flowers like azaleas and camellias, showcase the beauty of Japanese nature throughout the seasons. Why not take a leisurely stroll in the park, where the scenery changes with the seasons? You wouldn't believe that this is in the middle of the city There were hydrangeas blooming... It's a nice plaza filled with greenery in Umeda, Osaka... A great place has been created in the city center 😊😊😊.