Every culture has its own special season for fireworks. In many parts of the Western world, winter brings the sparkle of fireworks, while in the part of Asia where I come from, autumn is illuminated by the lights of Diwali. But when I came to Japan, I discovered something beautifully different—**summer has a special place for fireworks here.** The sight of people in traditional yukata, enjoying taiyaki, gathering with friends and family, and waiting for the night sky to burst into a grand display of *hanabi* feels uniquely Japanese. The warmth of the summer evening, the laughter around me, and the vivid colors blooming across the sky create memories that stay long after the last firework fades. This photograph captures the **Toda Fireworks Festival**, taken this year from my rooftop—a summer night I will never forget.

Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden You can now see the beautiful sight of Asagimadara and Swallowtail butterflies at Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden. It's perfect for nature walks, butterfly watching, and photography!✨ We look forward to your visit!😸👒

The "Kawayu Onsen Steam Beer Garden," which was held for the first time at Kawayu Onsen, along with the simultaneous experience project "AWAKE from KAWAYU" and four monitor tours, has successfully concluded✨ There were moments when the weather turned bad, but it seems that many people enjoyed themselves☺️🎶 So, I will post just a few photos here. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated🧚🏻‍♀️💫 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayubeergarden/...

【Special Menu for the Beer Garden Day】 The "Forest Beer Garden" will be held on the evening of Friday, July 31st. On that day, a special takeout menu will be available from Hotel Rimu! Enjoy food from Hotel Rimu along with other vendors. ◇Pickup Date and Time Friday, July 31st, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM ◇Pickup Location Hotel Rimu, Restaurant "Green Leaf" ◇Reservations are also accepted Call 0158-87-2000 (Hotel Rimu) ◇Menu Lineup *Food photos are for illustration purposes only. *Sales will end when items run out. *Delivery is not available. ▶Stir-fried Liver and Beansprouts 800 yen (tax included) ▶Stir-fried Pork with Kimchi 800 yen (tax included) ▶Egg Omelette with Eel 800 yen (tax included) ▶Sukeroku Sushi 700 yen (tax included) ▶Salad 700 yen (tax included) ▶Spicy Cucumbers 400 yen (tax included) - 【Forest Beer Garden】 Friday, July 31st 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Last Order at 8:30 PM Hosted by: Nishiokoppe Village Chamber of Commerce Youth Division Contact: 0158-87-2974 #Nishiokoppe Village #Beer Garden #Chamber of Commerce Youth Division #Hotel Rimu #Special Menu

The "Kawayu Onsen Yukemuri Beer Garden," which was held for the first time at Kawayu Onsen, along with four monitor tours of the concurrently held experience project "AWAKE from KAWAYU," has successfully concluded✨ There were moments when the weather turned a bit, but it seems everyone enjoyed themselves☺️🎶 So, here are a few photos to share🤳📸 Thank you to everyone who visited the "Kawayu Onsen Yukemuri Beer Garden" and participated in the monitor tours!🧚🏻‍♀️💫

Enjoy summer in Nagano! Here’s the information about the summer festivals in August✨ 〈Don’t forget to tap the "save" icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 ① Iizuna Fire Festival @iizunakougen_kankou This annual event features around 1,000 fireworks launched over Daizahoushi Pond in Iizuna Highlands. You can enjoy dynamic drum performances and a dazzling array of fireworks over the lake! 【Date】August 10 (Monday) 17:30–21:00 (Fireworks scheduled from 20:00 to 20:50) 【Venue】Around Daizahoushi Pond, Iizuna Highlands *Paid seating available 【Parking】Available (Old Iizuna Highland Ski Resort, etc. Parking fee 2,000 yen per vehicle) *Shuttle buses (free) will operate from some parking areas to the venue *For more details, please check the Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association website. ② Shinshu Shinmachi Rokaku Lake Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival @shinshushinmachi_kanko This is the town's biggest event, featuring about 4,000 fireworks and lanterns illuminating Rokaku Lake. You can watch the fireworks up close, and the booming sounds echoing through the mountains add to the excitement! Watching the fireworks while enjoying the local specialty, Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), is exceptional! 【Date】August 15 (Saturday) 19:00–21:00 【Venue】Nagano City, Shinshu Shinmachi, along the Saigawa River 【Parking】Available *Reservation required and fees apply. Please be cautious. *For more details, please check the Shinshu Shinmachi Summer Festival website. ③ Nagano Binzuru This is a citizen festival that brings together the community in a vibrant celebration of summer in Shinshu Nagano. Local volunteer groups, schools, and businesses form teams called “ren” to showcase dances and performances while clapping wooden rice scoops. Various events are held from the afternoon, making it a festival enjoyable for locals, children, and tourists alike! 【Date】August 1 (Saturday) Day session starts at 10:00, Night session starts at 16:30 【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando, Showa Street 【Parking】None *For more details, please check the Nagano Binzuru website. ④ Zenkoji Obon En-nichi A special stage will be set up in front of the main hall of Zenkoji, where monks in robes will dance with worshippers! You can feel closer to “Zenkoji-san,” the beloved temple of the people. 【Date】August 10 (Monday) to August 11 (Tuesday, holiday) 17:00–21:00 【Venue】Zenkoji Temple grounds 【Parking】Available *Paid parking nearby ⑤ Nagano Tanabata Festival The arcade stretching 440 meters will be adorned with vibrant Tanabata decorations. The traditional shopping street matches the thoughtfully designed decorations, making it perfect for photos! 【Dates】July 18 (Saturday) to August 7 (Friday) 【Venue】Gondō Arcade Street #Summer Festivals #Nagano Binzuru #Fireworks Festival #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Would you like to experience a scenic flight on the Mashu Lake SKY Cruise? Enjoy a helicopter scenic flight! This summer, why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from the sky? The popular "Mashu Lake SKY Cruise" will operate again this year. The period is from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Wednesday, August 19, for a total of 12 days. You can enjoy scenic flights ranging from 3 to 12 minutes between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. (On the last day, August 19, it will end at 3 PM.) Among them, the 12-minute course flying over Lake Mashu and Mt. Mashu offers a breathtaking panorama that you can only experience on this scenic flight! Don't miss this opportunity to experience it. You can also take aerial photos, providing a chance to capture Teshikaga's magnificent nature from perspectives you usually can't see! It's well-received by photographers. Please take advantage of this special opportunity. 【Application and Inquiries】 011-781-1247 *Reception period: July 13 to August 19 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) *Same-day applications are also welcome.

Hello🌞 This is Crystal Sound✨ The summer sky has spread out so blue that it's dazzling, creating a scene full of seasonal beauty😊☀️ The iconic scenic spot of Shosenkyo Gorge, Kakuen Peak, is also beautifully highlighted against the blue sky✨ We invite you to come and see this breathtaking view😃 At Crystal Sound, you can closely admire various natural stones💎✨ The birthstone for July is famously ruby, but did you know that sphene is also one of July's birthstones?✨ It is said to carry the meanings of "success," "reform," and "permanence," providing new perspectives and positive energy🍀 Inside the store, we also display a giant heart-shaped rose quartz❤️ that is popular for photography📸✨ Together with the beautiful nature of Shosenkyo, we hope you enjoy the charm of natural stones😊 All of our staff are sincerely looking forward to your visit✨

Yusaku Park's Lycoris ❚ As of July 22, 2026 Located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, known for its autumn leaves, Yusaku Park has a summer star as well. That is the "Lycoris" quietly blooming by Shinji Pond. The small orange flowers catch your eye amidst the green scenery. Currently, the flowers are beginning to bloom little by little. We will update you on the blooming status. ■■Yusaku Park 【Location】Kameozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (Free, about 50 cars) 【Restroom】Available 【Opening Hours】No specific hours (Free to stroll around) ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Skytree and hydrangeas. I found a lovely spot while strolling and took a snapshot.

The torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at sunset. In the slowly flowing time, the moment spent gazing at the torii gate was meaningful.

Taken on July 9, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This year, I am challenging myself to see how many times I can capture this composition.

The long-awaited Adachi Fireworks Festival, held for the first time in three years. Dad was recording videos on his smartphone the whole time, captivated by the stunning display.

The bus ride back after playing hard in the sea of Miyakejima. Everyone is exhausted and fast asleep.

【9 Popular Restaurants in Miyoshi That Are Family-Friendly】 In Miyoshi, there are many places where you can enjoy meals comfortably with children. This time, we conducted a survey among our followers and selected nine recommended restaurants.✨ We received feedback about places with private rooms and kids' menus, as well as those with wonderful service.😊 Please save this for your outings and make use of it. *The photos featured are from the time of posting.* 【Cafe Coniglia】 @cafeconiglia 📞0824-63-8717 *Reservations are only accepted on weekdays.📞Reception.* Other: Drive discounts, participating in gourmet stamp rally. 【Kotonone Zakka Kissaten】 @koto.no.ne 📞0824-44-4370 Other: Private room available (usage fee 500 yen). 【Cafe & Dining Cassi Messi】 @cassi_messi 📞090-3003-0344 Other: Participating in gourmet stamp rally. 【Casual Italian Pecora Pasta】 📞0824-69-0308 【Tamuchan】 @tamusyouten_123456789 📞0824-62-5354 【Tanosimiya Enoki】 @tanosimiya_enoki 📞0824-64-3200 【Café Mike and Shirley】 @cafemikeandshirley 📞070-1874-8939 Other: Participating in gourmet stamp rally. 【Gohan & Coffee Futami】 📞0824-53-2007 【Roadside Station Yumeland Funo】 @michinoeki_funo 📞0824-54-2929 🍴Local Side Dish Buffet *60 minutes all-you-can-eat Adults (middle school and above) 1,760 yen Elementary school students 990 yen Children under elementary school age 715 yen Free for children 3 years and under.

I went to Miyagi Prefecture for a family trip. It was very hot, but the green trees and ice cream provided a sense of coolness. This photo was taken at a shop near Seiganji in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and it represents the scenery that makes me think, "This is summer in Japan."

During the three-day weekend, I finally experienced my long-awaited first riverbed dining. For some reason, a certain famous somen phrase popped into my head while I was here in Akizuki, Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Contrary to the soothing sounds of water I had imagined, I was overwhelmed by the dynamic sound of rushing water, like "gogo." At the beginning of each month, I secretly enjoy changing my smartphone wallpaper to a recent memory photo. Even in the sweltering summer heat, I can't wait for August to change it to this photo!

Cape Tang Waterfall With a height of 114 meters and seven tiers, it is known as "the Women's Waterfall" due to its elegance. Located near the border with Ufu District, it cascades in the valley of Warishi Pass, offering beautiful views amidst the autumn foliage. It takes about 20 minutes (500 meters) to walk from the parking lot. The mountain path is not easy to navigate, so caution is necessary as you descend the slope. In the parking area, there is a monument inscribed with a haiku by Natsume Sōseki.

Shiraito Falls A three-tiered waterfall with a height of 30 meters. In summer, the stream's water and breeze are refreshing, while the autumn foliage is vibrant. In winter, it freezes, showcasing a majestic beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. It is 370 meters from the parking lot to the waterfall. As you cross a small bridge, you can enjoy a nature-filled hiking course abundant in negative ions.

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.

It took a year to finally complete it. I took photos of Doctor Yellow in the vicinity of Omi Nagaoka Nishiyama Castle Ruins throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, a blue sky; in autumn, the foliage; and in winter, snow.

On your way back from Tamana, we also recommend stopping by Manda Pit in Arao City. After enjoying hot springs and meals, adding some time to walk through this World Heritage site will make your trip in Northern Kumamoto even more fulfilling. Even a short visit offers a lot to see, allowing you to feel the history while taking photos. It's perfect for small group trips. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and junior high school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Tamana #Kumamoto Prefecture North #Northern Kumamoto Tourism #Day Trips #Small Group Travel #Historical Walks #Industrial Heritage #Photography Trips #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Tamana #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #HeritageTravel

I visited Kure and Areikara Sukojima. I finally made it! I was so happy that I ended up taking several photos from the same angle. I spent an exciting day seeing the Taihei-class submarine and the JS Kaga up close.

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.

Shiraito Falls in Karuizawa offers a stunning view, with water flowing like white threads, bringing a sense of calm just by watching it. It's a wonderful memory where I could relax in the cool air, and I would love to visit again.

The Gion Festival, passed down in Okegawa City, Saitama Prefecture. The photo captures a girl savoring a fruit candy chosen from a stall amidst the sounds of festival music. Dressed in a yukata, she walks with her family through the festival, and the moments of excitement in front of the stalls create summer memories in Japan that transcend generations. It encapsulates the warmth of the festival that the local people have continued to protect and the innocent joy of children.

♨️ 【Walking in the Hot Springs - Mt. Io to Kawayu Onsen Guided Tour】 Would you like to travel with hot springs from the origin of Kawayu Onsen, Mt. Io? The third tour will be held on Sunday, July 26th! (Future tours are planned to be held irregularly☺️) 【Tour Flow】 A local nature guide will walk with you from Mt. Io through the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail to Kawayu Onsen, providing explanations along the way🚶 At the end of the tour, you can enjoy bathing at Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi♨️ (An original Yukichi towel will also be a gift❗️) The more you learn about the nature and history around Mt. Io and Kawayu Onsen, the more enjoyable your hot spring experience will become☺️ 【Information】 On the day of the tour, please gather at Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi, and we will provide free transportation to the parking lot at Mt. Io, the starting point. The Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail has little elevation change, so anyone who can walk 3 km can participate. To register, please scan the QR code in the fifth photo. ☑️Tour Date and Time July 26th (Sunday) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, free to disperse ☑️Meeting/Dispersal Location: Kawayu Public Bathhouse Yukichi @yukichi.kawayuonsen ☑️Capacity: 7 people (minimum required: 3 people) ☑️Tour Fee: ¥3500 per person (cash payment only on the day) ☑️Included: Insurance, hot spring admission fee, original Yukichi towel ☑️Walking Distance: Approximately 3 km (with breaks along the way) ☑️Clothing and Items to Bring Comfortable clothing (long sleeves recommended for UV and insect bite prevention), comfortable shoes like sneakers, a hat, drinks, and a hot spring set (not provided at Yukichi) ⚠️Important Notes ・The tour will be canceled in case of bad weather or warnings. ・Please understand in advance that Mt. Io is an active volcano with a possibility of eruption, and the walking trail is a habitat for brown bears and wildlife. ・If you have any health issues, pre-existing conditions, or disabilities, please inform the guide in advance. For inquiries, please DM Kamata at Omusubi Hokkaido Tour Guide (@omusubi_946). We look forward to your participation.

This is a photo from the local fireworks festival two years ago. I invited my friends, and we went as a group of four. Since then, I haven't gone to see fireworks for a while, but occasionally I look at this photo and feel like I want to go see fireworks again, haha.

"This summer vacation, create unforgettable memories here." Enjoy the breathtaking rice terraces overlooking the sea and feel the pleasant sweat. What awaits after is freshly cooked "new rice" and juicy BBQ…! Thank you for always following the posts from the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association! Today, we have an announcement for a special event that you absolutely must experience this summer✨ In the beautiful "High-altitude rice terraces" that Reihoku proudly boasts, we will hold a 【Rice Harvesting & New Rice BBQ Experience】!🌾🍖 The seedlings we planted together in spring have soaked up the blessings of the sun and are finally ready for the golden harvest. This is not just a farming activity. Harvesting rice while feeling the refreshing summer breeze and the blue sea before your eyes offers an emotion that cannot be experienced in the city. Moreover! After working up a sweat, enjoy the freshly harvested "new rice" in this stunning setting. Let’s have the best lunch time with sizzling meat and vegetables on the grill🤤 This will surely be a special day not only for children's free research and summer memories but also for adults to refresh their minds! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we are limiting participation to the first 15 sign-ups, so if you're interested, please apply early! We look forward to kicking off the best summer together with all of you! 📅 Event Overview 〇 Date: Saturday, August 8 (Rain or shine, but will be canceled in case of severe weather) 〇 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 〇 Location: Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture (near "Nōkō no Hi") 〇 Participation Fee (including lunch and insurance): Adults 3,000 yen, Elementary school students 1,500 yen *Payment will be made in cash at the reception on the day. Please help us by bringing exact change. 〇 Capacity: First 15 participants 〇 What to bring: Hat, drink, towel, clothes that can get dirty 📬 How to Apply ① Go to the profile of this account ② Tap the URL in the profile section ③ Fill out the required information in the dedicated application form and send it! *The application deadline is Sunday, August 2, but we will close applications as soon as the capacity is reached. BBQ at the rice terraces with a view of the sea sounds amazing, doesn’t it?✨ If you want to go, please 【save】 this and share it with family and friends you want to go with!

Notice: Iwanai Shrine Grand Festival This year, the Iwanai Shrine Grand Festival will be held for three days from July 7th to July 9th! Please be aware that there will be road closures during this period and take care when coming. We invite you to the Iwanai Festival! 😌 *The schedule is referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.