When it comes to "pigs," it's hard not to think of the stereotypes of being gluttonous, loving to roll in the mud, and being dirty and smelly. However, after visiting in person this time, I realized I had completely misunderstood them! A few days ago, I visited Japan's first mini pig café, "mipig cafe," and as soon as I walked in, my heart melted. The café follows a "pig first" principle, meaning you can't chase or pick them up; you can only quietly wait for a connection. I watched as the little pigs leisurely strolled around the space, finding their favorite corners to lie down and rest, and it was just too adorable. Not long after I sat down, one little fellow climbed up onto my lap without hesitation and fell asleep contentedly! Watching its little belly rise and fall with each breath made me hesitant to breathe too heavily, and I couldn't help but smile. In just an hour of interaction, I felt all the accumulated stress from daily life melt away thanks to these little cuties. Lastly, a small reminder for friends planning to visit: to protect these adorable little pigs, the café has strict health protocols. If you are a visitor from a country affected by African swine fever, you won't be allowed in for the first two days after arriving in Japan. So, friends who want to have fun with the mini pigs should plan their visit for "after the third day of entry." Although there's an extra procedure, knowing it's to protect their health gives me peace of mind.

The 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche ❚ Held on August 22, 2026 Enjoy the "delicious" and "wonderful" offerings of Bungo-Ono to the fullest at this marche! The "8th Station Front Marche" will take place at Mie Town Station Square. The venue will feature food booths offering coffee, sweets, and light meals, as well as fun booths including a game corner, free ride experiences, and a light truck sauna. Stage events will include taiko drumming, kagura performances, hula, and kids' dance. At the end of the event, there will be a lottery and mochi throwing. Enjoy a delightful evening from summer dusk to night with food, sights, and fun at the venue. 【Date】Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, held rain or shine *The event may be canceled in case of severe weather. Please check the event's website after 3:00 PM the day before for confirmation of the event. 【Venue】Mie Town Station Square (2998-2 Akamine, Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture) ■Stage Events 5:00 PM – 5:10 PM Opening Ceremony & First Mochi Throwing 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM Saijō-ji Children's Taiko 5:40 PM – 6:00 PM ALOHA Ukulele 6:10 PM – 6:40 PM Itaizako Shinmeisha Shrine Kagura 6:50 PM – 7:10 PM Daishin Taiko 7:20 PM – 7:40 PM Ohana Hula 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM Kids Dance "ROⓂD" 8:20 PM – 8:30 PM Lottery & Closing Ceremony & Second Mochi Throwing ■Fun Booths Night Market Corner (Game Corner) Free Ride Experience Light Truck Sauna (No need to bring anything) ■Venue Booths Cafe Param Antiques Imo no Chikara-ya Vintage Clothing Disco Nikoniko Chiffon Gochisou Kumogakure Melissa Cafe Nagomi Coffee Toko's Kitchen Pizza Buono *Even if the stage is canceled due to rain, food booths may still operate at the venue. ■Other Please note that the content listed may change due to unavoidable circumstances. Parking is available at the Bungo-Ono City Chamber of Commerce, Oita Bank, and Bungo-Ono City Hall. Due to expected congestion and full parking, we encourage the use of public transportation or walking to the venue. For accessible parking, please speak to the staff at the venue. ■Contact Information Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association TEL: 0974-27-4215 ■■Access from Fukuoka and Kumamoto to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on August 10, 26. This is the banana espresso latte from LEC COFFEE, along with coffee jelly and soft serve.

Taken on August 10, 26. This is the coffee jelly and soft serve from LEC COFFEE.

【⛩️Palm Gion City🧵】 Today, on August 11th, Mountain Day, the "Palm Gion City" event was held at the Gion Shrine, where a cool breeze flows through the dappled sunlight✨ Handmade creations from artists around Gokasecho and Kyoto were lined up🤩💫 Each piece, radiating warmth, was incredibly charming🥺💕 There was even an outdoor hair salon, which surprised me!✂️😳 A natural conversation blossomed between customers and artists, sharing how these creations were made, creating a warm event where time flowed slowly😌🍀

Taken on July 26, 2026. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I took a break at Little Patricia. This is lemon coffee. 🍋

Visiting Kotohira Town to worship at Kotohiragu Shrine, it is essential to not only challenge the classic 785 stone steps but also to arrange a leisurely afternoon tea break along the way. About halfway up, around the 500th step, you will find Kamitsubaki Cafe, hidden within the dense forest. This place is a refined space produced by Shiseido Parlour. As you step inside, large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the lush mountain scenery. Sitting by the window, you can enjoy the vibrant greenery while listening to the gentle breeze and birdsong, instantly escaping the daily hustle and bustle. The seasonal dessert sundae in the cafe is a colorful and visually stunning creation that is hard to resist. The perfect blend of sweet and sour fruits with rich cream instantly soothes tired legs. Additionally, you can enjoy Shiseido's famous "Beauty Princess" peach rose jelly drink here. The pink bottle is quite eye-catching, filled with plenty of Nagano Prefecture peach puree and chunks. Each sip brings a rich peach aroma and elegant rose fragrance, infused with collagen and hyaluronic acid, making it both refreshing and nourishing—a dream product for girls. Kamitsubaki is not just a perfect resting spot during your pilgrimage, but also a healing space embraced by nature.

【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.

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

From the tranquil lakeside forest hotel 【Lakeside Breakfast】 ■ June 1 (Mon), 2026 – September 30 (Wed) ■ Time: 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. ■ Price: ¥3,500 ◇Available for guests with breakfast at an additional charge. ◇Additional charge: Adults ¥400, Children ¥1,330 *Prices include tax. *Limited availability. (Limited quantity, reservation required) 【Menu】 ・Potato Soup with Hokkaido "Kitakari" ・Scrambled Eggs from Hokkaido Eggs ・Bologna Sausage from Tokachi's Pasture-raised Pork ・Grilled Thick-cut Bacon from Hokkaido ・Caesar Salad with Monviso Cheese from Shiranuka ・Garden-style Mixed Fruit ・Hokkaido Yogurt ・Hokkaido Milk Bread and Croissant ・Hakodate Misuzu Coffee To reserve the Lakeside Breakfast, please make a reservation by phone. Reservations are accepted until 8:00 P.M. the day before your visit, but please note that we may reach the maximum quantity. Make your reservation early. 📞: 015-484-2111 You can make your accommodation reservation from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

【Lakeside Breakfast】 Enjoy breakfast while overlooking Lake Kussharo in our hotel's garden. Feel the refreshing lakeside breeze and the chirping of birds, and take your time to experience the great nature of Hokkaido with all your senses. ■ June 1, 2026 (Monday) to September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) ■ Time: 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. ■ Price: ¥3,500 *Guests with breakfast plans can change for an additional fee (Adults ¥400, Children ¥1,330). *Limited quantity, reservation required in advance (tax included). 【Menu】 ・Potato Soup with Hokkaido Akari ・Scrambled Eggs ・Bologna Sausage ・Grilled Thick Bacon ・Caesar Salad ・Fruit Platter ・Hokkaido Yogurt ・Hokkaido Milk Bread and Croissant ・Hakodate Misuzu Coffee Reservations are accepted by phone until 8:00 P.M. the day before. *Early reservations are recommended due to limited quantity. 📞: 015-484-2111 For accommodation and detailed reservations, please visit the profile URL.✨ 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel / https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Taken on June 16, 26. This is bitter cream coffee and lemon cube cake. It was a very hot day, and I had a lively conversation with the staff about sunscreen. I enjoy these kinds of casual chats. 😊

Dripping Deer Soy Sauce There is a team working hard towards the launch of a certain product. That "certain product" is deer soy sauce. Nishiokoppe Village is an area where Yezo sika deer are abundant. To prevent damage to crops and forests, as well as traffic accidents, hunters capture deer and process the meat at the village's wildlife processing center. By fermenting the protein contained in the meat, soy sauce can be made. If it can be made from pork, then it should also be possible to make soy sauce from the meat of Yezo sika deer and brown bears. Villagers who agreed with the idea of the proposer began making soy sauce in December 2024, with the help of experts. The part used was the neck meat of the Yezo sika deer. This part, which is tough and fatty, was often discarded as it was difficult to handle as meat. In the work I participated in, we were in the process of squeezing and filtering the meat that had been aged for three months. The liquid extracted under pressure from the juicer was repeatedly filtered using cloth, coffee filters, and filter paper, taking time to remove excess fat and protein. Initially, the liquid flowed smoothly down, but gradually it began to drip more slowly. With each round of filtering, the dripping droplets became clearer and sparkled. It feels like you can sense the vitality of the Yezo sika deer that lived in the nature of Nishiokoppe Village. - Alongside production, preparations for sales such as choosing packaging are underway. We are sharing information about deer soy sauce and bear soy sauce on Instagram @sanganosizuku, so please check it out. We hope you look forward to the launch.

Taken on June 5, 26. This is LEC COFFEE's coffee jelly and an iced black latte.

Taken on June 5, 2014. This is the coffee jelly from LEC COFFEE.

Photographed on June 5, 26. I took a stroll in Kawagoe. This is bitter cream coffee and blueberry rare cheesecake. I reunited with someone I used to work with at Hon-Kawagoe Pepe, and it filled me with warmth after a long time.

The "hidden gem" of Tokyo Station is the rooftop of KITTE, located right in front of the Yaesu South Exit. Surprisingly, it's not very crowded, making it a favorite spot where you can relax with a coffee in hand. As you watch the people passing by, you can quietly sense each individual's pace.

A mosque located near Yoyogi-Uehara Station, at the border of Shinjukuku and Shibuyaku in Tokyo Metropolis. Visiting is free, and even on holidays, there are few people. You can also enjoy Turkish coffee at the neighboring restaurant. As I looked up at the dome, I was enveloped in a strange sensation, as if I were peering into the "structure of the universe."

Today I went to KAWAGOE COFFEE SELECTION. I was there for LEC COFFEE. At the top is a cafe latte, bottom left shows a canelé and an espresso financier, and bottom right shows a top-down view. It was very busy. 😊

About a 10-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station. A 1-minute walk from Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato, The Black Ship coffee☕ Perfect for a break during sightseeing or as a companion for a stroll to the sea. On sunny days, enjoy wandering the streets of Shimoda with a coffee in hand 😊 There is an eat-in space on the 2nd floor. It’s a small shop, so be careful not to miss it.

Photographed 9/23/25. This is LEC COFFEE's black latte.

Photographed on June 21, 25. CAFE ANDON's café au lait and lemon Butter sandwich. Lemon Butter Sandwich and coffee go well together. 🍋☕️

Midsummer in Teshikaga Spots you should definitely visit 🐻☕️ 📍Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail ___________________________ A walking trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (ig: @kawayu_vc). It’s an authentic forest you can drop into easily. Staff at the facility can provide a 20–30 minute guided walk on request.✨ This season is especially recommended as gozentachibana moves from white flowers to red berries. On the second-floor cafe (ig: @cafesoftwood) you can enjoy meals and tea, so you can make the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center.🍙🌿 https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/eco_museum/...

Arao’s food scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of flavors to love. Arao’s dining options range from specialty sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku restaurants to chic cafes and restaurants, plus numerous confectioneries and nightlife spots. After a day of fun, relax at your favorite spot. ~Maki Cafe~ A takeout shop on Greenland Street known for freshly made crepes, sweets, and café-style menu items. Genre Takeout-only cafe Address 827-2 Miyauchi, Arao City Phone 070-5400-7654 Hours 12:00 – 17:00 Closed Tuesdays (next day if a public holiday) plus one irregular day per month Parking 5 spaces Instagram https://www.instagram.com/makicafe_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

To Little Forest Restaurant Popeye After a hibernation period, they have opened for the 2025 season, so I went to visit right away. Popeye sits alone at the farthest edge of the mountainside in the Kamisahoro area. Its single-story circular shape and wooden sign greet you with a charming exterior. Inside, the room faces south with pastureland stretching out and views of the Hidaka Mountains. Plenty of sunlight pours in, creating a comfortable space. People of all ages are welcome, and small children are especially encouraged to visit. The menu includes set meals, pasta, rice dishes, and desserts. The highly recommended item is the lunch special, the “Seasonal Popeye Lunch.” The contents change each month, and the main staple rice is kamameshi cooked in-house. You can ask to substitute plain steamed rice for the kamameshi, so feel free to mention it. ※Because quantities are limited, it may sell out early. It’s about a 15-minute drive from JR Shintoku Station, roughly 11 kilometers away. On a sunny day, it makes for a pleasant drive; enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the views, or stop by to refuel after a full day of activities in town. Be sure to drop in 💁‍♀️ ※The regular closing day is every Monday, but if a holiday falls on a Monday, they take their day off after the holiday instead. ※If you plan to come from far away, it might be a good idea to check in advance whether they are open. Little Forest Restaurant Popeye Closed: Mondays Contact: 080-5592-6798 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido gourmet #Hokkaido sightseeing #hokkaido (Japanese phonetic) #Tokachi #Tokachi (phonetic) #Tokachi sightseeing #Tokachi gourmet #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Shintoku Town gourmet #Small Forest #Restaurant #Restaurant Popeye #Popeye #Welcome to Shintoku Town #Welcome back to Shintoku Town #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers #hokkaido_love #ilovehokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidolikers #hokkaidolove #hokkaidosgram #hokkaidofood #hokkaidotravel #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku

Photographed 4/27/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. COLD BREW CREAM. It is recommended to drink it without mixing. It is moderately sweet and delicious.

【Cotton Cafe】Relaxing, yarn spinning experience 🧶 Today, I would like to introduce ☺️✨ the "Cotton Cafe" held on the third Saturday of every month at the former Kuraoka junior high school "Kuraokakura" Feel free to Use the café only.☕💕 You can 😌 order delicious homemade cakes and drinks Today's cake was a cake with kumquat jam and a cake 🍰✨ with apple jam (I had a lot of it, but it was 🤤 insanely delicious) Everyone was having a relaxing time 🫶 while enjoying reading and chatting Of course! There is a fee, but you can 🧶✨ also experience yarn spinning Pick up cotton seeds with a "cotton gin" ↓ Use a tool called a "hand carder" like a large slicker brush to adjust the stream of fibers. ↓ When wrapped around a winding stick, a bundle of cotton called a "pony" is formed 😌☁️, which looks like a fluffy cocoon ↓ If you pull this out little by little with a tool called a spindle and twist it, you will get 😳👏 a magnificent thread as shown in the first photo It seems that 💡 you can adjust the thickness of the finished yarn by twisting the fiber and the amount of force You can make it thinner or thicker, or try to spin a single yarn with various thicknesses... There are There are fun of spinning your favorite yarn If 🤗✨ you are interested, please try 💪 it When you visit Cotton Cafe, you don't need to make a reservation or anything, so 👌 please feel free to stop by and enjoy 😌🌿 your own time 【Date & Time】3rd Saturday 13:00~15:00 【Place】Kuraoka Kurara (Staff Room) 〒882-1201 5929 Kuraoka, Gokase-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture 【Reservation】Not required 【Fee】Yarn spinning experience 1,500 yen, cotton (with seeds) 400 yen

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Cotton Cafe Cotton Cafe meets on the third Saturday of every month. Here you can try spinning yarn from organic cotton grown in Gokasecho. The homemade cakes are also very popular. Relax and chat while trying your hand at spinning yarn. No prior registration required. Opening days: Every third Saturday of the month Hours: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: 5929 Kuraoka, Kuraoka Kurara Staff Room, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1201

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Soyokyo Canyon Canoe Tour This half-day plan lets you leisurely paddle a canoe around the scenic reservoir surrounded by the green of Soyokyo. It’s suitable for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! ※Season: March to November Price ・Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen ・Elementary school student 4,500 yen ・Toddler 2,500 yen ・Dog 1,500 yen ※Toddlers from around age 2; toddlers and elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian ※Participation fee includes accident insurance and canoe equipment rental. Meeting place and time ・Meeting times [1st session] Meet 9:30 — End 12:00 [2nd session] Meet 13:00 — End 15:30 ・Meeting place “Yamato Town Soyou Branch Office,” Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Booking Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)