Taken on July 1, 2014. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Introduction of the Tsuba from Wakeido Item Number: E380705 Title: Tsuba with Design of a Dragon Over Mount Fuji Signature: Unsigned, Toryusai School Certification: The Association for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, Special Preservation Sword Fittings Dimensions: Height 76mm, Width 69mm, Thickness of the Seppa 2.5mm Era: Late Edo Period School: Toryusai School Description 　The Toryusai School was founded by Kiyotoshi Tanaka, who was born in the first year of the Bunka era and is known to have been connected with Haruaki Hōgen. The school developed a clever style known as Toryusai, training many disciples including Jūrō, Jūko, and Jūkei. 　This piece is distinctly Toryusai in style, showcasing a refined depiction of the dragon over Mount Fuji.

Photographed on July 15, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Yesterday was the annual festival at Yasaka Shrine. We prayed for good health, had our heads bitten by the lion's head, and were fanned by Tengu-sama with a fan. We received cucumbers and amulets.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime for tying bonds on the bench has changed to a sky blue color. I was in high spirits because Spain won.😊🎐

Event Announcement📣 On July 19 (Sunday), the 15th Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival will be held😊 For nearly 100 years since 1910, this public railway has been running through Rikubetsu Town. After its closure in 2006, it was reborn in April 2008 as a tourist facility where visitors can experience actual train operations! To promote this historic "Rikubetsu Railway" and encourage more people to ride and experience it, we are hosting this event🎵 On the evening of July 18, about 2,000 fireworks will light up the summer night sky🎆 In conjunction with this, a special fireworks train will be operated, allowing passengers to enjoy the fireworks from inside the diesel train!! Passengers will receive local specialty products from Rikubetsu Town as a gift. Reservations are currently being accepted🚂 (Note: Fireworks train → Capacity 32 people, 1,500 yen) Additionally, stage shows featuring street performers and music performances by Backyard Music are also planned‼ During the stage event on July 19, we will welcome the popular Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians "Slim Club and Denjin Band" for a comedy stage performance. Moreover, in the "Special Train Experience Ride," we will extend the ride experience, which is usually limited to the station premises, as a special train for this event to Koi-yamagata Station in the suburbs. Those wishing to ride can register on the day of the event. (Note: Special train → Adults 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen) Don't miss this rare opportunity for a unique experience😍 Other activities include horseback riding experiences, a bingo tournament with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2, and dance performances by elementary school students from Rikubetsu, among various programs planned🎁🎁 Many vendors will also be present, so we invite everyone to come together and join us🤗 🔶 Date and Time <Pre-festival> July 18, 2026 (Saturday) 18:00–20:30 <Main Festival> July 19, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00–16:00 🔶 Venue <Pre-festival> Midori-machi Soccer Field <Main Festival> Inside Rikubetsu Railway Station & Multipurpose Square in front of the station 🔶 Fireworks Train Applications & Inquiries Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival Executive Committee Office (Rikubetsu Town Hall, Industrial Promotion Division) TEL: 0156-27-2141 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/tetsudoumatsuri/...

Taken on July 1, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, this is a wind chime symbolizing the connection of the engawa (veranda). I'm curious about 🇪🇸🆚🇫🇷.

Taken on July 1, 2014. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

I love my hometown so much✨️ I want you to know its charm.

If you're exploring the Omuta and Arou area, Manda Pit is a must-visit spot. By learning about the history of the Miike Coal Mine, you'll gain insight into the role this region played in Japan's industry. It's also recommended as an entry point for a journey through industrial heritage. How about extending your trip to the World Heritage site in Arao City before or after your outing or festival in Omuta? [Visiting Information] 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (or 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) #Omuta #MiikeCoalMine #IndustrialHeritageTour #ModernIndustrialHeritage #HistoricalTravel #WeekendTrip #CoalMineRuins #MandaCoalMine #Omuta #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #IndustrialHeritage #WorldHeritage

Taken on July 1, 2024. These are the enmusubi wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🎐

In Memuro Town, at Memuro Shrine, during the summer, it is beautifully decorated with flower water offerings, wind chimes, and pinwheels. Recently, there was a fireworks festival, and it was said to be illuminated as well.

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try! <Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!> 1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease! 2. Forest Adventure Nagano Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake! Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨ With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely! 3. Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site. 【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) #Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2026. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features a summer prayer water offering for love.

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.

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the summer prayer water for love at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌻🏮

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the chawa (ring of reeds) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

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.

Taken on July 2, 26. This is the pudding and black latte from LEC COFFEE.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I captured the image of a girl quietly gazing at a small stream enveloped in soft light on a summer night. The scenery created by the shrine, which has watched over people's prayers for centuries, and the fantastical lights swaying by the waterside represents a beautiful summer landscape unique to Japan. I felt that the time spent in tranquility, allowing the heart to be clear, is also an important charm of the Japanese summer.

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.

Enjoying a day in Shizura, Nishi-Izu with guests from Sweden Nishi-Izu, easily accessible for a day trip from the Tokyo area. On this day, we headed to Shizura in Nishi-Izu with guests visiting from Sweden. Shizura is a quiet diving spot with calm seas. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions, a relaxed atmosphere typical of Japan's seaside flows here. Mixing English and Japanese by the sea The conversations of the day were a mix of English and Japanese. If there were words we didn't understand, we communicated in different ways or used gestures. Even if we didn't fully understand each other, entering the sea together and sharing the same scenery naturally brought us closer. Diving is not just about enjoying the ocean. It's also a time that connects people beyond nationalities and language differences. Lunch at a local spot after the sea After diving, we enjoyed lunch together at a local restaurant. Reflecting on the time spent in the sea, we gathered around the same table. Diving into Japan's waters, dining at a local place, and spending leisurely time in a seaside town. It's a local day that's a bit different from a typical trip to famous tourist spots. Thank you for joining us. A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, such as Shonan and Izu, perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. The theme is "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Tours are conducted in small groups. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? Based on your travel schedule and diving experience, we'll propose the perfect sea for you. Feel free to contact us first.

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. Their popular pudding is firm and very delicious. 🍮

Why are the blue leaves in summer so beautiful?

Taken on July 2, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our theme is "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

Summer in Kyoto Can Be Intense – Take a Break and Enjoy Traditional Japanese Play at AriHana Kyoto Kyoto’s rainy season has already ended, and the city is now experiencing very hot summer days. July is also the season of the famous Gion Festival, one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer events. As the festival begins and the Yoiyama evenings start from July 14, the city becomes even more lively and crowded with visitors. When families visit Kyoto in summer, we often hear comments like, “It’s much hotter than we expected,” or “Everywhere is crowded. Is there a quieter place where we can relax with children?” We truly understand how challenging summer sightseeing in Kyoto can be, especially for families traveling with young children. That is one of the reasons we opened AriHana Kyoto. AriHana Kyoto is an indoor family-friendly space where children and parents can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese play together. Families from many different countries have visited us and spent time playing freely, discovering Japanese culture through simple, nostalgic games. Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as kendama, daruma otoshi, karuta, and more in a calm and comfortable tatami room. Children can play, parents can sit back and relax, and families can spend unhurried time together away from the summer heat and crowds. If you are looking for a quiet indoor place to rest and create special family memories during your Kyoto trip, we would be delighted to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto. Why not add a different kind of Kyoto memory to your journey this summer?

The August issue of the magazine "Discover Japan" (Discover Japan Co., Ltd.) features our town's "Uchida Sarayama Ware" and "Tomioka Castle - Reihoku Town History Museum." It includes information about the kilns that have been passed down in this region for generations, as well as guides that convey the history of Reihokumachi. The content is filled with the rich history and warmth of craftsmanship from Reihokumachi. We hope you will take a look at it in bookstores or online stores and use it as a reference for your next visit to Reihokumachi. Featured Content Special Theme: To the Sea and Mountains Featured Facilities Uchida Sarayama Ware Tomioka Castle Reihoku Town History Museum About "Discover Japan" For more details, please visit the official website of "Discover Japan." We look forward to welcoming you along with the nature and culture of Reihokumachi. Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association