Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photo taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

As a child, I peered into the small universe of marbles every time I drank ramune. As an adult, I tried to capture the grand fireworks illuminating the night sky of Yokohama and the beautifully lit sailing ship Nippon Maru within that small marble. The collaboration of the retro ramune bottle and the vibrant night view of Minatomirai. It's an unforgettable summer night memory where nostalgia and novelty intersect.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, clouds on the ground.

Taken on July 26, 2014. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a shining river.🌌 I want to go take pictures again.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illumination of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's matchmaking wind chimes. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I looked up at the wind chime corridor from below.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the light-up of the wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime corridor next to the main hall.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the light-up of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, featuring the matchmaking wind chimes.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is the illuminated wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The rain has just cleared.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the illumination of the wind chimes for the matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

✨Introducing Fountain Spots That Kids Will Love✨ 1. Minami-Nagano Sports Park Perfect for hot days! The fountain at Minami-Nagano Sports Park has strong water pressure and is enjoyable for children of various ages! 【Address】320 Shinonoi Higashifukuji, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available. Please note that parking can be very crowded on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays when events are held. Matrix Fountain 【Fountain Operating Period】From early June to late August. Please check the website as there may be specific operating days on weekends. 【Fountain Operating Hours】10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 2. Shiroyama Park Features a large fountain and is bustling during the summer! Adjacent to Zenkoji Temple, Shiroyama Zoo, and the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum, as well as the Higashiyama Kaii Museum. 【Address】1-7-1 Hakoshimizu, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available (paid, with some discounts available) 【Fountain Operating Period】From late April to mid-October 【Fountain Operating Hours】Sunday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Illumination starts at 6:00 PM) 3. Central Square Enjoy various fountain patterns with programmed operation! There are shaded rest areas and a bouncy dome where kids can play. 【Address】1307-1 Toigo-machi, Tsuruga, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available (paid) 【Fountain Operating Period】From late April to the end of October 【Fountain Operating Hours】10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Operates for 15 minutes followed by a 5-minute pause. (Illumination starts at 6:00 PM) 4. Mamejima Park Features a perfectly sized fountain stream where kids can lose track of time playing! Play equipment such as a Tarzan rope and net jungle gym are also available. 【Address】Oaza Mamejima 1063-1, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available 【Fountain Operating Period】From late April to mid-October 【Fountain Operating Hours】9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Operates water for 40 minutes, then stops for 10 minutes repeatedly) 5. Nagano Station East Exit Park Play with fountains and equipment, and there's a Komeda Coffee shop on-site! Features a large climbing structure and complex play equipment, popular among families. 【Address】Nagano-shi, Oaza Kurita 2121, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】1 space for disabled persons (free). Please use nearby paid parking. 【Fountain Operating Period】From late April to mid-October 【Fountain Operating Hours】8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Until 5:00 PM in August) 6. Natsume-ga-hara Shinsui Park A water park located within the Natsume-ga-hara Water Purification Plant, where you can enjoy water play in the fountain area! Near the fountain, there is an educational area where you can learn about Nagano City's water purification plant and water sources. 【Address】Hirashiba, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available 【Fountain Operating Period】From early May to late September 【Fountain Operating Hours】10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 7. Showa Forest Park A park developed utilizing the natural forest, featuring fountains and a multi-purpose grassy area. 【Address】120-13 Ueno 2-chome, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan 【Parking】Available 【Fountain Operating Period】June (only on Saturdays and Sundays), July and August (daily) 【Fountain Operating Hours】10:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Fountain operating periods and hours may change. Please check the website before visiting.* *Please be cautious of heatstroke while using the facilities.* #Fountain #Park #Water Play #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

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.

Nogi Hofmann Hall, located in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a place where visitors can observe a brick kiln. Next to it, a row of dawn redwoods continues. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering a wonderful view. I was moved when the pathway turned red with fallen leaves. I believe it is a hidden gem that is not widely known.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a moment of tranquility at Shoishohama Beach, renowned for its exceptional beauty and selected as one of Japan's top 88 bathing spots. We are excited to announce the "NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama." This project is supervised by NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd., a company with extensive experience in light displays, allowing you to experience a special space enveloped in enchanting blue light. Witness the breathtaking gradient created by the setting sun transforming into the shimmering blue waves. This series of artistic experiences will gently stimulate your senses, inviting you into a space woven with the sounds of the waves, the sea breeze, and light. It truly is a mindful healing time that focuses your awareness on "the here and now." Regain your peace of mind and immerse yourself in the magical scenery of the beautiful sunset at Shoishohama and the blue, illuminated waves. We invite you to experience this miracle. Event Overview NIGHT WAVE - Light Wave Project in Shoishohama (Date) From Saturday, October 17, 2026, to Monday, October 19, 2026 (Time) 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (sunset expected around 5:19 PM) (Venue) In front of the second parking lot at Shoishohama Beach (approximately 200 meters of shoreline illuminated) (Supervision) NIGHT WAVE Co., Ltd. (Lighting Support) Pi Photonics, Inc. Event Features - Breathtaking shoreline light display : Blue lights dance with the waves, creating a unique and enchanting spectacle. - Torii gate illumination : Experience the lighting of the torii gate standing at Shoishohama and a path of light leading to it. - Gentle lighting decoration at your feet : Lights along the bridge path and viewing areas will support your steps. - Appealing food trucks : Warm beverages and snacks will enrich your autumn nights. - A cozy dining space with lanterns : Enjoy your meal while admiring the enchanting scenery. - Mindfulness sound : Pleasant music that promotes mindfulness through auditory experience will envelop the space. Important Notes and Safety Guidelines To provide everyone with a safe and comfortable experience, please keep the following points in mind. - The sea at night can be very dangerous. Please enjoy the event only within the designated viewing areas. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents that occur within the venue or during the viewing. - There will be no seating available at the venue. If needed, please bring your own chairs or mats. - Some coastal areas may have limited lighting at night. For safety, we strongly recommend bringing a flashlight. - Parking spaces are limited, so we kindly ask everyone to share and use them considerately. - We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or thefts that occur in the parking area. - This event utilizes natural phenomena, so due to weather conditions or wave conditions, the sunset and glowing waves may not be clearly visible. - In the event of sudden bad weather or unavoidable circumstances, the event may be canceled without prior notice. Notifications of cancellations will be posted on the town's website. This autumn, indulge in an unparalleled mindfulness experience woven by light and waves, exclusively at Shoishohama. [Office] Mihama Town Tourism Promotion Division Phone: 0770-32-6705 (8:30 AM - 5:15 PM)

Katahara Onsen Ajisai-no-Sato I visited it the year before last, and it’s a scenic spot where you can enjoy hydrangeas, the sea, and hot springs. The area is quite spacious, and the wall of hydrangeas by the pond was particularly impressive. At night, it is illuminated, and it seems that fireflies also fly nearby.

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.

This is the illumination of Nishi-no-Kawara Onsen, located deep within Kusatsu Onsen. It's a mystical place that sees fewer visitors at night, making it a hidden gem. It will be a great photo spot!

I went to Busan, South Korea.

【Night Cherry Blossom Illumination and Tea Ceremony】 Despite being covered in snow and exposed to strong winds, the cherry blossoms remained intact. For two days following the holiday at the beginning of May, a night cherry blossom illumination and tea ceremony were held. This location, situated behind Korakuen Garden, is a perfect spot for viewing the Ezo cherry trees. As the sky darkened, the scattered lights gradually intensified in brightness. Visitors gazed in admiration at the sparkling cherry trees, branches, and petals. While enjoying the illuminated night cherry blossoms, we savored sweets and tea, making for a delightful evening.🌙 Illumination Support: Nishiokoppe Gakkai #Tea Ceremony

(April 26, 2026) Naruko Dam Rainbow Waterfall Light-Up The first arch dam built entirely by Japanese hands Naruko Dam, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture This event will feature the illuminated overflow of the dam lake, which is at full capacity, lighting up the natural overflow from the top of the dam with LEDs for several days. In the past, cars concentrated on the mountain roads to see this event, causing traffic jams. Complaints from local residents led to its cancellation. Last year, the mountain road to the dam was closed (residents can pass) and the event was resumed through a park-and-ride tour, with shuttle buses guiding visitors from a nearby community center to the dam. Hearing this information, I registered for the life's leftovers and reserved a shuttle bus for the third trip on April 26th back in February. Now, on the day of the event, with the weather forecast predicting rain for the next day, I embarked on a whirlwind tour taking five hours one way from Tokyo and was able to enjoy (and shoot) the view safely. So colorful~♪

(2026-04-05) Night Cherry Blossom Illuminations at Shingashi River Flowing behind Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture the cherry blossom avenue here is famous I went to take photos for the first time last year This year, I aimed for "flower rafts" The flower rafts along The Philosopher's Walk at Lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto are too high a hurdle, so I decided to go for Saitama instead, haha With various plans overlapping I managed to squeeze in a visit on Sunday night After transferring trains three times and switching to a bus Result: No flower rafts appeared Maybe the strong wind blew them away That said, I think I got some pretty nice shots of the night cherry blossoms I figured out the route to get there and I captured some beautiful night cherry blossom illuminations (●´ω｀●)

The illumination of the World Heritage site Shirakawago is held only a few times a year. Lately it has become hard to get reservations, and even when you can, finding heavy snow is rare. I managed to go there twice to shoot: the first time there was almost no snow. The second time, however, I succeeded in photographing Shirakawago in such heavy snowfall that walking was difficult. I take landscape photos with gratitude for those encounters.

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026 The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held February 1 – March 10 🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸 Live Camera https://x.gd/smGtI... 〈If arriving by public transportation〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.) The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop. Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp// 〈If arriving by car〉 Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them. ⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety. Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.

It’s around 6:30 a.m. at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Notice of an illumination event 📣 The illumination at Hiroo Santa Land in Hirocho runs through January 4, 2026 😊 Lights are on from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM ✨✨ The park glows with illumination and wood lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere 😍 Please consider stopping by during your New Year holidays outing 🤗 https://www.santaland.or.jp//

Announcement of the illumination event 📣 "Sara Illumi" will be held in Sarabetsumura through Saturday, February 16, 2026 (planned) 😊 Lights are on from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. A workshop for local residents shaped the designs, which are expressed with about 40,000 bulbs 🎵 Handmade village lights brighten the freezing winter nights with vivid color 🤗 https://www.sarabetsu.jp/sightseeing/event/illumination/...