At 4:38 AM on August 9, 2026, in Chikura, Minamiboso City, the colors of the sky, gradually moving towards dawn, are beautiful during the thirty minutes before sunrise. It's my favorite time. Waking up early has its rewards!

Around 4:30 AM on August 9th This is a shot taken just before dawn in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. The spray from the waves enveloped the port town in thick fog. The ethereal atmosphere was wonderful.

As the golden hour gently embraces Furano, waves of lavender bloom beneath a sky of fading light. A solitary red hut rests among the purple fields, with emerald meadows and layered mountains quietly unfolding beyond. In this brief summer glow, the landscape feels less like a place and more like a memory waiting to be kept.

"Summer Clouds on Fire" In the summer evening, looking up at the sky, the large, developed clouds were illuminated by the setting sun, turning into a fiery color. The clouds rose powerfully as if they had stored the heat of the day, contrasting with the gradually darkening sky. It was a brief display, a drama of the summer evening sky.

After the Guerrilla Thunderstorm This summer has seen many guerrilla thunderstorms. This happened when I visited Mamada Hachimangu Shrine for the wind chime festival, and after a guerrilla thunderstorm passed, I noticed a brief moment of sunshine with droplets on the tanzaku (wishing strips), prompting me to take a photo. After the intense guerrilla thunderstorm enveloped the shrine, light briefly shone through the clouds. It was a moment when the wind chimes, adorned with raindrops, quietly conveyed the changes in the summer sky.

"The whole school assembly will begin!" A sunflower field instead of the summer schoolyard. Many sunflowers were facing the same direction, beautifully lined up. Some children were looking straight ahead, some were slightly turned, and some were still small. As I watched, their figures blended with those of the students lining up for the assembly. "Now, let's start the whole school assembly!"

"Summer Wishes" Captured at the Wind Chime Festival at Hotokuji Temple in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. I encountered a gentle-faced Jizo statue at the festival. Surrounded by colorful wind chimes, a small strip of paper swayed nearby with the wish, "May the whole family be healthy and happy." The refreshing sound of the wind chimes carries the wishes for the family. I captured a tranquil moment that embodies the essence of a Japanese summer.

The Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a fantastical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, gently illuminating the town. Please come to Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

I visited the sunflower field at Shioya no Hatake in SakaiIyoku, Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture. ᡣ( ᐢ ᵕ ᐢ )✨ The vast expanse of sunflowers looked like a yellow carpet ◝(*'▿'*)◜✨ The contrast with the blue sky was beautiful, making it the perfect spot to feel the essence of summer. (◕ᴗ◕)📸🌻💛 *Photo taken on July 11th.

I thought it would be beautiful if the traditional large fireworks of the Toyota Oiden Matsuri were reflected as they burst in the ramune, so I took a photo.

The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a magical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, illuminating the town gently. We warmly invite you to visit Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

The Summer Garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. The main display features a tunnel of colorful inflatable rings. The shadows reflecting on the ground on a sunny day were also beautiful.

The summer garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. During summer, the sunflower fields are the main attraction, but due to last month's unpredictable weather, they are still in bud form. However, all the decorations in the garden have been changed to a summer theme, making it quite impressive.

Title: A Wish Come True This photo was taken at the Wind Chime Festival held at Sagi Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. I was struck by the sight of one wind chime missing its strip of paper, and with its cool sound, I thought perhaps the wish of this wind chime had come true.

We have a Hercules beetle at home, which my son is raising with great care. Say cheese outside! For insect lovers, an irresistible summer has arrived.

Trekking on Rebun Island, I have immersed myself in various mountainous landscapes representative of Japan, such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as a lover of mountain walking. However, the flower fields on the floating hills in the sea offer a unique world that can only be experienced by coming to this place. The vast panorama, scattered with a variety of alpine plants in vibrant colors, makes me think that if there is a heaven, it might look like this. In the northernmost summer of Japan, the breathtaking scenery that can only be encountered in this season and at this location is something I hope everyone can come, see, and feel at least once in their lifetime. It truly is a paradise.

Gozan no Okuribi: Saidaimonji's Oya-bi This image captures the powerful figures of people carrying the Oya-bi (parent fire) of Saidaimonji during the traditional event "Gozan no Okuribi," which concludes the summer in Kyoto. Men dressed in happi coats and headbands marked with "Saidaimonji Preservation Society" carry a large, fiercely burning torch on long bamboo poles, advancing in a procession toward the fire platform on the mountain. In the darkness, the flames create a fantastical light and heat, conveying the serious expressions of the participants who uphold the tradition, along with the unique fervor and solemnity of the event. Ookitayamakagamiishichou, Kitaku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kibune Shrine Surrounded by Fresh Greenery: Okumiya and Hirakado This scene captures the sacred gate (Hirakado) of Okumiya standing amidst the blue leaves and deep green trees at Kibune Shrine in early summer Kyoto. Lush moss and towering cedar trees line both sides of the approach, adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a sacred and clear atmosphere. In front of the gate, a quietly standing worshiper adds to the tranquility, making this image a striking representation of the deep emotional beauty of Okumiya and the rich nature surrounding it. Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival Shinko Festival: Countless smartphones capturing the Mikoshi procession This image captures the magnificent sight of the Mikoshi procession filling Shijō Street during the "Shinko Festival" of the Gion Festival, which symbolizes summer in Kyoto. The Tōmi Mikoshi, shining in gold and white, is powerfully carried by bearers in white garments. In a bid to catch a glimpse of this historic moment, the crowd lining the streets raises a multitude of smartphones in unison. This vibrant scene represents the fusion of traditional festival culture and modern societal behavior, encapsulating the spirit of our times. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival and Kankō-sai: The fervor and procession that fills the night in Kyoto This scene captures the grand procession that fills Shijō Street during the finale of the Gion Festival, known as Kankō-sai. As the warm light of lanterns illuminates the streets, a large number of men dressed in white garments march powerfully alongside the big tall lanterns of "Shiwaka" and the portable shrine. The gaze and excitement from the spectators resonate in the vibrant night streets of Kyoto, echoing the overwhelming fervor and vitality unique to this traditional event as they escort the deities back to Yasaka Shrine. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Gion Festival and Shinko Festival: The Enthusiasm of Children Connecting to the Future This scene captures the adorable yet reliable figures of children supporting the Gion Festival's "Shinko Festival," which colors the summer of Kyoto. Dressed in matching white hanten jackets and headbands, the children stand in a line, carefully holding onto a single rope. Their serious gazes and smiles amidst the lively atmosphere convey the warmth of this traditional event, as well as the vibrant spirit that connects it to the next generation. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

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!😸👒

I was healed by the many wind chimes in the greenery at a park I visited during my trip to Nagano.

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.

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.

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.

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."