Taken on June 29, 2014. The matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine have begun. Among the approximately 2,000 wind chimes, there is one red thread wind chime, inspired by a single red thread. It is said that its location changes daily. You might find something good if you spot it.🎐

Today is the Summer Purification Ceremony. We cleanse ourselves of sins and impurities from the past six months and pray for good health and safety for the remaining half of the year.

Taken on April 6, 26. This is the flower water at the omikuji (fortune-telling) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I'm curious about 🇯🇵🆚🇧🇷.

Taken on April 4, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on April 4, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The Ōoka River flows through Isezakicho in Yokohama. While Yokohama boasts many famous tourist spots like Chinatown and Minatomirai, the cherry blossoms here are equally breathtaking. With a moderate foot traffic and food stalls lined up, the view from this spot is a spring delight I look forward to every year.

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water at the omikuji (fortune-telling paper) distribution area of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on April 1, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 15, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Hara Florist.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. I visited Enko next to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I had ginger pork, cold tofu with dipping sauce, miso soup, and kombu tea. After the meal, I felt warm. It's a nourishing meal. 😊

Taken on June 26, 2014. These are the hydrangeas along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The 39th Ikutahara Yamabe Festival will be held on Saturday, July 4th! This year's Yamabe Festival features a mini live performance by "KINZ&K-ing," a magic show by the green fairy Yamachan, and performances by the Engaru Self-Defense Force Band and local dance teams, among many other attractions. Additionally, a "Fishing Tournament" will take place at a different venue. As always, there will be sales of "Yamabe Fly" and a "Lucky Draw" with fabulous prizes! We hope to see you there! Event Date and Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM *The fishing tournament starts at 8:15 AM Location: 619-4 Ikutahara Welfare Center Parking Lot, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido *The fishing tournament will take place at the Ikutahara River.

Taken on June 16, 2026. These are the hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

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. 😊

Taken on June 16, 26. This is a pinwheel in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is a windmill in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The book "Illustrated Guide to the Kikuchi Clan: The Rise and Fall of a Noble Family Upholding Their Beliefs in War-Torn Kyushu" was published in January 2026. The Kikuchi Clan This clan was active from the Heian period to the late Muromachi period, primarily centered in present-day Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in northern Kumamoto Prefecture. They left their mark in renowned texts such as the Mongol Invasion Picture Scrolls and the Taiheiki, becoming a major powerful clan in Kyushu that resonated even in the central regions. This book introduces the history of the Kikuchi family, which supported the Seisei Shogun Prince Kanenaga, showcasing their significant presence in medieval Kyushu in chronological order. With new insights from the latest research, it offers a fresh perspective on the Kikuchi family. This is a book that history enthusiasts and those wanting to learn about Kikuchi's history should definitely pick up. Would you like to experience the proud history and culture of Kikuchi? In addition to large bookstores nationwide, it is also available at the Kikuchi Tourism Association located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. 【Book Information】 "Illustrated Guide to the Kikuchi Clan: The Rise and Fall of a Noble Family Upholding Their Beliefs in War-Torn Kyushu" Edited by: Toru Anan Price: 2,200 yen (including tax)

Taken on June 16, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms and hydrangeas at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on June 16, 2014. This is the spinning wheel at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. As the matchmaking wind chimes begin, this is the last chance to see the spinning wheel in front of the torii gate and next to the main hall.

Taken on June 16, 2026. This is the hydrangea along the approach to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on June 22, 26. This is a very cute chalk art in front of Yaoko. It is the work of Fukumitsu Tomoko.🐧🎈🧁

Taken on June 19, 2026. This is a floral water offering from Hara Florist, a traditional Japanese practice.

Taken on June 20, 2026. I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. A wicker ring was set up.

Taken on June 15, 2026. This is a matcha latte from LEC COFFEE and Kawagoe matcha tiramisu with matcha ice cream. 🍵

Taken on June 15, 2026. This is a limited edition Kawagoe matcha tiramisu with matcha ice cream from LEC COFFEE.

26年6月15日撮影。 LEC COFFEEさんのキッシュプレートです。 新じゃがいも、新玉ねぎ、ほうれん草、ベーコンが入ったカレー風味のキッシュ、サラダ、自家製パン、とうもろこしの冷製スープです。

【Hydrangeas are in full bloom!💫】 Yesterday (6/18), I took photos of hydrangeas that have reached their peak amidst the light rain📸 During these rainy days, people tend to feel down, but the hydrangeas were shining vibrantly✨ The photos are of hydrangeas around a campground just off Prefectural Route 8, which leads from Japan National Route 218 into the Kuwanochi District😌 Further ahead, the Kuwanochi District continues to be adorned with colorful hydrangeas along the road🤗💕 Like the hydrangeas, let’s stay strong and cheerful despite the prolonged rain💪🔥

Photographed on June 15, 2014. This is the flower water display at Hara Florist.

Photographed on June 18, 2014. These are the hydrangeas along the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. These hydrangeas are blue.