Taken on August 10, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on August 10, 2026. This is the Musubumoi Furin from Nishō Gō City, Little Edo, for the 8th year of the Reiwa era.

When you come to Azumino, be sure to look for the mountain "Mt. Ariake." It has a shape similar to Mount Fuji, and is also called Shinano Fuji. 🗻 This morning, there were no clouds, and it was clearly visible. It's easy to spot, so give it a try! 😆

A Town That Makes You Love Mornings – Azumino The early rice ears are beginning to ripen in the fields The dew is shining in the morning sun Although the sunlight is strong, it feels like a summer morning in Azumino, with cool air making it a pleasant morning.

2026 Limited to this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the situation may change depending on each restaurant's circumstances This time, we introduce 【café twinkle】 Its name is "Tomato Curry Doria with Summer Vegetables and Ground Meat." The hot doria baked in a stone oven is exciting even before you eat it. When you dig in with a spoon, you find a creamy white sauce and curry under the gooey cheese, which pairs well with multigrain rice. The vegetables used in the curry are fresh, allowing you to taste their natural sweetness. The cheese, white sauce, and curry harmonize perfectly, appealing to women's preferences. However, the portion is substantial, ensuring that men will also be satisfied. Additionally, I enjoyed a great weekday lunch that comes with a mini salad and drink. After much deliberation, I chose the popular Margherita pizza lunch. The wood-fired pizza is made with domestically-produced wheat, giving it a chewy texture, and it is delicious! The dining space has both first and second floors, and this time I had lunch on the second floor. The L-shaped counter seats by the window offer a prime view of the Northern Alps. Next to it, there are spacious sofa seats prioritized for families with babies, allowing families to dine comfortably. The cat-themed decor creates a lovely atmosphere, making it a great place to relax. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- café twinkle 【Address】 2218-2 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-88-7537 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order until 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Irregular holidays (announced on Instagram monthly) 【Parking】 Parking available Please check with the store for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

2026 Limited to this summer! 'Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry' An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation Introducing this time is 【Ramen & Cafe Mugi Kobo Kakashi】 The concept of the shop is "a ramen shop that can be easily entered by a woman alone" The exterior is stylish and Western, as it also serves as a cafe The shop is equipped with a barrier-free entrance What I had was the 'Rich and Delicious Vegetable Curry Ramen' As stated on the menu, "Curry x Ramen is the fateful meeting of national dishes!!" The carefully simmered curry and ramen soup create an addictive flavor You can top it with fried summer vegetables yourself Additionally, for an extra charge, you can choose from a variety of toppings like small rice, cheese, chashu, and flavored eggs, which is another charm (The types of vegetables may vary slightly depending on the day's supply) Also, I recommend the most popular 'Natural Ingredient Salt Ramen' The soup is simply delicious! You get hooked on its light yet rich flavor! All ramen uses natural ingredients, focusing on salt, and the broth is made by carefully extracting Mongolian rock salt over 72 hours The noodles are slightly thin and curly. They feel gentle on the stomach It was so delicious that I ended up drinking it all! In addition to ramen, the menu is rich with meals like hamburgers and grilled meat plates The cafe menu is also abundant, with various desserts to choose from, making it a place to relax and unwind Near the shop, you can find Azumino City New General Gymnasium ANC and Nanbu Park. Please stop by before or after your exercise! ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Ramen & Cafe Mugi Kobo Kakashi 【Address】 182-8 Toyoshina, Azumino City, 399-8205 【Phone】 0263-87-6578 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dinner 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM 【Regular Holiday】 Tuesday (the following day if it's a holiday) 【Parking】 Dedicated parking available Please confirm the latest information with the shop. Don't forget to like and save so you can review it later!

2026 Limited this summer! 'Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry' An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants. Serving period: until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the availability may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce 【Toyoshina Bandoko】 The dish is called 'Vegetable Curry Set' *This is a weekday lunch menu exclusive! Using fresh local vegetables, it offers a rich flavor that perfectly balances umami, sweetness, and spiciness. Additionally, it comes with a soft-boiled egg, making it the ultimate combination with the creamy yolk in the curry! Besides the curry, it includes soba, salad, and a hot spring egg in this value menu. Another recommended dish is the Shinshu specialty 'Otouji Soba.' Unlike many places that serve it in large pots for two or more, you can order it from just one serving. The restaurant is a long-established establishment located in a robust old house from the late Edo period, offering soba made with Azumino's famous water and local ingredients in its traditional cuisine. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Toyoshina Bandoko 【Address】 5703-16 Toyoshina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8205 About a 9-minute walk from Toyoshina Station on the JR Oito Line 【Phone】 0263-72-6767 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (L.O) Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (L.O) 【Closed】 Mondays (open for lunch only on holidays) 【Parking】 Parking available For the latest information, please check with the restaurant. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

Today, I visited Iroha and Inconeri for their breakfast collaboration. We had savory pancakes (not sweet Taiwanese crepes), salty soy milk soup, and seasonal vegetable side dishes from Inconeri. The breakfast collaboration will take place tomorrow from 9 AM to 12 PM. My motivation for learning Chinese has increased. Thank you! 😊💖

Taken on August 6, 26. This is an iced cafe latte from cafe andon.

Taken on August 6, 26. CAFE ANDON offers morning service from 8 AM during the summer season. This is the Vichyssoise plate. It features Vichyssoise (cold potato soup), salad, egg, carrot rapé, and country bread, making it quite luxurious.

Event Announcement 📣 The 79th Obihiro Flat Plain Festival will be held over two days from August 14 (Friday) to August 15 (Saturday) 😊 This year's opening features a fresh and lively performance by the children of Keiko Honda's "Baton & Tap Dance Studio" 🎵 On the day, a special collaboration with street performers to enhance the festival atmosphere is also planned. A variety of events are lined up, promising plenty of highlights‼️ We hope you enjoy the exciting two days 🤗 🔶Main Events on August 14 (Friday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 1) 13:00 - 20:00 Expect performances filled with surprises, laughter, and emotion. ・Yume Furuya (Dream Fall Night) 19:00 - 20:00 (Rain or shine) To express gratitude to the pioneers who developed Tokachi and to wish for a bountiful harvest, local youths will carry portable shrines through the night streets, enveloping the venue in a fantastic atmosphere and excitement. 🔶Main Events on August 15 (Saturday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 2) 11:30 - 20:15 ・28th Hirahara Taiko Festival 15:20 - 17:10 (In case of rain, it is scheduled to be held at "Obihiro City Civic Cultural Hall" from 13:30) Teams gathered from all over the region will showcase powerful performances. Local teams such as "Obihiro City Local Performing Arts Hirahara Taiko," "Hiroo Jin'ya Taiko Preservation Society," "Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko," and "Sarabetsu Kashiwadaiko Preservation Society" are also expected to perform. ・Obihiro Bon Odori 19:00 - 20:45 (Cancelled in case of rain) In sync with the live performance of "Hokkai Bon Uta," each team will don elaborately designed costumes and dance gracefully.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is a sculpture from the Naorai Hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The sculptures represent offerings to the deity, including "sake," "rice," and "salt."

Taken on August 6, 26. It was so hot that I took a break. This is the Enmusubi red and white soft serve.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 15th, the 44th Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival will take place😊 During the day, there will be a children's festival and a beer garden featuring delicious gourmet food🍻 On the special stage, the Hokkaido idol group "FRUiTY" will perform live, along with a mimicry show by "Miracle Hikaru," adding excitement to the festival🎵 The event will be filled with fun activities for the whole family, including children's bon odori, unique costume bon odori, and a lottery draw to bring smiles to everyone😍 To conclude the festival, vibrant fireworks will beautifully light up the night sky of Ashoro🎆 Feel the summer night breeze and experience this special summer moment at the venue🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 13:00 - 21:00 (Fireworks scheduled from 19:30 to 20:10) 🔶Venue: Town Community Center Front Green Space and Parking Lot (Food stalls, Bon Odori, Event venue) South Riverbank of the Toshibetsu River Ryougoku Bridge (Fireworks launch site) 🔶Contact: Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0156-28-3863 https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/news/2026/2024_2.html...

Photographed on August 6, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 6, 26. These are the Tanabata decorations at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It's a Tanabata festival celebrated one month late. 🎋

Event Announcement 📣 On August 14th (Friday), the 30th Churui Furusato Bon Odori Festival will be held 😊 This year, we will also have a popular "fish-catching" event for children under junior high school age 🎵 (If you wish to participate, please gather at the main tent between 16:30 and 17:00) In addition, there will be exciting programs such as children's Bon Odori where participants can receive prizes and a costume Bon Odori with luxurious prizes to be won! 😍 At the end of the festival, we will have bread throwing and a fun lottery as well. (Fun lottery tickets will be distributed to the first 1,000 people starting from 18:00, one ticket per person) We invite families and friends to come together and enjoy a fun summer night! 🤗 🔶 Date: August 14th, 2023 (Friday) from 17:00 * The event will proceed in light rain (it may be canceled depending on the weather conditions) 🔶 Venue: Churui Fureai Center Fukuju Special Venue 🔶 Contact: 30th Churui Furusato Bon Odori Festival Executive Committee (Churui General Branch Office Regional Promotion Division) TEL: 01558-8-2111 http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8927...

It seems that the Tanabata Festival will be held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine tonight at 7 PM. 🎋

Taken on August 5, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a month-late summer purification ceremony.

Photographed on August 5, 2026. This is Craft & Juicy Orange Mango Tea, along with Cookies & Cream Cheese Cake.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, August 8th, the "Toyokoro Summer Festival," representing the summer of Toyokoro, will take place! 😊 The opening performance will feature the "Toyokoro Taiko Enyukai," along with performances by the Toyokoro Junior High School Brass Band, a karaoke competition, and the Mikabaton Club, ensuring a stage full of highlights! Additionally, there will be plenty of fun activities for everyone, including a candy toss that will delight the children, a bingo game, and DJ time! And to cap off the festival, a stunning fireworks display of about 2,000 shots will light up the night sky of Toyokoro starting at 7:30 PM! 🎆 Let's create wonderful summer memories with family and friends! 🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM (fireworks scheduled to start at 7:30 PM) Venue: Erumukan Parking Lot, Toyokoro Town (166 Shigeiwa Honcho, Toyokoro Town) https://www.toyokoro.jp/site/kanko/1457.html...

【Notice】Shira-Iwasaki Campsite Temporary Reopening and Reservation Start!⛺️ The "Shira-Iwasaki Campsite," which has been closed, will temporarily reopen during the following period✨ In conjunction with this, we are currently accepting reservations! 📅 Temporary Reopening Period From Monday, August 10 to Wednesday, September 30 As there are limited slots available, please make your reservations early if you plan to visit. We sincerely look forward to your visit! ▶︎ For more details, please check the "Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association Official Website" listed in the profile.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 8th, "Yukata Night" will be held again this year, even more powerful than last year! 😊 The opening will feature a balloon release that is double the scale of last year, along with the impressive Tokachi Komadaiko drum performance and the vibrant Tokachi Baton Twirlers. There will also be exciting events like a candy toss for kids where they can win wonderful prizes and a "Children's Festival" filled with fun activities! 🎵 Additionally, we will host a Yukata Contest and a "New Event" where adults can win luxurious prizes!! We will also sell a limited number (20 pieces) of giant "Mega Anpan" (approximately 20cm in diameter)! 😍 If you come in a yukata or jinbei on the day of the event, you will receive a "300 yen voucher" (with a festival ticket for children) that can be used at the venue! 🎁🎁 Of course, you are also very welcome to come in casual clothes! 🤗 A special day for everyone from children to adults. Let’s create summer memories together with your family and friends!

Taken on August 5, 26. This is the homemade chai from cafe andon. 😊

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I enjoyed the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

2026 Limited this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce "Oshokujidokoro Misato" As soon as you enter, you will see a tank with fish swimming happily, and there are plenty of comics to enjoy. With counter seating, tables, and tatami rooms, you can enjoy meals with various groups. The menu is extensive, and you can choose the amount of rice, making it a place you will want to visit repeatedly. The "Curry with Lamb and Cilantro" is an adult curry that becomes addictive after just one bite. It’s spicy and perfect for summer, guaranteed to energize you, with fresh tomatoes adding a refreshing accent. The fragrant cilantro and freshly squeezed lemon enhance the flavor, making it easy to keep eating. I also tried the popular "Shinshu Salmon Donburi." The vibrant orange and beautiful Shinshu salmon is the pride of Shinshu. It comes with a salad and small side dishes, providing a satisfying portion. Be sure to try this as well. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Oshokujidokoro Misato 【Address】 5059-10 Horikane, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-72-6952 【Business Hours】 Lunch: Reservations only Dinner: 18:00 - 22:00 【Closed】 Wednesdays Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save this for future reference!

2026 Limited to this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation. Today, we introduce "Village Azumino" which offers "Chicken Tomato & Black Keema Curry," allowing you to enjoy two types of curry at once. The Chicken Tomato Curry is visually appealing with large chunks of meat, which crumble beautifully and are well-cooked. The impactful black Keema Curry is made with bamboo charcoal powder, offering a rich flavor that makes you want to eat it again and again. Above all, the sausage unique to this curry was exquisite! The homemade sausage primarily uses Shinshu pork, but surprisingly includes Shinshu salmon, making it light yet allowing you to truly taste the Shinshu salmon. We also enjoyed the "Jumbo Fried Shrimp Omelet Rice." The large fried shrimp that overflows from the bento box is satisfying! It's perfect for those who want to eat their fill. It comes with miso soup made with homemade miso and a salad. Not just for lunch, the rice served at Village Azumino comes from the Chūgyū District, and many vegetables used are also from the Chūgyū District. Reservations are required for lunch, so please make sure to book ahead before heading out. Village Azumino is conveniently located near the Azumino Interchange, offering various enjoyable experiences. You can also enjoy day-use bathing, making it a great stop before heading home from your trip. Additionally, there's the Azumino Glass Studio, where you can observe and experience glass-making, and the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum, home to Japan's leading insect ecology researcher and nature photographer. With a large parking lot and share cycle ports available, it serves as a great starting point for your travels. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Village Azumino 【Address】 6780 Toyoshina Minamihotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8201 【Phone】 0263-72-8568 【Business Hours】 Reservations only (Weekdays 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Second Tuesday of every month (Open in August) Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Also, don't forget to like and save for future reference!

2026 Limited this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants. Serving period: Until Sunday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the availability may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry at Restaurant Abe" A retro-style, traditional Western-style restaurant. It's popular among people of all ages. With a rich menu, you might find it hard to decide what to order! Despite being generous in portion, the prices are very reasonable. A mountain of rice topped with a generous serving of nine kinds of deep-fried summer vegetables, making it quite filling! The vegetables are said to be made from fresh local ingredients. The curry has a gentle flavor, with a spicy kick that comes later, making it a delicious dish. Don't miss out on trying the homemade pickles as well. Additionally, we enjoyed the popular hamburger course lunch. Includes soup, salad, hamburger steak, rice or bread, dessert, and a drink. It's truly a satisfying lunch that makes you want to come back for more. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Restaurant Abe 【Address】 8148-6 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-82-6047 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM 【Closed】 Irregular holidays 【Parking】 Dedicated parking available Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save so you can refer back later! The restaurant has many table seats, and some seats offer a view of the Northern Alps. Recommended courses are listed, and it's impressive that the calories are noted. The hamburger is juicy and large, providing a satisfying meal. A completely satisfying lunch There's also a children's lunch available, and they provide toys to keep kids entertained while waiting for their food, which is great! It's often fully booked, so making a reservation is recommended.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is Little Patricia's lemon cake. 🍋

📢 Announcement of the 28th Kimobetsu Summer Festival This weekend, the "28th Kimobetsu Summer Festival" will be held in Kimobetsucho! This year, enjoy live performances by Kodai Sato and Shiranui Suzuka, as well as YOSAKOI Soran dances by the members of Hokkaido University’s "En", and music performances by the Self-Defense Forces Band. The annual fireworks display and bingo tournament will also take place, along with fun games, so please come and join us!! You can participate in the bingo tournament by purchasing the "Bingo Card with Usapara-kun Sticky Notes", which is available for pre-sale at the Seven-Eleven Kimobetsucho store until the day before the festival. It will also be sold at the venue on the day of the festival, but quantities are limited, so please purchase early if you wish to get one! Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday, August 9, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM Location: Omachi Chibikko Hiroba Contact: Kimobetsu Summer Festival Executive Committee (Kimobetsucho Town Hall Community Development Promotion Section 0136-33-2211)