The landscape of Manda Pit is a memory of the site that supported modern Japan. Walking through the steel frames and bricks in the spacious area allows you to feel the size and weight of the coal mine. Take your time to touch history while taking photos. Even ordinary walls and corridors have an allure that has endured over a long period. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (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) #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Historical Walks #Traveling Japan Through Photos #Travel Photography #Coal Mine Ruins #Modernization of Japan #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHistory #HeritageTravel

Ritsurin Park is the most representative scenic spot in Kagawa Prefecture and one of Japan's Special Places of Scenic Beauty, renowned for its expansive strolling garden. The park skillfully blends the natural landscape of Shiun Mountain with exquisite garden designs, showcasing different aspects in each season. No matter when you visit, you can appreciate the unique elegance of Japanese gardens. As I stroll along the park's trails, I first ascend Mount Hira, where I can see Nanko, the lush green pine forests, and the distant Shiun Mountain all at once. The scenery before me resembles a slowly unfolding landscape painting, with a gentle breeze and shimmering water that invite you to slow down and savor this garden's beauty, shaped by the passage of time. Next, I arrive at Kikugetsu-tei by the lakeside, where I order matcha and wagashi in the quaint and elegant tea room. Enjoying the garden view through the window while savoring the slightly bitter yet sweet matcha and delicate wagashi, time seems to slow down. There is no hurried itinerary, just the sounds of birds, a gentle breeze, and the pond water accompanying me, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the tranquil atmosphere. What attracts people to Ritsurin Park is not only the meticulously crafted landscapes but also the serene ambiance that allows one to relax and quietly experience the changing seasons. Reflecting on the time spent enjoying tea and the scenery at Kikugetsu-tei still brings endless delight.

One of the most popular beaches in Chiba Prefecture is located in Kamogawa! The beach in Kamogawa City, with its crystal-clear blue sea, is the perfect place to create summer memories. It's enjoyable for families, couples, and friends alike! There are five recommended beaches. Maebara Beach, Kamogawa City, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Shirosaki Beach, Kamogawa City, Amatsu, July 19th, 2026 (Sunday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Futomi Beach, Kamogawa City, Futomi Hama, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Emi Beach, Kamogawa City, Emi Higashi Makado, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Uchiura Beach, Kamogawa City, Uchiura, July 25th, 2026 (Saturday) – August 23rd, 2026 (Sunday) Light and easy, head to the ultimate resort. Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find an astonishingly clear sea before you. Enjoy the best summer vacation at the beaches of Kamogawa, surrounded by rich nature.

The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore. Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.

This is Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This time, we showcase the autumn cosmos fields. In the background is Mt. Akagi. Being on a hill allows for a great view of the surroundings. As seasonal flowers are planted, the scenery changes, adding to the excitement.

In the flower fields of Agrostemma, the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou can be seen. The Agrostemma fields belong to a local farmer, and we are truly grateful. The sight of the Agrostemma swaying in the wind is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing summer atmosphere. The mountains in the background are the Nikkō Mountains, where you can capture stunning photos of beautiful peaks like Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou.

The Sunflower Festival held in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, features a stunning display of sunflowers in full bloom. This year marks the 35th edition, and towering sunflowers will bloom in the fields where farmers have worked hard for many years. The event will take place on July 18th and 19th, 2026, but the sunflowers can be enjoyed even on days outside of the event.

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka. While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

栃木県足利市にある白髭神社です。小さな神社ですが、足利荘山川郷の鎮守として崇敬された神社だそうです。 春には、外側からハナモモが咲き中央には大きな桜の木があります。 この写真はハナモモと桜が満開の時期にちょうど訪れることができました。 ハナモモだけでも見ごたえ十分です。 余り知られていないハナモモの穴場スポットです。

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.

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 🇯🇵🆚🇧🇷.

Kanawa Island in Hinodecho, Oita Prefecture, appears to be an ordinary couple's rock from a distance, but as you get closer, a large hole created by wave erosion reveals itself. This formation, visible only during low tide, truly deserves to be called a "hidden gem of Japan." I took this photo to convey the beauty of the shapes carved by nature.

The other day, I had lunch with my friend Ms. Hitomi at the teppanyaki restaurant Sazanka on the 35th floor of Hotel Okura Kobe. While enjoying the wonderful view from the 35th floor, we had appetizers, Sazanka salad, and grilled sea bream and shrimp. My friend said, "The flesh of the sea bream easily flakes apart with chopsticks, and it's served with a cream sauce made from clam broth. The shrimp is cooked just right, paired with American sauce. The flavors are thoughtfully combined and very enjoyable." Next, there was a stunning flame show (so cool!). The Japanese Black Wagyu ribeye was cooked medium, tender, and not overly fatty, making it easy to eat. My recommendation is to enjoy it with the accompanying whole grain mustard. (Comment from my friend, Ms. Hitomi) Then we had garlic rice and a special dessert from the pastry chef. In the best location with the best cuisine, and the warmest hospitality from the staff, I had a truly luxurious and wonderful time with my friend.

Light pink hydrangeas are lovely too.

The hydrangeas during the rainy season are enchanting.

Tsukiyomi Shrine 15 Matsumuroyamazoe-chou, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Parking available After walking a few minutes south along the road from the red torii gate of Matsuo Taisha, Tsukiyomi Shrine will appear on your right. At Tsukiyomi Shrine, the moon deity, said to have been enshrined from Iki, quietly resides. It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and later became an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha. At Tsukiyomi Shrine (an auxiliary shrine of Matsuo Taisha), you can basically receive the goshuin at the issuance office of Matsuo Taisha as "Tsukiyomi Shrine" goshuin. You can receive it at Tsukiyomi Shrine. It's a written seal! Usually, it is available during the reception hours at Matsuo Taisha's shrine office (approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and there may also be written seal options, so it's best to check the latest information on the official Matsuo Taisha website or goshuin information sites before visiting.

Matsuo Taisha Shōfūen and others... 3 Arashiyamamiya-machi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The gardens of Matsuo Taisha consist of three gardens called "Shōfūen," designed by the renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori in his later years. Completed in 1975, this relatively new garden features a blend of traditional dry landscape and modern sensibilities. Kyokusui Garden expresses an elegant world with the flow of the Mitarai River and stones, reflecting the court culture of the Heian period. Upper Ancient Garden represents a mythical and ancient world with large stone arrangements and a rustic landscape. Horai-no-niwa symbolizes the ideal of longevity with its iconic stone arrangements resembling Turtle Island and Crane Island.

Matsuo Taisha 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture There is a parking space for visitors at Matsuo Taisha. The gate, worship hall, and main shrine are lined up. It is known as the god of sake, and there is a spring called Kame no I. The treasure hall houses three important cultural properties, statues of male and female deities. At Matsuo Taisha, the Chawa-kuguri (passing through the ring of sedge) is performed along with the June Great Purification, known as Natsu-goshi no Harae. Every year on June 30th, the "Oharai-shiki" ceremony takes place, where it is customary to pass through the ring of sedge on the shrine grounds to pray for good health and safety for the household.  Meaning of Chawa-kuguri By passing through the large ring made of kaya (sedge), this ritual purifies the sins and impurities accumulated unknowingly over the past six months, praying for a healthy remaining half of the year. It is also often introduced as a representative scene of the Natsu-goshi no Harae in Kyoto.

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.

From the tranquil lakeside forest hotel 【Lakeside Breakfast】 ■ June 1 (Mon), 2026 – September 30 (Wed) ■ Time: 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. ■ Price: ¥3,500 ◇Available for guests with breakfast at an additional charge. ◇Additional charge: Adults ¥400, Children ¥1,330 *Prices include tax. *Limited availability. (Limited quantity, reservation required) 【Menu】 ・Potato Soup with Hokkaido "Kitakari" ・Scrambled Eggs from Hokkaido Eggs ・Bologna Sausage from Tokachi's Pasture-raised Pork ・Grilled Thick-cut Bacon from Hokkaido ・Caesar Salad with Monviso Cheese from Shiranuka ・Garden-style Mixed Fruit ・Hokkaido Yogurt ・Hokkaido Milk Bread and Croissant ・Hakodate Misuzu Coffee To reserve the Lakeside Breakfast, please make a reservation by phone. Reservations are accepted until 8:00 P.M. the day before your visit, but please note that we may reach the maximum quantity. Make your reservation early. 📞: 015-484-2111 You can make your accommodation reservation from the profile URL. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

【Kushiro: A Cool City Even in Summer】 Forget the hustle and bustle of the city and the summer heat, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and the slow passage of time. How about a relaxing getaway for adults? From Tancho Kushiro Airport, you can easily access our hotel via a direct bus to the bus stop in front of the hotel. Your special summer retreat begins the moment you step off the plane. This summer, why not embark on a refreshing reward trip to Kushiro Prince Hotel? You can make a reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/?hl=ja...

Tomorrow, June 30th at 18:30, a seminar titled "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai People" will be held at the Teshikaga Town Public Hall.✨ This is a valuable opportunity to learn about diversity based on Ainu and Indigenous cultures, featuring Professor Taiban Sasala from the Institute of Archaeology, National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. A panel exhibition will also be concurrently held in the lobby of the public hall!❣️ Participation is free, so everyone is welcome to join us! "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai People" Date and Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:00 Venue: 2nd Floor Auditorium, Teshikaga Town Public Hall Instructor: Professor Taiban Sasala from the Institute of Archaeology, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan Participation: Free Organized by: Hokkaido University Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies GRID (Global Research Unit for Indigenous and Cultural Diversity) Co-organized by: Teshikaga Town Board of Education.

The Lake Mashu SKY Cruise will set sail again this year! Would you like to take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above? The popular "Lake Mashu SKY Cruise" will operate again this year. It will run from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. (On the last day, August 19, it will finish at 3 PM.) The reservation period is from July 13 to August 19, with reception hours from 9 AM to 5 PM. Same-day applications are also welcome. You can also take aerial photographs, capturing the vast nature of Teshikaga from places you usually can't see! This is a great opportunity for photographers to enjoy as well. Please take advantage of this special opportunity. For applications and inquiries 011-781-1247 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/skycruise_2026/...

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

Today's Northern Alps, Mt. Tsubakuro The queen of alpine plants, Komakusa, has started to bloom The Hakusan Ichige is also blooming beautifully😍 Today, we coincidentally encountered a family of rock ptarmigans♪ The best access to Mt. Tsubakuro is from Azumino City❗️

In the sumo town of Ryougoku, even the bridge railings are filled with sumo themes.

In Azumino, where the weather is unstable due to the approaching typhoon, I saw buckwheat flowers blooming in various places in the Misato District.

About an hour from Tokyo. In the sea, there is an unknown Japan. Manatsuru, which can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This small port town has special views known only to divers. This time, we visited "Iwa." It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hiratsuka. A convenient boat diving spot. It takes just a few minutes to reach the sea by boat. Once you enter the water, colorful soft corals spread out before you. Schools of fish swim slowly through the calm sea. The highlight of this place is the large iron frame reef sunk to the seabed. Originally used as scaffolding for bridge construction, it has now become a habitat for marine creatures and a popular spot for divers. Swimming between the massive structures feels like exploring underwater ruins. Soft corals sway above, and light filters through. Lionfish swim slowly, while small fish dart around them. The creatures you encounter change with the seasons. In summer, you see schools of fish. In winter, vibrant sea slugs. Throughout the year, you can enjoy different scenery with each visit. After diving, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Manatsuru or Shonan is also recommended. Just a little stretch from the city, a day like this awaits you. Japan's seas hold many undiscovered charms. On your next trip, why not visit the underwater Japan?

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