A little summer retreat that I found during a walk in the heat

Ogijima Island is not just an island of cats, an 📌 island that plays in the gaze of tourism When I first set foot on Ogijima Island, most of the words that came to mind were "This is the island of cats" that I often see on social media. It is true that the island is small and can be circled in less than two hours, and the appearance of cats can be seen everywhere. However, when you actually visit, you will find that this island is not only about cats. During the field survey on August 1, we interviewed Yamato Fukui, the director of the Ogijima Life Research Institute. The regional revitalization he is promoting is not only based on the tourism effects of the Setouchi Art Festival, but also on returning to the educational foundation, which is the basis of the sustainable development of the region. He is starting with the reconstruction of his alma mater and is trying to rekindle the spark of hope on the island. In his words, "Only the laughter of children can bring hope to an island that is aging." Based on this philosophy, Ogijima has seen an increase in new residents in recent years, many of whom are digital nomads who work remotely. They seek a relaxed rhythm of life where they can live on foot and Outbound to Downtown by boat, and they find opportunities to interact with people and the warmth of everyday life in this land. However, the presence of "cats" has also brought new challenges to the island. Squid cat packs brought by humans have required many adjustments to the daily lives of the original inhabitants due to differences in hygiene and cultural values. Even cat-loving residents are not necessarily in favor of promoting cats as a tourist attraction. Matsumoto, another Subject reporter, runs a guesthouse and café called "Sunset and Cat House," which actively embraces the image of cats, attracting the attention of overseas travelers, and has become a daily intersection where new residents meet and interact with each other. He said, "Because of these cats, people can have a common topic and Gari of life on the island." Beyond the tourist gaze, Ogijima shows the warmth of everyday life that is not just about pleasing someone. It is the temperature created by the accumulation of cultures, and it is a new chapter that the island is quietly writing at the intersection of the old and the new – Ogijima is not just an "island of cats" but an "island of hope and culture." [Photo and text: Cai Bing-hsiang, Wang Luhua, Huang Zhicheng] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ogijima 不只是貓島 📌 觀光stare 下的重生島嶼 初次踏上Ogijima,腦中浮現的多半是社群裡那句「這是貓的島」。 確實,島不大,兩小時內可走完,貓蹤隨處可見。 但真正走進來,才發現這座島嶼的樣貌,遠不止於貓。 On August 1st, Dr. Yamato Fukui, the responsible person of the Ogijima Life Research Institute. 他所推動的地方創生,並不單以瀨戶內海藝術祭所帶動的觀光效益為出發點,而是回歸地方永續發展最根本的核心——教育基礎建設。 他選擇從讓自己的母校復甦著手,重新點火島上的希望。 正如他所言:「唯有孩子的笑聲,才能為高齡化的島嶼注入hope。 在這樣的理念引領下,Ogijima recent years suction 愈來愈多新住,其中不少是從事遠距工作的數位nomad ethnicity。 他們嚮往步行即可生活、搭船便能往返市區的緩慢節奏,也在這片地上找到與人交流的機會與日常的溫度。 然而,「貓」的出現,也為島嶼帶來新的挑戰。 這些因「人」而來的貓群,為原有居民的日常增添了不少管理上的考驗,在衛生維護與文化觀念之間,出現了不同立場的磨合空間。 即便是喜歡貓的居民,也不一定支持將貓作為觀光主軸。 另一位受客者松本先生,所經營的guesthouse與咖啡廳「Sunset and Cat House」,則展現出另一種possibilities。 他選擇擁抱貓的形象,吸引國際旅人的目光,也成為新住彼此相遇與交流的日常交會點。 他說:「這些貓,讓人們在島上有了共同的話題與生活的連結。 在觀光視之外,Ogijima Exhibition 現出一種不為取悅而活的日常感,那是文化累積而來的溫度,也是新舊交會之中,島嶼正悄然書寫的嶄新篇章——它不只是「貓島」,更是「希望與文化之島」。 [圖、文/蔡炆璇、王璐hua、黃志成]

[Notice] This year’s lodging fireworks will again take place on August 10th. Launch site: IWANAI RESORT ※There is no parking available. Launch time: 8:30 PM. Postponed in case of severe weather. Organizer: Iwanai-cho Lodging Fireworks Executive Committee Inquiries: 0135-62-2222

Photographed on August 7, 25. It is the Tanabata Festival of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Since the festival is held according to the lunar calendar, it is Tanabata one month late.

We celebrated the end of the training and exams. ㊗️ Chillax soda peach and blueberry cream donuts.

An unmanned Fukato station in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. The sound of cicadas can be heard here without delay. Standing quietly in the foreground is the Enku Buddha. The cicadas chirp on the other side and this side. The contrast is intense.

Hello from Jewelry Town ✨ How are you coping with the ongoing heat every day? 🫠 Shosenkyo Gorge can be hot too, but occasional cool breezes and abundant greenery make it a place where you can feel nature's refreshment 🌳 Among its sights, Senga Falls is a soothing spot that represents Shosenkyo. Gazing at the lush foliage and the ion-rich waterfall blows away the heat and fatigue 💦 For a summer mountain refresh, please consider visiting ✨ At Jewelry Town, we still offer many rare natural stones, including the much-talked-about rutilated quartz. We hope the beauty of these gems, together with the nature of Shosenkyo Gorge, brings you comfort ☺️ We sincerely look forward to welcoming you!

🏮Night in yukata on Sunday, August 10🏮 ✨Opening ceremony✨ 🎈Balloon release 🥁Otofuke Komadaiko drumming The festival opens with colorful balloons and a powerful performance by Otofuke Komadaiko🎈🥁 *The balloon release gives priority to children and can accommodate about 80 participants.*

Accommodation at Hoshinoya Karuizawa, when I woke up early in the morning, the summer-like scenery was spreading, so I took a picture.

Event Announcement📣 August 11 is Mountain Day!!🗻 This year, to celebrate the first anniversary of designating the Hidaka Mountain Range, Erimo and Tokachi as a national park, we are holding an outdoor music festival to introduce the charm of the Hidaka Mountain Range to many people while promoting safe mountain climbing🎵🎵 Performances by the Nakasatsunai Junior High School Wind Ensemble, the Obihiro Symphony Orchestra, and the Hokkaido Police Band will be joined by a Hidaka Mountain Range panel exhibition and a VR mountain-climbing experience, so you can enjoy the Hidaka Mountain Range along with the music🎼🎼🎼 Relax and enjoy a peaceful moment with music and the beauty of nature🤗 Date and Time: Monday, August 11, 2025, 11:00–14:30 Location: Front garden of the Nakasatsunai Cultural Creation Center (special venue) and Harmony Hall https://kankou-nakasatsunai.com/information/information-5836/...

Photographed on July 19, 25. It is a wind chime at the edge of the north approach to the temple of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

"Summer in Japan" In this day and age, air conditioners have become mainstream, and the use of fans has decreased. When I went to a certain café, I and a very retro fan, and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. It's not cold at all, and a lukewarm breeze is sent, but that's also good.

"Summer in Japan" Oyster ice on hot summer days. It is called "Calendar" in Kagawa Prefecture, which is famous for Udon noodles Oyster ice in a café. Both syrup and milk (condensed milk) are handmade. Fluffy Oyster ice was very tasty.

[Hokuto Pro Wrestling Visits the Village!] Sunday, July 27 Hokuto Pro Wrestling came to Nishiokoppe Village. It was a string of thrilling matches. The show opened with kids versus a pro wrestler. Children swarmed the strong, burly wrestler. Their shoving and jostling was heartwarming to watch. What followed were one intense bouts after another. At times the fights were so heated that wrestlers flew out of the ring. The brawls up close had everyone gripping their seats. The wrestlers were full of fan service. A few of them even posed for commemorative photos with Setoushi-kun. Their athleticism was astonishing. They jumped and spun, and we enjoyed their performances from start to finish. Thank you very much!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Hokuto Pro Wrestling #Summer #Setoushi-kun

【ICHI LIVE】 ICHI LIVE is happening! Kids and adults alike, come to the South Pasture🐄🐑 Wednesday, August 13 Live starts at 10:30 AM Adults 2,000 yen Ages 6– 500 yen Venue: South Pasture, Nishiokoppe Village Everywhere is filling up with summer plans. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #ICHI #LIVE #Summer #South Pasture

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ Held August 13–17, 2025 Would you like to cruise the plunge pool of Harajiri Falls in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, on a raft boat? You can experience Harajiri Falls with your whole body. Enjoy the breathtaking views you can only see from such close range. Date and Time Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to Sunday, August 17, 2025 Daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (tours every 30 minutes) Location Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City) ▶ Meeting time / Please arrive at the top of the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation. Price 3,500 yen per person Eligibility Ages 3 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) What to Bring Shoes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes Other Information The event may be canceled due to weather or rising river levels. If there is availability on the day, walk-ins are welcome without a reservation. We also accept bookings outside the event period at any time (please check the registration form above for details). Event Inquiries Bevrep Co., Ltd. Bungoono Sales Office × Southwave (Contact: Ono) Phone 090-6896-5296 https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250806event-ogata/...

Photographed 8/1/25. This is CAFE ANDON's iced café latte.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Bakkansai returns to Otofuke, the town that leads Japan in wheat production, bringing another celebration of the new harvest 😊 This is Otofuke’s wheat harvest festival, where you can enjoy the year’s freshly harvested wheat “earlier, tastier, and more joyfully” than anywhere else. The festival takes place across three spots along the town road known as the Otofuke Melody Line, running from Otofuke-Obihiro IC to Tokachigawa Onsen!! 📍Michi-no-Eki Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato 📍Miura Farm 📍Tokachigawa Onsen Garden Spa Local eateries and famous restaurants traveling from Osaka, a culinary hub, will offer one-day-only menus using freshly harvested wheat! Families can also enjoy plenty of activities, including a balloon ride that offers panoramic views of a giant wheat art installation 🎵 A stamp rally that visits all three venues will also take place!! Collect stamps for a chance to win prizes on a first-come, first-served or lottery basis 😍 ※Please note that prizes are limited and may run out. Finish your day by relaxing in the mall hot spring at the Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and soak in the soothing waters 😊 Bakkansai is an event where you can experience Otofuke’s deliciousness, fun, and warm hospitality through wheat 🎵 Bring your family and friends and come join the fun 🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 10:00–15:00 Venues: Michi-no-Eki Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato Miura Farm Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen https://tokachibare.jp/event/xo_event-22310/...

A serene summer moment at Kyoto’s Tenryu-ji Temple, where the reflections of nature and tradition blend in harmony. 📍 Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan @zw.lens

We are looking for participants for the summer "Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour" with a large number of flowers per season!!There is a vacancy on the 20th (Water). The exchange center next to JR Iyo Saijo Station is disbanded, From the area, Orange Ferry Kansai Route [Osaka Nanko ~ Toyo Port (Saijo)] (* After disembarking at Toyo Port, there is a free shuttle bus to the front of the station) is convenient! Accompanied by a Nature guide, you will stroll along Mt. Kamegamori forest road while observing subalpine plants in early summer. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the changes in vegetation due to the Elevation and the spectacular scenery from the "UFO Line" Spot spectacular scenery while Transportation taking a bus to around 1,700m Elevation. Since it is not a tour that aims to Transportation safe and secure chartered bus and climb to the top, beginners and Families can feel free to participate. Why don't you spend a special time in Rich in nature in Mt. Kamegamori? Lunch is included. 【Events Overview】 Events name: Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour Held in Date & Time: Water, August 20, 25 (9:00~16:00) Held in Place: Around Mt. Kamegamori (Meeting: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 8:40) Number of participants: 20 (first-come, first-served basis, minimum number of participants: 15) Participation fee: 8,900 yen (tax included) / person * Including guide, charter bus, lunch, Tea fee Application Deadline: 25/8/8 (Fri) The terms and conditions will be provided separately to the customer who made the reservation. 【Corporate Information and Inquiries】 Organizer: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Location: 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture Contact: 0897-56-2605 Reception hours: 9:00~18:00 Email: kankou03saijo@circus.ocn.ne.jp We invite you to join us on a special tour where you can enjoy beautiful alpine plants and spectacular views!

Speaking of summer, I feel a warm and gentle atmosphere.

Photographed 8/1/25. Shortcake with peaches and apricots from CAFE ANDON. It's so delicious that I'm going to visit it again. 😊🍑

Photographed 8/1/25. This is CAFE ANDON's Andon chicken curry.

sakaitourism_official 🍨Sakai’s Cool Summer Sweets Feature🍨 ~Moat Area~ 🇯🇵JP 🇬🇧EN Below⬇️ #Chilled Sweets 🍉Chilled treats you crave in summer♪🍦 The Moat Area in Sakai is home not only to tourist spots but also to many shops selling chilled sweets🩷 Enjoy sightseeing around the Moat Area while savoring refreshing, delicious sweets to get you through the summer♪🌻 On the feature page, we introduce Moat Area sweet shops and a short model course that visits sweets shops and tourist spots.✨ ・Kanbukuro ・Saryo Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo ・Rosier ・SAKAINOMA Cafe Kuma ・D..labo ・Baked Goods & Gelato BLUE KETTLE ・Cafe Lapin ・Tenjin Mochi ・Sorori ・Maruichi Confectionery ・Asahido Confectionery

🎆Yukata Night on Sunday, August 10th🎆 🔥Log‑sawing Race🔥 [Men's Division · Women's Division] 🏆1st Prize: 20,000 yen voucher for a stay at Tokachigawa Onsen! 🥈2nd Prize: 10,000 yen meal voucher 🥉3rd Prize: 5,000 yen meal voucher 🎁Participation Prize: Bath additive (Bathclin)✨ 🪓Entry Fee: 500 yen 🕒Registration: from 15:00 (18 men and 18 women per division, first come first served) 📍Registration Desk: Festival Headquarters Join the log‑sawing race and win fantastic prizes to make summer memories!👘🔥 We look forward to your participation!!

Photographed 8/1/25. After prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Chillax soda peach and peach & milk cake. 🍑

Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭 This is the [Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭] Held in in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. Lively atmosphere envelops Kumagaya, the hottest place in No.1 in Japan, for three days on July 20, 21, and 22 every year. In particular, the large procession on the last day was and powerful. Summer in Japan is all about 🫡 festivals

Yorii Tamayodo Water Tengu Festival Fireworks Festival 🎆 This is a fireworks festival held in every year in Yorii Town, Saitama Prefecture. The Mikoshi of each town floats on the river and creates 🤤 a summer atmosphere

Water Jingu Shrine 3-10-24 Hirose, ShimaHonmachi, Mishima-gun, Osaka The Water of this Water Nose Jingu Shrine is said to be the Water of the Imperial Palace, and you can drink it. Most spring water needs to be boiled, but here it seems that boiling is not necessary. And it's free! It is the only one in Osaka that has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Waters", This is quite delicious. Special visit to Water Jingu Shrine Cultural Properties A fusion of wind, light, and cultural properties Date & Time: July 26 (Sat) ~ August 31 (Sun) 18:30~21:00 *Held in only on weekends and holidays Entrance Fees 500 yen (special admission / 1 person) * Light rain cancellation Cancelled due to stormy weather Check it out on Instagram.

Swallowtail butterflies. Meals with flower nectar. Fujimino, Saitama Prefecture