On a summer day with light rain continuing, Kobe Meriken Park was a sight to behold. The fine rain fell and stopped intermittently, and the raindrops resting on the white petals that had fallen due to the wind were beautiful.

I love my hometown so much✨️ I want you to know its charm.

The "2026 Artisan Summer Asparagus Fair" starts on Tuesday, July 21! This year, 26 restaurants will participate!! Using the summer bounty of Engaru Town, "Engaru Nyokki-zu Summer Asparagus," participating restaurants will offer original dishes created with creativity and ingenuity at the "Asparagus Fair." This year, 26 restaurants are participating. Be sure to enjoy the original dishes at many establishments. When you order asparagus dishes, there will be special benefits at each restaurant, and you also have a chance to win "1 kg of Summer Asparagus" or "common meal vouchers for participating restaurants" for 30 lucky winners through a lottery! The event will be held from Tuesday, July 21, to Thursday, August 13! 🎶

Visiting Ichinomiya-ji in Kagawa Prefecture during the summer, aside from the usual pilgrimage, what I look forward to the most is the traditional summer event, the "Cucumber Blessing." As I step into the quaint temple, the first thing that catches my eye is the neatly arranged boxes of vibrant green cucumbers. Each cucumber is tied with a wish paper bearing the names and ailments of the devotees, creating a scene that is both novel and filled with a sense of sacred ritual. People firmly believe that through the master's spiritual power, they can temporarily entrust their internal pains and misfortunes to the cucumbers. Standing in front of the master's hall, I watch the devotees earnestly writing their wishes, with the rising incense and the deep, resonant chanting filling the air, even the summer cicadas seem to quiet down in this moment. The serene energy makes one naturally calm, and I silently pray for health and peace for myself and my family with my hands together. After the ceremony, these cucumbers, which carry the ailments of many, will remain at the temple, where they will be collectively buried in the Cucumber Mound. As the cucumbers naturally decay in the soil, the tormenting pains and misfortunes will also fade away into the earth. This seemingly simple tradition is wrapped in the most sincere and profound hopes of people for their health. For me, the Cucumber Blessing at Ichinomiya-ji is not just a special travel experience; it is a summer memory intertwined with the warm humanity and ancient beliefs of Shikoku.

Taken on July 1, 2024. These are the enmusubi wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🎐

In Memuro Town, at Memuro Shrine, during the summer, it is beautifully decorated with flower water offerings, wind chimes, and pinwheels. Recently, there was a fireworks festival, and it was said to be illuminated as well.

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try! <Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!> 1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease! 2. Forest Adventure Nagano Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake! Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨ With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely! 3. Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site. 【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) #Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2026. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features a summer prayer water offering for love.

When it comes to summer in Japan, it's all about sweet and cold wagashi (Japanese sweets). Enjoying sweetened beans set in jelly or agar while wearing a yukata is a delightful summer tradition for young girls. The photo features a summer limited menu from Kanou Shoujuan, which has branches nationwide but is rooted in its local area.

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the summer prayer water for love at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌻🏮

(2026-07-11) Night View of Light Trails on Mount Fuji Climbing Path One of Life's Unfinished Shots Photography of Light Trails on Mount Fuji Climbing Path This time, I took on the challenge At Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Park, I struggled surrounded by fog Just around 2:00, as we were starting to pack up, I thought, "Wait? I can see it" So we changed locations and resumed shooting. I managed to capture something :)

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the chawa (ring of reeds) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Shiraito Falls in Karuizawa offers a stunning view, with water flowing like white threads, bringing a sense of calm just by watching it. It's a wonderful memory where I could relax in the cool air, and I would love to visit again.

Taken on July 2, 26. This is the pudding and black latte from LEC COFFEE.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I captured the image of a girl quietly gazing at a small stream enveloped in soft light on a summer night. The scenery created by the shrine, which has watched over people's prayers for centuries, and the fantastical lights swaying by the waterside represents a beautiful summer landscape unique to Japan. I felt that the time spent in tranquility, allowing the heart to be clear, is also an important charm of the Japanese summer.

The Gion Festival, passed down in Okegawa City, Saitama Prefecture. The photo captures a girl savoring a fruit candy chosen from a stall amidst the sounds of festival music. Dressed in a yukata, she walks with her family through the festival, and the moments of excitement in front of the stalls create summer memories in Japan that transcend generations. It encapsulates the warmth of the festival that the local people have continued to protect and the innocent joy of children.

Hokuto Pro Wrestling The matches of Hokuto Pro Wrestling will be held in Nishiokoppe Village again this year!! There's no doubt it will make the summer even hotter. Monday, July 27 Doors open at 18:00 / Matches start at 19:00 At Nishiokoppe Village Community & Sports Hall (📍It's an indoor sports facility behind Secoma) Adults (high school students and above): Advance tickets 2,000 yen / At the door 2,500 yen Elementary and junior high school students: Free *Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian. 🍺🍖🍺🍧🍺 Food and drinks will be available at the venue!! (Grilled chicken, miso curry oden, shaved ice, beer, other alcoholic beverages, soft drinks) Miso curry oden will be available From 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, even for those who are not watching wrestling! *After the doors open, only ticket holders can purchase oden *One egg will be complimentary with each ticket🥚 🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫 Tickets are on sale now! For inquiries, please contact 090-8631-0781 (Kikugawa). It seems there will also be a time for kids vs. wrestlers! We look forward to your attendance. This project is supported by the Nishiokoppe Village Beautiful and Livable Vitality Village Development Subsidy. #Hokuto Pro Wrestling #Match #Hokuto Wind #Crane Mask

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. Their popular pudding is firm and very delicious. 🍮

Why are the blue leaves in summer so beautiful?

This is a photo from the local fireworks festival two years ago. I invited my friends, and we went as a group of four. Since then, I haven't gone to see fireworks for a while, but occasionally I look at this photo and feel like I want to go see fireworks again, haha.

Taken on July 2, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our theme is "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

Summer in Kyoto Can Be Intense – Take a Break and Enjoy Traditional Japanese Play at AriHana Kyoto Kyoto’s rainy season has already ended, and the city is now experiencing very hot summer days. July is also the season of the famous Gion Festival, one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer events. As the festival begins and the Yoiyama evenings start from July 14, the city becomes even more lively and crowded with visitors. When families visit Kyoto in summer, we often hear comments like, “It’s much hotter than we expected,” or “Everywhere is crowded. Is there a quieter place where we can relax with children?” We truly understand how challenging summer sightseeing in Kyoto can be, especially for families traveling with young children. That is one of the reasons we opened AriHana Kyoto. AriHana Kyoto is an indoor family-friendly space where children and parents can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese play together. Families from many different countries have visited us and spent time playing freely, discovering Japanese culture through simple, nostalgic games. Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as kendama, daruma otoshi, karuta, and more in a calm and comfortable tatami room. Children can play, parents can sit back and relax, and families can spend unhurried time together away from the summer heat and crowds. If you are looking for a quiet indoor place to rest and create special family memories during your Kyoto trip, we would be delighted to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto. Why not add a different kind of Kyoto memory to your journey this summer?

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will host the 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and the collaborative exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" starting Saturday, July 18th. This collaborative exhibition involves the Tsuruga Municipal Museum, Takefu Public Hall Memorial Museum, and Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum, and it highlights the major renovations of Kuniyoshi Castle by Kimura Hitachinosuke Sadamitsu, a direct vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as the establishment of the castle town of Sagaki, in relation to the broadcast of the historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" 2023 Summer Special Exhibition and Collaborative Exhibition "Toyotomi Government and Sagaki – Kuniyoshi Castle and the Castle Town" Duration: July 18, 2023 (Saturday) to October 12, 2023 (Monday, public holiday) Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (April to November) 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December to March) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if a holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (junior high school students and below) *Group discount for 20 or more people.

Since today is a day off, I strolled from Kawagoe to Omiya. I relaxed at the Hikawa Satei in Omiya Hikawa Shrine. This is "Tsukikage Hotaru," inspired by Tanabata. 🎋🌌

Hello😊, this is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom🍷. The temperature is rising, and we are experiencing hot days that make us forget about the rainy season☀️. How is everyone doing? When we think of Shosenkyo, we naturally think of Senga Falls✨. The area near the waterfall is refreshingly cool, making it a perfect healing spot for the hot season🌿. Why not spend some relaxing time enjoying the beautiful scenery, pleasant sounds of water, and negative ions?😊 In the garden of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom, the lavender is in full bloom🪻. The gentle fragrance and the purple flowers swaying in the wind create a unique seasonal landscape✨. When you visit Shosenkyo, please make sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom as well😊. Additionally, sparkling wine is highly recommended for the hot season🍾✨. Its refreshing bubbles and crisp flavor make it the perfect choice for summer, helping you forget the heat. We have several types of sparkling wine available in-store, so please find your favorite and enjoy a refreshing moment🍷🌿. All of us are looking forward to your visit😊.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for July📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in July!♪ This month, following the "Beauty and Healing Detour Marche" on Saturday, July 11th (at Reihoku Town Community Center Gymnasium), the marche will be held consecutively! (There will also be the Jatto Festival & Peiron Tournament on July 18th and 19th!) 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣At the "Reihoku Sunset Marche," local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes will be available for sale. This time, in addition to the "Ama-kusa Bankan" and small onions available for bulk purchase, you can also experience a veggie check to see how much vegetables you consume regularly! We look forward to your visit! 😊 Don't forget to bring your shopping bag! 🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Ama-kusa Bankan (bulk purchase) ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes (various) ・Pumpkin ・Water Spinach ・Chiffon Cake ・Small Onions (bulk purchase) ・Tsurumurasaki ・Mini Tomatoes 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, July 12th, from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)