Today, after renewing my license, I took a walk in Kawagoe. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It is an autumn specification. 🍁

Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market (canceled in case of rain) Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM Venue: On the grounds of Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara A wide selection of antiques that captivate collectors will be on display. You might find a thrilling discovery or a real bargain! Enjoy lively performances of taiko drumming, food trucks, and a free plant giveaway of flower seedlings from 11:00 AM for the first 100 visitors (one pot per person), among other attractions! Contact: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 0463-95-3237

Visited on 9/21/24. LEC COFFEE's original chai and coffee jelly. available always. 😊

Summer in Japan never lets you down, although it's humid. The lush green nature, the sound of cicadas and wind chimes, light breeze, beautiful sunsets, and peaceful life make summer here calm and soulful. Photo taken in koishikawa korakuene

Isehara Flower Report: Higanbana in Hinata – September 24, 2024 This year’s bloom was delayed by the extreme heat, and flowering now varies by location. Depending on temperatures, they may all burst into bloom at once. Hinata Yakushi is currently largely not in bloom. Around Arouzu, many buds remain, so you should be able to enjoy them for a while. Near the Hinata Yakushi bus stop, some areas are in full bloom and look lovely (with some salvia as well), and many visitors with cameras have been coming. Parking lots may be crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing proper manners. Please make use of the Hinata Higanbana guide map found inside the can by the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi bus stop parking area and in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00). ※ The shaded path is currently impassable due to typhoon damage. ※ Bus services are limited, so please check schedules in advance. ※ We appreciate your donations to the Higanbana fund.

50th Isehara Commerce and Industry Festival / 18th ISEHARA Sole The 50th Commerce and Industry Festival and the 18th ISEHARA Sole bring performers and audiences together in a celebration of dance across many genres. Held at the same time as Isehara’s biggest event, the 57th Isehara Tourism Dōkan Festival, on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, the area around Isehara Station promises even more excitement! Venue: Around Odakyu Line Isehara Station Contact: Isehara Chamber of Commerce and Industry TEL: 0463-95-3233

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

This is the Asakusa Samba Carnival held near Sensō-ji Temple, one of the famous samba carnival of Japan. It was really a beautiful experience. Very lively enjoyable performances.

September 23 (Mon) Red spider lilies announcing the start of autumn 🍁 Hello everyone 🤗! Gokase Town had an intense thunderstorm yesterday ⛈️, and today dawned bright and clear with a refreshing breeze 😌☀️! The atmosphere has completely shifted to autumn 🍁 — it feels so pleasant… ✨ Along the roadside in Gokase Town, as autumn approaches, you can sometimes spot striking red flowers 👀 — red spider lilies ☺️💡 So today I photographed the red spider lilies blooming near Yuuhi-no-Sato Ohashi bridge in the Kuwanochi area 📸💫 As their name suggests, red spider lilies reach their peak around the equinoctial week and are known as flowers that announce the start of autumn; they are also called lycoris or manjusha-ge 🤔 Their vivid red color and distinctive shape really catch the eye 👏 When I was shooting, various swallowtail butterflies swirled around them, creating an incredibly beautiful scene 🥹✨ Because their bulbs are poisonous, people have long planted them around rice paddies, fields, and graves to deter moles, so they carry a traditional Japanese charm that stirs nostalgic feelings when you look at them 😌… Spring and autumn especially bring out the beauty of plants — they are wonderful seasons 🍁. Let’s continue enjoying Japan’s four seasons 🤩✨

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It's an autumnal color.

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine and yo-yo omikuji. On the left is the miraculous rice plant Isehikari. I put them all in.

Photographed 9/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu approach to the temple. 🌻

[Hinata Spider Lilies Notice: Temporary Tourist Information Desk Closed Today, 9/22] 2024.9.22 Due to weather conditions, the temporary tourist information desk run by volunteers in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Area will be closed today, Sunday, September 22. Please feel free to take a copy of the Hinata spider lily guide, which is placed by the toilet entrance in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Area and inside a can in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center. While parts of the Hyuga area are reaching peak bloom, please watch your step carefully and enjoy the flowers responsibly within your physical limits.

Visited on 9/15/24. It is a rice set (+ fried chicken) from Tomori Shokudo. The miso soup and side dishes with many vegetables are also delicious. It is a set meal with a good nutritional balance. 😊

Visited on 9/15/24. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, we went to the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It was a Sunday, so it was crowded. It is a pumpkin spice latte and Mont Blanc with chestnuts and roasted green tea. 🎃🌰

CAMP at Kijiya on Wednesday, September 18th⛺ I tried a CAMP experience at Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya🔥 We planned to start while it was still light, but the sun set early and we began at dusk🌆 Still, we had a lively barbecue with everyone while watching the sunset from Kijiya on the hilltop🥩 The autumn night breeze felt pleasant and there were fewer bugs, so this season is perfect for camping💡 Come and try camping at Kijiya—it's highly recommended✨

[Friday, September 13] Unoko Falls Today I visited the viewing platform at Unoko Falls. The waterfall had a strong flow today, and it looked impressive from the platform. Mt. Aso was clearly visible from the winery.

On October 13th, Tomakomai Tourism Ambassador and singer-songwriter Kanbayashi Manabu will hold a live performance in San Francisco, USA. He plans to perform a total of 12 songs, including English versions of “Sui Sui Sui Tomachop Water” and “Hokki no Uta.” If you live in San Francisco, please come. “The 8th Red and White Song Battle” (U.S. performance) ・Date: October 13, 2024 ・Venue: San Francisco Marin Center Showcase Theater ・Organizer: SFJ–Town New Year Kayo Festival (The image is a flyer for the farewell live concert to be held before his departure for the U.S.)

Hinata Yakushi 2024 Higan-bana Limited: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin Distribution ※Limited to 500 sheets (ends when sold out) Higan-bana Limited Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin ¥500 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the "Hinata Yakushi" bus for about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop, then a 15-minute walk via the approach to the temple ※Bus service is infrequent, so please check in advance. For details, please see the Hinata Yakushi website.

Isehara Flower Update: September 20 Gentle Hinata red spider lilies…their stems have grown and blooming has begun, and in some spots they are partially very beautiful! This morning’s view of the red spider lilies. Temporary Tourist Information Desk open at Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Lot September 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 23 (Mon, public holiday) 9:30–15:00 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “Hinata Yakushi” bus, about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop During the red spider lily season, the parking lot behind the Human Resources Development Center is specially opened and a red spider lily guide map is provided, so please make use of it. Please refrain from parking on the street. The season gets crowded, so please enjoy the flowers while observing good manners.

The 57th Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival The Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival, held in memory of the local samurai lord Dōkan Ōta, is the city’s largest event! This year’s Dōkan will be played by actor Ryohei Odai, and Masako Hōjō will be portrayed by TV personality LiLiCo, in the traditional Dōkan Ōta falconry procession and Masako Hōjō’s pilgrimage to Hinata Yakushi. The festival also features an exhibition 3x3 basketball match and a new puzzle event, “Isehara Puzzle Walking Tour: Dōkan Ōta’s Treasure,” among many other attractions. Event Dates and Times Saturday, October 5 — 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, October 6 — 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Venue: Around Odakyu Isehara Station, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Contact: 0463-94-4729 Tōkan Festival Executive Committee (Isehara City Commerce and Tourism Promotion Division)

This is an exhibition at the Kawagoe Prince Hotel in honor of the Kawagoe Festival. The Kawagoe Festival will be held on 10/19 (Sat) and 20 (Sun).

Photographed 9/19/24. Hachimangu Shrine in the Precincts of Izumo Ihabi Shrine had been changed to Tenjinjigisha. The Instagram of Izumo Ihabi Shrine was also opened.

Hello, this is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. Although it’s past mid-September, the hot days continue. How are you doing? At Shosenkyo, you can still feel the heat, but a refreshing autumn breeze is beginning to arrive, and it lifts the spirits. The iconic Kakuen Peak of Shosenkyo stands out brilliantly against the blue sky. You might know lapis lazuli and sapphire as September birthstones… But actually, kunzite is also a September birthstone! Its gentle, pale pink hue soothes you just by looking at it. The gemstone’s meanings are “love, peace, motherhood,” a compassionate stone that shelters and protects with inner strength. Many other natural stones stand in neat rows as well. Please take your time strolling and enjoy touching the stones. All our staff sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

I ran errands and Town Town hall Mt. Moro, and Prayer the Izumo Ihahi Shrine yellowtail a long time. This year, I'm going to try to Prayer Yabusame Festival as well. 🐎

Photographed 9/15/24. This is Yatagarasu-sama of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Photographed 9/15/24. Prayer at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It is a circle of nagi using the nagi of the sacred tree of Kumano. It is the same as the circle of Kaya no Rinokuguri and cleanses impurities. Benefit is said to be good luck, protection from disaster, and peace and safety.

On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Tokoro Terrace in Shiga Akanuma, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture. This stylish spot, known in Suwa for selling kanten, also houses a cafe and dining area.☕ Tokoro Terrace promotes making kanten part of everyday life with the motto “bringing kanten closer to you.” The person who introduced the shop that day was manager Kurane. Next to the shop and cafe is a factory specializing in tokoroten, so the tokoroten served here comes fresh from the adjacent factory!!! I dislike vinegar-and-soy dressing, and since I learned about kuromitsu I’ve been hooked♪ It’s virtually zero calories (excluding the kuromitsu lol)!!! Kanten comes in many forms—block kanten (bō kanten), string kanten, and powdered kanten—and it’s a versatile ingredient you can add to rice, miso soup, or salads. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the school lunch day with mandarin orange milk kanten and used to pace around the serving area... Kanten provides dietary fiber and doesn’t overpower other ingredients, so it shines in main dishes, appetizers, and desserts alike—truly the Shohei Ohtani of the ingredient world!!! That day I found a pack of 100 sticks of kanten; some customers buy that size a few times a year!!! The quantity and enormity were astounding lol At the cafe, they use that kanten in tokoroten, cream anmitsu (their most popular item), soft serve, and even the hugely popular pudding. They serve lunch (11:00–14:00), where a salad with added kanten enhances the flavors of the main dish. The place is welcoming to men and has counter seating, so you can easily enjoy a casual cafe visit or lunch.🍴 You can also enjoy coffee made from beans by Yuhigahama Coffee of Matsumoto alongside the sweets, so try them together.☕ The entire shop is barrier-free, so customers in wheelchairs can enter with confidence. Many visitors come in three generations—grandmother, mother, and grandchild—and enjoy the cafe together. Why not consider this as a souvenir from Suwa? ◎ Tokoro Terrace 📍 1545-1 Shiga, Suwa (5-minute drive from Suwa I.C. toward Lake Suwa; parking for 40 cars) ☎ 0266-52-1056 ◎ Hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Shop hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Cafe hours: 10:00–17:00 (Lunch 11:00–14:30) ◎ Closed: Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2) ◎ Online shop available.

Isehara Flower Update: September 18 The spider lilies at Hinata are not yet in peak bloom. Some areas have already begun to bloom. A temporary tourist information desk will open at the parking area next to the Hinata Yakushi bus stop. It will operate on Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; and Monday, September 23 (a public holiday). From the north exit of Odakyu Isehara Station, take the Kanachu Bus from platform 3. Take the bus bound for Hinata Yakushi; the ride takes about 20 minutes. Get off at the final stop. ※Bus service is limited, so please check schedules in advance. If the temporary desk is not open, unmanned spider lily information maps are available at the Hinata Yakushi bus stop (parking lot restroom entrance) and at the Vocational Development Center (rear gate parking lot, 8:30–16:00). They are in a can—please take as many copies as you need.

Visited on 9/12/24. CAFE ANDON's lemonade and coffee jelly sundae. It is very tasty. 😊