Photographed 8/21/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of the north approach to the temple of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Fukuoka Prefecture may not be on the typical tourist route, but it harbors countless hidden gems, and Nanzoin Temple is undeniably one of the most noteworthy. It claims to house the world's largest bronze reclining Buddha statue, which exudes tranquility under the vast blue sky. Despite visiting numerous places, it holds a special place in my heart, infusing me with positivity and making it one of my favorite summer destinations.

Photographed 8/21/24. It is the glowing river of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🌌

August 15, 2024 Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks On this day, Suwa City held its major event, the Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks. Despite the emergency Nankai Trough earthquake bulletin warning of a major quake, the event went ahead thanks to the many precautions taken by the Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee. This fireworks festival began on August 15, 1949, when citizens, amid the postwar confusion, wanted to hold a summer evening fireworks display at Lake Suwa to bring hope and help the city recover as quickly as possible. This year marks the 76th edition. It is a very historic fireworks festival. 🎇 At Suwa, the fireworks are launched from an island called Hatsu-shima, and the show is a true lake display. Because Lake Suwa sits at the center of the Suwa Basin and is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the sound of the bursting fireworks echoes off the lake and surrounding peaks, turning the landscape into a gigantic natural speaker that vibrates to your very core. The result is an overwhelmingly powerful fireworks experience. This is a rare geographic setting for a fireworks festival. The event website even describes the sound as “Don! Zun! Ban!” and that onomatopoeia is the most accurate description. A local Lake Suwa fireworks quirk is that when a very large firework explodes, the volume and shock often trigger car security buzzers. Locals just laugh and say, “Again, huh?” On the day, it rained twice in the afternoon, but the rain stopped before the opening and we enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. Before guests left, many gave us warm words like “Thank you!” and “Good job!”—those kind messages blew away the day’s fatigue. Thank you very much! We look forward to seeing you next year, so please come and join us!!! ※ Filming assistance: Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee August 15, 2024 At Lake Suwa 76th Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival!!! This fireworks festival began in 1949. After World War II, many Japanese people were worn out by the war and needed hope and a way to recover. The festival started for that reason and has been held since 1949. This year was the 76th. How amazing it is!!! Recently, however, we received Nankai Trough earthquake warnings, so we had to be extremely careful about safety. Our fireworks are launched from the lake. The unique feature of Lake Suwa is that the lake is surrounded by mountains. That is the key. Because of this, the sound of the fireworks is exceptionally loud—you feel it in your whole body. If you compare fireworks of the same size at Lake Suwa and elsewhere, you will say the Lake Suwa fireworks are much louder. I promise!!! The surrounding landscape acts like a huge speaker, so you can both hear and feel the sound intensely. This phenomenon is unique to Lake Suwa and is truly exceptional. The morning was sunny, but it rained twice in the afternoon. Just before the festival, the weather cleared and we were able to hold a wonderful event. Thank you so much!!! There are no same-day tickets, so please buy advance tickets online before coming to Suwa next year. We will be waiting for you!!!

Roux Impulse soaring in the summer sky was cool.

Photographed 8/21/24. It is the glowing river of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🌌

Futamigaura is renowned for the two "wedded rocks" that protrude from the sea, symbolizing conjugal bliss. It offers a beautiful setting for a relaxed coastal outing. At Sakurai Futamigaura, a picturesque shoreline location, the white torii of a nearby shrine frames the wedded rocks. On the summer solstice, the sun sets right in the middle of the Sakurai Futamigaura wedded rocks, creating an unforgettable sight. One thing I must not miss at this incredibly romantic place is capturing a photo of my beloved wife in the frame.

Today, on my way home from work, I Prayer the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a glowing river. 🌌

In front of a lovely Garden Baba and grandson

Photographed 8/19/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine and yo-yo omikuji. I love this scenery.

Photographed 8/19/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

In Fukuoka, there are more than 100 food stalls, also known as yatai. The delightful aromas of hotpot, gyoza dumplings, yakitori, tempura, and more waft from these casual stalls. Despite our summer visit, the warm weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the food enthusiasts, and the warmth of heartfelt welcome from the stall owners truly touched anyone's heart.

Photographed 8/19/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a wind chime with a cute name called Koiro.

After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE Mr./Ms.. Lemonade and banana Basque cheesecake. It is very tasty. I was able to relax. Thank you. 😊

Atami Marine Fireworks Festival, a Specialties of Atami, is Held in more than 10 times not only in summer but also throughout the year I have been there many times so far, but this time I tried to intertwine it with Atami Castle. There are many ways to enjoy the fireworks here, such as from the Ocean, from the Coast, or from the top of the Hilltop.

Taiboji Jizo Bon Festival At 16:50, the “Hyakumanben Nembutsu Juzu-kuri Service,” in which everyone takes turns turning a rosary that can reach 20 meters long while offering their personal wishes, will be held. At the Jizo Bon event hosted by ISEHARA FREAKS, enjoy food stalls and a stage as everyone comes together to celebrate! Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 3:00 PM–8:30 PM Venue: Jodo Sect Senjuyama Taiboji A 7-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit

Today, we Prayer the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is a "cloud on the ground" that appears irregularly. When the wind blows, it goes all the way to the top.

【Lantern Festival】Shirane Iino District The Festival "Lantern Festival", which has been passed down from ancient times in the Iino area, was held in yesterday. At 6 p.m., the lanterns erected in each district will be lit! Go through the many lanterns lit on the approach to the temple and pray at Wakamiya Shrine. Towards the end of the festival, fireworks was rising Gari and the enthusiasm and envy of the people made me feel a little lonely at the end of summer.

Mountain Isehara Market is on! Light rain or shine (canceled in severe weather) A stage showcase stands in the center of the General Sports Park venue Food tents, food trucks, and local vegetables for sale will be available A feast of tasty fun awaits! Sunday, August 25, 2024, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa ● Access by train and bus Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit boarding bay 3, bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I34 or I36, get off at General Sports Park ▪ If you take routes I31 or I37, get off at General Sports Park Entrance and walk 5 minutes ※ Walking from Isehara Station takes about 45 minutes ● Access by car ▪ About 30 minutes from Atsugi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway ▪ About 8 minutes from Isehara-Oyama Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway ※ Congestion is expected, so please use public transportation For details and inquiries, see the flyer. Loads of delicious food! Summer vacation is in its second half—enjoy Isehara to the fullest and ride out the hot summer!!

Photographed 8/15/24. CAFE ANDON Mr./Ms.'s iced coffee and peach Shortcake. 🍑 I look forward to it every time. 😊

It's far from the sky above the Kiso River, but it can't be helped. It's a super cut-out ✂. Shot on Mavic 3 JAPAN Mie 2024/7 * Flight over the Kiso River has been confirmed. * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Photographed 8/15/24. This is CAFE ANDON Mr./Ms.'s Andon Chicken Curry. The plate has turned into a square ⬜️. I like it very much. 😊

Photographed 8/15/24. It is a Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Mr./Ms. Shine Pine Frapecino and Earl Grey Milk Cream Donuts. 🍍🍩

Photographed 8/15/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a wind chime with a red thread.

Awaji Island, Hyogo I went to see sea fireflies for the first time during summer Vacation. 😯 Impression

Saturday, August 17 — National Mountain-Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣🔥 Here’s another fishing tournament story 💪 Today the National Mountain-Stream Fishing Tournament took place on the Mikasokawa tributary of the Gokase River 🤩 This was the second time, following last year 👏 About 70 children and around 100 adults gathered at Mikasokawa — a great turnout 😚 Like at the Kuraoka fishing tournament, I was reminded that fishing is an activity for all ages and genders. So many people were enjoying themselves — it was wonderful 😳✨ This time the children also had a fish-catching event where they grabbed fish by hand 😆 Surprisingly, eels were mixed in, so both kids and the adults watching were fired up 🔥🔥🔥 The vibe was “Bring one back for sure!” 🤣 haha After the excitement there was weighing and an awards ceremony 🏆✨ There were awards for highest total catch from 1st to 3rd place, plus a separate big-fish prize 🙌 The 1st-place total-catch winner landed 4.16 kg of fish 🎉👏 That’s a bit more than two 2-liter PET bottles worth of fish 😲‼ Amazing 👏 Congratulations to the champion 😆💕 The big-fish prize went to a second-year junior high student who caught a hefty 34 cm fish and placed admirably 🤩 Where could such a big fish have been hiding?! Congratulations 🥳👏 The raffle afterward featured a row of luxurious prizes 🫢 With kids and adults smiling, the fishing tournament wrapped up 🙌 Now that Obon and the fishing tournament are over, the weather is slowly starting to cool… When it’s hot you want summer to end quickly, but once you sense its end you feel a bit wistful 😌 Let’s stay well and keep going strong despite Obon fatigue and the heat 🕺✨

Western dinner courses are back! Limited to 15 meals a day [Western dinner course] Enjoy ♪ the chef's special dishes using plenty of seasonal ingredients 〈Menu〉 ・Caesar salad with romaine lettuce and Spain ham ・Natural Anago (sea eel) pancetta roll with warm potato salad ・ Seafood with the scent of the seashore Spaghetti pescatore ・ Poiret of Hokkaido beef fillet covered with green onions Tasmanian mustard accent ・Today's Fun Dessert Wagon 　　Lemon Lime Sorbet 　　Rare cheesecake with blue honeysuckle sauce 　　Mango Pudding 　　Shortcake with chocolate and mint 　　Seasonal fruit tarts The menu will be available until the end of August! Please enjoy it 🤤 Reservations and details 📞011-222-1522 Or on the hotel's ✨ website

Photographed 8/10/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of the north approach to the temple of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Norikura Highlands Maime no Pond 2020.08.14 It's only 5 minutes from the parking lot, but it's a bear habitat Thereare bear-repellent sticks on the shore of the pond that make sounds. In 2020, there was not much water, but I was able to take a reflection. The stream stars were also captured, making it a great night.

Photographed 8/15/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chimes on the veranda had changed to the color of love.