Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Prayer Festival. It is the Gokoku Shrine in the morning.

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. This is Kawagoe Imo Lottery. 🍠

When I visited a wooden joinery in Oita Prefecture, I received a kumiko set. Kumiko can be incorporated without using a single nail. It has existed since the Asuka period and is said to be used in shrine architecture. I'm just amazed at Japan's technology (laughs).

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

When it comes to introducing a country and its vibrant culture to newcomers at the airport, making thoughtful choices about what to showcase is essential because first impressions matter. During my recent trip, I stumbled upon Edo-koji, a charming Edo Market Place in the international terminal at Haneda Airport. The area is adorned with quaint, wooden shops that evoke the spirit of an Edo-era village, complete with a small stage that occasionally features captivating cultural displays. On this visit, I was drawn to a stunning pair of two-folded byōbu (folding screens) featuring an enchanting painting of the Wind God and Thunder God. This remarkable piece, crafted by the renowned Rinpa artist Ogata Kōrin, is a replica of an exquisite work by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, illustrating Raijin, the tempestuous god of lightning and storms, alongside Fūjin, the gentle god of wind. Honestly, what could be cooler than this? It’s a perfect representation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage right at the heart of the airport!

I went to Zen Rinji Temple (Eikando) in Kyoto. This is one of the pictures I took because I thought that the spiral staircase called Uryu Corridor, the trees growing next to it, and the shadows reflected on the stairs would be a picture.

The view from a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture. The view at the end of more than 1,000 steps was spectacular. It was a very quiet and quaint place.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Epoch Festival.

📣 Limited to March 5th! Sumo wrestling and Shinto 🏯💪 at Otori Taisha Visiting the site of the morning sumo wrestling practice in the Arashi room held at Otori Taisha Shrine and a special lecture by Shinto priests "Shinto and Sumo" A valuable experience plan is now available! ✨ 👀 This is a chance to Visiting the site the powerful practice of the wrestlers up close, just like the real thing! In addition, by learning about the deep relationship between Shinto and sumo, there is also a set 🎤 of lectures that will make watching sumo wrestling more enjoyable 🗓️ Held in: Wednesday, March 5 💰 Fee: 5,500 yen (about 3 and a half hours) 📬 Application deadline: 1 week before the Implementation date ✨ Participants will also receive a souvenir of the Otori Taisha Shrine and the Arashi Room! 🔍 For more information and to apply, please check the "Experience Tour Plan" from the URL of your profile

Autumn Festival in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The world of Shuji Terayama.

Photographed 2/3/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 2/3/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 2/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Setsubun on the Snowy Day In Japan, it is customary to sow beans the day before the Spring (seasonal milestones There are Do you know why beans are used in the first place? It is said to be derived from the word "mame", which destroys demons Since ancient times, various rituals have been performed to drive away demons, which are considered to be a general term for bad things One of them is this "mamemaki (bean throwing)" Hit the "Mame", which is the eye of the demon, with beans to make it "Mame" At first glance, it looks like a play on words, but Japan have believed that words have a spirit inn words Therefore, this custom is part of Japan culture, and it is a snowy day Setsubun In Japan, it is customary to sow beans the day before the Spring (seasonal milestones There are Do you know why beans are used in the first place? It is said to be derived from the word "mame", which destroys demons Since ancient times, various rituals have been performed to drive away demons, which are considered to be a general term for bad things One of them is this "mamemaki (bean throwing)" Hit the "Mame", which is the eye of the demon, with beans to make it "Mame" At first glance, it looks like a play on words, but Japan have believed that words have a spirit inn words Therefore, this custom has taken root in Japan culture

Photographed 1/27/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 1/27/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 1/27/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

An abandoned company in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, which I visited last summer. Komainu is written by Kazuhei Kobayashi. It is a world where the Great Devil is likely to appear.

[February 2nd Setsubun Festival] 2025 On Sunday, February 2, the Setsubun Festival was held at Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (guests [Sekitorishu] Takadagawa Oyakata, Ryurai, Shonan Noumi, Teru [rakugo artist] Sanyutei Yukichi), and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. Unfortunately, it was raining in the morning, and it was cold with snow falling at Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, but it was crowded with many Worshippers. At the annual mamemaki (bean throwing), everyone shouted "Fortune is inside, demons are outside!" and we would have been able to drive away demons and attract good fortune ✨. In addition, there was a lottery that could be exchanged for a small format, and there were times when you could win a wonderful Premiums, which was very and lively!

It is Japanese cedar shrine in Rice City, Yamagata Prefecture

In the early morning of January 1, I went to Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine Hatsumode. They were orderly and considerate of each other, so they went well without being pushed. It's the first time I've done it. A lot of choboti

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. It is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine around 7:45.

Photographed 1/30/25. The October cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hachimangu were in full bloom. 🌸

Photographed 1/10/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 4, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Chowa Town Wada Dōsōjin along Nakasendo Along the Nakasendo Road in the Wada area, you can see 😊 several Dōsōjin Are they children who enjoy lion dances? A very cute look 🥰💕

Photographed 1/21/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 1/24/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 1/21/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.