○○ Hana Hasu Park ○○

In summer, about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a calm and elegant landscape.
The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and many visitors come each year for the annual Hasu Festival.
You can also enjoy lotus-based gourmet dishes and local specialties.

Address
64-41 Nakagoya, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture 919-0214

Speaking of summer flowers, "sunflower"
I went to a sunflower field in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, where sunflowers are in full bloom.
There were many people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, and they were taking pictures while enjoying the sunflowers.
I photographed the sunset and sunflowers with my favorite digital camera, Papershoot. The beauty of this camera is that it expresses light in a good Ume plum.
The point of this photo is that in order to express the Scene and the dynamics of the sunflowers being gently illuminated by the setting sunflower, the camera was taken slightly below the height of the sunflower flowers and taken from a fanning angle.

August 8, 2025
Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan

On a recent tour, we cycled out to a peach orchard🚴
Guests also enjoyed peach picking and peach shaved ice!

This year’s peaches were especially sweet and juicy compared with the past few years!
We were delighted to hear how much everyone enjoyed the shaved ice made with peaches from Toyooka Village.

Sweets are served at the local eatery Cafe & Dining en in Toyooka Village.
It features a kids’ play area, so families can relax and enjoy their time.

Tour details below
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

A mysterious, legendary pond lies tucked in the mountains, reached by a trekking course rich in nature.
Sitting at about 1,100 meters above sea level, the pond is remarkably clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it.
Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage both shine here, offering a different face each season.
The hiking path is well maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer sweeping views of the Echizen mountain range.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/

This is a view taken from the elevator of the Hotel on the afternoon of 8/8.

The weather has been dull for the past few days, but it is ☀ a good feeling to see the clear sky again
From the Hotel elevator, you can overlook the cityscape of Kushiro like this.
Be sure to take in 💭 the scenery when you arrive, go out, or leave

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!
We are the Shimanto City Tourism Association in Kochi Prefecture.
Shimanto City lies in the southwest of Kochi Prefecture, bounded to the north by mountains around 1,100 meters high and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, making it a city rich in nature.
The city was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nakamura City and Nishitosa Village, and its name comes from the Shimanto River that runs through the city. On this account, we will deliver the many charms of Shimanto City to you. We look forward to sharing them with you!

■How to access Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
About a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Kochi Ryoma Airport
About 1 hour by limited express from JR Kochi Station

■Basic information about Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
The population is about 30,000 people (as of June 2025), making it the third most populous city in Kochi Prefecture. Forests cover about 91% of the city area, and the Shimanto River, which flows through the city, stretches 196 km without dams on its main stream. Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the city’s catchphrase is “a town that lives with the river.”

■History of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
The former Nakamura area of Shimanto City is called “Tosa’s Little Kyoto.” About 550 years ago, Ichijo Norifusa moved south following the Onin War and laid out streets in a grid pattern modeled on Kyoto, and that urban design remains today. The town’s blend of culture, history, and nature creates a picturesque setting perfect for strolling.

■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges)
・There are nine chinkabashi on the main stream, including Sada Chinkabashi and Iwama Chinkabashi
Activities
・Shimanto River sightseeing boats
・Canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding)
・Shimanto river barbecue
・Cycling
History
・Ichijo Shrine
・Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine
・Shimanto City Local Museum
・Hanka Tenmangu Shrine
・Kurosongu Shrine
Food
・Shio tataki (salt-seared fish)
・Biri katsuo (local skipjack tuna specialty)
・Bushukan chu-hai (citrus shochu highball)
・Ayu (sweetfish)
・Unagi (eel)
・River shrimp
・Gori (gori fish)

■Visit Shimanto City, where nature and culture live on
Shimanto City, where vast nature and historical culture come together, is an ideal destination to refresh both body and mind.
Come and seek the landscapes and experiences you can only find here.

We will continue to share the attractions of Shimanto City, so please follow us!

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Natsumōde 2025

On this day, glutton Kasai brings you fresh, hot-off-the-press information.
Have you heard of Natsumōde? This seasonal ritual offers a chance to savor an evening that avoids the daytime heat, letting you enjoy the cool dusk air, quiet atmosphere, and the shrine’s charming summer mood. Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya is holding a Natsumōde event!!!
During the festival, the shrine will be illuminated. Shrine maidens will perform kagura, local performers will present bugaku dances, the Shimosuwa Koyō High School brass band will play, and Tsugaru shamisen performances will take place each night from 19:00. On weekends, special attractions such as festival stalls and food trucks will appear!
For details ⇒ https://shimosuwaonsen.jp/event/21644/
Goshuin collectors, take note! Limited-edition Natsumōde goshuincho and special nighttime Natsumōde goshuin will be available at Akimiya during the event. A nighttime-only “Yo-Yo Omikuji” will be offered from 18:30 to 21:00 each day, so please come and enjoy!!! Fans made of bamboo will be distributed to visitors only. They are elegant bamboo hand fans perfect for the occasion 🎶
※ This is Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, so please be careful not to confuse it with other shrines!

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Nighttime Natsumōde
◎ Period: Thursday, August 7 – Thursday, August 14, 2025
◎ Time: 18:30–21:30

◎ Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya Suwa Taisha (Shimosha Akimiya)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde inquiries)
◎ Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/


Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Nighttime Natsumōde 2025
Gluttony Kasai is here to bring you fresh, hot-off-the-press news!
Have you heard of Natsumōde?
While the slow, lingering summer heat has its own charm, Natsumōde offers a chance to avoid the midday heat and instead enjoy the cool evening air, the quiet atmosphere, and the magical scenery of the shrine at night.
This summer, Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya will once again host this special evening event.
During the festival period, the shrine grounds will be beautifully illuminated, and visitors can enjoy sacred kagura dances performed by shrine maidens, traditional bugaku court dances by local performers, music by the Shimosuwa Kōyō High School brass band, and live Tsugaru shamisen performances.
On weekends, food stalls and kitchen cars will also make a special appearance.

Special Limited Items
• Limited-edition Natsumōde Goshuincho (temple seal book)
• Nighttime Natsumōde special Goshuin (temple seal)
• “Yo-Yo Omikuji” (balloon yo-yo fortune), available 18:30–21:00 during the event
If you are a Goshuin collector, you won’t want to miss this!

Dates: August 7 (Thu) – August 14 (Thu), 2025
Time: 18:30–21:30
Venue: Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya (First Shrine of Shinano Province)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde Inquiries)
* Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/
・ Distributed to visitors only; a traditional hand fan made from bamboo, perfect for enjoying the summer evening in style 🎶
※ Please note: This event is held at Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya.

📣＼ Writer Recruitment! ／
Discover, interview, write about, and share the charms of Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture
We are recruiting members for the "Shobara Travel Editorial Team" ✍️

✅Love Shobara
✅Write at least one article per month
✅Experienced writers warmly welcomed

📌Application deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

For details and to apply, click here🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/special/special/4765

<What is the Shobara Travel Editorial Team?>
The editorial team experiences and broadly shares seasonal topics, the latest information, classic spots, popular local food, and little-known attractions.

<What will you do?>
Each member will plan, structure, research, photograph, and write articles about attractive spots, local food and sweets, events, and other aspects of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, that they find appealing.
You will also join a planning and editorial meeting about once a month to confirm future coverage and schedules and to discuss ideas like "I want to try this kind of project!" with the whole team.

[Experienced writers encouraged to apply]
We welcome applicants who can make the most of their writing experience by proactively engaging in planning, structuring, reporting and photography, and writing. From timely seasonal pieces to in-depth reads, if you are interested in creating community-focused articles that boost Shobara City, please apply!

[Beginners also welcome]
If you worry, "I have no writing experience" or "I've never planned, reported, or photographed before…", that's okay! We will discuss submitted ideas in the monthly meeting to improve them and support you as a team. Start with articles you can write at your own pace and get comfortable step by step◎

Contact
Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), Attn: Okutani
TEL 0824-75-0173
Email kanko@shobara.net
Details URL https://www.shobara-info.com/special/special/4765

[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

If you are coming by car, the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart IC is about a five-minute drive away, making access from the highway extremely convenient.
From Nagoya and Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, making day trips ideal.

You can also use the Hapiline Fukui Imadate Line stations Imadzo Station and Nanjo Station, which make rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo areas comfortable and convenient.

We also sell a one-way taxi ticket to the destination for 500 yen.

At Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi and Hapiline Imajo Station you can rent electric bicycles, so a relaxed cycling tour around Minami-Echizen Town is a popular way to sightsee.

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!

I joined the annual Lake Mashu SKY Cruise this year ✨
Even though I’m not great with rides,
I had a lot of fun taking photos📸⛰️
Why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above?
Services run until August 11, so hurry💨
https://masyuko.or.jp/news/skycruise_2025/

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

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

Here are some of the Hotel staff's favorite evening walking routes 👣
Leave the Hotel and head towards the river.
As you walk along the Quay of Fisherman's Wharf MOO, you can 👀 admire the beautiful scenery with the street lights reflected in the water
After that, if you go in the direction of Nusamai Bridge, you will see 🌉 the bridge Light up.
Gari climb the stairs to the bridge and take 📸 the best shots of the statue of the four seasons & the sea at night
In addition, the view from the opposite bank is also a little different.
Return, it is also a good idea ✨ to leave a commemorative photo with the KUSHIRO monument
Accommodation, please visit 😊 us

Taijaku Gorge
Taijaku Gorge is a canyon along the Okudake River.
Steep cliffs of welded tuff with well-developed columnar jointing rise on both sides.
The cliffs reach heights of up to 70 meters.
Rocks on the valley floor are exposed from volcanic activity about 15 million years ago.
Because the Okudake River originates in the rich natural forests of the Sobo–Katamuki mountain range, the gorge is a clear, blue ravine.
[Location] Obara and Taijaku, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture

Access to central Bungoono City
About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture
About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture
About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture
About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture
■■■■■■■■■■■■

Hello! This is the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Hall. 😃Lately the heat has been getting even more intense. 💦 In Hyogo Prefecture, the temperature reportedly rose to a record 41.2°C the other day… Everyone, don’t forget to drink water frequently and take good care to avoid heatstroke!

Now, many people seek cool relief in Shosenkyo Gorge as a summer retreat during this scorching weather. The famous attraction there is Senga Falls. You can view the falls from above, and if you descend the steps a powerful cascade unfolds right before you. Enjoy the cool air and the rich natural surroundings. See it with your own eyes, not just in photos!

In the garden of the Wine Kingdom Main Hall, many plants are in full bloom. Those plants attract various insects that come to visit. Experience the breath of nature at Shosenkyo Gorge. 👍

Glutton Kuishinbo — Special Edition: Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture

City dwellers, why not soothe your eyes and soul with Shinshu’s clear rivers and air, towering mountains, and lush green forests?
In the second special edition of Glutton Kuishinbo Kasai, I visited Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. I went to Kannon Bridge over the Takase River that runs through Omachi City!
Actually, I accompanied my younger son to his baseball game at the ballpark next door, and this spot with its incredible scenery caught my eye‼️ Even as a native of Nagano, I was stunned by this view.

According to Google, “In particular, the water of the Takase Gorge sometimes appears emerald green due to the mixing of fine particles from weathered granite and colloidal sulfur particles.” It’s an amazingly beautiful color, isn’t it❗️
Please come to Nagano Prefecture and let yourself be healed by this place🎐


◎ Kannon Bridge, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
📍 Tokiwa, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture



Are you tired from so many jobs? You need rest, healing, or just to chill. In this second special edition of Kuishinbo Kasai, I had the pleasure of visiting Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. This is Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. There is abundant nature, beautiful rivers, and mountains.
I went to my boy’s baseball game in Omachi City. The Takase River and Kannon Bridge were next to the ballpark. I was born in Nagano and have known its nature since childhood. Still, the sight before me was unbelievably beautiful…
I asked Mr. Google. It says, “In particular, the water of the Takase Gorge sometimes appears emerald green due to the presence of fine particles from weathered granite and colloidal sulfur particles.”
We warmly invite you to Nagano Prefecture — come and experience its soothing, restorative charm for yourself.


◎ Kannon Bridge, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
📍 Tokiwa, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture

Summer has arrived 🌻

Last week Gokasecho saw many rainy and cloudy days, but this week the weather has been pure summer ✨ with the sun dazzling every day 😎

I drove out to Shirataki to look for a bit of cool air 🚗
Just watching the water fall from a drop of about 20 meters felt refreshing 😊

Along the way there was a sunflower field in full bloom 🌻
It was a spot I’d never known about before, so I felt like I’d discovered a great treat 🎵

People often picture Miyazaki Prefecture as hot, but Gokasecho sits surrounded by high mountains ⛰
Because of that, average summer temperatures are a few degrees lower than other parts of the prefecture, and mornings and evenings can be chilly enough to need a light blanket. Many nights you can sleep soundly without air conditioning 😉 (Last night was actually quite cool and I slept under a blanket 😅)
Escape the summer heat and come refresh your body and mind in Gokase this summer ✨

📸✨[Ajisai Festival Instagram Photo Contest Results Announced!]✨📸
Thank you for all your entries!
We have finally selected 31 prizewinning works🎊
From the many impressive submissions, here are a few highlights💐✨

All winning entries are now posted on the Shimoda City Tourism Association website!
Please take a look👇🔗
(The winning works are listed at the bottom of the page.
Scroll to the end to check them out🙇‍♀️)
https://www.shimoda-city.info/ajisaiphoto

Hello. I'm Minamoto ☺️ The hot days continue, but Shosenkyo Gorge feels cool with its abundant greenery. It's a great season to soothe yourself with forest bathing while listening to birdsong and enjoying the green 🌳🍃.

As the babble of the mountain stream and the powerful rush of Senga Falls fill the air, walk the well-maintained path that threads between the rocks and feel the strength and gentleness of nature all around you.
Enjoy the thrill of passing beneath a large overhanging rock face and the beauty of the greenery reflected on the water ✨

The entire Shosenkyo area is a power spot that cleanses the mind and body ♪
After your walk, please enjoy shopping and dining in the Takiue Area, the Crystal Road. 😊

All our staff look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

July 25, 2025
Pothole Tour

Although the weather threatened to cancel the event, a clear blue sky appeared by the time the tour began.

The sight of children repeatedly diving into the sunlit, sparkling plunge pool was especially memorable.

We would be very happy if this became a wonderful summer memory for your family.
Thank you very much for joining us.

✴︎About the Pothole Tour✴︎
This plan takes you deep into Toyooka Village to enjoy stream hiking and river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.
A guide with professional outdoor first-aid qualifications will support your experience.

The tour is scheduled to run through early September. We are still accepting reservations, so please feel free to contact us.
You can find tour details on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

July 25 — Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival 🎆
Thank you for attending the first fireworks festival of this summer!
Before the fireworks, we held a stage event in the Waterside Park called “Play in Atami! Play with Fireworks!”,
with energetic performances by chiitan☆bombers, Kamen Joshi, and TOMOCA RIRIKA Yuuri to liven up the crowd!
https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8/

Otofukecho pairs perfectly with dusk 🌄
The wide sky and endless fields make it a truly charming town 🍃
It’s also nice to stop by during a leisurely drive 🚗

Azumino was hit by heavy rain.
By evening the rain had stopped, and a beautiful sunset appeared.

The hot days keep coming…
Azumino is topping 30 degrees…
On days like this, you might want to relax while gazing at a cool, clear mountain stream
on the riverbed of the Nakabusa River flowing from the Northern Alps
with a book you’ve been meaning to read and a cup of coffee…
At the tourist information center in front of JR Oito Line Hotaka Station, borrow a cafe BOX and enjoy an Azumino picnic 😄
https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/850669

When daylily blooms around Lake Notari, you realize that summer has arrived.

July 20, 2025
The lower world is extremely hot, exceeding 35 degrees Celsius!
The summit of Hakone Komagatake was 17 degrees Celsius, which was more than cool!
The 360-degree panorama is worth seeing!
The contrast between the green of the summer grass and the blue of the sky! The former shrine of Hakone Shrine ⛩️ on its border
The scenery that convinces you of the legend of the Hakuba faith is truly spectacular!
It's Cool Japan, ♪ Mt. Fuji is just around the 🗻 corner!

In the morning, while preparing the pool in the garden.
If you say, "Don't go in yet!", at least with your hands! And I'm playing like this.
After this, my foot slipped and I dived forward and got soaked!
Delicious chilled Squid is ready Gari (^^)