#009 There are about 50 restaurants and confectionery shops in Tsunocho. This is the second installment of our gourmet series! Opened in May 2019, this udon shop has become popular even outside Tsunocho, and we would like to introduce it here. — Now firmly a "Tsuno specialty" — Hinoya Udon After exiting Tono IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, turn left at the first traffic light and go a short distance; you will see a sign reading "udon" on your left. That is Hinoya Udon, the shop featured this time. The parking lot is usually full at lunchtime. Here are Hinoya Udon’s recommended menu items, a lesser-known dessert, and advice on the best times to visit. ◆ Recommended menu (including my personal picks) 〇 Vegetable Tempura Bukkake Udon They source vegetables from Roadside Station Tsuno and directly from local farmers, so the vegetables are all from Tsunocho. The vegetables are sweet and the batter is crispy! It’s addictive!! 〇 Meat and Egg Bukkake Udon The simmered beef pairs perfectly with the broth and soft-boiled egg—really delicious!!! I recommend this to students and meat-udon lovers. By the way, it’s my personal favorite. (laughs) You can also enjoy seasonal choices like Ume Oroshi Bukkake Udon and cold Zaru Udon, as well as set menus combining udon and tempura. Now for a dessert that surprisingly many people don’t know about. It’s the homemade soy milk pudding. In fact, some customers come specifically for this pudding. I sometimes go just for it myself. But it tastes best after udon! Even the fact that it’s homemade makes it appealing. The pudding is topped with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour); its silky texture and gentle sweetness deliver a moving experience unlike any I have had before. I lived in Kagawa while at university, so I ate many firm, delicious udon dishes. However, Hinoya Udon’s noodles have good bite, and you can sense their dedication to the broth and ingredients. For me, Hinoya Udon is uniquely superb and the most delicious. I was impressed by the owner’s attention to detail and delicacy. If you stop by Tsunocho, be sure to come and try these exquisite udon. Finally, when is the best time to go? On weekdays, come right at opening or after 1:30 PM. Depending on the day, these times work best! On holidays, the shop is generally full! ◆ Shop information Hours 11:00 AM–2:30 PM Closed Tuesday (occasional irregular closures) ☎ 0983-32-8311 Instagram ⇒ @hinoyaudon

💐 The summer cherry blossom viewing spot in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture is here! This time, you can enjoy the "spectacular view of flowers" in summer Here are four carefully selected recommended spots 🌸 Perfect for weekend outings and camera trips ◎ Save it and use 💐 it to plan your next outing (1) Senko no Ie (30-11 Kamitakeda, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid to late June 👉 Kominka houses with thatched roofs and Hanashobu weave the original scenery 🏡 of Japan (2) Yuri no Sato Park (21-2-3 Ishizuka, Spring Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid to late June 👉 About 150,000 lilies and fantastic Light up 🌙 (4) Mikuni Lavender Farm (123-3 Kado, Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: mid-June to early July 👉 About 4000 lavender fields and a pleasant aroma 💜 (3) Ikegami Himawari Park (48 Ikegami, Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture) Best time to visit: late July to mid-August 👉 A superb view 🌻 of the sunflowers spreading on one side shining in the summer sky * The best time to see it is only a guide. Thereare it depends on the weather.

The first of the Shikoku region summer Festival, the Uwajima Cow Demon Festival! This year, for three days from July 22nd to 24th, we will liven up the summer in Shikoku in a grand manner! July 22: Marine Fireworks Festival July 23 Uwajima Bullfighting Regular Tournament Gaiya Carnival Warei Grand Festival Yoimiya Festival July 24 Cow Demon Parade Warei Grand Festival Running in Other, brass band, children's cow demon, Uwajima odori, etc. This year marks the Sister City Anniversary, and the Sendai Sparrow Dance will also come to liven up the Festival. Come and visit us!

Superb view on the way back from Sendai National College of Technology, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture

At Nametsu Oodaru in Shichikashuku, Karita District, Miyagi Prefecture A dog who is curious about the boy who runs from the back

The feeling of the countryside was yellowtail

Our Village Beautification Project Saturday, June 14 We carried out our annual Our Village Beautification Project. Everyone from local businesses to nursery children and adults planted marigold seedlings along the roadside. About an hour before the meeting a heavy rain shower passed, and after it stopped the temperature and humidity gradually rose, so it was the kind of day when you worked up a sweat. Some people dug holes, some placed pots, and some buried the seedlings… we divided the tasks and diligently planted flowers in our assigned areas. Under the flag celebrating the village's 100th anniversary, neatly planted marigolds and pansies are once again brightening the road this year. May they grow tall and strong. #Nishiwakkanai Village #Hokkaido #Our Village Beautification Project #Flower Planting #Marigolds #Pansies #June 14 #Flowers #Nature #Setoushi-kun Polo Shirt

Sogouchi Shrine It is said that it was founded in the 22nd year of Emperor Kammu's reign (803) as the chief guardian of Kawanouchi. There are in front of the Torii (shrine gate), a sacred tree designated by the prefecture as a natural monument that is said to be more than 1,000 years old. (Height 11m, main street 6m.) ) In addition, there is a shrine office and a phrase monument that the haiku poet Matsune Toyojo stayed for a year and a half and named "Ichitata-an" and the four seasonal cherry blossoms that continue to bloom from autumn to Spring, which he named "Hundred Day Cherry Blossoms". There are also stunning stone walls and a large garden in the woods full of healing properties. Famous for its multiple species of mountain hydrangea that bloom in May and June, it is also called "Hydrangea no Mori". Location: 791-0321 4876 Kawanouchiko, Toon City Access: From Kawauchi Interchange, take National Route 11 towards Saijo and enter National Route 494.

Kaiyodo Figure Museum Miraiza Osaka Castle Osaka, Osaka-shi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-jo, 1-1 It is a figure museum located in the immediate vicinity of Osaka Castle Park and the Castle Keep.　 I've been to Kaiyodo's facilities in Nagahama, but Thereare, It is a good idea to visit this place in close proximity to Osaka Castle. It seems to be easy to use as a place to temporarily retreat due to extreme heat or rainy weather.

White Pig Falls A 96-meter-high waterfall in the Prefectural Nature Park of the Saragamine Mountain Range. It hangs over the upper reaches of the Shigenobu River, in the valley of the Omote River, and its falling appearance makes you feel the greatness of Nature. White Boar Falls shows various faces in Four Seasons. Fresh greenery sprouts in Spring, in early summer it is a refreshing summer resort, and in autumn the trees surrounding the waterfall are dyed in brocade. Soseki and Shiki were also Fascination, and it There are a record of their visits. Especially the winter scenery is fantastic. When the bitter cold lasts for several days, the entire waterfall looks like an ice sculpture. Location: 791-0321 Toon City Kawanouchi Shirabono Falls Farming Village Park Access: 15 minutes by Car from Kawauchi IC (Matsuyama Expressway) 　　　　　60 minutes by Iyotetsu bus from Matsuyamashi Station Car parking lot: Yes (Free parking spaces: Shiraino Falls Farming village Park There is also a private paid Car parking lot (500m in front of the promenade) Toilet: Yes

June 22 (Sun) 9:30~15:00 "Green Markets" Held in! ✨ It will be held in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, National Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari, Shobara Furari. Stalls and stage events will also be held. You can enjoy a cappella performance by "The CROWS" and performances by the Saijo Blues Harmony Brass Band and the Prefectural Hiroshima University Wind Orchestra. Let's enjoy the green markets surrounded by vast beautiful greenery! 【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Shobara Furari 【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City 【Inquiry】 Please contact us via DM on Instagram. 「@satoyama_furari」 Click here for Events Information▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5116...

Photographed on June 15, 25. It is a wind chime of the Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine Office.

Hello, everyone! Here is an event announcement!! The 3rd Higashikawa-cho Kids Bike Race ● Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025 ● Registration deadline: Friday, August 1st, 2025 Please see the flyer for details. Contact: Kitoushi Kids Bike Race Executive Committee (mail:kitoushitaikai@kazokuryokoumura.jp) https://www.kazokuryokoumura.jp/kidsbike20250824/...

📣 Held again this year! Announcement for the Sakai Great Fish Night Market and Fireworks 🎇 What is the Sakai Great Fish Night Market (Sakai Oo-uo Yoichi)? It is a fish market festival held every late July at Ōhama Park in Sakai, Sakai Ward, Osaka Prefecture ✨ Said to have begun in the Kamakura period, it boasts about 700 years of history and has become a summer tradition in Sakai 🎐 🐡The highlight is the spectacular nighttime fish auction! There are also food stalls and corporate PR booths on display, making it a historic festival closely tied to the local community♪ This year’s event is on Saturday, July 26! Continuing from last year, there will also be fireworks launched from the sea 🎇 Enjoy the beautiful fireworks lighting up the shore! Don’t miss this summer’s annual event—everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you! 🎉 “Sakai Great Fish Night Market” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Ōhama Park ⏰Time: 11:00–21:30 “Senshu Yume Fireworks: Shakunetsu no Hanabi 7 I Love Sakai” 🗓️Date: Saturday, July 26 📍Venue: Sakai Old Port ⏰Gates open: 16:30 / Start: 20:20 / End: 20:50 (scheduled) 🔎For details, please see the official Sakai Tourism Guide website

Sightseeing spot introduction Tarumae Garo (Toma Komaki City) The Sightseeing spot in June is Tarumae Garo! Everyone, Garrow? That's right, isn't it? "Gallow" means "a place where a river streams between narrow sheer cliffs." Indeed, here in the Tarumae Garo, the sheer rocks show a unique landscape, and the rock surface is covered with dark green moss, which is like a velvety carpet and is a very beautiful place. It is located in a forest at the foothills of Mt. Mt. Tarumae, which has been designated as a Nature Conservation District in 1979 (Showa 54) in the city's Nature Conservation District, and in June, when the fresh greenery season begins, the early summer sunlight reaches the deep riverbed, showing the most beautiful scenery of the year. There is Car parking lot, so you can easily stop by Car! Surrounded by greenery and the sound of the river streaming, this place is a healing spot that will make you forget the summer heat and the hustle and bustle of daily life, so please come and visit us in the coming season! * The surrounding mountain forests It is also one of habitats for wild animals including brown bears. Please refrain from entering the forest in the morning and evening when brown bears are active. * In the past, it was possible to go down to the river, but now please do not go down to the river due to the risk of bedrock collapse

Summer Vacation is coming soon! 🌞 Enjoy Nature with your family! Squid about a special experience where you can enjoy interacting with cows and making cheese at "Fukufuku Ranch" in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture? ✨ Fukufuku Ranch is a small ranch located in the mountains of Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City. The difference from a typical ranch is that this is the mountain itself. You can enjoy a real ranch experience. Click here for details▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5109...

**Flowering Information** Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture 📍 "Ikedaike Park Iris Garden" flower irises (Hanashobu) ♪ Best time to visit Although it was affected by the rainy season, Beautiful pastel-colored irises and hydrangeas It was ✨ creating a fantastic and beautiful scenery Hydrangeas are about to reach Best time to visit even more in the future! 💓 Since it is just a short distance from the adjacent cars parking lot, It is 🚗✨ a Spot that is easy to visit even by Car Please go and see it! ☺️ ------------------------------------- 📍 Ikedaike Park Iris Garden 1421 Funaki, Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture ------------------------------------- [Reference] Niihama City City Planning Division HP ↓ --------------------------------------- < Car parking lot> 3 locations (Park Car Parking Lot: 16 cars, Nakanoshima Car Parking Lot: 37 cars, 　　　　Iris Garden Car Parking Lot: 32 cars) < Access > ◆ If you Use Car ◆ Exit the Niihama IC Toll station in Ehime Prefecture and turn right for 800m. Turn right on National Route 11, Turn right at the Ikedaike Park entrance signboard for about 1 km in the direction of Takamatsu. ◆ When Use JR and buses ◆ Between JR Niihama Station ~ Kawanoe Office Get off at "Sakashita". It takes about 15 minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photographed 6/16/25. It is a kazaguruma in front of the Otorii Gate of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

This photo was taken from the Ferris Car when I went to Huis Ten Bosch. I took the place where the illuminations started just as the sun began to set. The contrast between the red color of the tower and the blue of the river is Beautiful.

[Sunday, July 13] is the day the Ice Tunnel opens A popular spot in Nishiokoppe Village —The Ice Tunnel— This hidden gem can only be seen in summer. Because there is less snow than usual this year the opening will be held not on the final Sunday of July but on the mid-month date of Sunday the 13th! However, sightings of bears or other unavoidable reasons may force the event to be canceled. Last year, although heavy snow had already melted and the tunnel-shaped ice could not be seen, visitors were able to go farther inside than usual and enjoy a special experience. What kind of ice formations will we see this year? We will announce event details on the village website and this account, so please check for updates. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Ice Tunnel #Opening Day #July 13 #Summer

Choose from 1,724 Municipality nationwide! Ranked 😍 23rd in the TOP 100 of the "Summer Resort Ranking" Implementation by the travel app "NEWT", Shobara City and Jinsekikogen Town in Hiroshima Prefecture ranked 23rd out of 1,724 municipalities nationwide. 【Survey Summary】 Survey conducted by "NEWT" (https://newt.net/),... a tour and Hotel reservation app for overseas and domestic travel Article URL: https://newt.net/jpn/nagano/mag-608849428...

At the "National Bihoku Hillside Park" of Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City, we will Held in "Making Ume Plum Mogi and Ume Plum Juice" from June 18 (Water) ~ June 20 (Fri), 2025. 【Contents】 This is a program where children learn about the food culture of rural woodlands through the experience of making Ume Plum Mogi and Ume Plum Juice. [Schedule] ◯ Ume plum mogi (in front of the assembly hall: about 20 minutes) ・ Let's all pluck the fruit (Ume plum fruit) that has become a Plum tree! ◯ Making Ume Plum Juice (Yakimono Workshop: about 40 minutes) ・ Let's get rid of the stem! ・Let's sterilize with hot water! ・ Let's cool down with a fan! ・Let's pickle it with sugar! * If you take the pickled "Ume Plum Juice" home, store it in a cool place, and pickle it, you will be able to drink it in about 1~2 months. ・ Tasting the finished Ume plum juice! * Since it takes a period of time from soaking to drinking, the Ume Plum juice to be Tasting this time is It was pickled last year. 【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park Hiba-no-sato Sanshuden-mae and Satoyama-yashiki 【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City 【Contact】National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Click here for detailed Events Information ▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5105...

While driving, I spotted some cows!! The temperature rose sharply today! The cows looked hot, but the sunny weather felt wonderful. 🌞 The forecast calls for a slight drop in temperature tomorrow. Everyone, please take good care of your health. 😌

Early summer has arrived in Tomakomai, and some days now reach a high of 20°C. The Ezo squirrel, now in its summer coat, somehow looks quite cool! (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Utonai-ko)

#006 This time we introduce Ozusu Campground, located on Mt. Osuzu, the mountain that represents Tsunocho! ◆Overview of Ozusu Campground Ozusu Campground has three separate areas. ❶ Ozusu Ikoi no Shinrinkan (Forest Rest House) Rest room usage fees Adult (junior high school and older) per person / per night: 1,050 yen (tax included) Child (elementary school) per person / per night: 520 yen (tax included) Private booking per night: 10,480 yen (tax included) ※Only the wooden floor space is provided; bedding and similar items are not supplied, so please bring your own. ● Shower room Coin shower per use: 100 yen / 3 minutes ※Showers operate only in July, August, and September. ● Toilets / dishwashing area The toilets and dishwashing area are available year-round. ※Please cooperate in conserving water. ❷ Auto free site Bring-your-own tent per unit / per night: 840 yen Camping car per vehicle / per night: 840 yen ❸ Mountain hut rest area About 25 tatami-mat sized wooden floor area: free of charge With these three areas, visitors enjoy camping here. Personally, I think camping here in the hot summer and swimming in the nearby river is a great option! Even in summer, Mt. Osuzu can be surprisingly cool, so you can have a comfortable camping experience. ◆Notes and precautions Next, we explain the campground rules and precautions. ・Open fires directly on the ground are prohibited. Always use a BBQ grill or fire pit. ・Pitching tents outside the free site is prohibited. ・Please take all trash home with you, including charcoal and ashes. ・The campground’s tap water is not potable; please bring drinking water. ・Except for the Forest Rest House with toilets and a cooking area, there are no lighting fixtures, so bring a flashlight or LED lantern as needed. ・Coin showers are available only from July to September. ・From around April to November (especially the hot, humid period from June to September), leech activity increases and caution is advised. Wear long sleeves and long pants and thick socks to avoid skin exposure; insect repellent spray or saline solution can be effective. When the rainy season ends, summer is finally here. Campers of all levels, from enthusiasts to beginners, are welcome! ◆How to make a reservation Reservations can basically be made on the Tsunocho Tourism Association website. Reservations by phone are also available. [Contact information] Tsunocho Tourism Association (weekdays 8:30–17:00) TEL 0983-25-5712

Roadside Station Takano, a popular roadside station in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, will celebrate its 12th anniversary on April 12, 2025, and we have been able to enter our 13th year! ✨✨ To express our gratitude to everyone, we will Held in the "Roadside Station Takano 12th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival". 【Events Name】Roadside Station Takano's 12th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 and Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:00~17:00 【Place】Roadside Station Takano 【Address】〒727-0423 Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Koya-cho, Shimomonda 49 【Contents】 Hibagon and the others are also haunted! 🎪 Sales booth by shipper 🤝 "Roadside Station Collaboration" "Roadside Station Gourmet Booth" 🚔 "A large gathering of working cars!" Boarding experience & shooting! 🪪Let's make a JAF child safety license! 🍎 Unveiling of "2-day only" Sweets and new products! 🏕 Onidani Auto Camp "Wood chopping & bonfire experience" 🩸 Meiji Yasuda Life "Health Check Corner" (6/7 only) ⚠️ Cafe Restaurant Sorara "Eat-in Space" 【Vacation restaurant will be closed for 2 days】 And! With our daily gratitude to all of you... 🤖🤡🤹‍♀️ ◾️ For those who ◾️ purchase 2,500 yen or more at the Direct sales You will receive a "Garapon lottery ticket" to win a wonderful ○〇! * Distribution will end as soon as the Premiums are gone * Fun for more information as we keep you updated! Please come and visit us! Production and staff are looking forward to seeing you 💁 ♀️ 
* Depending on the weather and conditions, The contents are subject to change or cancellation. Thank you for your understanding. 
 Click here for Events Information▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5062...

At "Yurigahara Park" in Sapporo It's kind of sexy, isn't it?

【🌱 Held in Shiga 🎻 Highlands Summer Concert】 Held in the Shiga Highlands Summer Concert, a summer tradition of Shiga Highlands, again this 🎷🎺🎻🎶 year The Shiga Highlands Summer Concert is Held in held every year in Hall 98 of the Shiga Highlands General Hall, supervised by the late Seiji Ozawa, Yamanouchi Town Honorary Town residents, as a place for those who visit music training camp Shiga Highlands to present their achievements, and this year will be the 27th Held in 🎼.•*¨*•.¸¸♬🎶•*¨*•.¸¸♬•*¨*•.¸¸♪ ♩ Held in Place: Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 (Yamanouchi Town Shiga Highlands Hasuike) ♩ Held in schedule: All daytime sessions Open 15:00, Start 15:30, End 17:00 1st August 4 (Mon) Hachioji Gakuen Hachioji High School Brass Band Club Session 2: August 14 (Thu) Keio University Wind Ensemble 3rd August 20 (Water) Waseda Brass Band 4th August 21 (Thu) Kokugakuin University Feuel Cole Mixed Choir Session 5: August 25 (Mon) Tokyo University of Science Orchestra 6th September 1 (Mon) Toyo University Orchestra ♩Other: ・Admission is free. ・Thereare the schedule may change depending on the situation of the participating organizations. ・Commemorative pin badges for the concert will be sold at the venue. ・ On the day of the event, a free Pick up and drop off bus There are from the front of the Yamanouchi Town Cultural Center (first-come, first-served basis). 🚍 Pick up and drop off schedule Destination: Depart from Cultural Center 14:45 ▷▶ Arrive at Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 Kaikan 15:15 Return: Depart from Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 Kaikan 17:15▷ ▶ Arrive at Cultural Center 17: Around 45 https://www.info-yamanouchi.net/2025/05/07/%E5%BF%97%E8%B3%80%E9%AB%98%E5%8E%9F%E3%82%B5%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B/...

#004 It's getting a bit warmer little by little! It seems the rainy season began today in southern Kyushu, but I'm not someone who dislikes rain! Now, as the rainy season ends, summer will arrive all at once. By the calendar it's already summer, so let me introduce Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, a summer tradition of Tsunocho in Miyazaki Prefecture! 【Origins of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival】 When you think of summer, you picture fireworks, food stalls, and bon dancing. Different regions have their own traditional events, like Aomori's Nebuta Festival or Kyoto's Gion Festival. So what is the traditional event in Tsunocho? It is the Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival. Festivals are rarely held without reason; they usually serve a purpose, such as protecting crops from pests and natural disasters, warding off epidemics, or fostering community ties. What about the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival? In fact, this festival has an origin. Its origin is said to trace back to an old account in which Empress Jingū invited ritual ceremonies onto her ship during her expedition to Silla. The festival's purposes reflect Tsunocho's character as a town with thriving agriculture and livestock. People pray to drive away crop-damaging pests, repel typhoon-related damage—which Miyazaki Prefecture is susceptible to—and ward off epidemics. However, the enshrined deity at Tsuno Shrine, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, is also a god of water, so the festival day sometimes brings rain, and a few years ago a typhoon struck directly. Even so, townspeople continue to hold the festival without stopping. 【The festival’s appeal】 People born and raised in Tsunocho often say in unison, "I won't come home for Bon or New Year, but I always come back for the summer festival" or "It's not summer unless I go to the summer festival." They look forward to it every year. You might wonder, really? I feel the same way. Born and raised in Tsunocho, I have loved this festival since childhood. When I was in my third year of junior high, I always helped carry my school's taiko float. That experience made me appreciate the float's coolness and sense of purpose, and it made me want to carry a float someday. Let me introduce the charms of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival. ◆Festival dates Every year on August 1 and 2 ◆Introduction to the taiko floats and more In addition to the shrine's gilded portable shrine, several taiko floats appear at this festival. These floats are arguably the festival's main attraction. ・Hamawaka Taiko Float (Shimohama district) ・Shinmachi Taiko Float (Shinmachi district) ・Kitawaka Taiko Float (Kitamachi district) ・Idobata Taiko Float (mainly Matsubara district) These four town floats parade through the town for two days and, after the shrine entry on the second day, engage in a kenka clash. Other participants include the Tsuno Junior High School taiko float, Shimohama children's taiko float, Shicho children's taiko float, and the Ichinomiya Nursery School mikoshi, all raising the festive spirit. The festival atmosphere is further heightened by Tsuno Youth Taiko, djembe drums, the Matsubara lion dance, Yosakoi Miroku troupe, and dances performed by each elementary school. Over the two days, the sound of drums echoes from many places. ◆What happens over the two days On the first day, the "Hama-oroshi" procession takes place. Sarutahiko and the lion cleanse evil spirits along the route while leading the mikoshi. A burly Sarutahiko strikes a tree branch on the ground, and the lion bites the heads of onlookers as it walks. The spectacle can make children burst into tears. Behind them, boys of junior high carry the gilded mikoshi. Next comes Tsuno Junior High's taiko float. Until the Hama-oroshi, girls carry the taiko float. Then the four town floats follow, carried with shouts that match the middle schoolers' intensity, and the Hama-oroshi proceeds. On the second day, the taiko floats parade through the town. In the evening the mikoshi departs down the shopping street, followed by the other taiko floats. Ahead lies the finale at Tsuno Shrine, the Ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. Thousands of spectators gather in front of the shrine's east torii to witness the dramatic scene, watching and waiting toward the sound of drums. At 7:00 p.m., when the mikoshi and all taiko floats pass through the torii, the shrine entry concludes. Actually, spectators are especially there for what comes after the entry. After the shrine entry comes, as touched on above, the "kenka" between taiko floats. Hearing "kenka," you might imagine fistfights or police intervention, but rest assured: no punching occurs, and police are present. In the past there were accidents and real fights, but not anymore. The kenka involves ramming the floats together and pushing. Pushing a few meters declares victory. Some visitors come from outside the prefecture or from abroad just to see this. The festival is that compelling and worth visiting. ◆Conclusion The Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, one of Tsunocho's attractions, embodies history and the dedication of the people who have carried it forward. Similar festivals exist across Japan, but each has its own history, charms, and scenery. The summer grand festival that Tsuno townspeople have built over decades is waiting for you—please visit at least once.

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.