This is a photo taken when my family visited Gero Onsen Gassho Village in Gifu Prefecture. While strolling around the grounds, I discovered a sign leading to an observation deck and became curious about what kind of view I would see, so I climbed up. What I saw there was a landscape filled with mountains, trees, blue skies, and clouds. Since I usually see bustling cityscapes with buildings and many people, encountering a scene where there were no people at all and only nature spread out felt nostalgic, allowing me to experience the beauty of untouched nature. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, my family used to travel to the mountains every summer, but since then, we haven't had many opportunities to go. The moment I saw this view, memories of summer trips with my family during my childhood flooded back, and I realized that the landscapes of mountains and skies hold a special place in reminding me of our summer family vacations.

This is a view of the flower water basin at Obihiro Shrine in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. On the night of the 14th, LED lights in the water were illuminated, providing visitors with enjoyment as part of the "Evening Flower Water Basin."

Taken on August 27, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 27, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Introducing September Event Information in Nagano City✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the 'save' mark if you want to refer back later!〉 1. Togakushi Soba Festival: Half-Soba Walking Tour This year, 21 soba shops are participating, and by purchasing the half-soba walking ticket book "Soba Goyomi" (2,000 yen including tax), you can enjoy a half serving of zaru soba (approximately three pieces) at three different shops. 【Event Period】September 1 (Tue) – October 4 (Sun) *Excluding September 19 – 25 【Price】Half-soba walking ticket book "Soba Goyomi" includes three tickets for 2,000 yen (including tax) 【How to Purchase】Make a reservation on the official website and pay in cash at the pickup location *Limited to 57 copies per day *For more details, please check the official website. 2. Sanada House Garden Light Up "Gensou" The Sanada House Garden in Matsushiro will be illuminated with enchanting lights! Additionally, there will be a concert by Ecole de Matsushiro Club and special guests! A projection mapping on the storehouse of the Sanada House Garden, which was well received last year, will also take place as a special project. 【Event Dates】September 19 (Sat), September 20 (Sun) 【Time】18:00 – 20:30 (Doors open at 17:30, last entry at 20:00) 【Venue】Matsushiro Sanada House 【Price】General 400 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen *Free for Elementary and Junior High School Students on September 19 (Sat) *For more details, please check the official website. 3. Togakushi and Iizuna Highlands "All-Inclusive Experience! Stamp Rally" Participate in the target experience content to get stamps! Enjoy the refreshing green season in the highlands! 【Event Period】August 1 (Sat) – October 31 (Sat) 【Event Location】Togakushi and Iizuna Area 【How to Participate and Prize Details】 (1) Participate in target experience content (various activities such as camping, E-bike rentals, nature experiences, soba making, etc.). (2) Collect two stamps → Receive an original sticker! (3) Collect three stamps → In addition to receiving a badge set designed with Togakushi Mountain and Iizuna Mountain, you can also enter a lottery for a luxurious prize! 【Stamp Collection Locations】 Togakushi Campground Iizuna Nagano Forest Village Togakushi Tourism Association Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association Nagano City Tourist Information Center, etc. 4. Zenkoji Binzuru Market Held as a handmade market inspired by the beloved disciple of Buddha, "Binzuru-san"! Various food and craft shops gather, creating a market enjoyable for makers, buyers, locals, and tourists alike. 【Event Date】September 12 (Sat) *Regularly held on the second Saturday from April to December 【Time】10:00 – 16:00 【Venue】Around Zenkoji 5. Shinshu Ramen Expo 2026 Famous ramen shops from all over the country gather! Enjoy ramen that is hard to find in Nagano! Take this opportunity to enjoy your favorite ramen! 【Event Dates】 First Act: September 11 (Fri) – September 15 (Tue) *Closed on September 16 (Wed) and September 17 (Thu) for replacements Second Act: September 18 (Fri) – September 23 (Wed, Holiday) 【Time】10:00 – 20:00 *Until 19:00 on September 15 and September 23 【Venue】Nagano Omotesando Central Square 【Price】Free admission, 1 bowl for 1,000 yen (including tax) Tickets will be sold at the venue ticket machine *Cash only *For more details, please check the official website. *"Miso Kin" is fully reservation-based online. 6. Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival 2026 This year, it will be held at "Nagano Omotesando Central Square"! Eighteen breweries from Nagano Prefecture will participate, including three breweries from Nagano City. It's an event for a wide range of people to enjoy beer and food. 【Event Dates】September 4 (Fri) 15:00 – 20:30 September 5 (Sat) 11:00 – 20:30, September 6 (Sun) 11:00 – 16:00 *Last order is 30 minutes before closing 【Venue】Nagano Omotesando Central Square 7. Night Pool at Sun Marine Nagano Spend a summer night in a fantastical illuminated pool that is different from usual! Photography is allowed in the normally prohibited pool area! Enjoy unlimited rides on the slides♪ You can enjoy it at a great price with all-you-can-drink and light meals included! 【Event Dates】September 5 (Sat) 21:30 – 23:30 【Price】 Advance ticket 3,500 yen Same-day ticket 4,000 yen *Includes all-you-can-drink and light meals *No entry for those under 20 years old *For more details, please check the official website or account #Event Information #Light Up #Gourmet Events #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan at 350 meters, flows with melted snow from the Tateyama Mountain Range even in August. This deep valley allows you to experience the refreshing coolness of summer through your senses—skin, ears, and eyes.

Taken on August 27, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the matchmaking wind chimes. I prayed for good luck on my exam. 🙏

At CAFE ANDON, the limited-time Chinese morning featuring five-grain rice balls is recommended with Taiwanese oolong tea until Saturday, the 29th.

On August 23, 2026, the 33rd Sugaoi Stone Buddha Fire Festival was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. During the festival's signature event, the "Chicken Crowing Contest," participants donned creative costumes and showcased their unique crowing sounds. The venue was filled with warm smiles and applause throughout the event. Additionally, the stage featured powerful performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums by the "Toyokai" and dances from "Okubata Kagura," captivating the audience with a series of impressive acts. In the latter half of the festival, the "Torch Throwing" event took place, where lit torches were thrown at a pillar approximately 3 meters high, with many children eagerly participating. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is a Chinese morning set featuring Gomoku Okowa rice balls from CAFE ANDON. It is available exclusively until Saturday, the 29th, from 8:00 to 10:00. The set includes Gomoku Okowa, chicken soup, lightly pickled celery, Kyoto-style pickled daikon, boiled eggs topped with chili oil, and lemongrass jelly. It was a great success. 😊

The "Goldfish Lantern" lights up on Shirakabe Street in Yanai. This summer, the goldfish that gently illuminated the old street corners during the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" will soon be taking a break. They look a little lonely. Thank you for this summer. See you again next year. Location: Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Photographed on August 6, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Kaikan.

Taken on August 6, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Kaikan, featuring red and white wind chimes tied with a decorative cord.

Silent Authority in the Summer Rain On a rain-soaked summer afternoon in Wakayama, a conductor walks alone along the tracks of the Kishigawa Line. Ahead, the colourful Tama and Umeboshi trains wait beneath the old wooden depot. Seen only from behind, his straight posture, white gloves, and measured steps carry a quiet authority. Under the words “Safety First,” even this whimsical local railway takes on an almost ceremonial dignity. Xi Lun

An Island Summer, Passed On On the morning of July 19, 2026, the Ieshima Tenjin Festival brought music, colour, and tradition to the sea off Himeji. A young performer danced in ceremonial dress aboard a richly decorated danjiri boat, framed by the blue Seto Inland Sea. In this focused gesture, I saw the heart of a Japanese summer festival: an island passing its traditions from one generation to the next. Xi Lun

A Different Kind of Japanese Summer Fire Japanese summers are often remembered for fireworks. At 7:00 p.m. on July 25, 2026, I encountered another kind of summer flame at Tanukidani-san Fudoin in Kyoto. During the Hiwatari Matsuri, or Fire-Walking Festival, a yamabushi tended the sacred goma fire as sparks rose into the humid night air. In that instant, the heat of summer, the energy of a matsuri, and an old Japanese tradition burned together. Xi Lun

It's really hot, isn't it? 🫠 This is a wind chime water.

[Let's Dance in a Circle] In Nishiokoppe Village, the Bon Odori was held for two consecutive nights on the 14th and 15th. Thank you to everyone who came! 🙌 I participated in the Nishiokoppe Bon Odori! 🏮 As I was drawn in by the sound of the drums, I found a row of stalls waiting for customers. Before starting the dance, I took a bite. After filling my stomach a bit with udon, the children's Bon Odori began. What started as a circle of a few people quickly grew larger with children and adults joining in. Those who didn't join the dance but were watching while eating and drinking also wore calm expressions. As the children's Bon Odori ended and we took a break, a group of bipedal frogs appeared. Following them, more and more costumed people arrived. Before long, a circle around the yagura was formed. I was overwhelmed by the energy of those dancing for 45 minutes in their various costumes. I was glad to experience another page of summer this year. Since I couldn't attend the Kamiokoppe Bon Odori this year, I hope to conquer both days next year...! #Nishiokoppe Village #Bon Odori #Cool Summer Nights #Costumes #Summer

【Woody Successfully Concluded!】 The annual "Woody Summer School" has successfully concluded! This year's challenge was to create a【tractor】🚜✨ over a period of two nights and three days. Participants assembled each part in order, drilling holes and cutting with a jigsaw. Despite the intense heat over consecutive days, the participants faced the wood with serious expressions. To support these participants, the instructors provided gentle guidance. Thank you to everyone who participated! This one-of-a-kind tractor is something to cherish and play with at home🚜 #Nishiokoppe Village #Woody Summer School #Woodworking #Tractor #Manufacturing

Photographed on August 16, 2026. The wind chimes on the benches at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine had changed to a love color.

Photographed on August 16, 26. This is the peach parfait from Hikawa Suzukaze-sou. It includes tai monaka, coconut meringue, lychee & raspberry macaron, almond cookie, peach milk sorbet, whipped cream & soufflé cheesecake, almond sable, peach & raspberry, and chewy peach jelly & lychee agar.

My son, filled with anticipation, exclaimed, "I'm going to catch some bugs!" This place, where nature spreads out and the sounds of insects resonate, is a paradise for him! He seemed so happy to interact with so many creatures. (By the time we left, he had missed them all.)

In a magnificent landscape filled with trees, my son was filled with anticipation as he exclaimed, "I'm going to catch lots of bugs!" Wearing a straw hat and holding a bug net, he chased after insects, embodying the essence of a Japanese summer.

On August 22, 2026, the 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue featured various stalls offering light snacks such as shaved ice and sweets, as well as drinks like juice and coffee. Additionally, there were lottery draws, free tuk-tuk rides, and a light truck sauna, making it a bustling event from evening until night. The stage showcased a variety of performances including children's taiko drumming, ukulele, kagura, hula, and kids' dance, culminating in a lively lottery and mochi throwing that drew cheers from all around the venue. A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors, performers, and attendees. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on August 16, 2014. I relaxed at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfūsō. It's cold Kawagoe Green Tea.

Photographed on August 16, 2026. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

I had ramune and watermelon at a park in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. I never thought I would be able to spend my youth with my high school classmates at almost 30!

As of August 23rd, the six beaches in Shimoda City have concluded their opening period for swimming. For a safe beach experience, it is recommended to visit the swimming areas that are open during the designated period, where lifeguards and monitors are present🏖️✨ In Shimoda City, Shirahama Chuo will remain open until Sunday, August 30th, while Shirahama Ohama and Kyūjūhama will be open until Monday, August 31st🌺! At the end of the blog, we have summarized the facility information for the beaches that have concluded their opening period! *This information is accurate as of August 24, 2026. Please note that the content may change in the future.* https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260824...

Taken on August 22, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on August 22, 2026. This is the flower water offered at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.