The Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a fantastical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, gently illuminating the town. Please come to Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

I visited the sunflower field at Shioya no Hatake in SakaiIyoku, Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture. ᡣ( ᐢ ᵕ ᐢ )✨ The vast expanse of sunflowers looked like a yellow carpet ◝(*'▿'*)◜✨ The contrast with the blue sky was beautiful, making it the perfect spot to feel the essence of summer. (◕ᴗ◕)📸🌻💛 *Photo taken on July 11th.

The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a magical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, illuminating the town gently. We warmly invite you to visit Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

The Summer Garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. The main display features a tunnel of colorful inflatable rings. The shadows reflecting on the ground on a sunny day were also beautiful.

STV Dosanko Festival This year, it will be held at the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden! Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! It’s an event to support Hokkaido. Experience the charm of Hokkaido with three days of "drinking, eating, and having fun!" The Mashu Lake Tourism Association from Teshikagacho will also participate! Let’s head to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden this weekend. For more details, please visit the official website. https://daidosai.jp// STV Dosanko Festival 【Date】August 7, 2026 (Friday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 9, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 【Venue】Hokkaido Government Former Main Building (Red Brick Office) Red Brick Garden 【Admission】Free 【Organizers】The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Akarenga Mirai Kiko 【Support】Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Sapporo City Board of Education 【Cooperation】STV Radio Co., Ltd.

Kibune Shrine Surrounded by Fresh Greenery: Okumiya and Hirakado This scene captures the sacred gate (Hirakado) of Okumiya standing amidst the blue leaves and deep green trees at Kibune Shrine in early summer Kyoto. Lush moss and towering cedar trees line both sides of the approach, adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a sacred and clear atmosphere. In front of the gate, a quietly standing worshiper adds to the tranquility, making this image a striking representation of the deep emotional beauty of Okumiya and the rich nature surrounding it. Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival Shinko Festival: Countless smartphones capturing the Mikoshi procession This image captures the magnificent sight of the Mikoshi procession filling Shijō Street during the "Shinko Festival" of the Gion Festival, which symbolizes summer in Kyoto. The Tōmi Mikoshi, shining in gold and white, is powerfully carried by bearers in white garments. In a bid to catch a glimpse of this historic moment, the crowd lining the streets raises a multitude of smartphones in unison. This vibrant scene represents the fusion of traditional festival culture and modern societal behavior, encapsulating the spirit of our times. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival and Kankō-sai: The fervor and procession that fills the night in Kyoto This scene captures the grand procession that fills Shijō Street during the finale of the Gion Festival, known as Kankō-sai. As the warm light of lanterns illuminates the streets, a large number of men dressed in white garments march powerfully alongside the big tall lanterns of "Shiwaka" and the portable shrine. The gaze and excitement from the spectators resonate in the vibrant night streets of Kyoto, echoing the overwhelming fervor and vitality unique to this traditional event as they escort the deities back to Yasaka Shrine. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Gion Festival and Shinko Festival: The Enthusiasm of Children Connecting to the Future This scene captures the adorable yet reliable figures of children supporting the Gion Festival's "Shinko Festival," which colors the summer of Kyoto. Dressed in matching white hanten jackets and headbands, the children stand in a line, carefully holding onto a single rope. Their serious gazes and smiles amidst the lively atmosphere convey the warmth of this traditional event, as well as the vibrant spirit that connects it to the next generation. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Every culture has its own special season for fireworks. In many parts of the Western world, winter brings the sparkle of fireworks, while in the part of Asia where I come from, autumn is illuminated by the lights of Diwali. But when I came to Japan, I discovered something beautifully different—**summer has a special place for fireworks here.** The sight of people in traditional yukata, enjoying taiyaki, gathering with friends and family, and waiting for the night sky to burst into a grand display of *hanabi* feels uniquely Japanese. The warmth of the summer evening, the laughter around me, and the vivid colors blooming across the sky create memories that stay long after the last firework fades. This photograph captures the **Toda Fireworks Festival**, taken this year from my rooftop—a summer night I will never forget.

About one hour from Tokyo. A day spent enjoying summer in Japan by the sea. As the rainy season ends, summer truly begins in Japan. In this hot season, why not take a little break from the city and head to the beach? Just a 30-minute drive from Hokulea Shonan, the destination is Enoura, a small seaside town in Kanagawa Prefecture. Although it is a place you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, time flows differently there compared to the city. The blue sky. The calm sea. Just listening to the sound of the waves naturally relaxes your mind. And then, into the water. The moment you enter the sea, the cool water envelops your entire body. This comfort makes you forget the summer heat. "I want to dive a little longer." It felt like I could hear such voices throughout the day. In this season, there are summer-only scenes beneath the sea. Clownfish have begun to spawn. The sight of parent fish carefully protecting their eggs is a special scene you can only encounter at this time. Diving is not just about enjoying the underwater scenery. Visiting a seaside town, feeling the seasons, and experiencing Japan's natural beauty. Such moments are also an important part of this experience. For those with a license, of course, we also offer introductory diving for beginners. How about adding a day at the sea to your Tokyo trip? Japan's hidden charms are surely waiting for you, not found in guidebooks. Experience a special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About one hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, including Shonan and Izu, which can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, its rich nature, and the leisurely flow of time by the seaside. Our tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also offer guidance in English. Why not add a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the perfect sea experience for you, tailored to your diving experience and travel schedule. Feel free to contact us!

The "Kawayu Onsen Steam Beer Garden," which was held for the first time at Kawayu Onsen, along with the simultaneous experience project "AWAKE from KAWAYU" and four monitor tours, has successfully concluded✨ There were moments when the weather turned bad, but it seems that many people enjoyed themselves☺️🎶 So, I will post just a few photos here. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated🧚🏻‍♀️💫 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayubeergarden/...

【☀️Good morning! Live Travel Salad🥗】 Good morning! Teshikaga Town will be featured on Live Travel Salad✨ From luxurious trips abroad and domestically to relaxing hot spring getaways and nearby day trips... the information program 'Good morning! Live Travel Salad' offers a wide range of travel styles. Every week, wonderful guests appear, and this time, Akira Fukuzawa will broadly introduce the highlights of Teshikaga🧚🏻‍♀️💫 Be sure to watch! Saturday, August 1st, 8:00 - 9:30 AM, TV Asahi https://tsplus.asahi.co.jp/tsalad/... #Akira Fukuzawa #Good morning Live Travel Salad

LINE Points Rally "Teshikaga Forest Grand Party – Invitation from the Swans" The LINE Points Rally, which many enjoyed last year, is back this year with an extended period due to popular demand. We have prepared an exciting lottery with attractive grand prizes based on the points you earn, and we sincerely look forward to your participation. 【Teshikaga Forest Grand Party – Invitation from the Swans】 One day, a swan staying at the lake said. "It's almost time for the annual 'Teshikaga Forest Grand Party'! But I haven't been able to hand out invitations to my friends to bring delicious food for the party yet... Could you go around Teshikaga town and deliver the invitations to everyone?" You have been chosen as the messenger by the swan. Go around Teshikaga town and deliver the invitations to the animals. A grand party filled with delicious food is about to begin! <Event Period> From Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Sunday, November 29, 2026 <How to Participate> 1. Add the official LINE account of the Lake Mashu Tourism Association as a friend! 2. Visit the spots in your preferred order and timing, and scan the QR codes displayed at each spot to earn points! 3. Apply for gifts based on the number of points you collect! For more details, please check the messages sent from the official LINE account of the Lake Mashu Tourism Association. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/morinobigparty/...

Would you like to experience a scenic flight on the Mashu Lake SKY Cruise? Enjoy a helicopter scenic flight! This summer, why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from the sky? The popular "Mashu Lake SKY Cruise" will operate again this year. The period is from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Wednesday, August 19, for a total of 12 days. You can enjoy scenic flights ranging from 3 to 12 minutes between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. (On the last day, August 19, it will end at 3 PM.) Among them, the 12-minute course flying over Lake Mashu and Mt. Mashu offers a breathtaking panorama that you can only experience on this scenic flight! Don't miss this opportunity to experience it. You can also take aerial photos, providing a chance to capture Teshikaga's magnificent nature from perspectives you usually can't see! It's well-received by photographers. Please take advantage of this special opportunity. 【Application and Inquiries】 011-781-1247 *Reception period: July 13 to August 19 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) *Same-day applications are also welcome.

Notice of Temporary Closure for Poppoyu Bath at JR Mashu Station on Tuesday, July 28th The footbath "Poppoyu" at JR Mashu Station will be closed for maintenance during the following hours. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ■ Facility Affected Footbath "Poppoyu" at JR Mashu Station ■ Closure Date and Time Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/20260728_poppoyu/...

【2026 Teshikaga Town Rental Bicycles】 Rental bicycles will be available at three locations in Teshikaga Town starting May 1, 2026. Enjoy the scenery that can only be seen by bicycle! Even if you can't drive, you can easily move from your accommodation to nearby tourist spots! These bicycles can be used in various situations. Reservations and payments can be made through the reservation site. Convenient! And easy! Please use them according to your travel plans. For more details, visit Teshikaga Navi or check the reservation form. https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=FZpoN5jDg1w... https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/rentalbike2026/...

I was healed by the many wind chimes in the greenery at a park I visited during my trip to Nagano.

Yusaku Park's Lycoris ❚ As of July 22, 2026 Located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, known for its autumn leaves, Yusaku Park has a summer star as well. That is the "Lycoris" quietly blooming by Shinji Pond. The small orange flowers catch your eye amidst the green scenery. Currently, the flowers are beginning to bloom little by little. We will update you on the blooming status. ■■Yusaku Park 【Location】Kameozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (Free, about 50 cars) 【Restroom】Available 【Opening Hours】No specific hours (Free to stroll around) ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Cape Tang Waterfall With a height of 114 meters and seven tiers, it is known as "the Women's Waterfall" due to its elegance. Located near the border with Ufu District, it cascades in the valley of Warishi Pass, offering beautiful views amidst the autumn foliage. It takes about 20 minutes (500 meters) to walk from the parking lot. The mountain path is not easy to navigate, so caution is necessary as you descend the slope. In the parking area, there is a monument inscribed with a haiku by Natsume Sōseki.

Shiraito Falls A three-tiered waterfall with a height of 30 meters. In summer, the stream's water and breeze are refreshing, while the autumn foliage is vibrant. In winter, it freezes, showcasing a majestic beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. It is 370 meters from the parking lot to the waterfall. As you cross a small bridge, you can enjoy a nature-filled hiking course abundant in negative ions.

Senbonmatsu Ranch I usually just pass by, but when I casually stopped by, I found it had been renovated. During the rainy season event, colorful umbrellas were everywhere. ^^

Kodai Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 14, 2026 The Kodai Fire Festival will take place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The lights of the kodai (small torches) will emerge fantastically from the area around Harajiri Falls, illuminating the Ogata Plains. 【Event Date】Friday, August 14, 2026 ※Postponed by one day in case of bad weather 【Location】Around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata Plains ※Traffic regulations will be enforced from 18:30 on the 14th. Please follow the instructions of the staff. 【Ignition Time】19:30, simultaneous ignition 【Number of Lights】Approximately 10,000 【Flame Sculpture Exhibition】 Around the venue, local residents will create unique torii gates and stone bridges with torches, showcasing their beauty in a competition. 【Contact for Event Inquiries】 Ogata Branch, Bungoono City, Phone: 0974-42-2111 Harajiri Falls Roadside Station Co., Ltd., Phone: 0974-42-4140 ❚ What is the Kodai Fire Festival? A traditional event passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to be related to the memorial for the Bon festival, the wish for a good rice harvest, and the memorial for victims of uprisings that occurred during the Edo period.

In Memuro Town, at Memuro Shrine, during the summer, it is beautifully decorated with flower water offerings, wind chimes, and pinwheels. Recently, there was a fireworks festival, and it was said to be illuminated as well.

On July 11, 2026, hydrangea flower picking took place around Fukoji in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. About 50 participants carefully picked the hydrangea flowers blooming in the temple grounds and surrounding areas. Thank you very much to everyone who helped out. This flower picking is an important task to ensure beautiful hydrangeas bloom next year. By properly maintaining them at this time, we can enjoy magnificent flowers again during the rainy season. I am already looking forward to seeing even more beautiful hydrangeas blooming next year. ■■■Access to downtown Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I captured the image of a girl quietly gazing at a small stream enveloped in soft light on a summer night. The scenery created by the shrine, which has watched over people's prayers for centuries, and the fantastical lights swaying by the waterside represents a beautiful summer landscape unique to Japan. I felt that the time spent in tranquility, allowing the heart to be clear, is also an important charm of the Japanese summer.

From the city to the great outdoors. A journey through Kushiro Shitsugen. The sounds of the wind, the ripples on the water, what you hear on the wooden path is only the breath of the Earth. Based at Kushiro Prince Hotel, step into another world that is just around the corner. You can make your reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

First-time boat diving. Experience the sea of Nishi-Izu on a day trip from Tokyo. About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo. In Tago, Nishi-Izu, there is a port town where time flows leisurely. On this day, I went for my first boat dive during the AOW course. The sea was very calm. It was the perfect condition for a first boat dive. At first, I struggled a bit with equalizing my ears, but by the second dive, I was able to do it calmly. I could gradually do more things. That's one of the joys of diving. In Tago, there are many dive sites that can only be accessed by boat. This time, we headed to one of them, the entrance of a cave. A rocky space opened up in the blue sea. At the entrance, a school of hatanpo fish gathered, creating a fantastical underwater scene. This time, just a little. Next time, let's explore deeper into the cave. At the end of the diving session, I successfully became an AOW diver. Congratulations! The next destination is Okinawa. Japan still has many different expressions of the sea waiting for you. As summer arrives, the water temperature is rising. The sea that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo is also entering its best season. Not just famous tourist spots, but the seas of Japan. Hokule'a Shonan offers small group diving tours tailored to each individual. Would you like to spend a special day by the sea in Japan? --- A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the seas of Japan that can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" I hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local coastal time through diving. The tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also offer support in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest a sea that suits you based on your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

Taishaku Gorge ❚ Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark Located in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Taishaku Gorge is a scenic area surrounded by cliffs of welded tuff with developed columnar jointing, stretching along the Okudake River. The rock walls on both sides rise about 70 meters high, creating a majestic and impressive landscape in conjunction with the clear blue river flow. Taishaku Gorge is a canyon formed by the erosion of welded tuff created by a massive eruption of Mount Aso 90,000 years ago, with the Okudake River gradually carving it over a long period. The valley floor exposes rocks formed by volcanic activity around 15 million years ago, allowing visitors to closely feel the geological history of the area. It is also known as one of the geo-sites of the Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark, attracting attention for its natural landscape and geological value. Additionally, slightly upstream, there is a cave where charred wood, baked by pyroclastic flows, is buried, preserving traces of volcanic activity. Walking along the promenade brings visitors closer to the riverside, allowing for a more intimate experience of the rock faces, the tranquil air of the gorge, and the clarity of the water, which are all part of the charm of Taishaku Gorge. In summer, the clear waters present a refreshing landscape, while autumn brings colorful foliage to the gorge. With its varying expressions throughout the seasons, Taishaku Gorge is one of the representative natural landscapes of Bungoono City, and it is a spot that many people should visit. 【Location】Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kobara 【Access】About 20 minutes by car from JR Ogata Station 【Parking】Available 【Restroom】Available ■■■Access to the center of Bungoono City■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, introducing recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Ohori Park on a holiday A handmade, unique bubble-making machine＾＾ It turns out it uses two rods.