Even the shopkeeper cat is down.
At Mamada Hachimangu Shrine, there are many "shrine cats."
They have cat goshuin stamps and cat's one-grain-manifold protection charms.

The shrine grounds are bathed in the summer sun.
By the water fortune slips, even the shopkeeper cat seemed unable to withstand the heat.
Stretching out on the stone pavement, it takes a moment to rest.
This captures a slice of everyday life in Japan, amidst the summer heat.

The Gion Festival unfolds in the streets of Kyoto every year from July 1st to 31st, lasting for about a month.

Among the festivities, the "Naginata Hoko" stands out with its remarkable presence.

The photo shows the Naginata Hoko moving through the streets of Kyoto in the height of summer.
Its luxurious decorations, large wheels, and the people pulling the hoko convey the tradition of Kyoto and the excitement of the festival that has been passed down for over a thousand years.

Under the blazing sun, the Gion Festival has been preserved despite the sweat and heat.
It is a beauty of Japanese traditional culture that can only be felt in the hot summer of Kyoto.

Accompanied by the resonating Gion bayashi, the Gion Festival colors the summer in Kyoto.
It is one of Japan's representative festivals that we hope will continue to be cherished.

This photo was taken at Endo Farm in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. It offers a prime spot to overlook the sunflowers blooming all around under the summer sky. From the top of a tall ladder, my daughter points and laughs at something she found. May this vibrant scene, filled with the bright yellow of the sunflowers and the blue sky, become a cherished summer memory for our family someday.

-The Door to Summer-
This photo was taken at Ad Maridué in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture.
On a summer day, the blue sky and green countryside spread out before me.
Beyond the yellow door lay a nostalgic landscape of a Japanese summer.
I imagined the small back of my daughter, arms wide open as she prepared to run, filled with the anticipation of the summer to come and the desire for the memories of summer to last forever.

This is Tropical Beach located in Ginowan City. It was a very hot day, but the weather was nice, making it quite pleasant. Many tourists came to swim as well.
It's easily accessible from the city center of Naha, so be sure to visit!

This photo was taken during my visit to Gero Onsen Gassho Village in Gifu Prefecture.
More than 1,000 wind chimes were decorated near the entrance, and every time the wind blew, they all chimed together.

I felt that wind chimes symbolize summer in Japan, and I wanted to capture that in a photograph. Rather than just photographing the wind chimes, I wanted to express it in my own way, so I took a shot through the wind chimes in the foreground, which created a sense of depth and slightly lowered the saturation of the overall photo, giving it a nostalgic atmosphere. I used the standard camera of the iPhone 17 for the shoot.

Additionally, since I had only heard the sound of a single wind chime before, experiencing the sound of over 1,000 wind chimes chiming together was a first for me. I discovered that a single wind chime produces a delicate tone, but when gathered together, they create a powerful chorus-like sound, revealing a new charm of wind chimes.

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."

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.

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

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

Thank you for the 2026 Photo Contest!

Our annual photo contest
"Shibazakura and the Fantastic Photos of the Valley"

Thank you for all the participation this year.
The winners for 2026 have been decided, and we are pleased to announce them!


We will introduce the honorable mentions for each category!

*Participants have already been notified of the results.


At the free space on the second floor of the roadside station,
we are exhibiting again this year, so
please stop by and take a look♪

#Takinoue Town #Tourist Association #Takinoue Town Tourism Association #Hokkaido #Photo Contest

Thank you for the 2026 Photo Contest!①

Our annual photo contest
"Shibazakura and the Valley Town Fantastic Photo Award"

Thank you for your participation this year as well.
The winners for 2026 have been decided, so we will announce them!


First, let's introduce the gold, silver, and bronze award winners in each category 🥇🥈🥉
Next, we will introduce the honorable mentions!

*Participants have already been notified of the results.


At the free space on the second floor of the roadside station,
we are exhibiting again this year, so
please stop by and take a look♪

#Takinoue Town #Tourist Association #Takinoue Town Tourist Association #Hokkaido #Photo Contest

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.

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!

The End of a Summer Day

July 26, 2026, Sayocho, Hyogo Prefecture, Sunflower Field

Captured at the sunflower field in Sayocho, Hyogo Prefecture. I encountered the sight of the summer sun setting beyond the sea of blooming sunflowers at dusk. I pressed the shutter to capture the end of a summer day, as the sky and sunflower field were painted by the sunset.

A Summer Break

July 14, 2026
Photographed at Yamasa Lotus Garden, Yumesaki Town, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture

While photographing the lotus flowers, I spotted a small dragonfly resting on the tip of a petal. Its appearance, as if taking a brief break in the summer sunlight, left a lasting impression, and I gently pressed the shutter.

On a summer night, we were delighted to see the watermelon we had grown for the first time bear fruit, and a stag beetle came to visit. Our homegrown watermelon and the beetle we encountered on that summer evening created an unforgettable memory of an unexpected combination.

【Late Summer!】
This summer, head to the not-too-hot Minami-Izu 🌊☀️

● About beach activities
https://x.gd/Yiubz

● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero extreme heat days (as of August 17)!
https://x.gd/WewOB

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🏖️ Beach
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A stunning beach with white sands and blue pines, selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches and top 100 bathing spots!
Yumigahama Beach
📅 July 18 - August 30

This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back 🛟
Enjoy water activities and swimming together.
Yumigahama Splash Water Park
📅 Until August 23 (Sunday)

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🤿 Activities
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A hidden beach accessible only by boat 🚤
Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a snorkeling paradise with abundant fish 🐠
📅 Until September 30 (Wednesday)

🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting applications!
Departure dates: September 19 - 21
Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen
Tour application here https://x.gd/ZH3a4

Yagawahama and Tawara-hama ferry (Mera) July 18 - August 31

* Starts July 25!
IZU THE SOUTH 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp/

* Summer posters are also on sale!
B1 (Iro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen
(Free distribution for Minami-Izu residents)

📷 Photo contest is also underway!
Winning entries will receive luxurious prizes.
Application here https://x.gd/LRM7Q

As a child, I peered into the small universe of marbles every time I drank ramune.
As an adult, I tried to capture the grand fireworks illuminating the night sky of Yokohama and the beautifully lit sailing ship Nippon Maru within that small marble.
The collaboration of the retro ramune bottle and the vibrant night view of Minatomirai.
It's an unforgettable summer night memory where nostalgia and novelty intersect.

The blue, clear summer sky and the vividly shining green fields create a scene reminiscent of Japan's original landscape, where a retro vehicle quietly stands. The torii gate visible in the distance adds a sense of narrative and nostalgia to this scenery, capturing a moment of summer in Japan, where the sound of cicadas seems to echo.

From Osaka to Kochi Prefecture to Ehime Prefecture🚗
I visited the stunning summer spots, Cape Ashizuri and Kashiwa-jima.
The sea is blue! It was refreshing🌊
The hotel was not far from the John Mung Museum.
In Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, I enjoyed food walking at Dogo Onsen♨️!
I had the tempura of Ichiroku Tart for 200 yen (tax included). It was incredibly delicious😋

This is the "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Cute "Kingyo Chochin" lanterns decorate the street corners, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the soft light spilling from the lanterns.
On the other hand, during the "Bakusō Neputa" on August 13th, the adorable "Kingyo Neputa" transforms and performs a wild and frenzied run. (laughs)

Summer settled over the village like a green silence. The mountains slept beneath the endless blue sky, while cicadas sang from the trees as if they had been singing there forever. Bright flowers bloomed along an empty roadside, leading somewhere unknown. A lazy afternoon, a gentle breeze, and the delicate sound of wind chimes drifting through Okutama made this summer feel a little more magical.

The "Suhōten Festival" at Iminomiya Shrine, known as "the extraordinary festival of the world," boasts a history of over 1,800 years.
Men carry bamboo poles that can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh over 100 kilograms!
Everyone, be careful not to knock over the bamboo, "Total Concentration: Bamboo Breathing!"

Filming location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Around 1 PM on August 8, 2026
The view from the terrace at Futtsu Kanaya "the fish" in the Inner Boso
A midsummer blue sky, white summer clouds, and the shimmering sea
Fishing boats moving through this scenery—how's the catch?
It felt like a scene from a summer vacation sketchbook.