On your way back from Tamana, we also recommend stopping by Manda Pit in Arao City. After enjoying hot springs and meals, adding some time to walk through this World Heritage site will make your trip in Northern Kumamoto even more fulfilling. Even a short visit offers a lot to see, allowing you to feel the history while taking photos. It's perfect for small group trips. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and junior high school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Tamana #Kumamoto Prefecture North #Northern Kumamoto Tourism #Day Trips #Small Group Travel #Historical Walks #Industrial Heritage #Photography Trips #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Tamana #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #HeritageTravel

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, July 19th, the "Makubetsu Summer Festa 2026" will be held to celebrate summer in Makubetsu Town😊 At the venue, you'll find fun attractions, a bouncy dome, and stalls offering delicious local gourmet food🎵 Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division will host a grand lottery with luxurious prizes, including JTB pair travel vouchers🎁🎁 The festival will conclude with approximately 3,000 beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky🎆 Bring your family and friends and come join us at the venue🤗 🔶Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM *In case of rain, the event may be postponed to Monday, July 20th (holiday). 🔶Venue: Makubetsu Undo Park Special Venue 🔶Contact: Makubetsu Town Office Economic Department Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division TEL 0155-54-2111 (Weekdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8782...

Mr. Takuya Kurose, a Kumamoto Prefecture employee from Reihokumachi, and the experiential content production group MATH GAME from Saitama Prefecture have created a game called "One Step to Sky Blue: At the End of the Ripple" that is enjoyable with books. This work was produced as a sequel to "Beyond the Ripples," which was announced last May. On July 14, a trial play event conducted by Takushin High School students was held and received great acclaim. The game aims to convey the charm of Reihokumachi, and it is planned to be utilized for raising awareness of Reihokumachi as a tourist destination and creating a related population. 【To actually play "One Step to Sky Blue: At the End of the Ripple"】 Adjustments are underway so that it can be experienced within the town in the future, so stay tuned! Additionally, the previous work "Beyond the Ripples" is already available to play on the smartphone app "uzu," so please try to prepare before the sequel!

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the love fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Hello 😊, welcome to Jewelry Town Shosenkyo Gorge 💎. July in Shosenkyo is a healing season filled with beautiful scenery created by vibrant green trees 🌳 and clear streams 💧. Surrounded by cool breezes 🍃 and the chirping of birds 🐦, why not forget your daily routine for a moment and take a leisurely stroll? ✨ In Shosenkyo, where stone shops 💎 and restaurants 🍴 are nestled in nature, you can enjoy meals and shopping while refreshing both your mind and body 😊🌿. In Jewelry Town, you can see a variety of natural stones, including beautifully shining opals 💎. We hope you enjoy meeting your favorite stone! ✨ Opal is a gemstone that symbolizes "hope", "luck", and "creativity" 🌈✨. It is said to bring out the charm and talents of its owner, supporting them in taking new steps 💖. 💎 Our staff is sincerely looking forward to meeting you all 🌸.

Photographed on July 15, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Yesterday was the annual festival at Yasaka Shrine. We prayed for good health, had our heads bitten by the lion's head, and were fanned by Tengu-sama with a fan. We received cucumbers and amulets.

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.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime for tying bonds on the bench has changed to a sky blue color. I was in high spirits because Spain won.😊🎐

Event Announcement📣 On July 19 (Sunday), the 15th Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival will be held😊 For nearly 100 years since 1910, this public railway has been running through Rikubetsu Town. After its closure in 2006, it was reborn in April 2008 as a tourist facility where visitors can experience actual train operations! To promote this historic "Rikubetsu Railway" and encourage more people to ride and experience it, we are hosting this event🎵 On the evening of July 18, about 2,000 fireworks will light up the summer night sky🎆 In conjunction with this, a special fireworks train will be operated, allowing passengers to enjoy the fireworks from inside the diesel train!! Passengers will receive local specialty products from Rikubetsu Town as a gift. Reservations are currently being accepted🚂 (Note: Fireworks train → Capacity 32 people, 1,500 yen) Additionally, stage shows featuring street performers and music performances by Backyard Music are also planned‼ During the stage event on July 19, we will welcome the popular Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians "Slim Club and Denjin Band" for a comedy stage performance. Moreover, in the "Special Train Experience Ride," we will extend the ride experience, which is usually limited to the station premises, as a special train for this event to Koi-yamagata Station in the suburbs. Those wishing to ride can register on the day of the event. (Note: Special train → Adults 500 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen) Don't miss this rare opportunity for a unique experience😍 Other activities include horseback riding experiences, a bingo tournament with a chance to win a Nintendo Switch 2, and dance performances by elementary school students from Rikubetsu, among various programs planned🎁🎁 Many vendors will also be present, so we invite everyone to come together and join us🤗 🔶 Date and Time <Pre-festival> July 18, 2026 (Saturday) 18:00–20:30 <Main Festival> July 19, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00–16:00 🔶 Venue <Pre-festival> Midori-machi Soccer Field <Main Festival> Inside Rikubetsu Railway Station & Multipurpose Square in front of the station 🔶 Fireworks Train Applications & Inquiries Furusato Ginga Line Rikubetsu Railway Festival Executive Committee Office (Rikubetsu Town Hall, Industrial Promotion Division) TEL: 0156-27-2141 https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/tetsudoumatsuri/...

Taken on July 1, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, this is a wind chime symbolizing the connection of the engawa (veranda). I'm curious about 🇪🇸🆚🇫🇷.

Taken on July 1, 2014. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

The "2026 Artisan Summer Asparagus Fair" starts on Tuesday, July 21! This year, 26 restaurants will participate!! Using the summer bounty of Engaru Town, "Engaru Nyokki-zu Summer Asparagus," participating restaurants will offer original dishes created with creativity and ingenuity at the "Asparagus Fair." This year, 26 restaurants are participating. Be sure to enjoy the original dishes at many establishments. When you order asparagus dishes, there will be special benefits at each restaurant, and you also have a chance to win "1 kg of Summer Asparagus" or "common meal vouchers for participating restaurants" for 30 lucky winners through a lottery! The event will be held from Tuesday, July 21, to Thursday, August 13! 🎶

Taken on July 1, 2024. These are the enmusubi wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🎐

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Grand Front Osaka The Green Bear This bear is named "Ted Ibel," with the nickname coool. In fact, this is a work by the contemporary French artist Fabrice Hyber. It sprays water from its mouth.

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try! <Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!> 1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease! 2. Forest Adventure Nagano Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake! Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨ With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely! 3. Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site. 【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) #Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on July 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on July 1, 2026. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features a summer prayer water offering for love.

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the summer prayer water for love at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌻🏮

Taken on July 1, 2026. This is the chawa (ring of reeds) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Notice of Cancellation for the "Ice Tunnel One-Day Opening" We sincerely apologize to those who were looking forward to this day. Due to rain leading up to the event date, the footing near the Ice Tunnel has become extremely poor, and this year's one-day opening has unfortunately been cancelled. Please note that there will be no alternative date. We appreciate your understanding and hope you will look forward to next year's opening. #Ice Tunnel #Cancelled

Taken on July 2, 26. This is the pudding and black latte from LEC COFFEE.

Enjoying a day in Shizura, Nishi-Izu with guests from Sweden Nishi-Izu, easily accessible for a day trip from the Tokyo area. On this day, we headed to Shizura in Nishi-Izu with guests visiting from Sweden. Shizura is a quiet diving spot with calm seas. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions, a relaxed atmosphere typical of Japan's seaside flows here. Mixing English and Japanese by the sea The conversations of the day were a mix of English and Japanese. If there were words we didn't understand, we communicated in different ways or used gestures. Even if we didn't fully understand each other, entering the sea together and sharing the same scenery naturally brought us closer. Diving is not just about enjoying the ocean. It's also a time that connects people beyond nationalities and language differences. Lunch at a local spot after the sea After diving, we enjoyed lunch together at a local restaurant. Reflecting on the time spent in the sea, we gathered around the same table. Diving into Japan's waters, dining at a local place, and spending leisurely time in a seaside town. It's a local day that's a bit different from a typical trip to famous tourist spots. Thank you for joining us. A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, such as Shonan and Izu, perfect for a day trip from Tokyo. The theme is "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Tours are conducted in small groups. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance in English. Would you like to spend a day by the sea during your trip to Japan? Based on your travel schedule and diving experience, we'll propose the perfect sea for you. Feel free to contact us first.

Hokuto Pro Wrestling The matches of Hokuto Pro Wrestling will be held in Nishiokoppe Village again this year!! There's no doubt it will make the summer even hotter. Monday, July 27 Doors open at 18:00 / Matches start at 19:00 At Nishiokoppe Village Community & Sports Hall (📍It's an indoor sports facility behind Secoma) Adults (high school students and above): Advance tickets 2,000 yen / At the door 2,500 yen Elementary and junior high school students: Free *Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian. 🍺🍖🍺🍧🍺 Food and drinks will be available at the venue!! (Grilled chicken, miso curry oden, shaved ice, beer, other alcoholic beverages, soft drinks) Miso curry oden will be available From 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, even for those who are not watching wrestling! *After the doors open, only ticket holders can purchase oden *One egg will be complimentary with each ticket🥚 🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫🎫 Tickets are on sale now! For inquiries, please contact 090-8631-0781 (Kikugawa). It seems there will also be a time for kids vs. wrestlers! We look forward to your attendance. This project is supported by the Nishiokoppe Village Beautiful and Livable Vitality Village Development Subsidy. #Hokuto Pro Wrestling #Match #Hokuto Wind #Crane Mask

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. Their popular pudding is firm and very delicious. 🍮

Taken on July 2, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

🌊 A Day to Become a Diver in the Sea of Japan Leaving the bustling streets of Tokyo, we head to Nishi-Izu. This time, we visit Shizura, where a quiet sea stretches out. The sky was cloudy, but the temperature was pleasant for spending time by the sea. As we gazed at the calm waters, our first steps toward becoming divers began. This time, the participants are all aiming to obtain their diving licenses for the first time. 🤿 Preparation Before Entering the Water Diving starts before entering the water. First, we prepare equipment like tanks and regulators. Listening to the instructor's explanations, we assemble each piece with our own hands. At first, the unfamiliar equipment feels daunting. However, after practicing several times while checking the order, we gradually start to understand how it works. Once preparations are complete, we have a briefing in front of the sea. We all review what we will do underwater, the conditions of the sea that day, and points for safe enjoyment. 🫧 The World Underwater, Breathing for the First Time With our gear on, we finally head into the sea. First, we adjust our breathing at the surface. Feeling a bit nervous with the unfamiliar equipment, we slowly make our way into the water. Once submerged, the surrounding sounds become quiet. Fish swim right in front of us, and the seabed is spread with rocks and sand. It's a completely different view from the land. Initially focused on breathing and posture, as we get more comfortable, we find ourselves enjoying the underwater scenery. When everyone returns to the surface, smiles have replaced the nervous expressions. 🌏 Over Three Days, an Entrance to a New World In the PADI Open Water Diver Course, we learn the necessary knowledge and skills for diving over three days. Breathing underwater, using equipment, and the basics of diving safely. Each experience builds upon the last, and everyone successfully obtained their licenses. Obtaining the license is not the goal. It's a new start to enjoy the seas of Japan and around the world. Thank you to everyone who participated. 🇯🇵 The Seas of Japan Are Recommended in Autumn Too When thinking about the season to enjoy the sea in Japan, many might picture summer. In fact, the sea in Izu is most comfortable around September to October. The water temperature is high, making it an easy season to enjoy diving. If you obtain your license during summer, you can fully enjoy the sea during the best season. There's another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama. Why not take a step into a new world during your travels? Time spent underwater will surely become a special memory of your journey. ✨ A Special Day by the Sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea 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 as day trips from Tokyo, such as Shonan and Izu. Our 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, the richness of nature, and the local seaside experience. Our tours are small in size. Beginners and those who are not confident in swimming can participate with peace of mind. We also provide guidance 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 according to your travel schedule and diving experience. Please feel free to contact us.

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.