Event Announcement📣 On August 2nd (Sunday), the 35th Taiki Town Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival, a major summer event that has been held since the first year of the Heisei era, will take place😊 Set against the backdrop of the Rekifune River, which has been rated the "cleanest river in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment, a variety of programs will unfold from afternoon to night🎵 During the day, unique events such as a pet bottle rocket contest, free character shows, and a fun lottery will be held, showcasing the charm of this space-themed town😍 At night, the festival will feature the summer tradition of the Doshin Fireworks Festival and the thrilling perupne fire festival, among many other attractions✨✨ A ceremony where a 20-meter tall torch is lit is believed to predict a good harvest if it falls towards the mountains and a good catch if it falls towards the sea, making it one of the highlights of the festival‼ Be sure to witness that moment🎶 ★11:00–: Taiki Junior Wind Ensemble ★12:00– / 14:30–: Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity Show (Free Admission) ★13:30–: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 5th Band Performance ★15:40–: Live Performance by Marie Wanri, singer-songwriter ★16:30–: Fun Lottery ★18:00–: Perupne Fire Festival *To participate in the torch ceremony, a numbered ticket is required. Tickets will be distributed from noon at the main office. (First 100 people; children in 3rd grade and below must be accompanied by a guardian) ★19:20–: Doshin Fireworks Festival This festival allows you to fully enjoy the summer charm of Taiki Town. Gather your family and friends and come join us🤗 🔶Date: August 2, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00–20:30 *In case of rain, the fireworks festival and perupne fire festival will be held on the following day, August 3rd (Monday) 🔶Location: Rekifune River Taiki Bridge Upstream Riverbed 🔶Contact: 35th Taiki Town Rekifune River Clear Stream Festival Executive Committee (Taiki Town Tourism Association Office) TEL: 01558-6-2114 https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=450...

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

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 2nd Saturday Night Market 2026 ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The 2nd Saturday Night Market 2026 will be held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At the venue, you can enjoy classic night market attractions like shooting games and super ball scooping. Familiar food stalls will offer yakitori, yakisoba, and shaved ice, making it a great opportunity to casually enjoy the lively summer atmosphere. From 6 PM, there will be performances including baton twirling, choir, dance, and taiko drumming, perfect for those who want to relax on a summer night at the station. Those who come in yukata will receive a complimentary juice. Why not enjoy a slightly different night at Mie Town Station Front? 【Date】August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM 【Location】Mie Town Station Square (539 Mie Town Market, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 6:00 PM – Baton Twirling 6:30 PM – Bungoono Rainbow Choir 7:00 PM – Dance Atelier ROⓂD 7:30 PM – Toyo Taiko 【Parking】None *Please use public transportation when visiting. We kindly ask that you do not park at nearby commercial facilities. 【Contact】 Bungoono City Chamber of Commerce Mie Branch TEL: 0974-22-1193

Taken on July 26, 26. This is the salt caramel banana basque cheesecake, ice cream, and original chai from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is ice cream from LEC COFFEE. 🍨

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 1st, the "70th Tokachi Port Festival and the 36th Tokachi Port Fireworks Festival" will be held in Hirocho, celebrating the summer of Tokachi😊 This is the only fireworks festival in the Tokachi region that takes place at a port🎆 The highlights include Chinese fireworks spreading across the night sky and vibrant underwater fireworks blooming on the sea surface, showcasing unique displays that can only be experienced at the port✨✨ Inside the venue, a variety of events will take place, including the Port Bazaar with numerous food stalls, the Tokyo Port Fruit Bazaar, a Fire Prevention Festival, JAF Children's Safety License issuance, Yosakoi Soran dance performances, Jinya Taiko, and the Sea Breeze Sauna Festival🎵 Additionally, this year, a special stage will be held to commemorate the 70th anniversary😍 ★13:00 / 15:30: Go! Anpanman Show ★13:45 / 16:15: Hilarious Comedy Live in Tokachi Port (Dandy Sakano, Sanpachi) ★14:30: Hokkaido Police Band Concert Come and create summer memories at Tokachi Port🤗 *After the fireworks festival, congestion is expected in the downtown area of Taiki Town on National Route 236 when returning to Obihiro, so we recommend using alternative routes to avoid the congested areas for those in a hurry. For more details, please see the [Traffic Congestion Countermeasure Flyer] on the website below. *Both the first and second departures of the Tokachi Patrol Boat Experience have reached full capacity, so registration has ended. Thank you for your understanding. 🔶Date and Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 to 21:00 🔶Location: Tokachi Port 4th Pier 🔶Contact: Tokachi Port Festival Sponsorship Office (Hirocho Town Hall Fisheries, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 01558-2-0177 (Weekdays), TEL: 01558-2-2111 (Holidays) https://hiroo-kanko.jp/2026/07/14/__trashed/...

Taken on July 26, 2026. After the demonstration by the Kawagoe Domain matchlock gun squad, I took a break at LEC COFFEE. This is a salted caramel banana basque cheesecake. I was able to replenish my salt intake. 😊🧂

Photographed on July 26, 26. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. This is the procession of the daimyo from the Kawagoe Domain. It seems that the students from Kawagoe High School are participating this year.

Photographed on July 26, 26. This is a demonstration of matchlock guns by the Kawagoe Domain matchlock gun squad.

Ikusato Matsuri at Miwakare Park, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture was a fun festival with a free lottery, food stalls, and a stage, creating a relaxing atmosphere. (^_^♪

Yuzu Sunflower Yuyu Farm in Kasugamachi, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture It was fun with a sunflower maze, food stalls, and free sunflower picking!

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is a windmill at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's Naorai Hall.

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is Enmusubi Red and White Soft Drink and Enmusubi Wind Chime Cider.

Kussharo Prince Hotel, surrounded by nature. Beyond the lakeside garden lies the tranquil Lake Kussharo. Only the sound of birds chirping fills the air, creating a special moment just for you. Experience quiet nature exploration at the lakeside accommodation in Hokkaido, Lake Kussharo. For the latest information and reservations, please check the official website linked in the profile 🌿 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Item Number: E380707 Title: Tsuki ni Hototogisu zu Tsuba Signature: Tokuoki (Shinoyama Tokuoki) Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 75.8mm, Width 69.7mm, Thickness 2.8mm Period: Late Edo School: Ohtsuki school Description The Ohtsuki school represents the Kyoto metalworkers and is founded by Ohtsuki Mitsukō, producing notable artisans such as Hidekō, Ōki, Hidekuni, Tokuoki, and Gessan. Shinoyama Tokuoki entered the school of Kawahara Hayashi Hidekuni, and in the second year of the Bunkyū era, he was commissioned by the House of Tokugawa to engrave the fittings of the shogun's sword. Due to his achievements, he was granted the title of Ōsumi Daijō, and the following year, in the third year of Bunkyū, he was awarded the title of Ikkyōsai for engraving the fittings of a short sword for Emperor Kōmei. He is a distinguished craftsman representing the Ohtsuki school. The tsuba depicting the cuckoo in the moon exhibits a refined use of space, showcasing remarkable inlay work with a design of hidden clouds, which is truly elegant.

Chitose Summer Festival ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The "4th Chitose Summer Festival" will be held in Chitose-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This year, active high school students from Chitose-cho will serve as hosts, energizing the venue with their enthusiasm. In addition to various stage events, there will be a display of "working vehicles" by the Bungo-Ono Police Station, and the summer tradition of a haunted house at the community center will also make an appearance. Please join us with your friends and family. 【Date and Time】Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 17:00 【Location】Bungoono City Chitose Branch Office and Chitose Community Center (706-1 Shinden, Chitose-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Parking】Available (Bungoono City Chitose Branch Office and Chitose Elementary and Junior High School) 【Schedule】 17:00～ Opening 17:05～ Bungo-Ono Police Station Goto Theater Company 17:20～ Dance (Time Dance Studio Mie Class) 17:30～ Children's Corner 17:45～ Cola Drinking Contest 18:00～ Dance (Time Dance Studio Mie Class) 18:15～ Two-Person Wearing 18:30～ Koto Performance 19:00～ Karaoke 20:15～ Chitose Odori Song 【Others】 There will be food trucks (candy apples, curry, crepes, etc.), draft beer, and fried chicken available. 【Organizer and Event Inquiries】 Chitose Revitalization Team Takao Phone: 090-6899-9725

This is the Enmusubi Wind Chime Cider. Yesterday, I fully enjoyed the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

Today, I explored Kawagoe for the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. Due to the intense heat, I took a break right away. This is the red and white soft serve ice cream for matchmaking.

This is a floral water offering inspired by the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. 🏮

Today and tomorrow is the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

【Forest Beer Garden】 On the evening of Friday, July 31st, a beer garden will be held at Hotel Moriyu! 🎉 *In case of rain, it will take place at Hotel Moriyu's Plum Hall. We will offer not only beer but also sake, shochu, sour drinks, and soft drinks. 🍺 The food pairs perfectly with the drinks, making it hard to choose what to eat. Come with an empty stomach! Additionally, Hotel Moriyu's restaurant is said to have a takeout menu available. Enjoy a fun night under the summer night sky with a beer in hand. - 【Forest Beer Garden】 July 31st (Friday) 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Last order at 8:30 PM Hosted by: Nishiokoppe Village Chamber of Commerce Youth Division Contact: 0158-87-2974 #Nishiokoppe Village #Beer Garden #Chamber of Commerce Youth Division #Hotel Moriyu #Summer

Photographed on July 9, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime. The location changes daily.

Photographed on July 9, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Asaji Summer Festival ❚ Held on August 15, 2026 The "54th Asaji Summer Festival 2026" will take place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Beloved during the Obon season, the "Asaji Summer Festival" is a summer tradition in Asaji Town, easily accessible for locals as well as families and friends visiting for the holidays. Enjoy food stalls while traditional Kagura performances and Asaji Ondo continue, culminating in fireworks that light up the summer night sky. The fireworks launched at Asaji Ground are one of the highlights, allowing for an up-close experience. 【Date and Time】August 15, 2026 (Saturday) 18:00 - 21:00 *In case of rain, fireworks will be postponed to August 17 (Monday) 【Location】Asaji Ground (Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 18:00 - Food stalls 18:30 - Kagura 19:30 - Asaji Ondo 19:45 - Opening Declaration 20:00 - Fireworks Launch *Subject to change due to weather conditions 【Notes】 Traffic regulations will be in effect around the venue from 17:30. There may be dark areas between nearby parking lots and the venue, so having a flashlight is recommended. ■Contact Information Asaji Town Hometown Development Executive Committee Office (Bungoono City Asaji Branch) TEL: 0974-72-1111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

A Yezo sika deer standing by Lake Utonai. This was taken during the "Waterfowl Count Survey" on July 19. (Image provided by Lake Utonai Wildlife Center)

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on July 24, 2014. Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a path for the heart. Mist is being sprayed, creating a refreshing atmosphere.🌁

I went to work from Hon-Kawagoe Station for the first time in a while. This is the Enmusubi Fuurin at the Honkawagoe Station Ticket Gate.🎐