Taken on June 5, 2014. This is the Ai-Tai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, this is the windmill in front of the Otorii Gate. It features yellow and orange. Speaking of orange (Oranje), it seems to be the nickname for the Netherlands national team.

Event Announcement📣 On June 21 (Sunday), the Ashoro Furusato Lawanbuki Festival will be held! 😊 The large plant "Lawanbuki" grows to an impressive height of 2 to 3 meters! ❗ This event started with the desire to share its dynamic beauty and delicious freshness with everyone across the country. Come and enjoy the world of Lawanbuki, which is both surprising to see and delicious to eat. 🎵 At the venue, we will have a fun lottery with prizes featuring local specialties from Ashoro, as well as vibrant stage shows from groups like the Memuro Akanko Taiko Preservation Society and the Ashoro Junior High School Brass Band to liven up the event! ✨ From small children to adults, everyone can enjoy a special time filled with smiles. 🤗 🔶 Date: June 21, 2026 (Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM *The event will be held rain or shine. 🔶 Venue: Michi-no-Eki Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 Event Square 🔷 Inquiries: Ashoro Furusato Lawanbuki Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0156-28-3863 (Ashoro Town Hall, Community Development Promotion Division, Commerce and Tourism Section) https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/event/event-1.html...

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I was curious about the Japan vs. Netherlands match.

Taken on June 10, 26. This is the ice cafe latte and lemon meringue pie from cafe andon.

From the summit of Mount Wagakuni, a breathtaking morning scene unfolds over Ibaraki. A sea of clouds completely blankets the towns below, creating a dreamlike landscape where the mountains appear to float above the sky. But if you look closely at the far right of the frame, you might notice a giant figure standing quietly above the clouds — and if I’m not mistaken, that silhouette is the famous Ushiku Daibutsu, watching over the horizon from afar. This is a hidden gem. Very few people know about this place. After I saw it I was astonished. Highly recommended hidden gem.

Taken on June 10, 26. This is the lemon meringue pie from cafe andon.

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

Breathless from the climb, Miyama Kirishima adorns the early summer landscape of the Mt. Kuju Range. It feels so good! Location: Hoshiozaki, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture

Taken on June 10, 26. This is Andon Chicken Curry from cafe andon.🍛

Taken on June 10, 26. This is the floral water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🌸🐥

Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is actually surrounded by many small lakes that resemble satellites, and Pinghu is one of them. However, only fishermen are aware of its existence, so in spring, you can leisurely enjoy cherry blossom viewing while taking in the sight of the giant cherry trees that encircle the lake, all while being gently blown by the lake breeze.

The filming location is "Takatori Castle" in Kamikoshima, Takatoricho, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. "Takatori Castle" is associated with Toyotomi Hidenaga, one of the Toyotomi brothers, and is counted among Japan's three great mountain castles, making it quite a hidden gem. What I want to introduce here is the "Kunimi Yagura Ruins" of Takatori Castle. The Kunimi Yagura offers a panoramic view of the "Asuka-Fujiwara Capital Area," which is set to become a World Heritage site. This photo captures "Mt. Unebiyama (where the Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu is located)," "Fujiwara-kyo ruins," "Asukamura," and "Mt. Nijo (a symbol of the ancient capital Nara for the people of Nara)." Under good conditions, you can also see "Mount Hiei in Kyoto" and "Mount Rokko in Kobe." The view, especially during the time from sunset to twilight, is magnificent. Have you noticed it? In the distance to the right of Mt. Nijo, the skyline of Osaka's high-rise buildings is visible. One of those buildings is "Abeno Harukas." Getting to the "Takatori Castle Ruins" involves a mountain trail hike. Please check the information and prepare suitable clothing and gear for a short mountain climb to enjoy your visit. Additionally, Takatori Castle has no lighting facilities, and at night it becomes pitch dark, which can be dangerous. It's necessary to have lighting equipment like headlamps. Last year, the Takatori New Tourism Association held a night walk tour. Please consider participating in such events.

In the sweltering heat of the rainy season, I was drawn down into the valley by the sound of the clear stream and a cool breeze. Upon reaching the valley floor, I found myself in another world! Before me lay a fantastical landscape! At the information center at the valley entrance, I was informed that "Due to fallen trees and safety concerns, access to the upstream area leading to the Chockstone is currently prohibited." It was a bit disappointing, but there's always next time!! Location: Oita Prefecture, Yufu City

Taken on June 10, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There are golden and silver chicks.

The five-day, four-night trip to Tokyo has come to an end. This time, I will share my travel tips for Tokyo【Personal Sharing】 Day 1 | Arrival in Tokyo and Asakusa Exploration Time Itinerary Morning Arrival in Tokyo → Check into the hotel Afternoon Senso-ji → Kaminari Mon → Nakamise Shopping Street Evening Tokyo Skytree → Skytree Night View → Izakaya 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Shinjuku / Ikebukuro / Ueno Day 2 | Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya Time Itinerary Morning Meiji Shrine → Yoyogi Park Afternoon Harajuku Takeshita Street → Omotesando → Cat Street Evening Shibuya Scramble Crossing → SHIBUYA SKY 🍜 Recommended Cuisine Yakiniku, Sushi, Izakaya 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Shinjuku / Shibuya Day 3 | Akihabara, Ginza, and Fuyadani Experience Time Itinerary Morning Akihabara Electric Town → Animate Afternoon Ginza Chuo-dori → Department Store Shopping Evening Fuyadani Club Experience 1 🌸 Fuyadani Club Experience 1 🌸 20:00 - 23:00 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Ginza / Shinbashi / Ikebukuro Day 4 | Day Trip to Hakone Onsen Time Itinerary Morning Hakone-Yumoto → Mountain Railway Afternoon Ōwakudani → Lake Ashi Boat Ride → Hakone Shrine Evening Return to Tokyo → Fuyadani Club Experience 2 🌸 Fuyadani Club Experience 2 🌸 21:00 - 00:00 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Shinjuku / Ikebukuro Day 5 | Shopping in Shinjuku and Return Time Itinerary Morning Shinjuku Gyoen Afternoon Don Quixote → Bic Camera → Drugstore Evening Fuyadani Club Experience 3 → Return to the hotel to pack 🌸 Fuyadani Club Experience 3 🌸 19:30 - 23:30 As the last night itinerary in Tokyo Must-try Foods in Tokyo 🍣 Sushi 🍜 Ramen 🥩 Wagyu Yakiniku 🍢 Izakaya Skewers 🍰 Japanese Sweets 🐟 Seafood Rice Bowl Transportation Recommendations in Tokyo 🚇 Suica / PASMO 🚄 JR Yamanote Line 🚇 Tokyo Metro ✈️ Narita Skyliner ✈️ Haneda Keikyu Line

Make your stay in Kushiro more comfortable. At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we offer a variety of room types to suit your needs.✨ Enjoy a relaxing time while gazing at the cityscape and harbor views of Kushiro through the large windows. It's perfect for both sightseeing and business stays. Why not find the perfect room for you? Reservations can be made through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

In Azumino, the "soba flowers" are blooming They are blossoming like a white carpet The locations are in front of Azumino Mirai Farm and around HAMA Flower Park 😄

🚌 Announcement of Bus Tour 🚌 "Regional Co-Creation Infrastructure Tour (Konsen Dairy Edition)" A day trip bus tour to learn about the Konsen region, which supports Japan's dairy farming! We will trace the journey of a single milk bottle, from the transportation and storage of imported livestock feed in the Kushiro-Nemuro region to raw milk production, processing, and transportation outside the region. Kushiro Port is the only place in Hokkaido where you can see the Roll-on Roll-off ship "Hokuren Maru" up close. We hope you will join us! ☺ *August 5 (Wednesday) Capacity: 15 people (minimum number of participants: 12 people) Fee: 9,500 yen per person (including tax) 9:00 Departure from KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) Kushiro Port West Port Area 2nd Wharf International Logistics Terminal→Mitsuwa Unyu Co., Ltd. Feed Ingredient Storage Facility→Akan Agricultural Cooperative Kushiro TMR Center→National Emergency Agricultural Land Reorganization and Improvement Project, Akan District→Yamahana Onsen Refure (Shokado Bento)→Jinsei Farm Ranch→Yotsuba Dairy Co., Ltd. Kōsen Factory→Hokuren Maru→Dissolution at KKS Convention Center For more details and to apply, please visit the following URL. Kushiro and Akan Lake Tourism Official Site https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/19525/...

The broadcast of "In the Town Where Forget-Me-Nots Bloom - Azumino Medical Record" will start on June 28th (Sunday) at 10 PM on NHK BS. This story is set in Azumino! So, I went to look for forget-me-nots.😄 The location is the Yūsui Tansaku Road, which is on the northern side of Village Azumino. Here, I found the Myosotis scorpioides blooming!

Taken on June 11, 2014. This is the flower water offering from Hara Florist.

Taken on June 11, 26. These are the wind chimes at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine's office. May everyone's wishes come true.

Introducing the Hands-Free Rental Bicycle Service🚲🚲 Leave your large luggage at the airport shuttle bus and set off light on your bicycle🎵 With a bicycle, you can enjoy beautiful scenery that is too far to walk or easily missed by car😊 As you casually stop by enticing places, you can fully experience the local atmosphere through the scents of the wind and air😍 While pedaling freely, you may discover special sights that you wouldn't encounter on a car or walking trip🎶🎶 Make sure to enjoy the overwhelming vastness and stunning landscapes unique to Tokachi🤗 We offer a range of options including "electric bicycles" for beginners and those lacking confidence, as well as "cross bikes" for smooth rides, and professional "road bikes" or "mountain bikes"🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️ Choose according to your riding experience and preferred style❗️ 🔶Usage Period: June 1, 2026 (Monday) to November 1, 2026 (Sunday) 🔶Service Route: Tokachi Obihiro Airport ⇔ Obihiro Station Bus Terminal 🔶Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 🔷Important Notes The hands-free rental bicycle service is available only to customers using the rental bicycles and is completely reservation-based. *The service will be suspended during the Obon period and Silver Week due to airport congestion. 🔷Reservations and Inquiries 📍Departing from Tokachi Obihiro Airport ANDOOR TEL: 0155-66-5894 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) 📍Departing from Obihiro Station ECO Bus Center Rikuru TEL: 0155-23-5920 (9:30 AM to 5:30 PM) https://andoor.jp/%e6%89%8b%e3%81%b6%e3%82%89%e3%83%ac%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf%e3%82%b5%e3%82%a4%e3%82%af%e3%83%ab-2/...

Introduction to Tsuba from Wakeido Item Number E380612 Title Kabu Sukashi Tsuba Sign Mumei Yagyu Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Size Length 68mm Width 62mm Thickness 5.5mm Period First to middle of Edo School Yagyu Description Yagyu Tsuba is said to have been produced under the guidance of Yagyu Ren'ya Saiken, who served as the instructor to Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain. It is said that only those who were taught the essence of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu received this tsuba, making it highly sought after by samurai of the Owari domain during the Edo period. The motifs often suggest martial arts, and the shape is slightly smaller with a thicker layering. The iron texture tends to be somewhat rough, featuring angular ears with patterned iron bones. This piece is also compact with thick layering, displaying layers at the ears, exemplifying the typical Yagyu Tsuba.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakeido Item Number: T380603 Title: Musashino zu sukashi Tsuba Signature: Mumei, 2nd Akasaka Tadamasa Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Special Important Sword Fittings Dimensions: Length 80mm, Width 78mm, Thickness 5.5mm Period: Early Edo Description Akasaka Tsuba craftsmen are said to have migrated from Kyoto in the early Edo period, and the name comes from their settlement in Akasaka, Edo. They are renowned as iron tsuba craftsmen alongside those from Kyoto, Owari, and Higo, with all of the top three generations in early Edo being unsigned. This piece is attributed to the 2nd Akasaka Tadamasa, featuring a design of thick blades of susuki (pampas grass) adorned with dew and a moon, known as the Musashino design. The round shape is crafted with susuki and dew as openwork, and a crescent moon is intricately depicted on the left edge, showcasing a masterful composition of yin and yang, with a refined carving that avoids unnecessary bulk. The ironwork and rust color are excellent, and the pointed thickness at the top and the small size of the kogai hole stand out against the larger size of the other holes. The layering of iron, said to be three layers, is also well represented in the ears, highlighting the characteristics of ancient Akasaka. Important designated pieces from ancient Akasaka are scarce and precious.

On June 11th, Azumino is clear and sunny. Mt. Ariake, also known as Shinano Fuji, offers a beautiful view. It's a town that makes you love the morning. 😊

Introduction of the Wakizashi from Wakedo Model Number: W380610 Inscription: Mumei Yoshioka Ichimonji Sign: Mumei Yoshioka Ichimonji Certification: Japan Sword Preservation Association, Important Sword Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Dimensions: Blade length 1 shaku 5 sun 8 bu (47.9 cm), Curvature 1.2 cm, 3 Mekugi holes, 2 filled, Width at the base 2.9 mm, Width at the tip 2.55 mm Size: Blade length 47.9 cm, Curvature 1.2 cm, Mekugi 3 Hole Country: Bizen Province Country: Bizen Period: Nanbokuchyo Period: Nanbokuchyo Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, Anmune, Wide body with a delicate tip. Shallow curvature Forging: Well-textured itame, flowing grain, with a lively appearance. Hamon: Choji midare, vibrant, with gunome, pointed edge, and small downward curves, with lively ashi and ha. The nioi-guchi is tight. Boshi: Irregular, slightly returning in a yakitsume style. Nakago: O-suriage, Kurijiri tip, with a file mark at an angle. Shirasaya: Yes Description This wakizashi is attributed to the Yoshioka Ichimonji school from the Nanbokuchyo period. Its wide body and delicate tip construction are characteristic of this era. The lively hada with a flowing appearance and the choji midare with gunome and pointed edges showcase the features of this school. Both the ji and ha are in good condition and well-crafted.

【Announcement】 Event Information♪ 🦁Lions Charity Festival 2026✨ On June 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday), it will be held at Iwanai Michi-no-Eki Front Event Square😊 📅June 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday) ⏰11:00 AM to 8:00 PM 📍Iwanai Michi-no-Eki Front Event Square Iwanai Lions Club Beer Garden🍻 and Iwanai Station Cheerleading Team will liven up the venue! And every day at 6:00 PM… 🎁We will hold a bingo and lottery with fabulous prizes! Join with your family and friends, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and have a wonderful time together✨ We look forward to your visit♪ *For more details, please refer to the flyer.

Taken on June 6, 2014. This is a yo-yo fortune at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🪀

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for June📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in June♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes for sale. The famous "Ninoya" will also have a stall with its delicious ikinari dango! You can also enjoy a pack-your-own deal with Amakusa Bankan and small onions! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Amakusa Bankan (pack-your-own) ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Pumpkin ・Cucumber🥒 ・Bitter Melon ・Potato🥔 ・Small Onion (pack-your-own) ・Dekopon ・Corn🌽 ・Eggplant🍆 ・Flower Grass ・Bread ・Beets ・Bell Pepper🫑 ・Botamochi ・Mini Tomatoes ・Molokhia 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date: June 14th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)