Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Mr. Jizo in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Many of them are simple paintings that look like eyes and noses in chaos

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Prayer Festival. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Nagawacho Wada Kyuin Shrine "After a heavy, continuous downpour, floods swept through and clusters of earthworms about one shaku long died. After that, an epidemic broke out in this area and caused a great uproar. People said, 'It's the curse of the earthworms,' so they built a small shrine and enshrined the earthworms." Kyuin (earthworm) may have transformed into a deity, and it is called 'Okin-sama.' The earthworm's form is... 😘

Nagawacho Wada along the Nakasendo A stone monument erected near the side path toward the Mimizu Shrine. Can you see that it says “mimizu”? It’s such an adorable Mimizu-sama (Okin-sama) 😊

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival.

Demonstration against Shinzo Abe's state funeral

I came to Toyama for sightseeing, but unfortunately it snowed If it's snowing, you can't just go out to see the snowy scenery, so you can walk from the hotel to the Takaoka Great Buddha On a snowy night, while no one was around, the Light up Takaoka Great Buddha was quite handsome.

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

How many snow patterns can you see from Shinano-Omachi? Today's quiz! We had an enormous amount of snow this winter. On mornings when I have to dig my car out before commuting, I feel completely drained from the start of the day. This morning the snow glittered, each flake shining like a crystal. The temperature dropped sharply and the air itself seemed to sparkle. When spring comes and the mountain snow begins to melt, snow patterns appear on the slopes. In Hakuba, where I grew up, there are patterns like the rice-transplanting horse and the Takeda crest on Goryu, but I learned that Azumino has many other snow patterns too! How many do you know? How many snow patterns can be seen from Omachi City? As always, find the answer on our blog! Please come visit us. We also introduce station-to-hike courses that start in April. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... The Omachi City Tourism Association's Instagram logo has been refreshed! We mainly introduce activities in Shinano-Omachi. Please follow and like our page! Likes make us very happy and encourage us a lot. https://www.instagram.com/omachi_activitybook/... Thank you for always reading!

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Tencho Festival.

Mystery-Solving Event at Gion Shrine On Saturday, February 22, a mystery-solving event took place at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district 👏 The event was titled “Gion Shrine Real Mystery: ‘As the Gods Say’” 💡 Local high school students from Gokase Secondary School led the planning, collaborating with local company Gokase Entertainment and the Kuraoka Lovers Women’s Group to prepare the event 😳✨ Participants of all ages gathered, and the shrine grounds rang with lively voices 🤗🎶 The puzzles were quite difficult until a spark of insight or a discovery occurred… I tried hard to solve them but couldn’t in the end 🤣 I had to borrow the children’s wisdom, haha As we solved the puzzles, we learned the correct way to worship at Gion Shrine 😯💡 I had no idea about those customs, so the many new discoveries were great fun 🤩 After finishing the puzzles, participants faced a two-part showdown with the gods played by Gokase Secondary School students ⚔️ The first part, “Sengoku Gokase Town,” was a game in which players spent their held points to approach the god; the winner was the one who first knocked the bead off the god’s shoulder with a sword 💪 In the second part, the winning prize from part one, a rope, was formed into a circle on the ground as a ring, and contestants challenged the god in a hand-push sumo match 👐 Both games excited adults and children alike, and smiles filled the event from start to finish 😆 After completing all stages, participants received a “Mystery Completion Certificate,” but looking closely revealed the certificates came in different colors…🤔? It turned out the hand-push sumo in part two mirrored the ceremonial sumo offered to entertain the gods during the Morimaki ritual held at Gion Shrine. Since the tradition holds that “the one who loses to the god is correct,” the completion certificates of those who lost the hand-push sumo gleamed in gold🤣 You could feel the students’ attention to detail throughout the setting, and it was wonderful 🥹✨ At the end, participants and students took a commemorative photo together, and warm tea provided by Yukihoshien was served as a participation prize, bringing the lively, friendly event to a close 😌👏 Seeing Gokase Town come alive through events created by students, local businesses, and community groups working together is truly moving 🥹 We hope the whole town continues to join forces to keep Gokase Town thriving ✨

Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine today. Ume Plum is in Best time to visit. 🌸

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The shrine in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture was beautifully Light up. When I Prayer with my family, I took a picture through the dog.

Photographed 2/18/25. It is the red Ume plum of Kawagoe Hachimangu. Spring is approaching, isn't it? 🌸

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Prayer Festival. It is the Gokoku Shrine in the morning.

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. This is Kawagoe Imo Lottery. 🍠

When I visited a wooden joinery in Oita Prefecture, I received a kumiko set. Kumiko can be incorporated without using a single nail. It has existed since the Asuka period and is said to be used in shrine architecture. I'm just amazed at Japan's technology (laughs).

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

When it comes to introducing a country and its vibrant culture to newcomers at the airport, making thoughtful choices about what to showcase is essential because first impressions matter. During my recent trip, I stumbled upon Edo-koji, a charming Edo Market Place in the international terminal at Haneda Airport. The area is adorned with quaint, wooden shops that evoke the spirit of an Edo-era village, complete with a small stage that occasionally features captivating cultural displays. On this visit, I was drawn to a stunning pair of two-folded byōbu (folding screens) featuring an enchanting painting of the Wind God and Thunder God. This remarkable piece, crafted by the renowned Rinpa artist Ogata Kōrin, is a replica of an exquisite work by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, illustrating Raijin, the tempestuous god of lightning and storms, alongside Fūjin, the gentle god of wind. Honestly, what could be cooler than this? It’s a perfect representation of Japan’s rich artistic heritage right at the heart of the airport!

I went to Zen Rinji Temple (Eikando) in Kyoto. This is one of the pictures I took because I thought that the spiral staircase called Uryu Corridor, the trees growing next to it, and the shadows reflected on the stairs would be a picture.

The view from a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture. The view at the end of more than 1,000 steps was spectacular. It was a very quiet and quaint place.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Epoch Festival.

📣 March 5 only! Enjoy sumo and Shinto at Ohtori Grand Shrine 🏯💪 A rare experience plan lets you watch Arashio-beya’s morning sumo practice at Ohtori Grand Shrine and attend a special talk by a Shinto priest titled “Shinto and Sumo.” ✨ 👀 This is your chance to see rikishi train up close with the same intensity as in competition! The talk on the deep ties between Shinto and sumo will make watching matches even more enjoyable. 🎤 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, March 5 💰 Fee: 5,500 yen (about 3.5 hours) 📬 Registration deadline: One week before the event date ✨ Participants will also receive commemorative gifts from Ohtori Grand Shrine and Arashio-beya! 🔍 For details and to apply, check the “Experience Tours & Plans” section via the URL in our profile.

Autumn Festival in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The world of Shuji Terayama.

Photographed 2/3/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.