Hydrangea in Asawahara Highlands (photo taken on July 3)
The color has come in a nice way. You can enjoy it until about mid-July.
https://www.kankouotaki.com/mamembara.html

Mokoto Pass
Mokoto Pass runs along the north side of Lake Kussharo.
It is a prefectural road connecting Kawayu Onsen to Higashi-Mokoto Village. Not well known as a tourist route, the road nevertheless offers unique, beautiful views from two observation points.
Do visit — you are likely to encounter wonderful scenery.
https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mokototoge/

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿
\A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/

Event Date: Sunday, August 3

Highlights
✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳
✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶
✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢
✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️

Departure and Return Locations
・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit
・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center
➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient!

Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear
Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people)

Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧
This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱

How to Apply / Inquiries
Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales
Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00)
※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays

Please join us with your family and friends.

If you want to "get PADI Sense in Japan", Hokule'a Shonan!
Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan.

"I want to get a diving Sense while traveling in Japan"
"I want to take a course in English"
We offer courses that are perfect for guests from overseas in the Kanagawa and Shonan areas.

This time, guests from the United States completed the PADI Open Water Diver Course in 3 days and became divers! 🎉
The first day started with practicing basic skills, and on the last day, I was able to enjoy the sea with confidence.

The course can also be handled in English, so it is safe for foreigners living in Japan and those who are traveling.
In fact, the guests this time were able to communicate smoothly in English and proceed with the course safely and happily.

The training location is IOP (Izu Marine Park) in Higashi-Izu, a popular diving spot that can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo. Diving in the colorful schools of fish and beautiful sandy waters is truly a unique experience in Japan.

Hokule'a Shonan is certified as a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and features small class sizes and attentive instruction.
Even after obtaining Sense, we also provide support for the next step, such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Fun Diving.

✅ Especially for those who would like to recommend
Travelers and business travelers coming to Japan from overseas
Those who want to take diving lessons in English
Those who are interested in Japan's Nature and the sea
For those who are experiencing diving for the first time

Would you like to acquire a PADI Sense that can be used for a lifetime in Japan?
It is easy to access from Tokyo and is perfect for memories of your trip.
Let's experience the "blue world" with us!

#PADIOpenWater #DivingJapan #IOPIzu #ScubaNearTokyo #PADI5Star #JapanTravelTips #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #SoloTravelJapan #OceanAdventure

A morning view of Azumino with the Northern Alps in sight
Mount Jonen stands clearly visible
I imagine many climbers are pushing on toward the summit today as well
This is the view from Ohisama Road 😄

Good morning.
This is Azumino, greeting a wonderfully refreshing morning.
The Northern Alps are clearly visible.

In my previous post, I told you that Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture has many historical sites and traditions related to the "Minamoto Hei Battle".
This time, I would like to introduce the second installment, "The Legend of the Five-Colored Princess".

A 15-minute walk from JR Iyo Station towards the sea, there is Thereare "Goshikihime Seaside Park" with a tropical mood lined with palm trees.
In the summer, the beach is crowded with Beachgoers, and a national beach volleyball high school girls' tournament is held every year. Also, in autumn, you can enjoy "Kangetsu Imotaki" in the park.

The area around such a seaside park has been called "Goshikihama" for a long time. A sad legend has been preserved on this name.

Five princesses of the Heike family who were defeated in the Battle of Minamoto and lived in hiding on the beach of Iyo City. One day, Sister Princess sees Aka Squid Ni and remembers the red flag color of the Heike family, which causes her to hold a grudge against Minamoto.

Sister Princess orders her sisters to look for the white Squid Squid, the color of Minamoto's flag, as if it were an enemy of the inn and killed the enemy, but no matter how many days they searched, they could not find the white Squid Ni. The exhausted sisters smear the crab with white powder and give it to the sister princess, but it is soon found out that it is a lie, and the youngest sister is cut by the enraged sister princess.

The grieving sisters throw themselves into the sea, and the remaining sister and princess soon throw herself into the sea with the death of her youngest sister in her arms. The five princesses who died in this way turned into stones of five colors, red, white, green, yellow, and black, and washed up on the beach, so this beach came to be called "Goshikihama".

When it was Maintenance in 1996 (Heisei 8) as "Goshikihime Seaside Park", a "crab square" with five colored stones installed after the legend was established.

In addition, the women's festival "Goshikihime Easter" is Held in every year on the fourth Sunday of March, in reference to the story that when the tears of the people of the land who pity the princesses and wish to come back to life fall on the five-colored stones, the princesses were resurrected from beyond the sea.

There is also a famous confectionery called "Five-Colored Negai Stone" that has been certified as a "more and more Iyoshi brand". The legendary five-colored stone is represented by red beans, green peas, white green beans, sweet corn, and chestnuts. They are wrapped in domestic red beans that have been slowly simmered and soaked in honey. Squid for Souvenirs.

Last June 29th was the opening of the sea, Goshikihime Seaside Park. Summer has finally arrived.
Let's enjoy Bathing in the sea to the fullest on the beach with beautiful white sand and gentle waves!

*Goshikihime Seaside Park*
Address: Ozaki, Iyo City
Contact: Iyo City Hall 089-982-1111 (Representative)

Summer in Japan is very hot, and it is quaint to visit the riverbed to escape the summer.

Dazzling summer light shining through the porch.
This year's heat is in serious mode.
The cat is exploring in search of the last coolness in the sink Water ...?
In the afternoon when the wind chimes do not ring, the silence and heat blend together in the summer of Japan.
"Squid can't be angry about anything with this water...?"

Hello everyone, this ☺ is Kitahiroshima Town in the northwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture!
We, the Kitahiroshima Town Tourism Association, will broadcasting the charm and latest information of our town.
Thank you for 💛 following and sharing

【What kind of town is Kitahiroshima Town?】 】

In the northwestern part of the Hiroshima Prefecture, in the West China Mountains Elevation 300 Meter to 800 Meter
It is located almost in the center of the Geihoku region, which extends to the basin Highlands, and borders Shimane Prefecture to the north.
Fresh greenery in Spring, Clear streams in summer, Autumn leaves in autumn, and Winter sports in winter are crowded with tourists.
Since ancient times, it has flourished as a relay point connecting Sanyo and Sanin, and in the Middle Ages, it was also a production area of iron sand.
In addition to the many ruins of the Sengoku Warlord Mori clan (Mori-shi) and the Yoshikawa clan,
Folk performing arts such as Kagura and Dengaku, beech forests, Wetlands, flora and fauna, etc.
It is a town where precious and majestic Nature spreads Nature and rural culture is alive.

I want to know more about Kitahiroshima Town! I want to go! For those who say,
Please see ✨ the "Roundabout, Kitahiroshima" Home page and each social media

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／
Starting today, July 2nd, hydrangeas are floating in the monument tank at Izukyū Shimoda Station rotary.💠🫧
The hydrangeas were carefully pruned by the staff in charge of Shimoda Park, and they will remain on display until Wednesday, July 16th.
Even hydrangeas that have passed their peak in the park look fresh and beautiful when floated on the water!
There are especially many blue hydrangeas, which stand out against the summer sky and give a very refreshing impression.🌿🩵
If you are nearby, please stop by and take a look!

*Only authorized personnel have pruned or collected plants within Shimoda Park.
Please refrain from cutting or taking plants from the park.*

■Paella Cooking Experience■

This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation.

The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River.

Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere!

[Plan Details]
■Season
Late April through October

■Meeting Point
Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)

= For those using car navigation =
toyooka travel time
Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395
If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination
and come to that location.
Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
10 people (minimum operating number: 5)
If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people,
please contact us to discuss arrangements.

■Price (tax included)
For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person
If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us.

[Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)]
・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours)
1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment)

2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately
※Please travel by private car.

3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45

4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately

6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00

■About the Plan
[About Notanohira CampGround]
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur.
Please travel to the campsite by private car.

[About the Paella Cooking Experience]
Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation.
Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience.

[Combining with Other Activities]
It is possible to combine this plan with other activities.
We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.

[Clothing]
・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement
※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility.
(300 yen)

■How to Inquire and Apply
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website.
Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date.
Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■

Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes.

Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax.

Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream.

Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children.

We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground!

【Plan Details 】
■Season
Around July to early September
※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us.

■Meeting place
General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)

＝ For those using car navigation ＝
《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》
Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL 0265-49-3395
※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location.
《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people)
※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us.

■Price (tax included)
Per person: 5,000 yen
※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required.

■Course details and schedule
① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan
9:30 (payment)

② Travel to Nodaira Campground
Around 9:30–10:10
※Please travel by private car.

③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground
Around 10:10

④ Walk to the pothole area
Around 10:15–10:45

⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole
Around 10:45–12:15

⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site
Around 12:45

■About the plan
【About Nodaira Campground】
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river.
Please travel to the campground by private car.

【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】
In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter.
A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years.

【Can be combined with other activities】
You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details.

【Clothing and items to bring】
● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard
● Change of clothes
● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes
※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen).
※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen).

■Inquiries and reservations
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.

Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

At the National Bihoku Hillside Park (Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture), the hydrangeas that color the early summer in Japan are in Best time to visit! ✨

About 100 varieties and 10,000 "hydrangeas" planted in the Hiba-no-Sato hydrangea garden and Japanese cedar trees are in Best time to visit! Best time to visit is expected to continue until early July.

Hydrangea flowering status (as of June 29)
【Name】Hydrangea
【Flowering state】Best time to visit
【Flowering period】Mid-June ~ mid-July *Best time to visit is ~early July
【Flowering place】Hiba no Sato, Hydrangea Garden, Japanese cedar trees
Number of units: Approx. 10,000 shares

【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park
【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
【Contact】National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000

Click here for details▽
https://www.shobara-info.com/news/5133

~Going to meet the "happiness" flower, Renge Shoma-Climbing Kurodake in summer~

Around the time of Obon, the phantom flower "KiRenge Shoma" 🌼 begins to bloom quietly in the mountains
Designated as an endangered species II on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List and attracting attention in NHK's TV series, this flower is said to make you happy when you see it.

In the past, Renge Shoma used to grow in clusters around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but now their numbers have decreased greatly due to the effects of deer eating damage.
Now, Local people are barely holding on to their lives in the limited area where conservation activities continue.

Kurodake has been designated as an "Important Habitat" by Miyazaki Prefecture, and in addition to Renge Shoma, it is a precious treasure trove of nature with many rare mountain wildflowers and wild animals unique to Kyushu.

On this mountaineering tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide, and you will be able to enjoy the rich forest while guiding you through rare plants and commentary on Nature.

🟡 【Outline of the Kurodake Mountaineering Tour】
📅 Date: Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 9:00-16:00
📍 Meeting: Obarai Community Center (*Leading from Shiitake Museum 21 is also possible)
🎒 Subject: 3 years old or older (minimum 4 participants / maximum 10 participants)
💰 Fee: Adult 5,000 yen / Child 4,000 yen (lunch and guide fee included)
📝 Application Deadline: Saturday, August 16

Climbing difficulty: ★★ ☆☆☆ (for beginners ~ intermediates)
🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing, mountaineering boots, or non-slip athletic shoes.

🌼 A special day of summer when you meet a phantom flower.
We look forward to your participation!

Teshikaga Day-Trip Baths Guide
Teshikaga offers many hot springs with free-flowing natural source water. With options ranging from public baths to hotel hot springs, you can choose a day bath that suits your preference.
Here is a roundup of recommended day-trip baths in Teshikaga. ♨️

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C669

Midsummer in Teshikaga
Spots you should definitely visit 🐻☕️

📍Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail
___________________________

A walking trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (ig: @kawayu_vc). It’s an authentic forest you can drop into easily. Staff at the facility can provide a 20–30 minute guided walk on request.✨ This season is especially recommended as gozentachibana moves from white flowers to red berries.
On the second-floor cafe (ig: @cafesoftwood) you can enjoy meals and tea, so you can make the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center.🍙🌿

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/eco_museum/

I had an errand and early in the morning, and when I left the house at about 5 o'clock, I was able to take a picture of Hikone Castle standing against a golden background caused by the sunrise.

The Northern Alps taken from inside a car.
The cars don't stop, and I can't get this view out of my head when I pass the tracks.

Ikuta Shrine. Marriage Water Lottery.

I was so fascinated by the scenery immersed in water that I hurriedly pulled up.

It is a tree near the Menkawakei in Kumakogen town, Ehime Prefecture. I felt a very free Nature of young greenery clinging to the trees that Raised grow over a long period of time.

This is Maruike from Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture. This pond, which has a color of both blue and green, has been carefully protected since ancient times, and seemed to create a special space with the surrounding Nature. On the last day of my trip to Tohoku, I visited in the evening. Visiting the site after seeing the dynamic mountains and nature of Tohoku, I was very surprised and impression by this pond with a diameter of only 20 meters. I think it was the color of this picture, and I think it was bluer. It is a scenery that I would like to see again.

The current situation of the Ashio Copper Mine, which became a bald mountain due to the Ashio Copper Mine Poisoning Incident. Thanks to tree-planting volunteers who have been passed down to young people who can do hard work, greenery is reviving in Ashio.

The sacred tree that protects Kobe
This photo was taken at Ikuta Shrine in the city of Kobe. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city, this place was like a different world, and the sacred tree that hung there gave me a sense of mysterious power.

Today, June 30, is the last day of the Hydrangea Festival 💠✨
How did you find the hydrangeas at Shimoda Park?
If you have favorite photos, please join our Instagram photo contest 📸💜
To enter, follow the official Shimoda City Tourism Association Instagram and post with these two hashtags: "#Izu Shimoda Onsen Hydrangea Festival 54" and "#Japan’s No.1 Hydrangea Garden 54" — that’s all!
Winners will receive prizes to help them fully enjoy Shimoda 🎁👏

Follow us on Instagram from here 👇
https://www.instagram.com/shimoda_kanko/

Don’t forget to check the blog, too 👀!
https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250630

Squid is a piece that I think must be taken over in order to protect the beautiful Rural Scenery.

〈Enjoying Teshikaga〉Local Specialties Edition
Teshikaga offers many fine and delicious local specialties. When you travel to Teshikaga, be sure to check them out. This time, we introduce spots where you can pick up those specialties.
https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=651%2C662

This photo was taken when I went to Ginyama Hot spring.
It was the perfect summer resort for the hot and humid summer.
It was cool near the waterfall as if the cooler was working.

🍑Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan (Peach)– 🚴‍♀️

Enjoy a rewarding ride wrapped in Shinshu’s nature, feeling the breeze as you go.
On the Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan – local guides lead you to relish the village’s scenic charms and seasonal flavors.

The seasonal fruit for summer is “peach”!
After cycling along roads lined with orchards, take a break with a special dessert made lavishly with peaches.
The juicy, sweet aroma of peach fills the dessert, offering a blissful treat you can only taste here.

Tour Information
■Meeting Time
12:50 PM
■Duration
About 2 hours 30 minutes
■Distance
Less than 10 km. The tour uses E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles).
(No electric-assist bicycles for children are available.)
Children who cannot ride a bicycle can use a carrier bike (weight limits and other restrictions apply).
■Group Size
2 to 5 people
※Participation as a single person or groups larger than five can also be discussed.
■Price
Ages 3 and up: JPY 5,000 per person
Ages 0–2: Free (please share the fruit and sweets with an accompanying adult)
※The above price applies when the fruit is “peach.” Prices vary depending on the fruit.
■Inquiries & Reservations
Toyooka Tabijikan 0265-49-3395 (Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

You can also see more details on the Toyooka Tabijikan website.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

Fukoji Hydrangeas
❚ Bloom status as of June 27, 2025
Fukoji Temple in Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture.
The hydrangeas overall have passed their peak.
You can now see flowers beginning to wither and colors starting to fade.

Oita Prefecture has announced that the rainy season appears to have ended.

Hydrangea deadheading will take place on July 5, 2025, so hydrangeas can be seen through July 4.
Many visitors came to Fukoji again this year. Thank you very much.

[Location] Kamiozuka, Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture
[Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaichi Station
[Parking] Available (free)
[Toilets] Available

❚ Fukoji Temple
The cliff-carved Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, including their base, measure about 11 meters high and are among Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded and softened this carving’s features. Though large, the figure has a very approachable presence.
Fukoji is also called the Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can enjoy a profusion of hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving.
The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community.

■■■ Access from central Bungo-Ono City ■■■
About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture
About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture
■■■■■■■■■■■■