🎆[The 13th Stone-Dragging Dōkan Festival Fireworks]🎆 Izu was once a quarry for the stones used to build Edo Castle. This event recreates the transportation of those castle stones. We are recruiting the first 250 volunteers on site to pull the stones. With 250 people, we are more than twice as strong as a hundred! We welcome both strong volunteers and those who aren’t. After the stone-dragging, enjoy the fireworks display. [Date] Sunday, September 28th, 2025 6:30 PM–9:00 PM [Location] Atagawa Coast Street (road closed to vehicles during the event) [Access] 5-minute walk from Izu-Atagawa Station Temporary free parking at Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden (about 100 spaces) https://www.isibikidoukan.com/?...

"Summer wake watched over by Torii (shrine gate)" I wake up at 5 a.m. and rub my blurry eyes to see if I'm going for a walk. On the road in front of my house, I hear the sound of a motorcycle passing by with a roaring sound. At that moment Squid inside me – my soul echoes hotly. It's been about a year since I got my license. Make your favorite Super Cub 50-chan your buddy I've been to a lot of places. On this day I make a decision. The highest mileage in the past I'm going to repaint it. The best record was about 90 km to Chichibu But that's not enough. Go beyond your past self. Sightseeing spot with enthusiasm and excitement on the spot. According to GPT, it is about 120 km away. It seems that there is a Famous Sightseeing spot called Lake Ashi. Squid, isn't it? Because he is a high school student who has no friendships, Alone with emptiness, I hold the steering wheel. While panting in the blazing summer sun Finally, you arrive at your destination. The time is 11 a.m. The Hakone Shrine, which was crowded with tourists, It seems to be Famous for its Power spot. While witnessing the huge Torii (shrine gate), Squid somewhere good photo spot Carry the legs. The photo Spot I finally found is It was like an embankment of a fishing spot. When I hold the Z FC-chan that I recently bought and look for a subject It's reminiscent of a wonderfully squishy summer My eyes are attracted to the clouds. While putting a big Torii (shrine gate) as the subject of this When the shutter is pressed, A ship reminiscent of a pirate ship comes to us from the back. Finding the best position, this is the place to be This photo was taken at the right time. Feeling lonely, with Lake Ashi in the background On the way home. Return, because there was a sea nearby I stopped there. Sandy beaches and the sea as far as the eye can see. One set of families, I was playing with the sea. This is quite a hidden gem, and there are few people Overlooking the sandy beach. However, the temperature on this day was 37 degrees. In the midst of the hot gaze of Tendou-sama in the middle of summer I wonder if the desire for sea water will disappear. Held in the winning championship for the person who finds the roundest stone possible. I was the only participant, so I had a bye. You don't notice the waves that are approaching your feet crazy, and your shoes are waves I was drenched. Souvenirs of cobblestones and finally return home. The huge road is very congested. While wrestling with tiredness and drowsiness Finally to the end point. Aroma of the sea and sweat when I took off my shoes.

Speaking of summer, fireworks, oysters, ice, and festivals 🏮🍧🎇 My idea of summer is all in this one photo! Watching beautiful fireworks with your favorite people, Spend the blue Spring and enjoy 🎐 the summer

Diving connects the 🌏 world Hello. This is 🤗 Hokule'a Shonan The other day, I went to the popular diving spot "Izu Marine Park (IOP)" in Higashi-Izu. This time, we had guests from Spain and guests from the United States living in Japan. It was a 🤿✨ very international dive On the day of the dive, we were divided into two teams: the experience diving team and the fun dive team. The experience diving team started by snorkeling and getting used to the sea. Scene observed colorful fish in a shallow area with high transparency, and the guests seemed 😄 to be having a lot of fun After that, I tried to breathe in water for the first time. I was a little nervous at first, but I soon got used to it and was able to dive calmly. In addition, I tried water photography, and I was able to enjoy 👏 it with so much leeway that I couldn't believe it was the first time The Fun Dive Team aimed for Izu Marine Park's Specialties "Water Post". Meter under the seabed, you can 📮✨ actually post a postcard to this post and the postcard will really reach the other party. Those who receive it will surely be surprised. In addition, this time, a guest who enjoys drawing also tried drawing in water. It was a special and luxurious time to enjoy diving and art at the same time. There is a very much to 🙏 everyone who participated this time Once again, I felt 🌏 that diving is an Activities that connects the world It is a great pleasure for us to be able to connect across borders through the sea. ——— 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small-group dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!", we convey the beauty and enjoyment of Nature through diving. Held in tours and courses for more than 300 days a year, mainly in the Izu, Manazuru, and Shonan areas, including in Okinawa and overseas. We value polite support so that beginners can participate with peace of mind. From now on, all the staff will do their best to guide 🌊✨ you so that more people can know about the beautiful sea of Japan Let's experience a new world together! Instagram: @hokulea_divejapan #DiveJapan #UnderwaterPost #ScubaLife #ScubaAdventure #FunDive #DiscoverScuba #BeginnerFriendly #DiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DivingConnectsTheWorld #OceanLovers #JapanDiving #ScubaCommunity

Shinshu Suzaka Pension Village in the Sky Stay at Minenohara Highlands!! Taste of Autumn Mushroom Festival & Apple Picking Events Popular mushroom Festival will Held in on Sunday, October 19 this year. Accommodation at a Pension in Minenohara Highlands on Saturday, October 18, the day before. On the day of the Festival, After checking out the Pension after breakfast After meal, Gather at Minenohara Highlands Komorebi Hall. We will guide you to the mushroom picking venue by microbus. Local guides you through mushroom picking, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in the mountains. After mushroom picking, please enjoy the "Matsutake Rice & Mushroom Soup", which is very popular every year, and the "Omotenashi" that warms the hearts of the Locals. Pick mushrooms, eat mushrooms, and enjoy the taste of autumn! This year, there is also an apple picking experience for participants only. Contact the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association for details.

MAUKA LANI GOAT FARM Outdoor live event announcement 🐐🎵 Saturday, October 4, 2025 An outdoor live event will take place at Mauka Lani Goat Farm (a goat ranch) in the Hirose area!! You can enjoy a special free concert featuring HIDEKATSU CHIWATA, who wrote and composed the theme song “Butter-Fly” for the popular anime Digimon Adventure, and singer-songwriter Dai Okajima! Mauka Lani Goat Farm is a goat ranch inspired by Hawaii. Goats roam freely across the spacious pasture. The shop sells unique goat cheeses, original shop goods, and Hawaiian drinks! Relax and enjoy a leisurely time in the pleasant autumn weather ✨ A shuttle bus will run from JR Nagiso Station and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) 🚌 (one-way 1,000 yen) Please use it if you don’t have a car or are a student. To make a reservation, contact Nagiso Town Tourism Association at 0264-57-2727. For more details, please check the website.

[Notice] Iwanai Bar-Hopping Tournament 🍺 Starts Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM Event flow ⇩ ・18:15 — Registration at the plaza in front of the Iwanai Regional Culture Center Exchange your ticket course voucher for the course map ・19:00–20:30 — Bar-hopping starts 🍺 Visit the four venues listed on the course map♪ ・20:30 — "Grand Lottery" A grand lottery will be held at the plaza in front of the Iwanai Regional Culture Center! The grand prize is a shared dining voucher worth 100,000 yen for participating stores❗️❗️ 1st prize is a dining voucher worth 50,000 yen 2nd prize and below will also receive luxurious prizes Advance tickets (4,000 yen) are sold at the following locations ⇩ 1. Participating bar-hopping venues (listed on the flyer) 2. Iwanai Chamber of Commerce 3. Iwanai Tourism Association (Roadside Station Iwanai) 4. Iwanai Rakza 5. Kaneta Yoshida Kamaboko Shop Thank you in advance 🙇 Organizer: Iwanai Restaurant Association

The other day, I visited AMMOS (Armos)✨! You can spend time overlooking the sea near Sotoura Beach This pet hotel is a rare find in the city🐶🐾 The restaurant lets you enjoy a meal with your dog! I summarized the facilities on my blog, so please check it out☝️🌈 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250820...

Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Vehicles are prohibited from passing through from 10:00 to 16:00 🚗⚠ Recently, the number of cars entering the post town during the restricted hours has been increasing. This restriction is in place to protect pedestrians and the historic streetscape, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please park in the No.2 parking lot or the central parking lot along National Route 256. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

This is a photo taken from Hanyu SA in Return on Sunday after staying Outbound one night in Nagaoka fireworks festival on Saturday and Sunday. It was a beautiful sunset, so I pointed my camera at it and took it The Edo-era style cityscape of Hanyu SA was very good. #Summer #Photo Contest #Hanyu #Edo period #Onihei Crime Book #Onihira Edo

This is a meyer cat taken at Maruyama Zoo in Sapporo City, Hokkaido in July. It was impressive to see him leaning against the glass in the severe heat of Japan. Animals are hot, too!

Event and Call for Participants📣 On Saturday, September 20th, we will hold the “Mt. Memuro Climb” to celebrate the first anniversary of the designation of the Hidaka Mountain Range, Erimo, and Tokachi as a national park 😊 This climb takes place on Mt. Memuro, which spans Shimizu and Hidaka towns🎵🎵 Why not take this opportunity to challenge one of Hokkaido’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Memuro⛰ Enjoy nature, relieve daily fatigue, and refresh both body and mind!! We look forward to your participation 🤗 📌Schedule 6:00 Gather at Shimizu Town Hall Mikage Branch (transfer to the trailhead by microbus) 7:30 Planned start of climb 📍Who can join: Physically fit hikers (if we judge that a participant cannot reach checkpoints in time, they may be asked to stop partway) 📍Capacity: 30 people (lottery if applications exceed capacity) 📍Attire: Standard hiking gear (including rainwear) 📌How to apply: By Tuesday, August 26, 2025, please call the contact below and submit the application form. 📍Contact Mt. Memuro Climb Executive Committee Office (Shimizu Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) Phone: 0156-62-1156 https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_72.html...

Nishi-Izu's Tourist Information is [@nishiizu.kankou] __________________________________ Sunset No.1 in Japan Events a total of four days of fireworks over two weeks, Held in in Nishi-Izu Town and Dogashima Hot Spring Village. Against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset called the magic hour after sunset, a condensed Powerful Presence fireworks is launched in about 10 minutes. Enjoy the autumn fireworks in Dogashima with your family and friends. 〜Held in Information〜 [Held in days] Held in for 4 days! Saturday, September 27, 2025 and Sunday, September 28, 2025 Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 【Held in time】17:45~ about 10 minutes 【Held in】Dogashima Park 【Car parking lot】Approx. 200 cars Dogashima Park, Sunset Plaza Dogashima (2nd and 3rd Car Parking Lots), Former Rannosato Car Parking Lot [Remarks] Postponement in case of light rain or stormy weather to the day after the last day In case of Postponement, we will inform you on the Tourism Association social media __________________________________ 【Nishiizu Tourism Association】 2910-2 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka 📞0558-52-1268

Aina: "I'm full... Next time, I'll play with a wooden stick."

Stamp Rally Touring Kumamoto’s World Heritage Sites! Collect stamps completed by visiting Misumi West Port, Manda Pit, Sakitsu Village, and more, and receive a clear file‼ To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the World Cultural Heritage Sites “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” we are holding a stamp rally that visits the World Heritage sites and component properties within Kumamoto Prefecture. Visit Manda Pit and Misumi West Port, component properties of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” and Sakitsu Village, a component property of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region and Amakusa,” and tour Kumamoto City to fully discover the charms of Kumamoto! Collect all the stamps to receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Please see below for details. Event Period From Saturday, July 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025 Opening Hours and Closed Days for Each Facility Manda Mine Station: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays (if a Monday is a public holiday, closed the following weekday) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: none Sakitsu Village Guidance Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed days during the event period: none Stamp Locations (5 spots in total) Manda Mine Station (Arao City) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya (Uki City) Sakitsu Village Guidance Center (Amakusa City) Waiting Room on the Shinkansen Platform Side at kumamoto station (Kumamoto City) Sakura Machi Kumamoto, 2nd Floor Concourse (Kumamoto City) ‼Those who complete the rally will receive exclusive World Heritage goods‼ If you collect all the stamps, please show the completed design to staff at one of the facilities below. You will receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Locations to Receive Limited Goods • Manda Mine Station • JR Misumi Station Tourist Information Center (note: different from the stamp location) • Sakitsu Village Guidance Center Participation Fee Free Inquiries Regional Development Division, Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division, World Heritage and Cultural Exchange Office Phone 0968-63-1274

Here are some recommended winter experiences. This private tour grants special access to Japan’s largest public ranch, which closes for the winter. On this fully booked private tour, the ranch becomes a vast snowy plain and you will travel to the summit in a 4WD vehicle fitted with crawler tyres. At the summit, you can go snowshoeing, ride snowmobiles, play in the snow, or simply do nothing at all. The tranquil private setting helps relax the body and mind and supports improved concentration and cognitive function. Enjoy this extraordinary environment at your own pace. For lunch, you will savor Tokachi Naita Wagyu while gazing over the Tokachi Plain. This well-marbled Wagyu is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and refined flavor. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. Here are some recommended winter experiences. This private tour grants special access to Japan’s largest public ranch, which closes for the winter. On this fully booked private tour, the ranch becomes a vast snowy plain and you will travel to the summit in a 4WD vehicle fitted with crawler tyres. At the summit, you can go snowshoeing, ride snowmobiles, play in the snow, or simply do nothing at all. The tranquil private setting helps relax the body and mind and supports improved concentration and cognitive function. Enjoy this extraordinary environment at your own pace. For lunch, you will savor Tokachi Naita Wagyu while gazing over the Tokachi Plain. This well-marbled Wagyu is known for its light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and refined flavor. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/naitai-highland-farm-snow-safari-wagyu-lunch/...

We would like to introduce our recommended agricultural experience. This tour lets you discover the appeal of our signature products: beans and fresh vegetables. You will visit a farm that independently cultivates a variety of beans, including rare types. While walking through fields normally closed to the public, you will hear about the careful methods used to grow beans and take part in everyday farm work. You will also create an original spice blend that pairs well with beans, and prepare onigiri, an essential part of Japanese food culture, for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit a vegetable farm and experience crops from a farmer’s perspective. In the evening, you will assemble hamburgers using a range of vegetables and compare the flavors of fried potatoes made from different potato varieties, a signature local product. Enjoy the distinctive tastes of each potato. For more details, please visit the URL below. We would like to introduce our recommended agricultural experience. This tour allows you to learn about the appeal of our representative products, “beans” and “fresh vegetables.” You will visit a farm that grows various beans, including rare varieties, on its own. While strolling through fields you normally cannot enter, you will hear stories about the careful cultivation of beans and try the day-to-day fieldwork the farmers do. You will make an original spice mix that pairs with beans and, for lunch, make onigiri, a staple of Japanese food culture. In the afternoon, you will visit a vegetable farm and engage with crops from the farmer’s viewpoint. In the evening, you will make hamburgers combining various vegetables and taste-test fried potatoes made from different potato varieties, a representative product of the region. Enjoy the differences in potato flavor. For details, please see the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/tokachi-beans-and-vegetable-farms-gastronomy-tour/...

Here are some recommended eco-friendly tours. This is a two-day, one-night trip where you can experience organic farming that is gentle on the environment and your body. You will visit wine producers and farmers who practise organic farming, and see their farms where they grow their produce with care and attention, relying on the power of nature without using any chemical fertilisers or pesticides. You will enjoy tasting different organic wines and lunch and dinner made with plenty of vegetables, and experience the difference in flavour. Accommodation is in ‘glamping,’ a unique outdoor experience in Tokachi. The next day, you will create eco-friendly upcycled products using discarded vegetable peels and participate in traditional Japanese paper-making. This organic experience offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the environment and health. We aim for participants to connect with producers they wouldn't normally meet, learn about the care and thought behind the ingredients, and savour the distinctive flavours of these foods. Through this experience, we hope participants will gain new insights and values, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Those interested may apply via the URL below. We introduce a selection of eco-friendly tours. This is a one-night, two-day trip where you can experience organic cultivation that is gentle on both the environment and the body. You will visit wine and agricultural producers who practise organic farming, touring farms where they cultivate with dedication and care, relying on nature without any chemical fertilisers or pesticides. You will sample organic wines, enjoy lunch and dinner abundant in vegetables, and savour the difference in taste. Accommodation is glamping, a signature outdoor experience in Tokachi. The next day you will make eco-conscious upcycled products, using discarded vegetable peels, and take part in traditional Japanese papermaking. This organic experience provides a great chance to reconsider the environment and health. We hope participants meet producers they would not normally encounter, learn about the passion behind the ingredients, and taste thoughtfully produced food. Through the experience, participants can gain new discoveries and values that lead to a healthier, richer life. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/tokachi-organic-farms-and-glamping-premium-tour/...

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

Here are some recommended agricultural experiences. Okamoto Farm in Nakasatsunai Village is committed to environmentally friendly, sustainable farming and to producing safe, reliable crops. On this tour, you will harvest vegetables with your own hands and use the produce to make Hokkaido’s local dish, jingisukan. You will also learn how to prepare vegetables deliciously, taught by the farmers themselves. For dessert, you can enjoy cream puffs made with sweet, high-sugar tomato berries. Through these agricultural experiences, we hope participants will meet producers they would not normally encounter, learn about the thoughts behind the ingredients, savor the region’s flavors, and deepen their connections with producers. We also hope that through these experiences participants will discover new things and values and go on to lead healthier, richer lives. If you are interested, please apply at the following URL. We introduce these recommended farm experiences. Okamoto Farm in Nakasatsunai Village practices environmentally conscious, highly sustainable agriculture and grows safe, trustworthy produce. On the tour, you will harvest vegetables with your own hands and use the harvested vegetables to prepare the Hokkaido specialty jingisukan. The farmers will teach you their tips for enjoying vegetables at their best. For dessert, you can enjoy cream puffs made with tomato berries that are high in sugar and wonderfully sweet. We want these farm experiences to let you interact with producers you wouldn’t normally meet, to learn the care and thought behind the ingredients, to enjoy the region’s food, and to deepen your ties with producers. Through the experience, we hope you gain new discoveries and perspectives and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. If you are interested, apply from the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/okamoto-farm-harvesting-and-jingisukan-lunch/...

Here are some recommended experiences. Tokachi-Honbetsu Town has a large temperature difference between day and night and long hours of sunshine, making it ideal for growing high-quality beans. Why not try your hand at making tofu, an essential healthy food on Japanese tables, in Japan's leading bean-producing town? On this tour, you will join local farmers' wives in making tofu using traditional methods, and then make a salad using okara, the pulp left over from tofu production, ensuring that every part of the soybean is utilised. Tofu is a healthy food that also promotes beautiful skin. Through agricultural experiences, we want people to meet producers they would not normally encounter, learn about the care and intentions behind the ingredients, and taste the flavours of the local cuisine. We also hope these experiences will lead to new discoveries and values, helping people enjoy a healthier and richer diet. If you are interested, please apply at the following URL. Tokachi-Honbetsu is a town where the wide temperature swings and long hours of sunlight allow cultivation of high-quality beans. In Japan’s top bean-producing town, why not try making tofu, a healthy staple of Japanese dining? On this tour, you will work alongside local farmers’ wives to try time-honoured tofu-making methods, then prepare a salad using okara, the pressed soybean pulp left from making tofu, so that every part of the soybean is used without waste. Tofu supports health and also contributes to beautiful skin. These farming experiences let visitors connect with producers they normally could not meet, learn the intentions behind the ingredients, and taste the region’s food. Through the experience, we hope participants discover new insights and values that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling diet. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/tofu-making-and-bean-rice-cooking-in-honbetsu/...

Here are some recommended experiences. In Urahorocho, where forestry thrives, charcoal burning has been practiced for about 100 years. At one of the few remaining charcoal kilns in Japan, you can hear stories about charcoal from the producers and experience traditional Japanese techniques and culture. On this tour, you will visit shrines that convey Japanese history and culture, learn proper worship from a kannushi (Shinto priest), and after praying draw omikuji fortune slips and enjoy a tea ceremony as a form of Japanese hospitality. You will also take part in mochi-tsuki, the traditional ritual of pounding mochi offered to the gods, making and eating anko mochi (mochi with red bean paste) and ozoni (mochi soup) yourself. Mochi-tsuki is a Japanese ritual of giving thanks to the gods and receiving their blessing; because it is a cooperative activity done by several people, it also offers a chance to strengthen bonds among family and community. In the afternoon, you will try charcoal burning. In Japan, charcoal has long been produced by carbonizing wood using traditional techniques. Cooking over charcoal enhances the sweetness of ingredients and makes food more delicious. Charcoal also has other benefits, such as adsorbing impurities to purify water and removing odorous substances to deodorize. On this tour, you will taste the deliciousness of ingredients cooked on a charcoal barbecue. We want visitors to meet producers they would not normally encounter, learn about their thoughts, and experience the region’s culture and food. We hope these experiences lead to new discoveries and perspectives, helping people live healthier, richer lives. If you are interested, please apply at the following URL. We introduce some recommended experiences. In Urahorocho, where forestry flourishes, charcoal burning has been a livelihood for about 100 years. At one of the few remaining charcoal kilns in Japan, you can hear producers talk about charcoal and experience traditional Japanese techniques and culture. This tour visits places that let you feel Japan’s history and culture, including shrines where a kannushi will teach you the etiquette of worship directly. After visiting, you can draw omikuji and experience tea ceremony as Japanese hospitality. You will also try mochi-tsuki, making and eating anko mochi and ozoni yourself. Mochi-tsuki is a traditional Japanese ritual offering thanks to the gods and receiving their power; as a cooperative activity performed by several people, it provides an opportunity to deepen ties with family and local people. In the afternoon, you will experience charcoal burning. Using age-old traditional techniques, wood is carbonized to make charcoal in Japan. Grilling with charcoal brings out the sweetness of ingredients and cooks them deliciously. Charcoal also offers various effects, such as adsorbing impurities to purify water and adsorbing and removing substances that cause unpleasant odors to deodorize. On the tour, you will enjoy a charcoal-grilled barbecue to experience the food’s flavor. We want people to interact with producers they normally cannot meet, learn about their feelings, and taste the region’s culture and food. Through these experiences, we hope participants gain new discoveries and values and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. If you are interested, please apply via the URL below. https://slow-life-hokkaido.com/tour/urahoro-charcoal-kiln-tour/...

In the nature trail of Asahidake Onsen town, traces of a brown bear (💩) were found. These signs can be seen in this area every year, but this is the first confirmation this summer. Many people enjoy walking this trail, but it sees fewer visitors than Sugatami Elua and, in particular, the spot where signs were found is some distance from the road. 📣 When walking the trail, please note the following: ・Avoid going alone. ・Carry a bear bell and bear spray. ・Refrain from traveling during dim hours such as early morning or dusk. If you find any traces, please report them to the Asahidake Visitor Center. - Asahidake Visitor Center - TEL: 0166-97-2153 (9:00–17:00) We appreciate your cooperation to ensure a safe walk.

Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the “Shihoro 7,000-People Festival” will take place 😊 The festival is packed with attractions, including food stalls, the Shihoro Highlands Taiko drum performance, hot-air balloon trial rides, and stage events. On stage you can enjoy a variety of performances, from a baton routine by the Shihoro Baton Mates and dance shows to Shihoro Ondo and Gujo Odori folk dances, yosakoi dance performances, and a calligraphy performance 🎵🎵 Don’t miss the spectacular “flower mikoshi” made with Mino washi paper, a specialty of our sister city, Mino in Gifu Prefecture! 🤩🤩 There are plenty of hands-on activities too, such as a tractor display, rainbow trout fishing, calf petting, fire truck rides, ranger experiences, and water-spraying demonstrations. On August 20, there will also be a children’s bon odori and a costume bon odori for individuals and groups. 😍😍 Join the unique local festivals in each area and enjoy the summer 🤗🎶🎶 📌 Main Festival 📍 Date and Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 10:30–16:00 📍 Location: Around Shihoro Town Community Plaza *The festival will go ahead in light rain; in heavy rain it will be held at the Comprehensive Training Center* 📌 Costume Bon Odori 📍 Date and Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 18:00–21:00 *In case of rain the event will be postponed to the backup date, August 21* 📍 Location: Nishi 2-sen, Shihoro Town https://www.shihoro.jp/tourism/detail.php?content=126...

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟 From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪 Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨ About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡 From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊 The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨ At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍 The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰 It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

Event Announcement📣 The Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryogoku Fireworks Festival is coming😊 About 8,000 fireworks will light up the night sky at Ashoro’s summer festival🎵 The program is packed with events like costumed Bon Odori, a comedy live show, a kayōkyoku (popular Japanese ballad) performance, and a magic show!! There will also be a beer garden and a children’s festival, making it a fun day for everyone. This year, starting at 10:00, Ashoro High School Brass Band and high school bands will present a music event called “Ashorock.”😍😍 Bring your family and friends and come make summer memories together🎶🎶 📍Date and Time: Friday, August 15, 10:00–21:00 (Fireworks launch time: scheduled 19:30–20:10) 📍Location: Riverbed south of Ryogoku Bridge over the Riberetsu River (fireworks launch site) Green space and parking in front of the Townspeople Center (vendor stalls and Bon Odori event site) https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/event/event-2.html...

View from Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden The queen of alpine plants, Lycaenidae, made me feel the summer of Hakuba.

Event Announcement📣 The 29th Churui Furusato Bon Odori Festival will be held 😊 Along with the dancing, you can enjoy costumes filled with many creative ideas at this Bon dance event 🎶🎶 Luxurious prizes await the winners 🎁🎁🎁 On the day, children’s Bon Odori and the Churui Ondo are open to everyone, so why not take this chance to join in and dance? 🤗 Also, this year there will be a fish-catching event for elementary and junior high school students before the festival, so please join enthusiastically 🎵 📍Date and Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM ※ The event will go ahead in light rain. It may be canceled in severe weather depending on conditions. 📍Venue: Churui Fureai Center, Fukujyu Special Event Area 📍Event Schedule 5:00 PM – Fish catching (for elementary and junior high school students) ※ Those wishing to participate should come to the main tent between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. 6:00 PM – Food and stall area opens Distribution of fun raffle tickets begins (one per person, first 1,000 people) 6:30 PM – Children’s Bon Odori (participation prizes available) 6:45 PM – Churui Ondo 7:00 PM – Solo dance performances (general participation) Costume contest (individual and group categories) 8:20 PM – Fun raffle Bread toss http://www.makubetsu.jp/kankobussankyokai/?p=8557...

Event Announcement 📣 The 78th Obihiro Plain Festival will be held from Thursday, August 14 to Friday, August 15, 2025 😊 The festival features a variety of events, including a drum festival, Bon Odori dances, a Tokachi Kouta singing contest, and street performances by buskers 🎶🎶 This year, marking the 80th anniversary since the end of the war, high school students will present a "Postwar 80th Anniversary Peace Concert." The concert blends poetry readings and other elements to express hopes for a peaceful, war-free world. 📍Yumefuri-ya Thursday, August 14, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM This festival aims to have young people give thanks for nature’s bounty and the achievements of their predecessors, pray for a bountiful harvest, foster love for their town and homeland, and inspire dreams and energy for tomorrow. Men’s and women’s portable shrines will parade through the streets, and performers will march while playing four-person taiko drums. The festival’s climax includes the offering of golden ears of grain and the throwing of dream breads. The soft glow of the mikoshi lights will color Obihiro’s night streets 😍😍 📍The 27th Obihiro Taiko Festival Friday, August 15, 3:20 PM–5:10 PM *Official start time is 3:20 PM* *In case of rain, the event will be held at Obihiro Civic Cultural Hall from 1:30 PM* Taiko teams from across Hokkaido will gather, filling the air with powerful drum sounds 😍😍 📍Obihiro Bon Odori Friday, August 15, 7:00 PM–8:45 PM *Canceled in case of rain* Dancers will perform to live music of "Hokkai Bon Uta." Watch for the creative costumes and choreography from each participating team 👘👘 Please check the flyer or the official website for other events. Make summer memories by visiting the Obihiro Plain Festival, one of Obihiro’s three major summer festivals 🤗 https://obikan.jp/page-7621/page-7623/...

Roro Kurofune, a confectionery about a 10-minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station, has just won the top prize at the National Confectionery Expo °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° The award-winning item is the Kaikoku Caramel Monaka. It’s a personal favorite of mine: homemade caramel densely packed with walnuts delivers an irresistible bite. I highly recommend it for anyone puzzling over souvenirs ✨ Although they are wagashi artisans, Roro Kurofune also creates sweets with a Western feel, and they offer seasonal limited items that make you want to keep coming back. Another must-try is the wasanbon pudding. Also fun is the Kuro-Mona, where you inject sweet bean paste into a crispy monaka shell yourself (the paste is added just before eating so it stays crunchy), and bite-sized cookies dusted with wasanbon sugar called "Koko Shimoda"... the recommendations never end 💦 The shop is lined with many other confections (≧▽≦) When you visit Shimoda, please stop by and discover your own Roro Kurofune sweets!