Vibrant and colorful attire, graceful performers ,jolly faces .... Every good things were present during the 38th Samba festival of Asakusa.

Took a trip out to Nikko, Tochigi over the three day weekend and had an incredible time. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate my girlfriend's sister's college graduation so we wanted to make it as memorable as possible. I don't have enough room to fit this into one post so I'll post the rest throughout the week. We started out from Tokyo and had lunch somewhere Nikko Toshogu Shrine. I'm not sure if Yuba is a local specialty but it seemed like literally every single restaurant in the area was selling it so I'm assuming that was the case. It was my first time trying it and it was pretty interesting I guess you could say. It tasted alright with the soy sauce and radish but I think I prefer normal tofu instead. Either way it was a nice experience. After eating we headed out to Nikko Toshogu Shrine nearby and man was it amazing. Everything was so lavishly decorated that I couldn't stop taking photos. The pagoda was incredibly beautiful as well and the snow covering the Nikko area made everything even more beautiful. I was lucky enough to get a really nice shot of the corridor full of lanterns while no one was walking through the area as well. I also took a photo of the torii gate at the top of the steps as it had a very strong presence and signaled the end of the long journey up the steps to reach the inner shrine. Unfortunately the main gate was undergoing repairs so it was completely covered in tarp and surrounded by staging so I wasn't able to get a photo of it, but I did get some really cool shots of the main shrine. I tried as hard as I could to get some good photos of the grave of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and while I think the photo of the gate isn't bad, I think I'd need a better camera to get a good shot of the crane and his tomb. That being said it was still really awesome to see. After checking out the shrine we headed out to Kegon Falls and I managed to get some really nice videos and some decent photos as well. I can't post the videos or I would. It was really awesome seeing the icicles surrounding the waterfall and all of the frozen scenery as well. Even just taking the lift down to the waterfall was an experience. After we left the waterfall observation deck and went back up the elevator we got some suiton 水団, flour dumplings in soup and shared it between the three of us as a light snack before dinner later that evening. We also visited Lake Chuzenji and admired the scenery there for a bit as well. We didn't spend a ton of time here so this photo was the best I could do. I like that I was able to get the sign in the shot though so I can't complain. After enjoying the view of the lake we headed to our hotel and ate dinner and had some wine. The place we stayed at was called "Lamb Chop" ペンション・ラムチャップ日光. The food was great and service provided by the the owners was top notch, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you're looking for a place to stay in the area. After dinner we headed back to our room and I was so exhausted I fell asleep almost instantly. And that was the end of day 1! I'll post day two tomorrow since this post is getting quite long now!

Currently, most people are wearing masks because of the coronavirus, but in Japan many people have long worn masks from February to April, so foreign tourists are often surprised. The reason for wearing masks is "hay fever." Especially at this time of year, people allergic to cedar wear masks. Many international students are troubled by hay fever. This time, I will tell you about this hay fever. 1. One in three international students develops hay fever? According to some data, one in three international students develops hay fever for the first time after arriving in Japan. Also, among international students who develop hay fever, those in their third year rank first, followed by first-year students in second place. International students may have no one around them with hay fever in their home country and may not know what hay fever symptoms are like, so at first they may mistakenly think they have a prolonged cold. Unlike a cold, hay fever causes strong runny nose symptoms, itchy eyes, and an itchy nose. If this sounds familiar, first consult a teacher at your school. 2. Hay fever relief products So how do Japanese people get through hay fever season? Most people take prescription or over‑the‑counter medication. Besides medication, many products to relieve hay fever symptoms are sold in stores at this time of year—for example, pollen-blocking glasses and soft, high-quality tissues that won't irritate the nose. Sales of air purifiers also increase at this time. For people who do not have money or who do not have time to go to a hospital, some people find that applying a little petroleum jelly inside the nostrils can help ease symptoms. Also, lack of sleep and alcohol consumption are said to worsen hay fever symptoms. Be careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle. ★Extra: In Tokyo, it is said that one in two people has hay fever. The topic of hay fever is also a chance to become friends with Japanese people. When someone who never had hay fever before gets it, people who have had hay fever for many years are said to say, "Welcome ☺." Please try talking to them!

Although the samba dance is from Brazil but I saw it 1st time in Tokyo at Asakusa area. It was from 38th Asakusa Samba carnival in 2019. I was really very excited and happy to see it. Unfortunately from 2020 because of corona the event is not happening but I wish this 2022 I could see it again.

This is a shrine visit at Ebisu Shrine in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. We wish for the healthy growth of the baby and visit him around one month old. Even after that, there are many people who visit milestones in their lives, such as Shichi-go-san and adults. Visiting the temple is the first of them, the first appearance to God. It's kind of reassuring to think that there is a god watching over you.

Kawazu cherry blossoms have blossomed

Things made by humans from the past to the present Nature is all good I wish ☺️ I could leave it for the future

I Mt. Konpira climbed to the top for the first time!! I have a lot of muscle pain and it hurts. I'm😁 glad I was able to climb it. Revenge Success ✌️😆

Festival held in Nagasaki City from October 7 to 9 [Nagasaki Kunchi] It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The float in the photo is [Kokkodesho] It is a popular votive dance among Nagasaki kunchi. The rough skill of throwing a float high into the sky and grabbing it with the thrown arm outstretched, masculinity, and bravery of shouting There is no doubt that it will be full of charm that will hook the viewer. I think that other votive dances are also unique and very enjoyable festival events. There are many stalls, and there is no doubt that both children and adults can enjoy a fun time! !! I wanted to capture the power and dynamism of the moment when I threw it high into the sky, so I shot with the shutter speed down. I think I was able to capture the movement of the hand and the expression of the bearer well in my own way.

Take a 😆 walk in the Bikan district of Okayama Prefecture I don't know anything about the old days. Just walking is exciting A place ☺️ I love no matter how many times I go Nothing but ♡ happiness to eat and drink delicious

On the occasion of Chinese new year the Yokohama China town was well decorated during pre corona situation in 2019. It was my first chance to enjoy Chinese new year in China Town. It was really a great fun. Wish after corona it will be back in full form.

[English/Japanese] Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, many tourist destinations like Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is relatively rare and the city is not prepared for it. As a result, even a 5 cm accumulation of snow can cause various problems. In this article, I will explain how to cope with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train schedules are often disrupted. Trains may be cancelled or services reduced, so you may be late for work. On snowy days, try to leave home earlier than usual. Roads can also become congested, and few people buy snow tires for such infrequent snowfall. Consequently, many people drive with regular tires on snowy days, which can lead to slipping accidents. Try to avoid walking close to cars on snowy days. 2 The day after it snows Unlike in Hokkaido, snow that falls in Tokyo has a high moisture content. For that reason, roads are often icy the day after snowfall. With so many buildings in Tokyo, sunlight may not reach some streets and the snow may not melt even after a week. Some people slip on the frozen roads and suffer serious injuries. On the day after snowfall, try to walk along sunlit routes. 3 What to wear What you wear the next day matters more than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads become very slippery, so wear long boots or other slip-resistant shoes. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you slip and catch yourself with them. A hat is necessary to protect your head. A backpack or other hands-free bag is also a good idea. If you don’t have boots, a life hack to reduce slipping is to stick adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers. Give it a try. Many students at our school come from warm countries. Some, seeing snow for the first time, have overdone it playing in the snow and caught colds. Enjoy snow play in moderation. This time, we plan to spread a snow-melting agent in front of the dormitory. If neighbors are struggling with shoveling, let’s help them out — it’s also a chance to make friends with Japanese people. Also, it’s best not to go outside too much on snowy days, so finish your shopping as early as possible! Snow is predicted to fall in Tokyo this week. In Japan, many tourist destinations such as Hokkaido are popular for winter sports, but snowfall in Tokyo is not that common, so the city is not set up to handle snow. Because of that, even just 5 cm of snow can cause various problems. This time, I will tell you how to deal with snow in Tokyo. 1 Transportation When it snows, train timetables often get disrupted. Trains may be suspended or their frequency reduced, so you might be late for work. On snow days, try to leave home early. Roads can also get congested. Very few people buy snow tires for snowfall that may or may not occur in a year. For that reason, many people drive on ordinary tires on snowy days, and some cause slip accidents. On snowy days, avoid walking close to cars whenever possible. 2 The day after it snows Snow that falls in Tokyo differs from that in Hokkaido in having a higher water content. Therefore, the day after snowfall, roads are often frozen. Tokyo’s many buildings block sunlight, and snow may not melt even after a week. People sometimes slip on frozen roads and sustain serious injuries. On the day after snow, choose streets with sunlight when you walk. 3 Clothing What you wear the next day is more important than what you wear while it is snowing. Roads are very slippery, so wear wellingtons or other slip-resistant footwear. Also wear gloves because ice can cut your hands if you fall and use them to brace yourself. A hat is necessary to protect your head. For bags, a backpack or similar hands-free option is best. If you don’t have wellingtons, there’s a life hack: sticking adhesive bandages to the soles of your sneakers makes them less slippery. Try it out. At our school, many students come from warm countries. For some, seeing snow for the first time led them to play too much and catch colds. Keep snow play moderate. We plan to spread de-icing agent in front of the dormitory this time. If neighbors are having a hard time shoveling snow, let’s help — it’s also an opportunity to become friends with Japanese people. Also, because it’s better not to go out much on snow days, complete your shopping early!

Nakagawa

Newlyweds at the son-in-law ink festival at Matsunoyama Onsen, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture After the son-in-law is thrown, a tower called the Sai no kami Sai no kami is burned the so-called sagicho, a kind of tondo-yaki, and the remaining ink is applied to each other's faces while saying "congratulations" to praying for a disease-free life.

"Ose Festival and Uchiura Fishing Port Festival" held on April 4 every year The Ose Festival is an annual festival of Ose Shrine that gathers the faith of the fishermen of Suruga Bay. It is also called the "strange festival of Heaven" because a dancing boat with young people dressed in long sleeves and whitewashed faces leaves the port to worship at Ose Shrine, and young people dressed as women dance lively to the tune of "Chancharaokashi".

"Ose Festival and Uchiura Fishing Port Festival" held on April 4 every year The Ose Festival is an annual festival of Ose Shrine that gathers the faith of the fishermen of Suruga Bay. It is also called the "strange festival of Heaven" because a dancing boat with young people dressed in long sleeves and whitewashed faces leaves the port to worship at Ose Shrine, and young people dressed as women dance lively to the tune of "Chancharaokashi".

Chichibu Shrine's "Oni Yarai" It is the "Setsubun Tsukina Festival" held at Chichibu Shrine on February 3 every year. A lot of demons appear, and "demon yarai" and "bean sprinkling" are performed by old men and women. When the old man and woman sow the beans while saying, "The demon is outside~", the demon retreats.

A strange festival held in the early morning of winter at Kawarayu Onsen in Naganohara Town, Gunma Prefecture "Yukake Festival" One day, about 400 years after Minamoto Yoritomo discovered the hot spring, the hot spring suddenly disappeared. The villagers were exhausted, but when one of them smelled the hot springs, he smelled boiled chicken eggs. So we sacrificed the chicken and prayed, and the hot water came out again, so we all decided to celebrate. At first, we were happy to say, "Hot water, hot water," but then we all started pouring hot water on each other by saying, "It's a celebration, it's a celebration." I'm pouring hot water on a red and white kusudama with live chickens!

The "Special Traveling Radio Gymnastics and Gymnastics for Everyone" started in 1978 is held at about 10 venues nationwide. This photo was taken at the Edo-Tokyo Tatemonoen-mae Square in Koganei City in the summer.

Yoshi-yaki, a spring tradition in the Watarase Drainage Basin, burns an area of about 1,500 hectares with a bright red flame. It is held every year to control pests that infest reeds, prevent wildfires, and preserve the wetland environment.

Odaiba fireworks festival. The Rainbow Bridge, houseboats, and fireworks harmonized to color the midsummer night!

Demon Dance Setsubun Luzanji Temple

The dictionary meaning of Hatsubutsu is "the first visit to a shrine or temple since the beginning of the year", but the first visit is to visit the god who protects the local area for the first time in the new year, to express gratitude during the old year, and to pray for the New Year. I also want to remember to express my gratitude so that it is not just a request.

Was passing through Komagome the other day and stumbled across this quaint little shrine in front of the station. Apparently it was established in the Edo Period but didn't actually look like a shrine until the Meiji Period. It's also dedicated to Okuninushi who has a lot of different mythology surrounding him, but according to what I could find, he was the head of the gods on earth. There are also a lot of legends and folklore about him in the Kojiki as well it seems, the most interesting sounding one being 'The White Hare of Inaba" 因幡の白兎 where he apparently wins over a princess that his brothers wanted to married and then is subsequently killed by them with the use of a flaming boulder and he is then brought back to life by the gods after his mother goes up to heaven to ask another deity to bring him back, after which he is brought back to life as a handsome man. And that's why I like reading about Japanese mythology lol. So much interesting stuff to read about

I took a picture of Koinobori at Tokyo Skytree Station! It is at the time of the season. It's perfect for Japan occasions! It smells of a refreshing breeze and healing seasons.

This Kasaboko flower parasol used in 300 years old Japanese festival in Chichibu which actually looks stunning. This chichibu night festival is also known as 'chichibu yomatsuri'. I was really very excited to see it.

Photographed at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and the Great Country Festival Man's prayer rises to flames, to smoke, and to the sky. Aircraft: FUJIX-A3 55mm-230mm XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7

[English/Japanese] The Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided last week to apply priority measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, and Tokyo residents will refrain from activities for about three weeks. Since 2020, people have increasingly spent their days off at home as "stayhome" because of the new coronavirus. How do Japanese people spend their vacations? Let’s take a look together with aspects of Japanese culture. 1 Games Japanese games became popular worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, games where you build your own room or town and interact with friends, or games that have you run and stretch like in a gym, are especially popular. Board games have also moved online, expanding the possibilities for gaming. With the recent establishment of high schools focusing on e-sports in Japan, it is clear that games are becoming important cultural content. 2 Bath time Japanese people love soaking in the bathtub. Many travel to hot springs during long vacations, and those who gave up travel because of stayhome reportedly buy various bath salts to recreate a holiday feeling at home. As a result, some companies reportedly recorded their highest-ever sales of bath salts last year. Do people in your country use bath salts? I hope you will try them when you come to Japan. 3 Plastic models Have you heard of plastic models? Plastic models are figures made of plastic that you assemble and paint yourself. In Japan they have long been sold as children’s toys, but since the pandemic they have become popular with adults as well as children. Anime plastic models are especially popular. If you visit Japan someday, you might want to buy one as a souvenir. Extras A character became famous during the coronavirus pandemic: Amabie. Amabie has appeared in books for the past 150 years as a yokai that wards off epidemics. Before the coronavirus, Amabie was known only to a few yokai enthusiasts, but after the virus spread its recognition rose mainly through social media, and now most people in Japan know about it. In town you can see many products featuring Amabie’s image. Please try to look for them. Our school also offers online classes. Beyond regular lessons, we provide online yoga, online origami classes, and other enjoyable activities. If you are interested, contact us and we will explain the school via Zoom. Feel free to get in touch. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided last week to apply priority measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, and Tokyo residents will refrain from activities for about three weeks. Since 2020, people have increasingly spent their days off at home as "stayhome" because of the new coronavirus. How do Japanese people spend their vacations? Let’s take a look together with aspects of Japanese culture. 1 Games Japanese games became popular worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, games where you build your own room or town and interact with friends, or games that have you run and stretch like in a gym, are especially popular. Board games have also moved online, expanding the possibilities for gaming. With the recent establishment of high schools focusing on e-sports in Japan, it is clear that games are becoming important cultural content. 2 Bath time Japanese people love soaking in the bathtub. Many travel to hot springs during long vacations, and those who gave up travel because of stayhome reportedly buy various bath salts to recreate a holiday feeling at home. As a result, some companies reportedly recorded their highest-ever sales of bath salts last year. Do people in your country use bath salts? I hope you will try them when you come to Japan. 3 Plastic models Have you heard of plastic models? Plastic models are figures made of plastic that you assemble and paint yourself. In Japan they have long been sold as children’s toys, but since the pandemic they have become popular with adults as well as children. Anime plastic models are especially popular. If you visit Japan someday, you might want to buy one as a souvenir. Extras A character became famous during the coronavirus pandemic: Amabie. Amabie has appeared in books for the past 150 years as a yokai that wards off epidemics. Before the coronavirus, Amabie was known only to a few yokai enthusiasts, but after the virus spread its recognition rose mainly through social media, and now most people in Japan know about it. In town you can see many products featuring Amabie’s image. Please try to look for them. Our school also offers online classes. Beyond regular lessons, we provide online yoga, online origami classes, and other enjoyable activities. If you are interested, contact us and we will explain the school via Zoom. Feel free to get in touch.

The first visit is an important event held at the beginning of the year in Japan. Everyone comes to worship. In Coronavirus pandemic, dispersed worship for the first time is now becoming the mainstream. Somehow, everyone is trying to make their first visit to the shrine. That's how important this event is. The location is Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine It is early morning on New Year's Eve.

The annual Rokko Meetup at Mt. Rokko Rokko Meetout that my family looks forward to every year because it is the autumn of art I thought it was difficult to produce in Corona, but all the works are wonderful and I am really grateful to the creators. And we are looking forward to revitalizing Mt. Rokko not only with the night view but also with art, and seeing more tourists than ever before and showing more fun and bustle.