Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

Taken on August 5, 2014. This is the wind chime for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, along with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Photographed on September 3, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on September 3, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on September 3, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I have many more photos of the matchmaking wind chime, so I would appreciate your company.

Photographed on September 3, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. See you next year.

Photographed on September 3, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime event has ended.

This is a fortune slip for good relationships and connections, featuring the Aida fish.

Today, I visited the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I came to express my gratitude for passing the exam. I thought there would be fewer people since it was 8 AM on a weekday, but it turned out to be the Good Relationship Prayer Festival.

Photographed on September 1, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I made a big move from Yokohama to Kawagoe, and my energy ran out before sunset, so I left early.

Taken on September 1, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chimes have ended.

On Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, the "Ofune Matsuri" will be held at Hotaka Shrine, evoking the romance of ancient times. The Ofune Matsuri is a grand festival where five boats, decorated with Hotaka dolls, parade through the city amidst the sounds of flutes and drums, gathering at Hotaka Shrine for a sacred ritual. The tourism association will offer a viewing tour to fully enjoy this magnificent festival. Next to the shrine, the event "Azumino Terrace" will also take place, featuring food trucks and craft shops. It's an event where you can eat, shop, see, and play. This time, it's an event that encourages thinking about "the future of Azumino"! We have prepared five special benefits for this occasion! 1. A special viewing area close to the climax scene where the two adult boats collide! 2. Includes a 1,000 yen ticket usable at the "Azumino Terrace" event with food trucks and craft shops! 3. A delightful limited edition "Ofune Matsuri" goshuin (temple seal) on half paper! 4. Entry ticket to the Ofune Kaikan, where you can learn all about the Ofune Matsuri! 5. Boost your fortune from the powerful spot of Hotaka Shrine! For more details, visit the official website. https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/1128736...

Taken on September 1, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime will be available until September 6.

Photographed on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a big move from Ichibanchou to Yokohama to Kawagoe.

Captured on September 1, 26. This is the string fortune at Motomachi Itsukushima Shrine.🧵

[Save this] Here’s some tourist information about the Togakushi Shrine's Five Shrines tour!✨ Visiting the Five Shrines of Togakushi Shrine during the comfortable months of September to October is highly recommended! 〈Don’t forget to tap the "save" icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 "What is the Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine?" Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines: Okusha, Naka Shrine, Hokosha, Kuzuryū Shrine, and Hinomiko Shrine. Each shrine offers different benefits and stamps, so you can enjoy exploring their unique characteristics. "Overview of the Five Shrines Tour" 【Period】You can visit year-round. *Okusha and Kuzuryū Shrine are closed during winter.* 【Transportation】Bus, private car, walking, etc. *There are paid parking lots, but the number of available spaces may be limited.* *You can use the reserved Togakushi Line sightseeing express bus from Nagano Station.* 【Duration】It varies depending on your mode of transportation, but if walking the entire route, it generally takes about half a day. 【Order of Worship】There are no formal rules, so please visit according to your schedule. "Recommended Information" 【Lunch】 Togakushi Soba, considered one of Japan's top three soba noodles, is highly recommended. There are many Togakushi soba restaurants around Naka Shrine. Additionally, there are shops offering soba and soft serve ice cream at the entrance of Okusha Sandō. 【Scenic Spots】 The thatched Zuijinmon gate and the avenue of cedars, which are over 400 years old, located halfway along the path to Okusha, are among Japan's top scenic spots. 【Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits】 If you collect the stamps from all five shrines, you will receive a "Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits"! 【Togakushi Walking and Climbing Guide】 Walking with a guide who has extensive experience and knowledge not only provides a sense of security but also offers new discoveries that differ from walking alone! You can apply for courses such as the Okusha worship course or the Five Shrines tour course according to your needs. *For more details, please visit the Togakushi Shrine Official Website or @togakushi_jinja.* #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi #Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on September 1, 2026. I visited Iseyama Kotai Shrine in Yokohama.

Photographed on September 1, 2026. This is the lily of the valley wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

Taken on September 1, 26. This is the lily of the wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

Taken on September 1, 2014. This is the "Chrysanthemum Festival Flower Water Offering - Treasure Box of Abundance" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. No matter where you look from, it's a beautiful flower water offering.

Photographed on September 1, 2026. This is the "Choyo no Sekku Hanamizu - Treasure Box of Abundance" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until September 10.

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is hosting a limited-time flower water display called 'Choyo no Sekku Hanamizuki – Treasure Box of Abundance' until September 10.

The limited-time flower water display at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, "Choyo no Sekku Hanamizuki - A Treasure Box of Abundance," is available until Thursday, September 10th.

Today, I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was a first-day visit.

The Kamogawa Joint Festival is a celebration held jointly by seven shrines in the Kamogawa city center. Seven portable shrines, one carrying float, three festival carts, and four food stalls will parade from their respective districts. Over two days, the festival will showcase vibrant activities from Kamogawa SEASIDE BASE to Awakamogawa Station. This is the largest festival in the Kamogawa area, held annually. Date Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM The Seven Shrines of the Former Kamogawa District: Oura Yakumo Shrine, Shirahata Shrine, Hie Shrine, Kumano Shrine, Suwa Shrine, Yokoshima Yakumo Shrine, Yawata Shrine.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfū-sō. Hikawa Ryōfū-sō is open until today (August 31).

"Wind chimes and mist" The refreshing sound of wind chimes resonates in the summer shrine grounds. The mist drifting through gently eases the hot air. The coolness felt through the ears and the coolness felt on the skin. This moment, unique to summer in Japan, has been captured in a single frame.

Even the shopkeeper cat is down. At Mamada Hachimangu Shrine, there are many "shrine cats." They have cat goshuin stamps and cat's one-grain-manifold protection charms. The shrine grounds are bathed in the summer sun. By the water fortune slips, even the shopkeeper cat seemed unable to withstand the heat. Stretching out on the stone pavement, it takes a moment to rest. This captures a slice of everyday life in Japan, amidst the summer heat.

Taken on July 30, 26. This is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfūsō. We are open until the 31st.