Photographed on November 15, 2025. These are the hanatemizu flower arrangements at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Isehara Autumn Foliage Report 2025.11.17 Here is today’s update on the autumn leaves in Isehara. The foliage at Afuri Shrine and Daisenji Temple has begun to change color. This weekend finally brings the illuminated autumn foliage displays. For details such as the schedule, please see the tourism association’s special site. https://isehara-kanko.com/autumn-lightup/... Although it is a weekday, many visitors have come. The autumn foliage season is expected to be very crowded with large numbers of visitors. Please take care when you visit.

Notice: Waiting-List Registration Opens for the Isehara MtOoyama Sky Lantern Event The MtOoyama Sky Lantern releases lanterns carrying written wishes into the sky from the grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, located on the mid slopes of Mt Ooyama at about 700 meters above sea level. Due to its great popularity the event was fully booked and registration had been closed, but we have now opened a waiting list for registrations. Please take this opportunity to apply and join us. ◇ Event Dates and Times Saturday, January 17, 2026 and Saturday, January 24, 2026 ◇ Lantern Launch Scheduled for 5:30 PM ◇ Location The grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine For application details, deadlines, and other information, please see the official tourism association page. https://isehara-kanko.com/osl2025/...

Photographed on November 15, 2025. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Night at Kanazawa Hakkei

Photographed on November 15, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on November 15, 2025. After the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at Starbucks Kawagoe Kanetsuki-dori Store. I had a gingerbread latte and a white chocolate macadamia donut.

9:00 AM on November 14, 2025 Mount Fuji and autumn foliage from Koyodai, Narusawamura, Yamanashi Prefecture I wanted to see the colors spreading from the mountain’s vast base up to its summit! Waking up early to go was worth it!

I attended the monthly ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Today is Shichi-Go-San.

Photographed on November 10, 2025. This is Hanatetsu's hanachōzu (flower water basin).

Isehara Autumn Foliage Report — November 14, 2025 Here is today’s update on autumn colors in Isehara. The ginkgo row at Sports Park has turned even more vibrant. Some areas remain green, so it will take a little longer for all the trees to turn fully yellow. On Ooyama, the leaves around Afuri Shrine and Oyama Temple are gradually approaching peak color. Autumn foliage will be illuminated on Ooyama at night. For the schedule and details, please see the Tourist Association’s special site. https://isehara-kanko.com/autumn-lightup/... The foliage season is expected to be very crowded with many visitors. Please take care when you visit.

Photographed on November 10, 2025. LEC COFFEE’s black latte and a carrot cake.

Photographed on November 10, 2025. This is a carrot cake from LEC COFFEE. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. 🎉

Photographed on November 10, 2025. This is a hot sandwich set from LEC COFFEE. It includes an egg, lettuce, and bacon hot sandwich, a salad, and butternut squash soup. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. 🎉🍾

When I visited the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival, I photographed the charming pairing of the fox statues at Kasama Inari Shrine with the splendid chrysanthemums. Kasama is a town known for pottery, but cafe hopping is fun too.

This is a Black Latte from LEC COFFEE. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. Thank you for always taking care of me. I look forward to visiting when I stroll around Kawagoe. I appreciate your continued support. 😊

Photographed on November 10, 2025. These are the floral water displays at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took another shot from a different angle.

Isehara City Autumn Foliage Report Here is an update on the city’s autumn colors for today, November 12. The ginkgo-lined avenue beside Isehara City General Sports Park has started to turn a beautiful yellow. Some sections are still green, so it will take a little longer for the entire row to turn yellow. Autumn colors on Ooyama are progressing gradually, but peak viewing appears to be still ahead. Please note that there will be evening illumination of the autumn leaves on Ooyama. For details, please see the tourism association’s special site. https://isehara-kanko.com/autumn-lightup/...

Photographed on November 10, 2013. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on November 10, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower-filled water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on November 10, 25. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on November 7, 2025. These are the floral water displays at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photo taken on November 6, 25 (era not specified). This is the hanachōzu (floral water basin) at Hara Florist.

Photographed on October 18, Heisei 25 (2013). This shows the Kagami-shishi float and the Sanno float passing each other during the hikkwase (float encounter).

Photographed on October 18, 2013. This shows the Kagami-shishi float and the Ōta Dōkan float passing each other.

Photographed on October 18, 25. The parade features the float of Prince of Lanling and the float of Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) pulling past each other.

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive

Photographed on October 18, Year 25. This is the pulling-together of Nakamachi’s float “Prince of Lanling” and Wakitamachi’s float “Ieyasu Tokugawa.”

Photographed on October 18, 2013. From the left: Wakitamachi’s float of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Shintomichō 1 Chome’s float of Tokugawa Iemitsu, and Shintomi-cho 2-chome’s float of the Mirror Lion in a hikikae (float exchange).

Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival Celebrates Local History Enjoy and learn about the historic Oyama Michi that runs through Futakotamagawa. The 16th Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival will be held. Oyama Michi refers to the routes used by pilgrims visiting Ooyama, with paths centered on the mountain across various regions. The Oyama Michi that passes through Futakotamagawa led from Edo’s Akasaka-mitsuke Gate to Ooyama and served as a back road to the Tokaido, frequently used for transporting goods. This festival offers a close-up opportunity to learn about the history of Oyama Michi. Isehara City will also participate and host a booth. Please join us. ◇ Date and Time Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00–15:00 ◇ Venue Futakotamagawa Elementary School building and gymnasium (Tamagawa 4-6-1, Setagayaku) ◇ Setagaya Ward official site https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/03660/27555.html...