Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Peach picking for 2025 has begun! We offer the following two plans. ■Set plan: Pick two peaches + all-you-can-eat peaches (20 minutes) 2,500 yen per person ■All-you-can-eat only plan (20 minutes) 1,500 yen per person *All plans above have a flat rate for ages 4 and up. Children aged 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may enjoy the all-you-can-eat option free of charge. Reservations are still being accepted! For details, please see the following page. https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/9784/...

Event announcement📣 July has arrived, and summer is here in earnest — a season full of festivals and events. If you’re free this weekend, why not drop by one of the events taking place? 🤗 📌Saturday, July 5 — Shirohebi-hime Festival at the shore of Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoicho. This theatrical folk performance, created from Ainu traditions, features a 13-meter white snake and a princess dancing in a dreamlike spectacle. ■Time: 17:30–21:15 ■Free shuttle bus to the venue: A free shuttle will operate from Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum in Shikaoicho to the lakeside venue using the regular bus route. 📌Sunday, July 6 — The 52nd Pyotan Falls Yamabe Release Festival at Satsunai River Park in Nakasatsunai Village. The day starts with the release of yamabe (a local trout), followed by a Poroshiri drum performance, hands-on workshops, food trucks, and ends with a stage-side edamame toss featuring the village’s specialty edamame. ■Time: 10:00–14:00 ■Access: About a 60-minute drive from Obihiro Station Find other summer events on the Tokachi HARE website under “Events.” Please check the homepage at the URL below 😊 It’s been hot every day, so please take care to avoid heatstroke and enjoy a pleasant weekend 🎵 https://tokachibare.jp/event/...

Hello, this is En'emon Folklore Museum. July has arrived and the hot days continue, but Shosenkyo Gorge still feels a little cool. While the sea’s chill is nice for summer vacation, it’s also a great season to soothe yourself in the mountains with a forest bath, listening to birdsong and relaxing among the green. Yamanashi has no sea, but the museum holds stones as beautiful as the ocean. Larimar is one of the three major healing stones, symbolizing love and peace, and it’s perfect for anyone seeking comfort and healing. Also, Shosenkyo is famous for its quartz, which used to be called a fossil of ice because it feels cool to the touch. It looks refreshing too, so come and touch it~♪ #Shosenkyo Gorge #Ontake Shosenkyo #Yamanashi Prefecture #Yamanashi #Kofu City #Kofu #Kai City #Kai #scenic spot #Japan’s scenic spots #scenic view #sightseeing #tourist spot #travel #Yamanashi trip #Yamanashi tourism #En'emon Folklore Museum #Shosenkyo Story En'emon Folklore Museum

Notice: Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival This year too, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival will take place over three days from July 7th to July 9th. Please be aware that some roads will be closed during the festival, so take care when coming to the area. Come and join the “Iwanai Festival.”😌 *The schedule was referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.

“Hanakku and Hana Road” started on June 28! Beautiful flowers are in full bloom in front of the Guide Center, at Hanakku, and at the Garden Spa Roadside Station 🌷 Come by and enjoy the colorful flowers 🌸 Event period: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 27

Rokka no Mori About a 40-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen. A large silo marks the spot ⭐ This is a beautiful forest where the wildflowers depicted on Rokkatei's wrapping paper bloom. Surrounded by seasonal blossoms, you can enjoy a graceful moment here 🍃 A shop is also on site! A windbreak forest lines the route, giving a full Hokkaido feel 💯 Please do visit 😊

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

＼ ✨💠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/...

Tokachigawa Onsen district has welcomed its fifth winery in the area, Tokachigaoka Winery, which opened on April 18th. Each grape cluster is tended carefully over time, grown organically while daily efforts keep pests under control. Basked in sunlight, the grapes develop high sugar levels and a perfect balance of acidity. Inside the shop, paid tastings of Otopuke Roman are available (with cheese snacks), so be sure to give them a try.😊 We also sell cheeses that pair well with wine, Aizawa Winery’s Sacherella and Ryunosuke, Memuro Winery’s Yorokobu, Tokachi Wine’s Jewel of Tokachi, and Tokachi Makiba no Ie Winery’s Yusui. Please stop by when you visit Tokachigawa Onsen.🤗 ● Access: about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Station About 30 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal (get off at Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and walk about 5 minutes) ● Inquiries: Tokachigaoka Winery TEL: 0155-67-1981

Meeting the "Flower That Brings Happiness," Kirengeshoma — Summer Hikes up Mt. Kurodake Around Obon, the elusive Kirengeshoma begins to bloom quietly in the mountains 🌼 Listed as Vulnerable (Category II) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List and thrust into the spotlight by an NHK morning drama, this flower is said in local lore to bring happiness to those who see it. Kirengeshoma once grew in large colonies around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but its numbers have drastically declined due to deer browsing. Now, it survives only in limited areas where local residents continue conservation efforts. Mt. Kurodake is designated an Important Habitat by Miyazaki Prefecture, and besides Kirengeshoma it shelters many rare Kyushu mountain plants and wildlife, making it a precious natural treasure. On this hiking tour, local guides will accompany you, pointing out rare plants and offering nature interpretation so you can fully savor the rich forest. 🟡 Tour Overview: Mt. Kurodake Hike 📅 Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point: Obarai Community Center (escort from Shiitake no Yakata 21 available) 🎒 Eligibility: Ages 3 and up (minimum 4 participants to run / maximum 10) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 (lunch and guide fee included) 📝 Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16 Hike Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers) 🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or non-slip athletic shoes. A special summer day to meet the elusive flower. We look forward to your participation!

Shintoku and Tokachi-Shimizu Train Travel Campaign 2025 Last winter’s popular winter train travel campaign This summer! From Shintoku Town and its neighboring town Tokachi-Shimizu, ride the train from either station and collect a Train Travel Stamp in this event 🎫 ーーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーー Period: July 1 (Tuesday)–August 31 (Sunday) Train Travel Stamp Distribution Stations 🚉 Shintoku Station · Tokachi-Shimizu Station Distribution Locations and Times 🕰️ Shintoku Station — 7:10–18:25 Tokachi-Shimizu Station — 6:55–17:05 (Due to operations, staff may be temporarily absent) Participation Conditions 💡 1. Use a train and alight at Shintoku Station or Tokachi-Shimizu. 2. Inform the ticket gate staff that you would like to receive the Train Travel Stamp. ※Distribution applies only at the time of alighting. ※Entry tickets and commuter passes are not eligible. ※One stamp per person. ※The Train Travel Stamp is a printed slip and does not include a prewritten date. ※Please write the date yourself. ※Stamps will not be distributed outside the listed times. ーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーー And now! The first 100 people to collect stamps from both stations will receive an Original Mounting Sheet as a gift 🎁 Redemption Location — Tokutoku Community Center, 2nd floor, in front of Shintoku Station Redemption Time — 9:00–18:00 ※Please present the Train Travel Stamps from both Shintoku Station and Tokachi-Shimizu for redemption. ※Be sure to write the date on your Train Travel Stamp before exchanging. ※When redeeming, we will stamp the back of the Train Travel Stamp as proof of distribution. Plus! Show your Train Travel Stamp around town in Shintoku Town or Tokachi-Shimizu Town to receive special local benefits and deals 🉐 You must write the date before using benefits. Benefits are valid only on the date written on the Train Travel Stamp. ※If the date on the Train Travel Stamp is the same, you may receive benefits at multiple stores and facilities. ※Please confirm store and facility information yourself. ※Benefits may change depending on circumstances at stores or facilities. ー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ー In Shintoku Town specifically, sponsors from north to south and west to east support this campaign, so why not explore the town by rental bicycle? 🚲 Rental Desk — 2nd floor of the Tokutoku Community Center Shintoku Town Tourism Association Desk Business Hours — 9:00–17:45 Fees — City cycles, mountain bikes: free Electric-assist bicycles: 1,000 yen per day ※Limited quantities available, so please feel free to contact us. ーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーー Shintoku Town Participating Shops and Facilities #Soba-dokoro Minatoya @sobanoyakata @ramen_miurashouten @ishimatsu_susi @tuktuk_shintoku #Shokujidokoro Sekiguchi #Heiseien @yuka_cyoko #Snack Fuusen @setouchi.urapp4313 / @oyatsuya_hana3 @t_kinokotan #Miyagiya Ryokan #Minshuku Sahoro House @kyodogakusha_shintoku #Village 432 @tokachi_sahoro_resort_official @lake_inn2141 @kamuimintara2000 @higashitaisetsusou Tokachi-Shimizu Participating Shops and Facilities #Ebisuya Confectionery #Soba-dokoro Mitsushina @idaten4947 #Ryokan Ariake @tokachi_millennium_forest ーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーー🚃 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Tokachi-Shimizu Town #shintoku #shimizu #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shimizu Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Shimizu Station #Tokachi-Shimizu Station #Train Travel #Campaign #JR Hokkaido #hokkaido #tokachi #station #tokachi #shintoku #tokachishimizu #welcomeshintoku

I was able to capture the scenery that makes me feel the old-fashioned atmosphere of Japan in the photo.

I was able to make good use of the front bokeh and photograph Nagahama Castle, which has an overwhelming presence.

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.

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Ikuta Shrine

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.