Photographed on August 15, 25. It is a kazaguruma in front of the Otorii Gate of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I took it around 7 o'clock in the morning.

I found a wind chime with a red thread.

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/...

It’s been hot lately 😵 On days like this, I recommend the “Hasu Soft Serve”❗️ The soft serve, faintly green from lotus powder, isn’t overly sweet and becomes something you suddenly crave during this hot season☆ You can enjoy the Hasu Soft Serve at Hoyattei inside Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi! Location: 919-0203 39-2-2 Makidani, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/...

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/...

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival and the End of the War Memorial Festival.

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 😆

The deep green of Usa Jingu Shrine, which symbolizes "summer in Japan". In the sunlight shining through the trees, I captured the moment when my father passed through the vermilion Torii (shrine gate). This Torii (shrine gate) is the boundary between the sacred and the mundane, a symbol of purification and vitality.   Usa Jingu Shrine, the Main Shrine of the Hachiman faith, is a sacred place where my ancestors, the Karashima clan, especially Katsuotome Karashima, were deeply involved in its founding. The image of the father passing through the Torii (shrine gate) gate symbolizes the way in which the lineage and faith are passed down from generation to generation, following in the footsteps of distant ancestors.   This trip was a powerful and healing experience for me, like a large tree taking root in my heart. I was touched by the vitality of Usa Jingu Shrine in summer and the history of my ancestors, and I realized that my Roux is deeply rooted in this Great Earth. This is more than just a summer scene, it is a piece that conveys an ancient bond and inner peace.

🌊Echizen Coast🌊 The Echizen Coast is perfect for a driving getaway. In the Kono district of Minami-Echizen Town, you can watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Come and enjoy a weekend drive yourself☆

On the stage of the red shrine, The dancers danced slowly to the music. The fan shimmered in the light, It's like jumping the story into the night, Telling tradition with steps, condensing a moment of eternity between light and shadow. ⛳ : Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura City, Japan 📷：#SONY A7IV

Photographed on August 9, 25. Vacation at a teahouse on a mountain in the Precincts of Atago Shrine. It is an amulet ice. 🍧 It is covered with Ume plum syrup and seems to ward off evil.

Photographed on August 9, 25. Vacation at a teahouse on a mountain in the Precincts of Atago Shrine. Lemon squash.

It is the Hanachozu of Obihiro Shrine's summer pilgrimage Only for two days on August 13th and 14th With a light that is planted in water Light up. There was a breeze tonight. The sound of the wind chimes was pleasant.

Photographed on August 9, 25. It is the staircase of Success in life of Atago Shrine. Without looking down, I climbed in one fell swoop. Success in life is something that only God knows.

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.

Photographed on August 9, 25. This is Bacon & Eggs from ZTTo morning. Mu, a cube-shaped bread, is popular. 🍞

Would you like to eat lotus while admiring the lotus flowers? We recommend the local specialty “hasu udon,” a subtly green noodle made with lotus leaf. It has a faint lotus aroma, thin noodles, and a nice chew. Even if the heat has left you a bit drained this summer, you can slurp it down with ease!

Photographed on August 9, 25. It is a café latte at ZTTo morning, just a short distance from Nagatacho Station. It is a morning specialty exhibition of "bread and espresso".

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...

○○ Hana Hasu Park ○○ In summer, about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a calm and elegant landscape. The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and many visitors come each year for the annual Hasu Festival. You can also enjoy lotus-based gourmet dishes and local specialties. Address 64-41 Nakagoya, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture 919-0214

Photographed on August 9, 25. This is the Suzu Araragi wind chime of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

Photographed on July 9, 25. This is the Suzu Araragi wind chime of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

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!

Photographed on August 9, 25. This is the Suzu Araragi wind chime of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. I found a pink wind chime. 🎐

Photographed on August 9, 25. It is the boar's eye of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is said to bring amulets and good fortune.

Event Announcement📣 The All-Japan Mamachari Endurance Race will take place at Tokachi Speedway😊 About 100 teams from across the country will gather for this mamachari bicycle race, from serious athlete groups to friends joining for the memories🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️ Teams will unite their spirits and keep riding mamachari for six hours in this endurance race!!🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴 Enjoy the competition and the extraordinary atmosphere as you aim for the finish, relieve everyday stress, and refresh your body and mind!!😍😍 Watch out for mamachari riders who will liven up the venue with cheerful performances!!🤗 Date and Time: Monday, August 11, 2025 Location: Tokachi Speedway https://www.sarabetsu.jp/sightseeing/event/mama_chari/...

A mysterious, legendary pond lies tucked in the mountains, reached by a trekking course rich in nature. Sitting at about 1,100 meters above sea level, the pond is remarkably clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage both shine here, offering a different face each season. The hiking path is well maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer sweeping views of the Echizen mountain range. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/...