Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the illumination of the wind chimes for the matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 10, 26. This is the banana espresso latte from LEC COFFEE, along with coffee jelly and soft serve.

Around 1 PM on August 8, 2026 The view from the terrace at Futtsu Kanaya "the fish" in the Inner Boso A midsummer blue sky, white summer clouds, and the shimmering sea Fishing boats moving through this scenery—how's the catch? It felt like a scene from a summer vacation sketchbook.

Taken on August 10, 26. This is the espresso banana latte from LEC COFFEE. The combination of banana and espresso is excellent.

Taken on August 10, 26. This is the coffee jelly and soft serve from LEC COFFEE.

The Highland Guide Training Session A training session for highland guides was held at Yachiho Highland Nature Park✨ This year's theme was "Plants and Moss" During the training, we walked through the park with the instructor, who provided explanations about the plants and moss found in the nature park. Even in areas we usually walk through, focusing on the plants and moss led to many new discoveries👀

Taken on August 10, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It seemed that a ritual was taking place, as I heard the sound of drums.

Minase Shrine Address: 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture Nearest Station: Minase Station [East Exit], 12 minutes on foot Parking: Available, free Set in a beautiful landscape, the shrine features a guest hall built in the Shoin-zukuri style of the Momoyama period, a main hall established in the early Edo period, and the tea room known as Tōshintei. National treasures and important cultural properties related to Retired Emperor Go-Toba are also preserved here. Located north of the sacred gate, the roof is designed in the irimoya style, with sangawara roofing, wooden latticework on the gable, and umebachi kakegyo decorations. Built during the Taisho era, the front of the stone basin is inscribed with "dedicatory wash basin" (Hono Kansou), and the side is engraved with "Kosha". This water was selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985, being the only one in Osaka Prefecture. At the water collection area within Minase Shrine, many people visit daily from early morning to collect water, and there are constant reports of improvements in conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The shrine is cherished by many, and preservation activities are actively conducted.

Half a year in the sea of Izu. A special day to retrieve wine aged on the seabed. Shobuzawa in Higashi-Izu, a short trip from Tokyo. The summer blue sky and calm sea. This day's diving had a slightly different purpose than usual. We are going to retrieve the wine sleeping on the seabed. 🚢 Six months ago, to the seabed of Izu. This January. We placed wine and sake in special cases and sank them to the seabed of Shobuzawa. The location is a sea popular among divers for its sunken ship. About six months later. In July, the day of retrieval finally arrived. How has the bottle spent half a year underwater changed? 🍾 To the sunken ship. Searching for wine sleeping on the seabed. The sea on this day is calm. We head out to sea by boat and start diving. The first goal is to retrieve the liquor that has been on the seabed for half a year. We check the case underwater and proceed with caution. Then, the case slowly rises to the surface. The case that emerged from the sea was covered with shells and marine life. What was once a new case has transformed into something that looks like a "part of the sea" over six months. Once safely retrieved onto the boat, it’s a reunion after half a year. 🌊 The next 21 bottles go back into the sea. Retrieving is not the end. On the second dive, we will transport the liquor to be aged next to the seabed. This time, we sank a total of 21 bottles, including wine and sake. From land to boat. And from the boat to the sea. We carefully transport the case containing the bottles to the seabed and set it up. The next time we meet will be in about six months. We plan to retrieve it around January 2027. 🍷 Wine, sake, and the sea of Izu. When thinking of a trip to Japan, many might picture the streets of Tokyo, temples in Kyoto, hot springs, and Japanese food. However, Japan is a country surrounded by the sea on all sides. If you look a little towards the sea, there is a completely different sense of time in Japan than that of city tourism. Diving in the sea of Izu to retrieve wine sleeping on the seabed. And sinking the next wine for six months later in that sea. Such a day is a unique experience in the sea of Japan. What kind of taste will the liquor retrieved from the seabed have? I will share more about it next time. 🇯🇵 A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to enjoy the sea of Japan, focusing on Shonan and Izu, for day trips from Tokyo. The theme is, "Let’s embark on a journey to an unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's sea, its rich nature, and the time spent by the seaside. The tours are limited to small groups. Beginners and those who haven't dived in a while are also welcome to join. We also offer guidance in English. How about adding a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the best seas for that time based on your diving experience and travel schedule. Please feel free to contact us.

Taken on August 10, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on August 10, 2026. This is the Musubumoi Furin from Nishō Gō City, Little Edo, for the 8th year of the Reiwa era.

A Town That Makes You Love Mornings – Azumino The early rice ears are beginning to ripen in the fields The dew is shining in the morning sun Although the sunlight is strong, it feels like a summer morning in Azumino, with cool air making it a pleasant morning.

The lotus flowers at Seigen-ji Temple in Azumino are beautiful. Here, you can find a cedar tree-lined path reminiscent of Togakushi Shrine's inner sanctuary, and on the right side of the grounds, there is a lotus field.

2026 Limited to this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the situation may change depending on each restaurant's circumstances This time, we introduce 【café twinkle】 Its name is "Tomato Curry Doria with Summer Vegetables and Ground Meat." The hot doria baked in a stone oven is exciting even before you eat it. When you dig in with a spoon, you find a creamy white sauce and curry under the gooey cheese, which pairs well with multigrain rice. The vegetables used in the curry are fresh, allowing you to taste their natural sweetness. The cheese, white sauce, and curry harmonize perfectly, appealing to women's preferences. However, the portion is substantial, ensuring that men will also be satisfied. Additionally, I enjoyed a great weekday lunch that comes with a mini salad and drink. After much deliberation, I chose the popular Margherita pizza lunch. The wood-fired pizza is made with domestically-produced wheat, giving it a chewy texture, and it is delicious! The dining space has both first and second floors, and this time I had lunch on the second floor. The L-shaped counter seats by the window offer a prime view of the Northern Alps. Next to it, there are spacious sofa seats prioritized for families with babies, allowing families to dine comfortably. The cat-themed decor creates a lovely atmosphere, making it a great place to relax. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- café twinkle 【Address】 2218-2 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-88-7537 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order until 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Irregular holidays (announced on Instagram monthly) 【Parking】 Parking available Please check with the store for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

2026 Limited to this summer! 'Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry' An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant's situation Introducing this time is 【Ramen & Cafe Mugi Kobo Kakashi】 The concept of the shop is "a ramen shop that can be easily entered by a woman alone" The exterior is stylish and Western, as it also serves as a cafe The shop is equipped with a barrier-free entrance What I had was the 'Rich and Delicious Vegetable Curry Ramen' As stated on the menu, "Curry x Ramen is the fateful meeting of national dishes!!" The carefully simmered curry and ramen soup create an addictive flavor You can top it with fried summer vegetables yourself Additionally, for an extra charge, you can choose from a variety of toppings like small rice, cheese, chashu, and flavored eggs, which is another charm (The types of vegetables may vary slightly depending on the day's supply) Also, I recommend the most popular 'Natural Ingredient Salt Ramen' The soup is simply delicious! You get hooked on its light yet rich flavor! All ramen uses natural ingredients, focusing on salt, and the broth is made by carefully extracting Mongolian rock salt over 72 hours The noodles are slightly thin and curly. They feel gentle on the stomach It was so delicious that I ended up drinking it all! In addition to ramen, the menu is rich with meals like hamburgers and grilled meat plates The cafe menu is also abundant, with various desserts to choose from, making it a place to relax and unwind Near the shop, you can find Azumino City New General Gymnasium ANC and Nanbu Park. Please stop by before or after your exercise! ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Ramen & Cafe Mugi Kobo Kakashi 【Address】 182-8 Toyoshina, Azumino City, 399-8205 【Phone】 0263-87-6578 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dinner 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM 【Regular Holiday】 Tuesday (the following day if it's a holiday) 【Parking】 Dedicated parking available Please confirm the latest information with the shop. Don't forget to like and save so you can review it later!

2026 Limited this summer! 'Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry' An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants. Serving period: until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the availability may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce 【Toyoshina Bandoko】 The dish is called 'Vegetable Curry Set' *This is a weekday lunch menu exclusive! Using fresh local vegetables, it offers a rich flavor that perfectly balances umami, sweetness, and spiciness. Additionally, it comes with a soft-boiled egg, making it the ultimate combination with the creamy yolk in the curry! Besides the curry, it includes soba, salad, and a hot spring egg in this value menu. Another recommended dish is the Shinshu specialty 'Otouji Soba.' Unlike many places that serve it in large pots for two or more, you can order it from just one serving. The restaurant is a long-established establishment located in a robust old house from the late Edo period, offering soba made with Azumino's famous water and local ingredients in its traditional cuisine. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Toyoshina Bandoko 【Address】 5703-16 Toyoshina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8205 About a 9-minute walk from Toyoshina Station on the JR Oito Line 【Phone】 0263-72-6767 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (L.O) Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (L.O) 【Closed】 Mondays (open for lunch only on holidays) 【Parking】 Parking available For the latest information, please check with the restaurant. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

Today, I visited Iroha and Inconeri for their breakfast collaboration. We had savory pancakes (not sweet Taiwanese crepes), salty soy milk soup, and seasonal vegetable side dishes from Inconeri. The breakfast collaboration will take place tomorrow from 9 AM to 12 PM. My motivation for learning Chinese has increased. Thank you! 😊💖

At 4:38 AM on August 9, 2026, in Chikura, Minamiboso City, the colors of the sky, gradually moving towards dawn, are beautiful during the thirty minutes before sunrise. It's my favorite time. Waking up early has its rewards!

【Nii Tete Boye's LIVE】 I apologize for the delay in posting, but in July, Nii Tete Boye came and performed for us! The Panlogo, a traditional instrument from Ghana in West Africa. He played it by striking the surface with his palms, and at first, I was captivated by the unique rhythm, unsure of how to move my body, watching the vivid hand movements as he struck the drum. There were several songs that allowed the audience to participate with clapping and singing, which gradually helped me understand the rhythm structure. Nii Tete Boye played the five drums effortlessly, as if the Panlogo had become a part of his body. In the middle of the LIVE, there was a special collaboration featuring a Bon song performed by Nii Tete Boye and the villagers! Their beautiful harmonies singing a challenging melody merged with the sounds of Nii Tete Boye and the bear drum. As the Bon song resonated, I felt as if I had come to a different place, experiencing a strange sensation. The performance was that captivating. That night, there was food and drink available for sale from the guesthouse GA.KOPPER! We enjoyed Jollof rice, groundnut butter soup, and chili dogs, which are beloved in West Africa 🤤 While sipping on the sweet hibiscus tea called Bissap, we had a wonderful night 🌙 #Nishiokubo Village #LIVE #Niiteteboye #Panlogo #GAKOPPER

Around 4:30 AM on August 9th This is a shot taken just before dawn in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. The spray from the waves enveloped the port town in thick fog. The ethereal atmosphere was wonderful.

Shinjo Park, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a place of relaxation for the citizens. Throughout the four seasons, visitors can enjoy beautifully planted flowers. During the scorching summer, many people took walks early in the morning to avoid the daytime heat. In one corner of the park, sunflowers were in full bloom, surrounding a chainsaw art sculpture.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is an iced cafe latte from cafe andon.

Taken on August 6, 26. CAFE ANDON offers morning service from 8 AM during the summer season. This is the Vichyssoise plate. It features Vichyssoise (cold potato soup), salad, egg, carrot rapé, and country bread, making it quite luxurious.

Event Announcement 📣 The 79th Obihiro Flat Plain Festival will be held over two days from August 14 (Friday) to August 15 (Saturday) 😊 This year's opening features a fresh and lively performance by the children of Keiko Honda's "Baton & Tap Dance Studio" 🎵 On the day, a special collaboration with street performers to enhance the festival atmosphere is also planned. A variety of events are lined up, promising plenty of highlights‼️ We hope you enjoy the exciting two days 🤗 🔶Main Events on August 14 (Friday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 1) 13:00 - 20:00 Expect performances filled with surprises, laughter, and emotion. ・Yume Furuya (Dream Fall Night) 19:00 - 20:00 (Rain or shine) To express gratitude to the pioneers who developed Tokachi and to wish for a bountiful harvest, local youths will carry portable shrines through the night streets, enveloping the venue in a fantastic atmosphere and excitement. 🔶Main Events on August 15 (Saturday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 2) 11:30 - 20:15 ・28th Hirahara Taiko Festival 15:20 - 17:10 (In case of rain, it is scheduled to be held at "Obihiro City Civic Cultural Hall" from 13:30) Teams gathered from all over the region will showcase powerful performances. Local teams such as "Obihiro City Local Performing Arts Hirahara Taiko," "Hiroo Jin'ya Taiko Preservation Society," "Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko," and "Sarabetsu Kashiwadaiko Preservation Society" are also expected to perform. ・Obihiro Bon Odori 19:00 - 20:45 (Cancelled in case of rain) In sync with the live performance of "Hokkai Bon Uta," each team will don elaborately designed costumes and dance gracefully.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is a sculpture from the Naorai Hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The sculptures represent offerings to the deity, including "sake," "rice," and "salt."

Taken on August 6, 26. It was so hot that I took a break. This is the Enmusubi red and white soft serve.

As the golden hour gently embraces Furano, waves of lavender bloom beneath a sky of fading light. A solitary red hut rests among the purple fields, with emerald meadows and layered mountains quietly unfolding beyond. In this brief summer glow, the landscape feels less like a place and more like a memory waiting to be kept.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 15th, the 44th Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival will take place😊 During the day, there will be a children's festival and a beer garden featuring delicious gourmet food🍻 On the special stage, the Hokkaido idol group "FRUiTY" will perform live, along with a mimicry show by "Miracle Hikaru," adding excitement to the festival🎵 The event will be filled with fun activities for the whole family, including children's bon odori, unique costume bon odori, and a lottery draw to bring smiles to everyone😍 To conclude the festival, vibrant fireworks will beautifully light up the night sky of Ashoro🎆 Feel the summer night breeze and experience this special summer moment at the venue🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 13:00 - 21:00 (Fireworks scheduled from 19:30 to 20:10) 🔶Venue: Town Community Center Front Green Space and Parking Lot (Food stalls, Bon Odori, Event venue) South Riverbank of the Toshibetsu River Ryougoku Bridge (Fireworks launch site) 🔶Contact: Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0156-28-3863 https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/news/2026/2024_2.html...

"Summer Clouds on Fire" In the summer evening, looking up at the sky, the large, developed clouds were illuminated by the setting sun, turning into a fiery color. The clouds rose powerfully as if they had stored the heat of the day, contrasting with the gradually darkening sky. It was a brief display, a drama of the summer evening sky.