#004 It's getting a bit warmer little by little! It seems the rainy season began today in southern Kyushu, but I'm not someone who dislikes rain! Now, as the rainy season ends, summer will arrive all at once. By the calendar it's already summer, so let me introduce Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, a summer tradition of Tsunocho in Miyazaki Prefecture! 【Origins of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival】 When you think of summer, you picture fireworks, food stalls, and bon dancing. Different regions have their own traditional events, like Aomori's Nebuta Festival or Kyoto's Gion Festival. So what is the traditional event in Tsunocho? It is the Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival. Festivals are rarely held without reason; they usually serve a purpose, such as protecting crops from pests and natural disasters, warding off epidemics, or fostering community ties. What about the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival? In fact, this festival has an origin. Its origin is said to trace back to an old account in which Empress Jingū invited ritual ceremonies onto her ship during her expedition to Silla. The festival's purposes reflect Tsunocho's character as a town with thriving agriculture and livestock. People pray to drive away crop-damaging pests, repel typhoon-related damage—which Miyazaki Prefecture is susceptible to—and ward off epidemics. However, the enshrined deity at Tsuno Shrine, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, is also a god of water, so the festival day sometimes brings rain, and a few years ago a typhoon struck directly. Even so, townspeople continue to hold the festival without stopping. 【The festival’s appeal】 People born and raised in Tsunocho often say in unison, "I won't come home for Bon or New Year, but I always come back for the summer festival" or "It's not summer unless I go to the summer festival." They look forward to it every year. You might wonder, really? I feel the same way. Born and raised in Tsunocho, I have loved this festival since childhood. When I was in my third year of junior high, I always helped carry my school's taiko float. That experience made me appreciate the float's coolness and sense of purpose, and it made me want to carry a float someday. Let me introduce the charms of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival. ◆Festival dates Every year on August 1 and 2 ◆Introduction to the taiko floats and more In addition to the shrine's gilded portable shrine, several taiko floats appear at this festival. These floats are arguably the festival's main attraction. ・Hamawaka Taiko Float (Shimohama district) ・Shinmachi Taiko Float (Shinmachi district) ・Kitawaka Taiko Float (Kitamachi district) ・Idobata Taiko Float (mainly Matsubara district) These four town floats parade through the town for two days and, after the shrine entry on the second day, engage in a kenka clash. Other participants include the Tsuno Junior High School taiko float, Shimohama children's taiko float, Shicho children's taiko float, and the Ichinomiya Nursery School mikoshi, all raising the festive spirit. The festival atmosphere is further heightened by Tsuno Youth Taiko, djembe drums, the Matsubara lion dance, Yosakoi Miroku troupe, and dances performed by each elementary school. Over the two days, the sound of drums echoes from many places. ◆What happens over the two days On the first day, the "Hama-oroshi" procession takes place. Sarutahiko and the lion cleanse evil spirits along the route while leading the mikoshi. A burly Sarutahiko strikes a tree branch on the ground, and the lion bites the heads of onlookers as it walks. The spectacle can make children burst into tears. Behind them, boys of junior high carry the gilded mikoshi. Next comes Tsuno Junior High's taiko float. Until the Hama-oroshi, girls carry the taiko float. Then the four town floats follow, carried with shouts that match the middle schoolers' intensity, and the Hama-oroshi proceeds. On the second day, the taiko floats parade through the town. In the evening the mikoshi departs down the shopping street, followed by the other taiko floats. Ahead lies the finale at Tsuno Shrine, the Ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. Thousands of spectators gather in front of the shrine's east torii to witness the dramatic scene, watching and waiting toward the sound of drums. At 7:00 p.m., when the mikoshi and all taiko floats pass through the torii, the shrine entry concludes. Actually, spectators are especially there for what comes after the entry. After the shrine entry comes, as touched on above, the "kenka" between taiko floats. Hearing "kenka," you might imagine fistfights or police intervention, but rest assured: no punching occurs, and police are present. In the past there were accidents and real fights, but not anymore. The kenka involves ramming the floats together and pushing. Pushing a few meters declares victory. Some visitors come from outside the prefecture or from abroad just to see this. The festival is that compelling and worth visiting. ◆Conclusion The Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, one of Tsunocho's attractions, embodies history and the dedication of the people who have carried it forward. Similar festivals exist across Japan, but each has its own history, charms, and scenery. The summer grand festival that Tsuno townspeople have built over decades is waiting for you—please visit at least once.

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.

Applications for the Popular Obsidian Geotour 2025 are now open. Course There are two Course: the "Hachigosawa Outcrop Course," a huge obsidian outcrop that spreads out in front of you, and the "Akaishiyama Summit Course," where you can see the reddish obsidian, which is a characteristic of obsidian in the Shirataki area, at the summit plaza, as the name "Akaishi Mountain" suggests. You can enjoy lunch at a Local farmhouse restaurant at the "Hachizawa Outcrop Course" and the Sweets of the Local café at the "Akaishiyama Summit Course", and on both tours, you can Visiting the site the Engaru Buried Cultural Property Center exhibiting the national treasure "Hokkaido Shirataki Archaeological Site Excavation". This is a tour that is sure to be full, so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible! Details of the < tour and how to apply> Shirataki Geopark Official Website http://geopark.engaru.jp/post/2505/... until

On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025! “Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring” Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event where visitors can tour gardens ranging from imaginative small plots to full-scale Japanese gardens, all showcasing seasonal blooms 🌼🌹 For the latest updates, check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅ Account here ▽ 🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼 Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring Location: Various gardens throughout Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Open garden notes If an entrance sign at a garden reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting that garden. Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms. Use restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms. ※Gardens marked as having restrooms allow use of those facilities. If you come by car, please use designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that disturb neighbors. Bringing pets is generally not allowed. ※Gardens with a pet-friendly mark permit pets. Always keep pets on a leash and as short as possible. The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the garden owners. Please follow viewing etiquette and be sure to express your gratitude. ◎For the latest updates, visit Instagram!

Outdoor Screening and Star‑Gazing Night On Saturday, May 24th, we spent an evening of film and stargazing at the Forest Park. That said, the sky was unfortunately cloudy that night. It was also a bit chilly. We couldn’t look up at the stars, which was a shame, but the talk given by staff from Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitāsubaru was fascinating, and they kindly opened their observatory vehicle for about 30 minutes. How long would it take to fly from Earth to the Sun by plane…? They explained the universe in a very easy‑to‑understand way, and both children and adults were captivated. While promoting this event, we discovered that far more people than expected are actually interested in the stars, which was a pleasant surprise. We’d like to create another opportunity to invite the observatory vehicle Polaris No. II again. (Nayoro Municipal Observatory website below) https://www.nayoro-star.jp/kitasubaru/... For the screening, we showed the Japanese‑dubbed version of the French animated film Linda Wants to Eat a Chicken! Amid the absurd twists and turns, I kept mentally reacting to the antics while enjoying a delightful 76 minutes. For movie snacks, Cafe Granch and Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Taiko offered food stalls. Coconut dumplings, pudding, popcorn, mamecha (roasted soybean tea), and hojicha chai. Although the stalls were run by village residents, they offered some rarely seen menu items, and thanks to that the event was a big success. This was Nishiokoppe Village’s first outdoor screening. Despite weather concerns and other uncertainties, we managed to hold the event. Alongside this program, we inflated the bouncy dome until 9:00 p.m., and the children kept jumping for a long time—apparently bouncing at night feels different from daytime. Thank you to everyone who came, and to everyone who lent their support to make the event happen! #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Hokkaido #Outdoor Screening #Linda Wants to Eat a Chicken! #Stargazing #Nayoro Municipal Observatory #Kitāsubaru #Observatory Vehicle Polaris No. II #Cafe Granch #Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Taiko

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃 It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅 Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞 At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨ I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰 The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷 When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

Photographed on June 1, 25. It is Kazaguruma in front of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine direct meeting hall. For the monthly festival, I will attend it alone. I sometimes meet people who I am usually close to. However, we only exchange DMs, and we refuse to meet or meet. Thank you for your understanding.

Photographed on June 1, 25. This is Kazaguruma of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

This photo was taken at the Don Yellowtail Kaikan in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.

On the weekend, my friends and I visit Hinoide, Kiyo Water, and Mansei Town in Shizuoka. I left the house early in the morning and took pictures of tea plantations and rivers with Mount Fuji in the background. Sunrise illuminated the tea plantation, and I was very impression by how beautiful it was. While walking along the fishing Village, we took pictures of the fishermen's yellowtail work and the sparkling seascape while walking through the Water. In Mansei Town, I took pictures of the old-fashioned townscape and old buildings, and felt the history and atmosphere of Shizuoka. The weather was a bit volatile, cloudy and sunny, but I think that added depth to the photos. In accordance with the changes in Nature, the timing of the shutter was devised. After the shoot was over, I talked with the Locals for a while, and when I showed them the photos, they said, "It's beautiful." Through the photos I took in Shizuoka, I was able to feel the beauty of Nature and the Gari of connecting with people. I want to continue to take many photos of memorable landscapes.

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

[Campsite Now Open] Thank you for waiting, the Nishiokoppe Village campsite is finally open! Season: From May 31 to October 19 Fee: 500 yen per site per night ※Additional charges may apply depending on the number of sites Reception hours: From 9:00 to 16:30 After 16:30, check-in will be processed the next day or via unmanned reception Guests who complete reception will receive a registration tag. Please return it at check-out. We also sell 20L trash bags. (3 for 300 yen, 5 for 500 yen) If you would like trash collection, please purchase at the management office when you check in. A trash bin will be placed beside the management office, so please put your sorted trash there. (Sorting: burnable waste, non-burnable waste, food waste, plastic containers and packaging, cans, PET bottles, glass bottles) The campsite is a free-site, so reservations are not required. For other campsite rules, please see the village website. https://www.vill.nishiokoppe.lg.jp/feeuub0000001a7a.html... We look forward to many visitors again this year! For inquiries, contact the tourism information center Rizumu (Rizumu). TEL: 0158-85-7125 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Campsite #Forest Park #Now Open #Free Site

Photographed on April 19, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Hello everyone. Thank you very much for always using Roadside Station Higashikawa-cho “Michi-kusakan”. We update the chalkboard at Michi-kusakan with events and local information, so please take a look❣ *Chalkboard information is updated irregularly!*

Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻 This time, we’d like to introduce a little-known hidden scenic spot in town called "Chobo Hill" (Hill of Vistas)! Located a short distance from the town center, this hill is a somewhat special place that, as of now, doesn’t even appear on Google Maps. From the summit, you’ll face a vast sky and panoramic views of Hokuryu spread all around. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Otoe in Fukagawa and the Daisetsuzan National Park. Its appearance changes with the seasons and the hour, offering a different, moving experience each time you visit. Not fully developed as a tourist site, the hill’s quiet, unhurried atmosphere is part of its charm. Accessible only by car and a little inconvenient, it rewards you with a view you can almost have to yourself. Let the breeze brush past and take a deep breath. It’s a lovely spot to zone out and relax for a moment.

Higashikawa-cho will have a booth at Hibiya Music Festival 2025! We will exhibit at Hibiya Music Festival 2025, a two-day, free, borderless music festival open to everyone, held on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. ■ Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Overview Name: Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Venue: Hirakawachou Park (Hibiya Park, 100-0012 Chiyodaku, Tokyo Metropolis) Admission: Free ※Some food stalls and programs require payment Organizer: Hibiya Music Festival Executive Committee Planning and Production: Seiya Co., Ltd. (Higashikawa-cho official partner company) / THE FOREST ▼ For details, see the official website https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/... ■ Higashikawa-cho Booth: Music × Photography × Furniture! Have your photo taken to commemorate Hibiya Music Festival! Local photographers from Higashikawa-cho will offer free photo sessions with chairs from Higashikawa-cho. Commemorative photos and the digital files will be provided free of charge at the special booth. ※Higashikawa-cho: Exhibit at Kusachi Hiroba! ▼ Photo Schedule Three sessions each day. Session 1: 10:30–12:30 Session 2: 13:30–15:00 Session 3: 16:00–17:30 Photographers living in Higashikawa-cho will take the photos! Hokuto Wada (instagram:@hokutowada) Ryo Yasui (instagram:@prophoto_sou_yasui_makoto) Higashikawa-cho Economic Promotion Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 134) https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/...

To residents and visitors of Higashikawa-cho and surrounding areas On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a brown bear was sighted along Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line). Please exercise extreme caution if you are traveling through or using the nearby area. Date and time: Wednesday, May 28 Location: On the road and near the bridge in front of Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park, heading from Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward Higashikawa-cho. Number of bears: One (encountered twice) Situation: The bear ran from the T-junction of Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward the Asahidake Gensui area. After fleeing into the forested area, it appeared on the road again before running off. We will continue to update with the latest information, so please remain alert. If you spot a bear, please report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa Town Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152) https://reurl.cc/W0ZGYO...

Kussharo Kotan Ainu Museum stands in Kotan on the shores of Lake Kussharo, where Ainu people have lived since ancient times. You can hear the living breath of Ainu life and culture. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/ainu_m_s/...

Today, May 30th, is "Kominka Day"!🏘 Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with vast nature and retains many traditional wooden houses, ranking third in the nation for kominka preservation. To address vacant-house issues, several renovated inns that evoke the satoyama (rural mountain landscape) by showcasing the buildings' original materials have appeared. setouchi kominka stays hiroshima introduces three houses—chojaya, furousen, and kozako forest—and this time we present a newly renovated inn focused on the outdoors with maximum openness. Its name is kusamura. This is a private-rental tent sauna and an entire kominka available for exclusive use, boasting perhaps the most striking presence in Japan. Housed in a 150-year-old renovated kominka with plenty of outdoor features, one highlight is the BBQ. About a 15-minute drive away, shokusai-kan shobara yume sakura sells Hiba Beef and fresh vegetables, so you can buy ingredients there and bring them for a lively group meal. Second, enjoy a tent sauna that offers a strong sense of privacy for you and your friends. Cooling off outdoors on the engawa (veranda) feels great and provides a unique, deeply relaxing experience. Third, you can have a bonfire. Gather around the flames and enjoy conversation. The sleeping area includes four single beds, one air mattress, and one hammock. The place is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, stove, and towels. Happily, pets are allowed, so consider staying with your dog. Please note that guests under junior high school age cannot stay overnight, so be careful when booking. Address: 2765 Kawakitacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Price: From JPY 16,200 per night Reservations: Book via Airbnb or Booking.com Hours: Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park" on May 30th. "Renge azalea" is blooming ♪ beautifully The "Moss Phlox" in Moss Phlox Park is in Best time to visit, but the "Moss Phlox" on the other side of the road is still in Best time to visit ♬

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 4/20/25. This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.

Hello, I’m Minamoto 😃 Shosenkyo Gorge is now in the season when plants thrive and the fresh green leaves dazzle the eye 🌱 A cool breeze and the murmur of clear streams soothe the soul♪ Enjoy the beautiful fresh greenery alongside the gorge’s magnificent scenery! The whole Shosenkyo area is a power spot where your mind and body feel purified! After strolling through Shosenkyo, pass through the torii gate of Kanazakura Shrine in the Takigami area ⛩️ and enjoy shopping and dining along the Suisho Kaido (Crystal Road). Come to Shosenkyo to boost your luck!! Our entire staff looks forward to welcoming you.

【Limited Held in】Aged on the seabed!? The "Undersea Wine Tour" will start 🍷🌊 For wine lovers, diving enthusiasts, and curious people who want to experience something a little different. From Hokule'a Shonan, we would like to introduce an exciting new project. It's called the "Undersea Wine Tour"! In fact, it There are a method of Aged wine that is currently attracting worldwide attention. That is "seabed Aged". In the sea, there is little change in temperature, no light reaches it, and it is very quiet. This special environment mellows the taste of the wine and leads to a deeper Traditional Japanese straw raincoat. This time, a special tour with the experience of actually sinking a wine bottle will be held in in June at the shipwreck Spot of "Shobuzawa" in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula! Six months to a year later, the wine is pulled from the seabed and becomes one of the perfect bottles 🎄✨ for Christmas and special occasion toasts at the end of the year 🌟 This is the attraction of the tour! The extraordinary and dramatic experience of actually sinking wine to the bottom of the sea You can enjoy both the beautiful waters and wreck dives of Irisawa The luxury of "savoring time" to enjoy a change of wine months later Reliable support with a small number of people. An atmosphere that makes it easy to participate even for the first time * This dive requires AOW (Advanced Open Water) or higher Sense. Sense acquisition is well in time. Why don't you respond to that feeling of "I wanted to try it someday" this summer? 📅 Held in Tuesday, June 17, 2025 * There are capacity, so please contact us as soon as possible. 🌊 The romance of "making wine Aged in the sea". Beautiful seas, the mystery of wrecks, and wines that ripen over time. Everything comes together to create a true "drama of the sea". Would you like to be the protagonist of a new story this summer? 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please feel free to contact Hokule'a Shonan! #UnderwaterWineExperience #OceanAgedWine #DiveIntoTheUnexpected #ShipwreckWineDive #ToastFromTheOcean #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #UnforgettableUnderwater #HiddenJapanGems #BucketListDive

Extra Edition: N takamatsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture – “Nezame no Toko” On this day, foodie Kawanishi presents an extra edition‼️ I finally visited Nezame no Toko in Agematsu, Kiso District, a place I’d long wanted to see. Nezame no Toko is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges and is designated as a National Scenic Spot!!! Before the Meiji era there were no dams, and the rapids of the Kiso River carved this granite. After dams were built, water diversion lowered the Kiso River’s surface, making the rock formations appear even more massive. It seems the site was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and managed as a prefectural park, and in 2020 it was elevated to part of the Central Alps Quasi-National Park!!! You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall—the scenery changes with the seasons. The river’s blue color shows how clear the Kiso River is. Also, surprisingly, there’s an Urashima Taro legend in landlocked Nagano Prefecture!? I’ve been curious about that for a long time. It’s a truly lovely scenic spot and a good workout too! I think you should avoid going right after rain or wearing clothing that hinders movement. I recommend sneakers and clothes you can move easily in!!! Swimming is prohibited, so please be careful. Second-grade elementary school children can make it to Urashima-dō. Why not visit Nezame no Toko with your children to enjoy the beautiful views!? On the way back, I stopped at Michi-no-Eki Hiyoshi Kisokoma Kogen and bought the station’s limited “morokoshi soft-serve” made with milk from Kaida Kogen! A faint, toasty corn aroma spreads through it—this was the most delicious soft-serve I’ve ever tasted!!! Please enjoy it if you can! From time to time, foodie Kawanishi plans to bring you extra editions like this. ◎ Nezame no Toko 📍 Agematsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture ◎ Free parking: Available (check the website below) ◎ Website: https://kiso-hinoki.jp/colibri-wp/tourist/nezamenotoko/...

Notice of suspension of the Oyama Cable Car for scheduled inspections The Oyama Cable Car will suspend operations for scheduled inspections during the following periods. Suspension periods June 2, 2025 (Monday) to June 6, 2025 (Friday), June 9, 2025 (Monday) to June 12, 2025 (Thursday) Closed all day (9 days total) *The cable car will operate as usual on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8.* For details, please check the official website. https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/unkyu202506.html...

Overflow at Chinda Falls Resumes Chinda Falls, located in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture on Kyushu. Waterfall flow had been stopped for construction since October 2024, but construction is complete and overflow resumed on May 21, 2025. Further construction will require another temporary stoppage of the waterfall. We will share details as they become available. Please be careful when visiting Chinda Falls for sightseeing. ■Upcoming Construction Schedule Water flow will be stopped again from June onward From September onward, improvement work is scheduled for Chinda Falls Fureai Park (the park will be completely closed during construction) ■About Chinda Falls Chinda Falls consists of the male waterfall spanning the main stream of the Ono River and the female waterfall on the Hirai River tributary. The male waterfall is about 100 meters wide and approximately 20 meters high. The ink-wash painter Sesshū, active during the Muromachi period, visited here and painted "Chinda Waterfall." Remains of a power plant built in the Meiji era also remain. ■■■Access to central Bungo-Ono■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture (Bungo-Ono City) on Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on April 18, 25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

Photographed 5/26/25. LEC COFFEE's caramel nut semifreddo and cold yellowtail cream.