The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a magical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, illuminating the town gently. We warmly invite you to visit Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Taken on August 5, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a month-late summer purification ceremony.

Photographed on August 5, 2026. This is Craft & Juicy Orange Mango Tea, along with Cookies & Cream Cheese Cake.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, August 8th, the "Toyokoro Summer Festival," representing the summer of Toyokoro, will take place! 😊 The opening performance will feature the "Toyokoro Taiko Enyukai," along with performances by the Toyokoro Junior High School Brass Band, a karaoke competition, and the Mikabaton Club, ensuring a stage full of highlights! Additionally, there will be plenty of fun activities for everyone, including a candy toss that will delight the children, a bingo game, and DJ time! And to cap off the festival, a stunning fireworks display of about 2,000 shots will light up the night sky of Toyokoro starting at 7:30 PM! 🎆 Let's create wonderful summer memories with family and friends! 🤗 Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM (fireworks scheduled to start at 7:30 PM) Venue: Erumukan Parking Lot, Toyokoro Town (166 Shigeiwa Honcho, Toyokoro Town) https://www.toyokoro.jp/site/kanko/1457.html...

【Notice】Shira-Iwasaki Campsite Temporary Reopening and Reservation Start!⛺️ The "Shira-Iwasaki Campsite," which has been closed, will temporarily reopen during the following period✨ In conjunction with this, we are currently accepting reservations! 📅 Temporary Reopening Period From Monday, August 10 to Wednesday, September 30 As there are limited slots available, please make your reservations early if you plan to visit. We sincerely look forward to your visit! ▶︎ For more details, please check the "Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association Official Website" listed in the profile.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 8th, "Yukata Night" will be held again this year, even more powerful than last year! 😊 The opening will feature a balloon release that is double the scale of last year, along with the impressive Tokachi Komadaiko drum performance and the vibrant Tokachi Baton Twirlers. There will also be exciting events like a candy toss for kids where they can win wonderful prizes and a "Children's Festival" filled with fun activities! 🎵 Additionally, we will host a Yukata Contest and a "New Event" where adults can win luxurious prizes!! We will also sell a limited number (20 pieces) of giant "Mega Anpan" (approximately 20cm in diameter)! 😍 If you come in a yukata or jinbei on the day of the event, you will receive a "300 yen voucher" (with a festival ticket for children) that can be used at the venue! 🎁🎁 Of course, you are also very welcome to come in casual clothes! 🤗 A special day for everyone from children to adults. Let’s create summer memories together with your family and friends!

Taken on August 5, 26. This is the homemade chai from cafe andon. 😊

The Summer Garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. The main display features a tunnel of colorful inflatable rings. The shadows reflecting on the ground on a sunny day were also beautiful.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I enjoyed the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

The summer garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. During summer, the sunflower fields are the main attraction, but due to last month's unpredictable weather, they are still in bud form. However, all the decorations in the garden have been changed to a summer theme, making it quite impressive.

2026 Limited to 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 this may change depending on each restaurant's situation. Today, we introduce "Village Azumino" which offers "Chicken Tomato & Black Keema Curry," allowing you to enjoy two types of curry at once. The Chicken Tomato Curry is visually appealing with large chunks of meat, which crumble beautifully and are well-cooked. The impactful black Keema Curry is made with bamboo charcoal powder, offering a rich flavor that makes you want to eat it again and again. Above all, the sausage unique to this curry was exquisite! The homemade sausage primarily uses Shinshu pork, but surprisingly includes Shinshu salmon, making it light yet allowing you to truly taste the Shinshu salmon. We also enjoyed the "Jumbo Fried Shrimp Omelet Rice." The large fried shrimp that overflows from the bento box is satisfying! It's perfect for those who want to eat their fill. It comes with miso soup made with homemade miso and a salad. Not just for lunch, the rice served at Village Azumino comes from the Chūgyū District, and many vegetables used are also from the Chūgyū District. Reservations are required for lunch, so please make sure to book ahead before heading out. Village Azumino is conveniently located near the Azumino Interchange, offering various enjoyable experiences. You can also enjoy day-use bathing, making it a great stop before heading home from your trip. Additionally, there's the Azumino Glass Studio, where you can observe and experience glass-making, and the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum, home to Japan's leading insect ecology researcher and nature photographer. With a large parking lot and share cycle ports available, it serves as a great starting point for your travels. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Village Azumino 【Address】 6780 Toyoshina Minamihotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8201 【Phone】 0263-72-8568 【Business Hours】 Reservations only (Weekdays 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Second Tuesday of every month (Open in August) Please check with the restaurant for the latest information. Also, don't forget to like and save for future reference!

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is Little Patricia's lemon cake. 🍋

Title: A Wish Come True This photo was taken at the Wind Chime Festival held at Sagi Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. I was struck by the sight of one wind chime missing its strip of paper, and with its cool sound, I thought perhaps the wish of this wind chime had come true.

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ August 12-16, 2026 The Harajiri Falls Boat Tour will be held at Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Experience the beauty of Harajiri Falls, known as the Niagara of the East, up close in a raft boat this summer. The view from near the waterfall offers a unique perspective, showcasing the impressive scenery that can only be enjoyed during this time of year. For those wanting to enjoy the splashes of water, the Adventure Course is recommended, while those who prefer a leisurely view can opt for the Scenic Course. Why not enjoy a moment closer to Harajiri Falls this summer in Bungoono? 【Date】August 12 (Wed), 13 (Thu), 14 (Fri), 15 (Sat), 16 (Sun), 2026 ▶Each day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 【Location】Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata Town, Bungoono City) ▶Please arrive at the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation time. 【Courses】You can choose from the following two options ①Adventure Course (approximately 30 minutes) ¥4,000 per person *You will get wet. Please bring a change of clothes, shoes that can get wet, and a towel. A simple changing room will be provided. ②Scenic Course (approximately 15 minutes) ¥3,000 per person *You will get slightly wet from the splashes of water. 【Eligibility】Ages 3 and up (children must be accompanied by a guardian) 【Application】Please apply using the QR code on the flyer ■Other Information The event may be canceled due to weather conditions or river flooding. If there are openings on the day, we can also accommodate walk-ins without reservations. Reservations for non-event times are also accepted at any time (please check the application form above for details). ■Inquiries about the event Moon Bridge Co., Ltd. × South Wave (Contact: Ono) TEL 090-6896-5296

Taken on July 26, 2026. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I took a break at Little Patricia. This is lemon coffee. 🍋

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. Here is a performance of the festival music. The weather is starting to look ominous.⛈️

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 8th, we will hold the "Bakkan Festival" in Otofuke, a town that boasts the highest wheat production in Japan this year😊 The Bakkan Festival is an event where you can experience Otofuke's "delicious," "fun," and "warm" through wheat, featuring a variety of gourmet foods and hands-on activities centered around wheat!! The venue consists of three spots along the "Otofuke Melody Line" on the town road from the Otofuke-Obihiro Interchange to Tokachigawa Onsen: Roadside Station Otofuke, Miura Farm, and Tokachigawa Onsen. We have prepared various experiences and events at each venue🎵 You can enjoy family-friendly activities such as "Stone Oven Pizza Making Experience," straw roll rolling, and flour milling to learn about and taste Otofuke-grown wheat😍 There are plenty of limited menu items using "Otofuke No. 1 Wheat," allowing you to enjoy a variety of gourmet dishes! Additionally, a giant art installation will appear in the wheat fields! You can view the giant art from a high-altitude work vehicle (fee required) Moreover, a stamp rally will be held across the three venues! Finally, please relax by soaking in the mall onsen at the Roadside Station's garden spa🤗 https://www.tokachigawa.jp/ed_detail.php?id=253&dateid=7184...

Kiyokawa Summer Festival – A Children’s Fair for Adults Too! ❚ Held on August 8, 2026 The Kiyokawa Summer Festival will take place in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue is the lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa, featuring summer festival activities such as kick target, yo-yo fishing, ring toss, shooting gallery, lottery, cotton candy making experience, and a fireworks corner. There will also be food stalls offering yakitori, takoyaki, pizza, French fries, and drinks, making it a delightful experience to enjoy meals as well. Exciting events like the Garigari-kun eating contest and Kiyokawa Bayashi are also planned, promising a lively summer experience. 【Date】 August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 17:00 – 20:00 【Location】 Lawn area of Roadside Station Kiyokawa (1574-1 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Additional Info】 Free game corner for junior high school students and below 【Parking】 Available ■Contact Information Kiyokawa Regional Promotion Council TEL: 0974-27-4686

Trekking on Rebun Island, I have immersed myself in various mountainous landscapes representative of Japan, such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as a lover of mountain walking. However, the flower fields on the floating hills in the sea offer a unique world that can only be experienced by coming to this place. The vast panorama, scattered with a variety of alpine plants in vibrant colors, makes me think that if there is a heaven, it might look like this. In the northernmost summer of Japan, the breathtaking scenery that can only be encountered in this season and at this location is something I hope everyone can come, see, and feel at least once in their lifetime. It truly is a paradise.

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. This is a performance of the festival music. ☺️

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. A collaboration between Okame and Hyottoko.

Event Announcement📣 From August 7th to August 9th, the 53rd Hokkaido Balloon Festival will be held in Kamishihoro Town, where hot air balloons from all over the country will gather😊 Colorful hot air balloons from various regions will compete in the vast skies of Kamishihoro Town🎵 In addition to the fun of looking up at the balloons, there will be a tethered hot air balloon experience (paid) where you can actually feel the sensation of floating, a special live performance by the folk duo Sasuke, and many other exciting stage events, as well as a "Balloon Shopping Street" where you can enjoy local gourmet food😍 Come and create summer memories with your family and friends🤗 🔶For event details and the latest information, check the official Instagram of the Hokkaido Balloon Festival Executive Committee → @hbf_1974_kamishihoro Please follow and support us!! https://hbf.jp//

Asaji HOT FES ❚ Scheduled for August 11, 2026 On Tuesday, August 11th, a public holiday, the "Asaji HOT FES" will be held at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. On that day, 18 performers from both inside and outside the prefecture will gather, with live performances scheduled throughout the day. Food and drink will also be available for purchase at the venue, featuring meals such as curry, fried skewers, yakisoba, and loco moco, along with beer and shochu. It promises to be a day where you can leisurely enjoy music and food amidst the summer scenery. 【Date】 August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, public holiday) Doors open at 9:30 AM, starts at 10:00 AM 【Location】 Yusaku Park (3914 Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Admission】 Free 【Parking】 Available ■ Contact Information Yusaku Base (Contact: Arimoto) TEL: 080-5285-0477

Photographed on July 26, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I watched a performance of the festival music at Kajimachi Plaza.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri. I cooled off at Koedo Kurari.

Gozan no Okuribi: Saidaimonji's Oya-bi This image captures the powerful figures of people carrying the Oya-bi (parent fire) of Saidaimonji during the traditional event "Gozan no Okuribi," which concludes the summer in Kyoto. Men dressed in happi coats and headbands marked with "Saidaimonji Preservation Society" carry a large, fiercely burning torch on long bamboo poles, advancing in a procession toward the fire platform on the mountain. In the darkness, the flames create a fantastical light and heat, conveying the serious expressions of the participants who uphold the tradition, along with the unique fervor and solemnity of the event. Ookitayamakagamiishichou, Kitaku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Kibune Shrine Surrounded by Fresh Greenery: Okumiya and Hirakado This scene captures the sacred gate (Hirakado) of Okumiya standing amidst the blue leaves and deep green trees at Kibune Shrine in early summer Kyoto. Lush moss and towering cedar trees line both sides of the approach, adorned with vibrant red lanterns, creating a sacred and clear atmosphere. In front of the gate, a quietly standing worshiper adds to the tranquility, making this image a striking representation of the deep emotional beauty of Okumiya and the rich nature surrounding it. Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival Shinko Festival: Countless smartphones capturing the Mikoshi procession This image captures the magnificent sight of the Mikoshi procession filling Shijō Street during the "Shinko Festival" of the Gion Festival, which symbolizes summer in Kyoto. The Tōmi Mikoshi, shining in gold and white, is powerfully carried by bearers in white garments. In a bid to catch a glimpse of this historic moment, the crowd lining the streets raises a multitude of smartphones in unison. This vibrant scene represents the fusion of traditional festival culture and modern societal behavior, encapsulating the spirit of our times. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival and Kankō-sai: The fervor and procession that fills the night in Kyoto This scene captures the grand procession that fills Shijō Street during the finale of the Gion Festival, known as Kankō-sai. As the warm light of lanterns illuminates the streets, a large number of men dressed in white garments march powerfully alongside the big tall lanterns of "Shiwaka" and the portable shrine. The gaze and excitement from the spectators resonate in the vibrant night streets of Kyoto, echoing the overwhelming fervor and vitality unique to this traditional event as they escort the deities back to Yasaka Shrine. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Gion Festival and Shinko Festival: The Enthusiasm of Children Connecting to the Future This scene captures the adorable yet reliable figures of children supporting the Gion Festival's "Shinko Festival," which colors the summer of Kyoto. Dressed in matching white hanten jackets and headbands, the children stand in a line, carefully holding onto a single rope. Their serious gazes and smiles amidst the lively atmosphere convey the warmth of this traditional event, as well as the vibrant spirit that connects it to the next generation. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture