At one point, there was an existential crisis
Mika-day Fireworks Festival (Shizuoka)

Fireworks over the water on the lake is a really nice fireworks festival
It is a fireworks festival that I hope will continue in the future

Summer in Japan is all about fireworks
We enjoyed fireworks in the hot summer again this year

Above all
The 3-shaku ball at the Gamagori Festival was Powerful

The "Sunflower Field" next to Azumino Roadside Station Horigane Product Center
The peak bloom has passed and the heads are bowed, but you can still enjoy it
On hot days, why not try the soft-serve made with homemade jam of locally grown blueberries or summer–autumn strawberries, a popular choice at the center’s "Kaa-san’s Omusubi Shop"
It’s a treat you’ll want to savor while looking out over the sunflower field

*Photographed on August 15*

I can post about one of Nagano Prefecture’s top fireworks festivals again this year thanks to the businesses that sponsored the event, the fireworks artists, everyone who bought tickets, and the local people of the Suwa region! Thank you so much!!

The event takes place in Suwa City every year on August 15. With help from the organizing committee, we received fireworks photos from the Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks over the Lake.🎆
Because Lake Suwa sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, the echoes and shockwaves are incredible! It’s an intensity you absolutely can’t experience anywhere else!!!
If you’ve never been or have been curious, please come visit Lake Suwa next year✨ We look forward to seeing you!!!

https://suwako-hanabi.com/

Shinda Falls
Shinda Falls in Kyushu’s Oita Prefecture, located in Bungoono City, consists of the male waterfall on the main stream of the Ono River and the female waterfall on the Hirai River, a tributary.
The male waterfall is about 100 meters wide and 20 meters high.
The site is also famous for a visit by the Muromachi-period painter Sesshū, who created a work titled “Chinden Waterfall Painting” here.

■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■
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

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu
■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣

Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟
Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊

The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger
Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥

In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆
The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡

Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣
We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

Diving connects the 🌏 world

Hello. This is 🤗 Hokule'a Shonan

The other day, I went to the popular diving spot "Izu Marine Park (IOP)" in Higashi-Izu.
This time, we had guests from Spain and guests from the United States living in Japan. It was a 🤿✨ very international dive

On the day of the dive, we were divided into two teams: the experience diving team and the fun dive team.
The experience diving team started by snorkeling and getting used to the sea. Scene observed colorful fish in a shallow area with high transparency, and the guests seemed 😄 to be having a lot of fun
After that, I tried to breathe in water for the first time. I was a little nervous at first, but I soon got used to it and was able to dive calmly. In addition, I tried water photography, and I was able to enjoy 👏 it with so much leeway that I couldn't believe it was the first time

The Fun Dive Team aimed for Izu Marine Park's Specialties "Water Post".
Meter under the seabed, you can 📮✨ actually post a postcard to this post and the postcard will really reach the other party. Those who receive it will surely be surprised.
In addition, this time, a guest who enjoys drawing also tried drawing in water. It was a special and luxurious time to enjoy diving and art at the same time.

There is a very much to 🙏 everyone who participated this time
Once again, I felt 🌏 that diving is an Activities that connects the world
It is a great pleasure for us to be able to connect across borders through the sea.

———

🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small-group dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!", we convey the beauty and enjoyment of Nature through diving. Held in tours and courses for more than 300 days a year, mainly in the Izu, Manazuru, and Shonan areas, including in Okinawa and overseas. We value polite support so that beginners can participate with peace of mind.

From now on, all the staff will do their best to guide 🌊✨ you so that more people can know about the beautiful sea of Japan
Let's experience a new world together!

Instagram: @hokulea_divejapan

#DiveJapan #UnderwaterPost #ScubaLife #ScubaAdventure #FunDive #DiscoverScuba #BeginnerFriendly #DiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DivingConnectsTheWorld #OceanLovers #JapanDiving #ScubaCommunity

Lake Utonai on a clear, calm August day ✨
Enjoy the spectacular view from the Lake Utonai observation facility!
(Image courtesy of Roadside Station Lake Utonai)

Nishi-Izu's Tourist Information is [@nishiizu.kankou]
__________________________________
Sunset No.1 in Japan Events a total of four days of fireworks over two weeks, Held in in Nishi-Izu Town and Dogashima Hot Spring Village.
Against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset called the magic hour after sunset, a condensed Powerful Presence fireworks is launched in about 10 minutes. Enjoy the autumn fireworks in Dogashima with your family and friends.
〜Held in Information〜
[Held in days] Held in for 4 days!
Saturday, September 27, 2025 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5
【Held in time】17:45~ about 10 minutes
【Held in】Dogashima Park
【Car parking lot】Approx. 200 cars
Dogashima Park, Sunset Plaza Dogashima (2nd and 3rd Car Parking Lots), Former Rannosato Car Parking Lot
[Remarks]
Postponement in case of light rain or stormy weather to the day after the last day
In case of Postponement, we will inform you on the Tourism Association social media
__________________________________
【Nishiizu Tourism Association】
2910-2 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka
📞0558-52-1268

Summer calls for this hearty steak bowl!😋
Thick layers of beef steak completely cover the rice, so you can’t see a grain!
You can enjoy this talked-about steak bowl at Oshokujidokoro Nagadote in Minamihatajiki‑cho, Miyoshi City.

The beef used is Tokachi Wakagyu(R), a branded cattle from Hokkaido.
Only steers are served here.
They are low in fat with a tender texture.😊

They sear high-quality meat boldly and season it with homemade steak sauce.
The savory sauce is poured generously until the meat gleams, whetting your appetite!

The rich sauce clings just right, spreading the juicy flavor across your mouth.

"They pile it so high you can’t see the rice!"
"It looks exactly like the photos!" — it’s been a hit on social media.
Many visitors are amazed by its volume and taste.

The rice is 100% from Kamisugi in Miyoshi City.
Vegetables for small side dishes and salads also come from local farmers.
They actively use Miyoshi’s fresh, delicious ingredients.

Nagadote is run by second‑generation owner Mr. Takemoto.
He wants guests to be delighted when they come.
With that single-minded dedication, he spares no effort in preparation and even pays close attention to how each piece of meat is grilled — a key reason for the great taste.

To ensure smooth service, customers choose their menu before entering.
You place your order first, then take a seat.

Since social media became popular, more customers have come after seeing the photos.
They attract diners from inside and outside the prefecture and even international travelers.

Beat the summer heat with Nagadote’s top pick — a stamina-packed meal!

Oshokujidokoro Nagadote @nagadote
Address: 859-4 Minamihatajiki‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Open: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, and national holidays
Closed: Mon, Tue (occasional irregular holidays; please check Instagram)
Hours: 11:00–14:00
Phone: 0824-63-6452
Other: Reservations are not accepted.
Payments are cash only.

*The dishes and prices listed were accurate at the time of posting.*

I don't think the hand-held fireworks in Niimachi, Shizuoka Prefecture in July are as famous as Toyohashi, but you can get close to the stage and feel the realism and power.
I arrived around noon, secured a place, and took a picture at the position of the spark thread.

Light up inside the Tokyo Tower Observation decks in summer, and I felt that it was very cool when combined with the lights of the building outside the window.

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.

View from Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden

The queen of alpine plants, Lycaenidae, made me feel the summer of Hakuba.

Tomatoh Area, commonly called “Tomatoh,” is one of Japan’s largest industrial regions🏭
We are seeking photographic works that evoke Tomatoh’s factories, machinery, vehicles, people, and ships, or images that capture Tomatoh living in harmony with its rich natural surroundings.
For more details, try searching for "Tomatoh Photo Contest 2025"📷

🌊 The waters of Atami are always full of mystery and beauty.

Beneath the surface of the water, there is another world that is disconnected from everyday life.
🪸 Brightly colored soft corals, 🐟 schools of fish, wrecks ⚓ that have spent many years quietly in the sea.
All of them give you new discoveries and impressions every time you dive.

⚓ Atami Wreck Point is one of the most popular diving spots in Japan.
The hull, which is about 80 meters long, lies on the seabed as if welcoming divers, and is home to countless creatures.
From Spring to summer, the shadows of the fish become even darker, and 🐠 the feeling of moving through the school that swims around the hull is like being part of the sea.

🚉 Atami is only 90 minutes from Tokyo and has good Access, so it is a nice point that you can easily go on a day trip.
🤿 You will be accompanied by an experienced guide, so even if you are new to wreck diving, you can try it with confidence.
The light shining into the interior of the wreck, the soft coral swaying, and the silence drifting on the seabed.
All of this is a special experience that you will never get on land.

🍂 Diving shows a different look in each season, so you will never get tired of it no matter how many times you visit.
Especially in autumn, the water temperature is high and the transparency is good, making it ideal for taking a closer look at the entire wreck.

If you are thinking "I want to do a wreck dive someday", please take this opportunity to go to the waters of Atami.
🌊 Why don't you take a deep breath and step into the blue and quiet unknown?

----------------

🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture!

Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!", we help people discover the wonders and joys of Nature through diving.
Held in more than 300 days of lectures and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, overseas, etc.!
The small number of students makes it safe even for beginners.
We are also flexible in responding to a variety of requests.

Let's ♪ 🤿✨ have fun together

#WreckDiving #AtamiDiving #ScubaJapan #DiveIntoJapan
#HokuleaShonan #PADIJapan #ScubaLife #UnderwaterJapan
#ShipwreckDive #ExploreTheBlue #TokyoDayTrip

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Natsumōde 2025

On this day, glutton Kasai brings you fresh, hot-off-the-press information.
Have you heard of Natsumōde? This seasonal ritual offers a chance to savor an evening that avoids the daytime heat, letting you enjoy the cool dusk air, quiet atmosphere, and the shrine’s charming summer mood. Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya is holding a Natsumōde event!!!
During the festival, the shrine will be illuminated. Shrine maidens will perform kagura, local performers will present bugaku dances, the Shimosuwa Koyō High School brass band will play, and Tsugaru shamisen performances will take place each night from 19:00. On weekends, special attractions such as festival stalls and food trucks will appear!
For details ⇒ https://shimosuwaonsen.jp/event/21644/
Goshuin collectors, take note! Limited-edition Natsumōde goshuincho and special nighttime Natsumōde goshuin will be available at Akimiya during the event. A nighttime-only “Yo-Yo Omikuji” will be offered from 18:30 to 21:00 each day, so please come and enjoy!!! Fans made of bamboo will be distributed to visitors only. They are elegant bamboo hand fans perfect for the occasion 🎶
※ This is Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, so please be careful not to confuse it with other shrines!

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Nighttime Natsumōde
◎ Period: Thursday, August 7 – Thursday, August 14, 2025
◎ Time: 18:30–21:30

◎ Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya Suwa Taisha (Shimosha Akimiya)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde inquiries)
◎ Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/


Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Nighttime Natsumōde 2025
Gluttony Kasai is here to bring you fresh, hot-off-the-press news!
Have you heard of Natsumōde?
While the slow, lingering summer heat has its own charm, Natsumōde offers a chance to avoid the midday heat and instead enjoy the cool evening air, the quiet atmosphere, and the magical scenery of the shrine at night.
This summer, Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya will once again host this special evening event.
During the festival period, the shrine grounds will be beautifully illuminated, and visitors can enjoy sacred kagura dances performed by shrine maidens, traditional bugaku court dances by local performers, music by the Shimosuwa Kōyō High School brass band, and live Tsugaru shamisen performances.
On weekends, food stalls and kitchen cars will also make a special appearance.

Special Limited Items
• Limited-edition Natsumōde Goshuincho (temple seal book)
• Nighttime Natsumōde special Goshuin (temple seal)
• “Yo-Yo Omikuji” (balloon yo-yo fortune), available 18:30–21:00 during the event
If you are a Goshuin collector, you won’t want to miss this!

Dates: August 7 (Thu) – August 14 (Thu), 2025
Time: 18:30–21:30
Venue: Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya (First Shrine of Shinano Province)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde Inquiries)
* Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/
・ Distributed to visitors only; a traditional hand fan made from bamboo, perfect for enjoying the summer evening in style 🎶
※ Please note: This event is held at Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya.

[Notice] This year’s lodging fireworks will again take place on August 10th.

Launch site: IWANAI RESORT ※There is no parking available.
Launch time: 8:30 PM. Postponed in case of severe weather.

Organizer: Iwanai-cho Lodging Fireworks Executive Committee
Inquiries: 0135-62-2222

I joined the annual Lake Mashu SKY Cruise this year ✨
Even though I’m not great with rides,
I had a lot of fun taking photos📸⛰️
Why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above?
Services run until August 11, so hurry💨
https://masyuko.or.jp/news/skycruise_2025/

We are looking for participants for the summer "Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour" with a large number of flowers per season!!There is a vacancy on the 20th (Water).

The exchange center next to JR Iyo Saijo Station is disbanded,
From the area, Orange Ferry Kansai Route [Osaka Nanko ~ Toyo Port (Saijo)]
(* After disembarking at Toyo Port, there is a free shuttle bus to the front of the station) is convenient!

Accompanied by a Nature guide, you will stroll along Mt. Kamegamori forest road while observing subalpine plants in early summer. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the changes in vegetation due to the Elevation and the spectacular scenery from the "UFO Line" Spot spectacular scenery while Transportation taking a bus to around 1,700m Elevation.
Since it is not a tour that aims to Transportation safe and secure chartered bus and climb to the top, beginners and Families can feel free to participate. Why don't you spend a special time in Rich in nature in Mt. Kamegamori? Lunch is included.

【Events Overview】

Events name: Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour

Held in Date & Time: Water, August 20, 25 (9:00~16:00)

Held in Place: Around Mt. Kamegamori (Meeting: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 8:40)

Number of participants: 20 (first-come, first-served basis, minimum number of participants: 15)

Participation fee: 8,900 yen (tax included) / person * Including guide, charter bus, lunch, Tea fee

Application Deadline: 25/8/8 (Fri)

The terms and conditions will be provided separately to the customer who made the reservation.

【Corporate Information and Inquiries】

Organizer: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association
Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201
Location: 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture
Contact: 0897-56-2605
Reception hours: 9:00~18:00
Email: kankou03saijo@circus.ocn.ne.jp

We invite you to join us on a special tour where you can enjoy beautiful alpine plants and spectacular views!

Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭

This is the [Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭] Held in in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture.

Lively atmosphere envelops Kumagaya, the hottest place in No.1 in Japan, for three days on July 20, 21, and 22 every year.

In particular, the large procession on the last day was and powerful. Summer in Japan is all about 🫡 festivals

Yorii Tamayodo Water Tengu Festival Fireworks Festival 🎆

This is a fireworks festival held in every year in Yorii Town, Saitama Prefecture.

The Mikoshi of each town floats on the river and creates 🤤 a summer atmosphere

🌞Starting in August! Authentic summer sea season has arrived 🌊

With the sun shining brightly, the sea of Shonan is very comfortable, cool and in the best condition today!
In Hokule'a Shonan, summer adventures are still going on ✨

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Skin Diving...
We have 🐠 a program that allows you to enjoy the sea in each style
Even if you are a beginner or not good swimmer, the instructor will carefully support you so that you can participate with peace of mind.

When you step into the Water Middle World, it's like a different world.
In the highly transparent sea with sparkling light, please meet sea creatures and experience 🩵 the feeling of floating like weightlessness

Families with children and solo participants are also welcome!
It can be accessed on a day trip from Tokyo, so it is 🚃 perfect for summer excursions

For those of you who haven't experienced the "real ocean" yet this summer.
Why don't you make memorable memories together in the Shonan sea this summer? 🌈

We, Hokule'a Shonan instructors, will do our best to support your "first step".
Please feel free to contact us 😊

#HokuleaShonan
#DiveJapan
#SummerInJapan
#ScubaDivingAdventure
#SnorkelingTrip
#SkinDivingExperience
#OceanEscape
#TokyoDayTrip
#BeginnerFriendly
#DiscoverTheBlue
#UnderwaterWorld
#ExploreJapan
#BeachLifeJapan

Here are some ✨ Spot summer flowers that Best time to visit in August

(1) Togakushi Observatory
There is a along the Togakushi Bird Line, it is famous for its spectacular view of the Soba flowers blooming in the vast Soba field and the mountains of Togakushi, making it a great photo point. Fun the pure white flower fields with the Togakushi mountain ranges in the background!

【Best time to visit】Summer Soba Late July ~ Early August (Autumn Soba around September)
【Address】Togakushi Toyooka, Nagano City
【Car parking lot】Yes

* Request: The field that can be seen from the Soba Observatory Garden is the field where "Togakushi Matsumoto Seimen Co., Ltd." is made. They are carefully nurtured, so please do not go into the field when taking pictures.

(2) Zenko Temple Daisōshin Release Pond
There are many large lotuses that are worth seeing in the release pond at the entrance of Zenko Temple Daishoujin.
The Time Slot / Time of Day of the lotus Best time to visit is early morning ~ mid-morning. Be sure Temple take a look at the lotus flower when you Prayer Zenko!

【Best time to visit】July ~ August
【Address】Nagano Nagano 492
【Car parking lot】Available (nearby paid Car parking lot)

(3) Wakaho Hoshina Crape Myrtle Hill
Colorful crape myrtle flowers such as red, pink, and purple dye the mountains!
You can enjoy the beautiful flowers along with the view from the top of the mountain.

【Best time to visit】mid-August ~ mid-September
【Address】Nagano City Wakaho Hoshina
【Car parking lot】Yes

#I like flowers #Scenery with flowers #Nagano #Nagano #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

Glutton Kuishinbo — Special Edition: Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture

City dwellers, why not soothe your eyes and soul with Shinshu’s clear rivers and air, towering mountains, and lush green forests?
In the second special edition of Glutton Kuishinbo Kasai, I visited Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. I went to Kannon Bridge over the Takase River that runs through Omachi City!
Actually, I accompanied my younger son to his baseball game at the ballpark next door, and this spot with its incredible scenery caught my eye‼️ Even as a native of Nagano, I was stunned by this view.

According to Google, “In particular, the water of the Takase Gorge sometimes appears emerald green due to the mixing of fine particles from weathered granite and colloidal sulfur particles.” It’s an amazingly beautiful color, isn’t it❗️
Please come to Nagano Prefecture and let yourself be healed by this place🎐


◎ Kannon Bridge, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
📍 Tokiwa, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture



Are you tired from so many jobs? You need rest, healing, or just to chill. In this second special edition of Kuishinbo Kasai, I had the pleasure of visiting Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. This is Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture. There is abundant nature, beautiful rivers, and mountains.
I went to my boy’s baseball game in Omachi City. The Takase River and Kannon Bridge were next to the ballpark. I was born in Nagano and have known its nature since childhood. Still, the sight before me was unbelievably beautiful…
I asked Mr. Google. It says, “In particular, the water of the Takase Gorge sometimes appears emerald green due to the presence of fine particles from weathered granite and colloidal sulfur particles.”
We warmly invite you to Nagano Prefecture — come and experience its soothing, restorative charm for yourself.


◎ Kannon Bridge, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
📍 Tokiwa, Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture

I took a picture of my son at the Himawari venue in Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Summer has arrived 🌻

Last week Gokasecho saw many rainy and cloudy days, but this week the weather has been pure summer ✨ with the sun dazzling every day 😎

I drove out to Shirataki to look for a bit of cool air 🚗
Just watching the water fall from a drop of about 20 meters felt refreshing 😊

Along the way there was a sunflower field in full bloom 🌻
It was a spot I’d never known about before, so I felt like I’d discovered a great treat 🎵

People often picture Miyazaki Prefecture as hot, but Gokasecho sits surrounded by high mountains ⛰
Because of that, average summer temperatures are a few degrees lower than other parts of the prefecture, and mornings and evenings can be chilly enough to need a light blanket. Many nights you can sleep soundly without air conditioning 😉 (Last night was actually quite cool and I slept under a blanket 😅)
Escape the summer heat and come refresh your body and mind in Gokase this summer ✨

📸✨[Ajisai Festival Instagram Photo Contest Results Announced!]✨📸
Thank you for all your entries!
We have finally selected 31 prizewinning works🎊
From the many impressive submissions, here are a few highlights💐✨

All winning entries are now posted on the Shimoda City Tourism Association website!
Please take a look👇🔗
(The winning works are listed at the bottom of the page.
Scroll to the end to check them out🙇‍♀️)
https://www.shimoda-city.info/ajisaiphoto

This is one photo taken of the explosion on Inage Coast.
The sunset is beautiful, so it will be my favorite shooting Spot, but especially on this day
I was able to take a beautiful sunset. I watched the sunset until the sun went down and left it in my memory.

This is a low-angle night view photo taken from the front of Tokyo Tower.
I took a long exposure of 20 seconds so that the lights and brake lights of the cars could leave a beautiful afterimage.
The lens is Z14-30f/4S. Since it is a wide angle, I was able to see the whole thing even from directly under the tower.