The golden rice fields and blooming buckwheat fields of Azumino... A wonderful landscape spreads out! Although the lingering summer heat seems to continue, the mornings and evenings have become noticeably cooler in Azumino. 😄

Ashinoko Lake in Hakone offers a "Pirate Ship Cruise" Interestingly, none of the ships are "pirate" ships proper, but designed and modeled from European navy vessels from the age of sail, making them a sort of museum exhibit you can experience! There have been a long line of ships in Hakone; The Pioneer, which sailed Ashinoko from the cruise's start in 1961, was joined by the Victoria and the Royal to make up the first generation. The iconic trio that succeeded the first generation were the Vasa, inspired by the 17th century Swedish Royal vessel of the same name, the Victory, based on the HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame, and the Royal II, based on the 18th century French "Royal Louis." No trace of pirate associations to be had, but for many European sail vessels are inextricably linked with pirates, who enjoy good PR. I blame Jack Sparrow! The "Vasa" was retired in 2019 after almost three decades of service, and the newest ship is the "Queen Ashinoko"- Perhaps characteristically of recent developments in Japan, it is no longer modeled on a foreign antecedent but is a Hakone original, albeit unmistakably aiming for the same aesthetic as the other vessels. Hakone is famous for its Onsen, and many people visit with Onsen in mind. But if you should find yourself in the area, why not consider a lake cruise as well? Its certainly an unexpected and interesting diversion to find yourself on a boat that looks like it sailed out of European history in a tranquil lake to the southwest of Tokyo!

Taken on September 1, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The matchmaking wind chime will be available until September 6.

Photographed on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on September 1, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a big move from Ichibanchou to Yokohama to Kawagoe.

Captured on September 1, 26. This is the string fortune at Motomachi Itsukushima Shrine.🧵

Taken on September 1, 26. This is Honey Ginger Milk Tea from SAND GLASS.

This is Kokia at Hitachi Seaside Park. In autumn, the red Kokia spreads across the hills, moving those who see it.

Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Model Number K380911 Sign Mumei Naoe Shizu Certif [N.B.T.H.K] Tokubetsu Hozon Touken Scabbard Document Sato Kanzan Size Blade length 74.3 cm Curvature 1.35 cm Mekugi 1 Hole Country Mino Period Nanbokucho Shape Shinogi-zukuri, Iori-mune, body width, thickness balance, with curvature, and a lively tip. Forging It features itame-hada and o-hada, with a visible surface pattern Hamon Gunome midare with a slightly drooping pattern, featuring ashi, and a flowing grain in the hamon, with gold lines present. Boshi Irregular with a sweeping tip, resembling flames. Tang O-suriage, with a pointed end Explanation In the region of Naoe in Mino Province, Kaneuji, counted among the ten great masters of Masamune, settled and his faction flourished. Later, his disciples Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, and Kanenobu relocated to Naoe, where they continued to forge swords. Thus, the group of swordsmiths from this lineage is collectively referred to as Naoe Shizu.

Introduction of the sword from Wakeido Item number K380911 Sign Wakasanokami Fujiwara Ujifusa Certification N.B.T.H.K Tokubetsu Hozon Touken(Special Preservation Sword) Size Blade length 74.3 cm Curvature 1.35 cm Mekugi hole 1 Width at the base 30.7 mm Width at the tip 23 mm Thickness at the base 7.6 mm Country Owari Province Period Late Muromachi period, around Tensho Shape Shinogi-zukuri, with an anmune, body width, and thickness slightly curved, with a rounded tip Forging Well-formed itame-hada, with bright steel and fine ji-nuri Hamon Irregular choji midare with five patterns, with a strong nioi and bright nioi-guchi Boshi Irregular, rounded tip with a sweeping curve Tang Unfinished, slightly raised at the edge, with cross-cut file marks Shirasaya Yes Explanation Wakasanokami Ujifusa, initially known as Kanefusa, was the son of Kanefusa from Seki. He was invited to the provincial capital by Imagawa Ujizane to forge swords and was permitted to use the character 'Uji' in his name, becoming Ujifusa. He received the title of Wakasanokami in the 13th year of Eiroku and was active during the Genki and Tensho periods. Later, he moved to Owari and became a central figure in Owari swordsmithing along with his eldest son, Hida no Kami Ujifusa. His style features choji blades with a nioi finish and strong nioi, as well as those with mixed patterns. This piece exemplifies the former, showcasing a beautifully forged choji blade with a nioi finish, making it a masterpiece of Wakasanokami.

Everyone Enjoys Japan in Their Own Way There was no need for everyone to do the same thing. One person folded origami. Another chose Japanese calligraphy. The children enjoyed making things, while their parents joined in too. At the end, they were surrounded by the things they had made together — and there were lots of smiles. Sometimes, the best family time is simply enjoying different things together. And because no reservation is required, families can simply stop by when they have time during their Kyoto trip. #AriHanaKyoto #Kyoto #KyotoWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #JapanTravel #JapaneseCulture #Origami #JapaneseCalligraphy #FamilyTime

Taken on September 1, 26. This is a chiffon cake with tea from SAND GLASS in Motomachi.

Taken on September 1, 26. I visited Yokohama Masobyo located in Yokohama Chinatown.

Pour your heart into the final dish. Each dessert that concludes the Western course dinner is carefully crafted. After enjoying the meal, indulge in a sweet moment that melts your heart. At Kussharo Prince Hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening. Be sure to follow us to receive the latest updates from 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakeido Item Number K380910 Title Hai ryu zu Kozuka Signature Mumei Eijyo Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Jyuyo Tousougu (Attached) Enkyo 2nd year, two gold coins, five ryo, Mitsutaka Origami Size Length 97mm Width 14mm Period Momoyama School Goto 6th Explanation Eijyo, the sixth generation of the Goto family, was the legitimate son of the fifth generation, Tokunori, born in the fifth year of Tensho. His childhood name was Kameichi, his common name was Genshirō, and his given name was Masahiro. At the age of eighteen, in the third year of Bunroku, he succeeded the family head and changed his name to Shirōbei Masamitsu, becoming the sixth generation of the family. He served Toyotomi Hideyoshi alongside his father and ancestors from a young age, but became a ronin after the fall of the Toyotomi clan. In the second year of Genwa, recommended by his uncle Naganori, he began serving the Tokugawa family, appointed by Shogun Hidetada to roles involving weights, large coins, and carving, and was granted 250 koku of his former territory in Yamashiro Province and a stipend for twenty retainers in Edo, but died of illness at the young age of forty-one in the following third year of Genwa. Eijyo's style is said to resemble that of Norimasa, often being somewhat larger, but the craftsmanship is generally more delicate than that of Norimasa. This piece features a flowing dragon in gold patterns over a background of goldfish. The dragon is elegant and dignified, reflecting the characteristics of the Goto family during the Momoyama period, particularly associated with Eijyo, and the attached confirmation from the thirteenth generation Mitsutaka is acknowledged. Overall, it is a splendid piece that showcases the unique charm of Eijyo.

[Save this] Here’s some tourist information about the Togakushi Shrine's Five Shrines tour!✨ Visiting the Five Shrines of Togakushi Shrine during the comfortable months of September to October is highly recommended! 〈Don’t forget to tap the "save" icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 "What is the Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine?" Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines: Okusha, Naka Shrine, Hokosha, Kuzuryū Shrine, and Hinomiko Shrine. Each shrine offers different benefits and stamps, so you can enjoy exploring their unique characteristics. "Overview of the Five Shrines Tour" 【Period】You can visit year-round. *Okusha and Kuzuryū Shrine are closed during winter.* 【Transportation】Bus, private car, walking, etc. *There are paid parking lots, but the number of available spaces may be limited.* *You can use the reserved Togakushi Line sightseeing express bus from Nagano Station.* 【Duration】It varies depending on your mode of transportation, but if walking the entire route, it generally takes about half a day. 【Order of Worship】There are no formal rules, so please visit according to your schedule. "Recommended Information" 【Lunch】 Togakushi Soba, considered one of Japan's top three soba noodles, is highly recommended. There are many Togakushi soba restaurants around Naka Shrine. Additionally, there are shops offering soba and soft serve ice cream at the entrance of Okusha Sandō. 【Scenic Spots】 The thatched Zuijinmon gate and the avenue of cedars, which are over 400 years old, located halfway along the path to Okusha, are among Japan's top scenic spots. 【Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits】 If you collect the stamps from all five shrines, you will receive a "Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits"! 【Togakushi Walking and Climbing Guide】 Walking with a guide who has extensive experience and knowledge not only provides a sense of security but also offers new discoveries that differ from walking alone! You can apply for courses such as the Okusha worship course or the Five Shrines tour course according to your needs. *For more details, please visit the Togakushi Shrine Official Website or @togakushi_jinja.* #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi #Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Taken on September 1, 2026. I visited Iseyama Kotai Shrine in Yokohama.

I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had the creamy honey sweet potato Haruka mousse tea latte and the baked honey sweet potato cake made with Haruka and Annou sweet potatoes.

Event Announcement📣 The "30th Honbetsu Kirameki Town Festival 2026 / East Tokachi Fireworks Festival" will take place over two days from September 5 (Saturday) to September 6 (Sunday)😊 On the day of the event, enjoy a quiz contest by the Meiji Honbetsu Factory, thrilling pony pulling races, HIP HOP dance performances by local children, wind ensemble performances by middle and high school students, and a showcase of the local performing art "Yoshitsune Taiko," all packed with the charm of the region🎵 Additionally, there will be a popular hero show for children, a demonstration of hand-baked rice crackers from Asakusa Nakamise in Tokyo (available only on September 5), and numerous gourmet booths featuring local ingredients. The festival will conclude with the "HBC Kayou Show," featuring Takeshi Kitayama and Akemi Ishii, where you can enjoy their melodious singing😍 At night, the spectacular "East Tokachi Fireworks Festival" will light up the night sky of Honbetsu🎆 There are plenty of programs for both adults and children to enjoy over these two days!! We invite everyone to come and join us🤗 【Visitor Guidelines】 ① The fireworks festival and song shows are usually very crowded. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining good manners and sharing space to make the event enjoyable for everyone. ② There are no trash bins on site. We have garbage bags available at the main office, so please help us by taking your trash home. ③ Pets are not allowed in the venue (even if carried or in diapers) 🔶Date: September 5, 2026 - September 6, 2026 🔶Venue: Toshibetsu River Riverside Special Venue 🔶Contact: Honbetsu Kirameki Town Festival Executive Committee Office (Honbetsu Town Future Creation Division) TEL: 0156-22-2141 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/kirameki/index.html...

We are currently accepting participants for the event! 📣 On Saturday, September 12th, the "12th Global Naumann Elephant Table Tennis Tournament" and the "Naumann Park Golf Cosplay Pair Tournament in Churui" will be held simultaneously in Makubetsu, Churui. 😊 This event, held in a location associated with the Naumann elephant, features table tennis using original zori rackets and park golf enjoyed in pairs while in cosplay, making it a sport that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced players, and from children to adults. 🎵 All participants will receive a tournament original towel and a free bathing privilege at Nauman Onsen!‼ At the end of the tournament, there will also be a raffle for wonderful prizes! 😍 The application deadline is tomorrow, September 4th (Friday)!‼ To create fun memories, please invite your family, friends, and colleagues to apply together! 🤗 Please submit your application by September 4th (Friday) via the web form (https://logoform.jp/f/TRdty).... https://www.town.makubetsu.lg.jp/news/event/1112.html...

Hello, this is Ryusuidou😊 As September begins, we can gradually feel the autumn🍂 breeze in Shosenkyo Gorge during the mornings and evenings. The greenery along the walking paths🌿 is still deep and vibrant, but as we approach the season of autumn leaves, the path to Senga Falls will be adorned with a beautiful gradient that looks like a painting🍁 We are looking forward to this year's arrival of autumn✨ 💎 ~September Birthstone~ 【Sapphire】 Typically represented by a deep, transparent blue, sapphires actually come in a variety of colors, including pink and orange. Each variation has its own unique beauty and charm✨ 【Kunzite】 Kunzite, with its beautiful lilac pink hue, is known for its transparency. It is often referred to as "the stone of deep love and healing," characterized by its gentle, enveloping colors💎 In the upper area of Senga Falls, there are many spots where you can forget your daily life and enjoy, such as Hachushuike, where you can toss in eight beads with your wishes. Also, in front of Hachushuike, there is a photo spot for the "Japan Heritage - Shosenkyo"📷✨ This time, the decision to continue the designation as Japan Heritage has also been made. Please take the time to enjoy Shosenkyo, which has beautiful nature and a deep history and culture😊 At Ryusuidou, you can also view various natural stones💎 We all look forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles.

Rice harvesting has begun in various places in Azumino. As the golden carpet that decorates the landscape will soon be gone, please come and see it soon! 😆

Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, Omachi City's "La CASTA Natural Healing Garden" 🌿 As soon as you step inside, you are enveloped by the gentle scent of beautiful flowers and herbs, creating a truly soothing space...✨ It feels like being in a storybook, a wonderful place indeed. Experience nature with all your senses and refresh your daily fatigue! 😆

A beautiful stream flowing through the wasabi fields and a view from the wasabi fields along the early spring song monument in the Northern Alps.

Blessed with clear weather in Azumino, the rice ears are heavy with grain. The forecast predicted temperatures rising to 37°C during the day, so please be cautious of heatstroke!

Photographed on September 1, 2026. This is the lily of the valley wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

Under the golden ginkgo tree, my daughter spread her arms wide. The grounds of Iouin in Okegawa City, Saitama Prefecture, evoke a sense of history, surrounded by ginkgo leaves covering the ground. The beauty of autumn, cherished by the Japanese for generations, intertwines with the innocent figure of a child living in the present. It is a scene of autumn in Japan that I want to cherish forever.

Taken on September 1, 26. This is the lily of the wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

Shosenkyo Gorge, designated as a "Priority Support Area"! In 2020, Shosenkyo Gorge was recognized as a Japan Heritage site, and along with the continuation of this recognition, it has now been selected as a "Priority Support Area" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs! This selection is based on the beautiful gorge, its history as a source of crystals, and the collaborative efforts of local government, communities, and students. We will continue to work together to promote the natural beauty, culture, and historical charm of Shosenkyo both domestically and internationally.

The beach season in Minami-Izu Town ended on August 30th. However, there are still places where summer isn't over! One such hidden gem is Hirizo Beach, which is more well-known than its geographical name. It's a spot where you can see numerous fish and corals, and the long-awaited period for snorkeling enthusiasts has begun. If you missed seeing the fish you wanted, please consider purchasing the 2027 Hirizo Beach illustrated calendar. *In case the boat to Hirizo Beach is canceled, please check our tourism association BASE (https://minamiizukan.base.shop/)... or purchase it at our counter. Another spot is Koiji Coast. It is gradually becoming popular. This spot is a hidden gem known to those in the know, offering excellent visibility and opportunities for activities like SUP in addition to snorkeling. Please come visit "not-too-hot Minami-Izu Town," where the highest temperature in August (31.4°C) is lower than in July (32.9°C), this September.