The ears of wheat illuminated by the setting sun create a beautiful landscape of golden-colored wheat fields as the sun sets behind the Northern Alps.

June is a rare month for Japan in that it has no national holidays. After "Golden Week", it is a difficult time for some, as the days without a day off continue and the days get more and more humid, culminating in the rainy season that covers most of the country in regular rainfall. After the cherry blossoms, before the delights of autumn, and just in time for rain and humidity, it is not exactly the most popular season for travel. But rain in Japan has a culture all of its own! Did you know Japan spends more on umbrellas than anywhere else in the world? There are designer umbrellas, cute and distinctive umbrellas, and umbrellas decorated with subculture characters, but the real workhorse of the Japanese umbrella world is the see-through vinyl umbrella. They are available in any convenience store for a few hundred yen, and this cheap cheerfulness leads them to being left behind. (Or taken- charitably, we may say that as they all look indistinguishable, someone may have mistaken your vinyl umbrella for another.) They also can break in a strong wind. But the disposable, readily-replaceable nature of this umbrella is at the core of its charm. In a country with so much foot traffic, the transparency comes in handy for navigating crowded streets. In a crowd a majority of people can often be seen holding these exact same umbrellas in the rain, giving off a distinct atmosphere you can't find in another time or place. If you find yourself in the country in this drizzly time of year, why not bring yourself a cheap and iconic umbrella souvenir?

The rural landscape of Azumino and Mt. Jonen This is the Horigane District The rice fields are planted with rice, creating a lush green scenery. 😀

The winding room is an important facility for understanding the history of Manda Pit. In the coal mine, large machinery and precise operations were necessary to safely connect the underground and above ground. The appearance of the building and the remaining spaces evoke the advanced technology that supported the coal mine. When visiting Manda Pit, be sure to pay attention to its role as well. [Visiting Information] 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Winding Room #Arao City Tourism #Miike Coal Mine #History of Coal Mining #Industrial Heritage #Historical Architecture #Modernization of Japan #History of Technology #Educational Travel #Manda Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Japanese History #Kumamoto Travel #Arao City #World Heritage #Travel Japan #Visit Japan

From Ohisama Road, you can see Mt. Jonen. Head straight west from Daiou Wasabi Farm to encounter this view! 😄

On May 31st, Azumino was clear and sunny. The Northern Alps reflected beautifully in the water mirror. 😄 Temperatures are expected to rise to summer levels during the day…💦 Don't forget to stay hydrated!❗️

The 118th Nitten Azumino Exhibition is currently being held at the Azumino City Museum of Art, and the end of the exhibition is fast approaching. The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy five different genres all at once! From traditional "Japanese paintings" and "Western paintings" to dynamic "sculptures," exquisite "craft arts," and resonant "calligraphy," a selection of carefully chosen works is on display. Each piece varies greatly in expression and theme, creating a luxurious space where thoughts like "I really like this" and "I wonder how it was made?" rush in one after another. After viewing, be sure to stop by the attached café! 😊 In conjunction with the exhibition, a menu featuring handmade dishes made with locally grown strawberries from Azumino is available. Drinks can be taken out, allowing you to enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the artworks while gazing at the roses. 🥰

Taken on June 1, 2014. This is the windmill in the shrine plaza at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

This is the windmill of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Arriving at Kushiro Station, you are enveloped by the aroma of robatayaki at night. In the morning, enjoy the view of the port town from your room. Experience the essence of Kushiro on a relaxing two-day trip. How about spending your next holiday in Kushiro? Reservations can be made through the profile URL. ▶ Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is a limited-time kazaguruma (windmill). June 1st is considered "Mame Mando" day, and visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to grant benefits equal to a thousand visits.

This is Osezaki Lighthouse located in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture. It offers a spectacular view at the westernmost point of Japan.

Photographed on May 25, 2014. The hydrangeas have started to bloom.

This tea plantation, located at an altitude of 300 meters, is referred to as the "Tea Fields in the Sky" or "Machu Picchu of Gifu." After a 10-minute walk up the trail, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the tea fields from the observation deck. The photo was taken from the observation deck. Kasuga Rikugō Kamigana, Ibigawacho, Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is an ice cafe latte from CAFE ANDON, along with a marmalade and cinnamon crumble tart.

Taken on May 25, 2023. This is a marmalade and cinnamon crumble tart made by CAFE ANDON.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is Andon Chicken Curry from cafe andon. It's my favorite dish. 😊

At the end of the gently winding path, a view that seems to connect with the sky unfolds at Mt. Oomuro. Each step taken while holding hands feels as if you are getting closer to the sky. It is a hidden gem of breathtaking scenery that is still not widely known, where your heart can truly unwind.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water and wind chimes at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There are many chicks here.🐥🐥🐥

A 2-day, 1-night model course in Kushiro. Just a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station. The journey begins at a hotel with a panoramic view of the sea. Experience Kushiro's night with robatayaki (grilled food). In the morning, take your time while enjoying the unique scenery of a port town. Kushiro's charm lies not only in "visiting tourist spots" but also in enjoying the very air itself. How about making your next travel destination Kushiro? You can make reservations through the profile URL. ▶Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Taken on May 25, 26. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. The chick is adorable, isn't it? 🥰 The flower language of blue roses symbolizes dreams coming true, miracles, and God's blessings.

Taken on May 23, 2014. This is the flower water ritual at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

Hirasawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. This is a quiet sea in Japan that can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo. From late spring to early summer, a special scenery appears in this sea. A forest of seaweed extending to the water's surface. A gently swaying green world. Soft light filtering through. It feels as if a forest is spreading underwater. As you quietly swim between the seaweeds, small blue fish appear. In the shadows of the rocks, small lives grow in the spring sea. These seaweed areas are called "moba" in Japan. They are important places where many fish and marine creatures live. From spring to early summer, it is also the spawning season for the bigfin reef squid. The changing scenery of the sea with each season is one of the charms of Japan's waters. The sea of Hirasawa is a bit different from the tropical seas of Okinawa. It lacks flamboyance. However, it possesses a quiet beauty. Light filtering through the seaweed. A time when only the sound of waves can be heard. The slowly flowing underwater scenery. You can feel the gentle air typical of Japan's nature. At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer guidance centered around the sea of Kanagawa and Izu, which can be enjoyed as a day trip from the Tokyo area. With a small group, even beginners can feel at ease. English support is also available. Experience the time of Japan's sea that cannot be encountered just by visiting tourist spots. It is recommended for those looking for "an experience in Japan that is more than just diving." Related Keywords: Hirasawa Diving / Nishi-Izu Diving / Izu Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

Hello, this is Crystal Sound! ✨ Shosenkyo is embracing a beautiful fresh green season. 🌿 Recognized as a Japan Heritage site, Shosenkyo is also a popular tourist destination known as a power spot. ⛰️ Surrounded by magnificent valleys and rich nature, just walking around brings peace to the heart. 🍃 The area is lined with shops selling natural stones and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll. ♪ Be sure to try Yamanashi's specialty, "Hoto." 🍲 Why not spend some relaxing time in Shosenkyo, filled with negative ions, to heal your daily fatigue? ✨ May's birthstone is the "Emerald." 💎 This natural stone is captivating with its deep, beautiful green color. The stone's meanings are 🍀 "Luck" 😊 "Happiness" ❤️ "Love" 🌟 "Hope" 🌿 "Healing" In the store, you can see emeralds and natural stones from around the world. ✨ You might just find the perfect natural stone for you right now. 💍 Please come visit Shosenkyo! 🚗✨ All of our staff are looking forward to seeing you. 😊

Taken on May 23, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine.

A short train ride from Tokyo leads you to a peaceful seaside experience. This time, I visited Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a popular beach for day trips near Tokyo. The previous day was closed due to strong winds. Excited to see how the sea has changed, I headed to Zushi in the morning. Upon entry, a clear blue underwater world awaited. Countless damselfish. Sardines and mackerel swimming while reflecting the light. Schools of fish filled the water. The scenery was unlike anything you'd expect near Tokyo. But the charm of Zushi's sea doesn't stop there. Looking down a bit reveals a small world beginning. A goby hiding in the rocks. Colorful sea slugs. As I searched slowly, new discoveries came one after another. What impressed me most was the moment I saw a Sagami ryugu sea slug riding on a scorpion fish. Just a few seconds of a small event. Yet, such serendipitous scenes remain as memories of the sea. Time spent observing the schools of fish. Time spent looking for small creatures. In the same sea, you can enjoy completely different experiences. That's the allure of Zushi's sea. After diving, I had lunch at a local diner. The calm air after returning from the sea is one of the joys of traveling in Japan. A glimpse of another side of Japan that you won't encounter just by sightseeing in Tokyo. A tranquil world by the sea, right near the city. Hokule'a Shonan offers small-group diving tours near Tokyo. Beginners and solo participants are welcome. Why not experience a "day by the sea" during your trip to Japan? 【Related Keywords】 Tokyo Diving / Diving Near Tokyo / Kanagawa Diving / Zushi Diving / Dive Near Tokyo / Japan Diving / Hidden Japan / Japanese Ocean Experience / Tokyo Day Trip

The non-flying airplane and local train The Sangi Railway Hokusei Line, one of the few narrow-gauge railways in Japan today. Along the line, seasonal flowers bloom, making it a popular railway, but the point about the non-flying airplane is a place known only to a few. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture April 2026

Today, I am exploring Tokyo. It's an oat milk latte and a banana chocolate donut. 🍌