Went canoeing in Hagure, Saitama and I managed to turn red thanks to a nice sunburn. Was super tired the next day after a ton of canoeing but still managed to get a good amount of sightseeing done in Gyoda. Visited Oshi Castle (忍城) and the nearby museum, bought some tabi shoes from a shop that’s been in business for more than 100 years (創作足袋千代の松), stopped by a couple of shrines and enjoyed some of Japan’s scenic beauty. Had a total blast, and one of the locals even gave us some incense as a gift for visiting Gyoda!

Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture Torii gate of Ōkojiniso The rougher the waves, the more emotional

Autumn leaves of the temple and illumination of the tower

Light up the autumn leaves of the temple

Fukuoka Miyajidake Shrine Views that can only be seen in October and February Path of Light in Autumn Familiar places from storm commercials The sun falls on a straight path

Fukuoka Miyajidake Shrine Views that can only be seen in October and February Path of Light in Autumn Familiar places from storm commercials The sun falls on a straight path

Kyoto Yanagitani Kannon Gradation of autumn leaves

Many wind chimes were hung in a red wooden frame like the shrine's wind chime festival ✨ torii gate, and every time the wind passed, a very beautiful tone 🎐✨ sounded.

Summer traditions 🎐, yukata robes and soap bubbles pic(2) At Daiho Hachimangu Shrine

Summer traditions 🎐, yukata robes and soap bubbles pic(1) At Daiho Hachimangu Shrine

Nagano Prefecture, at Sujinmon on the way to Togakushi Shrine Okusha. I arrived at 6 a.m., the sun was starting to rise, and the sunlight was shining, which was very fantastic. We received a lot of pure and clear air with deep greenery in summer. I passed the person who had already visited the shrine, and when I turned around, I felt very nostalgic.

Nagano Prefecture, at Sujinmon on the way to Togakushi Shrine Okusha. I arrived at 6 a.m., the sun was starting to rise, and the sunlight was shining, which was very fantastic. We received a lot of pure and clear air with deep greenery in summer.

A photo I managed to take while walking today. Wasn't able to get up close unfortunately. I think it's Katori Shrine although I could be wrong on the reading of the kanji. The weather was pretty decent today, not as cloudy as usual. I'd like to go back here and see what the inner portion of the shrine is like so I guess I'll have to make another trip over here. Been keeping at my workouts. I want to buy a bench but I'm not sure where I'd even keep it lol. I'd rather workout outside if possible anyways, the outdoors in Japan is great. Even in the middle of Tokyo you can find places covered in greenery. I want to start jogging to work on my lung capacity and overall health but I really hate jogging lol. I know the track along the Arakawa River would be perfect for it too, but I'm not sure. Maybe I should get a bike since it's a really nice cycling route. Then again I'm not sure where I'd keep the bike either lol. Anyways, hope everyone is having a great Friday!

Summer begins. . . . Postscript. Summer of Japan. Summer is supposed to be enjoyed with friends or loved ones. I hope that someday such a wonderful "summer" will come again.

Lots of awesome photos being posted today. It's kind of making me jealous with how beautiful they all are. I went for a walk today and took a picture somewhere along the Arakawa River. I'll have to try and walk it all the way to Kitasenju someday lol. That or maybe take it all the way to Chichibu in Saitama. I know it's a really long river. I don't think I could make it that far though sadly. Kind of disappointed that summer is basically over already but at the same time I'm excited for the autumn colors this fall. Hopefully I can get out and visit some temples and shrines out in the countryside or something. I saw some photos like that mostly in Kyoto but I'm sure there are some places nearby Tokyo or in the Kanto region in general where I can see some nice scenery. If not then I'll just have to go somewhere and find it!

When it comes to Japan summer, wind chimes are indispensable! So, I went to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I tried to express "Japan summer" by adding summer sunlight and wind chimes.

At Kehi Jingu Shrine in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. I took this photo from the precincts that were in shadow to make the summer sun in the back insist.

Shrine floating in the pond In Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Hakozaki-gu festival in Fukuoka City

Rainy season

Kyoto Matsuo Taisha Shrine summer limited It is a wind chime. There are handwritten strips of paper on the wind chimes. Tied. If even a little wind blows, Clinking It heals.

The tower condominium symbolizes modern downtown Tokyo, but the summer festival culture of downtown Tokyo continues unchanged!

The "Fukagawa Festival" is a summer tradition in downtown Tokyo (Edo) as a water festival.

It was taken in Minase, Shimamoto-cho, Osaka Prefecture. Wind chimes and windmills are available for the summer period It is decorated. Neighbors, people who came for a walk in the neighborhood It has become a healing spot.

It was a quiet resting place in a shrine surrounded by lush trees. I felt a strange atmosphere and pressed the shutter unintentionally.

The sound of wind chimes at Kotozaki Hachimangu Shrine brings coolness.

Torii Tunnel In Hyogo Prefecture

Summer lights and colors color Kyoto. How eloquent of them.