This is a scene from Nasumachi, Tochigi Prefecture. A mother and daughter walk hand in hand along a path surrounded by colorful trees. Leaves are scattered at their feet, and vibrant flowers line both sides of the road. There's nothing particularly special about it, but the time spent walking together will become precious memories when looked back on someday. This captures a day in autumn.

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.

The Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival will be held at Ono River Riverside Park in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fireworks festival, said to be the birthplace of Bungo fireworks, attracts many visitors every autumn. This year, about 3,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky. The launch is scheduled for 7:20 PM, allowing attendees to enjoy the fireworks leisurely as the sun sets and the air begins to cool. There will be special paid viewing seats for the fireworks near the venue (2,000 yen per seat). Reservations are not accepted in advance; tickets will only be sold on the day of the event, so please be aware of this. The event is expected to be bustling with many visitors, and parking congestion is anticipated. Since the number of parking spaces is limited, if you plan to come by car, please arrive early. If possible, consider using public transportation as well. Join us for a night of autumn fireworks lighting up the sky in Inukai. 【Date and Time】 Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:20 PM for the fireworks launch. *Will proceed in light rain, canceled in inclement weather. 【Location】 Ono River Riverside Park (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】 Special paid viewing seat 2,000 yen per seat *No reservations; tickets sold only on the day. 【Access】 About a 10-minute walk from Inukai Station on JR; about a 2-minute walk from the Inukai Kuhara bus stop on Oita Bus. 【Parking】 Available *Limited spaces. 【Contact】 Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association TEL: 0974-27-4215 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of 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 and 20-minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture. About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture. ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This photo was taken at Endo Farm in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. It offers a prime spot to overlook the sunflowers blooming all around under the summer sky. From the top of a tall ladder, my daughter points and laughs at something she found. May this vibrant scene, filled with the bright yellow of the sunflowers and the blue sky, become a cherished summer memory for our family someday.

-The Door to Summer- This photo was taken at Ad Maridué in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. On a summer day, the blue sky and green countryside spread out before me. Beyond the yellow door lay a nostalgic landscape of a Japanese summer. I imagined the small back of my daughter, arms wide open as she prepared to run, filled with the anticipation of the summer to come and the desire for the memories of summer to last forever.

This is a view of the flower water basin at Obihiro Shrine in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. On the night of the 14th, LED lights in the water were illuminated, providing visitors with enjoyment as part of the "Evening Flower Water Basin."

The "Goldfish Lantern" lights up on Shirakabe Street in Yanai. This summer, the goldfish that gently illuminated the old street corners during the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" will soon be taking a break. They look a little lonely. Thank you for this summer. See you again next year. Location: Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

🌿✨ Would you like to observe the distillation process of the rare "Wahakka"? ✨🌿 "Wahakka" is carefully cultivated in Takinoue Town. In fact, Takinoue Town boasts the highest production of Wahakka in Japan. A special experience plan has been introduced where you can closely observe the "distillation process" that extracts aromatic components from this rare Wahakka! 🌿 This time, it's a collaboration between Takinoue Wahakka Lab, Takinoue Hotel Keikoku, and Takinoue Town Tourism Association. Not only will you observe the distillation process, but you can also enjoy mini-seminars, lunch using Wahakka, a Wahakka bath, and a Wahakka Lorry sauna, all of which allow you to fully enjoy the unique "aroma" of Wahakka in Takinoue. 🌿 Day trip plan on September 19 (Saturday) 4,000 yen (tax included) ・Observation of Wahakka distillation process ・Hakka arranged meal ・Hakka bath & Wahakka Lorry sauna 🌿 Accommodation plan on September 18 (Friday) 18,000 yen (tax included) for one night with three meals ・Observation of Wahakka distillation process ・Lunch and dinner featuring Wahakka ・Wahakka amenities and more 👥 Limited to the first 20 participants! Additionally, those who bring an empty 500ml plastic bottle will receive aromatic distillate water of Wahakka as a gift for those who wish! 🎁 This is a special day to enjoy Takinoue's Wahakka through your five senses, not just by "seeing," but also by "smelling," "tasting," and "being healed." 📞 For applications and inquiries Takinoue Hotel Keikoku 0158-29-3399 📞 For inquiries about the tour Takinoue Town Tourism Association 0158-29-2730 *Please note that the content may change or be canceled due to weather or growth conditions.

Gentazakura This is an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 300 years old, located on a mountain path known as "Sakura Sanri." There are two trees with diameters of 2.88m and 2.15m. They are designated as a natural monument by the city. The origin of the name "Gentazakura" comes from a story about Matsuyama han-shi Yano Goroemon Genta, who made prisoners plant cherry trees along the Nakayama River road. Unable to endure the harsh labor, one prisoner lamented, "Though the cherry blossoms bloom, it is Genta who punishes, and they will bear no fruit," which inspired the name. On Sundays in late March or early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the "Gentazakura Festival" is held, bustling with events like bazaars and rice cake throwing, attracting many tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the grand Edohigan cherry tree.

🌻Sunflower Field🌻 In Teshikaga, there are spots where you can see many lovely sunflowers blooming beautifully at this time of year❣️ And guess what! Yesterday and today might just be the peak bloom?! You can easily find the location by searching for Taisei Rotec Corporation, Teshikaga Asphalt Plant. Enter the road next to the Teshikaga Town Speed Skating Rink! Please be careful as this place is different from the one posted last year⚠️ There is a parking area in front of the field, so please share the space amicably🅿️ Be sure to enjoy lots of sunflowers this year as well🌻

The JA Mashuuko Festival 2026 will be held this year too!! The JA Mashuuko Festival will take place again this year! There will be stage events, a fun lottery, a milk drinking contest, and a limited sale of hand-made fresh soba, along with plenty of delicious local products and pottery✨ Of course, there will also be food trucks🚚 JA Mashuuko Festival Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: 3-7-12 Chuo, Teshikagacho, Kawakami District, Hokkaido (A-Coop Teshikaga) Contents: Sale of local specialties, food trucks, various events, etc. We invite everyone to come and join us☺️ Organized by: Mashuuko Agricultural Cooperative (JA Mashuuko) https://www.jamashuuko.or.jp/news/2430/...

On August 14, 2026, the Komatsu Fire Festival was held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fire festival, believed to have originated in the Edo period, is a traditional event dedicated to the memorial of the village headman who fell victim to a rebellion, as well as a prayer for abundant harvests. At 7:30 PM, the flames lit up the wide fields, slowly rising and creating a unique landscape of Ogata Town. It was a night that felt both lively and, in some way, serene. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is the "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Cute "Kingyo Chochin" lanterns decorate the street corners, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the soft light spilling from the lanterns. On the other hand, during the "Bakusō Neputa" on August 13th, the adorable "Kingyo Neputa" transforms and performs a wild and frenzied run. (laughs)

Summer settled over the village like a green silence. The mountains slept beneath the endless blue sky, while cicadas sang from the trees as if they had been singing there forever. Bright flowers bloomed along an empty roadside, leading somewhere unknown. A lazy afternoon, a gentle breeze, and the delicate sound of wind chimes drifting through Okutama made this summer feel a little more magical.

The "Suhōten Festival" at Iminomiya Shrine, known as "the extraordinary festival of the world," boasts a history of over 1,800 years. Men carry bamboo poles that can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh over 100 kilograms! Everyone, be careful not to knock over the bamboo, "Total Concentration: Bamboo Breathing!" Filming location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Oita Bungoono Outing Information ❚ Inazumi Underwater Cave Sightseeing Boat At the Inazumi Underwater Cave in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, you can enjoy an experience of an underwater cave and firefly river sightseeing boat. The cave maintains a temperature of about 16°C throughout the year. A serene atmosphere allows you to leave the summer heat behind and feel the charm of the cave submerged in water. The Inazumi Underwater Cave is said to have formed over approximately 200 million years and was submerged during the great eruption of Mt. Aso around 85,000 years ago. You can slowly enjoy the depth that cannot be touched just by walking around, from the comfort of the boat. The sightseeing boat moves under the guidance of staff, taking about 10 minutes. While listening to the formation and highlights of the cave, you will explore the interior from the water's surface perspective. Why not try experiencing the quiet time spread across the bottom of the cave? 【Location】Inazumi Underwater Cave (300 Nakatsuduru, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】Sightseeing boat 2,500 yen (additional entrance fee required) 【Capacity】3 adults 【Access】About 60 minutes by car from Mera Interchange on the Ōita Expressway About 20 minutes by car from Mie Town Station on the JR Hōhi Main Line 【Parking】Available 【Contact】Inazumi Underwater Cave TEL: 0974-26-2468 【Notes】No need to change clothes. Please check the operation status in advance on the day. ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Let's enjoy Teshikaga with the whole family! This time, we will introduce recommended events for spending the best family time in the summer of Teshikaga! People of all ages can enjoy it together! 🚗💨 ___ 01 Lecture: "Peeking into Lake Mashu" On August 27th, a lecture titled "Peeking into Lake Mashu: The Underwater World Revealed Through Water Temperature and Quality Surveys" will be held at Kawayu Visitor Center.👀💕 The speaker will be Professor Hideo Oyagi from the School of Policy Studies at Nanzan University. Let's think about the future of Lake Mashu together! Date: August 27th (Thursday) 18:00-20:00 *On that day, the opening hours will be extended until 21:00. *Admission is free. *The café on the second floor will be open until 20:10 (limited items for sale). 02 LINE Points Rally "Teshikaga Forest Grand Party - Invitation from the Swans" Due to its popularity last year, the LINE Points Rally project will return this year with an extended period. We have prepared a lottery for attractive luxurious prizes based on the points you earn, so we sincerely look forward to your participation! 🦢💌💙 ___ For more details, please check the QR code provided or visit Teshikaga Navi directly.🔍☺️ Let's fully enjoy the refreshing summer of Teshikaga! 🧚🏻‍♀️⛰️❣️ This might be the best season to enjoy Teshikaga! https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/morinobigparty/... https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/mashukonozoku/...

As the golden hour gently embraces Furano, waves of lavender bloom beneath a sky of fading light. A solitary red hut rests among the purple fields, with emerald meadows and layered mountains quietly unfolding beyond. In this brief summer glow, the landscape feels less like a place and more like a memory waiting to be kept.

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

I visited the sunflower field at Shioya no Hatake in SakaiIyoku, Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture. ᡣ( ᐢ ᵕ ᐢ )✨ The vast expanse of sunflowers looked like a yellow carpet ◝(*'▿'*)◜✨ The contrast with the blue sky was beautiful, making it the perfect spot to feel the essence of summer. (◕ᴗ◕)📸🌻💛 *Photo taken on July 11th.

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

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.

STV Dosanko Festival This year, it will be held at the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden! Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! It’s an event to support Hokkaido. Experience the charm of Hokkaido with three days of "drinking, eating, and having fun!" The Mashu Lake Tourism Association from Teshikagacho will also participate! Let’s head to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building Red Brick Garden this weekend. For more details, please visit the official website. https://daidosai.jp// STV Dosanko Festival 【Date】August 7, 2026 (Friday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 8, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, August 9, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 【Venue】Hokkaido Government Former Main Building (Red Brick Office) Red Brick Garden 【Admission】Free 【Organizers】The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Akarenga Mirai Kiko 【Support】Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Sapporo City Board of Education 【Cooperation】STV Radio Co., Ltd.

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

Every culture has its own special season for fireworks. In many parts of the Western world, winter brings the sparkle of fireworks, while in the part of Asia where I come from, autumn is illuminated by the lights of Diwali. But when I came to Japan, I discovered something beautifully different—**summer has a special place for fireworks here.** The sight of people in traditional yukata, enjoying taiyaki, gathering with friends and family, and waiting for the night sky to burst into a grand display of *hanabi* feels uniquely Japanese. The warmth of the summer evening, the laughter around me, and the vivid colors blooming across the sky create memories that stay long after the last firework fades. This photograph captures the **Toda Fireworks Festival**, taken this year from my rooftop—a summer night I will never forget.

About one hour from Tokyo. A day spent enjoying summer in Japan by the sea. As the rainy season ends, summer truly begins in Japan. In this hot season, why not take a little break from the city and head to the beach? Just a 30-minute drive from Hokulea Shonan, the destination is Enoura, a small seaside town in Kanagawa Prefecture. Although it is a place you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo, time flows differently there compared to the city. The blue sky. The calm sea. Just listening to the sound of the waves naturally relaxes your mind. And then, into the water. The moment you enter the sea, the cool water envelops your entire body. This comfort makes you forget the summer heat. "I want to dive a little longer." It felt like I could hear such voices throughout the day. In this season, there are summer-only scenes beneath the sea. Clownfish have begun to spawn. The sight of parent fish carefully protecting their eggs is a special scene you can only encounter at this time. Diving is not just about enjoying the underwater scenery. Visiting a seaside town, feeling the seasons, and experiencing Japan's natural beauty. Such moments are also an important part of this experience. For those with a license, of course, we also offer introductory diving for beginners. How about adding a day at the sea to your Tokyo trip? Japan's hidden charms are surely waiting for you, not found in guidebooks. Experience a special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About one hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to Japan's seas, including Shonan and Izu, which can be enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo. The theme is, "Let's embark on a journey to the unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can feel the beauty of Japan's seas, its rich nature, and the leisurely flow of time by the seaside. Our tours are small group-based. Beginners and those who are not confident swimmers can participate with peace of mind. We also offer guidance in English. Why not add a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the perfect sea experience for you, tailored to your diving experience and travel schedule. Feel free to contact us!

The "Kawayu Onsen Steam Beer Garden," which was held for the first time at Kawayu Onsen, along with the simultaneous experience project "AWAKE from KAWAYU" and four monitor tours, has successfully concluded✨ There were moments when the weather turned bad, but it seems that many people enjoyed themselves☺️🎶 So, I will post just a few photos here. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated🧚🏻‍♀️💫 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayubeergarden/...