Even the shopkeeper cat is down. At Mamada Hachimangu Shrine, there are many "shrine cats." They have cat goshuin stamps and cat's one-grain-manifold protection charms. The shrine grounds are bathed in the summer sun. By the water fortune slips, even the shopkeeper cat seemed unable to withstand the heat. Stretching out on the stone pavement, it takes a moment to rest. This captures a slice of everyday life in Japan, amidst the summer heat.

Opening the book "A History of Cats in Japan," one discovers that the bond between cats and the Japanese people is deeper than one might imagine. Cats have appeared in literature such as "The Tale of Genji" since the Heian Period, even enjoying the favor of emperors. During the Warring States period, cats also became companions of military leaders. As we entered the Edo Period, cats appeared more frequently in ukiyo-e, literature, and the lives of common people. Reading through the pages, one can see how cats transitioned from being precious pets to an indispensable part of Japanese culture. In modern times, this "cat-loving culture" has developed new forms, the most interesting of which is the cat café. Japan's first cat café, "Neko no Jikan," opened in Osaka in 2004 and quickly gained popularity across the country. For those living in apartments who cannot keep pets, cat cafés provide a space to get close to cats. Sipping coffee while watching cats sleep, stretch, or stroll by creates a leisurely atmosphere that naturally encourages one to slow down. From ancient courts to Edo-period ukiyo-e, and now to today's cat cafés, the Japanese people's affection for cats spans over a thousand years. Times may change, but the place of cats in people's lives has never disappeared; rather, it continues in different forms to this day. Perhaps, this is what makes Japanese cat culture so enchanting.

2026 Limited to this summer! "Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry" An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 15 local restaurants Serving period: Until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the situation may change depending on each restaurant's circumstances This time, we introduce 【café twinkle】 Its name is "Tomato Curry Doria with Summer Vegetables and Ground Meat." The hot doria baked in a stone oven is exciting even before you eat it. When you dig in with a spoon, you find a creamy white sauce and curry under the gooey cheese, which pairs well with multigrain rice. The vegetables used in the curry are fresh, allowing you to taste their natural sweetness. The cheese, white sauce, and curry harmonize perfectly, appealing to women's preferences. However, the portion is substantial, ensuring that men will also be satisfied. Additionally, I enjoyed a great weekday lunch that comes with a mini salad and drink. After much deliberation, I chose the popular Margherita pizza lunch. The wood-fired pizza is made with domestically-produced wheat, giving it a chewy texture, and it is delicious! The dining space has both first and second floors, and this time I had lunch on the second floor. The L-shaped counter seats by the window offer a prime view of the Northern Alps. Next to it, there are spacious sofa seats prioritized for families with babies, allowing families to dine comfortably. The cat-themed decor creates a lovely atmosphere, making it a great place to relax. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- café twinkle 【Address】 2218-2 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8303 【Phone】 0263-88-7537 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last Order until 2:00 PM) 【Closed】 Irregular holidays (announced on Instagram monthly) 【Parking】 Parking available Please check with the store for the latest information. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

Chahaku-chan came to visit. She sheltered from the rain and then went home.🐈☔️

Chahaku-chan came to visit. 🐈

This is a black cat. It moves around a lot, making it difficult to take photos. 🐈‍⬛

Chahaku-chan (the cat) came over to hang out. 🐈

Today, Chahaku-chan came to play again. He is a boy. 🐈

The black cat also came to play. It seems like it was taking a sand bath. 🐈‍⬛

Chahaku-chan was playing in the field.🐈 Later, she came to visit us.

The black cat has come over to play. It is playing with a cat wand.🐈‍⬛

The black cat will come over to have fun with the tan and white cat.🐈‍⬛

It's been a while since I posted about my cat. She often comes over to play.

As the sign says, it is a CDshop in town Near Onomichi Station, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. What is this place where a real cat stands next to the entrance with a sign with an illustration of a big cat? The sign said "CDshop in town", but it was a strange sight.

Dazzling summer light shining through the porch. This year's heat is in serious mode. The cat is exploring in search of the last coolness in the sink Water ...? In the afternoon when the wind chimes do not ring, the silence and heat blend together in the summer of Japan. "Squid can't be angry about anything with this water...?"

Photographed on June 1, 25. At the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center, the "Cat Exhibition" by Styrofoam three-dimensional artist Kimio Yajima is being held in. 🐈 ⬛ is stretching.

Photographed on June 1, 25. At the Nakamachi Tourist Information Center, the "Cat Exhibition" by Styrofoam three-dimensional artist Kimio Yajima is Held in until June 8 (Sun). 🩷 Up to 3 were found. 🐈🩷

Location: Kamimikawa Town, Tochigi Prefecture Taken in early May On a walk with my cat Chai On the side of the road, there is a large number of "white clover" flower fields that I have not seen in the previous year...! Shooting with the sunset & with the cat 📸 A small view that shines in the Nature of Japan! Actually, this "white clover" Famous for its non-native species and abnormal reproduction. The reason why it is blooming so much this year is that a farmer in the neighborhood is conducting an experiment to see if it will increase if you give it plenty of sun. At a later date, I was ✋ driven by mowing the grass Beautiful plants and flowers that are often seen in daily life. The scenery I saw in this way was engraved with the history of "white clover" that has been breeding until now!

This is a photo of a cat's interior goods at a café in Sanrazaka-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Use the lights in the store, I expressed "a cat in the twilight of the sunset". According to the owner, it is a work made by an iron craftsman in Miyoshi City. "I like the view from behind, but I can't take a good picture," the owner said. Squid was able to take this photo ☺️ when I was trying to figure out how to capture it well The thinness of the limbs and neck, as well as the symmetrical ears, convey that the iron craftsmen are carefully and thoughtfully made. The skills of Japan craftsmen. I thought it was cool! ✨ It is also a wonderful memory ☺️ that I was able to share my impression with the owner in this photo

Today is February 22nd, commonly called Cat Day. A huge mural by Masamichi Oikawa, the illustrator known for the magazine Pia, brightens Yamato Nadeshiko Square on the west side of Sotetsu Line Yamato Station. If you look closely, there’s a cat…! (=^・・^=) You can also see a cheerful Yamato-n character painted there. By the way, Oikawa’s illustrations also wrap the community buses that run around the city.

cat

Suzu Deer City, Mie Prefecture Maruko Hiwa Shelter Cat Cafe It's not a summer theme photo, but I went. The cats seem to be relaxed and happy. Sleeping faces and profile faces make you want to point the camera at them.

Weeping Ume Plum in Yagi on Awaji Island There was a cat, but it came to the Ume Plum for about 10 seconds and immediately went somewhere, and the 💦 weeping Ume Plum was ✨ a masterpiece size

【Momoeda Management】 In less than a week from the draining and changing work, the buds swelled and some branches were blooming! This week, there was a warm day like April, and it seems that the growth has accelerated. It is difficult to adjust the growth according to the date of the campaign, but we will do our best to deliver it to you in good condition!

Sanagi Island 🏝, a cat island that is irresistible for cat lovers As soon as you arrive on the island, you will be greeted 🐱 by many cats All the cats are familiar to people, The space on the island is really a time ☺️ of healing I think 🐈🪄it's a scenery unique to Japan︎︎

There is a spot in Tokyo that is famous for beckoning cats, but Kawasaki is not to be outdone! Kawasaki Daishi also has a lot of beckoning cats! Cats 💛 full of personality

Autumn leaves look 🍁 great

Hiroshima Sera Town Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Flower Village 👈 @kamunosato One photo 📸 at Nyanko Photo today This is Shushu-chan, who is popular in Sera. Take a commemorative photo with Kokia! 😊 There were 😊 many people who enjoyed walking and taking pictures with their pets.

Enoshima, at the teahouse Aburaya on the island The signboard cat was very popular with tourists.

The closest Cat Island to Takamatsu in the Seto Inland Sea, Ongi Island.