I was healed by the many wind chimes in the greenery at a park I visited during my trip to Nagano.

The sunflower field located in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s a hidden gem with fewer people on weekday evenings. The sunflowers are beautifully in bloom, so be sure to stop by!

Summer in Kyoto Can Be Intense – Take a Break and Enjoy Traditional Japanese Play at AriHana Kyoto Kyoto’s rainy season has already ended, and the city is now experiencing very hot summer days. July is also the season of the famous Gion Festival, one of Kyoto’s most iconic summer events. As the festival begins and the Yoiyama evenings start from July 14, the city becomes even more lively and crowded with visitors. When families visit Kyoto in summer, we often hear comments like, “It’s much hotter than we expected,” or “Everywhere is crowded. Is there a quieter place where we can relax with children?” We truly understand how challenging summer sightseeing in Kyoto can be, especially for families traveling with young children. That is one of the reasons we opened AriHana Kyoto. AriHana Kyoto is an indoor family-friendly space where children and parents can relax and enjoy traditional Japanese play together. Families from many different countries have visited us and spent time playing freely, discovering Japanese culture through simple, nostalgic games. Here, you can enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as kendama, daruma otoshi, karuta, and more in a calm and comfortable tatami room. Children can play, parents can sit back and relax, and families can spend unhurried time together away from the summer heat and crowds. If you are looking for a quiet indoor place to rest and create special family memories during your Kyoto trip, we would be delighted to welcome you to AriHana Kyoto. Why not add a different kind of Kyoto memory to your journey this summer?

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for July📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in July!♪ This month, following the "Beauty and Healing Detour Marche" on Saturday, July 11th (at Reihoku Town Community Center Gymnasium), the marche will be held consecutively! (There will also be the Jatto Festival & Peiron Tournament on July 18th and 19th!) 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣At the "Reihoku Sunset Marche," local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes will be available for sale. This time, in addition to the "Ama-kusa Bankan" and small onions available for bulk purchase, you can also experience a veggie check to see how much vegetables you consume regularly! We look forward to your visit! 😊 Don't forget to bring your shopping bag! 🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Ama-kusa Bankan (bulk purchase) ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes (various) ・Pumpkin ・Water Spinach ・Chiffon Cake ・Small Onions (bulk purchase) ・Tsurumurasaki ・Mini Tomatoes 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, July 12th, from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)

"This summer vacation, create unforgettable memories here." Enjoy the breathtaking rice terraces overlooking the sea and feel the pleasant sweat. What awaits after is freshly cooked "new rice" and juicy BBQ…! Thank you for always following the posts from the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association! Today, we have an announcement for a special event that you absolutely must experience this summer✨ In the beautiful "High-altitude rice terraces" that Reihoku proudly boasts, we will hold a 【Rice Harvesting & New Rice BBQ Experience】!🌾🍖 The seedlings we planted together in spring have soaked up the blessings of the sun and are finally ready for the golden harvest. This is not just a farming activity. Harvesting rice while feeling the refreshing summer breeze and the blue sea before your eyes offers an emotion that cannot be experienced in the city. Moreover! After working up a sweat, enjoy the freshly harvested "new rice" in this stunning setting. Let’s have the best lunch time with sizzling meat and vegetables on the grill🤤 This will surely be a special day not only for children's free research and summer memories but also for adults to refresh their minds! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we are limiting participation to the first 15 sign-ups, so if you're interested, please apply early! We look forward to kicking off the best summer together with all of you! 📅 Event Overview 〇 Date: Saturday, August 8 (Rain or shine, but will be canceled in case of severe weather) 〇 Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 〇 Location: Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture (near "Nōkō no Hi") 〇 Participation Fee (including lunch and insurance): Adults 3,000 yen, Elementary school students 1,500 yen *Payment will be made in cash at the reception on the day. Please help us by bringing exact change. 〇 Capacity: First 15 participants 〇 What to bring: Hat, drink, towel, clothes that can get dirty 📬 How to Apply ① Go to the profile of this account ② Tap the URL in the profile section ③ Fill out the required information in the dedicated application form and send it! *The application deadline is Sunday, August 2, but we will close applications as soon as the capacity is reached. BBQ at the rice terraces with a view of the sea sounds amazing, doesn’t it?✨ If you want to go, please 【save】 this and share it with family and friends you want to go with!

The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore. Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.

This is Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This time, we showcase the autumn cosmos fields. In the background is Mt. Akagi. Being on a hill allows for a great view of the surroundings. As seasonal flowers are planted, the scenery changes, adding to the excitement.

In the flower fields of Agrostemma, the beautiful scenery of Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou can be seen. The Agrostemma fields belong to a local farmer, and we are truly grateful. The sight of the Agrostemma swaying in the wind is a hidden gem that offers a refreshing summer atmosphere. The mountains in the background are the Nikkō Mountains, where you can capture stunning photos of beautiful peaks like Mt. Nantai and Mt. Nyohou.

The Sunflower Festival held in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, features a stunning display of sunflowers in full bloom. This year marks the 35th edition, and towering sunflowers will bloom in the fields where farmers have worked hard for many years. The event will take place on July 18th and 19th, 2026, but the sunflowers can be enjoyed even on days outside of the event.

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka. While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

栃木県足利市にある白髭神社です。小さな神社ですが、足利荘山川郷の鎮守として崇敬された神社だそうです。 春には、外側からハナモモが咲き中央には大きな桜の木があります。 この写真はハナモモと桜が満開の時期にちょうど訪れることができました。 ハナモモだけでも見ごたえ十分です。 余り知られていないハナモモの穴場スポットです。

Nogi Hofmann Hall, located in Nogimachi, Tochigi Prefecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is a place where visitors can observe a brick kiln. Next to it, a row of dawn redwoods continues. In the evening, it is illuminated, offering a wonderful view. I was moved when the pathway turned red with fallen leaves. I believe it is a hidden gem that is not widely known.

Kanawa Island in Hinodecho, Oita Prefecture, appears to be an ordinary couple's rock from a distance, but as you get closer, a large hole created by wave erosion reveals itself. This formation, visible only during low tide, truly deserves to be called a "hidden gem of Japan." I took this photo to convey the beauty of the shapes carved by nature.

In the sumo town of Ryougoku, even the bridge railings are filled with sumo themes.

About an hour from Tokyo. In the sea, there is an unknown Japan. Manatsuru, which can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This small port town has special views known only to divers. This time, we visited "Iwa." It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hiratsuka. A convenient boat diving spot. It takes just a few minutes to reach the sea by boat. Once you enter the water, colorful soft corals spread out before you. Schools of fish swim slowly through the calm sea. The highlight of this place is the large iron frame reef sunk to the seabed. Originally used as scaffolding for bridge construction, it has now become a habitat for marine creatures and a popular spot for divers. Swimming between the massive structures feels like exploring underwater ruins. Soft corals sway above, and light filters through. Lionfish swim slowly, while small fish dart around them. The creatures you encounter change with the seasons. In summer, you see schools of fish. In winter, vibrant sea slugs. Throughout the year, you can enjoy different scenery with each visit. After diving, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Manatsuru or Shonan is also recommended. Just a little stretch from the city, a day like this awaits you. Japan's seas hold many undiscovered charms. On your next trip, why not visit the underwater Japan?

The Ōoka River flows through Isezakicho in Yokohama. While Yokohama boasts many famous tourist spots like Chinatown and Minatomirai, the cherry blossoms here are equally breathtaking. With a moderate foot traffic and food stalls lined up, the view from this spot is a spring delight I look forward to every year.

Tokachi Jibo Kannon. This hidden gem features a protective deity and a large Jibo Kannon statue, along with beautiful scenery.

This is a Sasa-yuri blooming in the park at Shijuuhatta Falls, located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It is a place where Sasa-yuri and hydrangeas are maintained by human hands. There is a donation of 300 yen, but it was the best spot for taking photos.

This photo captures the peaceful beauty of Japan’s hidden gem — where the gentle breeze moves across the clear blue water, green forests surround the lake, and snow-capped mountains rise quietly in the background. A perfect moment where early summer and winter meet in harmony.

This is the row of houses in Utsunoya, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. The houses are made of wooden planks and feature distinctive signs. It is a very tranquil place that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Be sure to stop by when you visit Shizuoka Prefecture.

Along the banks of the Saho River in Nara, there is a cherry blossom avenue that stretches for 5 kilometers with over 1,000 cherry trees. This avenue not only represents Nara Prefecture but is also one of the most iconic cherry blossom spots in the Kansai region. Despite its scale, it seems that there are still relatively few tourists. Every year, I enjoy a 10-kilometer round trip walk while capturing the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

The view from Kanmuriyama Summit in Akiyoshidai is breathtaking. It takes about 30 minutes from the parking lot, and the sunrise trekking allows you to enjoy the vast world all to yourself.

Built in 1910, Kourakukan is a theater located in Kosakamachi, Akita Prefecture. While there are several theaters that remain as Important Cultural Properties, Kourakukan is one of the few that still hosts regular performances and is actively used today. "A building truly comes alive when it's in use." Although I can't include photos from the performances due to copyright restrictions, it's heartwarming to know that even grandparents have their favorite performers! This facility is a source of enjoyment for the townspeople—"that's why we can preserve it." Overall, it was a place that left a positive impression.

Akita dogs are really cute. These little ones also greeted us cutely lined up at the 'Roadside Station Kazuno Antler's showcase.' When you come to Akita, you can find such small moments of warmth everywhere.

”穴場”と言われれば、埼玉県比企郡吉見町にある『百穴（ひゃくあな）』。古墳時代のお墓です。戦時中に掘られた地下工場跡も見ることができます。すきな人は、たまらないんだろうなぁ と、思います。

The morning mist lingers over "Aragijima". I was able to see the fantastical "Aragijima" illuminated by the morning sun. Aridagawacho, Wakayama Prefecture 2026/6

This is the Taushubetsu River Bridge in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido. It has a unique presence reminiscent of an ancient ruin. In the past, it was accessible freely, but now the gates are closed. You need to either reserve a key from the roadside station or join a tour from places like the Higashitaisetsu Nature Guide Centre to visit. You can park your car before the forest road gate and walk or bike there, but it's a rough 4-kilometer gravel road. Also, it's out of mobile service range, so there’s no way to contact anyone in case of trouble. Additionally, this area is a habitat for brown bears, so all actions are at your own risk. Every year, the bridge sinks into the lake after autumn and freezes in mid-winter, leading to weathering and collapse in various places. Some parts also crumbled during the spring earthquake. It won't be long before it can no longer maintain its complete arch.

Sajima. I learned about it from someone who has lived in Yokosuka for a long time and decided to visit. What awaited me was a magnificent yet somewhat rustic view. I could see Mount Fuji in the distance, and the sea was beautiful. It’s a lovely place with few people, like a hidden gem. I charged my energy from nature!

A small path where I used to play with my friends when I was little. As this season arrives, I find myself nostalgically drawn back here. The cherry blossoms have always been here. That's how I feel.

"We are all connected!" The wrapped train of the Akita Nairiku Line seems to echo Shinnosuke's voice. Father's hometown, Akita; mother's Kumamoto; and now living in Saitama— the lands of our family are depicted on a single train car. "The tracks and the bonds are connected straight, aren't they?" After a long time, my heart warmed with nostalgia, and I pointed my camera. Why not come visit "Akita" on the Akita Nairiku Line?