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!

Before work, I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The mist created a mystical atmosphere in the precincts.🌁 The rainy season has ended, marking the beginning of summer.

Senbonmatsu Ranch I usually just pass by, but when I casually stopped by, I found it had been renovated. During the rainy season event, colorful umbrellas were everywhere. ^^

On July 11, 2026, hydrangea flower picking took place around Fukoji in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. About 50 participants carefully picked the hydrangea flowers blooming in the temple grounds and surrounding areas. Thank you very much to everyone who helped out. This flower picking is an important task to ensure beautiful hydrangeas bloom next year. By properly maintaining them at this time, we can enjoy magnificent flowers again during the rainy season. I am already looking forward to seeing even more beautiful hydrangeas blooming next year. ■■■Access to downtown Bungoono City■■■ 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 recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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?

Hello😊, this is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom🍷. The temperature is rising, and we are experiencing hot days that make us forget about the rainy season☀️. How is everyone doing? When we think of Shosenkyo, we naturally think of Senga Falls✨. The area near the waterfall is refreshingly cool, making it a perfect healing spot for the hot season🌿. Why not spend some relaxing time enjoying the beautiful scenery, pleasant sounds of water, and negative ions?😊 In the garden of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom, the lavender is in full bloom🪻. The gentle fragrance and the purple flowers swaying in the wind create a unique seasonal landscape✨. When you visit Shosenkyo, please make sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom as well😊. Additionally, sparkling wine is highly recommended for the hot season🍾✨. Its refreshing bubbles and crisp flavor make it the perfect choice for summer, helping you forget the heat. We have several types of sparkling wine available in-store, so please find your favorite and enjoy a refreshing moment🍷🌿. All of us are looking forward to your visit😊.

Photographed on July 2, 26. This is the Tanabata Festival at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.🎋

Taken on July 2, 26. I visited Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The Tanabata decorations were splendid.🎋

Hello, this is Minamoto🖐️ The temperature is gradually rising, and once the rainy season is over, summer will be in full swing☀️ During this time of year, Shosenkyo Gorge showcases the most beautiful greenery throughout the year🌿 The soft light green of spring transforms into a deep, vibrant green, nourished by ample rain and sunlight, allowing you to enjoy a landscape full of vitality☘️ Additionally, Senga Falls sees an increase in water volume, and the powerful cascade creates a natural mist💦 that rises. It's the perfect time to feel the negative ions all around you, unique to this season✨ The area around the waterfall basin is refreshingly cool, like a natural air conditioner, making it very pleasant😃 The temperature is lower than in the urban areas, making it an ideal season for hiking, but please prepare drinks🥤 and hats🧢 as a precaution against heatstroke🙇 Moreover, areas around Senga Falls and stairs can be slippery, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes👟 when you go out‼️ Be sure to fully enjoy the "most beautiful gorge in Japan" that can only be seen during this time of year😊 If you have time, please come visit Shosenkyo✨ All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming you❗

The hydrangeas during the rainy season are enchanting.

Hello 😃 and welcome to the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls store! 🍷✨【A day to brighten your heart at Shosenkyo Gorge during the rainy season ☔️🌿】 In this season, the trees soaked by the rain shine even more vividly in Shosenkyo Gorge. At Senga Falls, selected as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, the abundant water cascades powerfully, gently healing visitors with its impressive splashes and deep greenery.✨ It's a beautiful scenery that can only be experienced during the rainy season. Just walking around feels like washing away the damp mood. 🍃 And to wrap up your journey… 🍾✨ Enjoy a refreshing sparkling wine made from Yamanashi grapes at the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls store. 🥂 The crisp bubbles and fruity aroma make the aftertaste of your stroll even more special. Choosing a bottle after soaking in the negative ions of the falls will surely become an unforgettable travel memory. "Today is a treat for myself." How about taking home your favorite bottle with that feeling? ✨ We sincerely look forward to your visit! 😊

The hydrangeas during the rainy season are captivating.

Hydrangeas in the rainy season. They brighten my heart.

Fukoji Temple's Hydrangeas ❚ Blooming Status as of June 22, 2026 Fukoji Temple is located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a sightseeing spot for hydrangeas. Currently, the hydrangeas are in full bloom. We will keep you updated on the blooming status. 【Location】Upper Ozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Access】About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (free) 【Restroom】Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds stands about 11 meters tall, including its pedestal, making it one of the largest cliff-carved Buddhas in Japan. The central figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo is typically depicted with an angry expression, but this cliff-carved Buddha has developed a round and gentle appearance over the years of exposure to the elements. Despite its large size, Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji Temple is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" due to the numerous hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy the sight of many hydrangea flowers alongside the cliff-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and the local community. ■■■ Access 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

【Hydrangeas are in full bloom!💫】 Yesterday (6/18), I took photos of hydrangeas that have reached their peak amidst the light rain📸 During these rainy days, people tend to feel down, but the hydrangeas were shining vibrantly✨ The photos are of hydrangeas around a campground just off Prefectural Route 8, which leads from Japan National Route 218 into the Kuwanochi District😌 Further ahead, the Kuwanochi District continues to be adorned with colorful hydrangeas along the road🤗💕 Like the hydrangeas, let’s stay strong and cheerful despite the prolonged rain💪🔥

Hello, this is Ryusuidō. In Shosenkyo Gorge, the greenery of the trees 🌿 deepens day by day, beautifully coloring the valley with various shades of green. Although it is the rainy season, the leaves wet from the rain shine gently, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere 😊 In the upper area of Senga Falls, the annual summer tradition 🎐 of wind chimes is already being displayed. The origin of wind chimes comes from bells called "fūtaku," which were originally hung as talismans to ward off evil. 🔔 Their cool sound is said to have a relaxing effect that calms the mind. Please enjoy the unique harmony of the vibrant greens of Shosenkyo and the sound of Senga Falls, along with the refreshing tones of the wind chimes 🎐 during this season 😊 Additionally, the upper area of the falls has many spots where you can relax and forget about daily life. At Ryusuidō, we also have a variety of natural stones, including larimar, perfect for the upcoming season ✨ We invite you to visit Shosenkyo and spend time surrounded by rich nature and healing moments. The staff is looking forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles 😊

Fukoji Temple's Hydrangeas ❚ Blooming Status as of June 17, 2026 Fukoji Temple, located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, is also famous as a tourist spot for hydrangeas. Currently, the hydrangeas are in full bloom. Some of the early-blooming flowers have started to wilt a bit. We will keep you updated on the blooming status. 【Location】Upper Oozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Access】About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (free) 【Restroom】Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The rock-carved Buddha in the temple grounds is approximately 11 meters tall, including its pedestal, making it one of the largest rock-carved Buddhas in Japan. The central figure is Fudo Myoo (Fudo Myo-o). Fudo Myoo is depicted with an angry expression, but this rock-carved Buddha has weathered the elements for many years and now has a round, gentle face. Although it is a large Fudo Myoo, it has a very friendly appearance. Fukoji Temple is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" due to the numerous hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, you can see many blooming hydrangeas alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and the local community. ■■■ Access 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and Recommended Spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I was curious about the Japan vs. Netherlands match.

In the sweltering heat of the rainy season, I was drawn down into the valley by the sound of the clear stream and a cool breeze. Upon reaching the valley floor, I found myself in another world! Before me lay a fantastical landscape! At the information center at the valley entrance, I was informed that "Due to fallen trees and safety concerns, access to the upstream area leading to the Chockstone is currently prohibited." It was a bit disappointing, but there's always next time!! Location: Oita Prefecture, Yufu City

Kyoto's Rainy Season Has Begun – Enjoy Traditional Japanese Games Indoors Kyoto has officially entered the rainy season, bringing more rainy days to the city. While rain can sometimes change travel plans, it also creates an opportunity to discover unique indoor experiences in Kyoto. One activity we highly recommend is enjoying traditional Japanese games that have been passed down through generations. At AriHana Kyoto, visitors can experience classic games such as Kendama, Daruma Otoshi, Karuta, and Otedama. These traditional games have been enjoyed by Japanese families for many years and continue to bring people together today. As a comfortable indoor venue, AriHana Kyoto is an ideal destination for families with young children, even on rainy days. If you are visiting Kyoto's Higashiyama area during the rainy season, we invite you to experience the joy of traditional Japanese games and create lasting family memories. We look forward to welcoming you to AriHana Kyoto. #Kyoto #KyotoTravel #VisitKyoto #JapanTravel #RainyDayInKyoto #IndoorActivities #FamilyTravel #FamilyFriendly #JapaneseCulture #TraditionalJapaneseGames #CulturalExperience #ThingsToDoInKyoto #Higashiyama #KyotoWithKids #AriHanaKyoto

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?

Shinano Road in the rain Bushu Highway Furuya Valleys "Otome Falls" I went there looking for a superb view in the rainy season ☂️! I have visited the Yachiho Highlands and Shirakoma Pond in Sakuho Town many times The atmosphere on a rainy day was good, so I visited to enjoy the Valleys and Fresh greenery. The stream of the waterfall and the fresh greenery are beautiful, and the rain creates a special feeling of the secluded beauty of the Valleys. Recommended!

color Stop by and see the world of hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area) From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple… Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰 The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌 We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨ Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆? This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

The hydrangeas in Hagi City are in Best time to visit! ✳︎⭐︎🐌 (The photo was taken on June 17) ◾️ Mitsumi Bridge (Megane Bridge) Designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property, Mitsumi Bridge is one of the largest stone bridges in the prefecture. 【How to get there】 From Hagi Downtown, take National Route 191 towards Nagato City. * Please take National Route 191 instead of Sanin Road (Automobile Road). On the way, you will see a sign that says "3km Mimi →". If you go straight past the intersection without turning, you will There are a small road to the right from the National Route, so please take that road (there is a sign at the fork that says "National Registered Cultural Property Mitsumi Bridge →") There are Car near the Megane Bridge! ◾️ Kosetsuen A businessman from Hagi, Densaburo Fujita, was born in Kosetsuen. In commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the death of Denzaburo Fujita, Maintenance of greenery such as wisteria shelves and restoration of the Sanishi Gumi have been renovated into a green space suitable for the Castle Town landscape. Colorful hydrangeas are blooming everywhere! For details, please see the website of the Hagi City Tourism Association! 😸

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara. The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗 The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕 Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars. They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪 When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰 It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

**Flowering Information** Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture 📍 "Ikedaike Park Iris Garden" flower irises (Hanashobu) ♪ Best time to visit Although it was affected by the rainy season, Beautiful pastel-colored irises and hydrangeas It was ✨ creating a fantastic and beautiful scenery Hydrangeas are about to reach Best time to visit even more in the future! 💓 Since it is just a short distance from the adjacent cars parking lot, It is 🚗✨ a Spot that is easy to visit even by Car Please go and see it! ☺️ ------------------------------------- 📍 Ikedaike Park Iris Garden 1421 Funaki, Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture ------------------------------------- [Reference] Niihama City City Planning Division HP ↓ --------------------------------------- < Car parking lot> 3 locations (Park Car Parking Lot: 16 cars, Nakanoshima Car Parking Lot: 37 cars, 　　　　Iris Garden Car Parking Lot: 32 cars) < Access > ◆ If you Use Car ◆ Exit the Niihama IC Toll station in Ehime Prefecture and turn right for 800m. Turn right on National Route 11, Turn right at the Ikedaike Park entrance signboard for about 1 km in the direction of Takamatsu. ◆ When Use JR and buses ◆ Between JR Niihama Station ~ Kawanoe Office Get off at "Sakashita". It takes about 15 minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inatomi Shrine ⛩️, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Temizuya with hydrangeas Living there, hydrangeas and bees The world view of June flowers

Photographed 6/10/25. This is Tomoko Fukumitsu's chalk art. It's very, very pretty, isn't it? 🐸☁️☔️🌈

Photographed on June 9, 25. I found a 💙 hydrangea on Taisho Romantic Dream Street.