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.🎋

Taken on July 7, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The grounds were beautifully decorated with Tanabata ornaments. 🎋

Today is the Summer Purification Ceremony. We cleanse ourselves of sins and impurities from the past six months and pray for good health and safety for the remaining half of the year.

Taken on June 20, 2026. I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. A wicker ring was set up.

A tea ceremony experience at a Japanese language school. I was fascinated by the tea utensils.

It’s also nice after the rain.

Taken on May 18, 2014. When I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, a wedding ceremony was just about to start. Encountering a wedding ceremony at a shrine is said to bring good fortune. May you all have wonderful things happen to you as well.

Taken on May 5, 26. This is a performance by the Aoi Bayashi group.

The weather was very pleasant. I visited Daitō Shrine in the Toyoshina District of Azumino City. The large stone lantern was impressive.😊

Photographed on May 4, 26. This is the Inariyama satokagura by the Umebachi Association. It is the dance of the bow pulling.

Taken on May 4, 26. This is the Satokagura performance 'Inariyama' by the Umebachikai. Tenko is dancing.

Photographed on May 4, 2026. This is the satokagura (a type of traditional Japanese folk performance) "Inariyama" by the Umebachi Association. The attendant is deep in thought.

Photographed on May 4, 26. This is "Inariyama" performed by the Umebachi Association's Satokagura. Inari Okami is dancing.

It is the season when fresh greenery is dazzling.

I walked along the abandoned railway track in Akashina District, Azumino City. The cloudy sky and fresh greenery create a nostalgic atmosphere.😊 At the nearby Ushio Shinmei Shrine, preparations for the "Shibafune" are underway. The grand festival will be held on May 4th and 5th.

The carp streamers and the lily of the valley wind chime at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

The carp streamers and the giant ema at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The ascending carp seems to bring good fortune. 🎏

Today is Children's Day. 🎏 This is the swimming carp boy from Taisho Romantic Dream Street.

Photographed on April 18, 2014. This is the Sasara Lion Dance from Ishihara. It features the lion and the mountain deity. A performance will take place today as well.

Today, I explored Kawagoe. When I visited Shusse Inari Shrine, they were performing a traditional music demonstration. It seemed quite auspicious.

Shinobazu Pond The strong winds from the day before scattered the petals, and the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo are nearing their end. After the storm, brilliant light pours into the clear blue sky, and I set out for one last cherry blossom viewing, embracing the spirit of Taisho Roman. The white, red, and Kanzan cherry blossoms are now in full bloom under the sunlight. Swaying in the light and wind, the vibrant purple blossoms shine brightly.

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Anyouzan Seigenji Temple, located along the foothill road in Azumino, has begun to bloom Two large weeping cherry trees stand beyond the moss-covered approach This Soto Zen temple is also notable in summer for the lotus flowers beside the temple grounds!!

April 4th Azumino Cherry Blossom Report The weeping cherry tree at Hodakasan Soutokuji Temple near hotaka station in Azumino is in full bloom!! You can also enjoy a zazen meditation experience here♪ For details, check the official site of the Azumino Tourism Association

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year fire brigade ceremony by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s fire-departure ritual performed by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s fire brigade ceremony by Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. A first-fire ceremony by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the New Year’s ladder-riding ritual by the Kawagoe Young Firefighters Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. Actually, I was laid up with a cold and couldn’t go see the ladder acrobatics, the rifle team demonstration, or the boat parade on the Shingashi River. 😭

Sakuhomachi Tourist Facility Opening Information Tourist facilities on Yachiho Kogen will open for the season in stages🌿 ■ Yachiho Lake Operating period: April 17 – October 30 🐟 A popular spot for fishing and relaxing by the lakeside ■ yachiho highland nature park Operating period: April 23 – November 8 🌲 Enjoy a walk through birch groves and past waterfalls while soaking in nature ■ Flowering Tree Garden and Mallet golf course Operating period: May 16 – October 12 🌷 A casual area to enjoy the natural scenery of Yachiho Kogen Each facility has different opening hours, so please check the image for details. This season, come to Yachiho Kogen to enjoy everything from fresh greenery to autumn leaves🌱