Taken on September 30, 2014. This is the Hanatemari at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine Office.

The Yabusame ceremony of Kamogawa City will be broadcasted on 'Japanese Festivals' 👍 Continuing to Live Together with the Home that Connects Yabusame – The Annual Festival of Kippo Hachiman Shrine Yabusame Ceremony – Saturday, November 7th at 7 PM on Chiba TV This ceremony is held at Kippo Hachiman Shrine, which is said to have a history of about 800 years dating back to the Kamakura period. It has been passed down as a prayer to protect and nurture the bountiful rice farming of Nagasa. ✨Don't miss it!

Taken on September 28, 2026. Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is adorned for the autumn visit of the love water ceremony.🍁

Photographed on September 26, 2026. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on September 26, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The end of Izu, the starting point of emotions. Located at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, Minami-Izu Town enjoys a favorable climate even on Honshu. Here, it serves as both a "destination" and a place where new emotions begin. With the beautiful white sands of Yuigahama, the dynamic cliffs of Irouzaki, and the crystal-clear sea of Ougahama, the endless horizon and the rich nature brought by the Kuroshio Current soothe the hearts of visitors. In spring, early-blooming cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers color the town; in summer, it bustles with beachgoers and tide pool explorers; and from autumn to winter, gentle sunlight and hot springs warmly welcome travelers. Throughout the seasons, a relaxed pace of life flows that cannot be experienced in the city. Additionally, this land, which has lived in harmony with the sea for centuries, is home to warm connections between people and a simple yet vibrant culture. The fresh seafood caught locally is also a major attraction. When you reach the end of your journey in Izu, something will stir within you―― Minami-Izu Town is that "starting point of emotions."

Photographed on September 26, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

【🪭The Arayama Dance Took Place✨】 On September 27th, the "Arayama Dance," which is registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, was held✨ Unfortunately, it rained heavily, so this year the performance took place indoors at the Arayama Hall, but there were many guests at the venue!👏 Being indoors allowed for a closer distance between the performers and the audience, creating a warm and lively atmosphere filled with cheers and laughter throughout the day☺️✨ In the morning, the children from Sakamoto Elementary School also participated in the drumming and performances🥁 Additionally, students from Gokase Secondary School energized the venue in their traditional outfits! Moreover, the students spontaneously joined in the Arayama Dance🤩 It was heartwarming to see the dancers teaching while dancing, and by the end, everyone was able to dance! The sight of generations dancing together was truly delightful☺️💕 The Arayama Dance involves many roles, with various songs, dances, and complex rhythms. While we felt the tradition passed down through long practices, there were also moments of interacting with the audience, switching roles, and hearing shouts like "Lift your feet higher!" and "Keep going from here!"…😂 And when the "monkey" approached the children, picking them up and patting their heads with a fan, cries could be heard from all around🤣🐒 (It seemed a bit scary for the kids. Haha) While the vibrant costumes look beautiful under the blue sky, the closeness and warm interactions between the performers and the audience created a unique scene that was perhaps only possible on a rainy day😌🌿 Despite the rain, this year's Arayama Dance was filled with many smiles and excitement. We were able to witness how the community cherishes and passes this tradition on to the next generation✨ Thank you to all the performers and everyone who came out in the rain! You truly did a great job!👏✨

[Mochitsuki Challenge] At the Shinto Shrine Festival in Nishiokoppe District, the Women's Association of the Chamber of Commerce tours various neighborhoods with the portable shrine, and after the rituals, they have a tradition of throwing rice cakes to the attendees. This time, we will introduce the preparation of those rice cakes. The amount of glutinous rice prepared is a total of 55 kg, combining both white and red rice cakes. A few members of the Women's Association gathered in the morning to soak the glutinous rice. After dispersing once, 40 participants gathered at 4 PM for the mochi pounding. Villagers and cottage guests, in addition to the Women's Association, also joined in!✨️ While a machine is used for the "pounding" part, the more people there are to quickly finish tasks such as cooking, tearing, shaping, cooling, and bagging, the better. Once the mochi is pounded, it becomes a race against time. Starch powder is spread on the work table, and the freshly pounded mochi is quickly torn apart. Since the mochi is extremely hot, we put on thick gloves and managed to tear it apart. Once shaped nicely while still hot, it needs to be cooled down! If it is bagged without cooling, it will mold, so the cooling process is very important. Once round, small, and cooled mochi is ready, it is bagged and the process is complete. Thanks to the wonderful teamwork, all the mochi (about 2,300 pieces!?) were successfully bagged. After about three hours of focused work, we filled our stomachs with handmade udon and pickles before dispersing. I feel that these behind-the-scenes tasks add more color to the festival atmosphere. This big job happens once a year. I secretly look forward to next year as well. #Nishiokoppe Village #Mochitsuki #Shinto Shrine Festival #Red and White Mochi #We did our best.

Photographed on September 23, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on September 23, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on September 23, 2026. This is the windmill at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's Naorai Hall. I feel like this windmill will soon be a sight to behold for the last time.

The higanbana blooming beside the stairs is beautiful. Myojorin-ji, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture September 23, 2026

Introducing recommended events in Nagano City for October!✨ 〈If you want to revisit this later, don't forget to tap the "save" icon!〉 ①Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Festival Experience the history and traditions of the Sanada family over a special two days. The highlight is the impressive parade of about 200 warriors, known as the "Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Procession," taking place on the 11th (Sunday)! 【Date】10/10 (Sat) to 10/11 (Sun) *The "Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Procession" will be held on 10/11 (Sun). 【Venue】Around Matsushiro Castle Ruins *Please check the official website for details. ②Kawanakajima Battlefield Festival Fireworks Display At the Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park, there will be many stalls selling alcohol, snacks, and sweets, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks up close! 【Date】10/10 (Sat) 【Time】Stage events from 15:00, Fireworks Display from 18:00 【Venue】Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park *For details, please visit the official website. ③Togakushi Soba Festival New Soba Offering Ceremony This is a traditional festival that conveys the history of Togakushi soba to the present day. You can enjoy the "Offering Soba" made from sacred buckwheat flour blessed during the ceremony, available in limited quantities! 【Date】10/30 (Fri) 【Time】9:00～ 【Venue】Togakushi Shrine Chusha Special Stage in the Chusha Garden *The offering soba will be sold after the ceremony on 10/30 (Fri) (around 12:30 and onwards) at participating soba shops and affiliated accommodations (limited to 15 servings per shop). *Please check the official website or account for details. ④Kinasa and Togakushi Kijo Momiji Legend Photo Quiz 2026 This is a tour-style event where you can explore the sites related to the Kijo Momiji legend while taking photos and participating in quizzes. Experience the legendary world that spreads from Kinasa, adorned with autumn leaves, to Togakushi. 【Event Period】10/10 (Sat) to 11/15 (Sun) 【Location】Kinasa area *For details, please check the official website or account. ⑤Togakushi and Iizuna Highlands "All-Inclusive Experience! Stamp Rally" Participate in designated experience content to get stamps! Enjoy the refreshing green season of the highlands to the fullest! 【Event Period】8/1 (Sat) to 10/31 (Sat) 【Location】Togakushi and Iizuna area 【Participation Method and Prize Details】 (1) Participate in designated experience content (camping stays, e-bike rentals, nature experiences, soba making experiences, etc.). (2) Collect two stamps → Receive an original sticker! (3) Collect three stamps → In addition to receiving a badge set designed with Togakushi Mountain and Iizuna Mountain, you can enter a lottery for a chance to win luxurious prizes! 【Stamp Collection Locations】 Togakushi Campground Iizuna Nagano Forest Village Togakushi Tourism Association Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association Nagano City Tourist Information Center, etc. ⑥Zenkoji Temple Binzuru Market Held as a handmade market inspired by the Buddha's beloved disciple "Binzuru-san"! Various food and craft stalls will gather, creating a market where everyone, including makers, buyers, locals, and tourists, can enjoy. 【Date】10/10 (Sat) *Regularly held on the second Saturday of each month from April to December 【Time】10:00～16:00 【Venue】Around Zenkoji Temple #Event Information #Nagano City Events #Sanada 100,000 Stones Festival #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

"Wasshoi, wasshoi" The Kamiokoppe District held its Shinto shrine festival on September 7, while the Nishiokoppe District celebrated on September 11. This is an important community event where residents come together to participate. In both districts, people gather in front of the shrine, and the portable shrine procession parades through the town. Banners and large fans contrasted beautifully against the blue sky. Since I usually travel by car, this might have been the day I walked the most all year. The sounds of drums and flutes accompany the shouts of "wasshoi" echoing throughout the town. Adults who can drink during the day also enjoy sacred sake 🍶 In the Nishiokoppe District, the lion dance performers and tengu meet. Chigo and elementary school students in happi coats walked a lot as well. #Nishiokoppe Village #Shinto shrine festival #Gratitude #Portable shrine procession #Rice cakes

Taken on September 22, 2014. This is the annual safety fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This year, I attracted human relationships that are not safe, so I prayed for good connections.

Taken on September 22, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded due to the distribution time of the matchmaking talismans. The windmills were protected with nets to shield them from the typhoon the day before.

【Invited by the Lights of the Yoimatsuri】 The Shinto Shrine Festival in the Kamiokoppe area of Nishiokoppe Village takes place every year on September 7th, with the Yoimatsuri held the night before.🏮 Preparations for the stalls began while the sky was still bright, and both children and adults gathered in droves. The stalls offered a mix of food and festival games, roughly half and half. There were yo-yo fishing, shooting games, and shape-cutting. Delicious treats included inari sushi, red rice, yakisoba, yakitori, cotton candy, and shaved ice... There were also performances featuring Nankin Tamasudare and Ezo deer drums. In sync with the calls, the decorative screens transformed into towers, roofs, and flags. The guests joined in with cheers and clapping to boost the atmosphere. Just then, a demon appeared, enveloping the venue in a tense atmosphere. The drum performance... or so it seemed, as the demon swung its antlers, appearing to battle something.👹 It was a wonderful performance filled with a spirit of dedication. The lights from the shrine and stalls illuminated the town that night. We enjoyed the Yoimatsuri while basking in the cool evening breeze.

Taken on September 5th, 26. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. Today is my birthday. I'm exploring Kawagoe.

Photographed on September 5, 2014. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on September 7, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on September 19, 26. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Sumiyoshi 2-chome 9-89, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture The parking lot is spacious and very accessible. It is paid parking. This shrine is said to bring many blessings, focusing on prosperity in business, safety at home, warding off evil, and safe voyages, as well as matchmaking and easy childbirth. It is the strongest power spot in Osaka. It is a famous bridge known as Taiko Bridge. Crossing it is said to purify and enhance one's fortune... It is known for its ancient Japanese shrine architectural style called Sumiyoshi-zukuri. Pet the Sumiyoshi Shrine's Sacred Rabbit (Nade Usagi) to pray for good health. Finally, here is the Jade Nade Usagi located in front of the Fourth Main Shrine of Sumiyoshi Taisha. Since the day when the deity Sumiyoshi was enshrined in this place is said to be the year of the Rabbit, in the month of April, on the day of the Rabbit, the rabbit is regarded as a divine messenger at Sumiyoshi Taisha.

Hochigai Shrine 2-2-1 Kitamikunigaokachō, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture Located in Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, this shrine is affectionately known as "Hochigai-san." It is said to have been situated at the boundary of the three regions of Settsu, Kawachi, and Izumi, and is known for its faith in "Hōsaiyoke," which wards off disasters related to directions, house positioning, and land characteristics, stemming from the concept of a pure land without directions. It is a popular spot chosen for visits before moving, building a new home, or traveling.

MI-TE さかい 堺市役所高層館21 階展望ロビー 令和8 年5 月30 日（土曜）～令和9 年3 月31 日（水曜）（予定） 開館時間：午前9 時～午後9 時 休館日：なし（堺市役所全館停電日を除く） MI-TE さかい（堺市役所高層館21 階展望ロビー） 北東側（堺市堺区南瓦町3-1） 入場料：無料大阪府堺市堺区に鎮座し、「ほうちがいさん」の名で親しまれる神社です。摂津・河内・和泉の三国の境にあったとされ、方位のない清地という考え方から、方位・家相・地相などに由来する災いを祓う「方災除け」の信仰で知られます。転居・新築・旅行前の参拝先として選ばれやすいスポットです。 仁徳天皇陵古墳を見学するのに一番適した場所が堺市役所展望ロビーかと思います。 堺市役所２１階、地上８０ｍの所から３６０度の景色が楽しめます。 百舌鳥古墳群が見られますよ！ 展望ロビーは無料です。 ちなみに、仁徳天皇陵古墳を真上からは見ることはできませんが、とても大きな古墳だということはわかります・・・

Photographed on September 19, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on September 19, 26. This is the flower water at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Autumn winds blow at Komu. The display inside the Forest Art Museum "Komu" has been updated! 🍁Limited Time Only🌝Autumn Festival Version🍁 The shrine festival in Nishiokoppe Village has ended, but you can still feel the festive atmosphere at Komu. You can see the lion dance opening and closing its mouth, and carry Setoushi-kun's portable shrine. The food stalls that have been on display since summer are still here, so we hope you enjoy them together. You can also spot some autumn plants like pampas grass and Chinese lanterns on display.👀 ▶ About Next Week's Opening Schedule ◀ Normally, we are closed every Tuesday, but on the 22nd (Tuesday) and 23rd (Wednesday), we will be open due to the holiday! Instead, we will be closed on the 24th (Thursday), so please be careful not to make a mistake. Have a great holiday!👋 #Nishiokoppe Village #Komu #Autumn #Festival #Closed Days

Taken on September 12, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on September 12, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.