Taken on July 9, 2014.
These are the relationship-binding wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 9, 26.
This is the matchmaking wind chime at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
This year, I am challenging myself to see how many times I can capture this composition.

Taken on July 4, 2014.
This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌻

Taken on July 4, 2014.
This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌻

Taken on July 4, 2014.
This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

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.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.
Since the approach was under construction, I entered from the Path of the Heart.
There was mist, creating a magical atmosphere.

🌸🌼Tarumae Shrine's Flower Water Offering🌺🌻
Although the number of humid days is increasing, the water basin remains refreshing✨

This summer, head to Minami-Izu, where it's not too hot! 🌊☀️
● About swimming and activities
https://x.gd/Yiubz
● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero days of extreme heat (as of July 17)!
https://x.gd/WewOB
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🏖️ Yumigahama Beach
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A stunning beach with white sand and green pines, selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches" and "Top 100 Swimming Spots"!
This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back! 🛟
Enjoy water activities and swimming together.
📅 From July 18 (Saturday) to August 23 (Sunday)
* Yumigahama Splash Water Park will be open until August 23.

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🤿 Hirizo Beach (Nakagi)
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A hidden beach accessible only by boat! 🚤
Thanks to the Kuroshio current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a paradise for snorkeling with abundant fish. 🐠
📅 From July 1 (Saturday) to September 30 (Wednesday)

🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting reservations!
Departure dates: August 8-16, September 19-22
Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen
Sign up for the tour here: https://x.gd/ZH3a4

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🎆 49th Yumigahama Fireworks Festival
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The water fireworks viewed from the sandy beach are breathtaking! ✨
📅 August 8 (Saturday) from 8 PM

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🏝️ List of summer swimming spots
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1️⃣ Yumigahama Beach July 18 - August 30
2️⃣ Koura Beach July 27 - August 16
3️⃣ Yagawahama and Tawarahama Ferry Crossing (Mera) July 18 - August 31

* Starting July 25! Izu the South 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp/

* Summer posters are also on sale!
B1 (Ishimuro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen
(Free distribution to Minami-Izu residents)

📷 A photo contest is also underway!
Winners will receive luxurious prizes.
Apply here: https://x.gd/LRM7Q

Gion Festival

Points for Enjoyment

Walking to See the Floats
The centerpiece of the Gion Festival is undoubtedly the floats.
Seeing the luxurious decorations and intricate designs up close is truly impressive.
During the day, you can enjoy the overall grandeur, while at night, the lanterns create a serene atmosphere.

Experiencing the Atmosphere of the Evening Festival
The time when the floats are lined up makes walking around the city enjoyable.
The stalls, the flow of people, and the bustling atmosphere of the float districts all combine to create a festive air that is quintessentially Kyoto.

Taking a Close Look at the Townhouses and Decorations
Not only the floats but also the surrounding townscape and shop arrangements are charming.
Walking while admiring the hanging decorations and ornaments reveals the depth of the festival.

Avoiding Crowds
The popular time slots can get quite crowded.
If you prefer to take your time, choosing early hours or times closer to weekdays makes for easier walking.

Useful Items to Have
Comfortable shoes
Drinks and hats for heat protection
A small bag for crowded times
Rain gear in case of weather changes

Is it true that you shouldn't eat cucumbers during the Gion Festival?
This is related to the family crest of Yasaka Shrine, the deity of the Gion Festival.
The family crest of Yasaka Shrine resembles the cross-section of a sliced cucumber.
Because of this, the townspeople of Kyoto have had a tradition of not eating cucumbers during the Gion Festival.

Taken on July 1, 2014.
This is a windmill in front of the Otorii Gate at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
It was around 7:30 in the morning in the shrine grounds.

祇園祭2026年

京都の夏といえば祇園祭が真っ先に浮かびますね・・・
祇園祭は、京都の八坂神社の祭礼で、疫病退散を祈る行事として平安時代に始まったと伝えられています。
現在は日本三大祭の一つとして知られ、豪華な山鉾や神輿、さまざまな神事が1か月にわたって行われます。

7月1日ごろ 吉符入など 祭の始まりを告げる神事
7月10日 神輿洗・お迎え提灯 鴨川で神輿を清める神事
7月14日〜16日 前祭・宵山 山鉾が建ち並び、夜の賑わいが最高潮
7月17日 前祭・山鉾巡行と神幸祭神輿渡御
7月21日〜23日 後祭・宵山 落ち着いた雰囲気で山鉾を見学
7月24日 後祭・山鉾巡行と花傘巡行 山鉾が再び都大路を進む日
7月31日 疫神社夏越祭 祭の締めくくりの神事

熱中症対策がとても大事な場面です。
通気性のよい薄手の服、帽子、(日傘巡行時はNG)
首元を冷やせるタオルや保冷剤
こまめに飲める水やお茶、スポーツドリンク
塩分タブレットなどナトリウム補給ができるもの
体調が悪い・・・人混みや長時間の観覧を無理しない

トイレはコンビニなど使用できません・・・
トイレマップアプリで・・・

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the love fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 15, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Yesterday was the annual festival at Yasaka Shrine. We prayed for good health, had our heads bitten by the lion's head, and were fanned by Tengu-sama with a fan. We received cucumbers and amulets.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
The wind chime for tying bonds on the bench has changed to a sky blue color.
I was in high spirits because Spain won.😊🎐

Taken on July 1, 26.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, this is a wind chime symbolizing the connection of the engawa (veranda).
I'm curious about 🇪🇸🆚🇫🇷.

Taken on July 1, 2014.
This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on July 1, 2024.
These are the enmusubi wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🎐

In Memuro Town, at Memuro Shrine, during the summer, it is beautifully decorated with flower water offerings, wind chimes, and pinwheels. Recently, there was a fireworks festival, and it was said to be illuminated as well.

Taken on July 1, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on July 1, 2026.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features a summer prayer water offering for love.

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the summer prayer water for love at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.🌻🏮

Taken on July 1, 2026.
This is the chawa (ring of reeds) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. I captured the image of a girl quietly gazing at a small stream enveloped in soft light on a summer night. The scenery created by the shrine, which has watched over people's prayers for centuries, and the fantastical lights swaying by the waterside represents a beautiful summer landscape unique to Japan. I felt that the time spent in tranquility, allowing the heart to be clear, is also an important charm of the Japanese summer.

[Traditional Event] Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine in Kanbayashi
Every July, the Satokagura is offered to pray for the peace of the Kanbayashi District.
It has also been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city.
The Satokagura is said to have been continued since the Kamakura period, but it was interrupted once after World War II.
In the 1950s, local people revived this important ritual, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kagura Preservation Society.
The Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine will be offered tomorrow.
Offering Date and Time: July 12, 2023 (Sunday)
From 1:00 PM, the ritual
Around 1:30 PM, the Kagura offering
After that, there will be a children's sumo tournament and mochi throwing.
*There is no parking available at the shrine.
#Toon City #Kanbayashi District #Satokagura #Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine #Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Traditional Event #Kamibayashi Kagura Preservation Society #Kagura Offering

After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. Their popular pudding is firm and very delicious. 🍮

Taken on July 2, 2014.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
I found a red thread wind chime.

Taken on July 2, 26.
These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
I visited around 3 PM. It was raining, and perhaps because of the dim light, the lanterns were lit.