Taken on May 19, 2014. This is the flower water at Omiya Hikawa Shrine. I plan to visit when I feel healthy both physically and mentally.

Taken on May 19, 26. This is the flower water offering at Omiya Hikawa Shrine. I didn't have enough time, so I hope to take a leisurely stroll next time.

I spent a few days in Tokyo this time, and I can honestly say it was more comfortable than I imagined. Tokyo is a fascinating city where you can experience in one day: ☀️ Clean and pleasant streets during the day 🌃 An incredibly lively nightlife at night 🍣 Delicious Japanese cuisine 🚃 An extraordinarily convenient transportation system What surprised me the most is that Tokyo is not as chaotic as people think. In fact, many places are very quiet, clean, and orderly. — 📍 This time, I mainly visited a few places: ✨ Shinjuku One of the busiest areas in Tokyo. Department stores, izakayas, drugstores, and ramen shops are all concentrated here. Walking near Kabukicho at night, you really get a feeling of: "Ah… this is Tokyo" (laughs) Especially when the neon lights come on, the atmosphere feels straight out of a Japanese movie. — ✨ Shibuya It's full of young people. Everyone has a great sense of style, and just walking down the street feels like being in a Japanese drama. The shock of seeing the Shibuya Crossing in person is completely different from what you see in videos. Plus, there are many cafes and department stores nearby that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. — ✨ Asakusa If you want to experience traditional Japan, you really have to come here. Kaminarimon, the big red lantern, and Nakamise Street are exactly the places tourists want to take photos when they first visit Tokyo. There are many people wearing kimonos, and the whole atmosphere is very Japanese. — ✨ Tokyo Tower & Skytree The night view of Tokyo is truly impressive. Especially standing at a high point and looking at the city lights, you get a feeling of: "How can Tokyo be so grand?" I recommend going at night, the atmosphere is really nice. — 🍣 You really can't go wrong with food in Tokyo This time I had sushi, barbecue, izakaya, and ramen. Honestly, many places in Japan are delicious even if they're not famous. Convenience stores are also amazing, and even late at night, anything you buy is tasty (laughs). — 🚃 As for transportation At first, looking at the Tokyo subway map can be overwhelming. But you get used to it after a few rides, and Google Maps can almost always guide you directly. Plus, Japanese trains are so punctual that it's a bit scary. — If you ask me: Is Tokyo suitable for independent travel? I would say directly: Absolutely suitable. Whether you come alone, with a partner, or with friends, you can find your own way to enjoy it. Tokyo is not the kind of place you "only visit once." Instead, it's a city that makes you want to come back after you leave.

Taken on May 19, 2014. This is the pinwheel next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on May 19, 2014. These are the remnants of cherry blossoms at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on May 19, 26. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine grounds and the Kawagoe City Gokoku Shrine. I sat on the bench in front and enjoyed the cool breeze.

As my health has improved, I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. This is the shrine grounds around 7:30 in the morning. I prefer to visit alone and take my time.

Discover a hidden gem in Nagoya. Quietly standing in the heart of Nagoya is Ueno Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. While well-known among locals, it remains an off-the-beaten-path spot for tourists. The impressive bronze statue of the reclining cow in the shrine grounds is a stunning sight. In front of it, colorful omikuji dolls in red, yellow, and green are neatly arranged, exuding a cuteness that makes you want to take a photo. The contrast between the vermilion shrine and the clear blue sky is beautiful, and aside from the exam season, you can visit peacefully with fewer people around. If you're tired of the usual tourist spots in Nagoya, make sure to stop by. 3-40-2 Uchiyama 3-chome, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

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 15, 2026. This is the pinwheel located next to the main hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I finally recovered from a cold, but due to a stressful event, I felt dizzy and had to sit down during the ceremony. I'm not good with social interactions, so I would appreciate it if I could be left alone during the monthly festival. 🥹

[Announcement] Taking place in 2023! Introducing the "Togakushi Shrine Shikinen Grand Festival"✨ "Togakushi Shrine Shikinen Grand Festival" [Event Period] April 25 (Sunday) to May 25 (Tuesday), 2023 *This is a special opportunity that occurs once every seven years in the traditional calendar. [What is the Togakushi Shrine Shikinen Grand Festival?] This is the largest festival at Togakushi Shrine, held once every seven years. In the past, the portable shrine would be carried to the Okusha, but now the deity of Hōkōsha visits the deity of Nakasha, their father, allowing for a reunion between father and son. [Main Event Schedule] *2023 April 25 (Sunday) "Shikkō Hōkoku-sai" May 9 (Sunday) "Togyo no Gi" May 15 (Saturday) "Okusha Hōkoku-sai" May 23 (Sunday) "Kango no Gi" May 25 (Tuesday) "Shūryō Hōkoku-sai" "Taidai Kagura" Performed daily at the Nakasha Shrine (excluding May 9 and May 23) "Riyama Butsuri Return Viewing" At Hōkōsha daily during the event period (excluding May 9 and May 23) #Togakushi Shrine Shikinen Grand Festival #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

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.

Matsuo Taisha 3 Arashiyama Miyamachi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Matsuo-taisha Station [West Exit] is a 3-minute walk Matsuo Taisha has a parking lot for visitors located on the south side of the premises, which can accommodate around 100 regular cars, and visitors can park for free for a limited time (approximately 1 hour), after which parking becomes paid. Matsuo Taisha is a shrine established in the first year of the Taiho era (701) and is famous as the god of sake brewing. Upon entering the premises, visitors are drawn to the mountain-like stacks of sake barrels, which have been donated by sake producers from various regions. There is a legend that sake brewed with the spring water known as Kame no I will not spoil.

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.

Taken on May 2, 2024. These are the pink lily of the valley at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. They are known as Peach Flower Bellflowers.

Taken on May 2, 2024. This is the lily of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. The language of flowers is "happiness arrives."

Taken on May 2, 2014 (Heisei 26). This is a Suzuran Fūrin, a type of traditional Japanese wind chime.

Photographed on May 2, 2026. This is a lily of the valley wind chime from Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is a very cute wind chime.🎐

Taken on May 2, 2026. This is the "Blessing Water Flower Handwashing" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It looks beautiful from any angle. Available for a limited time until May 6.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Water Offering of Happiness" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It was available for a limited time, until May 6.

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.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplets of Happiness Flower Water" at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until May 6.

Taken on May 2, 26. This is the "Droplet of Happiness" flower water at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. It is available for a limited time until today.

【GW was full of events! 🎏】 Gokasecho's Golden Week was packed with events every day! All the events were created by the local community. 👏 Here are some highlights from the events enjoyed by both adults and children during Golden Week. 💡 【May 3 (Sun)】 ● Shiroyama Opening Ceremony The Shiroyama Opening Ceremony was held to pray for the safety of hikers. Unfortunately, due to rain, it took place at the Kotono Shrine assembly hall, but there were rice balls, grilled meat, drinks, and a lottery! 【May 4 (Mon)】 ● Kurara Festival The festival featured a flea market, various goods, workshops, fortune-telling, relaxation, and many delicious food stalls! This year, a stamp rally was also held! The popular lottery from last year had many prizes! It was bustling with people! 【May 5 (Tue)】 ● Utakeyama Azalea Festival The Utakeyama Azalea Festival was held to pray for the safety of hikers. In the morning, a "koinobori sports day" was held, enjoyable for everyone from children to the elderly. In the afternoon, there were quizzes, stage programs, and a variety of activities!

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