Taken on September 1, 26. I visited Yokohama Masobyo located in Yokohama Chinatown.

Photographed on August 16, 2026. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Half a year in the sea of Izu. A special day to retrieve wine aged on the seabed. Shobuzawa in Higashi-Izu, a short trip from Tokyo. The summer blue sky and calm sea. This day's diving had a slightly different purpose than usual. We are going to retrieve the wine sleeping on the seabed. 🚢 Six months ago, to the seabed of Izu. This January. We placed wine and sake in special cases and sank them to the seabed of Shobuzawa. The location is a sea popular among divers for its sunken ship. About six months later. In July, the day of retrieval finally arrived. How has the bottle spent half a year underwater changed? 🍾 To the sunken ship. Searching for wine sleeping on the seabed. The sea on this day is calm. We head out to sea by boat and start diving. The first goal is to retrieve the liquor that has been on the seabed for half a year. We check the case underwater and proceed with caution. Then, the case slowly rises to the surface. The case that emerged from the sea was covered with shells and marine life. What was once a new case has transformed into something that looks like a "part of the sea" over six months. Once safely retrieved onto the boat, it’s a reunion after half a year. 🌊 The next 21 bottles go back into the sea. Retrieving is not the end. On the second dive, we will transport the liquor to be aged next to the seabed. This time, we sank a total of 21 bottles, including wine and sake. From land to boat. And from the boat to the sea. We carefully transport the case containing the bottles to the seabed and set it up. The next time we meet will be in about six months. We plan to retrieve it around January 2027. 🍷 Wine, sake, and the sea of Izu. When thinking of a trip to Japan, many might picture the streets of Tokyo, temples in Kyoto, hot springs, and Japanese food. However, Japan is a country surrounded by the sea on all sides. If you look a little towards the sea, there is a completely different sense of time in Japan than that of city tourism. Diving in the sea of Izu to retrieve wine sleeping on the seabed. And sinking the next wine for six months later in that sea. Such a day is a unique experience in the sea of Japan. What kind of taste will the liquor retrieved from the seabed have? I will share more about it next time. 🇯🇵 A special day by the sea in Japan. 🌈 Hokule'a Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to enjoy the sea of Japan, focusing on Shonan and Izu, for day trips from Tokyo. The theme is, "Let’s embark on a journey to an unseen world!" Through diving, we hope you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's sea, its rich nature, and the time spent by the seaside. The tours are limited to small groups. Beginners and those who haven't dived in a while are also welcome to join. We also offer guidance in English. How about adding a day by the sea to your memories of your trip to Japan? We will suggest the best seas for that time based on your diving experience and travel schedule. Please feel free to contact us.

Photographed on July 26, 2014. This is the flower water basin at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I enjoyed the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri.

Matcha has exploded in popularity worldwide, and Kyoto needs no introduction. But whether you have newly come to like Matcha or are an old fan from before the boom, Uji is the place to go, and well worth braving the Kyoto crowds. Uji has been a center of green tea production for centuries, and my dusty 1935 book on the history of tea affords it pride of place, describing it in detail, indicating it was known to America as a famous matcha center even in the first half of the 20th century. 2026 isn't 1935, and there's considerably more ice cream than there used to be, to say nothing of foreign visitors. But there is a core of authentic continuity there that continues to serve locally made tea, and its hard to beat the flavor. As a plus, the area is quite beautiful, with notable historical sites like the Byodoin temple, and a peaceful atmosphere. I always feel happier after having visited, so it has become a repeat destination for me.

This is a floral water offering inspired by the Kawagoe Hyakuman-tō Natsu Matsuri at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. 🏮

Visiting Ichinomiya-ji in Kagawa Prefecture during the summer, aside from the usual pilgrimage, what I look forward to the most is the traditional summer event, the "Cucumber Blessing." As I step into the quaint temple, the first thing that catches my eye is the neatly arranged boxes of vibrant green cucumbers. Each cucumber is tied with a wish paper bearing the names and ailments of the devotees, creating a scene that is both novel and filled with a sense of sacred ritual. People firmly believe that through the master's spiritual power, they can temporarily entrust their internal pains and misfortunes to the cucumbers. Standing in front of the master's hall, I watch the devotees earnestly writing their wishes, with the rising incense and the deep, resonant chanting filling the air, even the summer cicadas seem to quiet down in this moment. The serene energy makes one naturally calm, and I silently pray for health and peace for myself and my family with my hands together. After the ceremony, these cucumbers, which carry the ailments of many, will remain at the temple, where they will be collectively buried in the Cucumber Mound. As the cucumbers naturally decay in the soil, the tormenting pains and misfortunes will also fade away into the earth. This seemingly simple tradition is wrapped in the most sincere and profound hopes of people for their health. For me, the Cucumber Blessing at Ichinomiya-ji is not just a special travel experience; it is a summer memory intertwined with the warm humanity and ancient beliefs of Shikoku.

Photographed on June 29, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🐥

The autumn leaves at Konzoin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, are stunning. When the maple trees along the approach turn bright red, it's truly magnificent. However, perhaps due to global warming, everything doesn't turn completely red anymore. Still, the maple tree next to the bell tower turns bright red, and I love seeing it basking in the morning sun.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on June 15, 26. This is the flower water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🐥

Taken on June 15, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🐥

Taken on June 15, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. The chick is adorable.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on June 10, 26. This is the floral water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🌸🐥

Taken on June 10, 2014. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. There are golden and silver chicks.

Taken on May 25, 2014. This is the flower water and wind chimes at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Taken on May 25, 26. This is the flower water at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. The chick is adorable, isn't it? 🥰 The flower language of blue roses symbolizes dreams coming true, miracles, and God's blessings.

Located at the foot of the mountains in Azumino, Kuriosan Mangan-ji This is a famous spot for azaleas Although only a few azaleas are blooming, the temple grounds have a serene atmosphere.

Taken on May 8, 26. This is the Flower Festival at Saiunji Temple. The Flower Festival is held on April 8, but it seems that in Kawagoe, it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. We pour sweet tea to celebrate the birthday of Buddha.

Taken on April 12, 26. This is the Yae Cherry Blossom at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. If you look closely, there is a Yae Cherry Blossom in the lower left with 🩷.

Taken on April 18, 26. This is the Sasara Lion Dance of Ishihara.

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.

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.

Tsubosaka-dera Temple's Sakura Daibutsu April 4, 2026 It was rainy, so there were reflections. This time, parking at Tsubosaka-dera was completely reservation-based, eliminating traffic, and we were able to smoothly reach the parking lot at the reserved time.

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 April 3, 2014. These are the weeping cherry trees at Saiunji Temple.

Photographed on March 24, 2014. The cherry trees at Rinsinji Temple had begun to bloom.

Photographed on March 21, 2014. A wooden Buddhist statue exhibition was on display in the main hall of Chu-in. From the left: the Eleven-Faced Kannon, an Eleven-Faced Kannon bodhisattva statue, and the Chuguji bodhisattva.