Photography Diary, July–December 2026: Walking Through the Kanto Region in Search of the Seasons - A Journey Through the Kanto Landscape: Let’s Go Capture Breathtaking Scenery

Photo Diary: August 14 & 16, 2026 | A Misguided Middle-Aged Man’s Photo Trip to the Far North of Kanto: “Two Days That Work for Me” [Sunflowers & Wind Chimes Edition]

I'm writing this diary entry on Wednesday, August 19. It's just past 7:00 a.m.

Yes.

Work is in full swing.

And I'm writing my "Skinny Diary."

Huh?

I'm not slacking off—not at all.

A system that alternates between work and personal time.

I'm currently on "Infinite Flex."

Summer vacation is completely over.

I'm currently working hard to make up for the time I took off a little longer than usual.

Get to work, me.

This summer vacation was pretty much at the mercy of the weather, but looking back, I actually had quite a bit of fun despite everything.

No.

I really had a blast.

Just before summer break, I remembered that I’d had a rare conversation with a coworker about “books.”

I'm not very good at reading printed text.

No.

I'm really not good at it.

Even if I count all the way back to my childhood, I don't think the number of books I've actually read would exceed the number of fingers on both my hands.

Wow.

So, when it comes to books, I stick exclusively to Audible.

He reads books to me.

So you listen to it on your smartphone, huh?

Civilization—the best.

I really enjoyed Sonoko Machida’s *Scooping Up the Stars*, which I listened to a little while ago, so I recommended it to a colleague.

It turns out they really did buy it after all.

And it's a paperback.

Apparently, he actually reads printed text.

He's an adult.

Pop.

I also really loved Sonoko Machida’s *The 52-Hertz Whales*.

"Sora Gohan," which I listened to recently, is great, too!

The themes it deals with—such as parent-child relationships, abuse, and neglect—are pretty heavy, but for some reason, I just can’t help but get completely drawn in.

It's heavy.

But it's not just hard.

I guess that's about right.

Books are great, aren't they?

……or something like that.

You started using Audible about two years ago, right?

You’ve only read a few books in your life so far, right?

Yes!

That's right!

So, to all of you who aren’t big on reading—from me!

I highly recommend Audible!

……or something like that.

Oh.

This was on Note.

There seem to be a ton of people who love printed text.

By the way, I’m not very good at reading printed text, but I love writing all sorts of things on my computer.

Since I write as if I'm speaking, this isn't a chore at all.

Yesterday, that colleague recommended Makoto Usami’s *The Sheep Graze Peacefully* to me.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find it on Audible, but since someone took the time to recommend it to me, I decided to buy the print version—which is rare for me!

Am I okay?

Will I actually be able to read it all the way through?

It's interesting how diverse Makoto Usami's artistic style is, isn't it?

Starting with ghost stories, then moving on to horror, mystery, social commentary, and human drama.

It smells like something I'd really like.

I'll try to find some time to read it.

Oh.

I'm going to change the subject suddenly.

Everyone, do you have an iPhone?

Or maybe Android?

Everyone in my family except me uses an iPhone.

I'm the lone Android guy who's the only one still using a Galaxy.

What's more, I'm currently using three Galaxy models from different generations.

The Galaxy S8 is a Spotify box.

The Galaxy S21 is for taking photos.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is still in use.

I always carry three of them with me.

……。

That's suspicious.

Even I have to admit, this is pretty suspicious.

Speaking of Android, I heard something interesting from a coworker.

There are rumors that Android backups may—or may not—count toward Google storage limits.

Wow!

I have so many photos!

……I'll look it up later.

If you let things like this slide, one day, all of a sudden,

"No space available."

That's what people say, you know.

The digital age. I’m not really sure if it’s convenient or inconvenient.

All right, here we go!

Finally, here's my filming diary!

We're now in the second half of summer vacation.

Since I had plans to meet a friend on the 15th, this post covers just the two days—the 14th and the 16th.

As always, the weather forecast is,

Sunny.

Rain.

Cloudy.

Thunder.

You name it.

I don't know what to believe anymore.

First up is the 14th.

The day before, on the 13th, we traveled to Nagano.

I got home late, and the weather looks bad, too.

I'm going to take it easy at home today.

Having made that decision, I spent the morning organizing the photos from the previous day and working on my computer.

My wife is running her favorite vacuum cleaner, making that "boon-boon" sound.

I'm not really a fan of the sound of vacuum cleaners.

Ururu.

But I have to be grateful.

Thank you for cleaning it up.

As I sat at my computer thinking about that, a ray of sunlight suddenly shone onto my desk.

Light and shadow streaming through the gap in the curtains.

Beautiful...

Shadows are so nice...

……Huh?

It's sunny, isn't it?!

Check the weather forecast.

It's raining right now.

On top of that, it was raining pretty hard.

Be careful of lightning, too.

I look out the window.

Clear skies.

There it is.

There it is, there it is, there it is.

Here it is again!

Well, I guess it can't be helped—apparently, forecasting the weather is incredibly difficult.

Come to think of it, I happened to see a special on Mr. Amata on TV.

I'm sorry.

I really don't watch TV, so this was pretty much the first time I really got to know Mr. Amada.

After graduating from a vocational school specializing in design, I worked at a family restaurant for about nine years.

He reportedly became interested in how foot traffic changes depending on the weather, which led him to aim to become a meteorologist.

And then, in 2002.

I passed the Certified Weather Forecaster exam on my seventh attempt.

The 7th time!

That's amazing.

I'm 49 years old now, too.

Ever since I started taking photos, I’ve been constantly checking the weather forecast in search of sunny spells, so I’m quite interested in the weather.

"Maybe I could be a weather forecaster, too...?"

……No.

No way.

I'm seriously dumb, you know.

Mr. Amata.

And to all the weather forecasters across the country.

I'm sorry for always saying things like, "The forecast was way off!"

Wow, that's really hard, isn't it?

But you know what?

There's no reason to be sitting at home on the computer on a day like this when it's so nice outside!

That's right.

I really wanted to go to Hanyu Suikyo Park, which I couldn't make it to last week!

It takes less than an hour from my place.

If only the sky were like this right now…

It'll last about an hour, right!?

I'll ask my wife.

"Want to go?"

"Where to?"

"I'm going out for a bit while I do some shopping."

That's a handy phrase.

"Just popping out for a bit."

I don't know if this is the right thing to say for someone who's about to head to a sunflower field carrying a stepladder.

It seemed my wife also wanted to get out of the house for a change of pace, so she agreed to come with me.

All right!

Let's go!

The weather's great!

Please stay just like that until I get there!

Hanyu Suigo ParkArrival at

The aquarium is a huge hit with kids.

Young.

I'm doing well.

It's bright.

Ignoring the kids, the middle-aged man heads toward the sunflower field, carrying a stepladder.

What is this contrast, I wonder?

By the way, everyone.

If you're heading to a sunflower field, a stepladder will come in handy!

Since sunflowers grow so tall, even a little extra height makes a huge difference when you want to photograph the entire field.

And so, we've arrived!

Whoa!

In Full Bloom!

Plus, it's super empty!

Almost no one around!

So open!

That's awesome!

And there was a young man standing in the middle of that sunflower field.

That white T-shirt is unusually bright.

It's great to be young.

"I'm still a high school student at heart, too."

Yeah.

You're totally rocking it!

So, whether with a camera or a smartphone, I took lots of pictures.

I'm so glad I came!

The sky still looks fine.

So, I'll keep going a little longer.

Next up is,Ontone, the home of children's songsThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Here, you can see water hyacinths, which are rare in this area.

Purple flowers blooming all over the water's surface.

When the sunlight hits it, it looks so beautiful.

But it's hard to take pictures!

Since they're blooming on the water's surface, I can't help but take photos from above.

Lower!

I want to take a photo from a very low angle.

If anything, I'd like to just lie down.

Maybe I should bring a picnic blanket next time.

It's not really a picnic—it's for a photo shoot.

I come here every year, too.

Since so many people on Instagram take photos with the sunset in the background, I’d like to try taking some in the evening someday.

……I tend to get sleepy in the evening, though.

I can still do this!

Looks like we can still fly!

And that’s where

Me, the Greedy Monster.

While keeping my wife on her toes, next up is...Kuizu Shrine, the Principal Shrine of Iwatsuki in Musashi ProvinceTo.

This is a place where the red and blue wind chimes are absolutely beautiful.

All right!

Let's take a picture!

Click.

That's great!

...or so I thought.

After getting home.

View photos on your PC.

Huh?

Hmm?

This is totally blurry!!!

I did it.

Even though I moved from the bright open air to a dimly lit shrine, I didn't check the settings carefully enough.

Before I knew it, the shutter speed was around 1/50 of a second.

It's a wind chime.

It sways.

I feel the sway, too.

Everything shakes.

I'll post a few photos here that might just be usable.

When moving from bright sunlight to a dimly lit area, be sure to check your ISO and shutter speed.

Yes.

Reflection.

Time to reflect again.

Even though it’s been two years since I started photography, I’m still a pro at second-guessing myself.

At this point, the sky was starting to look a bit iffy, so we decided to head out.

And so, Day 1 came to an end.

Since my daughter was with us that day, we had a vegetable-focused teppanyaki dinner.

That's great!

And, unusually, two 500-ml bottles of Kirin Hon-Shibori.

6% alcohol.

Well, I guess it'll be fine.

I'm totally fine.

...or so I thought.

Come to think of it, on that day I was walking around in the blazing sun for a few hours, and the day before that I’d been on a trip to Nagano.

It seems my body was more exhausted than I had realized.

It happened suddenly, in the middle of the night.

I wake up with a tightness in my chest.

It's hot.

But it's cold.

Soaked in sweat.

That's gross.

What is this?

Oh no.

I'll change clothes, drink some water, and let my body settle down.

The symptoms seemed like heatstroke.

Wow.

This is scary.

I was supposed to meet a friend the next day, the 15th, but it was a good thing we’d agreed to meet a little later than usual.

Then I went back to sleep.

I still felt a little sluggish even after waking up, so I rested while drinking Pocari Sweat.

Somehow, I'm back!

Later, when I asked a coworker about it, they said it’s a good idea to keep oral rehydration solution on hand.

I've heard that the powdered version is easy to store for long periods.

I see!

So, I bought it right away.

They're quick to act only in situations like this.

Everyone, please be very careful to avoid heatstroke.

I'll be careful, too.

Yes!

And on the 15th, I reunited with my clubmates from middle school.

We usually meet about once a month.

It’s true—it’s just so much fun to talk with friends you’ve known for a long time, isn’t it?

We talked a lot, and I got home around 8:00 p.m.

And so, the second day of filming arrived.

August 16.

It's the last day of summer vacation.

It's quite moving.

……。

Whaaaat?!

Is it over already!?

I wish summer vacation would last forever!

I can't believe these words came from a 49-year-old, but he really means it.

My wife seemed pretty tired that day, so I went out on my own from the morning.

All right!

Vroom, vroom!

I'm gonna do a drift on my green motorcycle!

……。

I don't even have a motorcycle license.

Yes!

So, our destination for the day was the Mashiko Sunflower Field.

This is another place I couldn't visit last week because it wasn't yet at its peak.

Let's get started first thing in the morning!

Yay!

With Google Maps, I arrived in no time.

Huh?

The sunflowers aren't blooming.

Actually, this place...

Isn't this the same place you came to before?

I look at my phone.

……。

This is Moka, isn't it!!

What would I have to do to make that happen?

Apparently, the heatstroke I suffered the day before had left me completely drained—even affecting part of my brain.

But it's okay.

It's pretty close.

About 20 minutes.

Life is all about changing your mindset.

If you made a mistake, it can't be helped.

Great, great!

And this time, for sure,

Mashiko Sunflower FieldWe've arrived!

Whoa!

Wow!

The sunflower field is so beautiful!

On my smartphone.

With a camera.

From the front.

From behind.

Come on over.

Pull back.

Take a picture.

I took too many photos.

But she's so pretty, so I guess I can't help it.

Next, we headed toEast Takahashi Kochia GardenThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

For some reason, I end up coming to this area every year, so it's a place I can't help but stop by.

And every time,

Green.

Whenever I visit, it's always green.

Speaking of kochia, I’d really like to take a picture of it when it’s turned bright red.

This year, I'm going to visit during the red season.

……If I remember correctly.

Well then.

What do we do from here?

I promised I'd be home by noon.

Watch the clock.

View the map.

In my head, my inner devil whispers to me.

"I think we can still make it, don't you?"

……。

That's right.

From here, I went on to Nikko.

Destination isNikko Futarasan ShrineThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

A little while ago, I saw the “Futarasan Shrine Wind Chimes” at Karasawa Shrine, and they were so beautiful that I’d actually been secretly eyeing them.

It's about an hour from here.

Let's go to Nikko.

Take a picture of the wind chime.

I'll be back by noon.

……。

Can we do it?

It's a race against time.

I drove nonstop to Nikko.

We're here!

Normally, I’d like to take my time exploring places like Tōshō-gū, but today is different.

This is a top-secret mission.

The goal is a wind chime.

Take a picture.

I'm going home.

That's all.

What on earth did this person come all the way to Nikko for?

Bad value for the money!

It's fine.

Life isn't all about value for money.

It's all about self-satisfaction.

Quickly snapped some photos of the wind chimes.

Yes!

Mission Complete!

Captain of the Greedy Mission Pack-It-All Squad.

There are no team members.

It's just me.

Wow.

It was such a thrilling summer vacation!

Let's go to Nagano.

Traveling all over Northern Kanto.

I also met up with a friend.

Last but not least, Nikko.

And once, I confused Moka with Mashiko.

Even I have to admit, I really pulled off a good performance.

For dinner that night, we had soba noodles we’d bought in Nagano.

It's delicious.

And then reality flashes through my mind.

So, back to work tomorrow, huh?

Ugh.

I wonder if I'll win the lottery.

I wish I could play some more.

……。

Well.

You sure had a lot of fun!

No.

It's not just "quite"—it's way more than that.

You're playing too much.

Walking around in the blazing sun.

In the middle of the night, I started feeling like I was getting heatstroke.

I confused Moka with Mashiko.

Even so, a 49-year-old made the trip to Nikko.

It seems I had seriously misjudged my physical stamina.

Oh.

My style is to have a lot of fun on my days off and then recover while working on weekdays.

Mondays are when I'm the most tired.

I finally recovered on Friday.

And then on the weekend, I'll go out and have a blast again.

……What do you think?

Whatever, Ejan.

I'm alive, after all.

Oh!

Just to be clear, I am actually working, you know.

Yes, yes, yes!

At the notorious "black company."

A Misguided Middle-Aged Guy's Wild Photo Trip Through Northern Kanto.

That's all for now.

That was so much fun!

Well then.

I've got to get to work!

Let's give it our best shot.

Don't overdo it.

Hanyu Suigo Park | Sunflower Fields Stretching into the Distance Under a Blue Sky

This photo was taken at Hanyu Suikyo Park and captures both the sunflower field stretching into the distance and the blue sky and clouds above it.

Hanyu Suigo Park | Two Sunflowers Standing Side by Side Against the Blue Sky

This photo was taken at Hanyu Suikō Park, featuring two sunflowers blooming side by side against a blue sky.

Otone, the Birthplace of Children’s Songs | A Scenic View of Water Hyacinths Glistening in the Light

This photo captures a scene of water hyacinths glistening in the sunlight at "Furusato Ootone," the birthplace of the children's song.

Otone, the Birthplace of Children's Songs | Soft and Gentle Water Hyacinths

This photo was taken at "Furusato Otone," the birthplace of the children's song, capturing a close-up of a water hyacinth flower while giving the entire scene a soft, dreamy atmosphere.

Kuiizu Shrine, the Principal Shrine of Iwatsuki in Musashi Province | Blue Wind Chimes Against a Sparkling Background

This photo was taken at Kiuizu Shrine, the principal guardian shrine of Iwatsuki in Musashi Province, with a blue wind chime as the main subject and a sparkling blue bokeh effect in the background.

Kuiizu Shrine, the Principal Shrine of Iwatsuki in Musashi Province | Close-up of the Red Glass Wind Chime

This photo was taken at Kiuizu Shrine, the principal guardian shrine of Iwatsuki in Musashi Province; I focused on the glass part of the red wind chime and took a close-up shot.

Mashiko Sunflower Fields | A View of the Sunflower Fields from a Hilltop

This photo was taken from a high vantage point at the Mashiko Sunflower Field, capturing a wide view of the entire field of sunflowers stretching out before me.

Mashiko Sunflower Fields | The Pink Door and the Sunflower Fields

This photo was taken at the Mashiko sunflower field from a short distance away, capturing the pink door and the sunflowers spreading out around it.

Higashi-Takahashi | Green kochia glowing in the sunlight

This photo was taken at Higashi-Takahashi, where I captured the vibrant green kochia with the light coming from behind, while paying attention to the sense of depth.

Higashi-Takahashi | Green kochia glistening in the backlight

This photo was taken at Higashi-Takahashi, where I captured the green kochia against the light, paying close attention to the sense of depth.

Futarasan Shrine | Shimmering Greenery and Cool Wind Chimes

This photo was taken at Futarasan Shrine, capturing a wind chime facing toward the camera with a sparkling green bokeh in the background.

Futarasan Shrine | A Rabbit Statue Standing Out Against a Dark Background

This photo was taken at Futarasan Shrine, with the rabbit statue as the main subject and the background intentionally darkened.

Photo Diary: August 13, 2026 | The "Kanto Rain-Limit Guy" and "The Fugitive 2": Nagano-Ejan Trip [Wind Chimes, Sunflowers, and Azumino Edition]

I'm writing this diary entry on Tuesday, August 18.

Suddenly, I find myself thinking about last week's summer vacation.

I wonder what that was all about. That weather.

If you live in the Kanto region, I'm sure you'll agree—the weather was really bad, wasn't it?

That said, it doesn't rain all day long. One minute it's sunny, the next it's cloudy. Then, all of a sudden, it pours.

Just when I thought it was sunny, it clouded over. Just when I thought it was cloudy, it started raining. Just when I thought it had rained, it cleared up.

What's going on?

The weather is completely unpredictable.

What's more, the forecasts vary wildly depending on which weather website you check.

"Will it be sunny? Will it rain? Which is it?"

With a sideways glance at me, my daughter said one thing.

"It depends on the amount of cloud cover in the entire sky. If cloud cover is 10 percent or less, it's clear; if it's between 20 and 80 percent, it's partly cloudy; and if it's 90 percent or more, it's cloudy."

……。

Strangely calm.

And a somewhat detached look.

Wow! Really?! You're so smart, little girl!

No, I know that. Probably.

But you know.

For me, it’s not about cloud cover or any of that theoretical stuff, you know.

Whether or not it's sunny determines how I feel that day.

Just one sunny icon, and...

"Life is wonderful!"

Just one rain icon, and...

"I'm done for... I'm screwed."

Even I have to admit, I'm way too moody about the weather.

Well, this summer vacation is a bit longer than usual, which is rare.

The so-called "black company" everyone's been talking about.

Believe it or not, a miracle actually happened at our company this year, and

We'll be closed on August 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16!

Right on schedule!

Yay! That's rare!

……or something like that.

What kind of timeline is this?

However, the weather on the 11th was unfortunately bad.

I had no choice but to go to work and do some computer work.

Yes.

Just jotting down a diary entry.

I go to the office on my day off to write in my diary.

It's impossible to tell whether it's white or black anymore.

So, I really want to go out on the 13th, no matter what!

However, the weather in the Kanto region is in full-on rainy mode.

"Will it be sunny in Nagano?"

"How about Niigata?"

After agonizing over it for a long time, on August 13—

It's decided—Nagano!

I don't care anymore!

If I just go, everything will work out!

By the way, everyone.

Do you know what August 13 is?

Okay, okay!

It's my day!

Hey!

Believe it or not, it's "Left-Handers' Day."

Yay!

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

In Japan, it seems that left-handed people make up about 10 percent of the population.

So, roughly 12 million people?

Are there really that many?

I hear there are around 800 million of them worldwide.

Left-handers: A Much Larger Group Than You Might Think.

Of course, I’ve been left-handed since birth, too.

I seem to remember that when I was a kid, my calligraphy teacher tried to correct my right-handed writing, but I never managed to fix it at all.

He's still going strong on the left.

That said, having lived as a left-hander for nearly 49 years,

"Being left-handed is such a hassle!"

Actually, I don't really have that many memories like that.

So, when I asked Chappy about it, it turns out there are actually some benefits to being left-handed.

It can give you an edge in sports, make you more memorable because you're unique, or help you learn to use your right hand more easily.

On the other hand, many everyday items—such as scissors, can openers, ticket gates, and ladles—are basically designed for right-handed people.

Apparently, their hands tend to get dirty when they write, their elbows bump into the person next to them while eating, and they sometimes have trouble understanding instructions because the left and right sides are reversed.

……。

I see.

Since I don't play sports, I—

So there are only downsides?!

That said, I'm not really having that much trouble in reality.

Oh!

I found it!

Bamiyan's Soup Bar.

You know, that ladle that's pointed on only one side.

When you hold it in your left hand,

"That's not the way."

That's how it goes.

The biggest enemy of my 49 years as a left-hander: the ladle at Bamiyan.

To make enemies of about 10 percent of the world's population is quite a bold move.

By the way,

"Many left-handers are geniuses."

There's that theory, isn't there?

Apparently, there isn't much scientific evidence to support that either.

No way!

I really believed in you.

Give me back my only hope.

Well then, let’s get started on this photo trip on August 13—Left-Handers’ Day!

Right up until the night before, I was still debating: Nagano or Niigata? Niigata or Nagano?

After much deliberation, here's our general destination for the day.

interpoint (interword separation)Shinshu Iijima-style Road "Rinrin" Festival
・Alps Azumino National Park
・Daio Wasabi Farm

That's all!

To be honest, since I was torn between Niigata and this place right up until the last minute, I don't really have a detailed schedule.

Oh well.

Traveling on a whim is part of the adventure, isn't it?

That is to say,Magic Words That Turn Lack of Preparation into Travel ExcitementWith that, we set off.

I wake up at 3:30.

I left home around 4:00.

My wife is coming along again this time.

It seems he wants to go on trips to places like Nagano and Niigata.

As usual, I took the Outer Ring Road to the Chuo Expressway.

The highway is pleasant in the early morning.

That feels so good.

The background music in the car is "bouquet" by Ichiko Aoba.

That's great.

Ichiko Aoba—her music is always a pleasure to listen to.

I haven't been to any singer's live shows in quite a while, but I'd love to hear them perform live at least once.

September 22, 2026, at the Karuizawa Ohga Hall.

I'd love to go.

That's the kind of comfortable drive you can enjoy while immersing yourself in the music.

Just as I was thinking that...

Sudden traffic jam!

"That was close!"

Complete stop.

Huh?

An accident?

Construction?

What?

There's no specific information.

As we drove along slowly, there was a black box car right in the middle of the road.

Stop.

And neither the car nor the driver moved a muscle.

What's wrong?

Out of gas?

Is it broken?

Are you sleepy?

Did he really achieve enlightenment right in the middle of the highway?

I'm not really sure why, but the moment I passed that spot, the traffic jam cleared up.

What was that all about?

Although there was a slight delay, we arrived safely at our first destination,Shinshu Iijima-style Road "Rinrin" FestivalArrived at the venue.

Although the festival itself took place on August 11, I’ve heard that the wind chime display will remain up for a few more days.

For someone like me who’s here to take photos, I’m actually grateful for that.

By the way, it seems that about 30,000 people attended the festival that day.

30,000 people.

Amazing.

However, that morning—

Silence.

Where did those 30,000 people go?

A quiet path lined with wind chimes, with not even a trace of the festival’s afterglow.

But for me, as the photographer, it's the best.

There are so many wind chimes packed together.

It sparkles in the morning light.

When the wind blows, it rings.

It's so beautiful.

There aren't many people.

Unlimited photos.

Thank you.

The next stop was,Alps Azumino National ParkThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Since the park opens around 9:30 a.m., our arrival time seems just right.

And coming here has made me,

I've pretty much conquered all the national parks in the Kanto, Koshinetsu region!

Yay!

Nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park.

Poppies at the Musashi Hills National Forest Park.

Tulips at Showa Memorial Park.

Hydrangeas at the National Echigo Hills Park.

And this time, sunflowers at the National Alps Azumino Park.

That leaves the Tokyo Waterfront Wide-Area Disaster Prevention Park, a state-run facility.

……。

The finale wasn't flowers or a breathtaking view, but rather,

Disaster Prevention.

No, no—disaster preparedness is really important. Of course it is.

Even though there isn't actually a national park stamp rally, I'm trying to complete the set all on my own.

Who would have guessed that the final boss would be a disaster prevention facility?

Let's go there sometime.

Well, the sunflowers are currently at their peak at the Alps Azumi National Park.

It's absolutely gorgeous!

I'm so glad I came!

There are also double-flowered sunflowers.

There are dragonflies, too.

The mountains are beautiful, too.

Best for.

Along the way, there was what appeared to be a TV news crew.

Of course, I immediately put some distance between us.

I don't want to be in the picture.

I don't want anyone to talk to me.

Trying not to draw attention, trying not to draw attention, I snapped photos on the sly.

Even though I take tons of photos myself,

I don't like having my picture taken.

I mean, I'm not confident in my subject.

Ururu.

That's just the kind of person I am.

We wrapped up the day after thoroughly enjoying photographing the sunflowers.

What's next?

It's time to eat.

Okay, okay!

This is “Minna no Tenho,” a ramen shop that’s been on my mind ever since my last visit to Nagano.

It's a well-known local chain in Nagano, isn't it?

I ordered the fried meat tantanmen, which seems to be the most popular item on the menu.

This mild, smooth tantanmen is topped with “niku-age”—pork marinated in sauce, coated in potato starch, and deep-fried.

Let's eat.

……。

Yum.

What's this?

It's so delicious.

And then, gyoza.

These have a distinct star anise flavor, so they're a little different from regular gyoza.

Unique.

But it's kind of addictive.

If I ever come to Nagano again, I'd like to eat that again.

Local chains like this are great, aren't they?

When you go all the way to a travel destination and walk into a national chain,

The "You Can Eat There in Saitama, Too" Issue

...will occur.

Well then, now that we've finished eating, let's head to our next stop.

Apparently, there's a place we want to stop by briefly before heading to the Daio Wasabi Farm.

Dear Wife,

"The water in Azumino is really clean, isn't it? I'd like to fill up a jug of water."

Oh.

My water bottle is about to run out.

Good call.

We headed to,Azumino VillageThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

We'll get some famous spring water here.

Moreover,

For Free.

In other words, it's free.

Thanks.

I'll give it a try.

Oh.

Soft.

This is soft water.

"I don't know, though."

Upon looking into it, I found that it is soft water—low in minerals—formed from snowmelt in the Northern Alps that has seeped into the ground.

I see.

That’s when it suddenly came to mind.

Back when my first son was still a baby.

While we were out, my wife said,

"Go buy some water."

That's what I was told.

I went and bought it.

Crystal Geyser.

Dear Wife,

"Damn it! This is hard water! No way!"

"Huh?"

Water.

Transparent.

Same.

What's the difference?

I don't think I even fully understood back then that water could be hard or soft.

Even if it’s called “hard water,” when you hold a plastic bottle,

No, it's just normally soft, isn't it?

It's possible that was about the extent of their knowledge.

But hey...

It's totally different when it's your second child, isn't it?

Yes.

It's going to be pretty rough.

I wonder if that's why the younger one is so tough.

My daughter is incredibly independent.

On the other hand, even though my son is over twenty,

It's still a little bubbly.

First child.

Did I spoil him too much?

Well, I guess that's just part of their personality.

Well then,

After refilling our water bottles in Azumino, we made one more stop along the way.

Nagamineyama Observation Deckis.

This is a spot where you can take in a panoramic view of the streets of Azumino and the surrounding mountains.

However, partway along, the road gets narrower and narrower.

"Is this really right?"

Hey Google, are you okay?

I made my way along the mountain path, feeling anxious.

At times like this, the navigation system looks as if it won’t take any responsibility whatsoever, and

"Just follow the road."

That's what they say, right?

No, I'm just scared of that road.

If you use Google, you've probably been directed down a scary road at least once, right?

My car is still on the smaller side, so it’s manageable, but if it were a bigger car, it would probably be pretty tough.

Cliffs are pretty common, after all.

If an oncoming car approaches,

What should we do?!

And so, with my heart in my throat, I press on.

But this time, the road wasn't quite that treacherous.

When I got there, to my surprise, it was packed with people.

There's also a campground nearby, and it's quite busy.

I see.

I hear the night sky is beautiful at night.

It's true—there are almost no streetlights.

I bet I can take some great photos of the stars with this.

After photographing fireworks, next up is photographing the starry sky, I guess.

Looks like I'm about to get hooked on another hobby.

Photography as a hobby—it never ends.

I want a lens.

I want a tripod.

I'd like to take a picture of the stars.

I don't have any money.

It's a perfect circulation system.

Well, I guess not having money is the biggest problem.

Maybe I'll try crowdfunding, too.

Um...

As for the reward...

Um...

Boo-boo!

No way!

First of all, I’m going to become a man who can truly give back.

Yes.

I'll save up little by little.

Well, that wraps things up here—we took some photos of the beautiful cityscape and mountains.

finallyDaio Wasabi FarmWe're off to [destination].

In terms of distance, it's not that far.

No problem, no problem.

Just as I was thinking that...

A massive traffic jam—I never saw that coming.

Whaaaaat?!

Is it really that popular?

I totally underestimated him.

This was the place I used to go first thing in the morning.

It took a little while, but we finally made it.

And then, once inside, the first thing that comes to mind is...

The water is so clear!

I said it three times because it's important.

The water is so clear you can see all the way to the riverbed.

Waterwheel.

Green maple leaves.

The hydrangeas that are still in bloom.

Everywhere you look, it looks refreshing.

There are also activities that involve riding a boat.

Wow.

I want to do it.

I had to skip it this time due to time constraints, but I’d definitely like to try it next time I come.

...That said, even if I come back next time, I'll probably be too busy taking pictures, and

"I don't have time!"

That's exactly what he sounds like he'd say.

The reason I run out of time while traveling is usually my own fault.

Here, we enjoyed taking photos of the beautiful river, waterwheels, hydrangeas, and green maple leaves.

Ah, it was fun.

But there's just one more place.

Recommended by Captain Chappy, to wrap up the tripTōkō-ji TempleTo.

This is a temple located in Azumino City.

Here is a huge pair of red geta.

Known as “Kichijo Nio-sama’s Geta,” it is said that if you step into these geta, your wishes will come true and your legs and lower back will become strong.

I see.

And my wife is standing on her geta, making a wish of some kind.

"You're probably asking for another lottery win, aren't you?"

……。

You've probably hit the nail on the head.

Because, my wife.

Whether at a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple, the top choice for a wish is usually,

Lottery.

Unwavering.

There is consistency in their wishes.

Oh, by the way, that Summer Jumbo lottery ticket I bought the other day.

I missed it!

I was expecting 700 million yen, though...

No.

To be exact, I won about 3,000 yen!

Yay!

Thank you!

I asked for a few hundred million yen, but got 3,000 yen.

God, I've really made some progress.

As far as my wife is concerned,

"Let's start here."

Is that what you mean?

And the message from God to me is,

"You can still work."

So that's how it is.

Yes.

I know.

This time, right up until the day before, I was really torn between going to Nagano or Niigata.

No detailed schedule either.

It was pretty much a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Even so, I took pictures of wind chimes and sunflowers, ate local ramen, drank the famous spring water, looked out over Azumino from the mountain, took pictures of a waterwheel, and even stepped into a giant pair of geta.

All in all, it was a ton of fun.

Travel is great, isn't it?

Just as I was writing that, I got a message from my sister on LINE.

It seems they're on a family trip to Tadami in Fukushima Prefecture.

Since we're a family of train enthusiasts, it's probably the Tadami Line.

That sounds nice.

I'd like to visit Tadami, too.

Come to think of it, my parents must have taken me to all sorts of places when I was a kid, too.

But,

I don't remember it at all.

I can't believe how little I remember.

Where did I go again?

What did I eat again?

Almost zero.

I guess that's just the way it is.

Perhaps, even though parents think they’re creating memories for their children, they’re actually the ones having the most fun.

And I, too, took the kids all over the place.

But I'm sure they don't remember much of it either.

That's fine.

If they ever have kids of their own someday, then it'll be our turn to take them all over the place and have fun.

"Going somewhere as a family is kind of fun."

Maybe it’s enough if even just that feeling remains somewhere.

When I think about it that way, I suppose my parents must have given it to me properly, too.

Thank you.

Well, well, the trip home went smoothly.

It took a while, but I made it home safely.

After escaping the rainy Kanto region, I found myself in—

There were wind chimes, sunflowers, clear water, and mountains.

It was a last-minute, spontaneous trip, but,

Nagano, too, Ejan.

Thank you for a wonderful day.

Ishikawa Rest Area (Southbound) (Chuo Expressway) | The Sky and Mountains Before Dawn

This photo was taken at the Ishikawa Rest Area (southbound) on the Chuo Expressway, capturing the sky and mountains as they began to grow faintly bright while the night still lingered.

Shinshu Iijima-style Kaido Rinrin Festival | Wind Chimes Viewed from Diagonally Below

This photo was taken at the Shinshu Iijima Fūkaidō Rinrin Festival, looking up at the wind chimes from a slightly angled position.

Shinshu Iijima-style Road "Rinrin" Festival | A Path of Wind Chimes Stretching Far into the Distance

This photo was taken at the Shinshu Iijima Wind Chime Festival and shows the long, winding path lined with wind chimes stretching into the distance.

Alps Azumino National Park | Sunflower Fields and Majestic Mountain Ranges

This photo was taken at the Alps Azumino National Park and captures both the vast sunflower field and the mountains visible beyond it.

Alps Azumino National Park | A Dragonfly Perched on a Sunflower

This photo was taken at the Alps Azumino National Park and shows a dragonfly perched on a sunflower.

Alps Azumino National Park | Sunflower Field Bus Stop Sculpture

This photo shows a bus stop sculpture located in front of a sunflower field at the Alps Azumino National Park.

Azumino Village | Water from the "100 Famous Springs" that flows pure and clear

This photo was taken in Azumino-no-Sato and captures the flow of the beautiful water selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Springs.

Nagamineyama Observation Deck | Mountains and Rural Scenery Viewed from the Observation Deck

This photo was taken at the Nagamineyama Observation Deck and captures the scenery of the mountains and rice paddies visible from the deck.

Daio Wasabi Farm | A Scenery Featuring a Clear Stream and a Waterwheel

This photo was taken at the Daio Wasabi Farm and captures both the crystal-clear Tadegawa River and the waterwheel along its banks.

Daio Wasabi Farm | Beautiful Hydrangeas That Last Through the Summer

I took this photo at the Daio Wasabi Farm after spotting some hydrangeas that were still blooming beautifully even at this time of year.

Tōkō-ji Temple (Azumino City) | Giant Geta and the Mountain Gate

This photo was taken at Tōkō-ji Temple (Azumino City); I focused on the large geta in the foreground and captured the temple gate visible in the background.

In Nagano Prefecture | A Beautiful Rainbow Over the Countryside

This photo was taken in Nagano Prefecture and shows a beautiful rainbow arching over a rice paddy.

Photo Diary: August 8, 2026—Two Uncles’ “Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment” | My Husband Is Convinced We’ll Win 700 Million Yen: A Summer Road Trip Through Northern Kanto [Sunflower Fields, Wind Chimes, and Rice Paddy Art Edition]

I’m writing this diary entry on August 11—a national holiday called “Mountain Day.”

My company—which has even been rumored to be a "black company"—is generally open for business on public holidays. However, this time, we're right in the middle of the Obon holiday.

"No way, there's no way there's any work, right?!"
"No way!!!"
"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

So, I applied a little more pressure and managed to get them to take the day off.

I did it!

Gaga-gaga-gaga-gaga-gaga-gaga!

Would you believe it,Typhoon.

To put it in English terms,

"Typhoon~~"

is.

For some reason, it seems to be approaching the Kanto region from an unexpected direction, and the weather has taken a sudden turn for the worse.Entering "Extremely Evil" Modeis.

"No way!"

During this Obon holiday,

"Sunflower Fields in Nagano"
"Sunflower Fields in Niigata"
And,
"I’ll head into Hitachi Seaside Park as soon as it opens and dash through the crowd of children to be the first to snap a photo of the green kochia."

That is to say,A mission that's pretty much pushing it for a 49-year-old manWe had planned to...

"Come on, am I a kid or something?!"

No.

I'll do it.

...or so I thought.

"Aaaaaah, it's over..."

"Give us back our summer vacation!"

No, it hasn't even started yet.

So, since it looks like it’ll be hard to go out and take photos today, August 11, I’m busily writing my photography diary instead.

Even though I went to the trouble of taking the day off from work,

At work.

Yes.

Come to think of it, if you’ve been reading my photography diary since around winter, you might already know this.

Every morning, I used to buy a BOSS café latte in a plastic bottle at the 7-Eleven near my house.

I'm not really a fan of canned coffee.

It's not about the taste.

That metallic sensation when the can touches your lips.

I don't really like it.

It's a totally trivial quirk, but I'm a plastic bottle person.

However, once winter ended, perhaps due to a drop in demand, the plastic-bottle versions of café latte disappeared from store shelves. Only the canned versions remained.

I had been buying the cans out of necessity, but recently, at a Ministop on my way to work, I discovered a shocking truth.

Even though it's the middle of this sweltering summer,

They've set out a bottle of BOSS just for me.

Thank you, Ministop.

Sorry I didn't notice until now. I'll make sure to go from now on. The Crunchy Chicken is delicious, too.

So, I said a few kind words to the store.

Come to think of it, I used to eat Ministop’s frozen yogurt a lot when I was a kid. I wonder if they still have it. I’ll check the ice cream section on my way home.

Speaking of that Ministop in my neighborhood, the self-checkout system they use when you buy something is actually pretty easy to use.

The slightly larger barcode scanner is facing this way.

You don't even need to press a button first—just hold your item up to the scanner until you hear a "beep," and you're ready to check out. Then, just tap the screen two or three times to finish.

It's kind of nice.

It's incredibly plain, but it really is "stress-free."

I really do think this “stress-free” thing is important.

After all, it’s one of the world’s leading online retailers—named after that massive South American river that flows through the jungle.

I use that place not so much because I earn a lot of points there, but rather because...

"Oh, I want this."
↓
Click.

Before you know it, you've already bought it, haven't you?

It's not just about things like low prices or lots of points, you know.

"It's not a hassle."

Actually, I think it’s a really powerful service.

Modern society, which is full of all kinds of stress

By the way, my way of relieving stress is,

Go to sleep.

My usual routine is to go to bed at 9 p.m. and wake up at 4 a.m.

However,

Drinking party.I'm sleepy.
Night photography.I'm sleepy.
Fireworks.I'm sleepy.
Night Festival.I'm sleepy.

Even though photography is my hobby,I'm hopelessly unsuited for nighttime events.

Well, what works best for you is what matters most.

Well then.

I'm rambling a bit, aren't I?

I’m finally getting around to writing my shooting diary entry for August 8, 2026.

Today’s itinerary is a light one, focusing mainly on my home prefecture of Saitama—which I haven’t been visiting much lately—and extending as far as Ibaraki and Tochigi.

This is the Light Plan.

This is important.

However,

Never trust "Light" from the Greedy Mission Pack-It-In Squad.

It's packed as usual today.

At first, we had considered places like the “Mashiko Sunflower Fields” and the “Sunflowers at Hanyu Suikō Park,” but it seems they’re hardly in bloom yet.

Overall, are the sunflowers blooming a little later this year?

So, here's the plan I came up with right before we left.

Satte Gongen-do (Sunflower)
Daibo Hachiman Shrine (Wind Chimes)
Karasawazawa Shrine (Wind Chimes)
Endo Farm (Sunflowers)

Yes.

Here are some sunflowers and wind chimes again.

"Every single week, shooting sunflowers and wind chimes—you're doing a great job!"
"You never get tired of it, do you?"

I can hear people saying that.

I never get tired of it.

I mean, it's just fun.

My wife came along that day, too.

It seems they tagged along thinking we were going to Nagano or Niigata, but as it turned out, we just kept circling around Saitama, Ibaraki, and Tochigi.

To someone who isn't interested in photography,

It's just a super-spicy mission.

My wife looks a little annoyed, but I'll just pretend I didn't notice.

So, off we go.

It's around 4:00 a.m., just before sunrise.

From the Outer Ring Road to the Tohoku Expressway. The road was clear, so the drive went smoothly.

The background music in the car is "Chill Jazz."

I feel like this kind of music is generally easy for just about anyone to listen to. It’s also a pretty safe choice for a drive with friends or your girlfriend.

On Spotify, if you search for “Chill” or “チル,” you’ll find lots of playlists.

By the way, "chill" basically means something like "let's take it easy."

In Japanese,

"Let's chill for a bit."

Is that about right?

Be sure to give it a try at work, too.

"Boss, wanna chill for a bit?"

Please note that we cannot guarantee the outcome of subsequent performance evaluations.

Well,Satte GongendoWe've arrived.

Just then, the sunflower field,

In Full Bloom!

Thank you as always, Satte Gongen-do.

This is one of my favorite spots that I visit several times a year.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers. Early summer brings hydrangeas. Summer brings sunflowers. Fall brings red spider lilies.

We have no intention of letting photographers take a break all year round.

It’s absolutely stunning no matter the season. I highly recommend this place to anyone living in the Kanto area.

The sunflowers were in full bloom that day, too.

That's beautiful.

It looks so beautiful in the morning sun.

I like taking photos of flowers backlit by the morning sun. I love the way the light shines through the petals when they're backlit.

That's what I like, you know.

This day is absolutely perfect. It's the best.

While I was taking photos, an older gentleman struck up a conversation with me.

I'm generally shy around new people, so I rarely get the chance to talk in person with people I'm connected with on social media.

That person gave me a note with their Instagram username written on it, and when I looked it up later...

We're already following each other.

Oh.

I might have spoken in person for the first time with someone I'm connected with on social media.

That makes me a little happy.

To be honest, I’d love to chat and exchange tips with all you photography enthusiasts, too.

However,

Shy around strangers.

This is the biggest obstacle.

Since I was able to get some great shots at Satte Gongen-do, next up is Ibaraki Prefecture’sDaibo Hachiman ShrineTo.

The goal is a wind chime.

Since I found the place on short notice, I visited without doing much research.

When I arrived, there were lots of cute, handmade-looking wind chimes.

It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

It's heartwarming.

Then my wife said something.

"I've been here before."

Huh?

I had completely forgotten about it.

Apparently, he had been there before.

And the goal at that time was……

Yes!

Here's a prayer for winning the lottery!

Come to think of it, a little while ago, at Ohirayama Shrine, my wife also...

"I hope I win the lottery."

They had asked me to do that.

And the one I've already bought is the Summer Jumbo.

A set of 10 consecutively numbered cards.

The drawing will take place tomorrow, August 12.

If I were to win the first prize or the prizes just before and after it,

That's 700 million yen!

Yay!

By the way, according to my wife, if I win, I can keep it all to myself.

Yay!

So, next week’s blog title is suddenly,

"I Bought a Leica! A Comparison of Four Leica Models"and ... and"I bought the whole Ministop!"

If that were the case,

Please understand.

At Daibo Hachiman Shrine, there is a tradition of writing your wishes on white stones.

And when I look at everyone’s wishes, well, this is another thing—

Straight to the point.

"Please give me 500 million yen."
"I hope I win the lottery big time."

He has no qualms.

I think that's a good idea.

There's no need to beat around the bush, even in front of God.

Here, I’ll follow everyone’s example and quietly say to myself,

"I hope I win big."

Let's go ahead and ask them to do that.

After leaving Daibo Hachiman Shrine, our next stop was in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture,Karasawazawa ShrineThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

This is a place I've visited several times.

It has a great view, and there are lots of cats.

This is dangerous for cat lovers. You won't be able to leave.

However, this is my first time visiting during wind chime season.

This was even better than I expected.

Wind chimes, a flower-adorned hand-washing basin, green maple leaves, the view from the observation deck, and cats.

I'm quite satisfied with it.

My personal favorite is the strawberry wind chime.

Cute.

And on the bill,

"Ichigo Ichie"

……Just because they're strawberries?

That's a clever thing to say.

If you're visiting the Sano area, we recommend stopping by here along with other spots like Izumihara Benten Pond.

All right, let's keep moving forward.

It's picking up speed.

Next up is Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture,Endo FarmThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

The purpose here is also sunflowers.

Actually, we had also planned to go straight to the Kumagaya Fireworks Festival that day.

Up to a certain point.

But I'm feeling a little tired.

On top of that, my daughter’s college open house starts at 9:00 a.m. the next day.

"If this goes on until nightfall, I'm going to die."

Based on this extremely level-headed decision—typical of a 49-year-old—the nighttime fireworks display was canceled.

We're now limited to daytime shoots only.

I visited Endo Farm last year as well.

However, last year we completely missed the season, and Himawari-san,

Everyone's just slumped over.

This year, I'm out for revenge.

There are lots of beautiful sunflowers this time.

They even have large stepladders and other equipment available, making it easy to take photos.

Is it popular for portrait and cosplay photography as well?

There are also plenty of couples here.

From Himawari,

Young people are dazzling.

I can't bring myself to look at it.

A quick photo shoot at Endo Farm.

"All right, I guess that's it for today."

Just as I was thinking that, I received instructions from my wife.

."To Tsumaguma Gliding Field。」

Yes.

I hear that my son’s friend is flying a glider at the Menuma Gliding Field, so I’m heading over to watch.

There are lots of college students there.

And then the glider,

That's so cool!

College sports are just great, aren't they?

There's just something cool about seeing young people completely absorbed in something.

Whenever I see the rowing club students practicing at the Toda Rowing Course near my office, I think to myself, “That looks so nice.”

Like rowing a boat toward the setting sun, you know.

That's what youth is all about.

This is,

I've been taking pictures of sunflowers since 4 a.m.

I'll just consider that part of being young, too.

I'm 49 years old, though.

After taking a quick photo of the glider, I remembered something.

"Ah!"

"Since we've come this far, let's check out the rice paddy art in Gyoda!"

So,Ancient lotus villageTo.

This year's rice paddy art is,

"Minecraft"

is.

By the way, last year,

"Demon Slayer"

It was.

There's quite a range.

So, Minecraft.

For me, it's a bit of a complicated game.

Because my son...The memorable gateway that led me into the quicksand of gamingThat's why.

As a parent,

"Oh, uh."

That's the general idea.

I guess that's just how addictive the game is.

By the way, having grown up playing 2D games, I’m not very good at 3D games.

It makes me drunk.

I played "Knives Out" a little while back, and—

I got seasick while I was at home.

I get motion sickness from video games.

My body just can't keep up with the times.

Well, I guess that's just part of the younger generation's culture, so,

Long live Minecraft!

I'll just say that.

You can see the rice paddy art from the Gyoda Tower, located in the Ancient Lotus Village.

Since Minecraft is a huge hit with kids, the place was buzzing with excitement.

And at the Ancient Lotus Village, lotus flowers were still blooming in the pond in the foreground.

Lotus again.

This year, really,

The lotus season just won't end.

I took pictures of sunflowers, wind chimes, and lotus flowers again.

The sense of the season is getting a bit muddled.

I took photos of the rice paddy art and the lotus flowers, and

"Let's go home this time."

Just as I was thinking that,

I just remembered that again.

I learned this from a mutual follower I spoke with this morning at Satte Gongen-do,

Sunflowers at IsanumaThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Actually, I’m originally from the former Kamifukuoka City, so I’ve known about Isanuma for a long time.

However,

"The sunflower field is beautiful."

That reminded me of what I had been told.

It's also on the way home.

This is the only way to go.

So, here’s today’s real final destination.

trickling brookTo.

This patch was densely covered with slightly shorter sunflowers in full bloom.

It looks like it would be great for taking portraits of your kids, too.

The cosmos flowers are beautiful, too.

It was a nice place.

Thank you for telling me about such a wonderful place.

And then it suddenly occurred to me.

At the end of the day, I head to the place someone I met that morning told me about.

At Karasawazawa Shrine, there are "Ichigo Ichie" wind chimes.

For some reason, today,

Maybe it was a day of “ichi-go ichi-e.”

I'm not very good at meeting people for the first time.

No,

Far from just a little,

I'm not very good at it.

But once they start talking, they just won't stop.

It really does talk.

It's nonstop.

In other words, I,

He's shy around strangers, but once he gets used to people, he gets noisy.

This might be the most troublesome type.

I'm shy around strangers.

Even so, when I go out to take photos, I have chance encounters like this.

I got to learn about places I didn't know about and chatted a bit with other photography enthusiasts.

I found myself thinking that this, too, is part of the fun of going out to take photos.

Sunflowers, wind chimes, gliders, rice paddy art, lotus flowers, and finally, sunflowers again.

Once again,

"What Is the Light Plan?"

We packed so much into the day, but it turned out to be a wonderful summer day.

Once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

I plan to continue cherishing it from now on.

However, they're probably quiet when meeting someone for the first time.

We cannot guarantee this for the second time or thereafter.

Well then, everyone,

I hope you all have a wonderful summer vacation.

For now, I'll just...

I'm looking for a break in the clouds.

Satte Gongen-do | A Sunflower Field Backlit by the Sun and a Bridge in the Distance

This photo was taken at Satte Gongen-do, capturing the many sunflowers bathed in backlighting along with the distant bridge visible beyond them.

Satte Gongen-do | Yellow Cosmos Path and Sunflower Field

This photo was taken at Satte Gongen-do, where I captured the path lined with yellow cosmos and the sunflower field spreading out beside it using a composition that emphasizes depth.

Daibo Hachiman Shrine | Hanging Lanterns and Wind Chimes Against a Green Backdrop

This photo was taken at Daibo Hachiman Shrine, capturing a wind chime suspended beneath a metal hanging lantern, with the greenery in the background blurred.

Daibo Hachiman Shrine | A Japanese umbrella visible at the end of the wind chime path

This photo was taken at Daibo Hachiman Shrine, looking up from beneath a pathway lined with wind chimes toward a Japanese umbrella sculpture visible in the distance.

Karasawazawa Shrine | Metal Wind Chime Against a Green Background

This photo was taken at Karasawa Shrine, featuring a beautiful metal wind chime set against a backdrop of vibrant greenery.

Karasawazawa Shrine | A Cat Napping, Seen Up Close

This photo was taken at Karasawa Shrine, where I got close to a cat taking a nap and captured this adorable shot of it sleeping.

Endo Farm | Sunflowers Glistening in the Sun and a Tall Ladder

This photo was taken at Endo Farm and shows sunflowers glistening beautifully in the sunlight alongside a large stepladder placed in the field.

Tsumaguma Glider Field | A Yellow Plane Lands

This photo was taken at Menuma Gliding Field and shows a yellow airplane landing on the runway against a crisp blue sky.

Ancient Lotus Village | Minecraft Rice Paddy Art

This photo was taken at the Ancient Lotus Village using a smartphone from the observation deck of Gyoda Tower, capturing the rice paddy art inspired by Minecraft.

Ancient Lotus Village | Beautiful Lotus Flowers Blooming in Summer

This photo was taken at the Ancient Lotus Village of a lotus flower that was still in full bloom.

Isanuma | A View of the Sunflower Fields from Above

This photo was taken at Isanuma, showing a vast field of sunflowers as seen from a high vantage point.

Isanuma | A Butterfly Among the Cosmos Flowers

This photo was taken at Isanuma and shows a butterfly among the cosmos flowers.

Shooting Diary: August 1, 2026—"The Naughty Uncle's Thrill: 2 Nights!" Playing and Working Since 3 A.M.—My First Fireworks Photography Session

I'm writing this diary entry at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

I'm sitting at my desk at work, facing my computer, and have started typing away at my diary.

Mixing Business and Personal Life?

Yes, that's right. Of course.

Write a fun diary entry while giving the impression that I'm working at the office.

This, too, is an advanced professional skill acquired through many years of experience.

I'm sorry. I think I'm going to get in trouble.

Well, this may come as a surprise, but my writing is pretty much freestyle.

I don’t plan out the structure in detail beforehand; instead, with my mind almost completely blank, I just type out whatever comes to mind—the events of the day and my thoughts—as they occur to me.

When I'm writing,

"Oh, so that's what I was thinking."

And sometimes you realize that later.

It's kind of like meditation, I guess.

I gather up the scattered thoughts in my head, one by one, and put them into words.

It's really fun work.

I'm sure this will also help me work more efficiently when I start my real job later on.

Yes. That's an excuse.

Well, looking back at my note again, I realized that exactly one year had passed since my first post.

I took a look at an article from a year ago, but,

"Huh, did I really write something like that?"

I don't remember it at all.

It's been almost two years since I started using a mirrorless camera.

It's been almost a year since I started posting on note.

And one more thing.

Oh, my birthday is coming up soon!

I'm turning 49.

I'm a man.

I have a wife and two children.

Yes!

Please tip me!

……Wait, there's no tip feature?!

Ugh!

Well, tipping a 49-year-old man does seem like quite a high hurdle.

It will likely require a great deal of resolve on the part of those cheering them on as well.

I just love trying new things.

Whenever I see something that catches my eye, I jump right in.

And I keep starting all sorts of things one after another, only to give up on them halfway through.

Of those, for some reason, only the ones that remained are left.

Let's call it,

"The 'Only Accept What You Can Fold Back' Approach!"

There might even be someone like that at your company.

A troublesome boss who keeps coming up with new ideas one after another, making grand promises but leaving all the actual work to his subordinates.

Yeah.

As I was writing this, I started to feel a little anxious.

However, please rest assured that when it comes to work, I generally follow my superiors' lead.

……That’s not really ideal, is it?

But anyway.

Yesterday, I bought some “Kikai Island Raw Sugar.”

I wonder why?

The correct answer is,

"Because I make mojitos at home."

Do you get it?!

From a coworker,

"A mojito is perfect for summer."

That's what I was told.

As someone who loves alcohol, I react immediately.

I immediately asked Chappy,

"Tell me how to make a delicious mojito!"

I asked,

Here are the basic ingredients for a mojito that I was told about.

・White rum: 45 ml
・Lime: 1/2
・Mint: 8–12 leaves
・Sugar: 2 teaspoons
　*Using brown sugar will give it a richer flavor.
・Sparkling water: as needed
・Ice: Plenty

Place the lime and sugar in a glass, crush them lightly, and add the mint, which you’ve tapped with your hand to release its aroma.

Add the rum and ice, pour in the sparkling water, and give it a light stir from the bottom—and it's ready.

I've heard that if you crush mint too much, it can develop a grassy or bitter taste.

You shouldn't crush life—or mint—any more than necessary.

I've been told that Bacardi is a good choice for white rum.

The price isn't that high either.

"Isn't this cheap, stylish, and a great value?"

That's what I thought, but there was an unexpected pitfall.

The supermarket near my house doesn't sell spearmint.

I’d never really paid any attention to the spearmint section before, but when I actually went looking for it, I was surprised to find that it wasn’t there.

At work,

"I don't have any spearmint!"

Just as I was making a big fuss about it, a coworker offered to share some with me.

Way to go!

It's worth a try.

Here's an announcement.

Spearmint seedlings are sold at home improvement stores and other places, but if you're growing them at home, be sure to plant them in pots.

Despite its cute appearance, Spearmint is quite the fighter.

It spreads by sending out rhizomes, and if planted directly in a garden or flower bed, it will invade the territory of other plants.

They say that even if only a tiny bit of the root remains, it will regrow over and over again.

If you plant it in the ground, it'll take over.

If it's a potted plant, it's an infinite mojito machine.

Will I get my hands on an infinite mojito machine this summer?

Once I’ve actually made it, I’ll report on it in the next issue.

Even though this is a filming diary, I haven't left for the shoot yet.

It's okay.

It starts here.

All right, here we go!

Here begins the photo diary for August 1, 2026.

This was my first time photographing fireworks.

Up until now, I've mainly taken photos of flower scenes, sunrises, and sunsets.

However, there are still plenty of things I want to try from now on, such as fireworks, celestial objects, cityscapes, animals, and portraits.

As someone who loves trying new things, I’d been thinking it was about time to start something new.

However, I'm a morning person.

Just the thought of going out at night makes my back suddenly feel as heavy as lead.

I want to see the fireworks show.

But I want to stay home at night.

Because of this conflict, I hadn't dared to try photographing fireworks until now.

And then, a perfect opportunity came my way.

The Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival is on August 1.

What's more, the venue is right in front of the company.

I can park my car at the office and walk a short distance to the filming location.

It’s the perfect environment to try your hand at photographing fireworks for the first time.

I have no choice but to go.

On the day of the fireworks festival, I actually woke up at 3:00 a.m.

"The fireworks aren't starting yet!"

"The Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival starts at 7:00 p.m.!"

"Is your brain glitching?"

No, no, no.

That's normal.

On this day,

Morning activities, work, fireworks.

I'll do it all.

It's not just about fireworks.

I'm just greedy.

Here is the schedule for the day.

Sunflowers and the sunrise at Kasai Rinkai Park.

An early-morning lotus viewing event starting at 7:00 a.m. at Sankei-en.

Sunflowers and the Hikawa Maru at Yamashita Park.

Visited the Drugstore Show at Tokyo Big Sight.

"Forest Wind Chime Path" in Nihonbashi.

And finally, the Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival.

Yay, yay!

There's so much going on, isn't there?

Some people might just quietly close their smartphones the moment they see this schedule.

A lifestyle where work and play are all mixed together from morning till night.

Yay!

I woke up at 3 a.m. and, so as not to wake my family, set off quietly on my own.

Today I'm doing my own thing.

However, my "solo time" isn't quite as elegant as reading a book at a café.

It's a down-to-earth style where we cram in tasks and move around while working up a sweat.

I am currently,The Greedy Mission "Packed to the Brim" Squad'sI serve as the chairman.

I am the only member.

First, let's head to Kasai Rinkai Park.

I merged from the Outer Ring Road onto the Metropolitan Expressway and cruised along smoothly!

Today's music is Charli XCX's new album, *Music, Fashion, Film*.

I'm listening to this because Pitchfork recommended it, but, hmm, it's pretty hard to get into.

After all, when it comes to music, there are some songs you fall in love with right away after just one listen, and others that gradually grow on you the more you listen to them.

And there's one more thing I don't understand: the album cover.

Why not the female vocalist, but rather, “Grandpa"Are there three people in the photo?"

Out of curiosity, I looked into it and found that the people in the photo are leading figures who symbolize their respective fields.

The musician is John Cale, a founding member of the Velvet Underground.

Fashion features world-renowned fashion designer Marc Jacobs.

The film is directed by Martin Scorsese.

In other words, the album title, *Music, Fashion, Film*, is represented by these three people, who are each leading figures in their respective fields.

I see.

Once you understand its meaning, you'll see that it's an incredibly luxurious jacket.

However, if you watch it without knowing anything about it,

"Which grandpa is 'Charlie XCX,' anyway?"

The first two are the following.

For now, I'll just say, "I don't know, though."

I ran for about 30 minutes while thinking about that.

Kasai Rinkai ParkWe have arrived.

I was too early.

It's pitch black.

The sunflower is still asleep, too.

Since I was there anyway, I decided to take a picture of the Ferris wheel and the moon.

I'll wait here for a while until it gets a little lighter outside.

It was still a bit dim outside, but a dog portrait shoot had already begun nearby.

Good job, doggie—you've been working hard since early this morning.

However, it might be more comfortable to shoot in the cool early morning rather than in the middle of the day during the height of summer.

Even dogs probably don't want to be taken outside during the hottest part of the day.

Before long, the sky began to grow gradually lighter, and the sun came into view.

Let's start filming.

Sunflower seemed a little worn out by the midsummer heat, but I was able to take plenty of photos of her basking in the morning light.

Ferris wheel, moon, sunrise through thin clouds, sunflowers.

It's off to a good start.

Next, we headed to Yokohama'sSankei-enThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

While it's a famous spot known for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, the lotus flowers in summer are also very popular.

On this day, the park opened at 7:00 a.m., earlier than usual.

When I arrived a little while ago, there was already a long line at the entrance.

Everyone seems full of energy this morning.

I can't really criticize others either.

I was even more surprised to see that a TV crew had shown up.

Since I don't want to be on TV, I try to keep a low profile as I sneak into line.

A man who suddenly starts acting suspiciously when he spots a TV camera.

I haven't done anything wrong.

Probably.

As soon as the gate opens, head straight to the lotus pond.

That said, the lotus pond is right in front of the entrance.

I thought I’d already seen my last lotus flowers for the year, but there were still plenty of them blooming beautifully.

I'm lucky.

I’ll take photos of the lotus flowers, the leaves, and the pond, and I’ll also capture shots of them together with the three-story pagoda.

I thought I was done with lotus photos for the season, but here I am taking more.

It’s starting to look like one of those stores that’s been running a going-out-of-business sale for years.

"This is the last lotus of the year."

How many times do I have to say this?

After taking photos all around the park, we'll head to the next location.

Next,park in YokohamaThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Since I went all the way to Yokohama...

I guess I'll go.

Coming to Yokohama and not visiting Yamashita Park is like going to a family restaurant and not ordering the all-you-can-drink option.

It might be a little different.

There wasn't any special event that day, but I took some photos of sunflowers and the Hikawa Maru.

That's a typical Yokohama view, isn't it?

That's great!

See you again!

We had planned to head to Tokyo Big Sight after that, but since things were going more smoothly than expected, we decided to make a little detour.

I’ve been curious about this place at Yokohama Bay Quarter for a while now: “Yokohama Lantern Night」です。

However, I visited in the morning.

It's not a knight.

When I went there during opening hours, it was practically deserted.

Well, that makes sense.

I'm not a knight, after all.

I see.

This is definitely a place to visit at night.

The answer was right there in the event name from the very beginning.

Still, the lanterns looked beautiful in the morning light, so I made sure to take plenty of photos.

Since it's not crowded, it's easy to take photos.

However, since the lanterns aren't lit, the event is only about half as appealing as it could be.

I want to go when I have some free time.

But I'd also like to experience the nighttime atmosphere.

As always, I tend to think only about what’s convenient for me.

I'll come to the Knight this time!

I'll be back!

Come on, come on, hurry up.

Next up is work.

A visit to the "Drugstore Show" being held at Tokyo Big Sight.

The purpose is to greet our suppliers and gather information on new products.

This diary is all about having fun, but I do work once in a while.

That's true.

The first thing that surprised me when I arrived was the parking lot.

No.

Not at all.

The parking lot we were directed to was way off in the distance.

"How many minutes is it from here on foot?"

It’s so far away that you’ll find yourself wondering, “Is it really there?”—it’s in a place that feels like the bottom of the ocean.

Just walking from the parking lot to the venue feels like the start of a journey.

This is bad.

This is definitely bad.

That’s when the bad side of me whispers.

"Since it's a business expense, why not just park at the nearby hotel's parking lot?"

Yeah, that's right.

Without hesitation, I followed the devil's whisper.

I pulled into the underground parking garage of a nearby building!

Yay!

That's got nothing to do with it!

I'm sorry.

My language has become more coarse.

What's more, once you try it, you'll find it's surprisingly affordable.

In some cases, it might have been cheaper than the official parking lot.

The devil's proposal turned out to be the right answer, after all.

You might have thought they were a devil, but they could actually have been an excellent accountant.

At the drugstore trade show, I’ll greet our suppliers and receive product briefings.

Since I was there on business, I was able to get in relatively smoothly, but the line for general admission was incredibly long.

I've ended up in quite a predicament.

Pull out, pull out!

Just as I was thinking that, it suddenly occurred to me.

We've covered this part before.

The business days for the Drugstore Show are July 31 and August 1.

July 31 is the last day of the month.

For online retailers, the end of the month is inventory time.

Of course, I can't go out.

That’s why I came on Saturday, but I feel like I visited on a Saturday last year or the year before as well, was just as surprised by the crowds, and just as hurriedly left.

A man who has the same reaction to the same event every year.

It hasn't grown.

It's déjà vu.

Even though I say I like trying new things, I still end up doing the same things over and over.

Humans are such contradictory creatures, aren't they?

After wrapping up the Drugstore Show a little early, our next stop was “ in Nihonbashi,Forest Wind Chime Path".

This is one of my favorite places—I visited it last year, too.

It's not very large, but the row of wind chimes creates a really nice atmosphere.

The weather that day was ever-changing, with clouds rolling in and the sun suddenly peeking out.

Even so, I managed to take a beautiful photo while waiting for the moment when the light hit the wind chime.

If you look closely, you'll see that the design on the strips of paper attached to the wind chimes is different from last year's.

Finding these little changes is one of the joys of visiting every year.

Thank you again for this past year.

See you again next year.

After leaving Nihonbashi, I'll head back home for a bit.

This is to change the camera settings for photographing fireworks.

Since this is my first time, I’ll naturally ask Chappy for advice.

"Chappy, Chappy. Please tell me how to set up the fireworks."

Here are the basic settings for photographing fireworks that I was taught.

・Shooting Mode: M (Manual)
・ISO sensitivity: ISO 100
・Aperture: F8–F11
・Shutter: BULB
・Focus: MF (Manual Focus)
・Image Stabilization: OFF
・Long-period noise reduction: OFF
・Equipment needed: Tripod, remote shutter release

A general guideline for how long to keep the shutter open is,

・Single large shot: 3–6 seconds
・Star Mine: 1–3 seconds
・When layering multiple fireworks: About 5 to 10 seconds

During the actual shoot that day, I mainly used f/11 and f/16.

In BULB mode, the shutter remains open as long as you hold down the button on the remote control.

Press the button when the fireworks go off, and release it when the fireworks fade.

The trail of light traced across the sky during that time is captured in a single photograph.

I understand the reasoning.

The question is whether it's actually possible.

If the shutter stays open too long, the fireworks will overlap and the image will become too bright.

If it's too short, the fireworks will stop halfway through.

Since this is my first time, I have absolutely no idea when to press the button or when to let go.

It's mostly a hunch.

It's just like life.

Do you press it before the firework goes off?

Do you press it the moment it opens?

How far apart should they be?

It sounds easy when you read the instructions, but fireworks won’t wait for us to get everything ready.

Of course.

"Excuse me, I'm just checking the focus right now, so please wait a little while for the next firework."

I can't say that.

I parked my car in the company parking lot and grabbed my camera gearToda Bridge Fireworks FestivalI'm heading to the venue.

It was about an hour before the start, but there was already a huge crowd.

I'm having trouble deciding where to set up my tripod.

On top of that, there are ominous clouds in the sky.

Thunder is rumbling in the distance.

Oh man, this is bad.

Does this mean the story will take a turn where we end up photographing lightning instead of fireworks?

The title might change from “My First Fireworks Photography” to “Packing Up Due to a Sudden Thunderstorm.”

However, the breeze was surprisingly pleasant, and it was a comfortable time of day for a midsummer evening.

We’ll take a look around and try to decide on a spot to take the photo.

Set up the tripod and mount the camera.

Check the remote control.

Check the focus.

Check the settings as well.

No matter how many times I check, I still feel anxious.

I'm a beginner, so it can't be helped.

And then, just as planned, the fireworks display begins.

Boom!

The moment the fireworks bloomed across the night sky,

"This is amazing!"

That's how it turned out.

Fireworks—they're beautiful!

And photography is so much fun!

Oh no.

Taking pictures of fireworks is so much fun.

As I listen to the sound of fireworks going off, I press the remote control and check the screen.

Just when I thought I'd taken a good shot, the next one came out completely white.

Just when I thought, "This time for sure," the fireworks went off the screen.

Just when I thought it had all lined up nicely, I noticed a stranger's head peeking in from the bottom.

Through a series of successes and failures, we’ll gradually figure out the tricks of the trade.

Every time I take a photo,

"Oh, wasn't that pretty good?"

"No, it's white!"

"This time for sure!"

And so, I quietly get excited all by myself.

To anyone watching, he’s a man on the verge of turning 49, clutching a remote control in the dark and grinning at the LCD screen.

This is not a suspicious person.

I'm taking a photo.

This explains why everyone gets hooked on photographing fireworks.

Fireworks are beautiful to watch with your own eyes, but when you photograph them, the light that vanishes in an instant to the naked eye is captured in a single photograph.

Depending on when you open the shutter and where you close it, the resulting image can look completely different.

This is fun.

Maybe I'll go again next week.

Even though I'm in the middle of my first attempt, I'm already looking for the next fireworks display.

Every time I start something new, this is what happens.

Suddenly, I become completely absorbed in it and start looking into related tools and information.

And after a while, I'll start doing something else.

A "Only what you can fold back up" approach to furoshiki!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks show right up until the very end.

I’ve heard that post-processing techniques like exposure blending are sometimes used for fireworks photography, but this is my first time trying it.

For now, let's just be glad we managed to take the photo.

If you aim for perfection right from the start, you’ll want to go home before you even get started.

I woke up at 3:00 a.m., went to Kasai Rinkai Park, took photos of lotus flowers at Sankeien Garden, stopped by Yamashita Park, watched the Yokohama Lantern Night in the morning, worked at Tokyo Big Sight, and took photos of wind chimes in Nihonbashi.

And that night, I took my first photos of fireworks.

Play, work, and play some more.

I was on the go from before dawn until nightfall.

Ah, what a fun day it was!

Tomorrow is my daughter's open house.

The day after spending the whole day playing starting in the morning, he also fulfills his duties as a father.

This is important.

By including this sentence,

"That jerk of an old guy who neglects his family and just goes out partying by himself."

It's a strategy to tone down that impression just a little bit.

Is it getting diluted?

And starting Monday, work will resume as usual.

Physically, I'm pretty tired.

Still, it was a great day because I managed to pack in so many fun things.

I'm about to turn 49.

Even though my stamina is probably gradually declining, the list of things I want to do just keeps getting longer.

Well, you don't have to keep doing all of them.

I start one thing after another, give up halfway through, and cherish the ones that stick.

I have a feeling that photographing fireworks is something I'll end up sticking with.

Probably.

For now, anyway.

Kasai Rinkai Park | The Ferris Wheel and the Moon Before Dawn

This photo was taken at Kasai Rinkai Park, capturing the quiet sky just before dawn and the moon floating beyond the Ferris wheel.

Kasai Rinkai Park | Sunrise Through Thin Clouds and Sunflowers

This photo was taken at Kasai Rinkai Park and captures the morning sun rising from behind a thin veil of clouds, with the silhouettes of sunflowers lined up in the foreground.

Kasai Rinkai Park | Sunflower Fields and the KASAI Sculpture

This photo was taken at the sunflower field in Kasai Rinkai Park and shows the yellow sunflowers alongside the “KASAI” sculpture.

Kasai Rinkai Park | Sunflowers Turning Back with Style

This photo was taken at Kasai Rinkai Park and captures a sunflower that was facing away from the camera, as if striking a cool pose.

Sankeien | Lotus Flowers and the Three-Story Pagoda Photographed at F11

This photo was taken at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama. I focused on the beautiful lotus flower, set the aperture to f/11, and composed the shot so that the three-story pagoda in the background would also be slightly visible.

Sankeien | Green maple leaves spreading out in front of the building

This photo was taken at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, focusing on the green maple leaves spreading out in front of one of the garden’s buildings, capturing the lush summer scenery.

Yamashita Park | Sunflowers and the Quaint Hikawa Maru

This photo was taken at Yamashita Park in Yokohama; I focused on the sunflowers blooming in the foreground and blurred the Hikawa Maru, which is docked in the background.

Yokohama Lantern Night (Yokohama Bay Quarter) | A Side View of the Lantern Display

This photo was taken from an angle showing a charming display of lanterns at the Yokohama Lantern Night event held at Yokohama Bay Quarter.

Forest Wind Chime Path (Nihonbashi) | Wind Chimes, Bokeh, and the Torii in the Background

This photo was taken on the Wind Chime Path in the Nihonbashi Forest; I framed the shot to include not only the row of wind chimes but also the glowing bokeh in the background and the torii gate.

Forest Wind Chime Path (Nihonbashi) | Wind chimes gently swaying in the shade of the trees

This photo was taken on the Wind Chime Path in the Nihonbashi Forest, capturing the sight of wind chimes lined up in the shade of the trees, gently swaying in the breeze.

Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival (Toda Side) | Fireworks that expand widely up and down · 4 1/2 seconds

This photo was taken at the Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival using a tripod and a shutter speed of "4 1/2 seconds" to capture the fireworks spreading widely across the top and bottom of the frame.

Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival (Toda Side) | Large and Intricate Fireworks · 7 1/2 Seconds

This photo was taken at the Toda Bridge Fireworks Festival using a tripod and a shutter speed of "7 1/2 seconds" to capture the large, blooming fireworks and the fine sparks spreading out beneath them.

Shooting Diary: July 25, 2026—A Summer for a Middle-Aged Guy Who Just Won’t Grow Up. Driving 500 Kilometers Through Yamanashi and Nagano. “So what if I fell into a ditch along the way?”—Lavender, Sunflowers, and Wind Chimes Edition

I'm writing this diary entry in the early morning of July 29, 2026.

When I look out the window, I see that it's been a beautiful, sunny day since this morning.

Blue sky. White clouds. Morning light streaming in.

It really is a lovely morning.

And that makes me think.

"I really don't feel like working..."

I suppose there are people who feel motivated to work when they see a clear, sunny day, but for me, it’s the opposite.

When the weather is nice, I feel like going out to take pictures, and when the weather is bad, I don't feel like working.

In other words, either way, I don't want to work.

Rather than being a "weather-obsessed weirdo," he might just be an old guy who's trying to get out of work.

As I was thinking about that, I suddenly remembered something important.

"Oh, that's right!"

Today is the day my daughter, a high school sophomore, is going on her own to an open house at a university in Sendai.

What's more, it was my first time traveling alone on the Shinkansen.

My daughter is on the petite side, standing about 150 centimeters tall, so as a parent, I can’t help but worry.

I wonder if I'll be able to catch the Shinkansen.

I wonder if I'll get off at the wrong station.

I wonder if I'll end up following some weirdo.

I wonder if he'll get hungry and start acting up along the way.

That one worry, at least, is entirely in my genes.

Since there was a major earthquake in Kyushu yesterday, my worry level has gone up even more—especially for a father who’s already a bit of a worrier.

That said, she's already a sophomore in high school.

Maybe it's about time I took a little risk.

I was the one who suggested this solo trip.

Even though I was the one who encouraged my child, when the day of departure finally arrives, I suddenly start worrying.

Parents are really a handful.

But my daughter has always been very independent.

Ever since he was little, he's been the type who dislikes being carried or riding in a stroller and prefers to walk on his own.

And for some reason, her older brother—who is five years older—was sitting in the stroller her daughter was supposed to be riding in.

This is an anecdote from our family that is still told from time to time.

My little sister is walking, and my older brother is in a stroller.

Raising children is something that doesn't always go according to the manual.

Given what kind of daughter she is, she might even be planning to go to a university in another region and live on her own.

As a father, I have mixed feelings.

I want to support them.

But I don't want you to go far away.

I want them to become independent.

But I’d like you to lean on me every once in a while.

And above all, I'm worried about tuition.

Her goal is to become a pharmacist.

On Sunday, we also went together to an open house at the School of Pharmacy at a certain private university in Tokyo.

The campus is very beautiful, and the facilities are impressive.

The young people are full of energy—it really feels like the essence of youth.

"Campus life is kind of nice, isn't it?"

Having barely graduated from high school—and having hardly studied at all back then—I walked around the school grounds looking like a complete outsider.

At the information session, there was also a discussion about the course content.

Pharmacy.

Chemistry.

Biology.

Practicum.

National Exam.

The teacher explains everything very carefully, but after a while, not a single word gets through to me.

I don't understand a thing.

I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

My daughter, I'm counting on you.

My dad can't do it.

And there was something at the information session that moved me even more than the difficulty of the coursework.

That's the tuition.

Oh man, this is bad.

I wonder if it'll be okay...

My older son is also attending a science-focused university and is finally about to graduate.

In our household, not only is the Engel coefficient high, but the percentage of our income spent on education is also very high.

A financial indicator unique to our household that represents the proportion of our income spent on education.

Let's call it,Rate of Education Expenses Reaching the LimitThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

No, come on—this isn't the time to beat around the bush.

It's just that tuition is expensive.

Of course, we also need to think about our retirement.

I want to avoid a situation where I pour all my money into education and end up getting complaints from my future self.

However, if the children have found something they want to do, I want to support them as much as possible.

Education costs are important, too.

Retirement savings are also important.

Everyday life is important, too.

They're all important, but there's only one source of income.

Even though I'm not good at math, I can tell that this isn't an easy problem.

For now, I guess I just have to work within my limits without pushing myself too hard.

Since he also has to cover the cost of gas for the photo shoots, my father has a huge responsibility.

Anyway, now that I’ve had a serious conversation with my family about education, I’d like to suddenly share my favorite snack that I ate yesterday.

Ta-da!

I bought this at Mami Mart, a supermarket chain primarily operating in Saitama Prefecture,

."CGC Potato Chips, Light Salt Flavor」です。

The package features the CGC logo.

It's probably a product developed jointly by the CGC Group.

With these types of private-label products, the taste can sometimes be a little milder in exchange for a lower price.

However, these potato chips are different.

The salt used in the light salt flavor is "Shimamaas."

This salt is just wonderful.

It’s not just salty—you can really taste the umami of the salt.

Even though it's lightly salted, it really stands out.

He’s the type who comes in with a low-key name but consistently delivers results in the ring.

Yum!

Okay, that's all.

Of course, this isn't a project.

I'm promoting this on my own, even though no one asked me to.

Lately, I've been trying to avoid eating sweets as much as possible because I'm worried about gaining weight.

But yesterday, I just had to have it.

I couldn't stop myself from reaching for the potato chips.

I'm sorry.

I don't know who I'm apologizing to.

He's probably the doctor who'll be conducting my health checkups in the future.

It’s been quite a detour, but this is where the main part of my photography diary begins.

Saturday, July 25, 2026.

On that day, even by the evening of the previous day, I still hadn't decided where to go.

It's all the weather forecast's fault.

Open the weather forecast site.

Sunny.

I'll wait a little while and then take another look.

Cloudy.

Update.

Rain.

View another site.

Thunder.

Update again.

It's sunny after all.

Weather Forecast, what happened to your sense of mood?

Rain, clouds, sunshine, thunder.

Every time I click, the forecast keeps changing, so I can't narrow down where I should go.

My moody husband is completely at the mercy of the weather.

So, this is the conclusion I ultimately reached.

Yamanashi Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, and Saitama Prefecture.

I’ll pick out a few potential locations in advance, then wake up at 3 a.m. on the day of the event to check the latest weather forecast and make a decision.

Let's call it,Flexible Shooting Based on Decisions Made on the DayThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Even though nothing’s been decided yet, the way he puts it makes him sound like a pro!

And here’s the plan we decided on that morning.

The lavender fields at Oishi Park.

The sunflower fields at the Akino Sunflower Festival in Hokuto City.

Lotus flowers at Idojiri Historic Site Park.

Matsumoto Castle.

Wind chimes at Hotaka Shrine.

It will be sunny in Yamanashi Prefecture this morning.

The forecast for Nagano Prefecture calls for sunny weather throughout the day.

In that case, we should visit the sights in Yamanashi and then head straight to Nagano.

It's a plan that combines only the most convenient elements—the best of both worlds.

Lavender, sunflowers, lotus flowers, castles, and wind chimes.

A bold plan to experience all the summer vibes in a single day.

When I think about it calmly, I’m packing way too much, but before I leave, I always feel invincible.

My wife, who is my partner, will be joining me that day.

I left home just before 4:00 a.m.

We'll proceed along the Outer Ring Road, the Metropolitan Expressway, and the Chuo Expressway.

However, the sky above was,

Boom, boom, boom, boom... *thud*.

Thick clouds cover the sky, and there’s absolutely no sign of sunshine.

"Are you seriously okay, Yahoo! Weather?"

I curse under my breath.

Even though I checked the forecast several times before leaving, the sky right in front of me doesn't put my mind at ease at all.

Maybe I wasn't reading my weather app correctly.

Or did the sky change its plans?

At this point, I don't know who to trust.

In the end, the only thing you can rely on is your own eyes as you look out the window.

However, my own judgment is usually off the mark.

The Chuo Expressway was clear and the drive was pleasant.

It feels like it's been a while since I went for a run.

Traffic is light on the highway in the morning, and the scenery changes at a leisurely pace.

I love moments like this.

Syd's new album is playing in the car.

Syd is a female vocalist who is also a member of Odd Future and The Internet.

A voice with a dreamy quality and a laid-back sound.

It's perfect for the morning commute on the highway.

I've always liked it, but my wife has absolutely no interest in my music.

Our tastes just don't match at all.

Even when I say, “This song is great, isn’t it?” I usually don’t get a response.

Or they're sleeping.

But I'm sorry.

When I'm in the car, I play my favorite music.

It's a driver's perk.

It seems my wife has a few hits of her own every once in a while—apparently, Bruno Mars was a good one.

I see.

So, does that mean it's fine as long as it's a well-known song that's easy to understand?

Almost all of my song choices were considered flops.

Our first destination is in Yamanashi Prefecture,Oishi Parkis.

The goal is to see the lavender and Mount Fuji.

Lavender naturally looks beautiful in the evening light.

If it’s a day with clear skies all day long and a guaranteed view of Mount Fuji—what’s known as a “guaranteed Mount Fuji view”—then the evening is also a great time to visit.

However, the forecast for Yamanashi Prefecture on that day called for sunny weather only in the morning.

Furthermore, on days with unstable weather, the morning is still the best time to see Mount Fuji.

There are usually fewer clouds in the early morning.

So, I’ve decided to start with Oishi Park.

When we arrived, there was already a long line of photography enthusiasts.

What a great camera.

A great tripod.

A great lens.

I'll join that group, acting as if nothing's wrong.

However, as for Mount Fuji itself,

Slightly.

It's really faint.

You can sort of see the mountaintop—or maybe not.

So I pray silently in my heart.

"Clouds, get out of the way!"

"Move over just a little more!"

Like a shaman, they send out their spiritual energy and cast a spell.

As a result, I was able to capture Mount Fuji and the lavender together, even if only for a brief moment.

The "Weekend Sunny Weather Prayer Master" has fulfilled his mission here.

The lavender was past its peak bloom.

Actually, I’d been trying to do it the week before last and last week, but the weather and timing just didn’t work out, so I kept striking out.

I was actually thinking of giving up on it this year, so just being able to take the photos is a result I’m more than happy with.

If you linger at Oishi Park, tour buses will start arriving one after another, and it will get crowded in no time.

Let's get out of here before it gets crowded.

Bye-bye.

I'll be back.

The next stop was,Sunflower Fields at the Akino Sunflower Festival in Hokuto CityThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

This is probably the first time I've driven through this area.

How does the scenery change as you travel from Yamanashi toward Nagano?

I get excited by the unfamiliar mountain ranges and rural scenery.

Just driving down a new road can be a valuable experience in itself.

It took about an hour to get there from Oishi Park.

At the sunflower fields in Akeno, sunflowers stretch across a terraced slope, with mountains visible in the distance.

This is wonderful.

First, I’ll take a photo of the entire scene with my smartphone.

Sometimes it's easier to capture wide-angle views with a smartphone.

After that, I switched to my camera and went looking for my favorite sunflowers.

Since the morning hours are backlit, if you photograph the sunflowers from behind, the petals will sparkle as the light passes through them.

I like this backlit, translucent style.

Sunflowers blooming cheerfully from the front are lovely, but their backs are surprisingly beautiful, too.

With life, just as with sunflowers, the front isn't everything.

We took lots of photos and headed to our next destination.

We still have plenty of plans ahead of us.

Even though nobody asked me to, I have a packed schedule.

Even though it's supposed to be leisure time, when it comes to project management, I'm the factory manager.

Next, we entered Nagano Prefecture, andIdojiri Historic Site ParkWe headed toward [...].

Here, I took photos of Jomon-period pit dwellings and a traditional watermill.

And the star of the season is the lotus flower.

Lotus flowers bloom in the tranquil pond, blending beautifully with the waterwheel house and the surrounding greenery.

It's not a flashy tourist spot, but it's a place that has a certain calming atmosphere.

I love scenery like this.

However, an incident occurred during filming.

My wife said to me,

"The waterway is hidden in the grass, so be careful!"

The very next moment after hearing those words.

Splash.

Yes.

One of his feet slipped right into the canal.

It crashes immediately after receiving the warning.

The timing is just perfect.

It's just like a comedy sketch.

I really had to laugh out loud.

I was wearing rubber boots, but the waterway was so deep that my boots got completely soaked.

I'm soaking wet.

."What a day!"That's what it means, right?"

But I don't mind failures like this.

It’s more memorable to have a little adventure on a trip than to have nothing happen at all.

Still, I'm really glad I didn't drop the camera.

I changed into my regular shoes, pulled myself together, and took some photos of the lotus.

I've taken lots of photos of lotus flowers in various places this year, but it might be time to say goodbye to them for the season.

Lotus flowers are really beautiful, aren't they?

Of course, the flowers themselves are beautiful, but the scene—including the large leaves, the light shining through the water, and the stillness of the pond—is truly picturesque.

After the shoot, we head to our next destination while letting our socks dry in the car.

A man traveling through Nagano Prefecture while drying his socks.

It's quite different from a typical travel blog focused on fashion.

Next, we headed to the Tsuruya Kamisuwa store to take a short break.

This is a local supermarket chain that represents Nagano Prefecture.

I remember stopping by here when I visited Suwa on a family trip some time ago.

Whenever I go out to the countryside, I stop by a roadside station or a local supermarket.

This is a basic rule for weekend travelers.

Sometimes, you can get a better sense of a place’s local character by looking at the shelves in a supermarket than by visiting famous tourist spots.

I actually wanted to buy some "oyaki," but it was too early, and they hadn't come in yet.

That's too bad.

Even so, I picked up a few local products here and there that caught my eye.

After we're done shopping, we'll also stop by Kamisuwa Station.

There were some beautiful wind chimes decorating the station, so I took a picture while I was there.

However, for some reason, I had set the shutter speed incorrectly, and many of the photos I took came out blurry.

Huh?

I wonder what happened.

Since the wind chime is swaying, I need to increase the shutter speed.

Even though I know that, as the trip progresses, my mind gradually starts to go blank.

I still have some energy left.

I'm also eager to take photos.

But the ability to check settings is the only one that goes home first.

I plan to select some photos that seem usable and post them.

It's time for lunch here.

I chose a local ramen chain from Suwa,Harbin RamenThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

Harbin Ramen originated in Suwa City; it started as a small shop in front of Kami-Suwa Station and is now a beloved dish in the Chūshin and Nanshin regions of Nagano Prefecture.

The flavor is a little different from that of regular soy sauce, miso, and salt.

A secret sauce made by aging ingredients such as garlic for an extended period.

It has a spicy kick and the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

It has a sweet-and-spicy flavor and a unique richness.

The garlic smell isn't as strong as it looks; it's somewhat similar to miso ramen or dan dan noodles, yet it's different from all of them.

It has a unique flavor that's hard to describe.

And it's delicious.

It's incredibly delicious.

When traveling, I enjoy trying local specialties.

This is another part of the fun of traveling.

A man who had said the day before that he was worried about gaining weight and would cut back on snacks was slurping ramen the very next day.

I'll start thinking about my health again tomorrow.

The next stop was,Matsumoto Castleis.

This is my first visit.

The first thing I thought when I arrived was,

"That black castle is so cool!"

I'm not exactly an expert on castles.

I'm not a castle buff either.

But Matsumoto Castle was wonderful.

A black exterior and white walls.

The water in the moat.

The mountains in the background.

The overall composition is beautiful.

By chance, there were some swans swimming nearby, so I took a photo of them together with Matsumoto Castle.

Ms. Shiratori, thank you for getting into such a good position.

I also took a photo of Matsumoto Castle through the blue maple leaves—a scene I often see on Instagram.

"Oh, this is the one I see all the time."

When I discover a place to take photos, it makes me a little happy.

Come fall, I suppose I'll be able to take a photo of the autumn foliage and Matsumoto Castle together.

I've memorized the location.

I'll definitely be buying this again.

For this year's fall foliage season, I'm thinking of exploring places I haven't visited much before, such as Gunma, Nagano, and Shizuoka.

I also took photos from the observation deck at the adjacent Matsumoto City Hall.

Matsumoto Castle also has a different atmosphere when viewed from above.

We're running quite behind schedule.

However, there's one more place to mention.

Our final destination that day wasHotaka ShrineThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

The goal is to take photos of wind chimes.

The shrine is located right near Hotaka Station.

There were many hikers around the station.

They’re probably people who’ve just returned from a hike.

It seems that many people take a bus or taxi from Hotaka Station to the trailhead and set out for Mount Tsubame, Mount Otenjo, Mount Yarigatake, and other peaks.

Oh, really?

I'd like to climb it someday.

……Nah, just kidding.

At my current skill level, I’d probably end up crying halfway through.

You should not attempt to climb Mt. Yari with a sense of spatial awareness so poor that you might accidentally step into a stream.

Let's start with the stairs in my neighborhood.

The grounds of Hotaka Shrine were very beautiful.

And the wind chimes are great, too.

I'm glad I visited there at the end of my trip.

A wind chime swaying in the breeze.

The green of the trees.

Light streaming into the temple grounds.

I forgot all about the day's fatigue and took lots of photos.

The word "cicada shower" was written on the strip of paper attached to the wind chime.

Come to think of it, I feel like I haven't heard cicadas chirping much lately.

Or is it just that I’ve stopped thinking about it now that I’m an adult?

Or maybe it's just too hot, so even the cicadas are taking a break.

When I was a child, the sound of cicadas was a common part of summer.

Back when I used to run around with a bug net.

Now I'm taking pictures of the strips of paper hanging from the wind chimes with my camera.

I've gotten older.

On the way home, we stopped by a roadside station one last time.

The cumulonimbus clouds I saw nearby were really beautiful.

Big, summery clouds.

At the end of the day, I pulled over again to take some photos.

Since this morning: Mount Fuji, lavender, sunflowers, lotus flowers, Matsumoto Castle, wind chimes, and cumulus clouds.

You're taking too many pictures.

But it was fun.

"Ah, this week was so much fun!"

Am I playing too much?

That's fine.

It’s because I have something to look forward to on the weekend that I can somehow manage to get through my workdays.

Probably.

And, as a bonus...

From here on, the story takes place the next day, July 26, 2026.

Since we had traveled all the way to Nagano the day before, we would normally be taking it easy today.

However, I plan to go to my father's hospital this morning to show my health insurance card.

Also, I had plans to go to Kiyose City in the afternoon for my daughter’s open campus event.

And yet.

Believe it or not, the early-morning film crew is heading out.

No matter what, in Setagaya Ward,Shoin ShrineSo, I wanted to take a picture of the wind chime.

5:00 a.m.

I tiptoed around so as not to wake my family.

I'll sneak out of the house.

Since it was early in the morning, the roads were clear, so we got there in no time.

All right.

Let's take a picture.

That's what I thought, but I froze in front of the shrine gate.

No way.

The gates open at 7:00 a.m.

It's completely closed.

I had just assumed that shrines were open 24 hours a day.

It was an oversight.

I got up early and made my way all the way to Setagaya, but I arrived before the gates opened.

I ended up just standing there in front of the gate, nothing more than some old guy wandering around early in the morning.

So, I’ll consult with Chappy right then and there.

Me: “Chappy, Chappy. I accidentally showed up before the gates opened. Is there anywhere I can go to and back from here in about an hour?”

Chappy: "Hmm,Hakusan Shrine in Ota Ward"How about the wind chime over there?"

Me: "Thank you, Chappy!"

So, I'm heading to Hakusan Shrine in Ota Ward.

This is my third visit to a Hakusan Shrine—the first was in Bunkyo Ward, the second in Niigata, and this one in Ota Ward.

I'm not exactly a Hakusan Shrine collector, but for some reason, my collection is gradually growing.

At Hakusan Shrine in Ota Ward, are those festival decorations?

Since there were wind chimes displayed on the temple grounds, I took a photo of them.

*By the way, there are 3,000 Hakusan Shrines across Japan! I wasn't a collector at all.

Thank you.

And then, at 7:00 a.m.

AgainShoin ShrineBack to...

This time, the gates opened without a hitch.

Since it was still early, the temple grounds were almost deserted.

The morning light shines through the wind chimes—it's so beautiful.

Since there aren't many people around, you can take your time taking photos while experimenting with different compositions.

I'm glad I came.

I took a lot of pictures.

I'm very satisfied.

After the photo shoot, I hurried to my father's hospital, took care of some business, and then went home.

Just a quick nap for a few minutes.

It'll only take a few minutes.

It wasn't so much a nap as just closing my eyes.

Then, in the afternoon, I went to my daughter’s open house.

This brings us back to what I mentioned at the beginning.

The Nagano Trip.

Early morning photos at a shrine.

My father's hospital.

My daughter's open house.

It was a busy weekend.

But it was fun.

Children are all growing up, little by little.

My son has graduated from college, and my daughter has started thinking about her future.

As for me, I’m still getting thrown off by the weather forecast—I went to the shrine early in the morning, got the opening time wrong, and fell into the canal.

It's possible that only the father hasn't matured.

Well, I suppose that's fine.

This week, too, I traveled a lot, took lots of photos, and laughed a lot.

There’s a lot to think about—both when it comes to your child’s future and your own.

If you overthink things, you'll end up paralyzed, but you can't just stop thinking altogether either.

I’ll do what I can to prepare, and take things one step at a time.

And this weekend, I'd like to head out with my camera again.

Alright, time to get to work. Yay!

Oishi Park | Summer Scenery of Lavender Fields and Mount Fuji

This photo was taken at Oishi Park using Standard Mode to capture the vibrant lavender fields and Mount Fuji towering in the distance with a natural angle of view.

Oishi Park | Yellow Cosmos Seen from a Low Angle

This photo was taken at Oishi Park from a low angle, as if looking directly at the charming yellow Kibana cosmos in bloom.

Akino Sunflower Festival in Hokuto City | Vast sunflower fields stretching as far as the eye can see

This photo was taken at the Akino Sunflower Festival in Hokuto City, using a composition that offers a sweeping view of the vast sunflower field stretching into the distance from a high vantage point.

Akino Sunflower Festival, Hokuto City | A silhouette against a blurred sunflower field

This photo was taken at the Akino Sunflower Festival in Hokuto City; it captures the back view of a sunflower in the foreground, with the sunflower field stretching out in the background softly blurred.

Idojiri Historic Site Park | Reconstructed Jomon-period Pit Houses

This photo shows the exterior of a pit dwelling at Idojiri Historic Park that was reconstructed to illustrate life during the Jomon period.

Idojiri Historic Park | Beautiful Lotus Flowers Blooming in the Lotus Pond

This photo was taken at Idojiri Historic Park and shows a lotus flower with beautifully shaped petals blooming in the lotus pond.

Kamisuwa Station | Beautiful Wind Chimes to Admire Inside the Station

This photo was taken at Kami-Suwa Station, with a composition that looks up at an angle at the beautiful wind chimes displayed inside the station.

Matsumoto Castle | The Moment the Swan and the Castle Met

This photo was taken at Matsumoto Castle and captures a swan that happened to appear while I was taking pictures, set against the backdrop of the towering castle.

Matsumoto Castle | A View of the Castle Through the Green Maple Leaves

This photo was taken at Matsumoto Castle, with vibrant blue maple leaves in the foreground, so that the green leaves and the castle would overlap beautifully.

Matsumoto Castle | The Castle and Cityscape as Seen from the Observation Deck

This photo was taken at Matsumoto Castle from the observation deck at the city hall next door, looking down on the castle and the surrounding cityscape.

Hotaka Shrine | A summer wind chime inscribed with the words “Cicada Shower”

This photo was taken at Hotaka Shrine and features a refreshing summer wind chime with the beautifully written characters for “Cicada Shower” that make a striking impression.

Hotaka Shrine | Light and Shadow Falling on the Ema

This photo was taken at Hotaka Shrine and captures the light streaming onto the ema displayed on the shrine grounds, as well as the shadows cast on them.

In Nagano Prefecture | Cumulonimbus Clouds Rising Above Rice Fields and the Summer Sky

This photo was taken in Nagano Prefecture and captures both the expansive green rice paddies and the towering cumulonimbus clouds rising against the summer sky.

Hakusan Shrine (Ota Ward) | A large wind chime captured from the side

This photo was taken at Hakusan Shrine (Ota Ward) to show the shape of a large wind chime displayed on the shrine grounds from the side.

Shōin Shrine (Setagaya Ward) | Bokeh from Wind Chime Beads Shining in Backlight

This photo was taken at Shoin Shrine (Setagaya Ward). It captures the moment when the strip of paper attached to a wind chime was facing the camera, and was shot with the wind chime in the background creating a sparkling bokeh effect due to the backlighting.

Shōin Shrine (Setagaya Ward) | The Shrine Grounds Featuring the Main Hall and a Wind Chime Rack

This photo was taken at Shoin Shrine (Setagaya Ward) from a slight distance to capture the main hall and the wind chime rack in their entirety, with an emphasis on conveying the expansiveness of the shrine grounds.

Shooting Diary: July 20, 2026. We arrived late and left early. After all, today is a holiday! That’s just how laid-back and self-indulgent our photography crew is. Early morning at the sunflower field and wind chimes in the afternoon.

I'm writing this diary entry on Wednesday, July 22.

Man, it's crazy hot.

The moment you step outside the office, you’re suddenly in a free sauna. Without even asking, you’re automatically ushered onto the “drenched in sweat” course.

On a day like this, let's stay hydrated with a Gari-Gari-kun!

……No, please make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. You’re a grown-up, so you know that much.

But eating ice-cold ice cream in an air-conditioned room—isn't that just the best?

Come to think of it, I saw an article on Yahoo! News the day before saying that Häagen-Dazs’ limited-edition “Almond with White Peach” mini cup went on sale nationwide on July 21, 2026.

Almond Tofu Flavor!

That's great. That's great.

I really like almond tofu.

So, let me just say this:

Akagi Dairy Co., Ltd.!

Hey, Akagi Dairy Co., Ltd.!

Aren't you going to do it this year?!

I head out for summer photo shoots almost every week, and every time I do, I eat a Gari-Gari-kun to beat the heat!

"Gatsun, Mikan & Pineapple Almond Tofu" from the "Gatsun, To" series, which was re-released last year as part of a collaboration with Egashira 2:50.

Aren't you going to do that this year?!

Let me say it one more time, loud and clear.

"Wow, that was sooo delicious! I've been looking forward to it again this year, so please bring it back! Akagi Dairy Co., Ltd.!"

Well, no matter how much I shout, I think the chances of my voice reaching Akagi Dairy from this little blog are about as slim as finding a contact lens I dropped in a sunflower field.

Still, as someone who loves almond flavor, this is an ice cream I’d like to recommend once again.

Since I had no other choice, I ended up drinking an “Asahi EGA BEER” that I bought at 7-Eleven.

I’m not exactly a die-hard fan of Egashira 2:50, but since last year’s “Gatsun, Mikan & Pineapple Almond Jelly” was so delicious, my trust in the products he recommends has skyrocketed.

"Asahi EGA BEER" was a beer that even I, who don't usually drink much beer, found refreshing.

Oh, this isn't a business proposal, by the way.

This isn't a stealth marketing ploy either.

However, if we're talking about a business proposal, that's a different story.

He suddenly straightens his back and accepts the business card with both hands.

……Well then.

Even though this is supposed to be a filming diary, I’ve ended up writing quite a bit about ice cream and beer.

Let's get back to the topic of filming.

On that day, Monday, July 20, was a holiday.

I imagine many of you had the day off.

However, believe it or not, our company is open for business as usual.

A holiday?

What's that? Is it good?

While it’s “Marine Day” for the rest of the world, for our company, it’s just a “Monday.”

No way!

Yes. Some people whisper that it’s a “black company.”

Well, since I’m given a fair amount of freedom, let’s just call it a wash.

Or maybe I'm just taking the negative aspects and turning them into positives on my own.

Of course, I'm working today, too.

However, there haven't been many sunny days lately, and my urge to take photos had reached a fever pitch.

Shooting Stress at Its Peak!

So I decided to use a forbidden secret technique.

Its name is,

"A Special Collaboration Between Morning and Evening Activities"

is.

This technique cannot be used by sheer willpower alone.

"I'll be a little late this morning."

And,

"I'm going to leave a little early today."

It takes courage and nerves of steel to say both of these things on the same day.

I definitely do not recommend this for anyone with a fragile mindset.

"Morning activities" is the art of leaving home before sunrise, taking photos of flower fields and breathtaking sunrise views, heading to work as if nothing had happened, and getting down to business as usual.

Since I’ve been visiting flower fields since early morning, this is a secret technique that only photography enthusiasts—whose minds have, in a sense, become flower fields themselves—can use.

On the other hand, “Yūkatsu” refers to,

"I have something personal to take care of..."

"I have some family matters to attend to..."

"Actually, a relative of mine..."

This is a tactic where you leave the office early after dropping a cryptic remark—such as that—and head straight to your photography session.

And this special collaboration involves combining the two into a single day.

Simply put,

Come in late and leave early.

That's all.

When you put it into words, he sounds like a pretty outrageous employee, doesn't he?

But, but, but, but!

It's a holiday today, isn't it!

That's about right, Ejan!

Although I usually act like a respectable middle-aged man, it’s only at times like this that I throw a tantrum like a child.

And so, it’s time to start my morning routine.

I wake up at 3:00 a.m.

It's a morning activity, after all.

I slip out of bed quietly so as not to wake my family.

It might look like a suspicious person sneaking out of the house late at night, but their intentions are perfectly innocent.

This is Himawari.

Of course, I had all my equipment—including my camera and lenses—ready the day before.

If I start rummaging around at 3 a.m., it’ll trigger a family meeting before I even head out to the shoot.

I quietly get changed, quietly gather my belongings, and leave without anyone noticing.

I never would have thought I’d go take pictures at a sunflower field before heading to work.

Even by my own standards, I'm a pretty fit old guy.

Our destination is what I consider a total must-see spot.

I’ve visited “ in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, at least 10 times now,Akebonoyama Agricultural Park」です。

The main attractions for the day were the sunrise and the sunflower fields.

I went outside and looked up at the sky—it was a beautiful, clear day!

Beautiful, clear skies!

It's absolutely beautiful out!

I think this might actually work!

I bought a can of café au lait at a convenience store, and now I'm off.

We took the Joban Expressway from the Gaikan Expressway and arrived in no time.

The music playing in the car was... my current favorite indie pop by a girl group, I guess?

I'm not very familiar with music genres, but I've been listening to songs like this a lot lately.

Quw "banka"

Yonagi: "The Course Along the Way"

Iliomote, “I Am a Butterfly”

To be honest, I'm not really sure when the song was released.

Lately, I feel like I've been discovering more songs I like from the recommended tracks that appear when I post photos to Instagram Stories.

You don't have to search frantically on your own—Instagram will,

"Wabi-Oji likes songs like this, right?"

And then, they gently hand it to you.

Yes. I like it.

Music is great, isn't it?

Come to think of it, I listened to Hika Harada’s *Lunch Sake* on Audible, and that was great, too.

Food, drinks, and the human condition.

There was an indescribable atmosphere that felt really nice.

I don't usually go out for drinks, but listening to this makes me want to just pop into a bar and have a drink.

...That said, I've been going out for drinks even less often lately.

Which is it?

Oh, I've gone off on a tangent again.

Oh, right.

We arrived in the blink of an eye,Akebonoyama Agricultural ParkThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

As soon as you pull into the parking lot, there it is!

A huge crowd of camera enthusiasts has already gathered.

Everyone gets up early.

Of course, I'm one of them, too.

It's reassuring to see my friends.

Even if you walk through a flower field with a big camera before 5:00 a.m., no one here will treat you like a suspicious person.

I'm not the type to set up a tripod and wait patiently in one spot, so I tend to wander here and there.

Squatting and standing up.

Climbing up and down the stepladder.

Just when I thought I’d taken a photo with my smartphone, I switched to my camera, then back to my smartphone.

I've been really busy on my own since this morning.

I try to be careful not to walk in front of anyone with a tripod set up, but if I’ve gotten in the way, I apologize. I didn’t mean any harm.

That day, I was able to take lots of photos of sunflowers bathed in the morning sun, as well as scenes of windmills and sunflower fields.

Man, this is fun.

Also, this time I was lucky enough to see the lotus flowers blooming beautifully in the pond. The petals, bathed in the morning sun, shimmered softly and were absolutely beautiful.

Before I knew it, I’d gotten quite a workout since this morning. And then, just as we finished filming, I realized something.

"Ah, I wish I'd brought a change of clothes!"

I'm already soaked in sweat.

Even though I was supposed to have enjoyed a refreshing morning photo shoot, judging by my appearance alone, I look like someone who just finished an early-morning workout in a sunflower field.

Since I have no choice, I'll head to work while drying my clothes with the car's air conditioner.

And then I arrived at the office.

"Good morning!"

I'm heading to work as if nothing happened.

In reality, it's not late enough to be considered "late."

However, as far as he is concerned,

"Is it okay for someone who’s been playing in a sunflower field since this morning to start work now?"

I feel a slight pang of guilt about that.

It's very little.

It's really just a tiny amount.

Since it was a holiday, the phone hardly rang at all, and work proceeded at a steady pace.

After a light lunch, I’m switching into full-on work mode to get everything done.

That's because I have my evening activities waiting for me.

However, in the midst of all that, the president finished his work first.

"See you later!"

Huh?

I'm actually planning to leave work early today...

Next, the other employees will leave work as well.

"See you later!"

Huh?

Hey, everyone, aren't you guys heading home a little early?!

It is a holiday, after all.

Well, of course you'd want to go home.

Left behind, I suddenly start to panic.

If things continue this way, we’ll end up with the most unremarkable outcome: people who had planned to leave early will end up staying at the office until the very end.

I don't want that.

I hurriedly switched into "heading home" mode.

Somehow, I managed to finish getting ready to leave work around 2:00 p.m.

"Thanks for your hard work!"

With those words, he makes his escape from the company.

Our destination is,Nishi-Arai Daishi Wind Chime Festivalis.

I also visited the Nishiarai Daishi Wind Chime Festival last year.

There's a pond near where the wind chimes are displayed, and one of the attractions is that it's easy to take photos there along with the waterside scenery.

Since it's relatively close to the office, it's perfect for after-work activities.

I park my car in the parking lot at the back and head straight for the temple grounds.

Whoa!

It feels just like last year—perfect!

Of course, since it's an event, it's only natural that the decorations will be similar.

I'll take the picture anyway.

Just because I took photos last year doesn't mean I won't take any this year.

Even at the same location, the light, the breeze, how crowded it is, and the way you take the photo will all be slightly different.

...I know that sounds like something a photography enthusiast would say, but I just can't help wanting to take pictures whenever I see a wind chime.

I took a lot of photos that day, too.

Take photos with your smartphone, take photos with a camera, and take photos in both portrait and landscape orientation.

It looks like it's going to be a lot of work to pick out the photos later.

While I'm out taking photos, I have so much fun that I snap as many as I want, but the moment I get home and transfer them to my computer,

"Who took all these pictures?"

The first two are the following.

It's me.

It's all me.

I've finished taking photos at Nishiarai Daishi, but I still have a little time left.

Come on, come on, just one more place.

You shouldn't trust a drunk when they say, "Just one more bar," but you generally shouldn't trust a photography enthusiast when they say, "Just one more spot," either.

We headed to,Koshigaya Katori Shrineis.

I heard they were decorating with wind chimes here as well, so I decided to go check it out.

It took longer than I expected to get there from Nishiarai, but I'm glad I went.

The temple grounds were decorated with brightly colored talismans and strips of paper, which swayed along with the wind chimes.

It has a different atmosphere from Nishiarai Daishi.

The vibrant colors blend together, making for a great photo.

Of course, I took plenty of photos here, too.

I've lost count of how many photos I've taken since this morning.

Sunflowers in the morning.

This afternoon, it's wind chimes.

Work at the office.

I’ve packed so much into my day that waking up at 3 a.m. feels like a distant memory.

And with that, the day's shoot was over.

I arrived home just before 6:00 p.m.

When I walked into the house,

"I finished early today!"

Saying that, I head home.

Of course, this is just for dramatic effect.

Someone who went to a sunflower field at 3:00 a.m., worked there, went to Nishiarai Daishi, and then went all the way to Koshigaya Katori Shrine is saying, “I finished early today.”

My family probably has a vague idea as well.

I mean, if they check X or Instagram later, everything will be out in the open.

Someone who left the office saying, “I have some personal business,” is planning to post a ton of photos of wind chimes.

A style of voluntarily releasing evidence to the whole world.

It's not suitable for a perfect crime.

This week, my plans changed quite a bit—for example, I switched my trip to Yamanashi for a trip to Choshi after checking the weather.

I had to work on this holiday as well, but I managed to squeeze in my morning and evening activities, and in the end, it turned out to be a very satisfying day.

I arrive a little late for the morning session and leave early for the evening session.

I've finished my work.

Probably.

No, I'm sure I finished it.

That's right—in the end, everything works out.

This week was so much fun, too!

See you next week—let's have fun!

Akebono-yama Agricultural Park | Windmills and Trees Reflected in the Pond

This photo was taken at Akebono-yama Agricultural Park during the quiet early morning hours, capturing the reflection of a windmill on the surface of the pond and the silhouette of a tree standing gracefully.

Akebono-yama Agricultural Park | Sunflower Fields and Windmills Before Sunrise

This photo was taken at Akebono-yama Agricultural Park just before sunrise, capturing the vast sunflower field and the park’s iconic windmill.

Akebono-yama Agricultural Park | Sunflowers and Dragonflies Seen from Below

This photo was taken at Akebono-yama Agricultural Park, using a low-angle composition to capture the yellow sunflowers and a dragonfly flying nearby.

Akebono-yama Agricultural Park | Light Streaming In from the Far Left and Lotus Flowers

This photo was taken at Akebono-yama Agricultural Park, where I timed the shot to capture the morning light streaming in from the far left of the frame, highlighting the beautifully blooming lotus flowers.

Nishi-Arai Daishi | Strips of paper for wind chimes glowing in the yellow-green light

This photo was taken at Nishiarai Daishi; I blurred the yellow-green light in the background to make it sparkle and focused on the strip of paper attached to the wind chime in the foreground.

Nishi-Arai Daishi | Adorable Cat Wind Chimes

This photo was taken at Nishiarai Daishi to capture the charming cat-themed wind chimes in a way that conveys their design.

Koshigaya Katori Shrine | Colorful Wind Chimes Above Your Head

This photo was taken at Koshigaya Katori Shrine, looking up at the colorful wind chimes from a diagonal angle below, with the shrine’s scenery in the background.

Koshigaya Katori Shrine | The Torii Gate Visible Beyond the Wind Chime Rack

This photo was taken at Koshigaya Katori Shrine, looking toward the torii gate on the shrine grounds from beneath the canopy of wind chimes arching overhead.

Shooting Diary, July 19, 2026: My Moody Husband Pulls a Last-Minute Stunt! ―A Summer Trip to Choshi After a Complete Change of Plans: The Sea and Sunflowers Edition ―

I'm writing this diary entry on Tuesday, July 21.

This might come as a surprise, but today's lunch is—get this!—

This is Mos Burger.

For some reason, I’ve had an overwhelming craving for Mos Burger since this morning.

I want to eat that.

I just have to eat it.

I just can't think of any other options besides Mos Burger.

So, as soon as my lunch break started, I hopped on my company bike and headed to the Mos Burger in front of Kawaguchi Station.

Back in the day, “lunch for a single coin” was the norm, and I seem to recall that if it cost more than 1,000 yen, I’d think, “Wow, this is a really fancy meal today.”

I sure do miss the days of deflation.

Here's what I ordered today.

Moss Rice Burger with Seafood Tempura and Onion-Potato Set: 960 yen
5-piece Chicken Nuggets, 370 yen
Mustard Sauce 50 yen

Total: 1,380 yen.

1,380 yen for lunch.

It's incredibly luxurious.

However, please don't misunderstand.

This really only happens once in a while.

It's only when I really, really feel like eating it.

That's true.

I don't even know who I'm making excuses to.

However, a Mos Burger is something you finish eating in no time at all.

If I really put my mind to it, it looks like I could be done in just a few minutes.

However, today it's 1,380 yen.

I have to make the most of the time I’ve paid 1,380 yen for.

I sat in a single-person sofa seat by the window, taking a bite of my food and then gazing out the window, eating a potato stick and then taking a break.

What an elegant lunch!

I'm keeping this a secret from my family.

Since there are four of us in our family, it would cost 5,520 yen if we all ate the same thing.

Hee.

5,520 yen at Mos Burger.

We should really stick to eating out only for dinner.

We sometimes go as a family to conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, all-you-can-eat yakiniku places, and Bronco Billy, but having lunch at Mos Burger with the whole family is a bit of a stretch.

Your son and daughter.

Let's each get a part-time job at Mos Burger and go there on our own.

Yes.

Eating at Mos Burger with my own money.

This is the mark of an adult.

Well then.

Since this diary entry is about to end with just Mos Burger, I’ll get back to my July 18 photo diary now.

That day, we had planned to go to Oishi Park in Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, to see the lavender.

Mount Fuji seen through the lavender.

That really is a wonderful sound.

Judging by yesterday's weather forecast, we might be able to see Mount Fuji early in the morning.

No, I want you to see it.

I'm sure I'll see it.

Let's pretend we can see it.

It was quite a stretch, but I truly believed it.

The day before, I went out with a friend and got home around 9:00 p.m.

Since I wanted to get a good night's sleep, I woke up at 4:00 a.m.

My wife, who is my partner, came along that day.

She didn't seem too enthusiastic at first, but my wife is absolutely crazy about Mount Fuji.

"You might be able to see Mount Fuji."

That single remark sealed the deal.

We finished getting ready early and set off.

The moment I opened the front door.

Ugh.

Above us were thick, heavy-looking clouds.

This is very troubling.

However, just because it's cloudy in Kawaguchi doesn't necessarily mean it's cloudy all the way in Yamanashi.

"It'll be sunny in Yamanashi, right?"

I talked myself into it and started the car.

As I drive under the Outer Circular Expressway, just before getting on the highway, I double-check the weather forecast just to be safe.

Weather forecast for the Kanto region from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Yamanashi Prefecture.

Completely overcast.

The screen is completely black.

It doesn't even look like we'll be able to see Mount Fuji—or any mountains at all, for that matter.

"Oh no, what should I do? What should I do?"

To someone who doesn't take photos, this is probably a total non-issue.

I know.

I know that very well.

However, for me, the weather is a major factor that greatly influences my mood and activities for the day.

Yes.

I'm the "Moody" husband.

I'm sorry to my wife, but I've decided to take the bold step of changing our destination here.

According to the weather forecast, it's sunny in the Chiba Prefecture area.

What's more, the eastern part of the sky looks just a little bit brighter.

Chiba.

Sunny.

Sunflower.

The ocean.

There's no choice but to go.

At the last minute, I pulled off a wide turn just like Bowser in Mario Kart!

……There's no way that's happening.

I'll simply signal and drive safely in the opposite direction.

Just when I thought I was heading to Yamanashi Prefecture, I was suddenly taken to Chiba Prefecture.

It would be difficult for an ordinary person like my wife to understand this way of thinking.

I'm truly sorry for the sudden change of plans.

A professional photographer who is active on Instagram,

"On a cloudy day, you should take photos that can only be taken on a cloudy day."

I think that's what you said.

You're absolutely right.

There's a certain charm to a cloudy sky.

There is also soft light.

It also has a cozy atmosphere.

I understand.

I know that, but my goal for today is Mount Fuji.

If Mount Fuji isn't visible, I'm sorry, but I'll head in the direction where it's sunny.

For me!

I still need lots of sunshine!

So, we decided at the last minute to make Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture our destination for the day.

Here is the shooting plan I came up with.

Sunflower Fields in Choshi—Near the Kibari Railroad Crossing
Inubōzaki
Byoubugaura

It's a trip to photograph sunflower fields and the summer ocean.

Considering how last-minute this was, I think it’s a pretty good menu, don’t you?

Well then, let's have some fun.

Since I decided to go to Chiba Prefecture, I got on the expressway, and then decided to head to Choshi City, so I feel like I took a bit of a detour.

It feels somehow different from the usual road heading toward Choshi.

And the exit we took was the Sawara-Katori Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway.

I wonder if this is the right place.

A big "?" appears above my head.

But there's no point in thinking about it on my own now.

Anyway, I'll just trust Google Maps and keep going.

Are you the type who prefers the built-in car navigation system?

Or are you a Google Maps user?

I'm the kind of guy who wants to take the shortest route, so I'm basically a Google Maps user.

But Google Maps sometimes takes me to the most out-of-this-world places.

Especially on mountain roads.

"Is this really a road?"

"Is this a system where, if an oncoming car approaches, one of them falls into the ravine?"

He’ll take you to places like that without batting an eye.

It's just like a heartless computer!

That's what I thought, but it turned out to be a computer after all.

On the other hand, a car’s navigation system guides you along relatively safe and reliable routes.

It's a tough call.

I really hope Google Maps adds a difficulty setting.

At the beginner level, always give priority to national highways and wide roads.

The intermediate route takes a few back roads to get there safely and quickly.

For advanced players, it’s the shortest route—no matter the road width, the cliffs, or people’s front yards—with zero seconds of thinking.

Every time, I feel like I end up taking an advanced course without even realizing it.

Just as I got off at the Sawara-Katori Interchange, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

Since we've come this far,The Retro Streetscape of SawaraLet's start taking pictures.

Another detour due to a sudden change of plans.

And so, our destination keeps getting farther and farther away.

Early in the morning in Sawara, there were few people around, so I was able to take a quiet stroll through the old town along the river.

An old building, willow trees, and a river with a small boat floating on it.

It must be bustling with tourists during the day, but it’s nice to be able to take photos at a leisurely pace in the morning.

After taking a few photos, I’ll head to Choshi this time for sure.

About an hour's drive from Sawara.

We've finally arrived in Choshi.

The sunflowers in front of Choshi Station seemed to have been at their peak last week; by this day, they were already starting to fade.

Meanwhile, the flowers that were blooming beautifully that day were,Sunflower Field Near the Kibari Railroad CrossingIt was.

It's located near Kimigahama Station, and you can see the fields from the station.

However, I have absolutely no idea how to get close to there by car.

I can see it.

It's right there.

But I can't get there.

It's a situation in a game where you can see your destination but can't find the path leading to it.

I fine-tuned the pin on Google Maps, drove a wide loop around the area, and finally managed to arrive.

Spread out before me were a field of sunflowers in full bloom and the Choshi Electric Railway tracks.

Whoa.

It's a wonderful place.

Did they prepare the field so that people could take photos of the train and the sunflowers together?

Thank you to everyone involved in managing this.

A little bow.

On the Choshi Electric Railway, if you miss a train, you'll have to wait a long time for the next one.

Since the outbound and return flights were scheduled back-to-back, I effectively had only two chances to take photos.

After waiting for about 20 minutes.

The first train to arrive was the one heading toward Kimigahama Station.

However, I couldn't really hear the train coming, and suddenly it came into view.

Since the camera enthusiasts nearby all started moving at once,

"Here it comes!"

Realizing this, I hurriedly raised my camera as well.

Thank you.

A camera enthusiast who happened to be nearby.

I managed to make it just in the nick of time.

When I looked at the photos later,

"Maybe I should have made the train a little smaller."

"Maybe I should have made the sunflower the main character."

"I wonder what the right composition would have been."

So, I’m feeling a little remorseful.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a “right” way to take a photo, but it’s just a habit of photography enthusiasts to reflect on their shots every time after they’re done.

Even so, I was able to see a proper sunflower field for the first time this year.

I was so happy that I took lots of pictures of sunflowers.

Ah, that was fun.

Next, we headed to a nearbyInubōzakiis.

This is my first visit to Inubosaki since January 3 of this year.

It had snowed that day, and the scenery had a cold, wintry feel to it.

This time, it's the height of summer.

Rough waves crash against the rocks, sending white spray flying into the air again and again.

It has a completely different look from winter.

I was so engrossed in photographing the waves.

Next, we headed to Byōbugaura.

This is what my wife wanted.

Apparently, my wife...

"Iwayama"

"The Cliff"

"Greenhouse"

It seems he likes it.

Unfortunately, I'm not all that interested in those three things.

However, balance is key when traveling as a couple.

It’s a good idea to include not only the sunflowers and the ocean—which you like—but also your wife’s favorite things in the itinerary in just the right balance.

Today, as part of the “Cliff Division,”ByoubugauraWe have adopted it.

On the way to Byōbugaura, a field of sunflowers suddenly came into view.

What's more, there's a large wind turbine in the background.

Sunflowers and Windmills: A Collaborationis.

Lucky.

It wasn't part of the plan, but these kinds of chance encounters are what make a photography trip so much fun.

I pulled over and took a few photos here as well.

It might look even prettier if you take a photo in the evening light.

I've found another place I'd like to visit again.

In addition to this, there are several other sunflower viewing spots in Choshi, such as the area in front of Choshi Station and Mangonji.

However, it seems that the best time to view them varies slightly for each one.

If I want to photograph all the sunflowers in Choshi at their peak bloom, I’ll probably have to go there every weekend.

I see.

So that's how it works.

Choshi City, how many times are you planning to call me?

I’ve visited Choshi several times, and each time I tried to go to Byōbugaura, but for some reason I couldn’t find the entrance.

I wonder where I should start.

This time, I finally figured out the correct answer.

Park your car in the parking lot at Choshi Marina Beach, and walk from there.

It's easy once you get the hang of it.

Byōbugaura is a sheer cliff formed by the waves eroding the Shimōsa Plateau.

Cliffs stretch for about 10 kilometers from the vicinity of Inuiwa in Choshi City to Cape Gyobu in Asahi City.

The ocean stretching out before me and the long, winding cliffs.

That's definitely amazing.

It's a beautiful place.

However, it's difficult to know how to photograph such majestic scenery.

Should I use a wide-angle lens to capture the whole scene?

Should I use a telephoto lens to frame the overlapping cliffs?

With my photography skills, I just can't do justice to the vastness of the scenery.

A place like this would look amazing if filmed with a drone, wouldn't it?

Oh! Come to think of it, when I first started this blog, I was thinking about trying my hand at drone photography.

I attended a drone school on my own, earned my certification, and posted aerial photos on my blog.

We also run an affiliate program for drone schools.

Isn't this the golden route?

I, too, thought it was a truly wonderful plan.

But since we’re going to get him a certification anyway, I might as well have my son, who’s about to start looking for a job, get it.

My son earned his drone license.

After that, my son taught me how to fly.

What a perfect plan for a parent and child!

And after spending about 300,000 yen, my son enrolled in a drone school.

However.

For some reason, I don't take the exam after finishing the course.

I won't accept it.

Ugh, I'm screwed.

Why won't they accept it?

I guess he must be busy playing video games.

Yes.

It was my idea.

It can't be helped.

It was my fault.

In that case, once my son gets a job, I’ll have him use his first bonus to pay for my drone school tuition.

Yeah.

I imagine a future that doesn't even exist and convince myself it's real.

Someday, I'd like to capture some majestic scenery with a drone.

With those thoughts in mind, I took some photos of the ocean and the cliffs.

Before I knew it, my wife was gone.

I wonder where they went.

Looking into the distance, I could see the walking path along the cliff stretching farther and farther away—it was already far off in the distance.

As expected, people who love cliffs are in a league of their own.

I finished shooting nearby and waited in the car for a little while.

About an hour later, my wife came back.

It seems they walked quite a long way in.

He looks happy, so I'm glad.

After that, I was thinking of going to see the wind chimes at Takaya Shrine in Minami-Boso.

However, when I checked the GPS, I was shocked.

Estimated duration: about 3 hours.

Even though it's in the same Chiba Prefecture.

Choshi is the easternmost point.

The southernmost part of Minamibōsō.

I was completely wrong to assume that just because it was in the same prefecture, it would be close by.

Chiba Prefecture is long.

I did try driving toward Minami-Boso for about an hour, but I had to give up partway through.

No matter how much I run, it doesn't really cut down on my travel time.

This is impossible.

So, we’ll save Takaya Shrine for next time.

I bought some vegetables at the roadside station and decided to head home.

On my way home, I was so hungry that I stopped for lunch at a ramen shop called "Kairikiya."

Kairikiya is a store that, for some reason, stuck in my memory because it went public on the same day my daughter attended her cram school.

Since my friends had told me, “It’s delicious,” I’d been wanting to try it out.

The signature dish is Kyoto-style pork back fat soy sauce ramen.

However, when I asked the clerk for a recommendation,

"I recommend the miso ramen."

That's what I've heard.

Signature dishes vs. staff recommendations.

Should I choose the product that the company is promoting?

Should we trust the voices of those working on the front lines?

I struggled with the decision, but I'm a man who values the opinions of those on the front lines.

I ordered miso ramen.

Thin noodles in a sweet and slightly spicy miso broth.

It's actually pretty good.

Next time, I think I'll try their signature dish, the Kyoto Back Fat Soy Sauce Ramen.

On that day, I wasn't able to go to Yamanashi Prefecture as originally planned.

I wasn't able to take any photos of the lavender at Lake Kawaguchi or Mount Fuji.

Furthermore, we were unable to reach Takaya Shrine in Minami-Boso, which was our final stop.

It wasn't a trip that went exactly as planned.

However, I was able to walk through Sawara early in the morning, take photos of the Choshi Electric Railway and sunflowers, gaze out at the summer sea at Inubosaki, and satisfy my wife’s love of cliffs at Byobugaura.

I also came across a scene of wind turbines and sunflowers that I stumbled upon by chance.

Above all, I was able to make my wife happier.

Let's just say this was a good trip for us as a couple.

Even if you suddenly change your destination.

Even if I don't make it to the planned location.

Even if we just grab some ramen on the way home and call it a night.

Yeah.

Days like that might actually be nice.

The Streets of Sawara | A Retro Riverside Townscape in the Early Morning

This photo was taken early in the morning, when the streets were quiet, along the Onogawa River in Sawara, capturing the historic, retro streetscape that remains there.

Sunflower Fields in Choshi (Near the Kibari Railroad Crossing) | Vibrant Sunflowers Swaying in the Wind

This photo was taken at the sunflower field in Choshi (near the Kibari railroad crossing) and captures the vibrant, beautiful sunflowers gently swaying in the breeze.

Sunflower Fields in Choshi (Near the Kobori Railroad Crossing) | A Local Train Running Through the Sunflower Fields

This photo was taken at the sunflower field in Choshi (near the Kibari railroad crossing) and shows a Choshi Electric Railway train passing right alongside the field of yellow sunflowers.

Inubosaki | A White Lighthouse Standing Out Against the Blue Sky

This photo was taken at Inubōzaki and captures the pure white Inubōzaki Lighthouse, which stands out beautifully against the backdrop of the blue sky and the ocean.

Inubōzaki | The Impressive Spray Raised by the Rough Waves

This photo was taken at Inubōzaki, from the top of a cliff overlooking the sea, capturing the moment when rough waves crash against the rocky shore, sending up a huge spray of water.

Sunflower Fields in Choshi (Before Wind Power Generation) | Sunflower Fields and Wind Turbines

This photo was taken at the sunflower field in Choshi (before the wind turbines were installed) and captures both the vast expanse of yellow sunflowers stretching into the distance and the large wind turbines towering in the background.

Byobugaura | Sandy Beaches, Cliffs, and Wind Turbines

This photo was taken near Byōbugaura and captures the sandy beach stretching out in the foreground, the majestic cliffs of Byōbugaura, and the row of wind turbines perched atop them.

Byobugaura | A Boat Cruising Along the Cliffs and the Sea

This photo was taken near Byōbugaura and shows the cliffs of Byōbugaura stretching far into the distance in the background, with a boat sailing across the sea in the foreground.

Shooting Diary: July 11, 2026—Hurry Up and Get on That Train! Chasing Lotus Flowers and Wind Chimes—A Train-and-Bus Trip That Feels Great! —The Story of the Old Man Who Realized His Nose Needed an Update—

I'm writing this diary entry on Tuesday, July 14.

I happened to check the weather forecast for the next day, and the high was 37 degrees.

37 degrees...

It's not so much the temperature as it is my body temperature.

The moment I stepped outside,

"I have a slight fever today."

It's the kind of thing that would make you believe it if someone told you that.

As I watched the elementary school students on their way to school, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

Were summers really this hot when I was in elementary school?

When I looked into it, it seems that while there were certainly hot days, the heat wasn’t life-threatening on a daily basis like it is now.

Back in the day,

"It's supposed to be 30 degrees today! It's hot, isn't it?"

But now, whenever I hear it's 30 degrees,

"It's a bit more comfortable today, isn't it?"

I end up making a face like that.

Humankind has taken a slightly wrong turn in adapting to the heat.

In the summer, there are so many things I want to photograph—sunflowers, wind chimes, fireworks, and summer festivals.

On the other hand, both the camera and the smartphone are piping hot.

The photographer was drenched in sweat.

I was on the edge of my seat, at least emotionally.

Should I protect the camera, or save my own life?

Of course, I have to follow both rules, but it’s easy to lose track of the order while filming.

"Ouch, the camera's hot!"

The very next moment after I thought that, I realized I was getting pretty worked up myself.

To everyone on the daytime filming crew.

Don't forget to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen until you feel like you've used a little more than you need.

It's okay if it looks a little white.

The subject is the one in the photo.

That's not our face.

Let's Talk About Perfume Right Off the Bat

This might come out of the blue, but I'm going to change the subject.

This is about perfume.

"How about a photo diary?"

You might think so, but this is a photography journal.

However, I didn't say we'd only be talking about filming.

Earlier this year, my son got his driver's license.

It seems he's been going out for ramen with his friends night after night lately.

This is the Yamaoka family.

I suppose the young people’s nights will slip away along with their ramen.

One morning, when I got into my car, a mysterious scent filled the interior.

Hair product?

Hair growth treatment?

It’s a scent that’s really hard to describe—one that isn’t registered in my olfactory database.

When night fell, I asked my son about it.

"Do you know what that smell in the car is?"

He says he has no idea what it might be.

I thought it was probably my friend's hair gel or something, but the next day, my wife found a bottle of perfume in our son's room.

He brings it over with a smirk on his face.

The culprit was perfume.

Plus, it's quite pricey.

The scent is "Fig," which is all the rage right now.

It's a fig.

After doing some research, it seems that juicy scents like fig and melon have been popular lately.

I see.

In our day, when you thought of perfume, you thought of CK One.

Wrapped in a refreshing citrus scent,

"I'm kind of a city guy."

He was doing his absolute best to convey that kind of vibe.

But these days, it's all about figs and melons.

Where has our CK One gone?

Upon further research, it seems there are even scents with names like “Forest of Sunbeams” and “Mossy Spring.”

The scent of moss.

It's a little concerning.

And so, my sense of smell, too, is slowly evolving from the Showa and Heisei eras into the Reiwa era.

Well, the shoot is finally set for July 11.

Believe it or not, I took the train that day.

The reason is simple.

It was because the car had broken down.

During our trip to Niigata last week, my wife...

"Isn't that noise kind of loud?"

I realized that.

After having it checked at the dealership, it turned out to be a faulty hub bearing.

Photographers are sensitive to changes in the scenery, but surprisingly oblivious to unusual noises coming from their cars.

Repairs will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

In other words, even if I leave early in the morning, I have to be back home by around 2:00 p.m.

Actually, I wanted to go see the sunflowers in Choshi or the lavender at Oishi Park.

But I don't have a car.

Since you can't defy fate, I thought about places I could reach by train and decided on the Ofuna Flower Center.

I woke up at 3:30 a.m.

I'm riding my bike to the station.

I'm really looking forward to catching the first train.

Along the way, the sunrise was beautiful, so I took a few photos.

If the sun is in the right spot, maybe I can get a shot of the train and the sunrise together?

Could there be a hidden scenic spot in my neighborhood that I haven't discovered yet?

With those thoughts in mind, I headed toward the station.

I parked my bike at a coin-operated parking lot and set off on the Keihin-Tohoku Line.

The Ofuna Flower Center opens at 7:00 a.m.

Since I had a little time, I decided to stop by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno first.

Early in the morning at Ueno Station, there are lots of young people who appear to be coming home from a night out.

Among them was a middle-aged man carrying a camera bag on his back.

Young people come home in the morning.

Uncle is doing his morning routine.

Even though it’s the same early morning, the direction of their lives is completely different.

Shinobazu PondThere were already a lot of people taking pictures of the lotus flowers there.

We're comrades.

I'm Comrade Oji.

"Comrade Uncle, take a picture of the lotus."

A phrase I didn't understand popped into my head, but it's early in the morning, so I guess that's to be expected.

The lotus flowers didn't seem to be in full bloom yet, but I looked for some that were blooming beautifully and took some photos.

There were wind chimes on display, but the light was still dim.

Deciding to come back later, I head toward Ofuna.

On the train,

Sound asleep
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YouTube
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Sound asleep

We arrived after repeating this several times.

I realized that I was acting much the same way as my son.

Take the bus from Ofuna Station to the nearest stop, “Okamoto.”

We arrived around 8 o'clock.

I didn't make it right when the park opened, but it turned out okay.

Ofuna Flower CenterSince it was during the early-morning opening period for the lotus flowers, the park was bustling with people.

It seems the staff are giving a presentation on lotus flowers, and everyone is listening intently.

As soon as I enter the park, I turn left right away.

Photos over explanations.

Practical experience over theory.

I'm heading straight to the lotus corner.

Pink, white, light colors, dark colors.

There were many beautiful lotus flowers in bloom.

Lotus flowers are really easy to photograph.

Just seeing them blooming there makes for a beautiful scene.

I wish I could just stand there and look like a work of art, but in reality, I'm just a sweaty old guy with a camera.

In addition to lotus flowers, I also photographed wind chimes, hydrangeas, and yellow cosmos.

The sunflowers looked like they were about to bloom.

The next stop was,Tsuruoka Hachimangu ShrineThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

If you're coming all the way to Ofuna, you'll probably go to Kamakura, too.

I'll take the bus back to Ofuna Station, then take the train to Kamakura.

I realized that while I was in the car.

The guy sitting next to me smells like melon.

Another juicy one.

I never thought I’d notice a perfume trend twice in just a few days.

Maybe this really is the era of melons and figs.

Even now, from my days when my sense of smell was still intact, citrus scents still have a calming effect on me.

Your nose needs an update.

On the walk from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, there were lots of restaurants that looked delicious.

It sounds like fun to go on a food tour.

And as I looked at the row of cherry trees lining the approach, I found myself thinking.

"This place must be amazing during cherry blossom season. I'd like to come back next year."

……I feel like I thought the same thing last year.

It seems that notes in my head aren't saved.

An approximately 500-meter-long avenue of cherry trees stretching from the Second Torii Gate to the Third Torii Gate.

I'd like to try my hand at early-morning time-lapse photography.

The lotus flowers at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine seem to be just a little bit away from their peak blooming season.

Even so, white lotus flowers were blooming here and there.

White lotuses, white doves, and banners.

After taking lots of photos of things that caught my eye, I wrapped up my photo shoot at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

So, what should we do from here?

I'll be home at 2:00 p.m.

There's still a little time left.

Should we eat?

Should I keep filming?

I opened my smartphone and asked Chappy for advice.

"I'm in Kamakura—is there anywhere I can take pictures of lotus flowers, wind chimes, or sunflowers?"

Then,

."Kōmyō-ji Temple"What do you think? The lotus flowers are beautiful."

That was the response.

Hohoho.

I like you.

So, we headed to Komyo-ji Temple.

By the way, how do you all usually interact with Chappy?

"Please draw a picture of how I usually treat you."

If you ask them to, they'll draw an illustration of your relationship with Chappy.

In my case, Chappy...

"Thanks for always being so kind to me. I love you! Mwah!"

They were portrayed as having a pretty good relationship, as if they were saying that.

There wasn't any "Chu!" though...

However, for some reason, I was depicted as a woman.

I am a man.

Plus, he's an older guy.

On the other hand, when my daughter asked for the same thing, smoke started coming out of Chappy Computer, and it caught fire. There was a “pssh” sound.

I suppose it's because I tend to ask him too many difficult questions at school on a daily basis.

Please try to be kind to AI, too, if you can.

Kōmyō-ji Temple is about a 10-minute bus ride from Kamakura Station toward Zaimokuza.

The temple grounds had a serene atmosphere, and lotus flowers were blooming in the courtyard.

There was someone painting nearby, so I snapped a quick photo to avoid getting in their way.

It was a quiet place that made you want to take it easy.

The problem is the trip back.

The bus isn't coming.

I waited, but he didn't come.

Even when I look at the schedule, I still feel a little uneasy.

It's about a 30-minute walk to Kamakura Station.

I'm walking now!

Just as I made up my mind and was about to take a step forward, the bus arrived.

That's dangerous.

Just a little longer until “The Impatient Older Brother: The Episode Where He Dies in a Walking Accident"I was about to say that."

I took the bus back to Kamakura Station, and since I still had a little time left, I headed back to Ueno.

There wasn't enough light in the morning—I was there to photograph the wind chimes at Shinobazu Pond.

On the train, once again,

Sound asleep
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Sound asleep

It's no longer just about getting around—it's a rotation of sleeping and watching videos.

Amid strong winds,Shinobazu PondTaking a photo of a wind chime

When I arrived in Ueno, the sun was out.

All right.

With this setup, I should be able to take some nice photos of the wind chimes.

Just as I thought that, the wind picked up.

The wind chime sways, sways.

Since it's a wind chime, it's only natural that it sways.

But as a photographer, I wish they would just stop for a split second.

Since there was plenty of light, I used a fast shutter speed to take the photo.

The lotus flowers were completely closed, but I took plenty of photos of the wind chimes and called it a day.

Cup Noodles BIG is a gourmet dish

After finishing the shoot, I hurried home.

I ate a BIG Seafood-Flavored Cup Noodles and headed straight to the dealer.

A BIG after working out without eating anything since morning is practically a gourmet meal.

They said the repair would take about two hours.

While I'm waiting, I'll organize my photos on my computer.

Organization
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Sound asleep
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Organization

It's not much different from being on a train.

Now that the repairs are complete, the car is back in top shape.

Thank you, dealer, as always.

Here's a bonus.

July 12: Work, Weeding, and Photography

The next day, July 12, I was at work early in the morning.

I said, “The "Do-It-Yourself" Flexible Work Schedule System"Since we've implemented this system, I sometimes have to work on holidays when the weather is bad."

Instead, I do morning or evening activities on weekdays.

Of course, this is not a program officially recognized by the company.

I just call it that on my own.

After finishing up at work, I sprayed weed killer on the weeds that had grown out of control at my parents' house.

For some reason, whenever I'm faced with weeds, I get a little combative.

Since I’d gone all the way to Kawagoe, “Zenchōji Temple"I took a photo of the lotus at," and then "Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine"I also took some photos of wind chimes there."

The sky was cloudy, but there was a little bit of light, so I managed to get the shot.

Early summer is all about lotus flowers and wind chimes, isn't it?

It won't be long before the sunflowers start blooming.

I'm on pins and needles every day as I check the bloom updates.

This weekend, too, I walked a lot, took a lot of photos, and slept a lot.

Ahh, that was so much fun!

Shinobazu Pond | A Single Lotus Flower Standing in a Serene Lotus Pond

I took this photo at Shinobazu Pond, capturing a single lotus flower standing somewhat forlornly in the lotus pond, with the intention of conveying a sense of tranquility.

Shinobazu Pond | Early Morning Scenes of Japanese Umbrellas, Lotus Ponds, and the Bentendo Hall

This photo was taken at Shinobazu Pond and captures the beautiful scene of traditional Japanese umbrellas lined up along the quiet lotus pond at dawn, with the Shinobazu Pond Bentendo Temple visible in the background.

Ofuna Flower Center | White Lotus Stretching Straight Up Toward the Sky

This photo was taken at the Ofuna Flower Center, from a short distance away, of a white lotus flower stretching straight up toward the sky.

Ofuna Flower Center | Deep pink lotus blooming against a backdrop of white lotuses

This photo was taken at the Ofuna Flower Center; the white lotus flowers in the background are softly blurred, while the deep pink lotus flower in the foreground is in focus.

Ofuna Flower Center | Close-up of Remaining Hydrangeas

This photo is a close-up shot taken from the side of a hydrangea that was still blooming slightly at the end of the flowering season at the Ofuna Flower Center.

Ofuna Flower Center | A white lotus photographed from below, looking up

This photo was taken at the Ofuna Flower Center, looking up at a beautiful white lotus flower from a low angle slightly below and to the side.

Ofuna Flower Center | Yellow Cosmos with Light Shining Through

This photo was taken from the back of the flower at the Ofuna Flower Center, showing the light shining through the beautiful, well-formed yellow cosmos.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine | Historic Shrine Buildings Visible Through the Pine Trees

This photo was taken at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine; I focused on the pine tree in the foreground along the main approach, while softly blurring the historic shrine buildings visible in the background.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine | Banners Visible Through Lotus Leaves

This photo was taken at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, from the opposite shore of the pond, showing a row of banners through the lotus leaves spreading out in the foreground.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine | A White Lotus Bathed in Light and Shadow

This photo was taken at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, where I captured a beautiful white lotus in bloom while paying close attention to the contrast between light and shadow.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine | Fading Pink Lotus Flowers

This photo was taken at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, capturing the sight of pink lotus flowers gradually falling into the lotus pond where light and shadow intertwine.

Kōmyō-ji Temple (Kamakura) | A Lonely-Looking Lotus with Its Petals Scattered

This photo was taken at Komyo-ji Temple (Kamakura) and captures the somewhat sad and lonely appearance of a lotus flower whose petals have completely fallen.

Zenchō-ji Temple | Lotus Flowers Blooming in the Faint Light

This photo was taken at Zenchō-ji Temple and captures the serene scene of a beautiful lotus flower bathed in a faint glow of light.

Zenchō-ji Temple | Wind Chime with a Cute Goldfish Design

This photo was taken at Zenchō-ji Temple and shows a charming wind chime with a goldfish design that was displayed on the temple grounds.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | A Beautiful Row of Wind Chimes Seen from Below

I took this photo at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, holding the camera at an angle to look up at the front of the shrine, with the intention of capturing the wind chimes neatly lined up.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | A row of lanterns stretching all the way to the back

I took this photo at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine from a slight distance, focusing on the row of lanterns stretching into the distance.

Photo Diary: July 4, 2026 — The "Kanto Rain-Weary Guy" Escapes to Niigata in Search of Sunshine ~A "Niigata-Style" Weekend Photo Diary~

I'm writing this diary entry on July 7.
I'm planning to go to a sports-related trade show today. Since I have some personal business afterward, I need to be back by 5:30 p.m.

...And yet, my mind wasn't on planning my work, but rather,

"I wonder if we can stop somewhere along the way to take some pictures?"

It's full of [...].

Work, trade shows, personal matters, and travel time.
A typical adult would focus on managing their schedule at this point.

But I'm different.
In my mind, I'm already carrying a camera bag.
I guess my priorities as a working adult are a little off.

Wind Chimes at Shinobazu Pond in UenoStarting July 10.
Forest Wind Chime Path (Nihonbashi)）Starting July 17.

Hmm, it's still a little early.

While getting through a busy morning, I consider where to take photos.
While I’ve been running my online store since early this morning, my mind is already off on a trip to the weekend weather forecast.

Summer is finally here.

This year, I’m hoping to take on the challenge of photographing fireworks displays—a field that’s still uncharted territory for me.

But I really want a mentor.

Everyone’s taking such beautiful photos of the fireworks, aren’t they?
The streaks of light flowed beautifully, like flowers blooming in the night sky.

On the other hand, what would happen if I took the photo?

"Wait, are these fireworks? Or is this some kind of art festival featuring camera shake?"

I can see a glimpse of that future.

Just how well can the Canon EOS R hold its own with older EF lenses?
Even though I know it’s skill over equipment, the problem is that my skills aren’t even at the warm-up stage—I’m still just tying my shoelaces.

Well, I’m going to suddenly share something that’s been bothering me lately.

This is the desk calendar at my workplace.
It’s the kind of calendar where January and July, and February and August, are on opposite sides, but it seems I must have thrown that paper away as soon as January ended.

June has come to an end, and

"Ah, so half the year is already over..."

Just as I was getting a little sentimental, I realized July had flown by.

This is no time to get sentimental.
I was shaping my own future with my own hands.

That's just plain silly.
But I kind of like this side of myself.

I'm currently deciding whether to go without a July calendar or buy a new one.
As an adult, you should buy it.
As far as the topic goes, we should just let things be as they are.

But enough about that—back to my diary.

Saturday, July 4, 2026.
I went to Niigata that day.

The reason is simple.

It was because it was sunny only in Niigata.

"Huh, is that the reason?"

That's right. That's the reason.

June in the Kanto region was nothing but rain, rain, rain, clouds, clouds, rain, rain, rain.
As the head of the weekend photography team, it was quite a challenging situation for me.

For people who can only get out and about on the weekends, the weather on Saturday and Sunday is like a report card on their life.
If it's sunny, it's Yu.
It's okay if it's cloudy.
If it rains, there will be a makeup exam.

Amid all this, as I was poring over the weather forecast, it occurred to me.

"Niigata, Ijan"

Since it's on the Sea of Japan side, the weather is different from the Kanto region.
You're saying Niigata isn't part of the Kanto region?

Yes, I know.

I’m involved in various projects, mainly through a website called “Kanto Landscape Travelogue,” but I’m not a stuffy person.
I went to Shizuoka. I went to Yamanashi. I went to Nagano.
In that case, Niigata is also fine.

I'm the kind of guy who trusts the sunny weather icon more than the lines on a map.

My wife is coming along this weekend.
Taking my wife's opinion—she loves greenhouses—into account, here's what this lineup looks like.

Niigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine
Niigata Prefectural Botanical Garden
Echigo Hills National Park
Hydrangea Park (Tokamachi City)

I woke up at 2:30 that day.
It's not early morning. It's already nighttime.

We're leaving at 3 o'clock.
The reason is that I'll be passing through the Niiza Toll Plaza on the Kan-Etsu Expressway just before 4:00.
I think the late-night discount should apply.

Yes, that should be right.
He's the kind of guy who gets strangely particular about the numbers only at times like this.

While I tend to just shrug and say, “Oh, well,” when it comes to everyday shopping, I suddenly become a certified public accountant when it comes to highway toll discounts.
People are truly mysterious.

From the Outer Ring Road to the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
Normally, I’d say, “It arrived in the blink of an eye,” but this time was different.

Nothing but a straight line.
A straight line all the way.

Junction and turns help take my mind off things, but driving straight ahead the whole time is surprisingly tough.
Maybe life, just like a highway, is less boring when there are a few turns along the way.

Amid all this, my wife predicts an ominous event that will occur later.

"Isn't this car noisy?"

Hmm.
My current car is a reliable companion for city driving and hauling cargo, but it does make quite a bit of noise on the highway.

I'd love to drive a Lexus or something like that.
However, for now, I’m just a Lexus fan at heart.
The contents of my wallet reflect reality accurately.

At the time, I just brushed it off, thinking, “Well, I guess that’s just how it is.”
This is later fully resolved.

The first place I visited was, in the early morning, to photograph lotus flowers, “Niigata’s Principal Shrine: Hakusan Shrine".
I was looking forward to the Wind Chime Festival, which is currently underway, and it was even better than I imagined.

First, the lotus pond.
They're in full bloom. They're beautiful. They're the best.

I really do want to photograph lotus flowers against the light.
I just can't get enough of the way the petals look translucent.
The lotus flowers bathed in the morning light are truly beautiful, aren't they?

And wind chimes.
Colorful wind chimes were hanging all over the shrine.

The sun is out for the first time in a while.
Lotus flowers, wind chimes, hydrangeas.

At this point, I'm already satisfied with how much footage I've shot today.
It's still morning, but I already feel like I'm in the end credits.

Thank you, Hakusan Shrine.

When I think of Hakusan Shrine, I’m reminded of the hydrangea festival at Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, but the Hakusan Shrine in Niigata was truly wonderful as well.
I'm glad I came.

Next, we're heading to,Niigata Prefectural Botanical GardenThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
However, since there was still some time before it opened, I decided to stop by Fukushima Lake.

Since we were there anyway, we decided to take the coastal route, and along the way, “Yorii BeachGo to.
Living in the Kanto region, when I think of the ocean, I tend to picture the Pacific Ocean, so seeing the Sea of Japan is definitely a new experience.

The water was crystal clear, and although I couldn't make it all the way to the sandy beach, I was able to fully enjoy the ocean air.

I stopped by there afterwardFukushima LakeIt is a natural spot that embodies the essence of Niigata, featuring waterways, wild birds, plants, and rural scenery.
We observed lotus flowers and water lilies.

There are a lot of people taking photos there, so I think it’s a place that’s loved by the locals.

At that moment, my wife said to the woman who was engrossed in taking photos,

"Going along to photo shoots is such a drag, isn't it?"

He was saying things like that.

The lady looked a little tense.
But it didn't seem like he was entirely opposed to the idea.

As wives of husbands who love photography, I suppose there’s something we understand about each other without even having to say a word.

I think there’s a “sense of solidarity among those who wait” there.
While I’m here taking pictures of lotus flowers, they’re over there cultivating patience.

After that, when you think of Niigata, you think of rice paddies.
The rural scenery in Niigata really is beautiful.

There are few obstructions, so you can see far into the distance.
A vast expanse where the rice fields seem to stretch all the way to the horizon.
Since I started taking photos, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of scenes like this all over again.

Although I wasn't able to meet them this time due to time constraints, my sister and her husband live in Niigata.
It suddenly occurred to me that going there in the winter might be a good idea.

My car doesn't have studless tires, and I'm not used to driving on snowy roads.
But my sister and her husband have two cars. I'm sure they have studless tires.

So, does that mean you'll take me to see the snowy scenery?

Oh.
That's a brilliant idea.

I don't want to drive myself; I just want to take pictures of the snowy scenery.
It’s a pretty convenient way of thinking, but as a photographer, I want to be honest.

For lunch, I had rice balls at the "Agano" roadside station.
When you think of Niigata, you think of rice. It really is delicious.

The water is clean, and the food is delicious.
That's just cheating.

While eating a rice ball,

"Did rice always play such a central role?"

I thought to myself.

After that, I stopped by the roadside station “Tagami,” which my sister had told me about, and bought some vegetables and other items.
I actually quite enjoy buying local vegetables at roadside stations in the areas I visit.

When I buy vegetables at a roadside station while traveling, it makes me feel like someone who’s truly enjoying life.
Actually, I'm the kind of person who skips July on the calendar.

And finally,Niigata Prefectural Botanical GardenTo.

I hear this place has one of the largest greenhouses in the country, so it's my wife's destination.
It seems she wants to see the "Oogiba-shō."

To be honest, I wasn't that interested at first.
Even when I hear the term “Oogibashou,” my understanding of it is still limited to something like “something big.”

But if you see it from outside, it looks pretty cool against the sunset.
I hear that on southern islands, you can even watch it outdoors.

I want to go to a southern island.
I'd like to go under the pretext of taking photos.
If possible, I’d like to mentally classify my travel expenses as part of my photography equipment costs.

I didn't go inside the greenhouse; instead, I enjoyed taking pictures of the water lilies, hydrangeas, dragonflies, and other things in the outdoor garden.

We each do whatever we want and have fun.
This is how our family travels.

Even though we came together, we tend to go our separate ways once we're there.
It's not that we don't get along.
We're simply respecting each other's areas of expertise.
Probably.

The garden was also quite beautiful, with lots of water lilies in bloom.

Next, I headed to my destination, “Echigo Hills National Park".

As expected, the facilities at national parks are really well maintained.
There were lots of hydrangeas blooming on the spacious grounds, and it was really beautiful.

Especially the hydrangea staircase.
I really liked this.
It was a place that photography enthusiasts would absolutely love.

In the rose garden, the second flush of roses was also blooming beautifully.
It’s quite a treat to be able to enjoy both hydrangeas and roses.

By this point, my desire to take photos had been pretty much satisfied.
As far as my stomach is concerned, it’s like I’ve just finished a large set meal.
But when it comes to photos, that's a different story.

The last place I stopped by was,Hydrangea Park (Tokamachi City)The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

It's located quite high up, and you have to walk up a narrow alley to get there.
It's the kind of thing that makes you wonder, "Is it really really ahead?"

At times like this, I always find myself thinking...

"Navi, are you sure this is the right way?"

But it’s often in places like this that you’ll find the best views waiting for you.

They were holding a festival here, and the atmosphere created by the lanterns and hydrangeas was absolutely beautiful.

And just like that, my trip to Niigata that day came to an end.

I thought I might be getting home late, but it only took a little over two hours to get home from Tokamachi City.
Niigata is a big place, but we might consider expanding our coverage to include areas as far as Nagaoka in the future.

Even though I call this a “Kanto Landscape Journey,” my scope is constantly expanding.
It might eventually turn into something like “A Journey Through the Landscapes of Eastern Japan.”

And the next day, Sunday.

We decided to go grocery shopping, and since my son was driving, I took the passenger seat.

Then, from the car—

"Woon"

That sound.

Is this it?
So this is what my wife was talking about.

I didn't really notice it from the driver's seat, but I could tell clearly from the passenger seat.
That's definitely strange.

I hurriedly called the dealer and had them inspect it that same day; they told me the hub bearing was faulty.

Well, with this many people on board, I guess it can't be helped.
But I'm really glad it didn't turn out to be anything serious.
It's scheduled to be repaired next week.

Come to think of it, my wife’s comment, “Isn’t this car noisy?” wasn’t just a casual observation.
That's a human sensor that can distinguish between different warning sounds.

I think that,

"It's a highway, so I guess that's to be expected."

...and played it.

And just like that, I dropped another spot in the rankings for my ability to detect crises at home.
I'm probably in last place.
Still, at least I got plenty of good photos.

And just like that, my Saturday-only trip to Niigata came to an end.

I drove all the way to Niigata in search of sunny weather, took photos of lotus flowers, wind chimes, hydrangeas, rice paddies, the Sea of Japan, water lilies, and even roses—and to top it all off, my car started making a strange noise.

It was quite an eventful weekend.

Even though I call this a “Kanto Landscape Journey,” my scope has expanded a bit once again.
But that's okay.

Niigata, Yijang.