Daily Life, Travels and Events in Reiwa

July 26, 2026: Feeling a bit worn out after the relentless summer heat, I visited a nearby hot spring spa resort early in the morning to recharge and recover from the fatigue. I'm truly grateful to have such a wonderful facility, surrounded by lush nature, just a 10-minute walk from my home. < July 25-26, 2026 > Last weekend, I started my day with a Hawaiian-style breakfast at the newly opened ALOHA CAFE near my home. Later, I headed into the heart of Osaka to experience the Tenjin Matsuri despite the intense summer heat. Exhausted by the scorching weather, I visited another recently opened place—a nearby hot spring spa resort—early the next morning to relax and recover. I'm truly grateful to have both of these wonderful places, surrounded by lush nature, within a 15-minute walk of my home. July 26 this year marked Japan's traditional "Day of the Ox," when many people eat eel to build up their stamina and cope with the intense summer heat.

July 25, 2026: Under the blazing midsummer sun and in sweltering heat, the streets of Osaka were packed with tens of thousands of people celebrating  Tenjin Matsuri , one of Japan's three greatest festivals. With a history of over 1,000 years, this traditional festival is renowned for its vibrant procession and extraordinary energy. These photos capture just a glimpse of its unforgettable atmosphere. This procession is called Rikutogyo (陸渡御), the traditional land procession of Tenjin Matsuri. Hundreds of participants dressed in historical costumes parade through the streets of Osaka while carrying portable shrines and other ceremonial objects. It is one of the festival's most spectacular and symbolic events. Between the scorching heat and the excitement of the festival, my shirt was completely soaked with sweat!  🥵