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Maniwa moments

local english guide × photography. Introducing the beautiful moments in Maniwa, Northen Okayama, JAPAN.

24/07/2026

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Explore Maniwa in Summer

Stroll through the countryside
Paths through rice fields, small shrines in quiet villages, and clear rivers flowing throughout Maniwa… For many Japanese people, scenes like these bring back memories of childhood summers.

Escape the summer heat
Inside Bitchu Limestone Cave stays at around 9℃ year-round, and offers a refreshing escape with spectacular underground scenery.
Yamanori Valley offers a refreshing and relaxing escape with a scenery that feels like something out of a Ghibli film. You can also try Nagashi Somen -a Japanese seasonal specialty where thin noodles flow down a flume in water at the restaurant, Ryosui-Tei.

Enjoy summer festivals
From mid-July to August, fireworks festivals and Bon dances —two of Japan’s most beloved summer traditions—are held throughout Maniwa.

Go star gazing
After the daytime heat fades, take a walk beneath the stars. In places with little light pollution, such as the Hiruzen Highlands, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking starry sky.

20/07/2026

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On summer nights, Omiya-Odori, which is a traditional local bon dance, takes place throughout the Hiruzen area. Above the dancers, Shirige—traditional paper cutouts suspended from lanterns and featuring a variety of motifs—sway gently in the summer night breeze.

In the past, these paper cutouts were made by local farmers during the snowy winter months, when heavy snowfall made farming impossible. They would work on them little by little while preparing for the summer festivals. Today, the tradition is still kept alive mainly by local women, whose handmade Shirige continue to decorate Omiya Odori.

It may look difficult, but it's easy to get started with a starter kit available at the Hiruzen Local History Museum (300 JPY per design). All you need is a craft knife. Although it takes time to complete, the finished piece makes a wonderful souvenir to remember your trip.

I recommend visiting the Hiruzen Local History Museum during the day to learn about Omiya Odori and Shirige, then experiencing the dance beneath the beautifully illuminated Shirige in the evening.

📍Hiruzen Local History Museum
From JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Sta.>>Local Bus 🚌 Approx. 60 mins >> Domeki >> Walk 🚶Approx. 15 mins
🗓️Closed on every Wednesday, Dec 28 - Jan 4
⏰9:00-17:00

10/07/2026

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On August 8, one of the most unique festivals in Okayama, the Hanzaki (Japanese Giant Salamander) Festival will be held in Yubara onsen town.

Yubara is known for its population of Japanese Giant Salamanders, a designated National Special Natural Monument. Legend has it that a giant Hanzaki once lived here, and the creature is still revered by local people today.

During the festival, “Dashi” (festival float) and “Nebuta”(giant illuminated paper lantern) featuring giant Hanzaki designs parade through the streets with a parade band and traditional dance.

The festival concludes with fireworks lighting up the summer sky.

This year is especially lucky, as the festival falls on three eights—the 8th year of the Reiwa era, August (the 8th month), and the 8th day.

📍Yubara Onsen
JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Sta>>Local Bus Approx. 35 mins
🗓️August 8
13:30-15:30 Hanzaki Forum
15:00- Rituals
17:30- 20:30 Parade
21:00- Fireworks & Mochi Toss

04/06/2026

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Japan is entering the rainy season, which many travelers tend to avoid. Yes, there are some downsides—humid air, warm temperatures, and of course, frequent rain…

However, there are also things you can only experience during this season.
Could these scenes be your reason to travel?

Here are some spots in Maniwa, Okayama, where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of hydrangeas alongside traditional Japanese scenery.

📍Miura Tei (📸June 23 & 13, 2025)
From JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Sta.
>>Local Bus🚌 Approx. 8 mins>>Araibashi>>Walk🚶Approx. 10 mins

📍Fumonji Temple (📸June 23, 2025)
JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Sta.
>>Taxi 🚕 Approx. 30 mins
✨June 13-28 2026- Hydrangea Festival (.fumonji)

📍Kiyama Shrine (📸June 23, 2025)
JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Sta.
>>Taxi🚕 Approx. 20 mins

📍Katsuyama Former Samurai Residence (📸June 27, 2025)
From JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Sta.
>> Walk🚶 Approx. 6 mins.

01/06/2026

Maniwa Moments in May

Fresh greenery colors the city, and rice planting in the fields…

28/05/2026

A Symphony of Fireflies

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Have you ever seen fireflies glowing in the dark?

In Japan, fireflies have long been cherished as a symbol of early summer. However, their natural habitats are gradually declining…

Maniwa City is blessed with rich natural surroundings, with clear rivers flowing throughout the area. In June, you can see fireflies dancing along the riversides across the city.
The tour is not yet available to the public,
Why not take a quiet night walk and experience these magical moments for yourself?

*Before watching fireflies:
・Please avoid shining bright lights on the river. Use a small light only for your steps.
・Please be quiet while watching the fireflies, as there may be residential areas nearby.
・Please take your garbage home to help preserve the environment.

📍Hokubo Hotaru Park (📸June 12, 2025)
From JR Mimasaka-Ochiai Sta.
>>Local Bus🚌 Approx. 35mins>>Azae>>Walking🚶Approx. 15mins
✨June 6 &7 2026- HOTARU Fes ()
✨June 13- Hotaru no Yube (Food stands)

📍Asahi River (📸June 13, 2025)

📍Somewhere in Maniwa (📸June 17, 2025)

📍Tsuguro Highlands (📸June 30, 2025)
From JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Sta.
Taxi🚕 Approx. 40 minutes

25/05/2026

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Surrounded by mountains, the Hiruzen Highlands offer a rich natural environment where you can enjoy hiking, trekking, and cycling.

As you explore the area, try to listen carefully—you may hear birds singing among the natural sounds.
A wide variety of wild birds can be found here, including rare species such as the Oriental Dollarbird.

An experienced guide, , shows you how to spot birds and enjoy a guided birdwatching hike. The tour is currently offered only at limited events, so if you’re interested, feel free to send him a DM.

Guide & Bird photography:
Photo no.5: Narcissus Flycatcher
Photo no.6: Meadow Bunting
Photo no.7: Varied Tit

21/05/2026

Spending a day in a rural and peaceful scenery of Japan.
Does anyone want to soak in?

18/05/2026

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Around this time last year, I spent 3 days and 2 nights traveling through Maniwa with my camera. These moments remind me why I’m here…

Rich nature, a refreshing breeze, and a peaceful atmosphere…
Such a relaxing time😌

From photo journey: Maniwa -Exploring a Hidden Gem in Japan-

14/05/2026

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Around this time last year, I spent 3 days and 2 nights traveling through Maniwa with my camera. These moments remind me why I’m here…

This small onsen town always leaves me feeling excited whenever I visit.

From photo journey: MANIWA -Exploring a Hidden Gem in Japan-

住所

Maniwa-shi, Okayama