Daily Life, Travels and Events in Reiwa

June 17, 2025: Visited Expo 2025 Osaka as an opportunity to get some real exercise. When I visited Expo 1970 Osaka from my hometown of Wakayama 55 years ago, it was my first time meeting people from overseas, and I still remember how excited I was by things such as the Tower of the Sun, moon stones, mobile phones, and moving walkways. This time, I didn’t feel quite the same level of excitement, but I had been looking forward to the view from the Grand Ring. However, it was simply too hot today, dangerously so, to really enjoy it. Once summer arrives, I think this is a place best visited at night. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/06/june-17-2025-expo-2025-osaka-grand-ring.html?m=1 < The view from the Grand Ring >

April 7, 2025: Cherry blossoms around Wakayama Castle were in full bloom and looked absolutely beautiful. Many stalls were set up around Wakayama Castle, and the area was filled with the joyful laughter of children. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/04/april-6-2025-beautiful-cherry-blossoms.html?m=1

March 19-20, 2025: On a visit to my hometown of Wakayama for dinner with old friends, I stayed overnight at Hanayama Onsen, a place I had always wanted to visit. This hot spring is one of Japan's most renowned natural onsen, rich in minerals, iron, and other elements that crystallize in the bathtub, as well as having a high concentration of carbon dioxide. There were very few guests, especially in the early morning, so I was able to enjoy this spacious and intensely therapeutic hot spring all to myself. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/03/march-19-20-2025-hanayama-onsen-in.html?m=1

April 2024 - March 2025: Daily life doing what I want to do https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/03/april-2024-march-2025-daily-life-doing.html?m=1

January 2, 2025: Went to Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) in Minoh, Osaka for my first shrine visit of the New Year. The Daruma of Katsuoji Temple is not a figure that grants wishes. By writing your wish and filling in one eye, it serves as a means to face yourself and overcome your inner weaknesses. https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-2-2025-katsuoji-temple-in-minoh.html?m=1

January 1, 2025: Watched the first sunrise of the year in Hattori Ryokuchi Park, Osaka ☀️ https://tetsuyasogo2021.blogspot.com/2024/12/january-1-2025-first-sunrise-of-year-in.html?m=1