Summer is definitely here. Everywhere in Japan the temperatures seem to be very high this year, and we urge everyone to take good care in the heat.

Summer holidays, too, are here, and many families have come to spend their Obon holidays with us. It is the best time, as the place is crowded with customers from Japan and abroad. It is also now that we also hold our annual Summer Festival!

Bank bowling, super ball scooping, shooting games and more are part of the fun each and every day!

This year’s new game is Pitcher Bingo. The challenge is to throw a spongey ball and strike the target in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal pattern. When the whole row is done, guests can get a nice prize for all their hard work!

The Super Bowl Scooping has been the most popular among young children. They seem to really love it! It is always busy, and our staff can’t but help but enjoy carefully observing the youngsters play. From 7pm, Children’s Fireworks are handed out to children for free in the square in front of the main entrance. Even if it rains, we still give out the fireworks so the children have a nice souvenir to enjoy later.

The day that this photo was taken, it rained the entire day. Our visitors, though, enjoyed a fun time at Dai-ichi Takimotokan! The Summer Festival runs until August 15, so please come join us!

Also, did you notice?

The Dai-ichi Takimotokan yukata changed starting on August 11. Adults wear a calming yellow-green, while children have a bright light yellow-green.

We think the new design with its gently intertwined curves fits very well with the human shape. The material is soft and smooth, and it feels light and cool. It has been thirty years since we changed the yukata here, so we are very excited about it. We hope you enjoy it, too!

Also, please note that temperatures in Noboribetsu Onsen at this time of year are 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), so please take care to go inside and rest.

Noboribetsu Hell Festival
Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27
Come see the demon Omikoshi (portable shrine) and large Enma (the King of Hell) on the main street. You can also dance with demons and enjoy the fireworks launched from the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) on the evening of Sunday, August 27.