It's finally autumn for New Yorkers and Japanese, and that means harvest festivals around half the world, however summer lingers on with pounding fireworks in Kumamoto and Ibaraki prefectures. If you are in Tsuchiura city or Yatsushiro city gaze at the effervescent fireworks. After the fireworks at Yatsushiro, head to Kurokawa onsen (hot springs) in Kuji city and enjoy the tranquility and luxury.
Fireworks Display (Karatsu Castle), Saga (c)Saga Prefecture/ (c)JNTO Click image below to view full text [PDF].
More info. from Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)'s head quarter website: Ibaraki Kumamoto T. I.