(2025-11-22) Evening Stroll at Showa Memorial Park in Autumn Showa Memorial Park is exceptionally large for a park in Tokyo. They hold events there from time to time. This autumn features illuminated autumn foliage. They light up the Japanese-style garden area and the Ginkgo Avenue. So I chose a day with a wind speed of 1 m/sec (almost no wind) and went to see it. After learning from the last “Stargazing Stroll,” where I ended up walking a ton, I entered through Nishi-Tachikawa Gate and took the shortest route to the Japanese-style garden inside. I always think this, but unlike Hitachi Seaside Park, this park keeps the usual night lighting during events and doesn’t prepare any extra temporary lights or signs at all (;'∀'). Groups of people walking together could be heard saying things like, “Is this the right path?” “I have no idea where we’re walking.” “Let’s ask a staff member for directions.” “There aren’t any staff.” Showa Memorial Park, if you run events, could you pay a little more attention? Anyway, I finally managed to reach the garden. Inside the garden, the rule is “only one monopod allowed except in the tripod-permitted area,” so I wandered around shooting with a monopod and then set up in the tripod area to take photos. The garden pond was almost perfectly still, so I could capture reflections, but... every gazebo was packed with people to the brim (;'∀'). You didn’t even need to zoom in to see how the atmosphere was ruined, lol. Still, it was beautiful nonetheless (●´ω｀●)

Autumn in the Enchanted Forest The bright red fall foliage of the bald cypress (rakushou) blazes on the surface of Lake Ejio. The scene feels dreamlike, as if you’ve wandered into a mysterious land. Photo location: Lake Ejio, Sanyoonoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Ukishima in Anegawa Dam in autumn Anegawa Dam Observation Deck, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

The endless mountain foliage of Nagano prefecture’s Lake Momiji unfurls in a sweeping colors of red, gold, and ember-orange, the autumn canopy spilling down the slopes until it kisses the mirrored surface of the lake.

Mahoroba Museum of Automobiles The Mahoroba Museum of Automobiles, run by Nara Toyota Group, in Nara City Facility name: The Mahoroba Museum of Automobiles, run by Nara Toyota Group, in Nara City Parking: Available Fees: Admission free ★ Voluntary contribution 200 yen Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays, Golden Week, summer holiday 5-431-1 Hachijo, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Mahoroba Museum | Nara Toyota [Official Site] The Mahoroba Museum of Automobiles is an exhibition space attached to Nara Toyota’s used car dealership. Visitors come and go freely. Photography is allowed. Since Sanae Takaichi became President of the Liberal Democratic Party, visitor numbers have surged‼

Notice of Smelt Fishing in Reiwa 8 The smelt fishing season is coming! The season is scheduled from Monday, January 5, Reiwa 8 to Wednesday, February 11, a national holiday. (Although the event is usually held through mid-March, this season will run for about one month only to protect smelt resources. Thank you for your understanding.) Please note the opening date may change depending on ice conditions and weather. We will post updates on the association's social media, so please check there. Fishing hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please follow the posted times and rules. Equipment rental and sales are available at the reception desk, so visitors and first-time participants can join with confidence 😊 We look forward to welcoming you!

Gifu Prefecture Tajimi City "Kokeizan Eihoji Temple" and autumn foliage

Tomoya Kaneko Solo Live in Nishiokoppe Born in Shimokawacho, Tomoya Kaneko is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a radio host and variety show personality. In Nishiokoppe Village, there was someone who attended the same high school and belonged to the same soft tennis club as Kaneko. That person invited Kaneko and organized the live event. As part of Nishiokoppe Village’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the concert used village subsidies and received support from the organizing committee members as well as many villagers and people from outside the village. At the entrance and in front of the hall at Hotel Rimu, the live venue, life-size (slightly smaller) panels of Kaneko and a welcome board greeted guests. Inside the venue, Tomoya Kaneko fans’ uchiwa fans were placed on each table, and the stage featured illuminated letters reading KANEKO TOMOYA. Kaneko’s humor-filled talk and passionate singing electrified the audience. During the show, as people approached to take photos, a sweaty Kaneko was nearby. Standing alone on stage in front of 110 guests, he shone as he entertained the crowd. He joyfully responded to segments that brought children onstage, and the excited children, even when they weren’t onstage, stood toward the back of the hall and swayed happily. Thank you to everyone who helped with video production and the raffle, and to all who came to the venue. Tomoya Kaneko, thank you for coming!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Tomoya Kaneko #Live #Setoushi-kun #100th Anniversary of Village Founding #Music #Live

Today I had the fortune to follow in the footsteps of local elders, experiencing a deep Shikoku ohenro pilgrimage by bus and on foot. We walked along several ancient ohenro paths from No. 86 Shido-ji Temple all the way to the final stop, No. 88 Okoji Temple. On this journey through time, the elder recounted, as if naming familiar treasures, the origins and stories behind the guideposts and ohenro graves. His vivid explanations seemed to make the long years layered on these old roads reappear before our eyes, turning the pilgrimage into more than just walking. In the past, when I hiked up the mountain, I used to take the path in front of the Ohenro Koryu Salon. This time, however, the elder first led us onto a little-known ancient trail that runs along the mountainside past the salon. Because few pilgrims use that old path, the ohenro graves along it have been preserved intact, serving as precious witnesses to history. Next, we turned to another ohenro route that winds by the river near a settlement. This stretch shows the clearest traces of changing times— as the settlement grew and new roads were built, some of the directional stone markers were relocated, leaving their inscriptions pointing inexplicably elsewhere. The elder’s on-site explanations linked all those originally puzzling “misplaced” changes together at once, allowing us to keenly feel both the fascination and the frustrations of history. Perhaps because of road construction and environmental changes, some of the ohenro graves that once lay scattered along the roadside and slopes were moved and gathered into one place. This ohenro journey was not only a physical walk but also a deep conversation of the heart with history.

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Seven must-visit attractions when you come to Shimanto City Here are facilities where you can enjoy activities and experience the history and culture of Shimanto City. 1 Nakamura area Facing the Pacific at the mouth of the Shimanto River, Nakamura area in Shimanto City was developed about 550 years ago by the Ichijo family, court nobles from Kyoto, who modeled the townscape on Kyoto. Many place names mirror those in Kyoto, and historical sites from that era still remain. Shimanto River Pleasure Boat Enjoy the scenery of the Shimanto River and a moment of timeless charm. Regularly scheduled boats, private charters, and reservation-only dining yakatabune (pleasure boats with meals) are available. From late May to early June, firefly boat tours run so you can watch fireflies dancing above the Shimanto River. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko Situated on the banks of the Shimanto River, this experience facility sits amid abundant nature. Alongside river activities such as canoeing and SUP, it offers auto camp sites. A range of equipment rentals makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the Shimanto River up close. Tombow Natural Park Shimanto River Museum The world’s first dragonfly sanctuary. The park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly and features seasonal flowers. At the adjacent Shimanto River Museum, permanent exhibits include about 3,000 dragonfly specimens representing 1,000 species from around the world, and roughly 130 species of fish from the Shimanto River and other rivers, teaching visitors about the current state of the Shimanto River. Shimanto Iyashi no Sato A hot spring facility on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River estuary. The facility houses Shimanto Iyashi no Sato, which offers hot spring water drawn within Shimanto City, and Restaurant Yamakawumi, serving dishes that make the most of the river’s generous bounty. Shimanto City Folk Museum This castle-shaped museum stands on the site of Nakamura Castle, once the stronghold of Yasutoyo Yamanouchi, the younger brother of Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Inside, it presents life, history, and culture woven with the Shimanto River under the theme “a town living with the river.” It also displays valuable materials related to the Tosa-Ichijo clan, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period loyalist Makiyoshi Higuchi, and Meiji-era socialist Kotoku Shusui, a notable figure born in Nakamura. The top floor serves as an observation deck with panoramic views of the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city. 2 Nishitosa area Upstream in Shimanto City, the Nishitosa area features scattered riverside settlements and peaceful scenery. At night, with few surrounding lights, the stars shine without being obscured by artificial illumination, offering pristine stargazing. Shimanto River Station Canoe Offering beginner-friendly canoe tours, this facility provides half-day and full-day basic courses under instructor guidance. The building also exhibits canoes from around the world. As a river station, it operates the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle as well. Shimanto Gakusha A former local school renovated into a lodging experience facility. Classrooms and the nurse’s room remain as overnight rooms, and desks and other furnishings from the school days are preserved. You can enjoy Shimanto River–specific experiences such as canoeing, stream trekking (shower climbing), and raft play. Hotel Seira Shimanto Perched on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, this hotel offers an outstanding, nature-surrounded location. Signature dishes feature the river’s bounty, including ayu (sweetfish), river shrimp, and Shimanto beef. An adjacent 4-meter observation dome and staff-led stargazing introduce guests to the wonders of the night sky. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa Located where Japan National Route 441 and Japan National Route 381 meet in the midstream area of the Shimanto River, this station is a gateway to Shimanto River sightseeing. A signature small truck displayed in the center of the store showcases fresh local produce, handmade processed foods, and boxed lunches ranging from seasonal items to regional traditional dishes. At the Ayu Market, which focuses on wild-caught products, you can see and purchase ayu as well as eel and freshwater crabs, enjoying the Shimanto River’s rich bounty firsthand.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a s'more chocolate latte and a strawberry and chocolate tart.

Daio Wasabi Farm’s wasabi fields, a pride of Azumino One of Japan’s largest wasabi farms using spring water from the Northern Alps Open every day year-round with free admission♪

Eikando in Kyoto was an incredibly beautiful world.

Angel ladders over a yellow town. It was a thinly overcast day with the sun coming and going, but I managed to capture the angel ladders. Date: 2025/11 Location: Sobue Town, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture *Flight over the Nikko River confirmed* *Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism* *Flight plan notified and flight log completed*

Autumns in nagano is amazing. There are multiple location to see autumn colors in Nagano prefecture but lake momiji is exceptionally good one. The running water and fall colors look stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Mizu No Kamui Kankoken, where pristine nature, protected since ancient times, still breathes. On the official SNS account for this Cool Japan Video, we share the vast landscapes, seasonal changes, and small local charms centered on Akanko, Lake Mashu, and Kushiro Shitsugen, bringing you the sights and timely information unique to Eastern Hokkaido. We aim to post discoveries that spark travel plans and information that lets you feel the atmosphere on site. Please follow us and enjoy the present face of Eastern Hokkaido together!

This is the view of Mt. Fuji from the great torii gate of Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha Shrine

This is the sunrise at Nagasaki Park near Lake Kawaguchi.

Ama Site Park "Ama Iseki Koen" 12-3 Hatchonawatecho, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture Parking is available 24 hours a day. There is a West Parking lot (152 spaces) and an East Parking lot (264 spaces). Event period: From Saturday, November 29, 2025 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. The illumination is from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Access: About a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Takatsuki-shi Station and a 13-minute walk from JR Kyoto Line takatsuki station. Takatsuki City Bus: Get off at Ama Site Park (Children's Future Museum) or Ama Site Park East, both right by the park.

Metasequoia Avenue Makinomachi Hiruguchi to Makino, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture When setting this destination in your car navigation system, please register Makino Pickland at 0740-27-1811. Along Shiga Prefectural Road Route 287 Koaraji Makinosawa Line, which continues from the town road Sawamakino Line that runs through Makino Pickland, about 500 metasequoia trees line a 2.4 km stretch. They harmonize with the distant Nosaka Mountains and create a highland-like approach to Makino Kogen.

Shirahige Shrine 215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture Features of Shirahige Shrine Enshrined deity: Sarutahiko Okami Also known as: Itsukushima of Oumi Shrine building: The large torii gate standing in Lake Biwa is famous. Shirahige Shrine has long been revered as a deity of longevity and also as a protector of matchmaking and fertility. In particular, the vermilion great torii rising from Lake Biwa captivates many visitors with its beauty.

Metasequoia Avenue Makinomachi Hiruguchi to Makino, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture <Autumn Foliage> Typical peak season: late November to early December During the autumn foliage season from mid-November to mid-December, congestion occurs on Prefectural Route 287 Namiki Road and surrounding roads on weekends between 11:00 and 18:00. Please help ease traffic by visiting on weekdays when it is less crowded or by using the Makino Kogen Free Temporary Parking at the north end of the avenue. If you use public transportation, take JR Makino Station and then the Takashima City Community Bus Makino Highland Line. The avenue and nearby roads are vital local residential streets. Please do not park or stop on the road. The surrounding roads are residential streets. Slow down and watch for pedestrians. So that as many people as possible can enjoy the area, follow photography etiquette and avoid dangerous actions such as stopping on crosswalks or stepping into the roadway to take pictures.

[Event Closed Announcement📢] The “Teshikaga Hikari Request” ended on November 30. To everyone who participated, thank you so much!✨ Winners will be notified by shipment instead of a public announcement. On our official LINE, we will continue to share event updates and delightful news! We appreciate your continued support of the Lake Mashu Tourism Association☺️

Dance, Dance, Dance Dance is closer to strength training than I thought…! I realized that when I joined a dance lesson held in Nishiokoppe Village. The instructor who taught us was Toshimasa Miya, a teacher at EOS DANCE STUDIO in Asahikawa City. This was the second time Miya came to Nishiokoppe Village. I couldn’t attend the first lesson, but when I heard a second session would be held, I went to loosen my exercise-starved body. As soon as the lesson began, music started playing. I was surprised and thought, “Are we already dancing?” but we began with stretches set to the music. It seems they teach you to get into the habit of moving to the rhythm from the stretching stage. They say dance isn’t about moving your body as fast or as much as possible; what matters is moving to the rhythm. They also explained that if you get better at moving specific parts of your body, you can express more delicate whole-body movements in dance. The smaller the movements, the more your muscles and mind work. To keep your center steady while making various motions, you also need to strengthen your core. Not being a regular dancer, I moved my arms and legs with all my might and ended up soaked in sweat. It’s hard to move smoothly like the teacher or snap into sharp motions at times, but when you move your body fully and use your limbs the way you imagined, it feels great. While learning dance basics, people from elementary school age to adults enjoyed trying out dance. A dance lesson is scheduled again after the New Year. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get moving, or if you want to feel soothed watching people move joyfully, come and join the next lesson. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #dance #dance lesson #EOS DANCE STUDIO #Asahikawa #winter #exercise

December 1st Azumino enjoyed gentle sunshine today The view of the Northern Alps from Ohisama Road is lovely!!

The Tokachigawa Onsen Kohaku Night and Marche runs at Roadside Station Gardens Spa Tokachigawa Onsen through Sunday, December 7. Centered on the amber color of the mall hot spring, the event features a symbolic tree inspired by Tokachi’s nature, Tokachi sake and snacks, and daily-changing markets and live music. Come and visit us! 😊 Kohaku Night and Marche Period: November 1, 2025 – December 7, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Admission: Paid from 6:00 PM Adults: ¥1,500; Elementary school children: ¥600

“Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City’s Finest from Farming Town” Winter Gifts 2025 Start! ✨ Get extra savings by adding our official LINE account as a friend Details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special/5357... Shop directly from producers to enjoy the flavors of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Winter Gifts 2025 are now open for orders at Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP, our producer-direct online store! ⛄🎁✨ [Order Period] Until Friday, December 26, 2025 This year’s lineup includes fan-favorite products such as the “Hiba Beef Soboro and Shigure-ni Set,” made with 100% Hiba Beef—the legendary branded wagyu of Shobara—easy-to-eat “Shobara Wild Boar Gyoza” with no strong gamey taste, a “Charcoal-Smoked Assortment” that brings out the best of Shobara’s premium ingredients, Aigamo (duck) raised alongside rice in Tojo Town, and Ichiki Town’s “Shikishin Natural Yam,” all perfect companions for the winter season. Last year’s popular winter selection, the “Bihoku Mon Gift,” returns with a newly prepared New Rice Companion Set and a Sweets Set. We also offer the “Shobara City Branded Rice Set” and the “Shobara 20th Anniversary Commemorative Sake,” among other direct-from-producer gifts filled with producers’ dedication. These seasonal tastes make wonderful gifts for loved ones and are also perfect as gourmet deliveries to enjoy at home—please try them during this season✨ Plus, everyone who newly adds the Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP official LINE account as a friend will receive an exclusive friend-only coupon. See the link for more details!

🎄✨ Higashikawa Christmas Market 2025 ✨🎄 Held Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 2025! This weekend, Higashikawa will be decked out in Christmas cheer 🎅 About 100 vendors will gather across three venues—Sentopia I and II, Kyosei Plaza Sorairo, and Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery—offering pastries and bread, Christmas goods and gifts, a furniture & interior exhibition, workshops, and more! A free, Christmas-themed shuttle bus will operate between the three venues 🎁 *At certain times, regular vehicles may be used.* 📅 Schedule Dec 6 (Sat) 9:00–17:00 Dec 7 (Sun) 9:00–16:00 📍 Venues • Sentopia I and II • Kyosei Plaza Sorairo • Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery Two days to enjoy winter in Higashikawa ❄️ We look forward to welcoming you!

Today I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the autumn leaves on the shrine grounds. 🍁

A trip to Kyoto with someone special turned out to be wonderful. Visiting Kyoto in autumn for the first time felt very atmospheric and truly captured the essence of Japanese autumn…