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Photographed on July 26, 2014. These are the red thread wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival ❚ Held on October 25, 2026 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival will take place at "Kagura no Sato Noba Park" in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The main feature, Ontake Kagura, is said to have begun with the establishment of Ontake Shrine in the first year of Hōtoku (1449). In 2007, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government. On the day of the event, six groups from various locations in the prefecture, including Ontake Kagura, are scheduled to perform. Food and beverage stalls will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing day from morning. Parking near the venue is limited, but on the day of the event, a free shuttle bus will operate back and forth from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station to the Kagura Hall (which has parking) and then to Noba Park. Be sure to witness the traditional dance of Kagura that has been passed down through generations. 【Date】Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM 【Location】Kagura no Sato Noba Park (Udaeda, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Performing Groups】 Ichinoya Riraku (Usuki City, Ichinoya) Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata-cho, Bungoono City) Jōhara Kagura Preservation Society (Takeda City, Jōhara) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Yufu City, Shonai-cho) Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】 Please pay at the entrance on the day of the event. ▶ Junior high school students and above: 500 yen (all seats unreserved) *Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. 【Access to the Venue】 Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will operate from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. 【Shuttle Bus (Free)】Operating back and forth between Bungo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue Bungo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (with parking) → Noba Park 【Inquiries about the Festival】 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival Executive Committee (Kiyokawa Branch, Bungoono City Hall) TEL: 0974-35-2111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Birds have started to gather at Lake Utonai. The peak of the autumn swan migration is said to occur from late October to early November each year. It's exciting to see the number of migratory birds increase from here on. (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Taken on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Guided by the Autumn Leaves In December 2024, while visiting Tenryuji in Kyoto, I stumbled upon this scenery as I walked through the temple grounds. Scattered across the stone steps were fallen leaves, with maple trees, a torii gate, and the shrine deep in the background ahead. At that moment, I felt that the scene before me was dreamlike, so I paused to take this photo. At the time of taking the photo, I didn't pay much attention to the name of this place, but later I learned that it was the Reiki Shrine within Tenryuji. Looking at this photo again, it seemed as if the autumn leaves on the stone steps gradually led my gaze deeper toward the torii gate, so I named it 'Guided by the Autumn Leaves.' This unexpectedly encountered scene also became an unforgettable moment during this trip. Location: Reiki Shrine, Tenryuji, Kyoto City

Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

Taken on August 5, 2014. This is the wind chime for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, along with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Photographed on September 3, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Event Announcement 📣 On September 12th (Saturday) to September 13th (Sunday), we will hold the "13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Tournament One Year Pre-Event" at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 😊 The "National Wagyu Ability Competition" is a "Wagyu Festival" where excellent Wagyu from all over the country gathers once every five years. With the Hokkaido Tournament approaching next year, this event will offer a special two days filled with delicious meat and fun activities 🎵 🔶 Main Programs on September 12th ・The opening will feature a performance by the cheerleading team from Hokkaido Obihiro Sanjo High School (10:15 AM) ・A talk show featuring producers of Kuroge Wagyu (11:00 AM) ・A talk show by the Wa Gyu group, the future bearers (2:00 PM) ・The ending will be a rock-paper-scissors contest for Kuroge Wagyu meat (3:50 PM) 🔶 Main Programs on September 13th (Sunday) ・"Tokachi Meat Festival" by the Tokachi Meat Industry Cooperative (2:00 PM) 🔶 Programs Held on Both Days ・Wagyu photo session with local characters ・Gourmet food trucks will be present This is an opportunity to enjoy delicious food while experiencing the charm of Wagyu. Let's start the countdown together towards the Wagyu Festival one year from now! 🤗 🔷 Date: September 12th, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM September 13th, 2026 (Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 🔷 Venue: Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 🔷 Contact: 13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Executive Committee TEL: 011-209-8553 https://zenkyo-hokkaido.jp//

How about an autumn trip by train? Starting from JR Mashu Station, enjoy an autumn journey in Kussharo, Hokkaido. Take a shuttle bus to Kussharo Prince Hotel. Once you arrive, take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, dyed in autumn colors. At the pier, you can slowly enjoy the scenery created by the lake and the sky while feeling the crisp autumn air. Be sure to "save" this for your next trip to Kussharo, Hokkaido. *The shuttle bus between Kussharo Prince Hotel and JR Mashu Station is free, but reservations are required. For more details, please check the official website via the link in the profile. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Kushiro, known as one of the world's three great sunsets, offers stunning views of the sunset 🌇. From autumn to winter, when the air is clear, it's said to be the season when the sunset is most beautiful. After enjoying the ever-changing colors of the sky from Nusamai Bridge, take a stroll through the city back to your hotel. It takes about five minutes on foot from Nusamai Bridge to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Whether it's the beautiful evening scenery or the city walk, Kushiro serves as a great base for your travels. Follow us to stay updated on the latest information about 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

The autumn leaf season has arrived! Announcing the "Kawayu Marche"! On Saturday, October 10, 2026, we will hold the "6th Kawayu Marche" in front of EZO HOUSE at Kawayu Onsen! Restaurants from Teshikaga will gather to offer gourmet food and drinks, as well as events like Kawayu Bayashi, game tournaments, and handheld fireworks, ensuring fun for both children and adults. Enjoy a day that's a little different at Kawayu Onsen this autumn! ≪Schedule≫ Kawayu Bayashi Experience the excitement of the Kawayu Onsen festival with "Kawayu Bayashi"! First performance: 13:00 Second performance: 16:00 Struck Out Tournament 15:00~ Challenge yourself in the struck out game and win prizes! *Participation is free Potato Weighing Game 17:00~ Fun for parents and children! Join us for a potato weighing game! Prizes will be provided for participants. *Participation is free Handheld Fireworks☆Children Only☆ 19:00~ The finale of the marche will feature handheld fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Create wonderful memories at Kawayu Onsen. *Participation is free Simultaneously held! Experience tours are also accepting applications! Experience tour "AWAKE FROM KAWAYU" to enjoy the nature of Kawayu Onsen Explore the unique nature and attractions of Kawayu Onsen with a guide. For more details, please visit Teshikaga Navi 🤩 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayumarusye/...

The cosmos at Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden are in full bloom!! Both the mixed native species and the yellow cosmos are "in full bloom"! This weekend and throughout next week, you can enjoy particularly beautiful flowers. We invite you to visit the cosmos garden♪ Address: 70-1 Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido, 099-0407 Contact: ℡ 0158-42-0488 Entrance Fee: <Individual> Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen <Group> *For groups of 10 or more Adults (high school students and older) 500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 200 yen Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parking: 300 spaces (free)