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A dish featuring tenderly simmered red snapper accompanied by a variety of colorful vegetables. It showcases the charm of traditional Japanese cooking that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, as well as the meticulous enjoyment of food in Japanese cuisine. This photo was taken during a visit to Izu.

A luxurious seafood bowl adorned with fresh seafood and glossy salmon roe. This dish encapsulates the unique food culture of Japan, cherishing the blessings of the sea and showcasing the richness of its culinary delights.

It's called takoyaki. Many international visitors enjoy it while sightseeing in Osaka, but in the Kansai region, it's traditionally a food that families make themselves. In addition to the octopus-filled ones available at shops, you can add your favorite ingredients like pickled ginger, sausage, and cheese. Once cooked, they are topped with takoyaki sauce, aonori (seaweed flakes), and bonito flakes, and you can also add mayonnaise to taste. Having a takoyaki party, or 'takopa' for short, with family and friends is fun, but Kansai people eat the hot takoyaki incredibly fast, so they use both sides of the hot plate to cook them at full speed.

It is called Osechi Ryori. This is a dish that families and clans gather to celebrate the New Year and eat together, with each item having a special significance for good fortune. Nowadays, many people buy it from department stores or supermarkets, but in the past, it was common to make it by hand. In rural areas, it is still customary to prepare it in advance at the end of the year so that women do not have to cook during the New Year. The photos show only my grandmother's handmade dishes, which are all a modest brown color, but they taste amazing. The locally famous red konnyaku, which turned bright red at the command of the famous Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, is also included. In addition, it is a tradition for the whole family to gather around a table filled with my grandmother's handmade rolled sushi and mackerel sushi for a celebration.

Taken on October 17, 2014. This is the evening of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Noda Gochō and Hachimantaro.

It's called chawanmushi. There are many videos online of foreigners being surprised by how different it is from their expectations when they try it for the first time. It's a "savory, hot egg pudding" that isn't sweet. This dish consists of a seasoned egg custard steamed with various ingredients like mushrooms, vegetables, fish paste, and fresh seafood or chicken. Often, a rare ingredient called yuri-ne (lily bulb) is also included. It’s actually a challenging dish to make, and the photo shows the chawanmushi that my skilled wife made for the first time after 35 years of marriage. She learned how difficult it was by watching my mother-in-law prepare it often. Since it looks plain, I decided to garnish it with chive flowers that I grow in a planter in the garden. In Japan, you can even find it on the menu at conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

🍁 Shosenkyo Gorge is at its best for autumn foliage! 🍁 Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association 😊 We're here to share the current scenery of Shosenkyo Gorge! The autumn leaves are finally reaching their peak at Shosenkyo 🍂 Each day, the colors of the mountains deepen, showcasing beautiful trees dyed in red and yellow ✨ One of the charms of Shosenkyo is enjoying the different autumn expressions in various locations, such as Senga Falls, Kakuen Peak, and around Arakawa Dam 😊 How about taking a leisurely stroll along the walking paths while enjoying the vibrant autumn leaves and the crisp air of the gorge? 🍁 Please note that it can get quite chilly in the mornings and evenings, especially in shaded areas. When you visit, be sure to bring a jacket or something to keep warm, and enjoy your walk in cozy attire 🧥 We invite you to come and experience the beautiful scenery unique to autumn at Shosenkyo! We look forward to welcoming everyone 😊✨

【Kumamoto・Kikuchi Gorge】Limited to 10 days! Experience the fantastical space of the "Kikuchi Gorge Light Up 2026 Vol.5" with dancing dragons. The autumn "Aso-Kujū National Park Kikuchi Gorge" will be enveloped in magical lights during the "Kikuchi Gorge Light Up." This fifth installment features the powerful debut of the "Dragon Projection Mapping." Enjoy the natural beauty of the illuminated scenery and the art of light against the darkness. Admission to the Kikuchi Gorge Light Up requires a reservation and ticket. The ticket includes round-trip shuttle bus service, access to the market (available only at the separate Citizens Plaza), and hot spring bathing. You can comfortably arrive without the stress of traffic using the dedicated shuttle bus. 【Event Overview】 Event Dates (Total of 10 days): November 20 (Friday) to 23 (Monday, public holiday), November 27 (Friday) to 29 (Sunday), December 4 (Friday) to 6 (Sunday). Time: Light Up 17:00 - 21:00 / Night Market 16:00 - 22:00 Venue: 【Light Up】Aso-Kujū National Park Kikuchi Gorge (5026 Hara, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture) *On-site parking will be closed. Please use the dedicated shuttle bus from "Kikuchi Furusato Revitalization Citizens Plaza" (tickets must be purchased in advance). 【Night Market】Kikuchi Furusato Revitalization Citizens Plaza (1273-1 Kumafu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture) 【About Tickets】 Price: Adults 2,700 yen (tax included) / Children 1,500 yen (tax included) (Free for preschool children sitting on laps) The ticket includes four items. Admission fee for the Kikuchi Gorge Light Up, round-trip shuttle bus ticket (Citizens Plaza ⇔ Kikuchi Gorge), 500 yen worth of tickets usable at the Night Market, and hot spring tickets (valid during the period). 【How to Purchase】 Purchase in advance via the official Kikuchi Tourism Association LINE account (supports credit card, Apple Pay, and PayPay payments). *Bus seats are completely assigned and on a first-come, first-served basis. 【Contact】 Kikuchi Tourism Association TEL: 0968-25-0513 (Closed on Tuesdays, next business day if a holiday) https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-illumi2026...

Yusaku Park Light Up ❚ Current Autumn Foliage Status as of November 7, 2026 Yusaku Park, located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture is one of the most famous spots for autumn foliage in Oita Prefecture. From Saturday, November 7, the autumn foliage light-up event is being held. The light-up will take place from sunset until 9 PM. At the center of the park, the Shinji Pond reflects the illuminated branches on its surface, creating a unique nighttime scenery. The upcoming light-up dates are the 13th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. The best time to see the autumn foliage is still a little while away. We will provide updates on the progress of the coloring. ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

At the Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato on the second floor, "Marugoto Shimoda-kan," we are selling sanma sushi!✨ Sanma sushi is a local dish from Shirahama, made by carefully marinating sanma (mackerel pike) in salt and then pressing it tightly with vinegared rice. The innkeepers of Shirahama make each piece by hand.💭💙 Sales are limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.👀❕ Please be sure to try this seasonal delicacy!😌 📍Marugoto Shimoda-kan Sales period: Until early May Sales hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please note that we may sell out. Parking: Available Access: By bus🚌 From Shimoda Station, take the bus to Shirahama Beach (Line 9) and get off at "Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato-mae," then it's a short walk. / On foot🚶‍♀️ About a 10-minute walk from Shimoda Station.

On November 7, 2026, I visited Lake Haruna in Gunma Prefecture to see the autumn leaves. The maple leaves were stunning! The surface of Lake Haruna sparkled beautifully.

This year, I was exploring to see if there are any places in Sapporo City where the horizon is visible. Since there are quite a few buildings in Sapporo City, I had a hard time finding such places. However, it seems there are many wide roads. Next year, I would like to search around the Umibe area.

Photographed on November 7, 2026. I attended the For U_MARCHE event focusing on daily life, bread, and coffee held at U_PLACE. Top right LEC COFFEE This is a café latte and a chunk cookie. The latte art is also wonderful. Bottom left Bakery Crepe This is a galette des rois. Bottom right Keyaki Bakery This is a chocolate cream bun. The event will also be held on November 8, but with different vendors than yesterday. It's a lovely event where you can enjoy delicious bread while sipping coffee.☕️🍞🥐

Taken on November 2, 2014. This is the floral water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

At the end of the day, the sun sets into the sea. The sky transitions from blue to purple, then to a vibrant crimson. Even the ordinary scenery appears special for just a moment. This is the magic of twilight. Captured at Otago Coast, Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture.