Taken on October 17, 2014. This is the evening festival of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Renjakuchou and Ōta Dōkan.

Taken on October 17, 2014. This is the evening celebration of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Renjakuchou and Ōta Dōkan.

Once you exit the parking lot from the highway, there is a park where you can take a break. Here are some photos from my visit to Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park.

The Autumn Leaves and Light-Up at Hoshoji Temple ❚ Current Leaf Conditions as of November 8, 2026 The autumn leaves at "Hoshoji Temple" located in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The light-up started on November 8. As night falls, lights illuminate the temple grounds, and the colors of the trees softly reflect on the surface of the pond. You can enjoy the unique beauty of the autumn leaves at night, which differs from the daytime. Currently, the leaves are about 60% colored. The light-up period seems to coincide perfectly with the peak viewing time. We will keep you updated on the leaf conditions. Please check the latest information before your visit. Location 1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Admission Fee Free Access About 50 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC About 10 minutes by car from Roadside Station Kiyokawa Parking Available (free, approximately 20 cars) ■ Autumn at Kiyokawa "Sai" Hoshoji Temple During the event period, a light-up will take place. 【Event Period】November 8 (Sun) to November 15 (Sun), 2026 ■ Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji Temple is an ancient temple with over 800 years of history. It is said that the reconstruction was inspired by the prayers of Lord Oda Deiwa Shintaka. During the autumn leaf season, the temple grounds are dyed in vibrant colors, often referred to as "The Colorful Hoshoji Temple" or "Autumn at Hoshoji Temple." During the event period, a light-up will take place, enveloping the temple grounds in a magical atmosphere at night. ■■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 tourist spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn is getting deeper in Kyoto, and the weather is getting colder. With the sudden drop in temperature, sightseeing in Kyoto with children can become a little challenging, can't it? After enjoying Kyoto's beautiful streets and scenery, why not take a relaxing break at AriHana Kyoto? Children and adults can enjoy traditional Japanese games together and have fun discovering a different side of Japan. Run by a Kyoto native and former nursery teacher, AriHana Kyoto offers a welcoming place where families can relax and enjoy their time together. Try traditional Japanese activities like origami and make some special memories of your trip to Japan! No reservation is needed. Feel free to drop in anytime!

Fukuoka is one of the more vibrant cities in Japan, with a youthful energy that consistently sees it rank highly in terms of where people would like to live. One of the hallmarks of the city’s outgoing atmosphere is its evening food stands, the yatai. Every night in Fukuoka, dozens of food stalls open around the riverside. Offering dishes likes yakitori, gyoza, oden and tempura, the stands provide delicious warm food that is all the more welcome in the chill of the evening, and made fresh before your eyes. Besides just the food, though, the distinctive culture of yatai, with their limited spacing and cheerful atmosphere, encourage conversation between strangers. In Japan many people are uncomfortable speaking with strangers and prefer to maintain a polite distance, but the convivial atmosphere helps break down barriers. (The fact that alcohol flows freely with many of the dishes doesn’t hurt!) Fukuoka has many charms, with famous temples and shrines both a short distance from Hakata station, and the bustling city centure of Tenjin. However you spend a day of sightseeing in the city, it can be very nice to unwind in the welcoming atmosphere of yatai at the end of a long day.

When it comes to local soul food in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, "Indian Curry" is a must! 🍛 Starting Thursday, October 29th, a store-exclusive topping—"fried vegetables"—has been introduced at the Indian Curry Satsunai branch! ✨ By adding these colorful, deep-fried vegetables to the piping-hot, classic "Indian Curry," you get an extra boost of texture and a healthier touch to an already delicious meal! It was absolutely wonderful! 😊 Indian Curry (Satsunai branch) is located just about a 10-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen! Be sure to stop by and give it a try! 😊

Invitation to the "Akan Lake Onsen Torchlight March" hosted by Tobu Top Tours. Would you like to walk through the solemn nights of Hokkaido, holding a torchlight? In Akan Lake Onsen, local guides will introduce you to Ainu culture, as well as the history and nature of the region. This night program allows you to experience the grandeur of nature at night and discover new charms of Hokkaido. • Schedule: November 7 (Saturday), 8 (Sunday), 14 (Saturday), and 15 (Sunday) - a total of 4 days. • Timetable: • Check in at your hotel and have dinner • 20:00: Gather and check in at the front of Akan Lake Marimukan 　With torches in hand, head to Ainu Kotan (dissolve on-site) • Application 　hok_night@tobutoptours.co.jp (by 18:00 on the day) *Registration will close once full. *Registration for November 7 is now closed due to full capacity.

【12/1】Sustainable Training for Accommodation and Tourism Facilities Teshikaga Town is working on "sustainable tourism." It is crucial for both visitors and residents to feel comfortable, while also ensuring that businesses can generate proper profits. Currently, major OTA sites have implemented options for "sustainability," making it more essential than ever for accommodation and tourism facilities to engage in sustainable practices. Why not take this opportunity to learn about sustainable facility management that can lead to reduced costs for attracting customers and maintaining facilities? This training will provide practical insights based on the international label for sustainable tourism facilities, "Green Key," focusing on actionable initiatives that can be immediately implemented and are beneficial for management. We look forward to your applications and participation. ■ Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 　10:00 Seminar Start 　16:30 Scheduled End ■ Venue: Mashu Tourism and Culture Center ■ Instructor: Satoru Takayama (Representative Director of JARTA) ■ Participation Fee: Free

Photographed on October 17, 2014. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the back view of Hachiman Tarō's float.

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, 2026. 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.

The 14th Tomakomai Cosplay Festa will be held on Saturday, November 7th, and Sunday, November 8th! This event, which started with full cooperation from Tomakomai City, is now in its 14th year. It has become an event that attracts people from all over Hokkaido and the country, thanks to its environment where industry and rich nature coexist, as well as the diverse public facilities available for filming.

Hoshoji Temple's Autumn Leaves ❚ Current Leaf Color Status as of November 6, 2026 The autumn leaves at "Hoshoji Temple" in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Currently, the leaves are about 50% colored. The light-up period seems to coincide perfectly with the peak viewing time. Updates on the leaf conditions will be provided sequentially. Please check the latest information before your visit. 【Location】 1639 Utaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Admission】 Free entry 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 10 minutes by car from Roadside Station Kiyokawa 【Parking】 Available (free, approximately 20 cars) ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on November 2, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.🌼

Taken on October 31, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on November 2, 2026. This is the flower water offering from Hara Florist.