Taken on October 10, 2014. This is the hanatemari (flower ball) at the chozuya (water basin) of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 10, 2014. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

This is a poppy flower I received from my senior, as they are moving to Kyoto. It's wonderfully beautiful and delicate. I've heard it's a handmade artificial flower made by their wife. Just looking at it soothes my heart.

Taken on October 8, 26. This is a black latte and a chestnut basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE.🌰

The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition ❚ Held from October 18 to November 23, 2026 The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition will be held at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Among the 275 submitted works from 14 countries and regions, including Japan, 31 selected pieces will be displayed. This exhibition allows visitors to compare expressions from creators of different countries and cultures all at once. At the same venue, the "Oita Children's Sculpture Exhibition" featuring works by elementary and junior high school students from Oita Prefecture, as well as children and students from special support schools, will also be held. All submitted works will be displayed. On the opening day, October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Park. Following the opening ceremony and the award ceremony for the children's sculpture exhibition, various activities are planned, including food trucks, a flea market, a light truck sauna experience, a tea ceremony in the open air, and a kagura performance. Admission to the Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum will also be free on this day. Why not find your favorite piece at the sculpture exhibition? 【Date】 From October 18 (Sunday) to November 23 (Monday, National Holiday) *Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the following weekday will be closed) 【Location】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture; within Asakura Fumio Memorial Park) 【Hours】 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) 【Admission】 Free 【Access】 About 60 minutes by car from Oita Meira IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Opening Day Event Schedule】 On October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at Asakura Fumio Memorial Park 10:00 AM - Opening ceremony and children's sculpture exhibition award ceremony 11:00 AM - Food trucks, flea market (Yasuragi Chaya), light truck sauna experience, tea ceremony in the open air 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kagura performance 【Contact】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum 0974-72-1300 ■■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 sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, October 17th, the "Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE" will be held😊 This wood-themed event invites you to touch, play with, and be captivated by wood‼ It will be a special day dedicated entirely to wood🌲 Craftsmen and shops specializing in wood from all over the region will gather! You can enjoy the display and sale of unique works filled with the warmth of wood🎵 There will be plenty of engaging activities for everyone, from children to adults, including making wooden coasters, batting with wooden bats, experiencing cajón performances, and trying your hand at splitting wood and having a campfire😍 This year, we will also hold the popular "Log Cutting Competition"‼ Additionally, many food trucks and restaurants will be present, offering delicious local gourmet food and sweets🎵 As a visitor benefit, the first 50 guests will receive a raw shiitake mushroom log and a seedling of Ezo cherry tree as a gift!🎁🎁 Enjoy a delightful time captivated by "just wood" along with pleasant music and delicious food🤗 🔶Date and Time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 🔶Venue: Honbetsu Park Seidayama Camp Village First Campsite 🔶Contact: Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE Executive Committee (Kuna Publishing Co., Ltd.) TEL: 0155-38-4188 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/web/news/details/tree_festival_in_kidake.html...

The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge at dusk. A time when the sea and sky are painted orange. A lighthouse rises against the backdrop of the trees. A quiet moment before the sun sets.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and movements. The enthusiastic performances of the children in their splendid costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men pulling the Hikiyama with strength and the vibrant atmosphere of the entire town during the festival are also appealing. It was moving to see the local people cherishing and passing down this traditional art form, inherited since the Edo period, to the next generation. The Yutani Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station, making it easily accessible. How about enjoying a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival this autumn? Surely, the children's earnest performances and the festival's excitement will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Model Number: K381002 Sign: Satsuma Kanko Chichibu Matsuyo Taira Masayoshi Tenmei 5 nen mi 8gatsu Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Size: Blade length 86.5 cm, Curvature 2.1 cm, Mekugi 2 Hole Country: Satsuma Period: AD 1785 Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, An-tō, wide body, little difference between the base and tip, thick kasane, long length, deep curvature, shallow curvature in the upper half, with a delicate tip Forge: It has a grain pattern with mixed wood grain and flowing skin, with a prominent surface, thick ground, and frequent patterns in the ground Hamon: Notare style with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, well-defined, deep nioi, thick nie, prominent rough nie, and active edge with frequent kinsu, waku, and sunadashi Boshi: Irregular, tapering to a point Nakago: Unsigned, tapering towards the tip, with a rising file pattern Shira-saya: Present Explanation: 　Hōki no Kami Masayuki was the son of the second generation of Ijichi Masayoshi, born in the 18th year of Kyōhō, and took on the name Masayoshi as the third generation. In the first year of Kansei, he received the title Hōki no Kami at the same time as Oku Motohei, passing the name Masayoshi to his legitimate son and changing his own name to Masayuki. He passed away at the age of 86 in the first year of Bunkyū. Masayuki demonstrated superior skills compared to his ancestors, earning a high reputation, and along with Oku Motohei, he is regarded as a leading figure among Satsuma new swordsmiths. Masayuki's works are characterized by a wide body, long length, thick kasane, and generally sturdy construction, with a hamon featuring notare with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, deep nioi, prominent rough nie, and frequent kinsu and sunadashi, reflecting the style of the Sōshū tradition, especially emulating the Shizu school. This work features a steel body with mixed wood grain and flowing skin, resulting in a prominent surface, thick ground, and frequent patterns in the ground. The hamon is notare style with mixed gunome and pointed gunome, with active edges, well-defined, deep nioi, prominent rough nie, and frequent kinsu, nie, and sunadashi, showcasing a typical and outstanding creation of Hōki no Kami Masayuki. Satsuma new swords and new new swords are often robustly constructed with a wide body and heavy feel due to the influence of the Shigen-ryū style, and Masayuki is particularly known for his impressive works. However, there are no comparable examples of such a long and heavy work as this one, and the frequent patterns in the ground are stronger than usual, with the grandeur of the prominent rough nie being exceptional. This should be regarded as a grand work of Hōki no Kami Masayuki's lifetime.

【Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount Eligible】Stay at the suite rooms "Shirokane no Mori" in a forest resort & experience the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism" – Refresh your mind and body in the closest spot to the clear stream. This tour allows you to experience a stay at a hotel in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and visit Kikuchi Gorge, a representative tourist spot of Kikuchi City, all in one go. We have started accepting reservations for a stay at the farm auberge "Shirokane no Mori" and a special plan utilizing the rich natural space of Kikuchi Gorge, the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism." This is a luxurious accommodation experience and a morning retreat program that sharpens your senses for those seeking self-improvement and refreshment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 【First Phase】Meditation and Tea Ceremony Experience Plan From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, you will have a meditation and tea ceremony experience led by tea master Matsumura in Kikuchi Gorge (each participant will receive a portable tea set, and tea will be brewed using water from Kikuchi Gorge), along with a rice ball bento breakfast. 【Second Phase】Mindfulness Walking and Medicinal Cuisine Bento Breakfast Plan From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, we will provide mindfulness walking in Kikuchi Gorge and a handmade medicinal cuisine bento breakfast that is gentle on the body. Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per session (please apply in pairs of 2 or groups of 3). For more details: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu... To make a reservation: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... Price: 63,000 yen Regular travel fee (per person, including accommodation and breakfast/dinner): 63,000 yen (tax included) After applying the Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount (actual payment amount): 43,000 yen (tax included) *Sales assistance amount: A maximum of 20,000 yen per travel contract per person applies. Event Dates: 【First Phase】From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. 【Second Phase】From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. Reservations: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu...

I took a projection mapping of Nagoya Castle.

Introduction of the sword from Wakedo Item Number: K381001 Sign: Hizennokuni Oumidaizyo Fujiwara Tadahiro dokoku jyunin Mutsunokami Tadayoshi Certif: [N.B.T.H.K] Jyuyo Touken Size: Blade length 73.9 cm Curvature 2.2 cm Mekugi 1 Hole Country: Hizen Period: First Edo Period Shape: Shinogi-zukuri, an inclined ridge, body width, thickness, with a slightly deep curvature, and a middle cut tip Forging: The surface has a fine wood grain, resulting in a steel texture referred to as 'kome-nuka', with fine ji-nuri Hamon: Straight with shallow undulations, with a small habuchi that appears bright and clear Boshi: Turns into a small maru immediately Tang: Unrefined, pointed sword shape, with a file pattern on the top Shirasaya: Present Description: Omi Daijo Tadahiro and Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi were swordsmiths of the Hizen, Nabeshima Domain, belonging to the second and third generations of the Hizen swordsmith lineage. The second generation Omi Daijo Tadahiro was the son of the first generation Tadayoshi, and at the age of nineteen, he became the second head of the family after his father Tadayoshi passed away in the ninth year of the Kan'ei era, receiving the title of Omi Daijo in the eighteenth year of the Kan'ei era. He left behind many excellent works until his death in the sixth year of the Genroku era. The third generation Mutsu no Kami Tadayoshi was the son of Omi Daijo Tadahiro, receiving the title of Mutsu Daijo in the third year of the Manji era, and becoming Mutsu no Kami in the first year of the Kanbun era. Due to their long lives, the second generation outlived their father. The short period of sword-making and the brief time spent on works during his father's era resulted in an extremely low number of pieces. However, he was known for his exceptional handling of steel, demonstrating extraordinary talent, earning the title of the third generation Mutsu. This piece is a collaboration between the second generation Omi Daijo and the third generation Mutsu no Kami, with both the ji and ha being of excellent quality, making it a masterpiece. Although there are few works from the third generation, collaborations are even rarer and hold high documentary value.

On my way to Shikaoicho to capture the autumn leaves, I saw a large animal crossing the road a few hundred meters ahead. It looked much bigger than a dog or a fox, possibly a wild boar or a brown bear, but there are no wild boars in Hokkaido. When I stopped the car and cautiously looked around, I spotted a group of Yezo sika deer, probably following a stag. This time of year is the breeding season, so Yezo sika deer are quite active. Just yesterday, a stag suddenly dashed out in the early morning, forcing me to slam on the brakes. The male Yezo sika deer are larger than a foal, so colliding with one could easily result in a severely damaged vehicle that is no longer drivable. Please be cautious while driving in Hokkaido.

Taken on October 8, 26. This is the chestnut Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE. 🌰

October 11, 2026, Hitachi Seaside Park Red kochia and yellow cosmos against a blue sky. Colorful flower seedlings were planted along the pathways, making the scenery very beautiful.

Taken on October 8, 2026. This is the quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It includes mixed mushrooms, chicken, pumpkin quiche, salad, butternut squash potage, and homemade bread. I enjoyed the flavors of autumn.

I captured a scene of wild deer gathering on a small hill during an autumn evening. The location is Maenikkou Highland Lodge in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. I visit this place a few times a year. It's a beautiful spot for sunsets. Photographed on October 10, 2026. This is my first post, and I'm a bit nervous! 😅

This is a photo I took while strolling in Himeji. It features a single rose blooming by the roadside. Despite its small size, this rose stands tall and exudes both beauty and strength. It felt as if it was teaching me something important about life... This has become a treasured photo for me.

Set in winter in Reihokumachi, the story of six individuals begins anew. We are recruiting participants for the premiere of "One Step to the Sky Color," the concluding chapter of the official Reihokumachi street performance "Beyond the Waves." Would you like to enjoy a special gaming experience in a working space overlooking the historic Tomioka Castle? Event Overview Title: One Step to the Sky Color — At the End of the Waves — Date and Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026,①9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ②1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Venue: Working Space Tomioka Castle East Corner Tower (Address: 2245-9 Honmaru, Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Kumamoto Prefecture) Required Participants: 6 people for each session Game Duration: 180 minutes Participation Fee: 800 yen per person (UZU scenario usage fee only) What to Bring: A smartphone or tablet with the Madamis app "UZU" installed Application Method: Please apply using the application form listed in the announcements section of the official website of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association. *If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. *Please note that if the number of confirmed participants does not reach 6, the event may not be held.

In Reihokumachi, we are promoting a new lifestyle called "dual residence" that connects urban areas with rural communities in collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture and others. As part of this initiative, we are recruiting monitor participants for the program "Amakusa West Coast Stay Now," aimed at families living in urban areas, allowing them to stay in Reihokumachi for about a week! As a benefit, some experiential and exchange programs (such as agricultural experiences) during the stay will be free, and you can also use secondary transportation (bus, rental car fees, etc.) from your residence to the accommodation (Reihokumachi) and designated lodging facilities at no cost. Take this opportunity to "stay like you live" in the town of Reihokumachi, known for its nature and history! We look forward to your applications. 【Overview of "Amakusa West Coast Stay Now"】 Dates (tentative): From November 28, 2026 (Saturday) to December 19, 2026 (Saturday), for stays of 4 nights and 5 days or longer, up to 7 nights and 8 days. Duration of stay: About one week Main stay locations: Shiki District, Reihokumachi; Tomioka District For applications and details, please check the announcement section on the official website of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association. 【Contact】Noharabo Co., Ltd. TEL: 080-3088-3313 Mail: nohara@nohalab.co.jp

Taken on October 8, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded with people celebrating Shichi-Go-San and coming for their first shrine visit.

Taken on October 3, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The 21st Autumn Walk in Kinsenkyo will be held as scheduled on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Participants are requested to complete registration at the parking lot in front of Takinoue Town Hotel Keikoku (in front of Takinoue Town Local History Museum) by 9:45. Takinoue Gorge, known for its beautiful autumn leaves, is easily accessible from the Roadside Station and hotels, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Today, the Roadside Station "Kaori no Sato Takinoue" will host the Food Truck Party in TAKINOUE, featuring food trucks offering original menus made with local ingredients. We look forward to seeing you there.

"Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" Participants Wanted Saijo City is actually a "treasure trove of terrain." In this walking tour, we will explore the areas of Furuta, Kusunokigawa, and Teizui with a professional guide. Before us lies a landscape of mountains, rivers, rice fields, and villages. When we focus on the terrain and geology, we start to wonder, "Why did a village form here?" and "How did this landscape come to be?" This leads to new discoveries. Using the terrain as a clue, we will unpack the history of the land, the lives of the people who have lived there, and the culture rooted in the region. When you "walk with knowledge," the scenery of the town becomes much more interesting. Why not come and walk, see, and feel the hidden charms of Saijo? The familiar scenery will start to look a little different. "Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" ◯ Travel Fee 5,000 yen (tax included) per person *Monitor price. We kindly ask for your cooperation in answering a survey after the tour. Includes professional guide, chartered bus, and Setouchi meal for lunch. ◯ Date Wednesday, November 4, 2026 ◯ Time 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Gathering and registration at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center at 8:35 AM. ◯ Capacity 40 people, first come first served. ◯ Itinerary Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (9:00 AM) = Furuta District = (View of Saijo's townscape and fault line cliff from Konsen-ji) Qkamura Setouchi Toyo Seaside Campsite (granite sandy beach and coastal vegetation) = Qkamura Setouchi = (Setouchi meal for lunch) Daimyojin River = (a river with overhead railway tracks) Kusunokigawa District = (spring water from Usui Daishi-dō associated with Kōbō Daishi legend) Teizui District = (Uchinuki from Meisui Hyakusen, Shikoku's Largest Estuarine Tidal Flat, and tidal flat creatures) Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (4:00 PM) ◯ Inquiries and Reservations General Incorporated Association Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefecture Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Registration Number: 1500005007749 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0030 TEL 0897-56-2605 FAX 0897-47-3733

On October 8th, we held a flower watching tour at Kamegamori. Under clear skies ☀️, everyone was able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range in autumn. This year's final schedule is the 21st, and we are fully booked. Thank you very much. We plan to hold this event again next year. We look forward to your applications.

I traveled in autumn, and this is a photo taken near a museum in Okutama. I was overwhelmed by the great nature and the size of the stones. It was sunny, and the cool breeze felt pleasant, allowing me to experience autumn in Japan. If I visit again a little later, I might also enjoy the autumn leaves. It was a great place to refresh.

This is a photo I selected from my photo album, inspired by the theme of a photo contest titled "Autumn in Japan." The photo has not been edited. It is a beautiful picture of autumn flowers that I took at Jindaiji in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis. Jindaiji is a wonderful place rich in nature, known for its delicious soba, and it even offers pottery experiences (painting, bisque firing, and items can be taken home the same day). Soba manju and dumplings are also delicious. For someone like me who loves nature, art, and food culture, it is a place full of memories.

Gourmet Information ❚ Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store At the Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store in Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, grapes are sold directly from August to the end of October. The varieties available change with the season, and the highlight in October is the Shine Muscat. At this time, the Shine Muscat is perfectly sweet, with firm, plump berries that offer a satisfying taste. You can enjoy them with the skin on; just wash and chill them for an easy treat. They are also easy for little ones to eat, making them a great snack for families. If the timing is right, you might find bagels from Tanaka-machi Coffee Shop available at the store. Sales will continue until the end of October, so if you're interested, it's best to go early. ■■Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store 【Location】 Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Business Hours】 Weekdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Open for a limited time from August to the end of October *Please check the latest business days on the farm's Instagram 【Regular Holidays】 Monday, Tuesday 【Access】 About 40 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC 【Parking】 Available 【Contact】 Reach out to Hirai Farm on Instagram (@h0810n) ■■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 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■