The Japanese archipelago!?
There is a rock in Kouno that looks like the shape of the Japanese archipelago.
Can you see the "Japanese archipelago"?

You’ll find it about 400 meters south from Kono Elementary School along Route 305.
It’s hard to spot, but give it a try!

Seven must-try ramen shops in Shobara City, at the northern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture 🍜✨

[Shobara Sightseeing Navi website: "Editorial Report" is up!]
Check the article here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5445

In Shobara City, you can enjoy a wide range of ramen, from classic light broths to more unusual bowls.

With so many attractive shops to choose from, a steaming bowl of ramen will be just what you want as the cold season sets in!!

This time, we introduce ramen you can eat around Shobara City.
We’ve summarized each shop’s appeal and characteristics.

Be sure to find your favorite bowl 🍜✨

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨

Hello! We are Hokulea Shonan 🤗

This time, we went diving at Osezaki, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿

Right now, Osezaki is the most likely beach diving spot on the Izu Peninsula to encounter sea turtles 👏

Recently it made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive!

On this dive we met a sea turtle on the very first dive 👏
No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always lifts your spirits 😄

On sunny days, relaxing in the shallows feels wonderful ✨

We also spotted popular nudibranchs among divers 👍
The marine life is incredibly abundant, and Osezaki is full of highlights 🥳

Thank you to everyone who joined us 🙏

If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to visit Osezaki 🌟
We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon!

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🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

With the theme “Set off for a world you’ve never seen,”
we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving.

We run courses and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas.
With small-group formats, beginners can join with confidence.
Request dives are also very welcome!

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Dive with sea turtles on a day trip from Tokyo.

Osezaki is one of the best beach dive sites on the Izu Peninsula
to encounter sea turtles.
Every encounter is special, no matter how many times you see them.

On calm, sunny days, shallow dives are slow and peaceful.
The rich marine life here always offers something new to discover.

Follow our daily diving moments on Instagram:
@hokulea_divejapan

#DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving
#ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan
#Hokulea Shonan

[Hot Springs and Day-Use Baths in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!]
Relax your body and mind 🍃 Hot springs in Shobara♨

These hot springs ease fatigue and offer soothing relief. With open-air baths framed by nature’s year-round scenery, both body and mind unwind. The freely flowing water from mineral-rich pools adds a touch of luxury. Whether on a trip or taking a daily break, be sure to enjoy Shobara’s hot springs.

For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4017

Advance reservation required.
“Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨
The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️
For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is Hanatetsu’s flower temizu (flower hand-washing basin).

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

Ashikaga Flower Park's hanachozu (flower basin)

The Christmas version runs until the 25th.

There are photo spots throughout the park.
The illumination area opens at 3:00 PM and lights up at 4:00 PM.

This year’s illumination let visitors enjoy the scent of wisteria as well.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is the hanachozu (flower basin) from Hara Florist. 🌹

"ShinobazunoikenoMadara" is a rare lotus that blooms in two different colors on the same species.
Among them, flowers that display two colors of petals on a single bloom are said to be especially rare!
You can see such rare lotuses at Hanahasu park in Minami-Echizen Town.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/

[Popular Miyoshi Gourmet Mail-Order Picks]
A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy Miyoshi’s gourmet flavors at home! ✨

We introduce Miyoshi gourmet items you can order by mail.
They’re perfect for family gatherings during the New Year holidays or get-togethers with friends.
Find your favorites and take your time
savoring the tastes of Miyoshi. 🍽️✨

If you have any recommended products, please share them in the comments!

※■Shops participating in hometown tax donation gifts
are also listed on the furusato nozei (hometown tax) websites.
Be sure to search for them♪

************************************************
01 Mitonoba
■Address Higashi Sakaya Town 561-1, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Instagram @mitonoba7
■Purchase site
Search for "Miyoshi Wine Beef"
https://meetnoba.base.shop/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
02 Mirasaka Fromage
■Address Mirasaka Nika 1617-1, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Purchase site
Search for "Mirasaka Fromage"
https://mfromage.net/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
03 Izumiya Western and Japanese Confectionery Workshop
■Address 5038-1 Mirasaka, Mirasaka Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Instagram @izumiya_mirasaka
■Purchase site
Search for "Izumiya Miyoshi"
https://www.kashiwa-mochi.com/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
04 Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ima-chan
■Address 2130-7 Shiomachi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Purchase site
Search for "Ima-chan Miyoshi"
https://oko-imachan.jp/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
05 Kodama Soy Sauce
■Address 230 Shimokawatate Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Instagram / @marutamasoysause
■Purchase site
Search for "Kodama Soy Sauce kirisoba"
https://marutama7.com/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
06 Fujita Foods
■Address 738 Megurigami Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Purchase site
Search for "Fujita Foods Miyoshi"
https://fujita-foods.xsrv.jp/
A product list is available on the "Wani no Heya" page
Phone: 0824-66-1082
Fax: 0824-66-1093
Please apply by phone or fax.

************************************************
07 Yamaoka Sake Brewery
■Address 489-1 Nishino, Kounu Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Instagram @yamaokasyuzou
■Purchase site
Search for "Yamaoka Sake Brewery Miyoshi"
https://zuikan.jp/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

************************************************
08 HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY
■Address 917 Kaitabara, Kisa Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■Instagram @hiroshimanohbrewery
■Purchase site
Search for "Hiroshima Noh Beer"
https://hiroshima-noh-brewery.com/
■Shop participating in hometown tax donation gift program

Autumn foliage photographed at Sogi Park in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.
The light at the moment the sun set was utterly
magical.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
I passed a certification exam on November 30, so I celebrated.
I enjoyed a gingerbread latte and a strawberry and chocolate tart.

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊

At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards.
You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷

At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍
Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵

The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶

This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/

Sure to delight visitors of all kinds.

Lake Kussharo formed inside one of Japan’s largest calderas.
Traces of a prehistoric mega-eruption remain visible today.

Just pondering that history can make a day fly by—
that’s what time feels like when you stay at Kussharo Prince Hotel.

Why not spend a special time alongside Lake Kussharo, born from one of Japan’s largest calderas?

You can book from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/
Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) – March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

The white-petaled lotus flower.
The lotus comes in charming colors like pink and white and makes a lovely sight.
It first blooms in mid-June and reaches its peak from early to mid-July.
Some varieties close their petals in the morning, so visiting in the morning is recommended.
https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/

Winter in Tomakomai often makes both sidewalks and roads icy and slippery.
Shoes with non-slip soles—such as those with glass fiber reinforcement, built-in spikes, or wraparound spike bands—are essential.
Use sand where available and pay attention to how you walk.

Photographed on December 15, 2025.
This is the hanatemizu at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.
It is decorated for Christmas. 🎄❄️

Photographed on December 15, 2025.
cafe andon’s café latte and a Tangy Red Apple (Kogyoku) apple pie.

At Kussharo Prince Hotel, Kussy welcomes you.

Step into the elevator and you are moments away from the spectacular view of Lake Kussharo, the country’s largest caldera.

We offer six room types.

All rooms face the lake, letting you savor the Kussharo Caldera scenery in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

You can make a reservation from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/
Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) to March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

Around Kushiro Prince Hotel, you can fully enjoy Kushiro’s gourmet food🍴

When it comes to Hokkaido, seafood is the star.

You can’t miss Kushiro’s local specialty robata (hearth-cooked dishes)🔥
Atka mackerel, Pacific saury, squid, scallops…
Don’t forget buttered potatoes and a salmon roe rice bowl✨

Spend your evenings savoring the flavors of Kushiro.

You can make a reservation from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

I had a female model hold a painting I made.
This becomes a complete work of art 🎨

I used to paint until I made photography my profession 🖼

I sometimes use body paint when photographing male nudes.
Is this a fish painted using makeup only? (laugh)

I work as a female photographer taking male nude photographs, and I take pride in it!

✨A new spot for freshly made sweets has arrived🍨
Salon de Franchise, a cake shop with 27 years in business, has opened a specialty salon for freshly made sweets in Naka Ward, Sakai City on November 27🍨✨

Desserts and parfaits finished after you order let you enjoy the sound and aroma of baking and the unique textures of just-made treats—a special experience you can only have here.

Each dish will make you want to tell someone, “That was delicious.”
This new spot is perfect not only for afternoon tea but also for indulgent days or time spent with someone special.

Check the menu below if you’re curious👀✨

📍Salon de Franchise (@salon_de_franchise)
🕒 Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Last order 18:00)
❌ Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays)
🚃 Access: An 8-minute walk from Fukai Station on the Nankai Semboku Line; parking available

🔍 Search for “Salon de Franchise” for more details!
🔗 https://www.franchise1998.com/

――――――――――
Year-end and New Year holiday closure
December 23 (Tuesday)–January 6 (Tuesday)
※Normal business resumes on Wednesday, January 7
――――――――――

Year-end and New Year Schedule Notice for Major Facilities in Isehara City
The year is almost over.
Here is the schedule for major facilities in Isehara City during the year-end and New Year period.
Some locations are expected to be crowded,
so please allow extra time when you go out.

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City
December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔
So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊
1. Omachi Park
2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing
3. Kannon Bridge
4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge
5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass
Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌
I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰
🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔
https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

The "Tanada no Akari" rice terrace lights at Daisen Senmaida in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture can be seen until January 12, 2026. (Every day from sunset until around 8:00 p.m.)
They are not flashy, but they are soothing.