【Event Information】 ❄️Enjoy winter in Higashikawa-cho! The “Higashikawa Ice Festival” is here❄️ 🗓Date and Time: Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 📍Venue: Hagoromo Park and surrounding areas ✨A showcase of ice and snow artistry returns this year! ・Features the 12th Hokkaido Ice Carving Higashikawa Competition entries and ice and snow sculptures by general participants ・Rainbow slope and tube sliding — plenty of snowy play for all ages! ・A fireworks display lighting up the night sky🎆 ・Enjoy local gourmet food and hands-on experiences like ice glass and igloo making ・A rally game tournament (fee required) will also be held ❄️Packed with winter-only fun experiences! Bring your family and friends and come join us✨ 📄For details, please see the flyer.

Winter has finally arrived. This photo shows the snowy scenery at Hirono Dam. Heavy snow can be troublesome, but seeing a snowy landscape always makes me feel, “Ah—this season has come.”

An article has been posted about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan, held on November 26, “Good Bath Day,” and organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee. The caravan, dressed in happi coats of the gensen faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns, raced across Michihigashi. Please take a look✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

Last Saturday I went with friends from Tokyo to Sanuki Mannou Park in Kagawa Prefecture to see a breathtaking winter light show. I had expected only a few scattered displays, but as soon as we stepped through the gate we were met by a dazzling sea of LED lights that turned the whole park into a dreamlike scene. They say the installation used as many as 650,000 bulbs, and the scale left us amazed! This hilly area of about 3.2 square kilometers becomes a place of irresistible, camera-clicking beauty after dark. The stunning illumination is beloved by visitors and, thanks to its unique appeal, earned certification in 2024 as a Japan Night View Heritage Site in the Lighting Nightscape category. In the same year it also took fourth place in the Entertainment category at the International Lighting Design Awards. Facing such a striking winter nightscape, I assumed the entrance fee would be steep. To my surprise, this spectacular winter event is very affordable: children under 15 enter free, adult tickets cost just 450 yen, plus a 300 yen parking fee. Such great value made us exclaim with delight! The lights dominate your view no matter where you walk, so it’s no wonder they have been a winter fixture in Kagawa for twenty years. I’m so grateful to my friend for making it possible to experience this unforgettable show. The displays at Mannou Park may not be as varied or complex as those in big cities, but their ability to seize your attention and immerse you in a vast, romantic sea of lights makes the park an excellent winter destination worth a special trip.

Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice: With just under three weeks left in 2025, we hope this message finds you well and prospering. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and the many others who have supported us this year. We ask for your continued patronage in the coming year and offer this as our year-end greeting. — Office Year-end and New Year Hours — Tourism Association Office and Tourist Information Center: Closed from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Normal business resumes on January 5. Please note that bicycle rentals at the Tourist Information Center will also be suspended during the period above. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours.

An update from the "Information Broadcast Bureau" on the Kawayu Onsen website has been posted📝🆙 An article about the traditional Kawayu Onsen Caravan (organized by the Kawayu Onsen Caravan Executive Committee), held on November 26—"Good Bath Day"—is now up💡♨️ The article introduces scenes of the caravan, wearing hanten coats of the hot spring source faction and carrying Kawayu Onsen lanterns as it races across Michihigashi🏃‍♀️💨Please take a look✨ 🔗 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

A World of Light Wrapped in Sparkle ✨ Bihoku Illumi is now taking place at National Bihoku Hillside Park 🎄✨ 📍 Bihoku Illumi Basic Information (@bihokupark) Venue: National Bihoku Hillside Park, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Period: Through Monday, January 12, 2026 Closed days: December 1 (Mon), 8 (Mon), 15 (Mon), 22 (Mon), 31 (Wed), January 1 (Thu), 5 (Mon) Lighting hours: November–December: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on Saturdays) January: 5:45 PM–9:00 PM Admission: Adults 450 yen, Seniors (65+) 210 yen, Children (junior high school and under) free *Discounted rates apply for guests using hotel stay packages (details below) *Special area Flower Plaza is free to enter Parking fees: [9:30 AM–1:59 PM] Regular/compact 350 yen, Large 1,200 yen, Two-wheeled 200 yen [From 2:00 PM to final entry] Regular/compact 1,000 yen, Large 3,000 yen, Two-wheeled 500 yen ✨Highlights and Productions✨ Installation art collective Mirrorballer presents an enchanting space of light and reflection centered on Flower Plaza. Main areas: Flower Plaza: A dreamlike space of sound, lighting, and luminous objects. Naka no Hiroba: A presentation themed “Gifts of Light,” featuring objects like gift boxes and cakes. Hibano Sato: A Japanese-style illumination expressing the “Feast of Flowers,” with eye-catching winter cherry blossoms and lantern yagura more impressive than in past years. 📣Stay at a partner hotel in Miyoshi City and receive a discount for Bihoku Illumi! Bihoku Illumi Hotel Stay Pack — Partner Hotels Miyoshi Grand Hotel TEL: 0824-63-3111 Hotel Alpha-One Miyoshi TEL: 0824-63-3200 *Same-day front desk sales available 🎫Discount details Adult admission per person (regular 450 yen → discounted 290 yen) Pay 290 yen multiplied by the number of adults at the hotel. You will receive the admission ticket and a parking fee discount voucher (regular 1,000 yen → discounted 800 yen). *Present the parking fee discount voucher at the park entrance gate to receive the reduced parking rate. 🚌Shuttle Bus On weekends in November and December, a direct shuttle bus runs from Miyoshi Station to National Bihoku Hillside Park. Why not enjoy the nighttime National Bihoku Hillside Park illuminated by glittering illuminations?

Photographed on December 15, 2025. These are the autumn leaves at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🍁

Sunrise view of Mizumoto park in tokyo park. The metasequoia forest looks amazing during sunrise.

A direct transfer from Kushiro Airport to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Unwind in your room and luxuriate in a view of one of the world’s three greatest sunsets. Stroll across Nusamai Bridge and visit Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO to soak up Kushiro’s charm, then enjoy the local cuisine “robata” for dinner. ✨ Start your morning at Top of Kushiro, where an interactive buffet begins a lavish day. We look forward to welcoming you at Kushiro Prince Hotel. Book through the profile URL. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

A bowl to satisfy both heart and stomach 🍜 Introducing Nagomian, a ramen shop run by an owner who used to be a soba craftsman. The shop name reflects the wish that visitors will relax and take their time. 😊 The interior displays autographs from Carp players, making this a cozy ramen spot that fans visit. Most popular with men is the Miso Vegetable Ramen. Rich miso clings to medium-thick noodles, piled high with vegetables and topped with a large slice of chashu that whets the appetite. You can also request extra back fat and garlic, creating a powerful bowl that will be empty before you know it. 😋 Popular with women is the dashi-forward Kake Chuka. The elegant broth, extracted from bonito flakes and kelp, pairs perfectly with thin noodles. ✨ The soup’s aroma and gentle flavor soak through your whole body. For those wanting a lighter portion, try the Half Chuka. This classic-style chuka soba features a deeply flavored broth that children also love. The owner says nothing motivates them more than hearing “That was delicious” and seeing customers return day after day. “We want our customers to simply enjoy themselves,” and with that in mind, pay attention to the limited-time menus that appear with the seasons and events. Be sure to check the shop’s Instagram for new offerings. ✨ @nagomian_miyoshi Nagomian is a warm shop filled with the owner’s passion—enjoy a thoroughly satisfying bowl. 🍜 Nagomian @nagomian_miyoshi Address: 470-5 Minamihatajiki-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 11:00–14:30 (Also open 18:00–20:00 on Saturdays and Sundays) Closed: Monday and Tuesday TEL: 0824-63-3839 Parking: Available ※Menu items and prices are as of the time of posting https://www.instagram.com/nagomian_miyoshi/...

【Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest Results Announcement🎊】 Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest.” We received many stunning shots that captured the town’s scenery and charm, and this contest became a wonderful opportunity to highlight Reihoku’s appeal.🙇 From a total of 81 submissions, we carefully selected the following winners and are pleased to announce them! 📸【General Category】High school age and above The Grand Prize goes to the nickname “2984”! (second photo) The title is “Chasing the Ball,” taken at the Tomioka Castle Festival. The entrant commented, “The dragon dance that breathes smoke feels unique to Amakusa.”🎶 “2984” will receive a prize of 10,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen at a later date.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive 3,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.💝 First is nickname “Sora” (third photo), titled “Shining Tomioka Castle”🏯. This photo was taken at Tomioka Castle during the castle festival; the entrant wrote, “I climbed up during a break in the festival. The contrast between the white walls and blue sky was very beautiful.” Second is nickname “Green and White and Purple” (fourth photo), titled “Children of the Seaside Town”🌊. The entrant wrote, “Children working together and the glittering sea — it was the perfect moment.”🎶 The following four entrants received Honorable Mentions👏; each will receive Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.🎁 First is nickname “dSuke” (fifth photo), titled “Blooming at Tomioka Castle”🎆. The entrant described: “The sky shifts from dusk to night in a deep blue. Lights reflect on the sea surface, the castle ruins sit on the hill, and large fireworks bloom overlapping that scene.”👍 Second is nickname “Hijikata Tonza Buro” (sixth photo), titled “Mukaizuki Aoi,” and the entrant wrote, “I photographed the Kumamoto-maru docked at Tomioka Port against the background of the annual Jatto Festival fireworks I watch every year!”📸 Third is nickname “Manakan” (seventh photo), titled “Sunset Reflected in the Rice Fields Before Planting,” taken in the castle town. “Water fills the paddies before planting; with no wind the surface is calm. You only see this special scene on a day with a beautiful sunset when everything lines up. I look forward to seeing this view every year,” the entrant wrote.🎶 Fourth is nickname “Arisa” (eighth photo), titled “First Sunrise 2025,” taken at the Tomioka Marine Park observation area🌅. “I visit this spot every year to see the first sunrise. It’s not an exaggeration to say this light powers me through the year. It’s my power spot,” the entrant shared. 📸【Junior Category】Elementary and junior high school students Next are the winners in the Junior Category! The Grand Prize goes to nickname “Melon and Watermelon” with the title “Bustling Castle Festival”! (ninth photo) Congratulations on your win🎊 The entrant said, “I was chatting with friends at the castle festival venue when I suddenly noticed this scene.” “Melon and Watermelon” will receive a 5,000-yen book gift card.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive a 3,000-yen book gift card.🎁 First is nickname “Haru” (tenth photo), titled “Beautiful Sunset,” taken on National Route 324 (Sakasegawa)☀️. “Riding home from cram school, I sat beside my driving mother and the sky was so beautiful I took a photo. I was happy when my mother said, ‘It’s beautiful,’” the entrant wrote.🎶 Second is nickname “Reo” (eleventh photo), titled “Godzilla,” taken on National Route 324 (Kozufukae). The entrant wrote, “Riding in my mother’s car, I saw clouds heading toward the sea that looked like Godzilla.”✨ After a rigorous screening, the works above were chosen as winners. We deeply thank everyone for so wonderfully expressing Reihoku Town’s charm! We appreciate your continued support of Reihoku Town.🙇 Also, the 4th Amashin Photo Contest is currently open! Please check the Notices section on our website for details.📸 🏯【Contact】Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section Address: 4535-2 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502, inside the Reihoku Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0969-37-1244 E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

I photographed this at a light-up event held at Mamada Hachimangu Shrine in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. The display of wagasa (Japanese paper umbrellas) was usually only shown on sunny weekends and was hard to see, but this time I visited for the first time. The autumn leaves were at their peak, the lighting was just right, and the wagasa stood out beautifully. It was a scene that truly evoked Japan.

In Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, local shops and private homes welcome visitors with hanachozu (flower-filled water basins). This time I went to see a light-up event themed “Light of Hope.” At Gyoda Hachiman Shrine, the illuminated hanachozu were beautiful, and the whole shrine was decorated so nicely that I could take photos combining the lights with the autumn leaves.

This photo was taken at Kandokuji Temple on the Naka River in Tochigi Prefecture. Kandokuji is a historic temple with very large, impressive maple trees. This time I photographed Avalokitasvara and the autumn leaves, and it looks as if a tear is falling from Avalokitasvara’s eye. Did the statue feel happy because the leaves turned such splendid colors again this year?

I took these photos at Kinzouin Temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture. Kinzouin is famous for the bright red maples lining its approach. I photographed the Thirteen Buddhas on the temple grounds along with the autumn leaves. Among them, Fudo Myoo felt particularly powerful, so I think these pictures really convey a sense of Japan.

A cluster amaryllis photographed at Onrin-ji Temple in Oramachi, Ōra District, Gunma Prefecture. It was my first visit this year, and the flowers were so beautiful that the area truly lives up to its longtime reputation as the village of cluster amaryllis. Several stone Buddhas stand there, and in one photo one seemed to be saying, “The world is content.”

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙 "Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen." has been posted. With poor weather across the prefecture right now, take a breather and have a slow look 👀✨ You may rediscover how to enjoy the healing waters of Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

Winter is here! Snow has piled up, turning the landscape pure white. This road runs from Mt. Io to Kawayu Onsen town, and it’s beautiful in every season. On clear days, the distant mountains visible in the background stand out sharply. Why not take a winter drive yourself? Of course, snowy roads are dangerous, so put safety first. 🙇‍♂️🚨

Early morning on December 14 at Lake Akanko I quite like the crisp cold — I might even love it.

The ginkgo avenue along Sakuradoori is one of Nagoya's most representative and beautiful street trees in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The entire street turns a glorious golden hue, creating a striking urban autumn scene. Sakuradoori stretches for several kilometers, but the best view is famously from the pedestrian bridge at Nisshin-mae Crossing (where Sakuradoori meets Fushimi-dori). It is widely known as the prime spot to take in the whole avenue.

The best season to visit Yōki-sō is unquestionably autumn. The maple trees in the garden turn vivid red, creating a striking contrast with the historic buildings; you can enjoy a unique autumn scene where the red of Taisho-era romantic architecture and the red of the maples come together.

Horyuin Temple is close to Higashiyama’s famous autumn foliage sites like Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Philosopher's Path, Anrakuji, and Eikando Temple, yet it sees few tourists; in the early morning you can enjoy quiet moments and even have this painterly gradation of autumn colors all to yourself.

The charm of Horyuin Temple lies in its moss and thatched gate. From the approach, the gradation of autumn colors seen beyond the thatched gate looks like a painting framed by the gate.

The highlight of autumn leaves at Daikakuji is undoubtedly the scenery around Osawa Pond. Around Osawa Pond, Japan’s oldest promenade-style garden, about 700 maple and cherry trees have been planted. At the peak of the fall colors, the pond’s surface becomes a beautiful mirror, vividly reflecting the red and yellow foliage and the vermilion Heart Sutra Pagoda floating on the water. This “water mirror” scene is Daikakuji’s most photogenic sight.

Gionji Temple is famous as a Kyoto spot for autumn leaves not because of the crimson beauty of the trees themselves, but for the way the fallen leaves form a truly red carpet across the moss as they drop.

Today I attended the monthly festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I will be able to work in Kawagoe again next year. The practical exam I took in Tokyo last week ended with a disappointing result, but I will do my best again next year. Thank you for your encouragement. 😊

These photos were not taken this year, but they were shot in the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden in Kyoto. I pressed the shutter because I thought the dragonfly's wings reflected on the railing looked beautiful in the sunlight. It reminds me of the lingering heat and the atmosphere as autumn truly begins to arrive.

Photographed on December 12, 2025. This is LEC COFFEE’s Basque cheesecake inspired by tarte Tatin.