A few years ago, around this same season, I visited Tamura Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture to pay my respects. This shrine was not only the highest-ranking shrine in old Sanuki Province, it is also the place of worship for Hotei among the Sanuki Seven Lucky Gods, often drawing many people who come to pray for improved fortune. Beside the temizuya, a stack of special “mizu-uranai” fortune papers sat waiting. I was told that if you place the paper in water, the fortune slowly appears—mysterious and richly ceremonial. The most striking sight was the vermilion, continuous torii pathway. In the center of the path stood a huge Sanuki lion head. Its gold-and-red lion face, solemn and ornate, symbolizes the local lion dance and vividly expresses the region’s character. Since it was the year’s end, local people gathered old amulets and dolls in one spot to be taken to the shrine for a doll memorial ritual. That careful farewell to old items and the feelings they carried made the visit more than a tour of historic sites; it let me feel the local warmth and the community’s respect for tradition.

Merry Christmas! Have you already made plans for the New Year? Many facilities will be closed for the New Year holidays, so please check each shop’s and facility’s opening hours before you visit. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Also, the Uwajima Bullfighting New Year Tournament will take place on January 2. Advance tickets are on sale online and via FamilyMart Tickets! Please come and join us.

Kopi: Introduction Video to Nishiokoppe Village [1] - The introduction video to Nishiokoppe Village has been released ① - Kopi is active as a singer, actor, and influencer. Following last year, Kopi visited Nishiokoppe Village again this year! Over a one-night, two-day stay, she toured many spots in Nishiokoppe Village and introduced them to viewers 🏃🏃🏃 The Experience Farm, where visitors can stay long-term while taking part in agricultural activities, Forest Park, where you can play at a batting center and go-karts, the village’s only supermarket Q Mart, Tao Shoten, where you can buy venison and bear meat sourced within the village, Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., which manufactures electric guitar bodies, GA.KOPPER, a guest house renovated from a wooden junior high school that closed down, and Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu, where you can enjoy a flower park. In a roughly 30-minute video, all of these are tightly packed together ✨ For more on Okhotsk Musical Instrument Industry Co., Ltd., watch the upcoming YouTube video featuring Mayu Kondo or Kopi’s past videos to see detailed manufacturing processes 👀 Fans of Kopi won’t want to miss her cooking scenes. Don’t miss how she enjoys Nishiokoppe venison and Kouei beef! Watching the video will make you want to eat it 🤤 Kopi braved the cold of Hokkaido in October to convey the experience. Thank you, Kopi, for visiting Nishiokoppe Village! #Settlement promotion #Introduction video #Kopi #Influencer #Actor #Eat #Stay

Photographed on December 20, 2025. This is Chabudai-san’s chai. I noticed it at the Tea Festival and visited for the first time.

Merry Christmas! 🎅✨ How are you spending this Christmas? Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest illumination event, Bihoku Illumination, is now underway at National Bihoku Hillside Park 🎄💞 An installation art collective called Mirror Baller, known for creating spaces of light and reflection, presents artworks themed around “Dream,” filling the winter park with magical light and sound. Enjoy a photogenic, moving experience. Last year Mirror Baller occupied a paid special area; this year they are free to enter. 🌟Event details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5326... 🌟Recommended articles🔽 [2025 Updated] Pair the National Bihoku Hillside Park illumination with delicious on-site gourmet treats! https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5380...

This was also taken in the garden of Nezu Museum in Tokyo Metropolis. I was simply capturing an ordinary scene at my feet, but when I look closely I find each natural color beautiful. The colors increase in autumn, which makes me feel that even more.

This photo was taken in the garden of Nezu Museum in Tokyo Metropolis. I captured this shot because the shimmering reflection of the autumn leaves on the water looked beautiful.

Photographed on December 20, 2025. This is a Christmas-themed hanachōzu (floating flower water basin) at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. 🎄

Start the New Year with events! Here’s what’s happening in January✨ 〈If you want to look back later, don’t forget to tap the save icon!〉 1. Togakushi Dondoyaki Festival Fireworks launched over the slope will glitter in the clear winter night sky. Sweet sake, red-and-white rice cakes, and good-luck rice cakes will also be served. Date: Saturday, January 17 Schedule: Torch procession departs 19:20 Dondoyaki sacred ritual begins 19:40 Torch procession arrives 19:40 Yagura lighting Togakushi drum performance Grand fireworks on the snow Location: Togakushi Ski Resort Chusha Slope *For details, see the Togakushi Tourism Association website* 2. Go-inmon Chodai (Receiving the Sacred Seal) This ceremony presses the three-seal treasure stamp—said to be a fragment of the Zenkoji Buddha—against worshippers’ heads. Receiving the sacred seal is believed to grant fulfillment of wishes and rebirth in paradise. Period: Wednesday, January 7 to Thursday, January 15 Hours: From around 9:00 until the evening Venue: Zenkoji Temple *For details, see the Zenkoji Temple website* 3. Shiroyama Zoo New Year Event @johyamazoo From New Year’s Day you can meet the 2026 zodiac horse and many other animals! Enjoy the popular New Year “Morumoru Line” and the sale of 20 limited lucky bags. Dates: Thursday, January 1 to Sunday, January 4, 2026 Time: 9:00–16:30 Venue: Shiroyama Zoo *For details, see the official website* 4. Chausuyama Zoo New Year Event @chausuyamazoo Celebrate the New Year with a variety of animals! Enjoy feeding experiences, osechi (New Year’s food) giveaways, animal interactions, photo opportunities, lucky bag sales, and more. Dates: Thursday, January 1 to Saturday, January 3, 2026 Time: 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30) Venue: Chausuyama Zoo *For details, see the official website* 5. Zenkoji Omotesando Illumination Zenkoji Omotesando and the area in front of Nagano Station will be magically lit by illuminations✨ Period: Saturday, November 15 to Monday, February 23, 2026 Hours: 17:00–22:00 Location: Zenkoji Omotesando (Nagano Station Intersection to Zenkoji Intersection) #Nagano City events #Nagano events #Event information #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

Reusing the Portugal Pavilion ropes! Presenting the artwork "Oceano"✨ The Portuguese artist Vanessa Barragan created the artwork Oceano and is exhibiting it together with the ropes from the Portugal Pavilion. The piece was made in Sakai City starting in late October, and its production process was opened to the public in November. Oceano was crafted in Sakai using ropes from the Portugal Pavilion and expresses the sea that connects Portugal and Japan. It will serve as a legacy of exchange between Portugal and Sakai for the future. ○ The sea that connects Portugal and Sakai Inspired by the Portugal Pavilion, ropes are displayed from the ceiling! Two works produced in Sakai City on display! 🗓️ January 6 (Tue)–January 11 (Sun) ⏰ 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 📍 Higashi Cultural Hall (Hall Building) Gallery 🔍 For details, search "Sakai City Expo Legacy"! https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/bunka/art_kanrenjigyo/expo_legacy/SpecialExhibition_Portugal.html...

Yamanaka Tunnel, registered as part of the Japan Heritage "Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of Tracks Connecting to the World." This brick tunnel makes for a charming, retro photo spot. It’s recommended not only for railway and tunnel enthusiasts but also for photography lovers!

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store. As Christmas approaches, the town fills with sparkle and warmth in this season. One place to visit in the crisp winter air is Shosenkyo Gorge, a scenic treasure of Yamanashi Prefecture. Steep rock formations and ravine beauty stretch through Shosenkyo, known as one of Japan’s premier gorges. In winter, its quiet and pristine beauty soothes the spirit. Located deep within the gorge, Senga Falls is the signature waterfall of Shosenkyo. The roughly 30-meter drop roaring down the rock face makes a powerful sight, and in the cold winter air the spray feels even more magical. If you’re lucky, frost will coat the rocks, letting you enjoy nature’s own winter artwork. For a special moment with someone dear before Christmas, consider visiting Shosenkyo and Senga Falls to be wrapped in nature’s grandeur and silence. They will help you weave a memorable winter experience. At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store, we carry many wines 🍷 recommended for Christmas and the New Year. Please find your favorite bottle with us.♪ We also offer rich grape juice 🍇 and pure peach juice 🍑 for children and those who do not drink alcohol. With the year drawing to a close, we look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

[Shimekazari-style Arrangement ②] Works I couldn’t fully introduce 🌿 Shimenawa Decoration Shimekazari-style Arrangement Lesson

Shimenawa-style arrangements completed They turned out absolutely lovely We created shimenawa-style arrangements! A workshop was held to decorate shimenawa with dried flowers, foliage, and berries. Mr. Sato drove all the way from Kitahiroshima to onesmanorgarden, braving winter roads once again. He brought a large supply of materials, so it was fun just to look and fun to choose. While making them, people worried and struggled when things didn’t go as planned, but it was still enjoyable. Seeing a neighbor’s piece, you’d think, “That arrangement works too!” or “That color combination is amazing!”—reactions that escaped everyone’s lips. Even before finishing, imaginations ran wild with thoughts like, “Next time I’d like to try making it this way.” There were three lessons over two days: early afternoon, evening, and the next morning. A total of 18 people took part. Thank you very much 🌿 The next time we’ll see Mr. Sato will be next year――― I wonder when that will be. We’re looking forward to what he’ll create next and what flowers and foliage we’ll encounter… Can’t wait! shimenawa decoration arrangement lesson dried flowers year-end New Year

Enriched dive to the shipwreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited the shipwreck dive site in Atami 🚢 Large schools of fish gathered around the wreck, and we were thrilled by the dramatic underwater scenery 🤩 This time we dived using enriched air (Nitrox). Thanks to that, my body felt much better after the dive ☺️ Enriched air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because less nitrogen accumulates in the body, it reduces the risk of decompression sickness and allows for safer dives 👍 Another big benefit is that you get less tired ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Diving as a family was truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s shipwreck more comfortably with enriched air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn the Enriched Air Specialty (SP) certification 🙌 We also welcome requests for course dates! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Let’s travel to unseen worlds!”, we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run lessons and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #Hokulea Shonan #Enriched Air #Nitrox #Enriched Diving #CoolJapanVideos #HokuleaShonan #NitroxDiving #EnrichedAir #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue

Tsukuno Station West-Side Illuminations This winter, JR Tsukuno Station brightens up with festive illuminations✨ A large tree, filled with the warm feelings of the local community, lights up the night🎄 Stop by and enjoy the sparkle of the lights❄ 📣Share lovely photos of Nishi Ward’s illuminations and tag Nissy-chan on Instagram!💫 📅Event period: until January 13 (Tuesday) 🕐Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:30 AM 📍Location: West side of JR Tsukuno Station (Tsukuno-cho 1-2, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

＊＊＊＊🎄 Akanko on December 23 A thin film of ice had just begun to form The wonderful winter season at Akanko is about to fully kick in We look forward to welcoming you But we have a request The ice is still very, very thin Do not step onto it under any circumstances "Watch for falling through ⚠️" Please stay safe and enjoy Akanko to the fullest♪

[Spectacular Views in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture — This Is the Place!] Experience beautiful nature🍃 Top scenic spots in Shobara! Located in the center of the Chugoku region, Shobara covers a territory where 80 percent of the area is forest. This town, where people and nature live together in satoyama-style communities, still preserves natural wonders you won’t find in the city. Here are breathtaking vistas that remind you of the everyday, long-forgotten but precious gifts of vast nature and the kindness of its people. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4019...

Kawayu Visitor Center "Mori no Palette" linking nature and people Kawayu Visitor Center is a facility that clearly introduces Kawayu Onsen, the surrounding beautiful nature, history, and sights. The center features a craft corner and a variety of exhibits that delight not only adults but also young children. The interior makes generous use of wood, creating an open, airy atmosphere. On the first floor you will find a lounge with a fireplace, a relaxed space for reading while looking out over a forest of Picea glehnii (akanezomatsu), and a kids’ corner. It’s perfect for resting before or after a walk. On the second floor there is also a cafe space, CAFE SOFTWOOD, where you can enjoy tea time while gazing through large windows. The center provides clear explanations about the surrounding natural environment, safety notices, exhibits on cultural heritage, and reports of bear sightings, offering important safety information. Outdoor clothing and gear are available for rent, making it convenient if you decide on a spur-of-the-moment walk. Kawayu Visitor Center 2-2-6 Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 015-483-4100 Closed days Closed every Wednesday (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following day) Open daily from the third week of July through August 31 Closed during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Opening hours April–October: 8:00–17:00 November–March: 9:00–16:00

Anpanman Illumination 266-3, 7-chome Maedohigashimachi, Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture Viewing is free. Donations are appreciated. The hosts have given permission to publish the address. Because this display is organized privately, severe weather (strong winds, heavy snow, heavy rain, etc.) or the hosts’ circumstances may cause lighting to be canceled without notice or lighting hours to be changed. The event runs from early December until mid to late January of the following year. A private couple holds the display on their residential property. It is not run by any organization or local volunteer group; it is a completely private effort, yet its high level of finish and careful consideration for visitors match those of professional events. While maintaining their regular jobs, the couple spends many hours preparing, designing the lighting, installing it, and performing most daily maintenance by hand. Their motivation is a simple, warm desire to bring smiles to children and delight the local community, and that spirit deeply moves and inspires visitors. There are no restroom or nursing room facilities, so come prepared. Thanks to the hosts’ generosity, several free temporary parking lots are available near the venue. Parking is limited, and especially on weekends, holidays, and during the Christmas season, spaces often fill up early.

Manabi no Mori Illumination 10-4 Nakahibaricho, Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture Parking available The Forest of Learning Promenade in Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture, stretches about 250 meters along a row of ginkgo trees. More than 100,000 lights illuminate the avenue, bathing it in a silvery glow. In addition to small bulb strings, ball-shaped lights hang from the trees, creating a calm yet festive atmosphere.

Photographed on December 22, 2025. cafe andon’s café latte and a strawberry and chocolate shortcake.

Former Hamadera Park Station Building Illumination The Former Hamadera Park Station Building, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, is a precious piece of architecture designated as a national registered Tangible Cultural Property.✨ At night it sparkles with illuminations, making you feel as if you’ve wandered into a storybook world…☺ The event runs through this Friday! Come and see it❄ 📣 For beautiful illumination photos from Nishi Ward, add "#Nissy-chan" and post them on Instagram!💫 📅 Event period: Until Friday, December 26 🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM 📍 Location: Former Hamadera Park Station Building (2-188 Hamadera Park Town, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

Nishi Ward Office Illumination The season when Nishi Ward Office is wrapped in light ✨ A 5-meter-tall giant Christmas tree and the cute Nissy-chan welcome everyone 🎄 On chilly nights, enjoy a heartwarming moment under the sparkling illuminations ❄ The display runs until this Friday! Come and see it 🐥 📣 Post your beautiful photos of Nishi Ward’s illuminations on Instagram with “#Nissy-chan” attached! 💫 📅 Period: Until Thursday, December 25 🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM 📍 Location: Sakai City Nishi Ward Office (600, 6-chome Otorihigashimachi, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

🌼We have updated the daffodil blooming report🌼 The daffodils throughout the garden are just beginning to bloom🌱 In some spots, you can already see clusters of blooms appearing✨ See the latest updates on our blog📖 Be sure to check it out👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251223...

Let me introduce Hakuryu Falls in the Kono Area of Minami-Echizen Town. This waterfall sits on the border between Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town along the Echizen Coast. Many people ask whether Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town are the same, but they are different towns. A legend says that when 19 people drifting in a small ship from Izumo Province washed ashore at Nukaura, a dragon protected their boat and climbed to the mountain summit to heal itself in a warm pool. We don’t know which pool healed the dragon, but the nearby Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae offers soothing warmth—wouldn’t you like to be healed like the dragon?

Lantern lighting has begun at Kawayu Onsen! 🏮 Lanterns now hang outside accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores within the kawayu group facility district of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen town at night. 💡 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

It seems hard to believe it is part of Japan! Anyone who has visited Japan for any length of time knows that once you get beyond the cities there is beautiful verdant scenery no matter how far you go. Almost anywhere in Japan you can expect to see forested mountains, flowers, and idyllic green vistas. But not here! The Tottori sand dunes, in one of Japan's least visited prefectures, offer an entirely different landscape. It is more than just a palette cleanser, it is also beautiful in its own right! Clambering up the dunes can be arduous in in summer, and the dunes that don't seem so vast or sweeping when you set out can feel very tiring on the way back, so be sure to pace yourself and bring some water. Besides the natural beauty, the sand is also sculpted by an international team in the adjacent Sand Museum! The Sand sculptures inside are enormous in scale, and have a different theme every year. I especially liked the French exhibition. Seeing France depicted through the medium of sand in rural Japan is an experience as unexpected as it is delightful. I didn't try it myself, but for those wanting something more exotic, there are also camels to ride!

A tiny bird even smaller than a sparrow, with round, charming eyes—the subspecies of long-tailed tit known as the shiraneaga (shimaenaga). Found only in Hokkaido, this wild bird is beloved by birdwatchers and nicknamed the "snow fairy." In winter it grows a fluffy, pure-white plumage and looks just like a snowball! It mainly lives in forests and woodlands; with leaves gone in winter it becomes easier to spot, and it is often seen along the Lake Utonai lakeside. (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Utonai Lake)