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 ropes from the Portuguese Pavilion! Presenting the artwork “Oceano”✨ The Portuguese artist Vanessa Barragão created the artwork Oceano, which is displayed together with the ropes from the Portuguese Pavilion. Work on the piece began in late October in Sakai City, and the public was invited to view the creation process in November. Oceano was made in Sakai City using ropes from the Portuguese Pavilion and depicts the sea that links Portugal and Japan. It will be carried forward as a legacy of exchange between Portugal and Sakai for the future. ○ The sea that connects Portugal and Sakai Inspired by the Portuguese Pavilion, ropes hang from the ceiling as part of the display! Two works made in Sakai City are on display! 🗓️ January 6 (Tue)–January 11 (Sun) ⏰ 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 📍 Higashi Bunka Hall Hall Building Gallery 🔍 For details, search “Sakai 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 trip to the wreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited a wreck site in Atami 🚢 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, our bodies felt much more comfortable after the dive ☺️ Enriched Air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because it reduces nitrogen accumulation in the body, it lowers the risk of decompression sickness and allows you to dive more safely 👍 Another big advantage is that you get less fatigued ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Family dives were truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s wreck more comfortably with Enriched Air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also obtain the Enriched Air Specialty certification 🙌 We welcome requests for course schedules! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a dive shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Set out for a world you’ve never seen,” we convey the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run over 300 training sessions and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, overseas, and more. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also welcome! --- Today we enjoyed a wreck dive in Atami using Enriched Air (Nitrox). The wreck was surrounded by schools of fish, creating a powerful and exciting underwater scene. Thanks to diving with Enriched Air, we felt more comfortable and less tired after the dive. Enriched Air has a higher oxygen content than regular air, which helps reduce nitrogen buildup and allows for safer, more relaxed diving. Thank you to our wonderful guests for joining us. Family diving is always special. At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn your Enriched Air Specialty certification. Feel free to contact us for course schedule requests. Follow our daily diving moments on Instagram: @hokulea_divejapan 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)

[Outdoor and Active Picks in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture] Fun for everyone! 😍 Enjoy Shobara’s vast nature with these activities Blessed with expansive wilderness, Shobara is a summer retreat and home to Ogidani Auto Campsite, one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest campgrounds where you can even try rare snow camping in Western Japan during winter. Beyond camping, thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting, canoe and kayak experiences, and river walking. In winter, you can fully enjoy outdoor sports like skiing. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4018...

🏮 Lantern illumination begins in the Kawayu Onsen area‼︎ The lantern illumination at Kawayu Onsen uses the Kawayu Onsen logo created through Teshikaga Town’s design and branding project. It aims to foster momentum for revitalizing the onsen district among local residents and others, while offering visitors a unified, thoughtfully staged welcome that enhances guest satisfaction. The lanterns hang from the eaves of lodging facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other stores within the Kawayu Group Facility Area of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen district at night♨️💡

Photographed on December 22, 2025. This is cafe andon's Christmas-limited strawberry and chocolate shortcake.🎄 The combination of strawberries and chocolate goes really well together.😊🍓

Now that I'm free from exam studying, I wandered around Kawagoe. This is the avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set from cafe andon.

The harmony of autumn leaves and shikizakura (four-season cherry blossoms) is beautiful. Aerial drone footage of Kawami Shikizakura-no-Sato was taken. Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture *Filmed in compliance with aviation law.

Tourist spot in Kushiro: Fisherman’s Wharf MOO 🐟 A 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel! You can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food all in one place✨ There’s also a Botanical Garden, a relaxing spot beloved by locals. The building’s high-design architecture, inspired by Kushiro’s nature, town, and industries, is a highlight. Reservations are available from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

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 updated. With poor weather across Hokkaido right now, take a breather and have a slow peek 👀✨ You might rediscover how to enjoy the soothing Kawayu Onsen. https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/...

15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura ❚ Held on March 14, 2026 The 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura will take place in Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture. Megurakura (巡蔵, literally “visiting breweries”) is an event that guides visitors around the city’s historic breweries to enjoy their signature sake, shochu, craft beer, and local gourmet food. While taking in the scenery of Bungo‑Ono City, please enjoy touring the breweries. Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM Location: Various venues across Bungo‑Ono City ▶ Participating breweries for the 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura: Hamashima Sake Brewery, Muretsuru Sake Brewery, Fujii Brewery ■ Megurakura tickets on sale now Ticket Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) ▶ Limited first-come, first-served offer: comes with a special guinomi (small drinking cup) ※ Guinomi are available while supplies last. ▶ Ticket sales locations Hamashima Sake Brewery TEL 0974-42-2216 Muretsuru Sake Brewery TEL 0974-72-0101 Fujii Brewery TEL 0974-37-2016 Bungo‑Ono City Tourism Association TEL 0974-27-4215 ■ How to enjoy Megurakura On the day of Megurakura, each brewery opens from 9:30 AM. You may start your tour at any venue. A Megurakura ticket is required for tastings at each brewery. Present your Megurakura ticket at each brewery to taste the beverages they offer. When a brewery finishes offering tastings, staff will mark your ticket at that brewery’s section. Additional tastings will incur extra charges. ※ We cannot reissue, exchange, or refund tickets that are damaged, lost, unused, or forgotten. ■ Shuttle bus information for the day of Megurakura Shuttle buses will operate on the day of Megurakura. A Megurakura ticket is required to board the shuttle. A shuttle bus runs between JR Miemachi Station and the various venues at roughly 30–40 minute intervals. You may board or disembark at any stop. ※ Please show your ticket to staff when boarding. ■ Inquiries about the Megurakura event Bungo Ono City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division TEL 0974-22-1117 ■■ Access to central Bungo‑Ono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and others ■■ By car from JR hakata station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about 3 hours By car from JR kumamoto station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about 2 hours By car from JR beppu station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes By car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu — Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo‑Ono City) Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251222event-bungoono/...