"Autumn Beyond the Bridge" In December 2024, while visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, I caught sight of a water scene from Togetsukyo Bridge. The water cascading down the height resembled a small waterfall, and beyond the clear stream lay mountains dyed in autumn colors and quiet rows of houses. While many people on Togetsukyo Bridge were gazing at the expansive views of the mountains and river, I found myself drawn to this tranquil water scene that unfolded when I turned back. Despite being right next to the bustling activity, it felt as if a different time was flowing there, offering a sense of calm that seemed somewhat detached from the world. The scenery was so pleasant that I couldn't help but take pictures and record a short video. What stays in my heart during my travels are not just the famous grand views, but perhaps these quiet scenes encountered when casually looking back. Location: Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Captured on August 17, 26. This is the "Kawagoe Tanabata Musubuomoi Wind Chimes" at Kajimachi Hiroba Square.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, September 19, the "Toyokoro Industrial Festival 2026" will be held 😊 "See, Taste, and Play!" This festival allows you to enjoy the autumn blessings of Toyokoro 🎵🎵 This year, special limited menus featuring "Toyosui" from Soma City and "Keisui" and "dried sweet potatoes" from Chikusei City will color the venue with luxurious autumn flavors 🎀 On stage, enjoy performances by the local Toyokoro Taiko group "Enkai" and the Toyokoro Junior High School brass band, as well as street performances by "Kosuke" and a glamorous singing show by enka singer Kaori Kouzai ✨✨ Additionally, the popular autumn salmon sale from Otsu and salmon catching events will be held‼️ There will also be a "mochi & candy toss" with local specialties as prizes, food trucks offering local flavors, and plenty of delicious gourmet options. We warmly invite you and your friends and family to join us 🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Rain or shine) 🔶Venue: JA Toyokoro Multipurpose Square 🔶Contact: "Sea and Earth Festival" Toyokoro Industrial Festival 2026 Executive Committee Office (Toyokoro Town Hall, Industrial Section, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 015-574-2217 https://www.toyokoro.jp/page/7802.html...

Photographed on July 26, 2014. These are the red thread wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival ❚ Held on October 25, 2026 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival will take place at "Kagura no Sato Noba Park" in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The main feature, Ontake Kagura, is said to have begun with the establishment of Ontake Shrine in the first year of Hōtoku (1449). In 2007, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government. On the day of the event, six groups from various locations in the prefecture, including Ontake Kagura, are scheduled to perform. Food and beverage stalls will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing day from morning. Parking near the venue is limited, but on the day of the event, a free shuttle bus will operate back and forth from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station to the Kagura Hall (which has parking) and then to Noba Park. Be sure to witness the traditional dance of Kagura that has been passed down through generations. 【Date】Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM 【Location】Kagura no Sato Noba Park (Udaeda, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Performing Groups】 Ichinoya Riraku (Usuki City, Ichinoya) Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata-cho, Bungoono City) Jōhara Kagura Preservation Society (Takeda City, Jōhara) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Yufu City, Shonai-cho) Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】 Please pay at the entrance on the day of the event. ▶ Junior high school students and above: 500 yen (all seats unreserved) *Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. 【Access to the Venue】 Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will operate from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. 【Shuttle Bus (Free)】Operating back and forth between Bungo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue Bungo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (with parking) → Noba Park 【Inquiries about the Festival】 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival Executive Committee (Kiyokawa Branch, Bungoono City Hall) TEL: 0974-35-2111 ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Birds have started to gather at Lake Utonai. The peak of the autumn swan migration is said to occur from late October to early November each year. It's exciting to see the number of migratory birds increase from here on. (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Taken on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed on July 30, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Guided by the Autumn Leaves In December 2024, while visiting Tenryuji in Kyoto, I stumbled upon this scenery as I walked through the temple grounds. Scattered across the stone steps were fallen leaves, with maple trees, a torii gate, and the shrine deep in the background ahead. At that moment, I felt that the scene before me was dreamlike, so I paused to take this photo. At the time of taking the photo, I didn't pay much attention to the name of this place, but later I learned that it was the Reiki Shrine within Tenryuji. Looking at this photo again, it seemed as if the autumn leaves on the stone steps gradually led my gaze deeper toward the torii gate, so I named it 'Guided by the Autumn Leaves.' This unexpectedly encountered scene also became an unforgettable moment during this trip. Location: Reiki Shrine, Tenryuji, Kyoto City

Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

Taken on August 5, 2014. This is the wind chime for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, along with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Photographed on September 3, 26. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Event Announcement 📣 On September 12th (Saturday) to September 13th (Sunday), we will hold the "13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Tournament One Year Pre-Event" at Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 😊 The "National Wagyu Ability Competition" is a "Wagyu Festival" where excellent Wagyu from all over the country gathers once every five years. With the Hokkaido Tournament approaching next year, this event will offer a special two days filled with delicious meat and fun activities 🎵 🔶 Main Programs on September 12th ・The opening will feature a performance by the cheerleading team from Hokkaido Obihiro Sanjo High School (10:15 AM) ・A talk show featuring producers of Kuroge Wagyu (11:00 AM) ・A talk show by the Wa Gyu group, the future bearers (2:00 PM) ・The ending will be a rock-paper-scissors contest for Kuroge Wagyu meat (3:50 PM) 🔶 Main Programs on September 13th (Sunday) ・"Tokachi Meat Festival" by the Tokachi Meat Industry Cooperative (2:00 PM) 🔶 Programs Held on Both Days ・Wagyu photo session with local characters ・Gourmet food trucks will be present This is an opportunity to enjoy delicious food while experiencing the charm of Wagyu. Let's start the countdown together towards the Wagyu Festival one year from now! 🤗 🔷 Date: September 12th, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM September 13th, 2026 (Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 🔷 Venue: Obihiro Ban'ei Racecourse 🔷 Contact: 13th National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Executive Committee TEL: 011-209-8553 https://zenkyo-hokkaido.jp//

How about an autumn trip by train? Starting from JR Mashu Station, enjoy an autumn journey in Kussharo, Hokkaido. Take a shuttle bus to Kussharo Prince Hotel. Once you arrive, take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, dyed in autumn colors. At the pier, you can slowly enjoy the scenery created by the lake and the sky while feeling the crisp autumn air. Be sure to "save" this for your next trip to Kussharo, Hokkaido. *The shuttle bus between Kussharo Prince Hotel and JR Mashu Station is free, but reservations are required. For more details, please check the official website via the link in the profile. 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Kushiro, known as one of the world's three great sunsets, offers stunning views of the sunset 🌇. From autumn to winter, when the air is clear, it's said to be the season when the sunset is most beautiful. After enjoying the ever-changing colors of the sky from Nusamai Bridge, take a stroll through the city back to your hotel. It takes about five minutes on foot from Nusamai Bridge to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Whether it's the beautiful evening scenery or the city walk, Kushiro serves as a great base for your travels. Follow us to stay updated on the latest information about 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

The autumn leaf season has arrived! Announcing the "Kawayu Marche"! On Saturday, October 10, 2026, we will hold the "6th Kawayu Marche" in front of EZO HOUSE at Kawayu Onsen! Restaurants from Teshikaga will gather to offer gourmet food and drinks, as well as events like Kawayu Bayashi, game tournaments, and handheld fireworks, ensuring fun for both children and adults. Enjoy a day that's a little different at Kawayu Onsen this autumn! ≪Schedule≫ Kawayu Bayashi Experience the excitement of the Kawayu Onsen festival with "Kawayu Bayashi"! First performance: 13:00 Second performance: 16:00 Struck Out Tournament 15:00~ Challenge yourself in the struck out game and win prizes! *Participation is free Potato Weighing Game 17:00~ Fun for parents and children! Join us for a potato weighing game! Prizes will be provided for participants. *Participation is free Handheld Fireworks☆Children Only☆ 19:00~ The finale of the marche will feature handheld fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Create wonderful memories at Kawayu Onsen. *Participation is free Simultaneously held! Experience tours are also accepting applications! Experience tour "AWAKE FROM KAWAYU" to enjoy the nature of Kawayu Onsen Explore the unique nature and attractions of Kawayu Onsen with a guide. For more details, please visit Teshikaga Navi 🤩 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayumarusye/...

The cosmos at Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden are in full bloom!! Both the mixed native species and the yellow cosmos are "in full bloom"! This weekend and throughout next week, you can enjoy particularly beautiful flowers. We invite you to visit the cosmos garden♪ Address: 70-1 Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido, 099-0407 Contact: ℡ 0158-42-0488 Entrance Fee: <Individual> Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen <Group> *For groups of 10 or more Adults (high school students and older) 500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 200 yen Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parking: 300 spaces (free)

【GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training: Learning International Standards for Sustainable Tourism】 "GSTC Certified Training in Teshikaga" By participating in the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP), you can learn the knowledge and methods necessary to practice and improve sustainability in travel and tourism. The training covers the GSTC standards, which are the global benchmarks for sustainable travel and tourism, and introduces best practices in business and communities. Upon completing the three-day training, a certificate of completion will be issued by GSTC. (This will be issued only to those who attend all three days of training.) Those who obtain the certificate will be eligible to take the STTP exam. Upon passing the exam, the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism will be issued by GSTC. About the Certificate and Qualifications ・A certificate of completion will be issued by GSTC upon completing the three-day training. ・After completion, eligibility to take the STTP exam will be granted. ・Passing the exam allows you to obtain the "GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism." "Sustainable Tourism Training: Learning International Standards for Sustainable Tourism" GSTC Certified Training in Teshikaga Dates: October 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026 (3 days) Each day starts at 9:00 AM *The first and second days will be classroom-based, while the third day will involve fieldwork and reflection. Target Audience: Those interested in sustainable tourism community development, management, product creation, etc., who can participate in the training for all three days. Location: Kushiroken Mashu Tourism Culture Center, Audiovisual Room 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga, 015-482-1811 Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 25 people

🍁Teshikaga's Autumn Leaves🍁 The best time to see the autumn leaves in Teshikaga is generally from late September to mid-October. This is the most comfortable time of the year, with relatively stable weather, making it perfect for activities. So, please come and visit Teshikaga! 📸🍁🛶✨🐾 (The images are from before 2025.) 🌲🍁 https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000049.000107745.html...

The coal mine is not just a place to extract coal underground. It is where people, machines, railways, ports, and local communities connect to support a large industry. Manda Pit serves as an entry point to understand this entire picture. Learning about the history of the Miike Coal Mine, which spans Arao City and Omuta City, changes the way you see the region. 【Visitation Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Miike Coal Mine #Omuta #History of Coal Mining #Industry and Life #Railway Heritage #Modern Industrial Heritage #Historical Travel #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Omuta #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #IndustrialHeritage #WorldHeritage #JapaneseHistory

The 2nd Teshikaga Town Photo Gallery -Exploring Old Photos of Teshikaga- Venue: Teshikaga Chuo Street Shopping District Duration: September 7, 2026 - September 13, 2026 Theme Continuing from the Town's Memories to the Future Landscape 1st Teshikaga Town Photo Gallery _ _ _ _ _ _ _ In February 2026, as the first step to create a vibrant town with the local community, we exhibited warm photos overflowing with the “town character of Teshikaga” and engaged in activities enjoyable for multiple generations. Following the first event, the second gallery invites you to envision the future of Teshikaga while exploring old photos of the town's streets. We sincerely look forward to your visit. [Organizer] Teshikaga Town Design / Teshikaga Town [Cooperation] Central Shopping District Community / Teshi-kaga Local History Research Association / Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Photographed on September 3, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park in Hannou City, Saitama Prefecture A park in the forest that Tove Jansson, the author of Moomin, cherished. The sight of people spending time under the golden trees seemed to embody the “free and quiet moments” she loved. May this gentle peace be quietly passed on to the future.

Taken on September 3, 2026. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I have many more photos of the matchmaking wind chime, so I would appreciate your company.

In 2026, the travel festival "Tourism EXPO Japan" will be held at Tokyo Big Sight! Since its inception in 2014, this event has been delivering the charm of travel😊 This year's theme is "Evolving Forms of Travel"✨✨ The allure of future travel that brings "experiences," "connections," and "learning" is gathered here🎵 At the Tokachi booth in Hokkaido and Michihigashi, we will offer a "Hidaka Mountain Range VR Experience"😍 The Tokachi area will see the birth of the "Hidaka Mountains Erimo Tokachi National Park," which boasts the largest land area in Japan, in 2024, surrounded by three national parks: "Daisetsuzan National Park" and "Akan-Mashu National Park." You can experience the majestic nature of the Hidaka Mountain Range, from dynamic panoramic views from above to authentic mountain climbing for intermediate and advanced levels🗻 Customers who enjoy the VR experience will receive original goods featuring the Hidaka Mountain Range and more as gifts🎀 People of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy it easily, so please take this opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of nature at the Tokachi booth🤗 https://www.t-expo.jp//

Hello! 😃 Welcome to Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Store! 🍷 September still has some lingering heat. During this season, we recommend the stunning spot in Yamanashi, "Shosenkyo Gorge" 🌿 As you enjoy the nature of the valley, you will be greeted by the impressive "Senga Falls" waiting ahead. 💧✨ Surrounded by the sound of the waterfall, the splash of water, and the cool air, you can refresh yourself from the summer fatigue with a delightful moment. 🍃 And after enjoying Senga Falls... 🍇 head over to "Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Sengataki Store"! This season's delight, ✨the new Delaware wine✨ has arrived! 🍷 Experience the vibrant aroma and fresh taste unique to Delaware. How about taking home a bottle that captures this time of year as a souvenir or memory of your trip? 💕 After feeling the coolness at Senga Falls, enjoy Yamanashi's new wine. In September, when the heat still lingers, take your time to feel the gradual change of the season at Shosenkyo. 🍷🌿

While waiting for my child’s extracurricular activities, I took a walk with my beloved dog and encountered the sky. The sunset was so vibrant that I couldn't help but stop and take a photo. It was an unforgettable autumn scene I came across during an ordinary day walking with my dog. Although it was still a warm day, I felt the change of seasons in this sky.

Finally, it's happening this weekend! 2026 Kushiro Big Catch Festival A lot of fun events await!

Photographed on September 3, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. See you next year.