Photographed on December 20, 2025. This is HK Tea’s grapefruit tea and Egg Waffle’s coffee chocolate. I love their citrus menu. 😊🍊🍋

Event Announcement 📣 “An Evening of Earth’s Bounty,” a one-night event bringing together five wineries and sake breweries from Tokachi, will be held at Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro 😊 Enjoy pairings of a buffet featuring Tokachi ingredients, cheeses, and live cooking by the hotel’s chefs 🍷🍶 You can also listen to stories from the producers and take part in a raffle for a warm and delightful evening 🤗 📍Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM (doors open at 5:20 PM) 📍Venue: 2nd-floor banquet hall, Northland Hall 📍Price: 12,000 yen per person (tax and service charge included) 🔶Reservations and Inquiries Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro direct line TEL 0155-24-1301 (9:00 AM–6:00 PM) https://www.jrhotels.co.jp/obihiro/news/67618...

A quiet moment spent in the lobby. At Kussharo Prince Hotel, surrounded by nature, you might encounter Ezo squirrels, long-tailed titmice, and owls. Downstairs you will find a convenience shop and merchandise featuring Kusshy, a symbol of Kussharo. On the third floor we offer the Kussharo Onsen Large Public Bath, which is also available for day-use bathing. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Kushiro Prince Hotel, offering a panoramic view of one of the world’s three great sunsets. Indonesia, the Philippines, and the only place chosen in Japan was "Kushiro." Travelers and sailors from around the world have praised its beauty, and since around 1965 Kushiro has become known as a city of sunset viewing spots. You must see it at least once in your life. All year round, you can enjoy sunsets showing many different faces. Reservations are possible from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Year-end and New Year Holiday Notice We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation. Please be advised that we will be closed for the year-end and New Year holidays on the dates below, and we ask for your kind understanding. We pray that the coming year, 2026, will be a wonderful year for everyone, and we offer this as our year-end greeting. Thank you very much. Minami-Echizen Town Kono Tourism Association <Year-end and New Year Holiday Period> December 29, 2025 – January 3, 2026

[Tokutoku Coupon 2026] Save with coupons at Kawayu Onsen! We’re launching the special Tokutoku Coupon campaign for guests staying in the Kawayu Onsen district! Guests who stay at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Annex Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu will receive discount coupons worth a total of ¥2,000 usable at participating Kawayu Restaurants and Bars Association members!! Pick up your coupon at your hotel front desk and present it at participating shops marked on the MAP when dining to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2026 through the end of March 2026, while supplies last. This is a great deal, so please take advantage of it as one of the pleasures of visiting Kawayu Onsen. [Coupon Distribution Period] Thursday, January 15, 2026 – through the end of March 2026 *Coupons will stop being distributed once supplies run out.

Did you know that some areas in Hiroshima Prefecture get heavy snowfall? ⛄ Shobara City, located in the heart of the Chugoku region at the northernmost part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is known as one of the prefecture’s major heavy-snow zones. You can ski and snowboard at three ski areas in Shobara—Hiroshima Kenmin-no-Mori Ski Area, Dogoyama Kogen Ski Resort, and Ringo Kyowakoku Ski Area—and some campers enjoy winter camping at local campgrounds, so you can get active and enjoy various snow activities. At the National Bihoku Hillside Park, the winter illumination event “Bihoku Illumi” is taking place. The display runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a public holiday). Enjoy a magical time with your loved ones as snow, light, and sound come together. ⛄ Also, on Sunday, February 1, a snowball fight tournament will be held. Spectators are welcome even if you don’t participate. Winter is the time to visit Shobara! Please come and see us…! ✨ For winter event details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/133... Visit the “Shobara Tourism Navi” website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com//

Special coupon offer available at Kawayu Onsen! Tokutoku Coupon 2026 A new savings campaign, the Tokutoku Coupon, has begun for guests staying at hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association! Guests who stay at any of the three participating hotels—Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu—will receive discount coupons worth a total of ¥2,000 to use at participating businesses. Pick up the coupons at your hotel front desk and present them at the shops listed on the MAP to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2026, through the end of March 2026, but will end once coupons run out. Take advantage of this great deal to enjoy hot springs and local dining in the Kawayu Onsen area! [Coupon distribution period] Thursday, January 15, 2026 – through the end of March 2026 *Distribution ends when coupons are gone* [Coupon details] Discount coupons totaling ¥2,000 − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at snacks and bars (MAP NO 2, 3, 8) − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at izakayas, cafes, and other listed establishments (excluding MAP NO 2, 3, 8) [Shops where coupons can be used] 1) Cafe Noble 2) Snack COCO 3) Zakku & Baran 4) Miraku Sushi 5) Inakaya Genpei 6) Izakaya Matsurigura 7) Robata Maruhachi 8) Unite 9) Hokkaido Kitchen 9 Shiro 10) Orchard grass 11) Cream Fairy Tale Chup [Hotels distributing the coupons] Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, KKR Kawayu (hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) *Only guests currently staying at or who have stayed at the above participating accommodations are eligible* *Guests wishing to use the coupons should request them at the front desk.* [Other information] • Depending on the day of the week and time, shops may be busy. • We recommend contacting each shop in advance for reservations or inquiries. • Shops will tear off the coupon when used, so please bring it as issued. (Coupons that have already been torn will be invalid. Please take care.) [Organizer and coupon issuer] Kawayu Restaurants and Bars Association https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tokutoku2026/...

Here is an introduction to Temari, a sweets shop located in Imajo-shuku Post Town. This time I chose kuromitsu matcha. The shiratama rice dumplings on this plate look like flowers and are so cute ♡ They mix tofu into the dumplings, which makes them soft and very delicious! ★Shop Information★ Shop name: Kanamidokoro Temari Hours: 11:00–17:00 Address: 76-31 Imajo, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0778-45-1112 Closed: Monday and Tuesday (subject to change in winter) Parking: Available (free parking near the shop)

Chinda Falls Waterfall Resumes Flow Chinda Falls had been dry since late October 2025 due to construction, but the work finished ahead of schedule and the waterfall has resumed flowing from December 24, 2025. Location: Yada, Oonocho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture

From Sakai: A refreshing scent of green yuzu fills the air at the “Yuzukaralin Cafe” — A collaboration cafe between SAKAINOMA and Yuzukaralin — SAKAINOMA cafe and hotel Kuma (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture) will host a special event, Yuzukaralin Cafe, in collaboration with the Kochi Prefecture yuzu-based seasoning brand Yuzukaralin for five days only, from Saturday, January 10 to Wednesday, January 14, 2026. We will offer lunch menus, sweets, and drinks that make the most of the green yuzu’s fragrance, gentle acidity, and the faint spiciness unique to Yuzukaralin. 🔍For more details, search “SAKAINOMA and Yuzukaralin collaboration cafe”! https://sakainoma.jp//

Oagata Shrine "ooagata jinja" Miyayama 3, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture This shrine enshrines Oagata no Okami, the ancestral deity of Owari land reclamation. The present shrine buildings were rebuilt in Kanbun 1 (1661) by Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari Domain, and they faithfully convey the architectural style known as Owari-zukuri. In particular, the main sanctuary—composed of three connected structures and called Oagata-zukuri—features a distinctive design and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. On the shrine grounds, Hime no Miya enshrines Tamayorihime and is revered as a guardian for safe childbirth and for women.

【🎍2025→2026 Year‑End and New Year Edition🎍】 Here is information about the year‑end and New Year holiday opening days and hours for Miyoshi City’s tourist spots and major facilities. Check them out! ◼︎Miyoshi Tourist Information Center Address: Tokaichiminami 1‑chome 2‑23, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 8:45–17:15 ◼︎Genso Okuda · Sayume Art Museum Address: 10453‑6 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 26 (Fri)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ◼︎Yumoto Koichi Memorial Museum of Japanese Yokai (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum) Address: 1691‑4 Miyoshi Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 26 (Fri)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ◼︎Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery Address: 10445‑3 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:30 ◼︎Torette Miyoshi Address: 10438 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 4 (Sun) Hours: 9:00–17:00 — check notes! Note: The buffet restaurant is closed on December 30 (Tue) and December 31 (Wed) ◼︎Miyoshi Mori no Pokke Address: 456‑2 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 9:30–16:00 (weekends and holidays 9:30–16:10) ◼︎Roadside Station Yumeland Funo Address: 661‑1 Shimofuno, Funo Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 9:00–16:00 — check notes! Note: The farmers’ market (vegetable market) is open until the morning of December 30 (Tue) The shop is open until the morning of December 31 (Wed) Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) ◼︎Kumita Onsen Mori no Izumi Address: 311‑3 Izumiyoshida, Kimitamachi, Miyoshi City Hours: 10:00–20:30 (last admission 20:00) Closed for the holidays: December 30 (Tue) ◼︎Foleo Miyoshi Plaza Address: 1‑1‑10 Tokaichi Naka, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 2 (Fri) Hours: 9:00–22:00 Holiday hours: December 31 (Wed) 9:00–20:00 January 1 (Thu) and January 2 (Fri) closed January 3 (Sat) 10:00–20:00 Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) ◼︎Sangreen Miyoshi Address: 4‑1‑30 Tokaichi Higashi, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Wed) Holiday hours: December 31 (Wed) 9:30–18:00 January 1 (Thu) closed January 2 (Fri) and January 3 (Sat) 10:00–18:00 Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) Note: Dakko Room Miyoshi (Miyoshi City Childcare Support Center) is open until noon on December 28 (Sun) for year‑end and reopens from 10:00 on January 4 (Sat) for the New Year Enjoy Miyoshi City during the year‑end and New Year holidays♪

Tagata Shrine 152 Tagatacho, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture Located in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, this shrine is believed to bring blessings for a bountiful harvest and prosperous descendants. The annual Hounen Festival, held on March 15 each year, is known as the "spectacular festival of the nation." During this festival, a mikoshi carries a large phallic-shaped object called the oowasegata to pray for abundant harvests and the prosperity of future generations.

Photographed on December 20, 2025. This is the TATSUMI special from Udon Tatsumi. I’m touring tasty spots. 😊

138 Winter Illumination - 138 Tower Park | National Kiso San-river Park Komyoji Aza Urasaki 21-3, Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Wednesday, December 25, 2025 Friday, January 2, 2026 – Sunday, January 4, 2026 Lighting hours 17:00–21:00 The illumination at 138 Tower Park, set within the spacious National Kiso San-river Park along the scenic Kiso River, is enchanting and beautiful. The park during the day is also perfect for family outings, and it’s great that admission is free.

Kiyosumi-dera Asahi-ga-mori: First Sunrise around 6:44 AM Mount Kiyosumi is the earliest location on the mainland where you can view the first sunrise. In Japan, the earliest places to see the sunrise are ranked as follows: 1st — Chichijima: Mt. Yoake; 2nd — Hachijojima: Mt. Hachijo-Fuji; 3rd — the summit of Mount Fuji; 4th — Mount Kiyosumi. Excluding remote islands, Mount Kiyosumi is practically the earliest location on the main islands where you can witness the sunrise. December 31 — Houon-kyo service at the temple hall (open to the general public): 7:30 AM December 31 — Mizugyo (water purification ritual) in the precincts (open to the general public): 11:00 PM December 31 — Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve bell-ringing): bell-ringing by invited guests, overnight worshipers, and the general public, 11:30 PM. Numbered tickets will be distributed to overnight guests. New Year's Day — New Year's prayer service and the first prayer at the Main Hall (for those who applied): 12:10 AM New Year's Day — Departure for the asahi-yōhai (remote worship of the rising sun) to view the first sunrise at Kiyosumi-dera’s Asahi-ga-mori. Taiko drumming and chanting (shōdai) will be performed within the temple grounds. Departure: 6:30 AM New Year's Day — Morning service at the temple hall (overnight worshipers and the general public may attend): 7:30 AM Special blessing prayers accepted from New Year's Day through January 7th. Bamboo lanterns along the approach to Kiyosumi-dera: Dec. 31–Jan. 3, from dusk until dawn. Fifty lanterns will be installed by residents of the Kiyosumi area. 322-1 Kiyosumi, Kamogawa City

Photographed on December 20, 2025. This is Chabudai's morning set. It includes pumpkin soup, salad, carrot rêve (carrot salad), potato salad, and homemade bread. The bread is freshly baked and delicious.

Make 2026 a great year! Here is information on visiting Zenkoji Temple during the New Year holidays ✨ 〈If you want to look this up later, don’t forget to tap the “save” icon!〉 1. Crowd forecasts for the New Year period For New Year visits, please refer to the live camera feed and New Year crowd forecasts on the Zenkoji Temple website before you come. The midnight visit on New Year’s Eve and the first three days of the year are expected to be especially crowded. The least busy times are early morning or evening. 2. About transportation Some traffic restrictions will be in effect during the New Year period. If you come by car, please check the Zenkoji Temple website before your visit. Also note that some parking lots will be unavailable during this period. 3. New Year event schedule Chohai Shiki (Morning Worship Service) January 1, 1:00 AM Shusho-e (New Year Memorial Service) January 1–3, daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM Binzuru Mawashi (Binzuru Rotating Ritual) January 6, 7:00 PM Nanakusa-e (Seven Herbs Ceremony) January 7, 3:00 AM Goinmon Chodai (Receiving the Goinmon Seal) January 7–15, daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM ※For details, please see the Zenkoji Temple website #Zenkoji Temple #Hatsumode #New Year holidays #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano sightseeing #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

Powder Snow Safari♪ A driven snowmobile experience with a driver, unique to the heavy-snow area of Nayoro City. This plan lets even beginners enjoy an authentic course as you ride forest roads and snowfields accessible only with a professional snowmobile guide, heading for the summit of MtPiyashiri at an elevation of 987.1 m. At the summit, you can witness a rare plant community cloaked in ice and snow, creating a spectacular snow monster landscape—an invaluable scenic experience. Prices changed starting December 2025. For details and reservations, contact N-GATEWAY or the NPO Nayoro Tourism and Town Development Association.

Would you like to try a glass fishing float with netting experience? This glass fishing float with netting is ideal as a single-flower vase and makes a great room decoration. ★ Glass Fishing Float with Netting Experience ★ (Reservation required) Location: Kitamae Senshu-no Yakata,Ukon-ke 　　　　 Fukui Prefecture, Nanjo District, Minami-Echizen Town, Kono 2-15 Price: ¥1,400 per person Participants: 1–5 people (please consult us for groups of more than 5) Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Reservation: Please make a reservation at the Ukonke Museum (Kitamaebune Archives Center) at least one week in advance. 　　　　TEL: 0778-48-2196 https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19168/...

It's the Devil's Banquet! Scary masks, bone plates, and shadowy staging. Yet the star is a little devil holding a spoon with a smile. Tonight only, fear becomes a feast. Photo location: home

December 24th From JR Ōito Line hotaka station, MtJonen in the Northern Alps looked beautiful On clear days, you can see the snow‑covered Northern Alps from the train window Enjoy the view through the window as you stop by Azumino♪

It’s an autumn-clear day over Osaka Bay, with a view from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island. The blue sea and the distant Mount Rokko haze in blue, and the gentle sound of fishing boats drifts pleasantly across a quiet, peaceful afternoon.

Under the autumn sky, a small back runs with all its might. Cheering and smiles overflow at the once-a-year sports day. May this moment become an irreplaceable memory.

While wandering around Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture in search of autumn leaves, I came across this late-autumn scene. I bet the birds find it understatedly beautiful too.

Winter haze over the waters off Kobe Airport. A large crane ship looked small in the distance.

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.