A travel journal from Hokkaido, Learn more >>> 📕Leave a little room for tomorrow’s trip. While watching a quiet sunset, gently keep today’s moments in your heart. Take your time and enjoy the journey. ―――――――――――――――――――――― A quiet sunset, a gentle pause before tomorrow’s journey. Find your calm at Kushiro Prince Hotel. @kushiroprincehotel You can make a reservation from the profile URL. #Kushiro Prince Hotel #Kushiro trip #Hokkaido trip #Eastern Hokkaido #hokkaidotravel #visitjapan #japantravel #kushiro #princehotel https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/all/...

Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁 The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁 The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨ I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡 Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊 ⚠Notice⚠ The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.

Teshikaga Night Sky Enjoyment Workshop Thanks to your support, we have reached the 12th Teshikaga Night Sky Enjoyment Workshop. This year’s theme is the much-anticipated Geminids meteor shower. The program includes a classroom lecture and an observation session. Why is Teshikaga’s night sky so stunning? How should we protect and make the most of this night sky? What exactly is a meteor shower? What are tips for enjoying it? Which astronomical events should you watch for next year? This workshop is packed with answers and insights. If the sky is clear, we will go outside and observe the meteor shower. We hope you get to see bright meteors that can compete with the waning moonlight. To register, contact Teshikaga Town Community Center. 015-482-2340 We look forward to your participation🌌✨

Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival Celebrates Local History Enjoy and learn about the historic Oyama Michi that runs through Futakotamagawa. The 16th Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival will be held. Oyama Michi refers to the routes used by pilgrims visiting Ooyama, with paths centered on the mountain across various regions. The Oyama Michi that passes through Futakotamagawa led from Edo’s Akasaka-mitsuke Gate to Ooyama and served as a back road to the Tokaido, frequently used for transporting goods. This festival offers a close-up opportunity to learn about the history of Oyama Michi. Isehara City will also participate and host a booth. Please join us. ◇ Date and Time Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00–15:00 ◇ Venue Futakotamagawa Elementary School building and gymnasium (Tamagawa 4-6-1, Setagayaku) ◇ Setagaya Ward official site https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/03660/27555.html...

Atami – Where Adventure Meets Serenity Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka offers one of the most fascinating diving experiences in Japan — where adventure and serenity come together beneath the surface. Known for its wreck diving and mysterious blue cave, Atami attracts divers who seek both excitement and peace in one destination. The highlight of Atami is the wreck of Asahi No.16, one of the largest wrecks in Japan. Resting quietly on the seafloor, this massive structure is now covered in colorful soft corals and swarming with marine life. As you descend, the silhouette of the wreck slowly appears out of the blue — a breathtaking sight that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an underwater museum. Exploring this wreck is an unforgettable experience for divers who love large-scale structures full of history and mystery. Then, shift from adventure to calm in Atami’s Blue Cave. As you enter, sunlight pierces through the narrow opening, filling the space with an ethereal blue glow. The soft light, bubbles rising toward the surface, and the quiet stillness of the cave create a dreamlike world beneath the waves. It’s a moment of pure serenity — a dive that connects you deeply with the ocean. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wreck diving or a peaceful cave dive, Atami offers both just a short train ride from Tokyo. With easy access, clear water, and diverse dive sites, it’s a perfect destination for weekend divers and international visitors alike. If you’re searching for wreck diving in Japan, or want to discover the best diving spots near Tokyo, Atami is a must-visit. Dive into its hidden blue world — where every moment beneath the sea feels like a journey between adventure and serenity. 🌊💙 📍 Atami, Shizuoka, Japan About Hokule’a Shonan 🌈 Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ Dive Center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa — just a short trip from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help you discover the beauty of nature and the joy of exploring the ocean. We offer more than 300 diving tours and courses a year across Japan, from Izu to Okinawa and even overseas. With our small-group style, beginners can dive safely and comfortably while enjoying a personalized experience. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or joining an advanced adventure — we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. Let’s dive and enjoy the ocean together! 💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaDivingJapan #UnderwaterWorld #DivingNearTokyo

How about a drive to the Echizen Coast with everyone? 🚙 I especially recommend the sunset viewed from the coastal road. It’s nice to share summer memories while watching the sunset.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Amakusa area designation within Unzen-Amakusa National Park on July 20, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the two-day cycling event "Amaichi Grand Fond 2025: Around Amakusa" will be held 🚴 Grandfond, an Italian term for long-distance cycling events, is not about racing against the clock. Riders go at their own pace, enjoy rest stops and meals at aid stations, and take in spectacular views along the way. Event Overview Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025 to Sunday, December 14, 2025 Location: Amakusa area, Kumamoto Prefecture (Amakusa City, Kamiamakusa City, Reihoku) Capacity: Up to 200 riders per day, 400 riders total over two days. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses: (1) Shimoshima Trial Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 140 km route across Shimoshima Island (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 30 experienced Amakusa cyclists. (2) Shimoshima Main Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 80 km route across Shimoshima Island (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 170 riders. (3) Kamishima Course Sunday, December 14, 2025. Start and finish at Kamiamakusa City Hall Himedo Regional Promotion Center. A roughly 80 km route across Amakusa Kamishima (Amakusa City and Kamiamakusa City) for 200 riders. For registration details and more information, search "Amaichi Gran" and visit the event site run by Local Gain Co., Ltd. (080-7577-2505) or check the announcements section on our website. Come and enjoy cycling through Amakusa and Reihoku this December while savoring local food and nature. E-bike rentals are also available—please consider those as well!

A special moment Crab fishing resumed and, for the first time in three seasons, the catch landed on opening day, making for a calm start. Kono Tourist Association will suggest plans tailored to your requests, so please feel free to consult with us. We look forward to seeing your smiles.

Thanks to everyone’s support, donations have surpassed ¥1,000,000 (including town office contributions). The donation period runs until December 18, and our goal is ¥4,392,000. We appreciate your continued support! We would be grateful for your replies so more people will join us—please reply if you can! 🙏

Photographed on October 18, Year 25. This is the hikikae (float handover) between the Nakaharacho float of Kawagoe Taro Shigetada and the Shintomichō 2-chōme float, Mirror Lion.

Good morning ☀ This morning in Tsukigase.

"The Bus & Rail Both-Use Discount Ticket" won the Good Design Award✨ Travel between Hiroshima and Miyoshi with the "Bus & Rail Both-Use Discount Ticket 2025"! One round-trip ticket costs 2,000 yen and saves you 1,060 yen compared with regular fares for Hiroshima⇄Miyoshi travel♪ Use the highway bus one way and the JR Geibi Line train the other way. Enjoy a relaxed ride on the Geibi Line, or get to your destination quickly and comfortably by highway bus— this ticket gives you the best of both worlds. The offer has been very popular since its launch in 2021, and this is the fifth year 🚊 Price One ticket (round trip) … 2,000 yen Highlights📣 1. You can freely choose which leg to use the bus and which to use the train. 2. Special perks are included✨ (Please mention your perk at the sales counter when purchasing.) 3. Outbound and return trips may be used on different dates. Purchase perks (1) If purchased in Hiroshima (traveling Hiroshima → Miyoshi) ・Taxi voucher worth 400 yen for use within Miyoshi City ※ Asahi Taxi Miyoshi, Geibi Taxi, Shiwachi Taxi, Miyoshi Midori Taxi (2) If purchased in Miyoshi (traveling Miyoshi → Hiroshima) ・400-yen discount voucher for Miyoshi Station West Parking Validity period April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026 Sales locations ● Hiroshima ● ・Ticket office on the 1st floor at the Shinkansen exit, JR Hiroshima Station (Travel Information Center) ● Miyoshi ● ・Miyoshi City Transportation & Tourism Center ticket counter (Mon–Sat 8:00–18:00 / Sun & holidays 8:00–17:00) Please ask at the counters above for more details♪ The "Bus & Rail Both-Use Discount Ticket 2025" is valid through the end of March 2026! Enjoy affordable and fun travel♪

Photographed on October 18, 2013. This is the Seibu Hon-Kawagoe PePe and the Kagami-shishi float.

🍅✨[New Release!]✨🍅 Announcing the launch of "Kimobetsu Tomato Liqueur"! This liqueur uses fresh tomatoes carefully grown by Takaha Farm in town. It contains a generous 50% tomato juice, creating a fruity liqueur. Made possible with the cooperation of Hori Store, Yoichi Liqueur Factory, JA Shinotaru, and Kimobetsu Tourism Association, this is the taste of Kimobetsu! Serve chilled and enjoy neat. Please try it once 😊 Available at Seven-Eleven Kimobetsu Town Store and Kimobetsu Tourism Association

Green Woodwork A workshop used freshly cut, still-damp “green wood” to make everyday items. Participants used only simple tools like knives and shaving horses. For middle school students and older they offered sessions to make wooden spatulas, mini spoons, and small plates. Elementary school children could also join a session to make house ornaments. Under the instruction of Mariko Kusakari, four classes were held in total. I peeked into the house ornament session. The elementary children cut and shaved the wood themselves with support from parents and staff. They touched the wood’s end grain to confirm it was still damp and noticed that different species gave off different scents. Handing tools to children can be nerve‑wracking, but adults stepped in when needed and otherwise watched as the kids did the work. Pieces that started round gradually took on angular, almost pentagonal shapes. After cutting each piece to a chosen size, participants painted them and added a string or wire to finish the ornament. The display included a variety of shapes and colors, each full of personality. We live in a world where many things are easy to buy, so having the chance to make everyday items yourself is truly rewarding. I think I’ll join the wooden spatula workshop next time. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Green Woodwork #green wood #handicrafts #everyday items #mokuiiku (wood learning) #Komu Museum of Art

Explore Tateyama by rental bike on this full-day autumn tour. Cycle through Tateyama, harvest seasonal vegetables, and enjoy a local specialty lunch: Tateyama aburi kaisen-don (seared seafood rice bowl). You’ll also get hands-on experience making a Boso uchiwa, one of Japan’s three major uchiwa fans. Local staff will cycle with the group on the day, so you won’t get lost. We look forward to your participation. Dates: Friday, November 14; Sunday, November 23; Friday, November 28 Time: 10:00–14:30 (please arrive 15 minutes early) Price: ¥17,500 per person Reserve here: https://www.jalan.net/kankou/spt_12205aa1032073135/activity/l000067C2E/?showplan=ichiran...

Reihoku Sunset Marche — November Announcement📣 We are pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche for November♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 The Reihoku Sunset Marche sells Reihoku town’s produce, processed goods, and prepared foods. This time it will be held on the same day as the 10th anniversary and Olive Harvest Thanksgiving of the neighboring Fukuda san Chi no Olive En. We look forward to seeing you there 😊 Please remember to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ 🙇 Parking is expected to be crowded, so please also use the Chamber of Commerce parking lot 🙇 Items expected for sale - Cucumbers - Rice (new crop, late-season rice) - Taro - Sweet potatoes - Zucchini - Onions - Mandarin oranges - Cherry tomatoes - Peanuts - Lettuce (sunny, leaf) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date: Sunday, November 9, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association Note: Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsu Fukae, Reihoku Town)

I visited the Saga International Balloon Fiesta venue, an autumn tradition. When the balloons take off, the excitement lifts everyone’s spirits and brings smiles to their faces.

We will hold the 4th "Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk" sightseeing route planning workshop🎊 The workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. This session will use a draft sightseeing route developed from ideas and discussions raised in previous workshops to finalize the route. A recap of sessions 1–3 will be provided, so first-time participants are welcome. If you are interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development, please join us.✨ Date and time: Wednesday, November 19, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Registration deadline: Monday, November 17 👉 Please check the notices section on our website to register. This workshop is organized as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association Secretariat, Ogata TEL: 0969-31-1136 E-mail: info@amakusa-kankou.com

Yuzu Picking Volunteers Wanted! We are recruiting yuzu picking volunteers in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, one of the leading yuzu-producing areas in the Kanto region. Come and try it for yourself!

I photographed a stunning orange sunrise this morning. I also love the mist along the foot of the mountains. I took this from a farm road in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.

Photographed on October 18, 2013. After the evening festival ends, the floats are being prepared to start moving. There are many photos from the Kawagoe Festival….

Panoramic view from the summit of Mount Nagamine The chilly Azumino valley lies under a sea of clouds, with the Northern Alps towering beyond You can only see a scene like this on an Azumino morning!

Azumino Full Moon This is the Harvest Moon setting behind the Northern Alps On cold mornings a sea of clouds spreads below, and the view of the Northern Alps from Mount Nagamine is spectacular!!

Photographed on November 3, 25. Izumo Iwahi Shrine, the ceremonial rites of the yabusame festival.

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

Blue sky This is a morning photo of Kozu Coast in Odawara.

[Notice: Applications Open for Isehara Ooyama Sky Lanterns] We have opened applications for the Ooyama Sky Lanterns, an event where participants release lanterns bearing their wishes into the sky from the grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, located midway up Ooyama at about 700 meters above sea level. Against a backdrop of breathtaking night views, sky lanterns carrying heartfelt wishes will rise into Ooyama’s night sky, creating a magical scene. Come and experience this enchanting moment this winter. Event Date and Time Saturday, January 17, 2026 and Saturday, January 24, 2026 Launch Time Scheduled for 5:30 PM Location Grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine For application details, deadlines, and other information, please see the official tourism association page. https://isehara-kanko.com/osl2025/...

[Special offer for Michihigashi residents: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Stay Discount — Winter plan now on sale!] This winter, revive your body and spirit with a budget-friendly stay at Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga. The “Use and Revive” Kawayu Stay Discount (Winter), available to residents of Michihigashi, went on sale on October 20 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. As autumn ends and the calm of winter approaches, why not stay at Kawayu Onsen during the deep cold and come back refreshed? Kawayu Stay Discount (Winter) ・Eligible period Weekdays and Sundays from Sunday, November 2, 2025 through Sunday, March 29, 2026 ・Eligible area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and the Tokachi region ・Participating properties Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) *Oyado Kinkiyu will be closed from November for the time being and is not eligible. ・Discount amount Adults ¥2,000, children ¥1,000 (no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to book Via each property’s official website, by phone, etc. This offer ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please take advantage of it. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/syukuhakuwariwinter25/...

[Kawayu Visitor Center Lecture Announcement 📣] Tomorrow, Saturday, 10/25, Professor Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, who has conducted long-term research in this field, will give a lecture titled "Why is Lake Kussharo so shallow? The secrets of Mount Atosanupuri revealed by the latest research." The venue is Kawayu Visitor Center and admission is free. We look forward to your visit ⛰️✨ Lecture "Why is Lake Kussharo so shallow? The secrets of Mount Atosanupuri revealed by the latest research." We will welcome Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University. Date: Saturday, December 6, 13:30–15:30 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, second floor Admission free (no registration required; capacity 50) We hope this talk offers a chance to encounter the grand natural story behind the familiar landscape of Lake Kussharo, so you can learn more about the lake and the park and feel proud of them. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuvcfureai2/...