Here’s a recent look at Hanakku (the flower clock)!🌸 Today is September 12th, and since it’s “#Quiz Day,” here’s a Hanakku quiz! Q3. What is the origin of the name of the flower clock “Hanakku”? A. A name combining “hana” (flower) and “clock” B. The name of the river near the park C. The name of the person who made it D. A Tokachi dialect word meaning “big” ~Thinking time~🕒 🎯 The correct answer is… A. A name combining “hana” (flower) and “clock”! The lovely name that combines flowers and a clock has become a symbol of Tokachigaoka Park🌷⏰

Bear sighting on the trail between Oyama Lookout and Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine Around 12:00 on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a bear was sighted on the Oyama Koma Approach Road. Residents, hikers, and others are asked to take care during nighttime and early morning activities, as well as when commuting to work or school. When climbing, please take precautions such as carrying a bear bell. For details, check the city’s website. https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/kankou_guide/docs/2025091000027/...

On a rice field road a little outside the Hot spring resort town of Kinosaki, I found a Torii (shrine gate) gate and arrived here. The stairs to the worship hall were quite long, but it was a fun prayer to think that Naoya Shiga had walked the same way.

Itadori-juku in Imajo offers a charming retro atmosphere! This site contains the remains of a checkpoint that once marked the entrance to the Hokkokukaido. By establishing the checkpoint, it served an important role in regulating travelers on the road.✨ Nearby stand four traditional houses with thatched roofs built in the kogashira style, and they are certified under Fukui Prefecture’s Traditional House Recognition System. If you’re curious, visit and you might enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.

Photographed 8/23/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 8/23/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

This is one of the photos when I was traveling to see the cherry blossoms in Yamanashi Prefecture in Spring this year. I visited this temple when I heard that there was a magnificent Cherry Blossom Tree-lined Path. Local grandpas were enjoying a banquet under the cherry blossoms in full bloom. When I saw everyone looking up at the beautiful cherry blossoms overhead, I thought that Spring had come for everyone, and I clicked the shutter.

Event Announcement 📣 On Thursday, October 30th this year, the Doto Expressway will mark its 30th anniversary since opening, and we will hold a commemorative event for the Tokachi-Shimizu IC to Ikeda IC section 😊 The event will feature stage shows by local groups along the route, character greetings, a photo panel exhibition covering the 30 years since opening, and a grand lottery with prizes for 30 winners, including accommodation vouchers for Tokachigawa Onsen!! 📌Stage Shows by Local Groups Along the Route 📍10:10–10:30 Calligraphy performance by the Calligraphy Club of Obihiro Hakuyo High School 📍10:50–11:20 Local hero show of Obihiro City 📍11:30–11:50 HIP HOP dance show by the JOYFIT Dance Circle 📌Special Guest: Talk Session with Hiroyuki Morisaki 📍13:00–14:00 We invite Hiroyuki Morisaki, a member of the theater unit TEAM NACS, for a talk session themed “30 Years Since Opening: Toward the Future.” 📌Character Greeting 📍NEXCO East Japan’s manners-promotion characters Manaty and Ikanzame will appear, along with Ushikun, the mascot of the Obihiro Tourism & Convention Association, and Onigiri Shian, a local VTuber from Kushiro who also serves as a COOL Kushiro City tourism ambassador. They’ll be visiting—please take photos with them! 🎵 📌Grand Lottery with Luxurious Prizes 📍Among visitors on the day, 30 winners will be chosen by lottery to receive luxurious prizes. 🔸Tokachigawa Onsen accommodation voucher (worth 50,000 JPY) 🔸Tokachigawa Onsen day-use bathing tickets 🔸Pair tickets to see the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (for the game on September 22, 2025) Other regional gourmet items from along the Doto Expressway will also be available 😍 *Lottery participation tickets will be distributed on the day.* 🎵 Date and Time: Monday, September 15, 2025 (public holiday) 10:00–15:00 Venue: Tokachi Plaza, 1st Floor Atrium and Large Assembly Room Please come with your family and friends!! We look forward to seeing you 🤗 https://www.e-nexco.co.jp/pressroom/hokkaido/2025/0808/00015203.html...

The cosmos of "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden" is in full bloom and is in Best time to visit! This season, the flowers bloom better than every year, and it is a very beautiful cosmos field. Please come and ♪ see it "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden" Address: Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido

The season of new Soba has begun. From mid-August, beside the Soba field along National Route 38, "Soba Road" "Soba no Machishintoku" In order to announce the "Shintoku New Soba Festival" by PR, Two types of streamers are erected. Until the Shintoku New Soba Festival is Held in, the 1.3km section with Soba fields is 🚩 lively The new Soba will be produced in 2025, but Production people are working hard to harvest it. You can taste new Soba at the Shintoku New Soba Festival, Soba noodles shops in the In the town also offer new Soba noodles, so Those who can't come to the festivals, For those who are thinking one step ahead, Or those who eat at festivals but say they don't eat enough! Please visit Shintoku and come 💁 ♀️ to the Soba noodles shop Shintoku New Soba Festival Sunday, September 28 From 10:00 to 14:00 We look forward to seeing you there 💁‍♀️ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku #Shintoku Soba #New Soba #New Soba Festival #Soba Road #Welcome Shintoku #Welcome back Shintoku #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Station front Complex facility #tuktuk ##hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Hello, this is Waraji, a Koshu local cuisine restaurant. 😄 September is drawing near mid-month, but the late summer heat remains strong and the sun is intense. ☀️ Even so, Shosenkyo Gorge is wrapped in clear air, making it a season to enjoy nature’s beauty. Near our shop, the Crystal Fountain sprays glittering mist and offers a cool, refreshing sight. It’s the perfect soothing spot for this time when summer’s traces still linger. 💧✨ At Waraji, our craftsmen carefully prepare each eel by cleaning, steaming, and grilling it until it turns fragrant, and we serve it as a traditional unaju box. The aroma of our secret sauce whets the appetite, and once you taste it, you’ll want it again—our proud specialty. By the entrance, the seasonal hibiscus (mukuge) blooms beautifully, making it a lovely walk after your meal. With nature, flowers, and delicious food, we hope to refresh both your body and spirit. 🌸 We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] Announcement for the September event📣 This is the Reihoku Sunset Marche September announcement♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣All-you-can-pack small onions🧅 and newly harvested rice from Reiwa 7! In addition to farm produce, there will also be prepared foods and various breads❣ We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don’t forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ [Planned agricultural products for sale] ・Asparagus ・Okra (round okra) ・Pumpkin ・Cucumber ・Water spinach ・Rice (newly harvested) ・Korinqui (kolinqui) ・Early-season mikan ・Onions ・Garlic ・Banana peppers 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Saturday, September 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) @reihokukankou ※Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Announcement The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), hosted at six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and items will be offered at discounted prices. Take this chance to visit, enjoy Amakusa Ceramics, and soak in the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ The Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association account will introduce participating kilns one by one in the coming days. We will share photos 📸 of preparations for the kiln tour and ask about the new works 📝. Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Contact: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Notice: 2025 Kurohime Highlands Craft Festival Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00–16:00 Sunday, September 28, 2025, 10:00–15:00 Location: Lawn in front of Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum, Kurohime Highlands Set against the stunning views of Mt. Kurohime and Mt. Myoko, the Kurohime Highlands (the lawn in front of the Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum) will host a gathering of carefully selected craft makers from across Japan! This year features an astonishing 155 booths! A wide array of unique handmade crafts will be on display. This is your chance to find a one-of-a-kind favorite. Plus, gourmet stalls including food trucks will be on site! Enjoy tasty meals as you relax and savor the autumn highlands. A newly added area along the route from the expanded Kurohime Highlands Snow Park to the venue is open this year, so we recommend a leisurely walk from the parking area to the site. There will also be a grand raffle with luxurious prizes! Draws will be held both days at 11:00 and 14:00. Families, friends, and solo visitors are all very welcome. Create autumn memories in Shinanomachi. Access to the venue By car: In addition to a free shuttle bus running from the parking area to the venue (frequent service), you can also walk to the site. By train: A free shuttle bus runs from Kurohime Station (timetable available). Check the official Instagram for exhibitor details and more! Please follow us and give us a like!

The soba in Imajo district of Minami-Echizen Town is superb. Come and taste the fragrant, exquisite soba for yourself!

Photographed on September 9, 25. During the break, I relaxed at the Starbucks Hon-Kawagoe Station store. Chocolate mousse latte and pumpkin basque cheesecake.

Yellow Cosmos will soon be in full bloom This is Located in in Yamanashi Prefecture "Flower City Park" Spring summer, autumn, and winter, it is also the best 🥹 when it is entwined with Mount Fuji in the Spot when various flowers are in Best time to visit

Photographed on September 3, 25. We interviewed Le Bilboquet from Akasaka. Weekly lunch Chicken drumsticks in white wine with lavigot sauce Eggplant and Perry Are.

This summer, I took this photo at Tokoin Temple in Ayabe City. Despite the intense heat, the location on the mountain and the cars made it feel a little cooler. I was nostalgic for how summer in Japan used to be.

【East Kyushu Ise Shrimp Kaido / Ise Shrimp Festival has begun 📢】 What is the Ise Shrimp Festival? Ise Shrimp Festival is a Events held every September at 29 stores in the coastal areas of Saiki City and Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka City, Oita Prefecture, to coincide with the lifting of the ban on Ise Shrimp fishing! Fresh and energetic Ise shrimp dishes can be enjoyed 🦐✨ abundantly for 3 months The Coastline, which runs from Saiki City at the southern tip of Oita Prefecture to Nobeoka City at the northern end of Miyazaki Prefecture, is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year. This sea faces the clean tides of the Pacific Ocean, and is a place where Ise shrimp grow vigorously with abundant food. You can taste the "real Ise shrimp" nurtured by Nature as it is fresh! Held in: Tuesday, September 2 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ⭐ Participating stores (Nobeoka City) ⭐ (1) Chef Marukane Marukin Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Shin 505 Time:11:30~14:00 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-45-2067 (2) Restaurant Rinko Rinko Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Shin 29-14 Time:11:30~13:30 18:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-45-3571 (3) Restaurant Sato Sato Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 2501-23 Time:11:00~14:00 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Thursday (subject to change) Phone number: 0982-45-2077 or 090-9570-3231 (4) Seafood inn Sazareishi Takashima Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 2535-2 Time:11:30~14:00 18:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone: 0982-45-2268 (5) Shiokano inn Takahiraya Takahiraya Address: 2927-1 Tsuruyama, Furue, Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City Time:12:00~14:00 18:30~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 090-5213-2027 (6) Rental villa Himuka no inn Shinonome Shinonome Address: 2927-1 Furue Tsuruyama, Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City Time:9:00~17:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 090-1824-8157 Phone reception hours (9:00~17:00) * Since it is only for incoming calls, we do not Phone you back. (7) Roadside Station Kitaura Restaurant Kaisenkan Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 3337-1 Time: 10:30~16:00 (L.O. 15:00) Regular holiday: Year-end and New Year holidays only Phone number: 0982-45-3811 *Please make a reservation at least 3 days in advance. (8) Guesthouse Konpeki Address: Nobeoka-shi Sumie-cho 1426-1 Time:11:00~14:30 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-43-0211 Reservations are required. "Higashikyushu Ise Shrimp Kaido" official website https://higashi-iseebi.jp//

Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture JiYellowtail Country Manfuku Temple Tanuki no Kuni Lost with his brother and became a human Return to Tanuki Village Chief, who showed me the way back

Bat Waterfall Bat Waterfall in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, spans about 120 meters in width and about 10 meters in height. When viewed from above, the shape of the cliff is said to resemble a bat spreading its wings, which is how the waterfall got its name. You can see the whole waterfall from the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck. This waterfall lies on the main stream of the Ono River. In the Meiji era, workers built a bypass canal around the falls and a chute-like slide to move boats up and down so cargo could be transported by boat along the Ono River. The remains of this waterway construction are a highly valuable heritage site and have been designated an Oita Prefecture historic site as the "Bat Waterfall Boat Route Ruins." Location: Between Kusabukano in Ogata Town and Kamiozuka in Asaji Town, Bungoono City About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 12-minute drive from JR Ogata Station *The road to the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck includes some very narrow sections, so please drive with great care.* Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yesterday (September 9), we replanted daffodil bulbs at Cape Tsumeki, a scenic spot in Shimoda City. Daffodils bloom in winter, and Shimoda City holds its Daffodil Festival from December 20 to January 31. All the bulbs in the garden are dug up every June, and when summer ends the park management staff of Shimoda City replants the bulbs. Although daffodils can bloom for several years without being replanted, we dig them up once to check the soil and buried bulbs so they will bloom beautifully. About 15 people gathered to work today. We carried out the task with hopes that this year’s display will be even more beautiful. 😊 Imagining these bulbs sprouting, flowering, and turning the garden into a pure white sea of daffodils in three months makes me excited for the opening. ✨ Those who participated in the work included local residents of the Susaki area, Izu Kyuko Line, Shimoda Kaikoku Museum, ShimodaRopeway, Villa Ozawa (Tsumekizaki shop), Blue Tsumekizaki (Tsumekizaki shop), Shimoda City General Affairs Division, Tourism Exchange Division, Shimon Information Center, and Shimoda City Tourism Association. Thank you to everyone who took part and worked hard under the hot sun. 😊 We will hand over to the park management staff so they can continue replanting many bulbs, hoping that many visitors will come to this year’s Daffodil Festival. Thinking of the garden turning completely pure white, we look forward to seeing you in January! *The photo of the fully blooming daffodil garden is an award-winning entry from last year’s photo contest.*

Photographed on September 3, 25. Prayer at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.

Annual family trips. I forced myself to travel to Hiroshima, Shimane, and Okayama But new townscapes, Spots There is still a lot to be seen in the three prefectures. It was a trip that made ✈️ me feel the breadth and depth of Japan

It is a Biwashima Shrine located in Kanazawa Hakkei (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture). It's one of my favorite Spots. No matter where you take it, you can take fun photos.

Event Announcement 📣 The "Shimizu Town Digital Stamp Rally" is now underway 😊 Visit Shimizu Town’s food spots (restaurants serving noodles), scenic views, and historic sites to collect stamps, and you could win luxurious local specialties in a lottery 😍 📌 How to Participate 📍Add Shimizu Town’s official LINE account as a friend to display the event participation screen. 📍From the participation screen, scan the QR codes placed at each participating spot to earn stamps! 📍You can enter the prize drawing once you have collected 3, 5, or 10 stamps. Take this chance to explore local food, scenery, and historic sites, and submit your entry. We look forward to many participants 🤗 📞 Contact Shimizu Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division TEL: 0156-62-1156 https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_74.html...

An island 🏝 you'll want to come back to again and again ― Izu Oshima Island Tour Hello! This is 🤗 Hokule'a Shonan This time, I would like to introduce ✨ the Scene of the diving tour on Izu Oshima Island Izu Oshima Island is a popular outlying island that is easy to access from Tokyo. It's about 45 minutes by high-speed boat from Atami, 🛳 but it's a different world in the sea. Held in for the second time this year, and there are many repeat visitors, making it truly 😊 an island that makes you want to come back again and again A fascinating Water world 🌊 The sparkling scenery that spreads out in the shallow area ✨ The world surrounded by light is so beautiful that you will want to look at it forever. Plus, swimming through the dynamic terrain ⛰️ arches and rocky terrain created by volcanic eruptions will make you feel like you're on an adventure. No matter where you dive, there is a lot of variety, and every time you dive, you will discover something new! And above all, a school 🐠🐟 of fish constantly swimming around the divers and never and a moment when they get bored. Unforgettable Night Diving 🌙 What was particularly impressive this time was night diving. The sea at night shows a completely different look than in the daytime. Fish and nocturnal creatures illuminated by lights... Kiss your heart. Among them, what! !️ I came across an oversized sea turtle 🐢 with a body length of more than 1 m. Impression ✨ by the appearance of sleeping comfortably on the rocky ground Everyone was so excited by the power that they just got close and kissed ... I'm sorry 🙏 I woke you up, but it was 👏 a really valuable encounter. Summary🪸 Izu Oshima Island is a special place that combines the grandeur of Nature with the richness of Water, in addition to its proximity and accessibility. A world of shallow light, volcanic terrain, schools of fish, and encounters with big game... All of them will be unforgettable memories. I Izu Oshima Island everyone thinks, "I want to Outbound again!" I can't wait to see 🤿✨ what kind of encounters await me on the next tour 📸 The tour Scene and Latest Information are also Broadcasting on Instagram! 👉 @hokulea_divejapan #DiveJapan #UnderwaterAdventure #ScubaLife #OceanLovers #NightDive #DivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan

Ripe astringent persimmons are exquisite♪ You might even eat some as you harvest if you get hungry...

[🗻This winter, head to Higashikawa-cho! JAL Furusato Support Discount starts✈️] Higashikawa-cho in Hokkaido lies about a 10-minute drive from Asahikawa Airport🚗✨ Nestled against Daisetsuzan National Park and Mt. Asahidake, it is a town overflowing with natural beauty. 💧This unusual town has no central waterworks and uses snowmelt water directly in daily life. 🍚The Higashikawa rice grown with this mineral-rich water is a popular branded rice across Japan! ❄️In winter you can enjoy sublime dry powder—the perfect ski paradise🎿 Cafe hopping is also recommended☕️✨ ▼Right now, visit Higashikawa-cho at a great price with the JAL Furusato Support Discount! 👜A subsidy of 7,000 yen per night of accommodation (up to 3 nights) 🎁Plus, the first 100 guests will receive 150 g (one go) of Higashikawa rice! *This subsidy applies only to reservations made through the JAL Furusato Support Discount eligible page. ・ Travel period: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Saturday, January 31, 2026 ・ Booking period: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Friday, January 30, 2026 🔽Check the QR code for details!