Autumn Scenery in Kyoto and Katsurazaka The avenue lined with Sweetgum trees is reaching its peak. 🍁 The tree-lined path along the slope creates a picturesque landscape, with trees adorned in red, orange, and yellow, resembling a painting. ✨ The vibrant autumn leaves contrast beautifully against the clear blue sky, evoking the deepening of fall. 🍂 The undulating slope and curves are lined with Sweetgum trees, while the vivid foliage on both sides of the road creates a rich autumn scenery. The trees painted in red are complemented by the yellow ones, offering a stunning gradient unique to this season. ✨ I was able to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of Kyoto that can only be experienced at this time of year. (˶ᐢᗜᐢ˶)📷🍁✨✨✨

Photographed on October 17, 2014. This is the evening of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Minamitoorimachi and Nasori dance.

Umeda Christmas Illumination Grand Front Osaka GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2026 Exhibition period: November 4 (Wednesday) to December 25 (Friday) Lighting show on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Last performance at 11:45 PM), held every hour at 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour Special event themed around Disney stories: "Disney Gift of Story" Held in Osaka from November 4 (Wednesday) until December 25 (Friday) Featuring a variety of content to brighten the Christmas season at Grand Front Osaka and Grand Green Osaka Special decorations featuring Mickey & Friends, "Frozen," "Toy Story," and the special celebration of the 100th anniversary of the original work "Winnie the Pooh" will be on display.

As it gets colder, I long for "nabe-yaki udon." It warms my chilled body and brings me happiness, but I end up burning my mouth every time.

A special event to celebrate winter 2026, "Happy Party REIHOKU 2026 Xmas Market @ Shiki Community Center" will be held! On that day, there will be a free screening of Christmas movies, hands-on workshops for both children and adults, stalls offering delicious food and drinks, and warming activities, making for a packed schedule of content. We invite you to come along with your family and friends! 【Event Overview】 Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 16:00 to 21:00 Location: Shiki Community Center (444-1 Shiki, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 【Main Event Details 🎬】 ◯ Christmas Movie Screening (Admission Free) ・Film: "Guardians: The Legendary Heroes" ・Time: Ticket distribution from 17:00 Screening starts at 18:00 (Duration: approximately 97 minutes) ・Capacity: First 100 attendees 【🍲 Complimentary Offering (Limited Quantity, Free)】 Content: Clam chowder made with Reihoku specialty, red fan clams Start of service: From 18:00 (First 50 attendees) Provided by: Hamasaki Suisan Co., Ltd. 【📸 Christmas Costume Photo Campaign】 Post a Christmas costume photo on social media with the designated hashtag announced on the day to receive a "popcorn" gift (limited quantity). 【Workshops and Experience Programs】 ・Christmas Wreath Making (Hosted by: Misora Florist) Participation Fee: 1,500 yen or 3,000 yen courses (Capacity: 20 for each course) ・Christmas Candle Making (Hosted by: le.chainon) Participation Fee: 2,000 yen ・Tarot Card Reading (Hosted by: Motoshima Tarots) Fee: 500 yen 【Stall Information 🍔】 ◯ FOOD & DRINK (Dining) ・Cafe RAIN: X'mas CAFE Menu ・Mellows: Spice Curry ・Russian Confectionery: Stollen, Chocolate Salami ・Fukuda Orchard: Chicken Tomato Stew, Hot Wine ・Paradise: Tortilla, Shaka Potato ・Cafe 556: Baked Goods, Soft Drinks ・Yama Cafe Batten: Christmas Chicken 💅 【CROSS LINK (Beauty & Relaxation)】 ・Miyu Total Beauty Salon: Hand Care, X'mas Nail Chip Sales ・Yura: Warmth Activities, Ear Acupressure ・La Mer: Fascia Reset Head Spa ・Hidamari: Thai Traditional Massage 【Organizer, Co-Organizer, Support, and Sponsors】 Organizer: Amakusa CHICHI Club Co-Organizer: Reihoku Town Board of Education / Reihoku Town Children's Liaison Council Support: Reihoku Town / Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association / TEAM Reihoku / CROSS LINK Sponsors: Hamasaki Suisan Co., Ltd. / Smile Pocket

Akamizu Falls | Autumn Illumination In the darkness, only the white waterfall seemed to emerge. Akamizu Falls, located deep in Umegashima, Shizuoka City. I captured it during the autumn illumination. The illumination is available until Saturday, November 14th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

On Sunday, November 22, 2026, the "6th Nagoya Castle Grand Tea Ceremony" will be held at the Nagoya Castle Ruins, featuring a booth from the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association! The event will include a variety of programs where you can enjoy history and culture, such as cross-talk about Nagoya Castle, Noh performances, a family crest sticker rally, and the Nagoya Castle Marche. At our booth in the Nagoya Castle Marche, we will sell products made from the local delicacies of Tomioka Castle and Reihokumachi. Join us for a special day filled with historical romance at the Nagoya Castle Ruins. We sincerely look forward to your visit! 【Event Overview】 Date and Time: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 09:30 AM – 04:30 PM Venue: Nagoya Castle Ruins and more Admission: Free (some content may have fees) For more event details, please visit the special website.

Taken on October 17, 26. This is the evening of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. It features the float of Iemitsu from Shintomi-cho, 1-chome.

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, washoku (traditional Japanese food) is often mentioned, but ramen and curry are also national dishes, right? Ramen is extremely popular among foreign tourists as well. Recently, due to rising prices, it's not uncommon to find ramen costing over 1,000 yen. Some shops even offer toppings like egg and char siu. The soy sauce ramen I had the other day was well topped and cost 820 yen. I probably haven't seen a price increase in the last two years, which naturally makes you want to support these places.

Photographed on October 17, 2026. This is the evening festival of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Saiwai-cho and Kogitsunemaru.

This building was constructed in the second year of the Shōwa era. 🕌 Currently, it is used for pre-wedding photos, cosplay shoots, and as a filming location for movies and dramas. 📸 The special room features the chair that Emperor Shōwa sat in. 🪑 Please make a reservation for a tour by phone in advance. 📞 Additionally, there is no parking available, so please use a nearby coin parking facility. 🚗³₃ (Also, since streetcars run, it might be interesting to travel from Toyohashi Station by streetcar. The fare is a flat rate: Adults: 200, Children: 100, and it is about a 20-minute walk from Toyohashi Station.)

On the night of November 8, when the temperature dropped to -4°C at Lake Akan Onsen, I was able to feel the warmth of the torches precisely because it was cold. 😊 We will have another event this weekend, so please be sure to sign up. • Schedule 14th (Saturday), 15th (Sunday) • Time Schedule 20:00: Gather and check in at the front of Akan Lake Marimukan With torches in hand, head to Ainu Kotan (disband at the site) • Application hok_night@tobutoptours.co.jp (until 18:00 on the day of the event) *Registration will close once full. *The event may be canceled due to inclement weather.

[October in Teshikaga] #Teshikaga #Teshikaga #Teshikaga #Kawayu Onsen

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for November📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in November! This month, instead of the usual Reihokumachi Tourist Information Center, we will be holding the event at the "Reihoku Power Station Open Day"! Additionally, this month it will be on Saturday the 14th, and we plan to extend the opening hours. We hope to see you there!🍁 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes for sale. We also plan to have a mandarin orange packing event! We look forward to welcoming everyone😊 Don’t forget to bring your own bags🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Ichimonji ・Side Dishes (various) ・Cauliflower ・Cabbage ・Rice🌾 ・Sweet Potatoes🍠 ・Sunny Lettuce ・Chiffon Cake ・Zucchini ・Late Rice (5kg)🌾 ・Mandarin Orange Packing 🍊 ・Water Greens ・Lettuce ・Lemon🍋 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】November 14th (Saturday) from 10 AM to 3 PM 【Location】Booth at the Reihoku Power Station Open Day *Reihoku Power Station (1091-6, Reiyō, Toshikara, Reihokumachi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Amakusa District)

Taken on October 17, 2014. This is the evening festival of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Renjakuchou and Ōta Dōkan.

Taken on October 17, 2026. This is the evening celebration of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Renjakuchou and Ōta Dōkan.

Once you exit the parking lot from the highway, there is a park where you can take a break. Here are some photos from my visit to Gifu Seiryu Satoyama Park.

The Autumn Leaves and Light-Up at Hoshoji Temple ❚ Current Leaf Conditions as of November 8, 2026 The autumn leaves at "Hoshoji Temple" located in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The light-up started on November 8. As night falls, lights illuminate the temple grounds, and the colors of the trees softly reflect on the surface of the pond. You can enjoy the unique beauty of the autumn leaves at night, which differs from the daytime. Currently, the leaves are about 60% colored. The light-up period seems to coincide perfectly with the peak viewing time. We will keep you updated on the leaf conditions. Please check the latest information before your visit. Location 1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Admission Fee Free Access About 50 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC About 10 minutes by car from Roadside Station Kiyokawa Parking Available (free, approximately 20 cars) ■ Autumn at Kiyokawa "Sai" Hoshoji Temple During the event period, a light-up will take place. 【Event Period】November 8 (Sun) to November 15 (Sun), 2026 ■ Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji Temple is an ancient temple with over 800 years of history. It is said that the reconstruction was inspired by the prayers of Lord Oda Deiwa Shintaka. During the autumn leaf season, the temple grounds are dyed in vibrant colors, often referred to as "The Colorful Hoshoji Temple" or "Autumn at Hoshoji Temple." During the event period, a light-up will take place, enveloping the temple grounds in a magical atmosphere at night. ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended tourist spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn is getting deeper in Kyoto, and the weather is getting colder. With the sudden drop in temperature, sightseeing in Kyoto with children can become a little challenging, can't it? After enjoying Kyoto's beautiful streets and scenery, why not take a relaxing break at AriHana Kyoto? Children and adults can enjoy traditional Japanese games together and have fun discovering a different side of Japan. Run by a Kyoto native and former nursery teacher, AriHana Kyoto offers a welcoming place where families can relax and enjoy their time together. Try traditional Japanese activities like origami and make some special memories of your trip to Japan! No reservation is needed. Feel free to drop in anytime!

Fukuoka is one of the more vibrant cities in Japan, with a youthful energy that consistently sees it rank highly in terms of where people would like to live. One of the hallmarks of the city’s outgoing atmosphere is its evening food stands, the yatai. Every night in Fukuoka, dozens of food stalls open around the riverside. Offering dishes likes yakitori, gyoza, oden and tempura, the stands provide delicious warm food that is all the more welcome in the chill of the evening, and made fresh before your eyes. Besides just the food, though, the distinctive culture of yatai, with their limited spacing and cheerful atmosphere, encourage conversation between strangers. In Japan many people are uncomfortable speaking with strangers and prefer to maintain a polite distance, but the convivial atmosphere helps break down barriers. (The fact that alcohol flows freely with many of the dishes doesn’t hurt!) Fukuoka has many charms, with famous temples and shrines both a short distance from Hakata station, and the bustling city centure of Tenjin. However you spend a day of sightseeing in the city, it can be very nice to unwind in the welcoming atmosphere of yatai at the end of a long day.

When it comes to local soul food in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, "Indian Curry" is a must! 🍛 Starting Thursday, October 29th, a store-exclusive topping—"fried vegetables"—has been introduced at the Indian Curry Satsunai branch! ✨ By adding these colorful, deep-fried vegetables to the piping-hot, classic "Indian Curry," you get an extra boost of texture and a healthier touch to an already delicious meal! It was absolutely wonderful! 😊 Indian Curry (Satsunai branch) is located just about a 10-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen! Be sure to stop by and give it a try! 😊

Invitation to the "Akan Lake Onsen Torchlight March" hosted by Tobu Top Tours. Would you like to walk through the solemn nights of Hokkaido, holding a torchlight? In Akan Lake Onsen, local guides will introduce you to Ainu culture, as well as the history and nature of the region. This night program allows you to experience the grandeur of nature at night and discover new charms of Hokkaido. • Schedule: November 7 (Saturday), 8 (Sunday), 14 (Saturday), and 15 (Sunday) - a total of 4 days. • Timetable: • Check in at your hotel and have dinner • 20:00: Gather and check in at the front of Akan Lake Marimukan 　With torches in hand, head to Ainu Kotan (dissolve on-site) • Application 　hok_night@tobutoptours.co.jp (by 18:00 on the day) *Registration will close once full. *Registration for November 7 is now closed due to full capacity.

【12/1】Sustainable Training for Accommodation and Tourism Facilities Teshikaga Town is working on "sustainable tourism." It is crucial for both visitors and residents to feel comfortable, while also ensuring that businesses can generate proper profits. Currently, major OTA sites have implemented options for "sustainability," making it more essential than ever for accommodation and tourism facilities to engage in sustainable practices. Why not take this opportunity to learn about sustainable facility management that can lead to reduced costs for attracting customers and maintaining facilities? This training will provide practical insights based on the international label for sustainable tourism facilities, "Green Key," focusing on actionable initiatives that can be immediately implemented and are beneficial for management. We look forward to your applications and participation. ■ Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 　10:00 Seminar Start 　16:30 Scheduled End ■ Venue: Mashu Tourism and Culture Center ■ Instructor: Satoru Takayama (Representative Director of JARTA) ■ Participation Fee: Free

Photographed on October 17, 2014. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the back view of Hachiman Tarō's float.

A dish featuring tenderly simmered red snapper accompanied by a variety of colorful vegetables. It showcases the charm of traditional Japanese cooking that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, as well as the meticulous enjoyment of food in Japanese cuisine. This photo was taken during a visit to Izu.

A luxurious seafood bowl adorned with fresh seafood and glossy salmon roe. This dish encapsulates the unique food culture of Japan, cherishing the blessings of the sea and showcasing the richness of its culinary delights.

It's called takoyaki. Many international visitors enjoy it while sightseeing in Osaka, but in the Kansai region, it's traditionally a food that families make themselves. In addition to the octopus-filled ones available at shops, you can add your favorite ingredients like pickled ginger, sausage, and cheese. Once cooked, they are topped with takoyaki sauce, aonori (seaweed flakes), and bonito flakes, and you can also add mayonnaise to taste. Having a takoyaki party, or 'takopa' for short, with family and friends is fun, but Kansai people eat the hot takoyaki incredibly fast, so they use both sides of the hot plate to cook them at full speed.

It is called Osechi Ryori. This is a dish that families and clans gather to celebrate the New Year and eat together, with each item having a special significance for good fortune. Nowadays, many people buy it from department stores or supermarkets, but in the past, it was common to make it by hand. In rural areas, it is still customary to prepare it in advance at the end of the year so that women do not have to cook during the New Year. The photos show only my grandmother's handmade dishes, which are all a modest brown color, but they taste amazing. The locally famous red konnyaku, which turned bright red at the command of the famous Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, is also included. In addition, it is a tradition for the whole family to gather around a table filled with my grandmother's handmade rolled sushi and mackerel sushi for a celebration.

Taken on October 17, 2014. This is the evening of the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Noda Gochō and Hachimantaro.

It's called chawanmushi. There are many videos online of foreigners being surprised by how different it is from their expectations when they try it for the first time. It's a "savory, hot egg pudding" that isn't sweet. This dish consists of a seasoned egg custard steamed with various ingredients like mushrooms, vegetables, fish paste, and fresh seafood or chicken. Often, a rare ingredient called yuri-ne (lily bulb) is also included. It’s actually a challenging dish to make, and the photo shows the chawanmushi that my skilled wife made for the first time after 35 years of marriage. She learned how difficult it was by watching my mother-in-law prepare it often. Since it looks plain, I decided to garnish it with chive flowers that I grow in a planter in the garden. In Japan, you can even find it on the menu at conveyor belt sushi restaurants.