Warm comfort food! Introducing the local dish obukko✨ Obukko is a hearty country-style miso simmered udon packed with vegetables. Also called “bukkomi,” “buchikomi,” or “obukko,” its name is said to come from the practice of tossing whatever seasonal vegetables you have into the pot. This regional stew features Shinshu miso broth with flat noodles, roughly cut daikon, carrots, green onions, pork, dried tofu, fried tofu pockets, and plenty of seasonal vegetables in a simmered udon style. 【Obukko Shops】 1) “Yakimochi-ya” A thatched-roof accommodation experience where you can enjoy traditional flavors like yakimochi and obukko. At the hearth you can try making “ha-yakimochi” (ash-grilled rice cakes). The facility also has a hot spring, offering a peaceful rural getaway surrounded by nature. Day-trip hot spring bathing is available. 【Address】5286 Nakajo Kusakano, Nagano City 【Phone】026-267-2641 【Hours】Meals 11:00–14:00 【Closed】Open daily 【Price】Obukko 980 yen (tax included) 2) Roadside Station Nakajo This roadside station features a dining area where you can enjoy obukko, a shop selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and local specialty foods, and it’s a great stop on a drive. Relax and refresh as you take in the rural scenery, views of the Northern Alps, and the seasonal faces of Mt. Mushikura, one of Shinshu’s 100 famous mountains. 【Address】1704 Nakajo Sumiyoshiki, Nagano City 【Phone】026-267-2188 【Hours】 ・Dining spot Mamettai 10:00–16:00 (light meals only from 14:30–16:00) ・Shop 9:00–17:00 【Closed】Open daily 【Price】Roadside Station Nakajo Obukko 980 yen (tax included) #gourmet #obukko #Roadside Station #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Sightseeing #Nagano Travel #nagano #naganocity

A time-traveling SUP experience tour KUSHIRO// January 16, 10:00 AM A winter-only SUP tour on the Kushiro River took place ☺️ The temperature that day was -7°C. With instructor support, we set off for the Kushiro River, where lotus leaf ice floats‼︎ I was a little scared and nervous at the start, but as I got used to it, it became more and more fun. I never imagined I’d be cutting through lotus leaf ice and SUPing in the middle of the Kushiro River ✨ It felt like a dream 🥹 Some people worry about the cold, but it’s not as cold as you’d think. You warm up as you paddle 😊 If you do fall in, rest assured you wear a drysuit and life jacket. They’re waterproof and keep you afloat right away 🛟 Kushiro River × SUP = a rare experience ✨ Open for participants until Saturday, January 24. We’re accepting sign-ups ☺ For details and to apply, follow the link in the comments!

Ski Area OPEN Miyanomori Ski Resort in Nishiokoppe Village opened on January 16! Operating days are planned through mid‑March, depending on snowmelt conditions. - Lift operating hours - Sundays and public holidays 10:30–17:00 (lunch break 12:00–13:00) Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 13:30–20:30 (evening break 17:00–18:00) Wednesdays 17:30–20:30 (night skiing only) Tuesdays: closed - For inquiries, contact the Nishiokoppe Village Board of Education. TEL: 0158-87-2501 - The lifts at Nishiokoppe Village Ski Area use a relatively challenging style: hold the rope with your left hand and press a thin bar to your waist with your right hand while your skis remain on the ground. Children in elementary and junior high school quickly master it through ski classes. Lift rides are free. Some days offer night skiing, so come by after work. ⛷ Hotel Rimu offers day‑use baths. ♨ At the base of the ski area, Restaurant Ku‑raku serves meals, so you can grab a bite if you get peckish. 😋 #Ski area #Open #Ski #Night skiing

SL Winter Shitsugen Train trial ride‼︎// A trial ride for the SL Winter Shitsugen Train, which began operating on Saturday, January 17th, was held on the 14th～🚂Enjoy the unique sounds, vibrations and smells of the steam locomotive, the view of Kushiro Shitsugen sliding past the windows, and the train’s retro interior✨Use all your senses to take it in‼️If you’re lucky, you might spot wild animals🦌This experience is for tourists and local residents alike—come and feel the charm of the SL😊

Announcement NHK General TV’s Asaichi plans a live broadcast from the Bedrock Terrace at Kawayu Onsen in Teshikagacho. Date and Time Wednesday, January 21 — during the 9 a.m. hour The program will feature the new Kawayu Onsen spot “Bedrock Terrace,” where bedrock stretches from MtAtosanupuri, and local specialty products made using the hot springs. Please tune in. Note: The schedule may change due to breaking news or other circumstances.

Photographed on January 15, 2025. This is a cafe latte from cafe andon. What a lovely latte art. 😊

Photographed on January 15, 2014. cafe andon’s café latte and a strawberry shortcake. It’s strawberry season. 🍓

Event Announcement 📣 Lake Shikaribetsu, sitting at 800 meters above sea level and famed nationwide for its clarity, freezes over in winter. On the frozen surface, a magical village called shikaribetsu lake kotan appears only during the winter months. Kotan is the Ainu word for "village." 😊 This is a world created by people who gather at Lake Shikaribetsu, using the lake’s great natural power. 🎵 You can enjoy an "ice bar" serving drinks amid a world of snow and ice, an "open-air bath on the ice" where you can soak while taking in snowy scenery, and many other experiences such as making ice glasses, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing!! 📍Date and Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026–Sunday, March 15, 2026 📍Location: Lakeside of Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi, Kawato-gun, Hokkaido) 📍Admission: Season Pass 500 yen (elementary school age and up) 📞Contact: shikaribetsu lake kotan Executive Committee TEL: 0156-69-8181 (inside shikaribetsu lake nature center)

A hotel overlooking the tranquil Lake Kussharo, bathed in natural light. Surrounded by nature, experience a passage of time unlike your everyday life. At Kussharo Prince Hotel, enjoy moments that gently unwind the heart. [Winter Season Notice] January 19, 2026 (Monday) – March 7, 2026 (Saturday) 📍Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

Shibecha's proud branded wagyu Indulge in “Hoshizora no Kurogyu.” A tender roast of filet cooked to moist perfection, its rich flavors deepen with every bite and leave an elegant finish. Enjoy a special dinner that lights up the night in Kushiro. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/...

Photographed on January 20th: Atami cherry blossoms are in full bloom at several spots 🌸 (Kamanariya Heishichi Statue · Itokawa Promenade · Shinshui Park Third Section · Sanremo Park · Kaihin Park · Nagisa Koen Park) Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs until February 8th https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Photographed on January 15, 2014. This is cafe andon's avocado shrimp hot sandwich set. Thank you, as always. 😊

This is a photo of the Atami Cherry Blossoms along Itokawa Promenade illuminated on January 17th 🌸 https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Inukai Stone Buddhas Oita Bungoono Geopark The Inukai Stone Buddhas are located in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. They are cliff carvings of Buddha figures sculpted into welded tuff from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago. Based on the style of the figures, they are estimated to have been created in the Kamakura period. Although representing Fudo Myoo, the figures are notable for their gentle expressions. [Location] Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Access to central Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and elsewhere Approximately a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture. Approximately a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture. Approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture. Approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture. –––––––––––– Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ––––––––––––

We will hold the “Enichibai Plum Viewing Event” at Hontō-ji Temple in Nobeoka City. This springtime event lets you enjoy authentic matcha while admiring a magnificent 240-year-old weeping white plum tree along with other white and red plum blossoms. Wrapped in the gentle scent of plum blossoms, why not take a moment to relax and soothe your heart? ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 📅 Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday (holiday), February 11, 2026 🕙 10:00–16:00 📍 Hontō-ji Temple (1133 Matsuyama-cho, Nobeoka City) 💰 Free admission 🍵 Outdoor tea service (matcha) one bowl 500 yen (with sweets) 🗺️ Historic site guide: free ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 Follow the official Nobeoka Flower Story account @nobeokahanamonogatari for bloom updates and the latest event information during the festival. We’d be happy if you follow and check for updates.☑ For inquiries about the Enichibai Plum Viewing Event: Nobeoka Flower Story Executive Committee (0982-29-2155) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2026/kanbaikai_2026/...

The Former Hokkaido Government Office in Sapporo City, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property often called the Former Hokkaido Government Office or the red brick government building, completed a major renovation called the “Reiwa Renovation” last year. The renewed first-floor exhibition room features corners for all of Hokkaido’s municipalities, 179 in total. Of course there is also a corner for Tomakomai, so please try to find it.

Nara is a mainstay of Japanese domestic travel, and along with Kyoto is part of the classic school trip itinerary for millions of students every year. Kyoto is justly famous and inundated with visitors from around the world, but Nara, while still a bustling center of tourist activity, retains a more peaceful atmosphere. The city has a great deal of greenery and, of course, its famous deer, which together work to create a relaxed atmosphere. In spite of its soothing natural ambience, it is still a proper city, with all the comforts and attractions you would expect, so you can really enjoy the best of both worlds. The ubiquitous deer have been accustomed to human interaction for centuries, and will fearlessly approach you seeking deer crackers if you buy any. Despite being herbivores who are accustomed to people, they can be a bit insistent, especially the males. You will see some flabbergasted tourists backing away from the deer they'd notionally like to feed. Benefit from their example and only have one cracker out at a time, and hold it out calmly! While for many visitors the main attraction will justly be the unique chance to interact with lots of deer, Nara is steeped in history. (Japanese history has a "Nara Period" for a reason!). Of especial note is the Todai-ji temple, an ambitious early project of Japanese Buddhism that houses an enormous bronze Buddha statue that is worth a visit even for those who otherwise are not interested in history. Finally, if you are visiting Nara in the winter months, be sure to try Asuka Nabe! There are many hotpot dishes around the country, but a milk and chicken broth make this one very distinct. Its warming gentle flavor perfectly suits the soothing atmosphere of Nara!

Good morning! The blooms are advancing! What will this week's cold snap do?! Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival February 14, 2026–March 29, 2026

Photographed on January 15, 2014. These are the hanachōzu (flower water basins) at Senba Tōshō-gū.

i took this photo near our house, and I really liked it, so I decided to post it here. It’s my first time using this platform and posting here, so I don’t really know much yet.

Otayama Sky Lantern Event Held On January 17th, the Otayama Sky Lantern event took place within the grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. Lanterns rose into the dusk sky, casting a soft, gentle glow. Under Otayama’s clear winter sky, visitors enjoyed a magical, memorable moment. The second event is scheduled for this weekend, January 24th.

🗻Let’s watch the Diamond Fuji from the city hall rooftop🗻 The rooftop of Kamagaya City Hall offers a relatively high and clear view within the city, allowing you to see Mount Fuji together with the Tokyo Sky Tree! About twice a year, at the moment when the sun overlaps Mount Fuji’s summit at sunset, the scene can sparkle like a diamond—this phenomenon is called “Diamond Fuji.” It truly is a work of natural art!✨ Why not enjoy the beautiful scene of Mount Fuji and the setting sun that appears only at this time of year?🌇 Best viewing time Monday, February 2 — around 4:59 PM The city hall rooftop opening hours are extended until 5:45 PM (except Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) through March 31. Viewing requests This is not an organized viewing event, so no registration is required. Equipment taller than 150 centimeters may not be brought in. Please avoid setting up tripods or leaving them in place for long periods. Commerce and Tourism Division https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/kanko/diamondfuji/diamond-fuji.html...

Photographed on January 11, 2014. This is the hanachōzu (flower water basin) at Hara Florist.

New Year’s Gift Sale Raffle Winning Numbers The Nishiokoppe Village Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizes the New Year’s Gift Sale every year. The winning raffle ticket numbers have been announced! During the New Year period, customers who shopped at participating stores in the village received one raffle ticket for every 500 yen spent. There are winners from 1st to 5th prize, totaling an impressive 250 prizes! If you hold a stub of a winning raffle ticket, please bring it to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry by February 2 to claim your prize. Redemption location: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Weekdays, 9:00–17:15 - I didn’t win, but I enjoyed the thrill of checking the list of winning numbers to see if I had. Congratulations to the winners! 🎉 #New Year’s Gift #Gift Sale #Chamber of Commerce and Industry #Raffle #Winning #Winning Numbers Announced #Congratulations

♬ Sophia Sakai Starry Teller keisuke’s Planetarium Laugh Show ♬ We invite starry teller keisuke, owner of Hoshi Cafe SPICA in Osaka City, who blends comedy into his motto of “making the starry sky entertainment” to present a laugh-filled starry sky entertainment show.✨ Apply via the web 😊 📅 Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 6:00 PM–6:45 PM 📍 Venue: Sophia Sakai Planetarium (@sophiasakai_pla) 💰 Fee: Adults 600 yen, Children 250 yen 👥 Capacity: 140 people (first-come, first-served sign-up) 🔍 For details, search “Sophia Sakai Starry Teller”! https://www.sofia-sakai.jp/events/...スターリーテラーkeisukeのプラネタリウムで笑いまshow/

The incense of agarwood favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi Have you been watching the Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” (Sundays at 8:00 PM)? The incense made from agarwood, which Hideyoshi—older brother of the drama’s protagonist Toyotomi Hidenaga—loved, is gaining popularity✨ Regarding Hideyoshi’s fondness for agarwood, it is said that the missionary Luís Fróis, who was close to him, recorded this in his writings, and you can experience that scent across the ages with this incense Baieido, a long-established incense maker in Osaka and Sakai, planned and produced the Taiga drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” title logo licensed product “Limited Edition Toyotomi Hideyoshi Incense.” Why not try it while watching the drama? 🔍For details, search for “Limited Edition Toyotomi Hideyoshi Incense”! https://www.kokoudo.jp/?pid=189254243...

📣 The Candle Night that was hugely popular last year returns as "Chapter 2" 🕯️ Inside the dimmed restaurant, candlelight flickers gently. A night theater is projected across an entire wall 🎥 This year we have amplified the production to create an even more immersive and special evening for you to enjoy 🍝 Perfect for dates and anniversaries, and also recommended for anyone who wants to spend a slightly more luxurious weekday night💕 🕯️ Candle Night Chapter 2 📅 Event period: January 13 (Tue) – February 28 (Sat) 🗓 Mondays through Thursdays only (excluding public holidays) 📍 AOI NAPOLI UMISOBA We look forward to welcoming you.

Located at the foot of Mt. Okoji in Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture, and adjacent to the 88th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, Okoji Temple, the Astronomical Telescope Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to astronomical telescopes. The museum cleverly repurposes an abandoned elementary school building. Former classrooms now display small telescopes donated by individuals, evoking a warm sense of history; the old indoor pool houses imposing large telescopes from observatories across the country. This blend of old and new creates a fantastical scene with striking visual impact. With more than two hundred telescopes in its collection, the museum not only traces the development of astronomical observation in Japan but also brings together many classic models that people dreamed of owning as children. The staff focuses on restoration and active preservation so these instruments are not merely static antiques but ready-to-use tools that can be pointed at the night sky, captivating astronomy enthusiasts. Around 125 dedicated volunteers run the museum, more than half of whom come from outside the prefecture. By day, the museum offers in-depth tours and hands-on workshops guiding visitors to observe sunspots; by night, it holds viewing sessions that use the collection’s telescopes to capture the splendor of the planets. These instruments, once destined for retirement, are reborn here and lead visitors to look up again at the grandeur of the universe. In the mountain air far from city noise, the pure starlight is enough to make one forget the manmade neon of urban life.

Gonbe Pass (Gonbee Toge) When transporting Ina rice to Kiso, the routes over Shiojiri Pass or Ushikubi Pass were fine up to Narai, but Torii Pass lay beyond and made the journey inconvenient in terms of days and rice prices. To solve this, cattle driver foreman Furuhata Gonbei spent two years opening a route through this pass, 1,523 meters above sea level, to reach Ina. Afterwards, rice flowed from Inadani Valley to Kiso Valley, while lacquerware, bentwood items and other woodcraft traveled from Kiso to Ina. In recognition of this achievement, the pass came to be called Gonbe Pass. As the watershed between the Shinano River system and the Tenryu River system, the views from this pass are superb: you can look down over Inadani Valley and enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Southern Alps. In spring’s fresh buds, summer’s deep green and mountain streams, and autumn’s foliage, the scenery delights travelers through every season. The pass is designated as part of the Shinanoji Nature Trail Gonbei Pass Route, where you can fully savor the great outdoors.