January 6th This morning in Azumino is clear and sharply cold Last night’s snowfall lightly dusted the countryside white The Northern Alps, lit by the morning sun, look magnificent!!

Sun pillar and diamond dust at Kirigamine, Nagano Prefecture The 1/3 weather forecast predicted a temperature of −8°C and 80% humidity. Since snow had been forecast until 21:00 the night before, I thought it might appear and drove out. By the time I arrived at 21:00, the snow had already stopped, but a light dusting of powdery snow had settled. At 22:00 the car’s outside thermometer read −12°C, so I went to bed hoping the temperature would keep falling. I hiked 600 m along the snowy road from the parking lot to the shooting point just after 6:00 in the morning. The morning temperature was −12°C. Mount Fuji was clearly visible. There were clouds above Yatsugatake, but at 7:20 a sun pillar appeared above them. I silently wished for it to appear below as well, and from around 7:24 the diamond dust began to sparkle. The sun pillar lasted about 15 minutes, but the diamond dust continued to glitter afterward. I had visited several times last year without success, so I was delighted to see it this time.

Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued support this year. This year’s NHK taiga drama, “The Toyotomi Brothers!”, has begun, and it feels like another castle boom is on the horizon. The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will open its Winter 2025 Special Exhibition, “The Toyotomi Brothers and Mihama – The Truth of the Retreat at Kanagasaki,” from Saturday, January 10. This exhibition highlights the Echizen invasion when the three great leaders Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu all gathered at Kuniyoshi Castle, and it focuses on “the retreat at Kanagasaki,” which launched Hideyoshi’s rise to prominence. Also, a New Year limited edition of the castle seal is on sale through the end of January. Please take this opportunity to visit the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. The Toyotomi Brothers and Mihama – The Truth of the Retreat at Kanagasaki Period: Saturday, January 10, 2026 – Sunday, April 19, 2026 Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Opening hours: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (through March); 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (from April) Closed: Every Monday (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Admission: Adults 100 yen; Children 50 yen (junior high school age and under) Note: Group discount for 20 or more people

Toyama Prefecture Tateyamamachi Shomyo Falls Snow fell late at night, letting the autumn leaves and snow perform together Standing close to Shomyo Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall by drop, the roar of the water is overwhelming

Tateyamamachi, Toyama Prefecture Akashiro no Kabe Snow fell late at night, and around Shomyo Falls I saw a duet of autumn leaves and snow I arrived early in the morning, and some forest roads were frozen I photographed Akashiro no Kabe with a fisheye lens

Kamiichimachi, Toyama Prefecture – Mount Sengokujōyama This spot is reachable by car via a forest road Photographed from the forest road up Mount Sengokujōyama The beautiful autumn leaves and the snow-capped Tsurugi-dake made a stunning sight

Kamiichimachi, Toyama Prefecture – Seseragi no Komichi I walked from Seseragi no Komichi to near the check dam Mt. Tsurugi was nearby, but clouds got in the way so I couldn’t see it clearly; I’ll get a better shot next time

Kurikara Fudoji Temple Nishinobo Hououden (Phoenix Hall), Tsubatamachi, Ishikawa Prefecture Photographed the sunset from a hill during the autumn foliage It was a beautiful view

Shirahige Shrine sits a little off the main road of Imajo-shuku Post Town. It is affectionately known as the Lower Shrine in contrast to Shilla Shrine, which is called Kaminomiya or the Upper Shrine. This quiet, sacred place is lined with towering cedar trees around a slightly long flight of stone steps.

This photograph was taken at Nanjo Elementary School in Minami-Echizen Town. The light pink cherry blossoms stand out beautifully against the reddish-brown school building!

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)

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/...

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♪

Yamanaka Tunnel, registered as part of the Japan Heritage "Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of Tracks Connecting to the World." This brick tunnel makes for a charming, retro photo spot. It’s recommended not only for railway and tunnel enthusiasts but also for photography lovers!

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store. As Christmas approaches, the town fills with sparkle and warmth in this season. One place to visit in the crisp winter air is Shosenkyo Gorge, a scenic treasure of Yamanashi Prefecture. Steep rock formations and ravine beauty stretch through Shosenkyo, known as one of Japan’s premier gorges. In winter, its quiet and pristine beauty soothes the spirit. Located deep within the gorge, Senga Falls is the signature waterfall of Shosenkyo. The roughly 30-meter drop roaring down the rock face makes a powerful sight, and in the cold winter air the spray feels even more magical. If you’re lucky, frost will coat the rocks, letting you enjoy nature’s own winter artwork. For a special moment with someone dear before Christmas, consider visiting Shosenkyo and Senga Falls to be wrapped in nature’s grandeur and silence. They will help you weave a memorable winter experience. At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store, we carry many wines 🍷 recommended for Christmas and the New Year. Please find your favorite bottle with us.♪ We also offer rich grape juice 🍇 and pure peach juice 🍑 for children and those who do not drink alcohol. With the year drawing to a close, we look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

Let me introduce Hakuryu Falls in the Kono Area of Minami-Echizen Town. This waterfall sits on the border between Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town along the Echizen Coast. Many people ask whether Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town are the same, but they are different towns. A legend says that when 19 people drifting in a small ship from Izumo Province washed ashore at Nukaura, a dragon protected their boat and climbed to the mountain summit to heal itself in a warm pool. We don’t know which pool healed the dragon, but the nearby Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae offers soothing warmth—wouldn’t you like to be healed like the dragon?

The Japanese archipelago!? There is a rock in Kouno that looks like the shape of the Japanese archipelago. Can you see the "Japanese archipelago"? You’ll find it about 400 meters south from Kono Elementary School along Route 305. It’s hard to spot, but give it a try!

"ShinobazunoikenoMadara" is a rare lotus that blooms in two different colors on the same species. Among them, flowers that display two colors of petals on a single bloom are said to be especially rare! You can see such rare lotuses at Hanahasu park in Minami-Echizen Town. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/...

The white-petaled lotus flower. The lotus comes in charming colors like pink and white and makes a lovely sight. It first blooms in mid-June and reaches its peak from early to mid-July. Some varieties close their petals in the morning, so visiting in the morning is recommended. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/...

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔 So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊 1. Omachi Park 2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing 3. Kannon Bridge 4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge 5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌 I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰 🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔 https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

At Hanahasu park, water lilies are blooming beautifully. That said, since the park mainly features lotus blossoms, there are not that many water lilies, but the ones floating on the water look refreshing and charming. To tell water lilies and lotus apart: water lilies bloom close to the surface, while lotus flowers bloom higher above the water compared with water lilies. There are many more subtle differences, so please use this as a reference!

"Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of the Tracks Connecting to the World" The railway linking Nagahama, Tsuruga, and Minami-Echizen Town, along with the railway-related culture, has been registered as a Japan Heritage. List of Japan Heritage cultural properties in Minami-Echizen Town ・Yamanaka Tunnel ・Dead End Tunnel ・Yamanaka Signal Station Remains ・Yamanaka Rock Jet ・Oto Station Remains ・Yuoo Tunnel ・Imajo Soba ・Imajo Station Water Tower and Coal Supply Facility ・Imajo-shuku Post Town What is Japan Heritage? Japan Heritage is a designation by the Agency for Cultural Affairs that recognizes stories conveying Japan's culture and traditions through the historical attractions and distinctive features of a region. (Excerpted from the Japan Heritage portable site)

Hello. This is Ryusuido. Winter is slowly deepening at Shosenkyo Gorge. In the clear air, the rock face of Senga Falls sometimes catches the sunlight and glows a golden color. The cliffs reveal expressions you won’t see in other seasons, offering dramatic sights unique to this time of year. December’s birthstones are four color gemstones that evoke a pristine winter sky. [Tanzanite] Named by Tiffany, this beautiful blue-violet gem is prized for its mysterious pleochroism, said to sharpen the mind and consciousness and guide one toward success. [Lapis Lazuli] Considered one of the oldest power stones in the world, it brings luck and success. It was also used as a pigment in paintings and is known as Vermeer blue. [Turquoise] Known for its vivid turquoise blue that recalls sky and sea, it delights with color variations and natural patterns that differ by source. [Zircon] A gem with brilliance rivaling diamond and a beautiful rainbow fire, zircon is also called the “stone of peace,” said to soothe the heart and unlock latent potential. We also offer a wide variety of other natural stones and accessories. Please stop by and enjoy the healing space woven by stones and the sound of the waterfall. The area above the falls has many spots where you can forget everyday life and simply enjoy yourself. Do visit! We sincerely look forward to the day we can meet your lovely smiles.

What are you praying for? Hakusan Shrine in the Seto area of Minami-Echizen Town. It’s a place where you can feel a nostalgic atmosphere.

Have you ever seen the many white flowers you spot around town? They are soba flowers! A field of soba blooms looks charming, a sea of white and green.

Minami-Echizen Town Hot Spring Information ★Imajo 365 Onsen Yasuragi Hours: 11:00 AM–9:30 PM (last admission 8:30 PM) Closed: Tuesday . ★Hanahasu Onsen Somayama Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (last admission 9:00 PM) Closed: Tuesday . ★Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae Hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Closed: Wednesday

MtAriake, known as Shinano Fuji a trapezoidal mountain you can spot easily from Azumino a scene from a clear, frosty morning♪

When Azumino is under high pressure, the temperature drops, but you can see stunning views of the Northern Alps through the clear air!! You can enjoy such beautiful scenery in Azumino in winter too This is a straight road known as Ohisama Road In the distance, the symbol MtJonen rises majestically!

Along the coast there are days so warm it feels as if winter has ended. The sea can be so calm that not a single wave stirs. When there are no waves, the deep blue of the Sea of Japan becomes even more striking. I love the contrast between this intense blue and the paler, greenish-blue. Even the Kitamaebune captains' ships look more lively.

Winter has finally arrived. This photo shows the snowy scenery at Hirono Dam. Heavy snow can be troublesome, but seeing a snowy landscape always makes me feel, “Ah—this season has come.”