Izumo Taisha Kyoto Branch 37-5 Shimoyata-cho Nakayama, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture Izumo Taisha Kyoto Branch is a branch of Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, located in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture. The shrine enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, widely revered as the kami of matchmaking and the god of good fortune.

Izumo Daijingu Shrine "Izumo Daijingu" Chitose-cho, Chitose Goda, no street number, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture Izumo Daijingu Shrine (Izumo Daijingu) is a shrine located in Chitose-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is listed in the Engishiki as a Myojin Taisha and serves as the ichinomiya of Tanba Province. The shrine held the former rank of Kokuhei Chusha and is now an independent shrine not affiliated with the Association of Shinto Shrines. Its former name was Izumo Shrine. It is also referred to as Moto Izumo and Millennium Shrine.

Takakura Jinja 2283 Higashi Ashida, Aogaki-cho, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture Start the New Year smiling with an extra-large omikuji. Takakura Jinja in Higashi Ashida, Aogaki-cho, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture will begin handing out omikuji larger than an opened newspaper from 12:00 a.m. on January 1. Visitors draw the fortune by shaking a cylinder about the height of a child and pulling it out. “Come with family and friends and take home great fortune and laughter,” they say. The offering runs through January 4. The omikuji measures A1 size: 59.4 cm tall and 84.1 cm wide. It claims to be the largest omikuji in Japan. Making use of its size, the fortunes are divided into detailed categories. For example, “love” is broken down into meeting someone ▽ unrequited love ▽ marriage prospects ▽ being popular ▽ dates ▽ compatibility.

New Year Greetings Happy New Year. We sincerely thank you for your warm support and cooperation in promoting the charms of Tsukigase over the past year. Tsukigase, which has grown alongside its plum trees, reveals a new face with each season and has nurtured itself as a countryside that quietly soothes the hearts of its visitors. This year as well, we hope it remains a place where nature and people live side by side and calm exchanges flourish. The annual Tsukigase Baikei Plum Festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, will be held again this year. Some 13,000 plum trees paint the mountainside, and with river mist rising in the valleys, a scene like a page from a picture scroll unfolds. During the festival, you can stroll the walking trails and enjoy locally made specialties for sale, savoring peaceful moments close to nature. The gentle scent of plum blossoms swaying in the breeze will quietly restore energy to bodies and minds that have passed through a long winter. This year, the Tsukigase Tourism Association will continue to cherish warm connections with visitors while protecting the region’s attractions. We ask for your continued support, and we sincerely pray that the coming year will be peaceful and fruitful for everyone. With that, we offer our New Year greetings. Chairman: Toshiaki Nishioka Photo credit: Kuraya eto Shuji

kyoto ebisu shrine 125 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture In Kyoto there is a shrine where visitors throw offerings upward to get them into the offertory box. That shrine, located in Gion, is the ebisu shrine (Ebisu Shrine), and for some reason an offertory box is installed above the torii gate... The Toka Ebisu festival at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is held over five days each year from January 8 (Thursday) to January 12 (Monday). It is believed to bring blessings for prosperous business and traffic safety, and the shrine is affectionately known locally as “Kyo no Ebessan.”

On a clear autumn day, a leisurely, blissful moment gazing out over Osaka Bay from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island.

On November 30, 2025, many monks gathered at Sumadera Temple in Suma, Kobe, and were singing in chorus.

On November 30, 2025, at Suma-dera in Suma, Kobe. The fall foliage and the red beneath the eaves were gorgeous.

Uenoshiba Station East Side Illumination When night falls, a glittering tree bathed in light welcomes you at JR Uenoshiba Station🎄✨ Enjoy the warm illumination created by local residents and volunteers❄ 📣Share your beautiful photos of the illumination in Nishi Ward on Instagram with #Nisshii-chan attached!💫 📅Event period: Until Saturday, January 31 🕐Lighting hours: 5:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. 📍Location: East side of JR Uenoshiba Station (3-1 Uenoshibacho, Nishi Ward, Sakai)

Late autumn on the Harima Sea. On windy days the waves grow high and the currents shape them into a variety of forms.

On the bridge at Tennoji Station. A November weekend morning with a clear sky that warms the heart just by watching. Autumn is drawing to a close, but there’s an exciting feeling that something new is about to begin. For some it may be just another ordinary day, but for others it becomes a beautiful scene—the start of a day. The beginning of encounters, the beginning of a journey.

Suwanomori Station Building Illumination The old station building of Suwanomori Station, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, charms visitors with its small Taisho-era waiting room and a stained-glass window depicting the Hamadera shoreline🧣 This winter, come and see the station building transformed into a magical scene wrapped in Christmas lights🎄✨ 📣 For beautiful illumination photos in Nishi Ward, post them on Instagram with "#Nisshii-chan"!💫 📅 Event period: Until Saturday, January 31 🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM 📍 Location: Suwanomori Station building (2-78 Suwanomori-nishimachi, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

I want to end the year at my favorite spot on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, the rainy Hosshinmon Oji Shrine. If you have the chance someday, please visit. Why not walk the Kumano Kodo and let your mind roam back to ancient times? You will encounter dreamlike scenery and meet people who live in the area.

From Sakai: A refreshing scent of green yuzu fills the air at the “Yuzukaralin Cafe” — A collaboration cafe between SAKAINOMA and Yuzukaralin — SAKAINOMA cafe and hotel Kuma (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture) will host a special event, Yuzukaralin Cafe, in collaboration with the Kochi Prefecture yuzu-based seasoning brand Yuzukaralin for five days only, from Saturday, January 10 to Wednesday, January 14, 2026. We will offer lunch menus, sweets, and drinks that make the most of the green yuzu’s fragrance, gentle acidity, and the faint spiciness unique to Yuzukaralin. 🔍For more details, search “SAKAINOMA and Yuzukaralin collaboration cafe”! https://sakainoma.jp//

It’s an autumn-clear day over Osaka Bay, with a view from Iwaya Beach on Awaji Island. The blue sea and the distant Mount Rokko haze in blue, and the gentle sound of fishing boats drifts pleasantly across a quiet, peaceful afternoon.

While wandering around Tamba City in Hyogo Prefecture in search of autumn leaves, I came across this late-autumn scene. I bet the birds find it understatedly beautiful too.

Winter haze over the waters off Kobe Airport. A large crane ship looked small in the distance.

Reusing the Portugal Pavilion ropes! Presenting the artwork "Oceano"✨ The Portuguese artist Vanessa Barragan created the artwork Oceano and is exhibiting it together with the ropes from the Portugal Pavilion. The piece was made in Sakai City starting in late October, and its production process was opened to the public in November. Oceano was crafted in Sakai using ropes from the Portugal Pavilion and expresses the sea that connects Portugal and Japan. It will serve as a legacy of exchange between Portugal and Sakai for the future. ○ The sea that connects Portugal and Sakai Inspired by the Portugal Pavilion, ropes are displayed from the ceiling! Two works produced in Sakai City on display! 🗓️ January 6 (Tue)–January 11 (Sun) ⏰ 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 📍 Higashi Cultural Hall (Hall Building) Gallery 🔍 For details, search "Sakai City Expo Legacy"! https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/bunka/art_kanrenjigyo/expo_legacy/SpecialExhibition_Portugal.html...

Tsukuno Station West-Side Illuminations This winter, JR Tsukuno Station brightens up with festive illuminations✨ A large tree, filled with the warm feelings of the local community, lights up the night🎄 Stop by and enjoy the sparkle of the lights❄ 📣Share lovely photos of Nishi Ward’s illuminations and tag Nissy-chan on Instagram!💫 📅Event period: until January 13 (Tuesday) 🕐Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:30 AM 📍Location: West side of JR Tsukuno Station (Tsukuno-cho 1-2, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

Former Hamadera Park Station Building Illumination The Former Hamadera Park Station Building, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, is a precious piece of architecture designated as a national registered Tangible Cultural Property.✨ At night it sparkles with illuminations, making you feel as if you’ve wandered into a storybook world…☺ The event runs through this Friday! Come and see it❄ 📣 For beautiful illumination photos from Nishi Ward, add "#Nissy-chan" and post them on Instagram!💫 📅 Event period: Until Friday, December 26 🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM 📍 Location: Former Hamadera Park Station Building (2-188 Hamadera Park Town, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

Nishi Ward Office Illumination The season when Nishi Ward Office is wrapped in light ✨ A 5-meter-tall giant Christmas tree and the cute Nissy-chan welcome everyone 🎄 On chilly nights, enjoy a heartwarming moment under the sparkling illuminations ❄ The display runs until this Friday! Come and see it 🐥 📣 Post your beautiful photos of Nishi Ward’s illuminations on Instagram with “#Nissy-chan” attached! 💫 📅 Period: Until Thursday, December 25 🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM 📍 Location: Sakai City Nishi Ward Office (600, 6-chome Otorihigashimachi, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

✨A new spot for freshly made sweets has arrived🍨 Salon de Franchise, a cake shop with 27 years in business, has opened a specialty salon for freshly made sweets in Naka Ward, Sakai City on November 27🍨✨ Desserts and parfaits finished after you order let you enjoy the sound and aroma of baking and the unique textures of just-made treats—a special experience you can only have here. Each dish will make you want to tell someone, “That was delicious.” This new spot is perfect not only for afternoon tea but also for indulgent days or time spent with someone special. Check the menu below if you’re curious👀✨ 📍Salon de Franchise (@salon_de_franchise) 🕒 Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Last order 18:00) ❌ Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays) 🚃 Access: An 8-minute walk from Fukai Station on the Nankai Semboku Line; parking available 🔍 Search for “Salon de Franchise” for more details! 🔗 https://www.franchise1998.com// ―――――――――― Year-end and New Year holiday closure December 23 (Tuesday)–January 6 (Tuesday) ※Normal business resumes on Wednesday, January 7 ――――――――――

🔵Collect official pavilion stamps while touring Sakai!🔴 Official stamps from Osaka–Kansai Expo pavilions related to Sakai are now available! Enjoy exploring Sakai as you gather stamps placed at facilities throughout the city. Daisen Park will also host an event on the same days, so please stop by there as well! 🗓️Saturday, December 20; Sunday, December 21; Wednesday, December 24; Thursday, December 25 *Entry may be limited during busy periods 🔍For more details, search for “Sakai Expo Stamps”! https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/shisei/sonota/banpaku/expo_stamp.html...

✨At Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an, the contemporary artists’ tea utensils used at Sakai’s spring event for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai make an appearance✨ ✨From Saturday, December 20 through Sunday, January 25, 2026, for a limited time, guests who use the tea service at Sakai City Tea Room Shin-an can, if they wish, enjoy matcha served in the contemporary artists’ tea utensils used at Sakai’s spring event for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai✨ (You cannot choose the type of tea utensil, so look forward to a surprise ☺) While reminiscing about Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, savor authentic matcha served in these special tea utensils ☺ Tea service is available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM✨ One serving 500 yen (with dry confectionery) ☺ 🔍For details, search for “Daisen Park Area: Rediscover the Attractions of the Expo” https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/kanko/kohosakaievent/sinan.html...

📣 A program to rediscover the charms of the Expo will be held in the Daisen Park area!✨ At Daisen Park Japanese Garden, we will exhibit works that were displayed or sold at pavilions from 18 countries, including Japan, at the Osaka-Kansai Expo! In addition, contemporary artists’ tea utensils will be used at Sakai City Tea House Shin-an to serve tea in a standing-seated (ryurei) style! 📅 Event period: Saturday, December 20 – Sunday, January 25 🔍 For details, search “Rediscover the Charms of the Expo in the Daisen Park Area”! https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/.../kohosakaievent/sinan.html... https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/kanko/kohosakaievent/sinan.html...

This photo was also taken at Osaka Castle Park. I visited in the morning, and the contrast as dawn broke was beautiful.

Taken from Osaka Castle Park. I snapped the shutter as a crow flew through vivid ginkgo leaves, its black silhouette contrasting beautifully.

A photo taken on the grounds of Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. It's nice to look up at the vividly colored trees, but I thought the red maple still looked striking even after the leaves had fallen.

From Wednesday, December 17, receive an original postcard featuring a hot-air balloon and Shin-an at the Sakai City Tea Room, Shin-an. Starting Wednesday, December 17, when you enjoy a tea service at the Sakai City Tea Room, Shin-an, show the Osaka Sakai Balloon reservation QR code or a hot-air balloon ticket receipt and everyone will receive an original “Balloon and Shin-an” postcard. When you visit the Osaka Sakai Balloon hot-air balloon experience, take a relaxing break with a warm bowl of matcha at the Sakai City Tea Room, Shin-an, and pick up a charming postcard. Tea service is available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy an authentic bowl of matcha for 500 yen per serving (with dry confectionery).

I couldn't photograph the meteor shower, so I switched to capturing star trails.