Searching for Autumn in Gokase This time I’m sharing the fall foliage around Shirataki that I photographed just the other day🍁 To get straight to the point, the autumn colors are… not here😂! All we can do is gather the few red maple leaves scattered on the ground to create a touch of autumn😂 The maples along the slope from the parking lot to Shirataki (photos 2 and 3) have faded to a sparse yellow, so it doesn’t really feel like proper fall foliage😓 Well, they’re still pretty in their own way… but you really want to see maples in full red, right?😂 As you climb further toward Shirataki, there were even cherry blossoms blooming out of season🤣🌸 With the recent abnormal weather, the plants must be all confused💦 It’s raining today due to the typhoon (also strange for this season), but the forecast calls for clear skies from tomorrow, so let’s keep hoping the leaves will change more🙏🙏🙏 The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram is running “Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024,” so if you spot fall colors in Gokase, please enter and share your photos🍁📸 For details, see the pinned “Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024” post on the association’s Instagram profile🤗✨

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture "Kiyokawa ‘Aya’ Hoshouji in Autumn" Hoshouji sits in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history of more than 800 years. Known as "Aya no Hoshouji" or "Hoshouji in Autumn," it bursts into vivid color during the autumn leaves season. During the event period, the temple is lit up, and the enchanting atmosphere captivates visitors. Of course, it’s also beautiful during the daytime. [Event Period] Sunday, November 3, 2024–Sunday, November 10, 2024 Light-up: 17:30–21:00 [Location] Hoshouji (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa We will also post updates on foliage conditions on the Tourism Association’s Instagram. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

The 22nd Fukushima Festival Today, Sunday, October 27th, the Fukushima Festival took place at the Welfare Center 😆👏 As always, we worried about rain, but amazingly it turned out sunny and even hot 🫢 It seems the people of Gokase Town’s good deeds convinced the weather to hold off the rain 😆 As soon as the event ended, though, it started raining right on cue ☂️ (laughs) The venue featured a bazaar booth stocked with a wide variety of items, and everyone was seriously checking each table for bargains 👀💡 There was also an exhibition booth showcasing lovely works created by local residents, and a wax ball-making experience booth run by the G Music Group, offering a relaxed, enjoyable program 🤗 So many delicious stalls lined up that I couldn’t decide what to have for lunch 🤤💕 Wandering around while deciding was part of the fun, though 🤩 The stage program included singing, dancing, and shamisen performances — it was truly fulfilling 🥳 The performers on stage and the cheering audience created a warm, unified atmosphere in the hall 😌💕 There were several moments when I was so moved that tears welled up as I held the camera (in fact, they even fell) 😭✨ In addition to the Social Welfare Council members, local junior high student volunteers and students from Kyushu University of Health and Welfare helped with the event’s operation 😳👏 Thanks to the students’ cooperation, the event took on a friendly, bright atmosphere 🫶 With this “Fukushima Festival,” the town’s October events have come to an end 🥹 November also brings many events 🤩 Everyone, to fully enjoy the upcoming events, please take care to avoid injuries and look after your health 🙌❤️‍🔥

Searching for Autumn in Gokase While taking photos for foliage updates, I went looking for autumn in Gokase🍁 Today I visited Gion Shrine in Kuraoka and three locations at Josenji Temple⛩️✨ ...but the leaves hadn’t changed color at all😂 Perhaps the lingering summer heat damaged the leaves and the small temperature differences are to blame🤔 Some maple-type trees showed partial color, but on closer inspection most leaves were blackened and withered in places😣 The maples at Josenji looked relatively pretty, but only in a few high-up sections, so overall it still feels like it’s just getting started💡 Josenji’s bamboo fence was repaired and looks fresh and neat👏 You can’t help but want to see that restored bamboo fence paired with beautiful autumn colors😭 Let’s pray the foliage progresses from here and keep watching over it🙏🙏🙏 The "Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" event is also underway, so if you spot autumn colors in Gokase, please submit your photos🍁📸 For details, please see the pinned post titled "Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" 🤗✨

Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024 Yesterday, Sunday, October 20, following last week’s events, Gokase Winery held the "Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024" to celebrate the release on Saturday, October 19 of the 2024 vintage new wines 🍷🎉 Although the rain from the day before was gone and the sky cleared, it turned sharply cold from the morning, and as the name suggests the Wind Hall felt chilled by strong, cold breezes today 🥶💦 Still, the crowd warmed up with a lineup of lively, exciting stage programs 🤩✨ Taiko drumming, hula dance, singing, and a raffle… and the familiar Hikari hosted the event 💡 Her light, bright hosting energized the audience greatly 🥳 She was so busy she kept appearing on stage again and again 🤣🤣🤣 Food stalls offering pizza, sausages, Kitaura scallops (hiougi kai), and various sweets that paired well with the new wine filled the venue and kept everyone happy 🤤💕 The highlights were the sashimi servings of sakuramai kampachi and tuna 🐟🍴✨ Fresh sakuramai kampachi, alive that very morning, were filleted on site and served to attendees 😍 Sakuramai kampachi raised on nutrient-rich pomace—the leftover pressed grapes from winemaking at Gokase Winery—have no fishy odor and less of the greasy taste typical of farmed fish, making them especially delicious 🤤💡 Lines snaked through the venue for the kampachi and tuna 😳 I managed to grab some myself; it had no off-putting smell, a smooth, mellow texture, and was truly delicious 🥰 The finale featured the main guest, Reiwa’s Showa-era pop song young star Kokoro Umetani, on stage 🎤✨ Kokoro appeared in an outfit that matched the wine-themed atmosphere 🤩🍷 Despite her cute appearance, her powerful, glamorous voice stunned the audience 😳✨ Fans had come from afar, including from Saitama Prefecture, to support her 👏 With fans and townspeople together, the stage reached a spectacular peak of excitement 🎉🎉🎉 At last, the newly released Gokase wines are now available. Although the summer heat had raised concerns about the harvest, the tireless efforts of local grape growers paid off. They harvested higher-than-usual sugar levels and aroma, producing exceptionally fine grapes and very tasty wine 🥹👏 I haven’t had a chance to drink it yet, so I can’t wait to taste it 🍷✨ Everyone, please enjoy the season’s wines.

“Takaharu Mystery Puzzle” —The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings—” A puzzle-solving experience set in Ojibaru Park, Takaharamachi, starts next week on Saturday, October 5, 2024.♪ This content lets you immerse yourself in a story where Takaharamachi’s history and fantasy intersect.🙋‍♀️ People of all ages, from adults to children, can enjoy this experience! Take this chance to visit Takaharamachi! We look forward to welcoming many visitors! ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー Event Overview Event Title Takaharu Mystery Puzzle — The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings Event Period: Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Participation Fee: 500 yen (tax included) Puzzle Kit Sales Location: Okukirishima Kojyoharakoen Campground Management Office Recommended Age: 9 years and older (no age limit when accompanied by a parent) Estimated Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

Event announcement‼️ Be sure to check it out👀‼️ "Mountain Day Event" ‘Oujinooniwa’ ◯ Event Dates Sunday, November 3 Monday, November 4 (substitute holiday) It runs for two days! Location: Koushiobaru Park, Takaharacho Okukirishima Koushiobaru Hutte (former rest house) *Vendor event only on the 3rd. *The 4th is a mountain tour. November 3 We invite mountain-related vendors for sales, workshops, and body maintenance services. Under the title “Connecting Kirishima’s Walking Trails,” we will hold a talk show about mountaineering centered on Takaharacho and the Kyushu Nature Trail. A pleasant-sounding DJ will also perform at the venue♪ November 4 A trekking tour along the “Tenson Kourin no Michi” (the Path of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild). Guided by Mr. Ishikawa from Kirishima Geopark, participants will hear valuable stories about Kirishima, and at the summit enjoy a tasting and lesson on mountain coffee. After descending, you can soothe your tired body at Takahara’s hot springs. Although not listed on the flyer, there will also be a display of Toyota custom cars and some extra surprises. We will post more detailed information little by little, so keep checking for updates(^^) On November 3 and 4, come and visit the event ‘Oujinooniwa’ at Koushiobaru Park☆

[🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 🍁] Until Saturday, November 30! Of course, autumn too!! Instagram campaign 🥳✨ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of autumn leaves taken in Gokase town on Instagram with the two hashtags: #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 and #Date of shooting (example: #October 31).👍💕 During the campaign, one person will receive a local specialty product from Gokase town every day as a gift 🎁❗ Outstanding works will receive a gift set of Gokase town specialties as well 🤩👏 Submitted works will be introduced on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels as needed.🙇‍♀️ [Period] From Wednesday, October 16, 2024 to Saturday, November 30, 2024 ※Other terms and conditions are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. ※Please take care to avoid accidents when photographing. In particular, Shirataki is difficult to pass oncoming vehicles, and the road often has collapses and uplifts, so we do not recommend passage for those who are not confident driving or who do not want to risk damaging their vehicle. ------------------------------------------ Today I visited Unoko Falls, Yuhino Sato Bridge, and Gokase Gorge by car 🚗💨 From the Kuraoka area, it felt like Kuwanouchi and Sangasho areas had more advanced autumn colors.💡 The third photo is Unoko Falls that I took today! It looked like the leaves were just starting to change color. We will continue to update autumn foliage information on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, so please check them out.🤗 We look forward to many autumn leaf photos 🍁✨ Please send your entries enthusiastically—thank you 📸🙏

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungoono City [The 43rd Yujaku Autumn Leaf Festival] The Yujaku Autumn Leaf Festival takes place at Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors. During the festival, there will be illumination and local residents selling kusa-mochi (grass rice cakes) and other items. The leaves typically change color after November. [Period] Sunday, November 3, 2024 – Sunday, November 24, 2024 [Location] Yujaku Park (Kaminokozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) [Parking] Available Illuminations [Dates] Friday, November 8; Friday, November 15; Saturday, November 16; Sunday, November 17; Friday, November 22 Saturday, November 23 [Time] From sunset until 9:00 PM Yujaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami (Water Mirror) [Date and Time] Saturday, November 9, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM ※In case of rain, the performance will be postponed to the following day [Location] Special floating stage on the Shinji Pond at Yujaku Park For event inquiries (Mizukagami, foliage conditions, etc.) Bungoono City Hall Asaji Branch Phone: 0974-72-1111 We will also post foliage updates on the Tourist Association’s Instagram. --- Access to downtown Bungoono City --- Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture -------- On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing spots, local food, and accommodations in Bungoono City: Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile. --------

【October 13 — First Clear Sky in Seven Years!? Sunset Village Festa】 Yesterday, Sunday, October 13, the “Sunset Village Festa” took place at the Gokase Winery event square 🥳👏 Blessed with gloriously sunny weather that felt almost hot ☀️, the Sunset Village Festa had been plagued by rain for years, and this was the first time in seven years the event could be held in the square 😮❗ Vendors from neighboring Takachiho and Yamato towns joined in, and the venue was lively from the very start 🤗 On stage, familiar host “Dancing MC Nagisa Mama” led the program, which featured many acts—drums, dance, kagura, banba dance, practical karate, a performance by Gekidan Munno, a raffle interlude, and more—creating nonstop excitement 🤩💫 Nearby, a sweet potato digging experience ran alongside the festival, with children and adults getting happily muddy as they dug in 🍠✨ It felt like a true autumn event—take your harvest home and enjoy it deliciously 🤤💕 And of course, the headline guest MICA gave a live show that got everyone on their feet 🎤🌟 The crowd kept calling for encores—proof that everyone had a great time 🥳 MICA even said she’d love to come back 🎶 Everywhere you looked, the event was full of smiling faces—truly wonderful and so much fun 😆❤️‍🔥 More events are coming up, so let’s keep enjoying them to the fullest 🤩💪💕

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival “Okunchi” Today, Wednesday, October 9, the Gion Shrine in Kuraoka District held its autumn festival “Okunchi.”🤗 The light rain that fell until yesterday felt like a distant memory under a clear, delightful autumn sky.☀️ Gion-san’s power is truly amazing.👏✨ Even though the festival fell on a weekday this year, visitors from outside the prefecture and local children gathered from the start of the ceremony.😊 We were allowed into the main hall and were able to see the “Urayasu no Mai” dance.🥹 It was a beautiful dance that radiated tradition.✨ The Gion kagura also came with detailed explanations about how it differs from other kagura, which made it even more enjoyable.🤩 The Usu-daiko drum dance invited everyone, including the general public, to join in lively dancing, and the playful exchanges of the Yamaboshi question-and-answer skit added a comedic touch that made people chuckle.🤣 Traditional events can sometimes seem formal and stern, but this festival was anything but that—it was a truly entertaining celebration.💫 After the Usu-daiko dance there was a mochi-throwing event, and the festival concluded with a dedication of the Gion kagura, keeping the atmosphere lively from start to finish.🤗🎉

Japan Origin Site Festival‼️ About Matsuri Takahara 2024🎆 Date: 2024.10.20 (Sunday) Venue: Takaharacho General Sports Park ◎Japan Origin Site Festival 11:00–17:10 Stage Events 11:00–15:00 ⭐︎Shinonome Taiko Drums ⭐︎Karaoke Contest ⭐︎Preschoolers’ Stage Show ⭐︎Junior Chorus ⭐︎Speed Drinking Contest ⭐︎Raffle and more On-site Events 11:00–15:00 ⭐︎Calligraphy Performance ⭐︎Blood Donation ⭐︎New Sports Experience ⭐︎Inflatable Play Equipment ⭐︎Mobile Petting Zoo ⭐︎Working Vehicles Exhibition ⭐︎Miyazaki Beef Yakiniku ⭐︎Sports Corner ⚽️ In collaboration with Miyazaki Jingu Shrine 16:00–17:10 Matsuri Takahara 2024 Evening Stage Events 17:10–19:40 ⭐︎Junior High School Wind Ensemble ⭐︎Break Girls ⭐︎Hyuganokuni Eisa Drum Troupe Amaterasu Takahara’s Divine Dance (Sano Kagura) Fireworks Display 🎆 20:00–20:20 The exhibition of works will be displayed at the Town Gymnasium on the 19th and 20th, so please be sure to take a look‼️ The event is packed with activities! The program will be posted as soon as it is ready, so look forward to it♫ Also, there will be timed traffic restrictions around the venue; please check the flyer for event details and traffic regulation information‼️ #Miyazaki events #Miyazaki fireworks festival #Japan Origin Site Festival #Matsuri Takahara #Matsuri Takahara 2024 #Jimmu-sama #Jimmu-sama collaboration #Shishi-mai (lion dance) #Miko dance #Junior high collaboration #Fireworks Display🎆

A kagura festival in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. [The 37th Mount Ontake-style Kagura Tournament] Would you like to come and see the vigorous, splendid dances of kagura? [Date and Time] Sunday, October 27, 2024 — performances start at 8:30 AM (scheduled) [Venue] Kagura-no-Sato Nobaba Park (Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Parking] Available Please note that parking spaces near the venue are limited. On the day, a shuttle bus will run from JR Bungokiyokawa Station. [Shuttle Bus (free)] Round-trip service between JR Bungokiyokawa Station and the venue JR Bungokiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (with parking) → Nobaba Park [Performing Groups] Asakusa-ryu Saeda Kagura (Notsu, Usuki City) Shonaihara Kagura Preservation Society (Shonai, Yufu City) Nakae Iwato Kagura Preservation Society (Namino, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture) Ontake-ryu Yoshida Rigakusa (Yoshida, Taketa City) Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) [Admission] Please pay at the venue entrance on the day. 500 yen for junior high school students and older (unreserved seating) Please refrain from reserving spots in advance of the day. ■■■ About the Mount Ontake-style Kagura Tournament The Ontake kagura passed down in Kiyokawa is said to have begun in 1449, at the same time as the founding of Ontake Shrine. This tradition has been handed down for centuries, and kagura in this lineage spread through Ono, Naoiri, the southern part of the prefecture, and as far as the Aso region. In 2007 it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government. We launched the Mount Ontake-style Kagura Tournament in 1988 to reexamine this local culture of kagura born from Kiyokawa’s landscape and to promote regional revitalization through kagura. The tournament gathers traditional cultures from many areas into one event. Centered on Ontake kagura, the bold and brilliant dances, along with the splendid performances by the Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society that carry the Ontake tradition into the future, captivate many kagura fans. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ---------- You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website from the profile. ----------

Thursday, October 3 — G Class: Tea Pan-Frying Experience at Miyazaki Sabou🍵 Today, third graders from four elementary schools across Gokase Town gathered at Miyazaki Sabou for a G class✍️💡…so I was able to observe their visit👀✨ We had considered skipping the tea-picking experience because of light rain, but the kids’ energy cleared the sky enough for a short session, so we did a little picking👏👏👏 Chanting “one bud, two leaves!” everyone happily hand-picked tea leaves🌿 After that, the group split into three teams to do 1) a factory tour, 2) a pan-frying experience, and 3) a tasting session✍️✨ 1) The factory was full of first-time sights! Different tea aromas drifted through the air, and just watching the tour felt soothing🤤💕 When told that a single tea leaf can become green tea, oolong tea, or black tea, the kids gasped “Whaaaat!?” with perfect reactions😳💮💮💮 lol 2) The pan-frying experience stemmed from what they heard on the tour: machines roast leaves at 200–300°C, so the kids nervously asked, “Is it hot!?”🤣 But trying it turned out to be fun🤩 They watched, fascinated, as the leaves dried and released a pleasant aroma, commenting “I like this smell!” and “But it’s tiring~💦” while learning the pan-fried tea production process😊 3) They learned about types of tea utensils and how to use them, the ideal water temperature for brewing, and other tips for making tasty tea, then each brewed and tasted pan-fried tea themselves🍵✨ One child said it smelled like corn soup, which surprised me, but apparently pan-fried tea is often said to have a corn-like flavor😮💡 The children’s sensitivities never cease to amaze me👏 They compared four teas by taste and tried to identify which was pan-fried tea, oolong, hojicha, or black tea. Many struggled, confused by the familiar colors and aromas🤣 Did you know? Taiwanese and Gokase oolong teas are closer in color to green tea rather than brown😏✏️ At the end, during the Q&A, the children asked sharp questions to the producers and summarized what they had learned✍️💫 The kids experienced the full charm of Gokase’s pan-fried tea and felt the producers’ passion😌 I hope they take pride in this local specialty and help weave the future of Gokase Town✨

Inukai Stone Buddha (National Historic Site) The Inukai Stone Buddha stands in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The Inukai Stone Buddha is a rock-carved image sculpted into welded tuff from an Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago. Based on the style of the figure, it is estimated to have been created in the Kamakura period. Although it represents Fudo Myo-o, its gentle facial expression is striking. The knees appear to sit in a cross-legged position, yet the carving gives the impression of being viewed from above, which is an intriguing technique. The stone Buddha is protected by a shelter, and the cliff above the roof bears the inscription "Ryudenzan." On the cliff to the upper right of the shelter, the large inscription reads "Namu Daishi Henjo Kongo." 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 ---------- On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, and accommodations in Bungoono City⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from our profile. ----------

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Ara Odori" on Sunday, September 29 Ara Odori took place on Sunday, September 29 🐵💫 The sunny weather was almost hot and great for photos, but I imagine it was truly tough for everyone who spent the whole day dancing in costume. Well done to all of you 👏 I was amazed to see so many people each memorizing their roles, dances, and songs to perform a single dance together 😳✨ Elementary school students joined in and danced Ara Odori partway through, and it moved me to see this tradition being passed down to people of all ages 🥹 I heard that Ara Odori used to ban women long ago, but even as the form has changed with the times, I felt a strong community spirit to protect the tradition together 💪✨ Today, students from Gokase Junior High School, who hope to share more of Gokase Town’s charm and traditions and make the town more vibrant, spent the whole day filming the Ara Odori on video for us 📸💡 We should be able to share that video soon, so look forward to it 🤗💕

‘Ichii-gashi in the Interval’ An ichii-gashi (Quercus gilva) in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This great tree stands in the mountains of Kiyokawa-cho. It is a centuries-old giant. You find the giant ichii-gashi deep along the forest road that leads to Mount Ontake in Souchi, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. Its total height is 12 m, and its trunk circumference at chest height is 10 m. A hollow opens at the trunk’s center, and a small shrine stands inside. It is also designated as a Special Protected Tree by Oita Prefecture. Seeing it in person is an overwhelming experience. Turn left onto the forest road and drive about 500 m, then walk into the cedar woods on the right, cross a stream, and you will reach it in about two minutes. The site is little known and hard to find, so these photos should help convey its atmosphere. For more details, please contact the tourism association. Location: Souchi, Kiyokawa-cho

Nobeoka City Event Information ＼The season of Nobeoka’s suigo ayu-yana has arrived again this year!／ What is ayu-yana… Ayu-yana is a traditional fishing method that dams the river and creates an outlet in part of the flow, using the ayu’s instinct to swim downstream to spawn to guide them into a catch trap called otesu. While yana fishing is found across Japan, the Nobeoka Suigo Ayu-Yana stands out for its grand scale—constructed in spots where the river exceeds 100 meters in width—and for being set up close to the city center, a rarity elsewhere. On the Ose River, dining huts associated with the ayu-yana open, so you can enjoy a full course of freshly caught ayu—salt-grilled, miso-grilled, and more—while taking in the otherworldly scenery right before you. The sight of ayu being grilled on the riverbank has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Fragrant Landscapes, and it is the only site in Miyazaki Prefecture to receive this recognition. Each year a pier is laid out so visitors can walk out toward the center of the river, offering a chance to see ayu fall into the otesu up close. 👀✨ Please come and visit us!

September 23 (Mon) Red spider lilies announcing the start of autumn 🍁 Hello everyone 🤗! Gokase Town had an intense thunderstorm yesterday ⛈️, and today dawned bright and clear with a refreshing breeze 😌☀️! The atmosphere has completely shifted to autumn 🍁 — it feels so pleasant… ✨ Along the roadside in Gokase Town, as autumn approaches, you can sometimes spot striking red flowers 👀 — red spider lilies ☺️💡 So today I photographed the red spider lilies blooming near Yuuhi-no-Sato Ohashi bridge in the Kuwanochi area 📸💫 As their name suggests, red spider lilies reach their peak around the equinoctial week and are known as flowers that announce the start of autumn; they are also called lycoris or manjusha-ge 🤔 Their vivid red color and distinctive shape really catch the eye 👏 When I was shooting, various swallowtail butterflies swirled around them, creating an incredibly beautiful scene 🥹✨ Because their bulbs are poisonous, people have long planted them around rice paddies, fields, and graves to deter moles, so they carry a traditional Japanese charm that stirs nostalgic feelings when you look at them 😌… Spring and autumn especially bring out the beauty of plants — they are wonderful seasons 🍁. Let’s continue enjoying Japan’s four seasons 🤩✨

CAMP at Kijiya on Wednesday, September 18th⛺ I tried a CAMP experience at Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya🔥 We planned to start while it was still light, but the sun set early and we began at dusk🌆 Still, we had a lively barbecue with everyone while watching the sunset from Kijiya on the hilltop🥩 The autumn night breeze felt pleasant and there were fewer bugs, so this season is perfect for camping💡 Come and try camping at Kijiya—it's highly recommended✨

[Friday, September 13] Unoko Falls Today I visited the viewing platform at Unoko Falls. The waterfall had a strong flow today, and it looked impressive from the platform. Mt. Aso was clearly visible from the winery.

Pumpkin Contest A pumpkin contest will be held at Koushiobaru Park (Jinmu no Yakata)! What is the Pumpkin Contest?? This year marks the 18th Pumpkin Contest! For those who remember, it used to take place around the same time as the Higanbana Festival! Around June, the Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry distributes seedlings (four varieties) to people who will grow them! In September, pumpkins are delivered for inspection and judging (about 800 each year). From Sunday, September 22 to Monday, September 23 (a national holiday), a display and sale will be held at Koushiobaru Park! ---+---Admission to the pumpkin exhibition is free---+--- In the past, pumpkins over 80 kg have appeared, and we’re excited to see what kinds of pumpkins come this year! (*'▽') ---+---Edible pumpkins are available in addition to ornamental pumpkins---+--- We will also have edible varieties such as Fukuebisu, Butternut, and Colinky, so please buy them if you want to enjoy tasty pumpkins! ---+---Works by calligrapher Non-chan---+--- You can also purchase works by calligrapher Non-chan, known from Noyasobi Shima Shoya, on the day! They’re perfect as entrance decorations or gifts— you might find a wonderful piece!! Check the atmosphere in past photos! ---+---Contact---+--- Venue: Koushiobaru Park, 3-251 Kamamuta, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture Display and sales: 9:00–16:00 Contact: Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry 0984-42-4560

Mt. Ontake (Ondake) Mt. Ontake stands in Kiyokawamura, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Mt. Ontake rises to 568 meters. From the summit you get a superb view that takes in the whole Bungoono area. From the top you can see Mt. Kabeyama, Mt. Aso, the Kuju mountain range, and the Ono mountain area. The summit’s rocks are chart—a sedimentary rock formed from compacted plankton on the Pacific seafloor—that were swept onto the Japanese archipelago by plate movements. Passing through the torii and climbing a gentle stone stairway for about 10 minutes brings you to Mitake Shrine, said to have been founded in 1449, and the birthplace of Mitake Kagura. The rocky hill behind the shrine is called Sennodake and is regarded as a sacred place. When climbing Sennodake, enter with a feeling of gratitude and take great care with your footing, as the route remains rocky. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ---------- On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇✨ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us 😊 A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from our profile. ----------

Ojibarako Park Spider Lilies in Bloom! There’s also an event announcement! (*'▽') At Ojibarako Park in Takaharacho, Miyazaki Prefecture, the spider lilies are now in bloom and at their best (*'▽') Legend says the first Emperor Jimmu was born and raised here, and the site is linked to the myths of Izanami and Izanagi and the story of the birth of the land. It’s about a 13-minute drive from Takahara IC and about a 10-minute drive from Takahara Station. The park has cottages on site! You can enjoy BBQs too! There are child-friendly facilities such as rainbow trout fishing, go-karts, and a wood-learning area, so kids can have fun❕ Besides the spider lilies, Ojibarako Park offers seasonal autumn foliage to enjoy throughout the year! Photos are from past seasons!! ★Event★ The 18th Pumpkin Contest will be held! Sunday–Monday, September 22–23, Reiwa 6 (2024), 9:00–16:00 Venue: Ojibarako Park (Jimmu no Yakata) Pumpkins will be available for purchase on site♪♪ Every year about 500–800 pumpkins are displayed at Ojibarako Park! You’ll see edible pumpkins and some unusually shaped varieties, and this year you might even spot a pumpkin over 100 kg!? Takaharacho’s calligrapher “Non-chan” will also sell cute brush-written pumpkins. They make nice decorations for entryways or gifts... Please come and join us (*'▽') You can find Non-chan the calligrapher’s homepage by searching online, so be sure to check it out❕

Introducing Isanoura Park in Isanoura, Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture. The park sits on the shore of Isanoura Dam Lake. It offers cottages and bungalows for overnight stays, and a campsite with a free-site area for camping. ■Accommodations require reservations; camping requires reservations and is limited to 30 groups per day. ■Meals are not provided. There is also a 5.2-kilometer cycling road that circles the dam lake, bicycle rentals (1 hour: adults 400 yen, children 300 yen), and boat rentals (from 30 minutes, 880 yen). Come and enjoy autumn in Saikai City, surrounded by nature.

Koishi, Asakura District, Fukuoka Prefecture Haramura Located in It is a terraced rice field. Refreshing blue sky, clouds, and rice terraces in midsummer It was beautiful with an idyllic Rural Scenery. 😄✨✨✨

Sugao Magaibutsu Sugao Magaibutsu is located in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Sugao Magaibutsu consists of five cliff-carved Buddha images created in the late Heian period. They are carved into welded tuff from an Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years old. The carvings are so beautifully and skillfully executed that they compare favorably with wooden Buddhist statues from Kyoto and Nara, and they are designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. They are among the most representative magaibutsu in Bungoono City. Access to Sugao Magaibutsu involves steep stone steps and slopes. Please take great care with your footing. Location: Asase, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture About a 12-minute drive from JR mie town station (7–8 km) Cultural Property: Nationally designated Important Cultural Property ■■■ Magaibutsu of Bungoono City Magaibutsu are stone Buddha images carved directly into cliffs. Bungoono City has an exceptionally large number of magaibutsu even by national standards. Many of these were carved into welded tuff formed by cooled pyroclastic flows; carvers selected relatively easy-to-work sections without columnar joints. ■■■ Bungoono City Tourist Association The Bungoono City Tourist Association shares information on the city’s attractions and scenic spots. We would be delighted if you follow us. On other social channels we also post information on food, accommodations, and events. For details, please visit the Bungoono City Tourist Association website (link in profile).

Harajiri Falls Harajiri Falls is one of Bungoono City’s signature sights in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This fall spans 120 m and drops about 20 m, and unlike most waterfalls it lies on flat ground rather than in a mountain valley. It’s easy to visit because it sits right next to Roadside Station Harajiri no Taki. The waterfall formed as river water slowly eroded columnar jointing created by pyroclastic flows over many years. The road above the falls serves as a local residential route, and it’s interesting to see cars, pedestrians, and even the occasional tractor pass by. A promenade and suspension bridge around the falls let you enjoy views from various angles, and you can sometimes see a rainbow depending on the viewpoint. Location: 936-1 Harajiri, Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Roadside Station Harajiri no Taki)

Harajiri Falls Harajiri Falls, located in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, is one of Bungoono City’s signature tourist attractions.