[Stargazing Photography Workshop Held on November 24] Aiming to introduce the beauty of Minamimaki Village’s night sky to local residents, we held a village-residents-only stargazing photography workshop on Monday, November 24 at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan NOBEYAMA. Thanks to photographer Teruyasu Kitayama’s instruction on shooting techniques and the generous loan of a high-performance camera from OM Digital Solutions Corporation, even an amateur like me was able to take beautiful night-sky photos. The air is clear and it’s a perfect season for astrophotography, but Minamimaki Village’s cold is in a league of its own—please come warmly dressed.

Yusaku Park autumn leaves ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 25, 2025 Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. The maple leaves around Shinji Pond are just past their peak. Areas farther from the pond are further along in their color change, offering a lovely mix of green, yellow, and red leaves. Fallen leaves have increased with the wind. Some spots still show beautiful foliage, while others have many fallen leaves. We will update the foliage status as it changes. The 2025 Yusaku Park light-up has ended. Location: Yusaku Park (Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: available ■■■ Access from central Bungoono City from places such as Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Pinecone Trees Snow has begun to fall. Winter is the season when those who spent their time tending gardens and fields take a breather. But rather than simply drifting along and taking it easy, some people pour their energy into projects they can do indoors when outdoor work isn’t possible. They belong to a group called the Pinecone Circle. On the second floor of Soumukan Hall, a space open to villagers for crafting, colorful pinecones were lined up on the tables. Each pinecone is carefully decorated one by one with chenille stems, ribbons, tiny snowman figures, and very small pearls. Until about twenty years ago, the group was called One Two Three, and they performed puppet theater around the village for the children of members. When the children grew up, the puppet shows came to a close, but the crafting that began as a way to raise activity funds has continued to this day. Their seasonal pinecone pieces come in three themes: Christmas, Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Doll Festival), and carp streamers. Pinecones fall all over the village in autumn. What many people merely pass by, these crafters see as “something that might be useful” and find ways to transform it into something that will make someone happy. Their creativity and passion for making things never fail to impress. Christmas trees are sold for 500 yen each at Roadside Station Kamu, Hotel Shinmu, and Komu – Forest Art Museum. Pinecones come in six colors: brown, gold, silver, purple, blue, and green. Each one features different decorations, so take a close look and enjoy their charm. We hope you find a pinecone you love. 🎄🎄🎄 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Pinecone Circle #One Two Three #Christmas tree #Christmas #Winter #Craftsmanship

Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City | New Bakery News 🥖✨ Wakey Wakey Bakery, which just opened on Friday, October 17, 2025, is now featured on the Shobara Tourism Navi website! See spot details here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/5379... The shop name comes from the English word “Wakey,” meaning wake-up and used like a cheerful call to small children. It reflects the owner Rina Nagai’s personal touch—she studied abroad at a university in the State of California. Her wish is simple: to make bread that people want to eat as soon as they wake up, comforting and part of everyday life. The breads on offer use Rina’s original recipes, refined with techniques she learned while working at a bakery in the United States to bring out each item’s flavor. The most popular items are two character breads inspired by a Shiba Inu: Shiba-san (custard) and Nikukyuu Punch (chocolate). Inspired by childhood visits to bakeries with her parents, where character breads captured her imagination, she wanted to create breads that excite children. Basic Information Phone TEL 080-6068-0187 Address 1-1294-8 Nakahommachi, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking Available 1 space near the shop (No.7) Closed Monday; Wednesday to Thursday; Saturday to Sunday Hours Tuesday and Friday 10:00 until sold out

At Showa Kinen Park on the middle day of a three-day holiday to see the autumn light-up. More than the ginkgo-lined avenue lit by countless lights, my eyes kept drifting to the crowds writhing beneath the leaves... What did I even come to see? I captured that confusion using a prism filter combined with a Kenko Black Mist No.5 lens. Camera: Lumix DC-GH6 LEICA FG50-200mm Focal length 50mm Shutter speed 1/3 sec Aperture f4 ISO 500

I photographed the World Cultural Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, capturing the Nakahechi course dyed in autumn colors at Toganoki Chaya and Hosshinmon. Bright autumn leaves on sunny days are of course beautiful, but I also love the calm, mellow scenery on rainy days.

Photographed on November 23, 2025. This is a black latte from LEC COFFEE. It features beautiful latte art. 😊

Monet's Pond in Hyogo🍁 Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, it has become this beautiful. Thank you 😊

Photographed in the Japanese garden area of a large public park in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. I felt a strong sense of autumn in Japan from the fall colors and the Japanese garden.

A little over a year since I took delivery of the car. I couldn't take photos with the autumn leaves last year so this year my wish came true🍁 I couldn't put the top down in summer because it was too hot but the weather turned just right for an open-top drive after a long time On a drive, I stopped by Kiminomori Metasequoia Trees in Oamishirasato City The white Copen and the orange-lined trees matched perfectly, giving a full autumn vibe✨

November 24th The western sky over Azumino is turning red The Northern Alps suddenly lit up with sunset colors The weather is expected to worsen from tomorrow

I went to see Wakayama Castle. The castle itself is a reconstruction after the original was destroyed almost a hundred years ago, but the real treasure is the Nishi-no-Maru garden. The fall colors were really vibrant, and were reflected on the pond. The peaceful atmosphere made it hard to believe that the castle grounds were surrounded by a city! Since its free for viewing, you can't beat the value. If I am ever in the area again, I want to see what it looks like in other seasons as well.

November 23rd On the middle day of the three-day holiday in Azumino It looks like we'll be blessed with wonderful weather!! You can clearly see the Northern Alps

I aimed to take a photo that makes you feel the autumn breeze.

Photographed on November 23, 2025. This is LEC COFFEE's quiche plate. It includes a spinach, onion and bacon quiche, a salad with house-made ham, daikon (Japanese radish) potage, and bread. The daikon potage warms the body. 😊

At a shrine I happened upon, the orange sunset and the crimson autumn leaves made a striking impression on me.

A soft field of Japanese pampas grass sways gently in a park of Saitama, in the background autumn trees glowing in warm orange hues. A serene moment capturing the quiet beauty of Japanese fall. Location: Wako jurin park, Saitama

Date taken: November 22 Location: Momiji Garden (Momiji-en) at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto Prefecture I came to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine because the plum wine festival was taking place. The red maple leaves framed Uguisubashi Bridge, creating an especially striking scene. Also, I noticed something at a glance while posting: the photo was taken on what happens to be “Good Couple Day.” Could it be a coincidence that the man and woman who unintentionally ended up in the picture are framed by the autumn leaves?

This is Yokohama Landmark Tower in Yokohama Minato Mirai. (Around JR Sakuragichō Station, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

The season for clear stargazing has arrived. The Orion constellation and the Winter Triangle, both iconic winter sights, stood out. Nearby, Taurus, Gemini, and the Pleiades were also visible.

Photographed on November 23, 2025. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine niiname-sai (harvest thanksgiving festival), I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a gingerbread latte and a sweet potato malasada.

A frosty morning Is this the remains of a ranch? I greeted the sunrise at an abandoned farmhouse with a silo. Most of the fields have been harvested and soon snow will be piling up.

It was a little misty and had a pleasantly moist atmosphere. Shot on iPHONE OidaDaira Park, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Saturday, November 11, 2025

At Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato, we came for a family stroll 🚶‍♀️ Here’s a photo of my son being held by his mom as he soaks in the feeling of autumn ☺️

I came to Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato for a family walk 🚶‍♂️➡️🐶 This photo shows my son holding our dog’s leash 😍 I’m excitedly imagining the day he grows up and the two of them are walking together 😆

I came to Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato for a family walk 🚶‍♂️‍➡️🐶 This is a photo of my dog Koromo sitting calmly on the autumn leaves 🍁 (She’s looking at a treat 🤭)

About one month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, spend them with special people in a special place. At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we are preparing with sincere care to offer moments that gently let your heart unwind. This winter, please join us in creating unforgettable moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ Christmas is just around the corner. 🎄✨ Special moments deserve special people and a special place. At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we prepare each day with heartfelt care to offer you a warm and relaxing experience that gently melts your heart. This winter, let’s create unforgettable moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ Less than a month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, be with special people in a special place. Kushiro Prince Hotel prepares with sincerity and care, hoping to present you with a peaceful, relaxing time. This winter, we warmly invite you to share unforgettable moments with us. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ There’s less than a month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, be with special people in a special place. Kushiro Prince Hotel is preparing with wholehearted care so that guests’ hearts can gently relax. This winter, join us for precious moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/informations/gaido2025/...

This is the Hiwatari Festival at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Today I attended the Niiname-sai harvest festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I returned to give thanks because my wish came true.