"Mindfulness Tourism" will be held at Kikuchi Gorge. It is a fusion experience of mindfulness walking with a tea gathering or breakfast. This is a one-of-a-kind meditation experience held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. "Listen, walk, taste"—cleanse your mind and body through all five senses. Enjoy a luxurious moment of quiet tea drinking, wrapped in the murmuring sounds of the clear stream. Savor a breakfast that dialoguess with nature in an extraordinary setting. Spend a special time sharpening your five senses while feeling the breath of nature. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat designed to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■Saturday, November 1, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering" A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The tea gathering will use water from Kikuchi Gorge. It is a special experience where you can enjoy delicious tea. ■Sunday, November 2, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering" Enjoy breakfast in the crisp morning air while feeling connected to nature. We use water from Kikuchi Gorge and serve rice cooked in an earthenware pot along with dishes made generously from ingredients sourced in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

Announcing the Tomioka Castle Festival on the radio! We will promote the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary: 9th Tomioka Castle Festival,” held on Sunday, October 26, on FM Kumamoto’s program “Ii Tabi Kumamoto Tourism School.” 📻 The broadcast airs on Thursday, October 23, from 18:08, so please tune in. 👂 Also, be sure to check the quoted post below for more on the castle festival. 👀‼️

Kiyokawa “Aya” Hōshōji in Autumn ❚ Held November 8–15, 2025 Hōshōji in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, will feature a light-up display. Hōshōji is a venerable temple with over 800 years of history. Known as “Aya no Hōshōji” or “Hōshōji in Autumn,” the temple erupts in vivid colors during the maple season. During the event, local residents will illuminate the temple, enchanting visitors with a dreamlike atmosphere. [Event Period] Saturday, November 8–Saturday, November 15, 2025 ▶ Lights on from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (scheduled) [Location] Hōshōji (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa Town, Bungoono City) ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase On Sunday, October 12, the 27th Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase took place under clear skies at Gokase Winery Event Square. 🌞 An opening drum performance instantly raised the festival mood, and the Dange-nana Dance by Kamikumi Elementary School and the Dan-shichi Odori Preservation Group united the crowd. ✨ Dance and hula routines had many people spontaneously joining in. ✨ Kainina’s song choices hit the perfect notes, and they got so into the music they paid little attention to the cameras. 🎶 At the Aju Girls’ stage, fans crowded the front to take photos. 📷 Momashi Five brought their signature presence, involving the whole audience and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. 😆 In the on-site fields visitors enjoyed a sweet potato digging experience; many left with sacks full of piping-hot sweet potatoes. 🍠 The main guests, the Toshiki Abe Life Memory Project, played melodies that perfectly matched the venue’s evening atmosphere as dusk approached. 😍 The finale featured kagura ritual music from Kotono Shrine. 👹 A roaming lion dance through the venue drew screams and laughter from different corners. 😅 Many people also joined the final mochi-throwing. 😊 We were treated to the beautiful sunset that inspired the name Sunset Village, making it another delightful day this year. ✨

The 44th Yusaku Tourism Autumn Leaves Festival ❚ Held from November 3 to 24, 2025 Why not visit Bungo-Ono this autumn? The Yusaku Tourism Autumn Leaves Festival takes place at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. Enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage. During the festival, there will be light-ups, a night kagura (Shinto dance) event, and sales of kusa-mochi and other treats. [Period] Saturday, November 3, 2025 (national holiday) to Monday, November 24, 2025 (national holiday) [Location] Yusaku Park (Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) [Parking] Available ■ Light-up [Dates] November 7 (Fri), 8 (Sat), 14 (Fri), 16 (Sun), 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun) [Time] From sunset until 9:00 PM ■ Yusaku Night Kagura — Suikyō (Water Mirror) [Date and Time] Saturday, November 15, 2025, 3:45 PM–8:00 PM ※In case of rain, postponed to the following day [Location] Special floating stage on the Shinji Pond at Yusaku Park 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu — Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251014event-asaji/...

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival "Okunchi Festival" On October 9th, the Gion Shrine autumn festival "Okunchi Festival" took place in Kuraoka ⛩ It was held under a clear, slightly warm sky 🌞 Traditional performing arts were presented, including a kagura dedication, the Usu-daiko drum dance, and yamabushi dialogue rituals ✨ The Usu-daiko drum dance welcomed walk-in participants, and many people joined in 😊 Watching participants from inside and outside the prefecture join local residents to form a circle and perform the same dance is moving every time I experience it 😭 And this year saw the revival of the "Negai-kake Kagura" (wish-offering kagura) 👹 The powerful yet solemn dance, carrying on the original custom called the "Festival of Wish Fulfillment," stirred my heart 💖 Having kagura performed to make a wish is such a wonderful tradition ✨ Everyone, please come to Gokase’s autumn festival next year! Walk-in participation is very welcome 🙌

Notice of Suspension of Waterfall Flow at Shinda Falls The flow at Shinda Falls in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture will be stopped due to construction work. Please be aware of this when planning travel or tours. [Period of Flow Suspension] Late October 2025 to late January 2026 *The suspension period may change depending on rainfall and work progress. [Location] Yata, Ono-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Reihoku Sunset Marche — October Announcement📣 We are pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche will take place in October♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ Freshly harvested rice from the 2025 crop (late-harvest rice and sun-dried rice) will be offered at bargain prices! Just-picked lettuce and zucchini will also be available 🥬 In addition to produce, prepared foods will be on sale too ❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ [Planned Produce for Sale] ・Okra (white okra) ・Cucumbers ・Water spinach (kangkong) ・Rice (new crop, late-harvest rice, sun-dried rice) ・Extra-early mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Jumbo peanuts ・Zucchini ・Banana peppers ・Bell peppers ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, October 12 — 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM [Venue] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association ※ Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

[Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Kicks Off Today!] The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will run for five days from Thursday, October 9 through Monday, October 13 (a national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. For photos of preparations and the new works being readied for the tour, please see our past posts from visits to each kiln. The forecast looks favorable for those five days, with plenty of sunshine expected. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the coastal scenery of the Amakusa West Coast 🌊🌅. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour] Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 • A stamp rally with a chance to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

#017 Tsunocho has about 50 eateries and confectionery shops. This is the fourth installment of our gourmet series! We introduce a beloved ramen shop that could rightly be called the face of Tsunocho. – Falling for a painstakingly perfected flavor – Homemade Noodles En Ramen (En Ramen) En Ramen sits in the Mikazukibaru area of Tsunocho, very close to the previously featured Hidenoya Udon. In Kyushu, where tonkotsu culture runs deep, you can enjoy authentic shoyu ramen here, and these days people come not only from around town but from other prefectures just to eat it. They offer toppings like miso, salt, and a local Tsuno-style tomato ramen, but the signature and most popular dish at En Ramen is shina-soba shoyu. What is shina-soba? I didn’t know at first either. It makes you wonder—why call it soba at a ramen shop? In fact, shina-soba is an old name for ramen. In the Kanto region, people use shina-soba to refer to a light, clear shoyu ramen. When the owner lived in Kanto, he was so surprised by the deliciousness of shina-soba that, when creating his own menu, he deliberately named the dish shina-soba rather than calling it shoyu ramen. I’ve tried their shina-soba myself and all I can say is, “Tege, umai!” — it’s incredibly tasty. That’s no accident: the owner focuses strongly on the aftertaste, and preparation sometimes starts as early as 4 or 5 a.m. It’s astonishing. Also, they use no chemical seasonings at all and take great care with the noodles, broth, toppings, and even the chopsticks, pursuing the natural flavors of their ingredients. If you visit Tsunocho, En Ramen is well worth a stop. You might find yourself hooked on their ramen before you know it. Homemade Noodles En Ramen Hours: 11:30–13:30 ※Because of the limited hours, you may need to wait in line. Closed: Every Sunday and national holidays (occasional temporary closures) Parking: 20 spaces ☎ 0983-25-2788 Instagram ⇒ @enramen.tsuno_yome

Izayoi 🌕 October 6 was the harvest moon, and October 7 was izayoi (the sixteenth night) 🌕 I just learned that “十六夜” can be read as “izayoi” 😲 It’s my first time knowing that 😅 On both nights the bright moon lit up the sky😍 These photos were taken on the night of the 7th 📷 You can see my trials to capture the moon’s surface in shots four and five 😅 I stitched together moments between clouds and kept adjusting the camera, and somehow managed to take a beautiful shot 😆 Can you see the rabbit? 🐇 Maybe my camera skills have improved just a little bit 😂

[Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche Opening Celebration 🎊] The "Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche," which drew more than 200 visitors when it was held in July, will return to Reihoku Tourist Information Center on Sunday, October 19th 😍 You can enjoy not only healing treatments but also delicious food from kitchen trucks, so please take this opportunity to visit♪ For details about each vendor, check the event notices on CROSSLINK’s (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025 or the website linked in our profile 📝 Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche] [Period] Sunday, October 19th 10:00 AM–4:00 PM [Venue] Reihoku Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsu-Fukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) *A stamp rally is also planned 📃 [Contact] CROSSLINK (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 06 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and special discount sales will take place, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. 🌊🌅 (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate. 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Heading south along the Amakusa West Coast brings you to the Takahama area. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is a kiln that forms part of the Ueda family’s history; the Ueda family served for generations as village headmen in this area. In the Meiji era, grape cultivation thrived in the Takahama district, and the area became widely known for “Takahama grapes.” The town was once described as being covered in vines. Though grape growing faced extinction at one point, the local promotion association’s efforts revived it, and you can now see grape trellises across the region. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is well known for its mirumon (seaweed motif), but the kiln’s painted grape designs also keep Takahama’s history alive. By the time the Autumn Kiln Tour takes place, the grape harvest will already be over, but it is delightful to reflect on the area’s past while admiring the grape motifs on the pottery. From Thursday, October 9 to Sunday, October 12 during the event, Ueda Family House, adjacent to Juho-gama, will host a workshop by illustrator Yoko Koda, along with food and craft stalls. Please see the posted images for details. 📍Takahama-yaki Juho-gama 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate.) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※A digital stamp rally linked to the Kumamoto Health Points program 📱 ※A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Early autumn in Gokase 🌾 Mornings and evenings have turned quite cool — actually almost cold at times 😂 The rice fields are golden and harvest has begun; you can see rice hung out to dry in places 😊 Spider lilies seem past their peak, but cosmos flowers were blooming everywhere 🌸 When I visited the cotton fields in Kuraoka, the fluffy cotton bolls had burst open 😍 I enjoyed the pleasant autumn breeze and felt the season of harvest 😆

Ennaido View The view called "Ennaido View" can be seen from Roadside Station Mie in Miecho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The sunset here is also very beautiful. At this time of year, the setting sun, the sun, and the Onogawa River align almost in a straight line, creating a path of light on the river and producing a magical atmosphere. ▶Photograph taken／Around 17:45 on October 1, 2025 ▶Location／Roadside Station Mie (2791-1 Miyano, Miecho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) About a 30-minute drive from Oita Mera IC ■■■Access to downtown 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Introducing participating kilns / 05 Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th to Monday, October 13th (holiday), using six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City as venues 😊 During the event you can see new works on display and buy items at discounted prices, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Odatoko lies south along the Amakusa West Coast at the point where the road bends toward the sea. Perched to overlook a calm shoreline popular with divers and kayakers, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln stands here. Previously known and loved as Amakusa Karatsu Jurō Kiln, it has reverted this autumn to its former name, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln. The exhibition room displays pottery reflecting the distinct personalities of the married couple. Mr. Kameyama Go trained in Karatsu, famed for Karatsu ware, while his wife, Sanae Kameyama, studied ceramics at the pottery college in Arita. Even within Saga Prefecture, Karatsu and Arita ceramics differ greatly in materials and characteristics — clay or stone, pottery or porcelain. Mr. Go’s pieces attract the eye with striking forms and tranquil, nature-like patterns woven from clay and glazes. The lines on his pottery, reminiscent of classical Karatsu motifs, embody a ‘‘beauty of subtraction.’’ Ms. Sanae uses a blue pigment called gosu to paint modern, expressive designs by underglaze before applying glaze. Her work carries a warm charm that brings a smile to the viewer’s face. Although they work with opposite materials, the couple’s distinct styles complement each other. These works arise precisely because Amakusa offers both types of materials. The exhibition room, filled with vessels nurtured by Amakusa’s nature, radiates an unexpectedly rich harmony. Please pick them up and savor their world. 📍Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2802 TEL: 090-5081-1316 🗺️ The back of this year’s kiln tour flyer has been renewed! Based on the Amakusa West Coast map illustrated by Sanae, please head out and enjoy the kiln tour by car 🚗 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rally events will take place simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from the kilns you visit (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The 33rd Bungoono City Amateur Art Exhibition An amateur art exhibition is being held at the Fumio Asakura Memorial Museum in Asaji, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The show displays works by art enthusiasts aged high school and above who live in the prefecture and enjoy art as a hobby, either individually or in circles. In addition to prize-winning pieces, all submitted works are on display at the venue, so please take a look. [Period] Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Sunday, October 19, 2025 [Venue] Fumio Asakura Memorial Cultural Hall (Asaji, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Opening Hours] 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) *On October 19, open until 12:00 [Closed] Mondays (when Monday is a public holiday, closed the next weekday) [Admission] Adults 200 yen, elementary/middle/high school students free *Free for visitors to the Fumio Asakura Memorial Museum *Free for people with physical disability certificates, rehabilitation certificates, or mental disability health and welfare certificates and one caregiver each [Organizer] Bungoono City (Fumio Asakura Memorial Museum) [Inquiries] Fumio Asakura Memorial Museum (direct) 0974-72-1300 ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungoono-shi), Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251001event-asaji/...

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 04 Unshū Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus special discounted sales. Take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kilns / Unshū Kiln sits in a small seaside settlement where you can hear the surf, roughly halfway along the road that leads to the Tomioka Peninsula in Reihoku. One late-summer day I visited the kiln owner, Ms. Miyoshi, a friendly person who always carries a light, cheerful air. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, alongside Unshū Kiln’s staple vessels, you will see works using the vivid red cinnabar (shinsa) pigment, a color believed since the Jomon Period to ward off evil. Also noteworthy are charming pieces inspired by Amakusa sea urchins. They appeared a few years ago and have returned for this Autumn Kiln Tour after a long absence. During the exhibition the kiln will sell succulents including cacti, and offer painting-on-ware experiences. Please drop by—unexpected encounters and discoveries await you. 📍Unshū Kiln 2829 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2507 TEL: 080-5254-7915 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Goyama Kame Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto health points📱 • A prize-entry stamp rally to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln📃) For inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The 3rd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop was held🎊 On September 25, the third workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route that turns literary spots and heritage in Reihoku Town into new tourist resources, allowing visitors to enjoy the “Literary Treasures of Reihoku.”✨ This third session focused on taking a deeper look at writers connected to Reihoku Town. Participants researched as if they were actually guiding tours and presented their findings to one another. Each participant’s guide showed a unique personality, making for an absorbing time.👏 The final, fourth workshop is planned for late October to early November♪ We will hold a fun workshop to exchange opinions based on the walking route proposals and guide manual developed from previous workshops, so please join us.👀 *We plan to open applications on our website in early October.* We also welcome ideas and insider tips for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please take the survey in the notices section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Ogata) ☎0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal 2025.*

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “Ara Odori” Ara Odori was offered on September 28th 🐵 Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this Ara Odori captivates viewers with vivid costumes and powerful dance 👀✨ This year the event took place indoors because of rain, which concentrated the excitement! 🔥 The audience was closer to the performance, creating an even more immersive experience 👍 Supporting this tradition is the future of the community ✨ Alongside local adults, children from Sakamoto Elementary performed with serious expressions as they carry the dance forward, earning big applause 👏

[Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary WEB Photo Contest 🎊] To coincide with the “9th Tomioka Castle Festival” on Sunday, October 26, Reihoku Town will hold a WEB Photo Contest celebrating the 70th anniversary of the town’s incorporation📸 This year marks the 70th year since Reihoku Town was founded. Under the theme “The Charms of Reihoku Town,” we are seeking photos that capture the town’s appeal — abundant nature, local dishes and specialties, historic buildings, everyday life, people’s smiles, and more! Photos taken since January of this year are eligible, so pictures from the Reihoku Jatto Festival or the Tomioka Castle Festival are welcome. Smartphone photos are fine! Capture a scene that moved you and submit it! Cash prizes are available👀! 📸[Open Category] High school students and older Grand Prize (1): 10,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Special Prize (2): 3,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Runner-up Special Prizes (up to 4): Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen 📸[Junior Category] Elementary and junior high school students Grand Prize (1): 5,000-yen book voucher; Special Prize (2): 3,000-yen book voucher 📸[Eligible Photos] Photos taken from January 2025 through the Tomioka Castle Festival day on October 26, 2025 📸[Submission Deadline] Tuesday, November 11, 2025 📸For submission details, please check the photo contest special website. (You can find the link in the announcements section on our company website in the profile.) We look forward to many entries📸 🏯[Contact] Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section (inside Reihoku Town Chamber of Commerce) E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

🌏🚴 ♂️ Tour de Kyushu 2025 Held in! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Set in the Nature and cityscape of Kyushu, professional athletes from Japan and the world will compete in a heated race! Held in this year for four days from Friday, October 10 to Monday, October 13 in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 The theme is "Make Kyushu Sustainable" Broadcasting ✨ the charm of beautiful Kyushu to the world 🏁 Race Schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00〜 [Sasebo Criterium / 45km] ・ 10/11 (Sat) 11:00〜 [Fukuoka / 121km] ・ 10/12 (Sun) 9:00〜 [Kumamoto, Aso / 115km] ・ 10/13 (Mon) 10:00〜 [Miyazaki, Oita / 121km] * There are traffic restrictions along the course on the day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For details, please check 👉the official website and social media https://tourdekyushu.asia// https://tourdekyushu.asia/en/...

Notice: Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival 🏯 The “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival” will be held at the Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote on Sunday, October 26, 2025‼️ Stage events will feature local performing arts plus Kaoru Yumi, famous for her role as Kagero Ogin in Mito Komon, a performance by the Ashikita Teppo-tai, a Chinese face-changing show, and an appearance by Kumamon 🐻. Around 30 tents and food trucks will line the venue, bringing together delicious treats from inside and outside the town♪ Other hands-on activities include the “Tomioka Castle 🏯 and Amakusa West Coast Walking 🌅,” the Kumamoto Maru trial voyage ⛴️, and a pearon (dragon boat) experience 🚣. If you want to take part, please make an advance reservation early! The Tomioka walking tour and pearon experience are eligible for the Kumamoto Health Points program ❣️ A photo contest 📷 (cash prizes available ✨) will run at the same time. There are separate categories for general and junior entrants♪ Come and enjoy autumn in Reihoku Town‼☺️ We look forward to seeing you🙌 For details about the O-shiro Festival, please visit the Reihoku Town website. Period: Sunday, October 26, 2025 Venue: Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote Contact: Reihoku Jatto Festival / Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival Executive Committee (Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division Tel 0969-35-3332 Reihoku Chamber of Commerce Tel 0969-37-1244)

#016 It's been raining a lot lately and hard to get comfortable, but we are gradually starting to feel the coolness of autumn. Before we know it, September is almost over. Next is October, and speaking of October... yes, Halloween!! This time, we introduce Halloween events held in Tsunocho. ●First, the Youth Association Liaison Council presents "Wine Hill Halloween Night" — come in costume and enjoy a fun evening together on the winery hill! October 18 (Saturday) 17:00–20:00 200 yen for those junior high school age and older ●Halloween Volunteer! This volunteer event is organized by the NPO Tawawa Heart Net. Dress up and pick up litter, then grab some candy afterward! October 18 (Saturday) 9:50–11:30 Capacity 30 people. Applications accepted until October 17! ※Apply via the QR code on the flyer photo. ●The Nakamachi district of Tsunocho will be decked out for Halloween! Children will go door to door in the district to collect treats. October 19 (Sunday) 13:00–15:00 (planned) First 60 applicants. Application period: September 14–September 28 ※Apply via the QR code on the flyer photo. There are many different events. Put on a Halloween costume and enjoy this once-a-year celebration.

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 03 Mugen Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. During the event you can view and buy new works and enjoy discounted sales, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kiln Introduction / Tucked quietly in the satoyama of Reihoku, Mugen Kiln stands serene. From the pieces created by kiln owner Seiko Tanaka, you sense an unwavering dedication to beauty. When asked about that source, she showed us the neatly arranged collection of seashells. As a child, during the Obon season she began collecting sakuragai and benigai shells found on the local shore during the spirit-floating ceremony, becoming captivated by the mysterious shapes and colors that nature creates. Tanaka’s remark — “Truly beautiful things in this world are those without calculation, like these” — left a strong impression. It seems the core of Mugen Kiln’s unique worldview breathes from that sentiment. We hope you will pick up Tanaka’s carefully crafted ceramics and feel their charm firsthand. Unpesticided vegetables and potted flowers will also be on sale during the period. 📍 Mugen Kiln 588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2506 TEL: 080-1703-6886 ________________________________ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kamegama) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto Health Points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 02 Kobo Kaze The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th through Monday, October 13th (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues.😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and discounted items will be available, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating.🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Kobo Kaze continues to make pottery in a more than 130-year-old traditional farmhouse surrounded by nature. The studio began full-scale pottery activities in 2006. For this feature, the studio owner, Mr. Hayashida, demonstrated a hand-building technique known as himodzukuri, one of the methods that does not use a potter’s wheel. Himodzukuri involves stacking clay rolled into cord-like strands and shaping them as they accumulate. Mr. Hayashida skillfully forms black clay into these cords and stacks them slowly and deliberately. Watching him work feels like time itself is moving gently, and it soothes the viewer. When firing pieces in a carbonization kiln, Kobo Kaze leaves the exterior unglazed to highlight the natural gradations created by the way flames touch the surface, bringing out the clay’s inherent texture. A transparent glaze is applied to the interior to ensure everyday usability. The result is a simple, unpretentious elegance. During the event, visitors can also find bamboo dragonfly crafts, wooden goods, homemade sweets, loaves of bread, and jams for sale. 📍Kobo Kaze 598 Takahama Minami, Takahama, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (public holiday) Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally for Kumamoto Health Points (smartphone) ※ A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 01 Uchida Sarayama Pottery The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City welcoming visitors😊 During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus discounted items. Please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics along with the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the Uchida Sarayama Pottery, which carries on a porcelain-making history that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, we recommend a new piece using the “iro-itchin” (colored itchin) technique: itchin motifs painted in a blue inspired by the Amakusa West Coast sea. Though itchin looks charming, it represents delicate skill and careful effort. The blue itchin patterns stand out beautifully against the white ground — a piece you should pick up and examine closely. Also not to be missed are Uchida Sarayama Pottery’s classic zodiac figurines. Sales begin each year with the Autumn Kiln Tour. Next year’s zodiac is the horse. We photographed a veteran painter with 20 years’ experience at work. Watching the unglazed horses come to life through the brush is a stirring sight. The zodiac figurines cycle every 12 years, and Uchida Sarayama Pottery prepares a new mold each time, applying designs suited to the era. They produce as many as three thousand pieces. Through these zodiac figurines, they aim to convey the distinctive whiteness of Amakusa Toseki. 📍Uchida Sarayama Pottery 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! • A digital stamp rally that counts toward Kumamoto Health Points 📱 • A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

(The 38th Ontake-style Kagura Tournament) ❚ Held on October 26, 2025 The 38th Ontake-style Kagura Tournament will be held at Kagura no Sato Nobaba Park in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Food and drink stalls will be available at the venue. Come and see the brave and splendid Kagura dances. [Date and Time] Sunday, October 26, 2025, performances start at 8:30 AM (scheduled) [Venue] Kagura no Sato Nobaba Park (Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Performing Groups] Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata, Bungoono City) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Shonai, Yufu City) Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society (Asaji, Bungoono City) Yokobori Iwato Kagura Preservation Society (Namino, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture) Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) [Admission Fee] Please pay at the venue entrance on the day. ▶ Junior high school students and older: 500 yen (unreserved seating) ※ Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. [Access to the Venue] Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will run from JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. [Shuttle Bus (Free)] Runs round-trip between JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (parking available) → Nobaba Park ❚ What is the Ontake-style Kagura Tournament? The "Ontake Kagura" passed down in Kiyokawa is said to have begun in Houtoku 1 (1449), at the same time as the founding of Ontake Shrine. This tradition has been handed down for many years, and Kagura in this lineage has spread across Ono, Nyu, the southern part of the prefecture, and as far as the Aso region. In 2007 it was designated a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. We have held the Ontake-style Kagura Tournament since 1988 to reexamine this regional culture of Kagura born from Kiyokawa's local environment and to promote regional revitalization through Kagura. This event brings together the traditional cultures of each area. Centered on Ontake Kagura, the brave and splendid dances and the elegant performances by the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society, which carries the Ontake tradition forward, captivate many Kagura fans. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing tourism and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250924event-kiyokawa/...

Moncher × Gokase Grapes 🍇 I visited the Gokase grape collaboration now on sale at Moncher Seasons in Hakata Hankyu.✨ The cakes displayed in the showcase looked as delicious as they sounded… 🍰 A kind staff member showed me the cakes made with Gokase grapes. 👀 They said the collaboration has been widely promoted, and some customers come specifically for the cakes featuring Gokase grapes. 😆 I tried the soft-serve made with Campbell Early grapes. 🍦 The soft-serve wasn’t overly sweet, and the aroma of Campbell Early gently spread through it, making it perfect for this still-warm season. 😍 The cakes using Gokase grapes are scheduled to be sold through the end of September. 💡 Be sure to visit Moncher Seasons on the B1 level of Hakata Hankyu. 😊

#015 "Special Report" A new program sharing the charms and seasonal news of Tsunocho in Miyazaki Prefecture has launched! The first episode aired on Wednesday, September 10. It was broadcast on UMK Television Miyazaki, and the program is called Roadside Station Tsuno "Tsunocchao"!! The show is packed with Tsunocho’s many attractions and timely information! Program title: Roadside Station Tsuno "Tsunocchao" Air date: Every second Wednesday of the month, 21:54–22:00 Content: Promoting Tsunocho’s attractions and seasonal news MC: Reina Anai Reina Anai, a native of Tsunocho, appears on UMK Television Miyazaki’s Yokaban!! and 4ji doki! and on Miyazaki Sunshine FM’s Monday Pupupu and Keiichi Yamamoto’s Iyoiyo Desuyo. The show is guaranteed to be fun!! Please tune in!