Mindfulness tourism was held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in nature’s clear streams to maximize mental and physical performance. Away from everyday noise, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. The program featured mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked through Kikuchi Gorge together with a resident priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature—lying on rocks, sitting in zazen, or otherwise pausing in reflection. In the calm atmosphere, attendees refreshed their minds and bodies and seemed to find new insights. On the first day, we held “Mindfulness Walking and a Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The water of Kikuchi Gorge was used for the tea. In the silent morning space, guests settled their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day, participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and a Breakfast Gathering.” They ate breakfast in the crisp morning air while sensing the surrounding nature. They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed, peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water from Kikuchi Gorge, offering clay-pot rice and meals made with local Kikuchi ingredients. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience in their own way. By walking and touching nature in the morning, many said they were able to forget work worries and busyness. The matcha tea ceremony eased tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature with the murmur of the river and the cool air felt pleasant. Freshly cooked rice in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul; the dishes were elaborate, truly delicious, and left guests very satisfied. These were among many comments we received. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with the five senses. Instead of letting a day pass by unnoticed, participants seemed to appreciate spending time in nature solely for themselves.

Hoshoji Temple ❚ Autumn foliage status as of October 31, 2025 Autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The trees are still mostly green overall. We will report on the foliage progress here as it changes. Location: Hoshoji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa, Bungoono City) Parking: Available Kiyokawa “Sai” Hoshoji Temple in Autumn During the event period, the temple will be illuminated for night viewing. Event period: Saturday, November 8, 2025 to Saturday, November 15, 2025 Access times 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yusaku Park (Yujaku Koen) ❚ Autumn foliage status as of October 31, 2025 Yusaku Park (Yujaku Koen) in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. The trees are still mostly green overall. The Yusaku Tourism Momiji Festival begins on November 3. During the festival, kusa-mochi (grass rice cakes) and other items are sold. We will report the changing foliage conditions here in sequence. Location: Yusaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: Available ■■■ 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 Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Sugao Magaibutsu ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark Sugao Magaibutsu stands in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Its full, gentle face and softly rounded shoulders show a beautifully three-dimensional carving. Its craftsmanship is exquisitely detailed, comparable to wooden Buddhist statues in Kyoto and Nara. Sugao Magaibutsu is thought to date from the end of the Heian period. It is carved into welded tuff from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago. It has been designated a National Important Cultural Property and a Historic Site. Location: 466 Asase, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture About a five-minute drive from Sugao Magaibutsu is Roadside Station Mie, which offers a panoramic view of Enaito no Kei. It’s a good spot to take a break. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about 3 hours by car From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about 2 hours by car From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu — Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungoono City) Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2025 ❚ Held on November 15, 2025 “Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2025” will take place at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. The bold Kagura dances will be reflected on the surface of the Shinji Pond. Because the area around the pond can get cold at night, we recommend bringing a jacket. Date and Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025 ※If it rains, the event will be postponed to the following day. Location: Yusaku Park (Ageotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) Parking From 14:00 on the day of the event, parking in and around the venue is not permitted. A shuttle bus will operate to and from Asaji Community Center, so please use it. ▶ Parking: Asaji Community Center ▶ Service Hours: 15:00–21:00 ▶ Contribution: 300 yen Performers Itaisako Shinmeisha Kagura Troupe Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society Organizer Asaji Town Youth Division Mizukagami Executive Committee Event Inquiries Bungoono City Hall, Asaji Branch TEL 0974-72-1111 ■■■ 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 Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251029event-asaji/...

This photo was taken at Isahaya Shrine in Nagasaki Prefecture. The stylish transparent amulet was impressive, so I took a picture of the shrine in the background. The heat of midsummer was over, but the wind Car of the many was swirling with the wind, and there was a cool atmosphere in the air.

On October 26, 2025, the Ontake-style Kagura Festival was held at Nogaba Park, the 'Home of Kagura' 😊 Alongside Kiyokawa Town’s Ontake Kagura and the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society, four kagura troupes from inside and outside the prefecture gathered to offer a performance. One highlight of the festival was the meeting kagura. The meeting kagura, with three troupes performing the same piece on three separate stages, delivered a powerful spectacle. Under the clear autumn sky, many kagura fans visited the venue and enjoyed a day of bold and magnificent dances. The Ontake Kagura passed down in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, is said to have begun in 1449, the first year of Hōtoku, when Ontake Shrine was founded. It has been handed down for many years, and kagura following this tradition spread through Ono, Naoiri, 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. The Ontake-style Kagura Festival has been held since 1988 to reexamine this regional culture of kagura born from Kiyokawa’s local environment and to promote regional revitalization through kagura. As a crystallization of local culture that brings together traditional arts from each area, the Ontake Kagura centers on bold, splendid dances, and the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society’s graceful performances continue to captivate many kagura fans and carry the Ontake tradition forward. ■■■ 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 sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Gokase Town Fukushi Festival This year’s Fukushi Festival was once again wrapped in warm energy! 🙌 The theme this year was “Spreading the Circle of Welfare to Tomorrow.” True to its name, the welfare center venue was full of smiles and kindness pointing toward Gokase Town’s future 😊 The bazaar, which began at 10:00, was a huge hit 🔥 Many people gathered hunting for bargains, and lively circles of socializing spread throughout the venue 👚 We even saw lots of children carrying stuffed animals bigger than themselves 👀 A variety of stage performances were fantastic, offering entertainment for all ages and bringing the whole venue together in excitement 🔥 Through displays of welfare activities and the bazaar, this Fukushi Festival naturally fostered a spirit of mutual support 🥰 From the staff who helped run the event to local residents and student volunteers, people of all ages—from children to seniors—had a chance to shine 👏 The Fukushi Festival is a truly lovely event where you can feel Gokase’s circle of kindness spreading into tomorrow and beyond. I already want to join this warm circle again next year ✨

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】 A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025… #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆 Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁 Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town #Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025 on Instagram! Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town! Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!! Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels. [Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use *The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.* 1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025" Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡 Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰 ⚠ Caution ⚠ Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Announcement: Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche📣 The Reihoku Medical Association Hospital will host the Musubu Marche to raise interest in health and medical care on Saturday, November 8. Highlights include a hands-on job experience session for children with nurses and pharmacists, a public lecture by the hospital director, and a photo-frame workshop using scallop shells, plus many other attractions. Food trucks will be on site that day, and a stamp rally will let visitors collect stamps at each booth for a chance to win prizes by lottery. Please come and join us✨ Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Location: Main parking area in front of Reihoku Medical Association Hospital (3600-3 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Note: The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in heavy rain (programs may change).

*The photo was taken during a spring mountain-climbing event.* [Now Accepting Participants] The 20th Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb will be held! This mountain-climbing event takes you to Tenjiku, one of Reihoku’s landmarks and the highest peak on Amakusa Shimoshima. The 20th “Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb” will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025⛰. The roughly 11 km round trip offers panoramic views from the summit and refreshing forest bathing, and a local product sale will also be held, so please sign up for an autumn outing. Participants can also earn 20 Kumamoto Health Points✨ Register via the QR code or from the News section of our website! ▶ Schedule: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9:30–14:00 09:30 Departure ceremony 10:10 Start 14:30 Goal (estimated) ▶ Meeting place: Amakusa Koba-no-Mori Nature School (former Koba Elementary School), 6118-2 Tororo, Reihoku ▶ Parking: Please use the Koba-no-Mori Nature School parking area (around the lodging building). ▶ Course: Approximately 11 km round trip ▶ Eligibility: People who are healthy on the day and can follow the event rules. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. ▶ What to bring: Drinks, trash bags, towel, change of clothes, etc. ▶ Fee: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500; elementary and junior high students ¥500; preschool children free Fees will be collected at registration on the day. Please bring exact change if possible. ▶ Other: Rice ball bento (¥500) will be prepared for those who need it. If you would like one, please fill in the field at the end of the application form. This event accepts pre-registration only; there will be no on-site registration. Please provide information for every participant. The event may be canceled due to weather. In that case we will notify the email address you provided (if multiple people register together, we will contact the representative’s email address). Application deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM

We sincerely thank you for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Here is a brief excerpted report on our activities for the first half of this fiscal year (April–September 2025). ■ May: Sea-Opening Ceremony & SUP Experience On Saturday, May 31, we held a sea-opening Shinto ceremony and the SUP Experience 2025, with a total of 37 participants, which was very well received. ■ June: OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025 On Saturday, June 7, we hosted the OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025, which welcomed approximately 1,600 visitors. ■ July: The 37th Reihoku Jatto Festival (Fireworks Display) The festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, and our company participated by sharing information and providing event staff. ■ Other Achievements ・Number of tourists who visited the tourist information center: 2,408 ・Total visitors to the Sunset Marche (local product sales): 608 ・Visitors to the Beauty & Healing Yorimichi Marche (product sales and treatment trials, held Saturday, July 12): 213 ・Usage of Shiraiwasaki Campground: 102 people ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・RV Park usage: 34 bookings (April–August 2025) ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・Website operations: Posted 17 notices ・SNS activity Facebook: 35 posts, 1,798 followers Instagram: 46 posts, 2,486 followers COOL JAPAN VIDEOS: 27 posts, 7 followers ・Guided tours provided: 77 people ・PR activities: Participation in the Roadside Station Tsujunkyo first-anniversary event (April 12–13); sales revenue: ¥92,822 We would be grateful for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Thank you very much for your continued cooperation.

[Limited to 500 copies] Tomioka Castle “Gojoin” 70th Anniversary Edition Now on Sale! This year marks the 70th anniversary of Reihoku’s municipal status, established on January 1, 1955 (Showa 30). To commemorate the anniversary, a special Tomioka Castle Gojoin 70th Anniversary Edition will be sold in a separate limited release of 500 copies, apart from the regular Gojoin on sale now.🎊 During the Shimabara–Amakusa Uprising, Tomioka Castle served as a government stronghold and withstood two major assaults by the rebel forces led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada. Through a desperate defense, the castle avoided capture. The Gojoin of the impregnable Tomioka Castle is said to bring the blessing of “not falling.”👀 Please purchase yours at the Reihoku Town History Museum.✨ Price: 500 yen per sheet (set of two: regular edition plus 70th anniversary edition — 700 yen) Number available: First 500 copies (sales end when sold out) Sale starts: Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM — the day of the Castle Festival! Sales location: Reihoku Town History Museum Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM) Closed: Every Thursday (if a holiday, closed the following weekday) Phone: 0969-35-0712 Please note: mail-order sales are not available. For inquiries, contact Reihoku Town History Museum (☎0969-35-0712) or Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division (☎0969-35-3332). The same notice is also available on the official Reihoku Town Hall website.

We will present the "Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up". At Kikuchi Gorge, a signature sightseeing spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, we will illuminate the gorge at night. From the Kikuchi Gorge tollgate area, we will light up locations such as Reimei Falls, Momijigase, and Ryugafuchi. This marks the fourth Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up. We invite you into an extraordinary night at Kikuchi Gorge, normally closed to visitors after dark, with lights, illumination displays, and bamboo lanterns. Event dates: Friday, October 31st to Sunday, November 9th, Reiwa 7 (2025). Time: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (Last admission: 8:20 PM). Admission: 1,000 yen per person for junior high school students and older (includes maintenance cooperation fee and parking fee). Parking: Please use the Kikuchi Gorge parking lot. Shuttle bus: On Saturday, November 1; Sunday, November 2; Monday, November 3 (national holiday); and Saturday, November 8, a shuttle bus will run from the central Kikuchi Gorge parking lot to the Kikuchi Gorge boarding area. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/light_up...

"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