Seven must-try ramen shops in Shobara City, at the northern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture 🍜✨

[Shobara Sightseeing Navi website: "Editorial Report" is up!]
Check the article here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5445

In Shobara City, you can enjoy a wide range of ramen, from classic light broths to more unusual bowls.

With so many attractive shops to choose from, a steaming bowl of ramen will be just what you want as the cold season sets in!!

This time, we introduce ramen you can eat around Shobara City.
We’ve summarized each shop’s appeal and characteristics.

Be sure to find your favorite bowl 🍜✨

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨

Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗

This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿

Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏

Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive!

On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏
No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄

On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨

We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍
Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳

Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏

If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟
We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜!

---
🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!",
we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving.

We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas.
With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence.
Request dives are also very welcome!


#DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving
#ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan
#HokuleaShonan

[Hot Springs and Day-Use Baths in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!]
Relax your body and mind 🍃 Hot springs in Shobara♨

These hot springs ease fatigue and offer soothing relief. With open-air baths framed by nature’s year-round scenery, both body and mind unwind. The freely flowing water from mineral-rich pools adds a touch of luxury. Whether on a trip or taking a daily break, be sure to enjoy Shobara’s hot springs.

For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4017

Advance reservation required.
“Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨
The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️
For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is Hanatetsu’s flower temizu (flower hand-washing basin).

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

Ashikaga Flower Park's hanachozu (flower basin)

The Christmas version runs until the 25th.

There are photo spots throughout the park.
The illumination area opens at 3:00 PM and lights up at 4:00 PM.

This year’s illumination let visitors enjoy the scent of wisteria as well.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is the hanachozu (flower basin) from Hara Florist. 🌹

"ShinobazunoikenoMadara" is a rare lotus that blooms in two different colors on the same species.
Among them, flowers that display two colors of petals on a single bloom are said to be especially rare!
You can see such rare lotuses at Hanahasu park in Minami-Echizen Town.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/

【Top 8 Miyoshi Gourmet Delights You Can Order Online】
A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy Miyoshi’s gourmet flavors at home! ✨

Here are Miyoshi gourmet items available for mail order — perfect for family gatherings over the New Year or get-togethers with friends.
Find your favorites and take your time
savoring the tastes of Miyoshi. 🍽️✨

If you have recommendations, please leave a comment!

※■Shops participating in the Furusato Nozei return‑gift program
are also listed on the furusato nozei (hometown tax) websites.
Be sure to search for them♪

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01 Mitonoba
■Address: 561-1 Higashisakaya-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @mitonoba7
■Online Shop:
Search for "Miyoshi Wine Beef"
https://meetnoba.base.shop/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
02 Mirasaka Fromage
■Address: 1617-1 Mirasaka Nika, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Mirasaka Fromage"
https://mfromage.net/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
03 Izumiya Confectionery (Japanese & Western Confections)
■Address: 5038-1 Mirasaka, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @izumiya_mirasaka
■Online Shop:
Search for "Izumiya Miyoshi"
https://www.kashiwa-mochi.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
04 Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ima-chan
■Address: 2130-7 Shiomachi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Ima-chan Miyoshi"
https://oko-imachan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
05 Kodama Soy Sauce
■Address: 230 Shimokawatate-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @marutamasoysause
■Online Shop:
Search for "Kodama Soy Sauce kirisoba"
https://marutama7.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
06 Fujita Foods
■Address: 738 Megurigami-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Fujita Foods Miyoshi"
https://fujita-foods.xsrv.jp/
A product list is available on the "Wani no Heya" page
To order, please call or fax: 0824-66-1082 / 0824-66-1093

************************************************
07 Yamaoka Sake Brewery
■Address: 489-1 Nishino, Kōnu-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @yamaokasyuzou
■Online Shop:
Search for "Yamaoka Sake Brewery Miyoshi"
https://zuikan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

************************************************
08 HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY
■Address: 917 Kaitabara, Kisa-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @hiroshimanohbrewery
■Online Shop:
Search for "Hiroshima Noh Beer"
https://hiroshima-noh-brewery.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

Autumn foliage photographed at Sogi Park in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.
The light at the moment the sun set was utterly
magical.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
I passed a certification exam on November 30, so I celebrated.
I enjoyed a gingerbread latte and a strawberry and chocolate tart.

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊

At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards.
You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷

At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍
Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵

The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶

This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/

Sure to delight visitors of all kinds.

Lake Kussharo formed inside one of Japan’s largest calderas.
Traces of a prehistoric mega-eruption remain visible today.

Just pondering that history can make a day fly by—
that’s what time feels like when you stay at Kussharo Prince Hotel.

Why not spend a special time alongside Lake Kussharo, born from one of Japan’s largest calderas?

You can book from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/
Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) – March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

The white-petaled lotus flower.
The lotus comes in charming colors like pink and white and makes a lovely sight.
It first blooms in mid-June and reaches its peak from early to mid-July.
Some varieties close their petals in the morning, so visiting in the morning is recommended.
https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/

Winter in Tomakomai often makes both sidewalks and roads icy and slippery.
Shoes with non-slip soles—such as those with glass fiber reinforcement, built-in spikes, or wraparound spike bands—are essential.
Use sand where available and pay attention to how you walk.

Photographed on December 15, 2025.
This is the hanatemizu at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.
It is decorated for Christmas. 🎄❄️

Photographed on December 15, 2025.
cafe andon’s café latte and a Tangy Red Apple (Kogyoku) apple pie.

At Kussharo Prince Hotel, Kussy welcomes you.

Step into the elevator and you are moments away from the spectacular view of Lake Kussharo, the country’s largest caldera.

We offer six room types.

All rooms face the lake, letting you savor the Kussharo Caldera scenery in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

You can make a reservation from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/
Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) to March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

Around Kushiro Prince Hotel, you can fully enjoy Kushiro’s gourmet food🍴

When it comes to Hokkaido, seafood is the star.

You can’t miss Kushiro’s local specialty robata (hearth-cooked dishes)🔥
Atka mackerel, Pacific saury, squid, scallops…
Don’t forget buttered potatoes and a salmon roe rice bowl✨

Spend your evenings savoring the flavors of Kushiro.

You can make a reservation from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

I had a female model hold a painting I made.
This becomes a complete work of art 🎨

I used to paint until I made photography my profession 🖼

I sometimes use body paint when photographing male nudes.
Is this a fish painted using makeup only? (laugh)

I work as a female photographer taking male nude photographs, and I take pride in it!

✨A new spot for freshly made sweets has arrived🍨
Salon de Franchise, a cake shop with 27 years in business, has opened a specialty salon for freshly made sweets in Naka Ward, Sakai City on November 27🍨✨

Desserts and parfaits finished after you order let you enjoy the sound and aroma of baking and the unique textures of just-made treats—a special experience you can only have here.

Each dish will make you want to tell someone, “That was delicious.”
This new spot is perfect not only for afternoon tea but also for indulgent days or time spent with someone special.

Check the menu below if you’re curious👀✨

📍Salon de Franchise (@salon_de_franchise)
🕒 Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Last order 18:00)
❌ Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays)
🚃 Access: An 8-minute walk from Fukai Station on the Nankai Semboku Line; parking available

🔍 Search for “Salon de Franchise” for more details!
🔗 https://www.franchise1998.com/

――――――――――
Year-end and New Year holiday closure
December 23 (Tuesday)–January 6 (Tuesday)
※Normal business resumes on Wednesday, January 7
――――――――――

Year-end and New Year Schedule Notice for Major Facilities in Isehara City
The year is almost over.
Here is the schedule for major facilities in Isehara City during the year-end and New Year period.
Some locations are expected to be crowded,
so please allow extra time when you go out.

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City
December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔
So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊
1. Omachi Park
2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing
3. Kannon Bridge
4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge
5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass
Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌
I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰
🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔
https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

The "Tanada no Akari" rice terrace lights at Daisen Senmaida in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture can be seen until January 12, 2026. (Every day from sunset until around 8:00 p.m.)
They are not flashy, but they are soothing.

🔵Collect official pavilion stamps while touring Sakai!🔴

Official stamps from Osaka–Kansai Expo pavilions related to Sakai are now available!
Enjoy exploring Sakai as you gather stamps placed at facilities throughout the city.
Daisen Park will also host an event on the same days, so please stop by there as well!

🗓️Saturday, December 20; Sunday, December 21; Wednesday, December 24; Thursday, December 25
*Entry may be limited during busy periods

🔍For more details, search for “Sakai Expo Stamps”!
https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/shisei/sonota/banpaku/expo_stamp.html