Built in 1910, Kourakukan is a theater located in Kosakamachi, Akita Prefecture. While there are several theaters that remain as Important Cultural Properties, Kourakukan is one of the few that still hosts regular performances and is actively used today. "A building truly comes alive when it's in use." Although I can't include photos from the performances due to copyright restrictions, it's heartwarming to know that even grandparents have their favorite performers! This facility is a source of enjoyment for the townspeople—"that's why we can preserve it." Overall, it was a place that left a positive impression.

Akita dogs are really cute. These little ones also greeted us cutely lined up at the 'Roadside Station Kazuno Antler's showcase.' When you come to Akita, you can find such small moments of warmth everywhere.

A small path where I used to play with my friends when I was little. As this season arrives, I find myself nostalgically drawn back here. The cherry blossoms have always been here. That's how I feel.

"We are all connected!" The wrapped train of the Akita Nairiku Line seems to echo Shinnosuke's voice. Father's hometown, Akita; mother's Kumamoto; and now living in Saitama— the lands of our family are depicted on a single train car. "The tracks and the bonds are connected straight, aren't they?" After a long time, my heart warmed with nostalgia, and I pointed my camera. Why not come visit "Akita" on the Akita Nairiku Line?

From the summit of Mount Wagakuni, a breathtaking morning scene unfolds over Ibaraki. A sea of clouds completely blankets the towns below, creating a dreamlike landscape where the mountains appear to float above the sky. But if you look closely at the far right of the frame, you might notice a giant figure standing quietly above the clouds — and if I’m not mistaken, that silhouette is the famous Ushiku Daibutsu, watching over the horizon from afar. This is a hidden gem. Very few people know about this place. After I saw it I was astonished. Highly recommended hidden gem.

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the deteriorated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland is restored. A photo of the entire field in bright red gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the help of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to boost tourism. If you take photos at the three locations and show them at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before going. I participated in the photo tour organized by Tokyo Camera Club this time. It was held with the full cooperation of Katsurao Village, and I was moved by the warmth of the villagers. Please be sure to visit Katsurao Village.

Crimson clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Although the evacuation order was lifted temporarily due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating crimson clover into the soil as green manure, it is said that the fertility of the farmland will be restored. As a result, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread gradually on social media, and this initiative started to gain media attention. The Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village are collaborating to set up three photo spots with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to make it a highlight for tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of crimson clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to check them out next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "sofa."

Crimson Clover in Katsurao Village, Fukushima Prefecture After the temporary evacuation was lifted due to the nuclear accident, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the devastated farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to recover. Then, photos of the vast red fields gradually spread on social media, and this initiative started to gain media coverage. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsurao Village collaborated to establish photo spots (three locations) with the support of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three locations and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsurao Village. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but please come next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Hall Azalea before you go. The photo is of a "swing."

Crimson Clover in Katsuraomura, Fukushima Prefecture Although the evacuation order due to the nuclear accident has been lifted temporarily, cultivation began as a green manure to improve the soil of the damaged farmland. By incorporating Crimson Clover into the soil as green manure, the fertility of the farmland is said to be restored. Soon, photos of the vibrant red fields began to spread on social media, and this initiative was featured in the media as well. Tokyo Camera Club and Katsuraomura collaborated to set up three photo spots with the cooperation of Michi-no-Eki Sera, aiming to promote tourism. If you take photos at all three spots and show them at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea, you will receive seeds of Crimson Clover. It is a symbol of the reconstruction of Katsuraomura. This year's photo spots were available until the 24th, but be sure to visit next year. The planting locations change every year, so it's convenient to check at the Katsurao Village Reconstruction Exchange Center Azalea before you go. The photo is titled 'Piano.'

Zao Fox Village, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a special spot where visitors can interact closely with foxes. As soon as you enter the park, you can see the foxes freely moving around in the woods, some lazily lying down to sleep, while others stretch out in the sunlight, creating a very soothing scene. The most unforgettable experience this time was participating in the limited-time "Fox Hugging Experience." Under the guidance of the staff, I put on a special protective suit and carefully held the foxes in my arms. Two foxes snuggled comfortably in my embrace, their fur fluffy and warm. Although I usually have cats at home and consider myself familiar with animals, I still couldn't help but feel nervous the moment I held the foxes, worried they might suddenly move, while also finding them incredibly cute. In the park, you can also see the foxes resting casually on wooden houses, even sleeping directly in the sunlight, completely unconcerned about the visitors' gaze. Watching them stretch their limbs without a care in the world felt like time had slowed down. As I left, I looked back at those figures, some running and some sleeping. This memory of encountering the foxes up close became the warmest and most special moment of my journey.

Crystals of light dancing in Taisho-era romance ■Location Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture ■Background and thoughts behind the work Ginzan Onsen sits quietly in the deep mountains of Yamagata. On a night when snow piled softly on the streets steeped in Taisho-era romance, I attempted something for the first time. I used the built-in flash to capture the “expressions of snow invisible to the eye.” Until then I had cherished natural light, but that evening I felt a strong urge to make each drifting snowflake shine like a jewel. The instant the flash fired, pure white snow crystals appeared against the dark, and the warm orange glow of the gas lamps contrasting with the cold snow created a dreamlike scene. In the subzero cold I kept shooting until my fingertips went numb, and when I saw the glittering snow on the preview screen, I felt an indescribable emotion. Through my first strobe shoot, I rediscovered the beauty of movement dwelling within frozen time. This photograph is an unforgettable and precious image for me.

Gala Yuzawa is one of my favorite ski destination near Tokyo. Its not only a good ski resort but also a fabulous sightseeing spots. The snow-capped mountain peaks looks very beautiful and during sunset time creates an unforgettable moments.

📍Matsushima Rikyu It was a wonderful spot where you could enjoy autumn leaves, illumination, and reflections all at once ✨🍁😍🍁✨

Urabandai in Fukushima is one of my most favorite autumn destination.

The autumn in Urabandai, Fukushima is amazing. I took this photo during a figgy day near lake Hibara. The small island inside the lake also full of autum colors which makes the frame more beautiful. Mist, autumn colors and lake, these are all what i can even imagined. It was so exciting and eye-shoothing. After thus trip I was really refreshed and energized again.

Amidst the gentle rain, the silhouette of a majestic mountain looms over the serene Lake Hibara, creating a breathtaking backdrop. As I sit by the lake’s edge, the tranquil atmosphere envelops me, turning this moment into something truly unforgettable. The tiny islands in the distance adds a touch of magic, making the scene feel like a painting come to life.

I visited the famed Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). From the Okudake Trailhead I took the ropeway to the Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), then continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m) and enjoyed autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

I visited the famous Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). I took the ropeway from Okudake Trailhead to Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. Then I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m), and enjoyed the autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

I visited Mt. Kurikoma (elevation 1,626 m), the celebrated Tohoku peak praised as the "carpet of the gods." At the temporary shuttle bus stop, Kurihara City staff warned that "bears have been appearing on the trail for four consecutive days!" and, ringing bear bells loudly, we made the ascent. By the grace of the gods, we encountered no bears and were treated to truly stunning autumn foliage. Thank you. Location: Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Otofuke and Karumai, Iwate Prefecture, "Otofuke Mame Miso Ramen" has been released! 🍜✨ This ramen packs the charm of both towns—be sure to check it out!

This photo was taken at Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture. There is a thousand Torii (shrine gates) here, and you can see it from the high ground. It shows various expressions in Four Seasons, but this photo is not from a high ground, but from a Torii (shrine gate). The wonderful curves were impressive, and Impression of the superb view that unfolded ahead was aroused.

When I went to Aomori, excellent works were 😊 exhibited at Nebuta's house Wa Rasse I saw Nebuta for the first time, but it was 😆 bigger and more beautiful than I imagined Too beautiful and impression ✨ I've never been to Nebuta Festival, so I'd 🥰 like to Outbound there someday

Event Announcement📣 This year marks the 50th Autumn Harvest Festival, the "Umaissho Shintoku Daisetsu Festival" 😊 Enjoy the annual all-you-can-pack fresh local vegetables, a fruit sale from our sister city Higashine in Yamagata Prefecture, Shintoku’s specialty soba and grilled meat, plus stage shows and a lottery while savoring local ingredients 🎵 The stage show features a performance by the Shintoku Junior High School Brass Band and special appearances by artists connected to the town!! Local shops and a kei-truck market will also set up stalls to liven up the venue alongside the stage shows. Please come and enjoy this family-friendly event for all ages in the green setting of Kutchan Park 🤗 Date and Time: Sunday, October 5 — 10:00 to 14:00 Venue: Kutchan Park A free round-trip shuttle bus will operate 🚌 ※Free shuttle buses run from in front of the Shintoku Town Community Center and JR Shintoku Station. Departure: From Shintoku Town Community Center 9:30 / JR Shintoku Station 9:35 Return: From Kutchan Park 14:15 https://shintoku-town.net/spot/taisetsu-matsuri/...

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, October 5th, 2025, Minori~mu Festa Otofuke 2025 will take place😊 This event centers on the concept of local production for local consumption!! The program is packed with attractions, including menus made from local ingredients, sales of the town’s proud farm products and processed goods, and hands-on activity corners where visitors can participate🎵 On the SPECIAL STAGE SHOW, Yamanai Kagura, a folk performing art from Karumai Town in Iwate Prefecture—which marks its 40th anniversary as a sister town with Otofuke—will come to perform!! Stage events also include a music live by Yasuhiro Kazama, a performance by Otofuke High School’s dance club, and a character photo time😍 In the food area, you can enjoy safe, delicious farm products, local specialties, and carefully crafted menu items made with agricultural and livestock products from Otofuke Town🍴 If you shop at the stores listed below by 2:00 PM, you will receive one raffle ticket per ¥1,000 spent (one draw per ticket) and can join the fun raffle. You might win wonderful prizes such as a Tokachigawa Onsen accommodation voucher!!✨ 📍Food and regional products corner 📍Paid hands-on activity corner 📍Roadside Station Otofuke stores 📍Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden Please come and enjoy this event full of the town’s specialties🤗 https://michinoeki-otofuke.jp/xo_event/xo_event-4362/...

Light and Shadow, and Jellyfish This is the Kamo Water Museum Located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture Jellyfish greet you from a 5-meter-diameter water tank. When I looked up, it was 🤤 a beautiful view

This is a photo taken in the Spring of 2024 when I went to see the Tsuru no Mai Bridge in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture with my parents. The scenery of Mt. Iwaki and Tsuru no Mai Bridge was very beautiful. I would like to go there with my family again.

This photo was taken when I went to Ginyama Hot spring. It was the perfect summer resort for the hot and humid summer. It was cool near the waterfall as if the cooler was working.

This photo was taken with my best friend when I went to a festival Held in in the handmade Village Koi Township in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. The wind chimes and the lanterns reflected in the back remind us of summer in Japan. It was the best night I was able to spend with my best friend in a bright, yet calm space in my last year in Aomori. Each other's faces, illuminated by the light of the lanterns, may have been a little lonely...

This is a photo of Yamagata Waterfall and the river.