Kokeizan Eihō-ji in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, was spectacular with its vibrant red maple leaves during the limited-time special illumination of the autumn foliage season.

Choraku-ji Temple's large ginkgo tree in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture It becomes clear when a person stands next to it that it is an enormous ginkgo.

Shooting Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, Asagiri Kogen The autumn grassland is covered with Chikarashiba, with Mount Fuji towering in the background. I was captivated by the scenery created by autumn nature and the quintessentially Japanese landscape, and I took this photograph.

The moon halo on the thirteenth night After work, I looked up at the night sky. A large ring of light appeared, enveloping the moon. I couldn't help but stop in awe at the fantastical moon halo created by the thin clouds. That night, my usual way home transformed into an unforgettable scene.

The autumn sunlight gently enveloped the colorful leaves. I felt a quiet and beautiful moment of fall. (Location: Toyokawa City)

After the rain, countless droplets remained on the spider lilies. The autumn rain gently left its lingering effect on the red-dyed flowers. (Location: Yakachi River, Handa City)

Soft purple and pink, along with vibrant green. I felt the beauty of autumn colors reflected in a single cosmos flower. (Location: Nabana no Sato)

The higanbana, signaling the arrival of autumn, was blooming vibrantly in bright red, enveloped in the light after the rain. (Location: Yakachigawa, Handa City)

In the mountains dyed in autumn colors, the Hatanagi Suspension Bridge stands quietly. Surrounded by vibrant foliage, it spans the autumn valley.

A golden world spreads out before you. A towering ginkgo tree, so large that you have to look up to see it, announces the arrival of autumn in this city. (Location: Toyokawa City)

After the rain, a rainbow appeared on the road leading to the sea. The ordinary way home seemed a little bit special.

Ebisu Island is a small island you can reach by crossing a bridge. 🏝️ You can walk around the island in about 15 to 20 minutes. Along the promenade, you can enjoy the remnants of ancient submarine volcanoes up close, such as the striped patterns formed by the accumulation of pumice and volcanic ash, and the strata of debris flows that occurred underwater. 👀🌋 During low tide, a wide rocky area called "Senjojiki" appears, and you can also see the Izu Islands and Mikomoto Island from the south side of the island. ✨ The ocean's transparency is also outstanding. 👌💙 📍 Ebisu Island (Susaki, Shimoda City) Parking: Available (a few spots, paid during summer) Access: Bus 🚌 From Shimoda Station, take the bus bound for Susaki Coast (Line 10) to "Susaki Kaigan" stop, then walk about 7 minutes. Restrooms: Available

Nestled along the charming Perry Road is Shimoda Kaisen Kuriya 🍽️ This time, I enjoyed the "Deluxe Seafood Chirashi Set"! This set allows you to indulge in luxurious seafood delights, including rich sashimi and abalone 😌 For dessert, there's also the rich "Homemade Kuriya Pudding" 🍮🤎 Why not visit while enjoying the cool night breeze and strolling along Perry Road at night? 🌙🍂 📍Shimoda Kaisen Kuriya For more details, click below👇 https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20261006...

The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge at dusk. A time when the sea and sky are painted orange. A lighthouse rises against the backdrop of the trees. A quiet moment before the sun sets.

The higanbana of the tranquil forest. I felt the autumn as I was drawn to his passionate nature.

The construction of Harris Trail has been completed, and it is now open for passage✨! We apologize for any inconvenience caused during the construction period due to the road closure. Thank you to everyone who has been waiting😌 It's perfect for evening strolls, so please give it a walk🌅🍂

Red spider lilies in Yasuragi no Hayashi Yasuragi no Hayashi, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture September 2026

The endpoint of Izu, the starting point of emotions. Minami-Izu Town, located at the southernmost tip of Izu, enjoys a favorable climate even on Honshu. It is a place where new emotions begin, as well as a destination to reach. With its beautiful white sands, Yuigahama, the dynamic cliffs of Irouzaki, and the crystal-clear waters of Hirizo Beach, this town offers a stunning landscape. In spring, early-blooming cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers color the town, while summer brings lively beach activities and tide pooling. From autumn to winter, gentle sunlight and hot springs warmly welcome travelers. Throughout the seasons, a relaxed pace of life flows that cannot be experienced in the city. Moreover, this land, which has lived alongside the sea for centuries, is filled with warm connections between people and a simple yet vibrant culture. When you arrive at the end of your journey in Izu, something will begin to stir within you―― Minami-Izu Town is that "starting point of emotions."

The Hokusei Line in autumn The white cluster amaryllis contrasts beautifully with the yellow train. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture September 2026

The higanbana blooming beside the stairs is beautiful. Myojorin-ji, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture September 23, 2026

🦐✨We have compiled a list of accommodations where you can enjoy Ise shrimp! When it comes to autumn flavors in Izu Shimoda, it's all about Ise shrimp🦐 The Shimoda City Tourism Association has newly published a page featuring accommodations where you can eat Ise shrimp! From sashimi to grilled dishes, each accommodation offers various Ise shrimp dishes to enjoy🍽️✨ Why not savor Ise shrimp at your accommodation during your autumn trip to Shimoda?🌿 ▼Find accommodations where you can eat Ise shrimp here https://www.shimoda-city.info/iseebi-yado...

Mentaiko! Spiced pollock roe, even when translated into English, isn't immediately familiar for many native speakers. "Spicy fish eggs" gets the meaning across clearly, but isn't likely to win any new converts. For either committed fans or the merely curious though, there are Mentai Parks that combine a large variety of mentai-flavored foods, a production line where Mentaiko is made, and a surprisingly expansive play area complete with games, slides, trick art and even a theater showing Mentaiko videos, all at no entry fee. Visitors can watch the magic happen with windows that offer a behind-the-scenes look at Mentaiko production, or hear about Mentaiko-related trivia from a cheerful Mentaiko professor character. That there should be one such Mentai Park would be a curiosity, an idiosyncrasy of Japan, which can often be found celebrating things seen as oddities from a more global perspective, but in fact there are no less than a half dozen, spreading west to east from Kobe, Biwako, Tokoname, Izu, Gunma and Oarai. If you are in the area of one, you could do far worse than visit. The food court offers Mentaiko (of course) and very little else, but that can take the form of onigiri, noodle dishes, baguettes, or even ice cream. There is a free tea dispenser, which is a further nice gesture. You may find yourself coming home with a cuddly soft spiced pollock roe toy, or awaken a new love of mentaiko-flavored ice cream. Whatever the case, the price is right, and its sure to be a distinct and pleasant experience.

The Golden Tunnel in Nagoya The row of ginkgo trees along Sakuradoori in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, shines in golden hues during autumn, delighting the eyes of passersby. In the background, skyscrapers like the Nagoya Lucent Tower in Ushijimacho, Nishi Ward, create a beautiful contrast between nature and the city, symbolizing autumn in Nagoya. I was moved by the richness of nature right in the heart of the city and pointed my camera.

Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

The beach season in Minami-Izu Town ended on August 30th. However, there are still places where summer isn't over! One such hidden gem is Hirizo Beach, which is more well-known than its geographical name. It's a spot where you can see numerous fish and corals, and the long-awaited period for snorkeling enthusiasts has begun. If you missed seeing the fish you wanted, please consider purchasing the 2027 Hirizo Beach illustrated calendar. *In case the boat to Hirizo Beach is canceled, please check our tourism association BASE (https://minamiizukan.base.shop/)... or purchase it at our counter. Another spot is Koiji Coast. It is gradually becoming popular. This spot is a hidden gem known to those in the know, offering excellent visibility and opportunities for activities like SUP in addition to snorkeling. Please come visit "not-too-hot Minami-Izu Town," where the highest temperature in August (31.4°C) is lower than in July (32.9°C), this September.

ℹ️ As of today, August 31st, the swimming period at Shirahama Ohama Beach and Kujuppama Beach has ended. This marks the end of the swimming period at all beaches in Shimoda City. Thank you to everyone who visited this year! 🌊✨ Starting tomorrow, September 1st, there will be no lifeguards or monitors on duty. When spending time at the beach after September, let's enjoy safely and without taking unnecessary risks.✨

This photo was taken during my visit to Gero Onsen Gassho Village in Gifu Prefecture. More than 1,000 wind chimes were decorated near the entrance, and every time the wind blew, they all chimed together. I felt that wind chimes symbolize summer in Japan, and I wanted to capture that in a photograph. Rather than just photographing the wind chimes, I wanted to express it in my own way, so I took a shot through the wind chimes in the foreground, which created a sense of depth and slightly lowered the saturation of the overall photo, giving it a nostalgic atmosphere. I used the standard camera of the iPhone 17 for the shoot. Additionally, since I had only heard the sound of a single wind chime before, experiencing the sound of over 1,000 wind chimes chiming together was a first for me. I discovered that a single wind chime produces a delicate tone, but when gathered together, they create a powerful chorus-like sound, revealing a new charm of wind chimes.

This is a photo taken when my family visited Gero Onsen Gassho Village in Gifu Prefecture. While strolling around the grounds, I discovered a sign leading to an observation deck and became curious about what kind of view I would see, so I climbed up. What I saw there was a landscape filled with mountains, trees, blue skies, and clouds. Since I usually see bustling cityscapes with buildings and many people, encountering a scene where there were no people at all and only nature spread out felt nostalgic, allowing me to experience the beauty of untouched nature. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, my family used to travel to the mountains every summer, but since then, we haven't had many opportunities to go. The moment I saw this view, memories of summer trips with my family during my childhood flooded back, and I realized that the landscapes of mountains and skies hold a special place in reminding me of our summer family vacations.

As of August 23rd, the six beaches in Shimoda City have concluded their opening period for swimming. For a safe beach experience, it is recommended to visit the swimming areas that are open during the designated period, where lifeguards and monitors are present🏖️✨ In Shimoda City, Shirahama Chuo will remain open until Sunday, August 30th, while Shirahama Ohama and Kyūjūhama will be open until Monday, August 31st🌺! At the end of the blog, we have summarized the facility information for the beaches that have concluded their opening period! *This information is accurate as of August 24, 2026. Please note that the content may change in the future.* https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20260824...

🌊🐚【Special Sea Play Experience!】🐚🌊 A special tidal flat in Shirahama Fishing Port, Shimoda City, which is usually off-limits, will be open for two days only on Saturday, August 29th and Saturday, September 12th!✨ Under the supervision of the fishing cooperative, you will search for and observe creatures in the tidal flat, then return them to the sea🌱🐠 We will hold an environmentally friendly "Sea Play GO" event! How about exploring places that are usually inaccessible in the clear waters of Shimoda?🔍🌊 It's perfect for creating summer memories☀️✨ 📌 Limited to 20 participants per session, reservation required 📱 Reservations can be made through the official website! For details and reservations, please check the official website below👇 https://umigo.co.jp/shirahama-fishing-port/...