On a morning at Onyū Pass, which has reached the peak of autumn foliage, it was wrapped in mist, creating a magical atmosphere. Onyū Pass, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture November 2026

In Terakoya Hoheto, Toyosaki, Osaka, I challenged myself to make wasanbon sweets. I mixed flavors like raspberry and matcha into the wasanbon, chose my favorite wooden molds, filled them, and then tapped them out of the molds. After successfully removing some beautifully from the molds while others broke, I enjoyed some wasanbon while sipping matcha, feeling cozy. I was able to spend a wonderful time in a charming room of a registered tangible cultural property, a traditional row house.

Nanzenji Temple Fukuchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Nanzenji Temple was established over 730 years ago in the 4th year of the Shōō era (1291) when Emperor Kameyama welcomed Mukan Fumon Zenji (Great Ming National Teacher) as its founding priest. There is a paid observation area where visitors can go upstairs and experience the temple's impressive scale. The Suirokaku (Waterway Pavilion) is a popular walking route within the temple grounds and is an easily accessible spot. Visitors can generally walk freely around the grounds. The pond garden, designed in the late Kamakura period, became the birthplace of Nanzenji Temple when Emperor Kameyama donated a villa to the temple. The garden features stone arrangements such as the pond (Sogen Pond), Tsurushima (Crane Island), and Kamejima (Turtle Island), allowing visitors to enjoy a serene landscape surrounded by autumn foliage, fresh greenery, and dense forests. It is designated as a national historic site and scenic spot... Behind the main hall, there is a dry landscape garden (such as Narutaki Garden) with white sand, moss, and stone arrangements, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves as a backdrop.

Autumn Scenery in Kyoto and Katsurazaka The avenue lined with Sweetgum trees is reaching its peak. 🍁 The tree-lined path along the slope creates a picturesque landscape, with trees adorned in red, orange, and yellow, resembling a painting. ✨ The vibrant autumn leaves contrast beautifully against the clear blue sky, evoking the deepening of fall. 🍂 The undulating slope and curves are lined with Sweetgum trees, while the vivid foliage on both sides of the road creates a rich autumn scenery. The trees painted in red are complemented by the yellow ones, offering a stunning gradient unique to this season. ✨ I was able to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of Kyoto that can only be experienced at this time of year. (˶ᐢᗜᐢ˶)📷🍁✨✨✨

Umeda Christmas Illumination Grand Front Osaka GRAND WISH CHRISTMAS 2026 Exhibition period: November 4 (Wednesday) to December 25 (Friday) Lighting show on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Last performance at 11:45 PM), held every hour at 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour Special event themed around Disney stories: "Disney Gift of Story" Held in Osaka from November 4 (Wednesday) until December 25 (Friday) Featuring a variety of content to brighten the Christmas season at Grand Front Osaka and Grand Green Osaka Special decorations featuring Mickey & Friends, "Frozen," "Toy Story," and the special celebration of the 100th anniversary of the original work "Winnie the Pooh" will be on display.

It's called takoyaki. Many international visitors enjoy it while sightseeing in Osaka, but in the Kansai region, it's traditionally a food that families make themselves. In addition to the octopus-filled ones available at shops, you can add your favorite ingredients like pickled ginger, sausage, and cheese. Once cooked, they are topped with takoyaki sauce, aonori (seaweed flakes), and bonito flakes, and you can also add mayonnaise to taste. Having a takoyaki party, or 'takopa' for short, with family and friends is fun, but Kansai people eat the hot takoyaki incredibly fast, so they use both sides of the hot plate to cook them at full speed.

It is called Osechi Ryori. This is a dish that families and clans gather to celebrate the New Year and eat together, with each item having a special significance for good fortune. Nowadays, many people buy it from department stores or supermarkets, but in the past, it was common to make it by hand. In rural areas, it is still customary to prepare it in advance at the end of the year so that women do not have to cook during the New Year. The photos show only my grandmother's handmade dishes, which are all a modest brown color, but they taste amazing. The locally famous red konnyaku, which turned bright red at the command of the famous Sengoku period warlord Oda Nobunaga, is also included. In addition, it is a tradition for the whole family to gather around a table filled with my grandmother's handmade rolled sushi and mackerel sushi for a celebration.

At Salon15 TOOTH TOOTH, located in the Former Kobe Foreign Settlement No. 15 Building, you can experience tea and Western sweets in the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, the Former Kobe Foreign Settlement No. 15 Building. I enjoyed afternoon tea at this beautiful building, the oldest in Kobe. According to my friend Hitomi, we started with the afternoon tea from the bottom tier. The apple chausson had a flaky pastry, and the sweetness of the apple was well-balanced, not too overpowering. The chestnut éclair on the middle tier looked voluminous and seemed filling, but it was light and easy to eat. The tea I chose for a palate cleanser was my favorite, Persian Queen. While enjoying the top tier, I alternated with smoked salmon and fruits to cleanse my palate, enhancing the overall experience of the afternoon tea. I had a truly wonderful time.

This is the Play Forest at Yata Prefectural Natural Park in Nara. I love the autumn scenery that feels reminiscent of Scandinavia.

Sakura Deai-kan, Kyoto Yawata City, Hachiman Zaiō-ji, Kyoto Prefecture When traveling by car, please note that the parking lot will be locked and closed at 5 PM, the time of closing. This facility, located in Yodogawa Riverside Park Sewaritei District in Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, offers scenic views of the confluence area of the Uji River, Kizu River, and Katsura River. The observation tower, approximately 25 meters high, provides an attractive view of the cherry blossom trees along Sewaritei and the surrounding mountains. Entrance to Sakura Deai-kan, restroom and rest area usage, information corner usage, and access to the observation tower (excluding the cherry blossom season) are free. Operating Hours and Usage Fees (Key Points) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Observation Tower: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Fee: Generally free, but there is a fee for the observation tower during the cherry blossom season.

Rikyū Hachimangū Shrine 21-1 Nishitani, Oyamazakicho, Otokuni District, Kyoto Prefecture Nearest station: Yamazaki Station (Kyoto), a short walk from the exit Rikyū Hachimangū Shrine, located in Oyamazakicho, Kyoto Prefecture, is said to have begun when the Hachiman deity was enshrined during the Heian period. It later became known as "Rikyū Hachimangū" due to its connection to the former palace site associated with Emperor Saga, as introduced in the town's guide.

Hiko Jinja Shrine 44 Yawata Doi, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture The main hall of Hiko Jinja Shrine consists of three altars. In the center of the main hall, the deity of the sky, Nigihayahi no Mikoto, is enshrined. To the left is Yakukō Shrine, dedicated to the great figures of Japanese pharmacy, and to the right is the Ancestral Spirits Shrine, which honors those who lost their lives in aviation accidents and pioneers of the aviation industry. Generally, it is a popular spot for people visiting for the following prayers. Aviation Safety: Prayers for safety before boarding a plane Travel Safety and Traffic Safety: For protection during business trips or long journeys Prayers for success and more.

Minase Shrine 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture This shrine, located in Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture, enshrines three emperors: Emperor Go-Toba, Emperor Tsuchimikado, and Emperor Juntoku. It has a deep connection to the historical events of the Jokyu War, and visitors can feel the atmosphere related to the imperial family in its tranquil grounds.

Nomi Shrine 6-6 Nomi-cho, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture Nomi Shrine is located in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. It is within walking distance from Takatsuki Station on the Hankyu Railway. Many people visit Nomi Shrine to pray to the deity of victory in martial arts. There were visitors for Shichi-Go-San... The tradition of visiting on November 15 has been passed down for a long time, but many families now visit on convenient days from October to November. The omikuji (fortune slip) is shaped like a sumo wrestler, which is unusual.

A single autumn-colored line running through the mountains resembles a dragon flowing across the earth. I hope that this beautiful path carved by nature remains unchanged in the future. (Location: Nagome Valley)

Against the backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves, the maple quietly emerges. The bokeh created by the light transforms the autumn scenery into a fantastical world. (Location: Kyorinbo)

The moment when the softly translucent maple revealed an unexpected pale pink in the backlight. The delicacy of autumn colors stood out. (Location: Kyorinbo)

Red and golden branches overlap, enveloping the stone steps. Under the vibrant autumn leaves, the silhouette of a person walking slowly down the stone steps creates a picturesque scene. (Location: Ryūon-ji)

Reflected in the red umbrella is the traditional beauty of Kyoto. Standing amidst the vibrant autumn leaves is Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto. The Shimabara Tayū carries on a tradition that has lasted since the Edo period. Her luxurious kimono, unique Japanese hairstyle, and hairpins embody the aesthetic sensibility and craftsmanship of Japan. The vivid autumn leaves and the elegant figure of the Tayū, passed down through generations, create a moment where Kyoto's autumn scenery and traditional culture intertwine. I captured this fleeting moment in a photograph. I hope that such culture and beauty will be inherited by future generations. Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Model: Aoi Tayū

Reflected in the red umbrella is the traditional beauty of Kyoto. Autumn in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Standing amidst the vibrant autumn leaves is Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto. The Shimabara Tayū carries on a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. Her luxurious kimono, unique Japanese hairstyle, and hairpins embody Japan's aesthetic sense and the craftsmanship of artisans. The vivid autumn leaves and the elegant figure of the Tayū, passed down through time. I captured a moment where the autumn scenery unique to Kyoto overlaps with Japan's traditional culture. I hope that such culture and beautiful forms will be passed down to future generations. Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Model: Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto.

The Autumn Festival at Fukuōji Shrine is a festival that features a portable shrine passing through the Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji, showcasing the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. This year, after seven years, the Kenboko (spear-like decoration) was presented within the grounds of Ninna-ji. The highlight is the magnificent procession of the Senkan portable shrine! In front of the Nio Gate at Ninna-ji, there will be performances of taiko drums, lion dances, and the "lifting" and "turning" of the portable shrine, creating a lively atmosphere for the festival. Additionally, the normally closed Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji will be opened, providing a rare opportunity for solemn ceremonies to be held in front of the Shin-den. This year marks the return of the Kenboko presentation after seven years within the grounds of Ninna-ji. 📅Every year on the third Sunday of October 📍Procession of the Portable Shrine Starting from Fukuōji Shrine, it will pass through Narutaki, Yamagoe, Uzumasa, Tokiwa, and Omuro, then return to Fukuōji Shrine via Ninna-ji. 📸 Recommended Viewing Spots Around 14:30｜In front of the mountain gate of Ninna-ji Around 15:30｜Fukuōji Intersection This autumn festival in Kyoto is filled with the enthusiasm and traditions of the local people.

The stars were beautiful, so I took pictures of Orion at Shinjo Park in Tanabe City. By chance, a shooting star appeared next to Betelgeuse, one of the stars that make up Orion. The park at night is quiet and nice, unlike during the day.

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's kabuki! Maibara, Yutani Shrine, and the Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight is the children's kabuki performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. The elementary school actors boldly deliver difficult lines and movements, leaving everyone astonished. The passionate performances of the children in their splendid costumes are truly impressive! The sight of young men energetically pulling the hikiyama and the lively atmosphere of the entire town during the festival are also appealing. It's just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making access very convenient. Luxurious brochures are distributed for free. When opened, the stories of the performances are introduced in comic form. I was impressed by the effort to make traditional performing arts more accessible to children. They are also making efforts to connect traditions to the future, including challenges with crowdfunding. The hikiyama performing arts, passed down since the Edo period. I hope this splendid stage continues to be supported by many and is handed down to the next generation.

Katsuo-ji Temple 2914-1 Aomikadani, Mino City, Osaka Prefecture This temple, located in the mountains of Mino City, Osaka Prefecture, is widely known for its prayers for victory. It features a unique landscape with small Daruma dolls placed throughout the grounds, making it a satisfying destination for photography as well. It is also designated as a pilgrimage site of the 33 temples of the Saigoku region. Kachi Daruma / Daruma Omikuji: A popular way to enjoy this experience is not only to take the drawn fortune home but also to dedicate it at the temple grounds. Katsuo-ji Temple (Mino City, Osaka Prefecture) is experiencing a surge in foreign tourists (inbound) due to increased visibility on social media and improved access with the extension of the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line (opening of Minoh-Kayano Station) in 2024, leading to significant crowds. With the increase in inbound tourists, littering has become more noticeable, which may be attributed to differences in manners and culture (in some countries, it's common to litter as "cleaners will take care of it")... 😂😂😂 Parking is available but expensive... It costs 2000 yen for 2 hours and 40 minutes on weekdays. Prices for inbound tourists have increased compared to before.

I went with my family to Gongen General Park, a charming new playground located near a rest area and at the base of a mountain. The park was opened just last year, and has lots of slides for children to enjoy while being conveniently located next to family-friendly dining like a Katsudon restaurant, and most importantly connects to a pleasant and easily walkable nature trail. There are stairs for those who would like to take a short-cut, but its well worth doing the leisurely hike up to the summit. The view from the peak is really wonderful! It seems there is a bug theme to the park, with a variety of cicada everywhere. On a holiday weekend it is a little crowded, but only enough to give a sense of liveliness rather than overcrowding. It is nice to see many families out there having fun! If you are in the area with young kids of your own and enjoy nature, you could do far worse than visit Gongen.

The coral reef Looked like a coral reef when viewed from above the autumn leaves of Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture.

The vibrant autumn leaves along the path at Kousanji in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture. The stone lanterns, steeped in history, line the path, covered by trees adorned in shades of red and orange, with a carpet of fallen leaves spread beneath my feet. It's an unforgettable scene that deepens the feeling of autumn with each step taken. Location: Kousanji, Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture Date of capture: November 20, 2025

September 8 2-1-30 Kitakawaramachi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture A sacred place that connects Kobukuro with their fans. A takeout specialty store filled with passion Kobukuro will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2024. The store "September 8" was opened by member Shunsuke Kuroda, expressing gratitude to fans and giving back to his hometown of Sakai. Located in Sakai Ginza Shopping Street. This is precisely the place where the duo sang during their street days. The store name is derived from their formation anniversary, and inside, there is a space featuring artwork from their album "QUARTER CENTURY," released to commemorate the 25th anniversary, making it a must-visit "sacred place" for fans. The main menu item is the exquisite "Yakiniku Sandwich," created in collaboration with the extremely popular Sakai restaurant "Yakiniku Osamu-chan" and the long-established "Tezukayama Poire," founded in 1969. Tender meat grilled to perfection is coated with a secret sauce and sandwiched between soft "Takumi Bread". Kuroda himself participated in creating the menu, perfecting the flavor through trial and error. You can also choose a spicy version if you like, and there will be limited-time toppings available as well. Additionally, the coffee is made from carefully selected beans, so it's a great idea to enjoy it as a set.