Bungoono City Stamp Rally Visiting Five Roadside Stations ❚ Held January 8–March 8, 2026 A stamp rally visiting five Roadside Stations in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, will be held. At each Roadside Station, you will encounter attractive local specialties and fresh vegetables lovingly grown by local producers. Visit all five Roadside Stations, make purchases of 300 yen or more, and collect stamps for a chance to win Roadside Station specialty products for a total of 125 winners. Participation is very simple. You can easily join while driving around Bungoono City, so take the challenge and try to win the luxurious prizes offered by the city’s proud Roadside Stations. ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and other areas 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 beppu station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20260108event-bungoono/...

Reihoku Sunset Marche — January Announcement📣 Happy New Year🎊 Our first announcement of the year is the Reihoku Sunset Marche in January♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ At the Reihoku Sunset Marche, where agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku are sold, freshly shipped bagged mikan (tangerines) will be available this time 🍊 Please enjoy these seasonal farm products❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ Scheduled produce for sale: ・Aspara greens ・Cauliflower ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Kale ・Rice🌾 ・Coral leaf feather ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes🍠 ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Daikon radish ・Tomatoes (Aiko, cherry) ・Chinese cabbage ・Green peppers🫑 ・Broccoli🥦 ・Ponkan ・Mikan🍊 (bagged, boxed, bag-hung) ・Mizuna (Beni-hoshi variety) ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) ・Welsh onion (single stalk) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date: Sunday, January 11, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Local Products Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

The 33rd Bungo-ono Dondoyaki The 33rd Bungo-ono Dondoyaki will be held in Oonocho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The sight of the roughly 20-meter-tall bamboo “dondo” blazing into the sky is spectacular. Pray for health and safety in the dondoyaki fire and welcome a good year. Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM (held in light rain) Location: Bungo-ono City Ohno General Athletic Park (Second Parking Area) Admission: Free Parking: Available Program Master of ceremonies: hometown ambassador Akiteru Fujimura. 4:30 PM–5:00 PM Opening ceremony 5:00 PM–5:30 PM Shinto ritual 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Shonai Children’s Kagura (Yufu City) 7:00 PM–7:40 PM Hoyukai Taiko Drums (Bungoono City) 7:40 PM–8:00 PM Dondo lighting ceremony preparations 8:00 PM Lighting of the dondo and fireworks by Ikushima Hanabi 9:00 PM Closing ceremony *Event details are subject to change without notice. *Please bring New Year’s decorations such as shimekazari and talismans to the venue on the day of the event between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Items cannot be accepted in advance. What is dondoyaki Dondoyaki is a midwinter festival held around January 15 (Little New Year), when households bring New Year’s pine decorations, shimenawa ropes, kakizome calligraphy and other items to be piled up and burned in a communal fire. This fire festival is a New Year tradition across Japan. Organizer / Event Inquiries Onocho Dondoyaki Executive Committee (Bungoono City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division, Ohno Branch) TEL 0974-34-2234 Access from Fukuoka, Kumamoto and other prefectures 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo-ono-shi) ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Miike Port is famous for its beautiful sunsets. For about one week each year in November and January—when the sunset direction measures 247 degrees clockwise from north—a straight “lane of light” appears, stretching from the end of the shipping channel through the open gate. Combined with the surrounding factories, it has become a popular spot for photography. To help visitors capture more beautiful, photogenic images, Pier No. 1 of Miike Port, which is normally off-limits, is opened as a photo point. Please take in this special sight, which appears only twice a year. ☆ Pier No. 1 opening period: November 16, 2025 (Sunday)–November 22, 2025 (Saturday) January 18, 2026 (Sunday)–January 24, 2026 (Saturday) ☆ Pier No. 1 opening hours: November ▶ 16:15–17:30 / January ▶ 16:45–18:00 ☆ Sunset times during the periods: November ▶ around 17:15 / January ▶ around 17:45 ☆ Location: Miike Port Observation Point and Pier No. 1, Shinko-cho, Omuta City ☆ Parking: Miike Port Observation Point (parking is available until 30 minutes after Pier No. 1 closing time) ※ If you come by car, please use the parking lot. ※ Do not park on surrounding roads. The event will be canceled in case of rain. For the latest information and details, please check here. Contact Omuta City Tourism Omotenashi Section Phone number 0944412750

Notice about New Year opening hours for the Manda Pit area. Today is the last day of operations for 2025. Thank you to everyone who visited in 2025. We will reopen on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM. The winter light filtering through the brick scenery creates a quiet, photogenic moment. Don’t forget your camera. 🕘 Opening day Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM • Manda Pit Station • Manda Pit Site • Manda Coal Mine Museum • Marugoto Arao Bussankan Hours 11:00–16:30 Mornings, especially early hours, are often a peaceful time to explore, so we recommend them. All our staff look forward to welcoming you. Please add this to your plans #Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture https://arao-kankou.jp/oshirase/16514/...

Chinda Falls Waterfall Resumes Flow Chinda Falls had been dry since late October 2025 due to construction, but the work finished ahead of schedule and the waterfall has resumed flowing from December 24, 2025. Location: Yada, Oonocho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture

15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura ❚ Held on March 14, 2026 The 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura will take place in Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture. Megurakura (巡蔵, literally “visiting breweries”) is an event that guides visitors around the city’s historic breweries to enjoy their signature sake, shochu, craft beer, and local gourmet food. While taking in the scenery of Bungo‑Ono City, please enjoy touring the breweries. Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM Location: Various venues across Bungo‑Ono City ▶ Participating breweries for the 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura: Hamashima Sake Brewery, Muretsuru Sake Brewery, Fujii Brewery ■ Megurakura tickets on sale now Ticket Price: 3,000 yen (tax included) ▶ Limited first-come, first-served offer: comes with a special guinomi (small drinking cup) ※ Guinomi are available while supplies last. ▶ Ticket sales locations Hamashima Sake Brewery TEL 0974-42-2216 Muretsuru Sake Brewery TEL 0974-72-0101 Fujii Brewery TEL 0974-37-2016 Bungo‑Ono City Tourism Association TEL 0974-27-4215 ■ How to enjoy Megurakura On the day of Megurakura, each brewery opens from 9:30 AM. You may start your tour at any venue. A Megurakura ticket is required for tastings at each brewery. Present your Megurakura ticket at each brewery to taste the beverages they offer. When a brewery finishes offering tastings, staff will mark your ticket at that brewery’s section. Additional tastings will incur extra charges. ※ We cannot reissue, exchange, or refund tickets that are damaged, lost, unused, or forgotten. ■ Shuttle bus information for the day of Megurakura Shuttle buses will operate on the day of Megurakura. A Megurakura ticket is required to board the shuttle. A shuttle bus runs between JR Miemachi Station and the various venues at roughly 30–40 minute intervals. You may board or disembark at any stop. ※ Please show your ticket to staff when boarding. ■ Inquiries about the Megurakura event Bungo Ono City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division TEL 0974-22-1117 ■■ Access to central Bungo‑Ono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and others ■■ By car 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu — Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo‑Ono City) Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251222event-bungoono/...

Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨ Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄ An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂 The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡 As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊 Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄

Shoshun Mai Hatsu Dedication Ontake Kagura ❚ Held on January 3, 2026 “Shoshun Mai Hatsu Dedication Ontake Kagura” will be held at Kagura Hall in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The New Year performance takes place on the Kagura Hiroba in front of Kagura Hall. Admission is free. Please invite your family and friends and join us. [Date and Time] Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:30–15:00 (doors open at 11:00) [Venue] Kagura Hall, Kagura Hiroba (outdoors; seating mats will be laid) *This event will be held outdoors. Please prepare your own cold-weather gear and seating (zabuton cushions, lap blankets, chairs, etc.). *In case of rain, the event will move to the Kagura Hall multipurpose hall (straw mats will cover the entire floor). [Admission] Free [Performing Group] Ontake Kagura Program Kamitsugu Tsunobari Gokokumai Kamikai Yakumoharai Oogami Organizer / Event Inquiries Kagura Hall TEL 0974-35-2372 Access from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and other areas 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 Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ★★★★★★★★★★ Discover tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ★★★★★★★★★★

Illuminations at Chitose Hanahiroba Illuminations are on display at Chitose Hanahiroba in Chitosemachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Various illuminations, including gourd lanterns, have been installed. This year the display has expanded to 150,000 lights. The illuminations created by local residents make Chitosemachi sparkle at night. The Chitose Hanahiroba illuminations run until February 1, 2026, so if you haven't seen them yet, why not take a look? Date and Time: Sunday, November 30, 2025 – Sunday, February 1, 2026 Lighting hours: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM *Lighting start times may vary depending on sunset. Location: Chitose Hanahiroba (906-1 Shimoyama, Chitosemachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Admission: Free Parking: Available (a 100-yen cooperation fee is requested) Admission is free to enjoy, but a parking cooperation fee is requested to help with upkeep and management. ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and beyond 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 beppu station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Christmas is finally just a week away 🎄 In Amakusa City, light-ups are taking place across the area under the name Amakusa Romantic Fantasy 2025, and here is information about the illuminations you can see in Reihoku ✨ This time we introduce Hama-yū Rehabilitation Center. The entire entrance to the facility is lit up as a Christmas illumination 💡 (remarkably, the staff made it by hand 👀) When you visit, be sure to take a look ☺️ Here is the place we introduced👇 Hama-yū Rehabilitation Center (1215 Shiki, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503)

Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice: With just under three weeks left in 2025, we hope this message finds you well and prospering. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and the many others who have supported us this year. We ask for your continued patronage in the coming year and offer this as our year-end greeting. — Office Year-end and New Year Hours — Tourism Association Office and Tourist Information Center: Closed from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Normal business resumes on January 5. Please note that bicycle rentals at the Tourist Information Center will also be suspended during the period above. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours.

【Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest Results Announcement🎊】 Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest.” We received many stunning shots that captured the town’s scenery and charm, and this contest became a wonderful opportunity to highlight Reihoku’s appeal.🙇 From a total of 81 submissions, we carefully selected the following winners and are pleased to announce them! 📸【General Category】High school age and above The Grand Prize goes to the nickname “2984”! (second photo) The title is “Chasing the Ball,” taken at the Tomioka Castle Festival. The entrant commented, “The dragon dance that breathes smoke feels unique to Amakusa.”🎶 “2984” will receive a prize of 10,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen at a later date.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive 3,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.💝 First is nickname “Sora” (third photo), titled “Shining Tomioka Castle”🏯. This photo was taken at Tomioka Castle during the castle festival; the entrant wrote, “I climbed up during a break in the festival. The contrast between the white walls and blue sky was very beautiful.” Second is nickname “Green and White and Purple” (fourth photo), titled “Children of the Seaside Town”🌊. The entrant wrote, “Children working together and the glittering sea — it was the perfect moment.”🎶 The following four entrants received Honorable Mentions👏; each will receive Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.🎁 First is nickname “dSuke” (fifth photo), titled “Blooming at Tomioka Castle”🎆. The entrant described: “The sky shifts from dusk to night in a deep blue. Lights reflect on the sea surface, the castle ruins sit on the hill, and large fireworks bloom overlapping that scene.”👍 Second is nickname “Hijikata Tonza Buro” (sixth photo), titled “Mukaizuki Aoi,” and the entrant wrote, “I photographed the Kumamoto-maru docked at Tomioka Port against the background of the annual Jatto Festival fireworks I watch every year!”📸 Third is nickname “Manakan” (seventh photo), titled “Sunset Reflected in the Rice Fields Before Planting,” taken in the castle town. “Water fills the paddies before planting; with no wind the surface is calm. You only see this special scene on a day with a beautiful sunset when everything lines up. I look forward to seeing this view every year,” the entrant wrote.🎶 Fourth is nickname “Arisa” (eighth photo), titled “First Sunrise 2025,” taken at the Tomioka Marine Park observation area🌅. “I visit this spot every year to see the first sunrise. It’s not an exaggeration to say this light powers me through the year. It’s my power spot,” the entrant shared. 📸【Junior Category】Elementary and junior high school students Next are the winners in the Junior Category! The Grand Prize goes to nickname “Melon and Watermelon” with the title “Bustling Castle Festival”! (ninth photo) Congratulations on your win🎊 The entrant said, “I was chatting with friends at the castle festival venue when I suddenly noticed this scene.” “Melon and Watermelon” will receive a 5,000-yen book gift card.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive a 3,000-yen book gift card.🎁 First is nickname “Haru” (tenth photo), titled “Beautiful Sunset,” taken on National Route 324 (Sakasegawa)☀️. “Riding home from cram school, I sat beside my driving mother and the sky was so beautiful I took a photo. I was happy when my mother said, ‘It’s beautiful,’” the entrant wrote.🎶 Second is nickname “Reo” (eleventh photo), titled “Godzilla,” taken on National Route 324 (Kozufukae). The entrant wrote, “Riding in my mother’s car, I saw clouds heading toward the sea that looked like Godzilla.”✨ After a rigorous screening, the works above were chosen as winners. We deeply thank everyone for so wonderfully expressing Reihoku Town’s charm! We appreciate your continued support of Reihoku Town.🙇 Also, the 4th Amashin Photo Contest is currently open! Please check the Notices section on our website for details.📸 🏯【Contact】Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section Address: 4535-2 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502, inside the Reihoku Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0969-37-1244 E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

The Hyotan Festival was held on December 7, 2025, in Chitose-cho, Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture. Although the festival is properly called the "Shimotsuki Festival," it is commonly known as the "Hyotan Festival," named after the central ceremonial figure, Hyotan-sama. This festival has been handed down for more than 800 years in the Takahata and Shibayama districts of Chitose-cho around Shibayama Hachiman Shrine in Bungo-Ōno City. Hyotan-sama, wearing a long gourd on the head, a large *miki*-filled (sacred sake) gourd suspended from the shoulder, and large straw sandals (*waraji*), is accompanied by a divine horse and lion dancers. Hyotan-sama parades along the approach to the shrine to the calls of "yoisho, yoisho." Hyotan-sama dispenses *miki* from the shoulder-hung gourd to people along the route, praying for good health, protection from illness, and a bountiful harvest. In addition to the procession, lion dances and *kagura* (Shinto ritual dances) are performed. ■■Access to central Bungo-Ōno City from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, etc.■■ From JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka): about a 3-hour drive. From JR Kumamoto Station (Kumamoto): about a 2-hour drive. From JR Beppu Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive. From JR Yufuin Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive. ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourist information and recommended spots in Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture (Kyushu) ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri was held On December 6, 2025, the Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri took place around Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The Kawagoe Shimatsuri is an annual festival when the deities of the three Ogata shrines (Ichinomiya, Ninomiya, and Sannomiya) come together. The portable shrine from Ichinomiya Shrine and the portable shrine from Sannomiya Shrine gather at Ninomiya Shrine. The event was shortened from two days to one this year. Despite challenges such as a shortage of people to carry the mikoshi, the organizers’ determination to keep the festival alive has preserved the tradition. At night, young men wearing traditional loincloths carry the Sannomiya mikoshi through the cold river, guided by torchlight. Their calls of “Essa hoisa” echo as they pass through the torii above the falls and wade across the river, creating a breathtaking spectacle. ■■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and other areas 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

On November 19, we held the fourth workshop to develop a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” turning the literary spots and heritage remaining in Reihoku into new tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] December Announcement📣 This is an announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche in December♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche sells agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku, and this event marks its first anniversary since it began🎊 To celebrate the first anniversary, we will hold a lottery for the first customers who spend 700 yen or more! A Veg Check screening that awards health points will also be available, so please come by❣ We look forward to seeing you😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Planned produce for sale] ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Rice (new harvest)🌾 ・Red leaf lettuce (sunny lettuce) ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Zucchini ・Daikon radish ・Carrots🥕 ・Chinese cabbage ・One-character scallion (wakegi) ・Green peppers🫑 ・Beni Haruka sweet potato ・Spinach ・Mandarin oranges🍊 ・Mizuna ・Cherry tomatoes (Aiko, fruit types) ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM ※Veg Check screening: 12:30 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Reihoku Town Product Center facility: 4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku)

Illuminations are lit at JR Miemachi Station ❚ Held from December 5, 2025 to January 31, 2026 Illuminations are on display at JR Miemachi Station in Mie-machi, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture, organized by the Mie Branch of Bungo-ono City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The lights glitter and lend a festive glow to Miemachi Station. Why not visit Miemachi Station this winter? Date and Time: Friday, December 5, 2025–Saturday, January 31, 2026 Location: JR Miemachi Station (2930 Akamine, Mie-machi, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture) Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM–1:00 AM (next day) ■■■ Access from places such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto to central Bungo-ono 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, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Whole-House Rental Guesthouse Shoya no Yakata A whole-house rental tucked into the heart of Kuwanoe, surrounded by Gokase’s natural beauty 🌿 At certain seasons you can even see a breathtaking sea of clouds…👀✨ Time flows here at a relaxed pace…⌚ Enjoy a soothing satoyama stay that unwinds the mind ✨ You can make reservations conveniently via LINE ☺ <Contact> Official LINE: lin.ee/4CTokHm Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoya_no_yakata/?hl=ja...

Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami: A Scene from Taijin On November 15, 2025, Yujaku Yokagura Mizukagami took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. This one-day night kagura, held during the autumn foliage season, began thanks to the passion of local young people. Performed on a stage set above Shinji Pond, the kagura dances are mirrored on the water, creating a magical scene of reflected autumn colors and ritual performance. Taijin is the final kagura dance, expressing gratitude for the safe completion of the offering performance. In the hushed venue, the sounds of drums and flutes resound pleasantly.

A Scene from Yakumobarai in the Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami On November 15, 2025, the Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu This one-night-only night kagura, held during the autumn foliage season, began thanks to the passionate efforts of local young people. Dances of the kagura are performed on a stage set above Shinji Pond, creating a beautiful, otherworldly scene as the maple leaves and the kagura are reflected on the water.

Yusaku Park autumn leaves ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 25, 2025 Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. The maple leaves around Shinji Pond are just past their peak. Areas farther from the pond are further along in their color change, offering a lovely mix of green, yellow, and red leaves. Fallen leaves have increased with the wind. Some spots still show beautiful foliage, while others have many fallen leaves. We will update the foliage status as it changes. The 2025 Yusaku Park light-up has ended. Location: Yusaku Park (Ageozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: available ■■■ Access from central Bungoono City from places such as Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yusaku Park autumn leaves ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 20, 2025 Yusaku Park, located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn leaf viewing spots. Overall, the foliage is about 70% along. The area around Shinji Pond should be at its peak this week. Areas farther from the pond are also progressing in color. You can enjoy a palette of green, yellow, and red leaves, which are beautiful. Some trees are already starting to shed leaves that flutter in the wind, but on sunny days the colors look especially vivid. Why not head out to Yusaku Park and be wrapped in autumn hues? During the Yosaku Tourism Momiji Festival, local residents sell kusa-mochi (grass rice cakes) and other treats. If you see them, try one while you can. We will continue to provide updates on the foliage status. The Yusaku Park light-up runs through this week, from November 21 to 23. Some paths are dim at night, so we recommend bringing a flashlight. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and others ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR hakata station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR kumamoto station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR beppu station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introduce sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

[Applications Open] “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest” is now accepting entries! Thank you for the many submissions to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary Web Photo Contest.” After judging, we will announce the selected works. This is an announcement for the “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest,” which opened for entries on Monday, November 17. The theme is “Amakusa’s Best Spots You’ll Want to Share.” Feel free to photograph Amakusa’s landscapes, streets that evoke its history and culture, festivals, light-ups, and more, and submit as many entries as you like! For details, please see our company announcements page or the attached flyer.👀

A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁 Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘 The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨ In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨ Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase? With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆

[Autumn Foliage Drive 🚘] Today I went for a drive to hunt for the remaining autumn leaves as they’re dwindling 🚗 First stop was Josenji Temple 🍁 The maple trees around the temple showed a range of colors, and every view was beautiful ✨ Mt. Nijo, being higher in elevation, didn’t have great foliage this year 😅 Still, the lookout gave a sweeping view of the mountains; the wind was cold but it felt refreshing 😊

Yusaku Park autumn leaves ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 17, 2025 Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. Overall, the foliage is about 60 percent along. The area around Shinji Pond seems to be at its peak this week. Even spots farther from the pond are progressing, so you can enjoy green, yellow, and red leaves that make for a beautiful sight. This week looks good for viewing the autumn colors. During the Yujaku Kanko Momiji Festival, local people sell kusa mochi and other treats. If you see them, give them a try. We will keep sharing updates on the foliage status. The Yusaku Park illumination runs through this week, from November 21 to 23, three nights in total. Some areas are dark at night, so we recommend bringing a flashlight. Location: Yusaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: Available Remaining illumination dates: November 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun) ▶ Hours: From sunset until 9:00 PM ■■■ 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 Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 17, 2025 The autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The peak has just passed. The 2025 Hoshoji Temple light-up ended on the 15th. We will report the foliage status as it changes. Location: Hoshoji Temple (Udae 1639, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Parking: Available ■ Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji Temple is a venerable temple with more than 800 years of history. Known as “Colorful Hoshoji” and “Hoshoji in Autumn,” it displays vivid hues during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, a light-up is held, and its magical atmosphere enchants visitors. ■■■ 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 beppu station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Applications Open: Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip! A one-night, two-day bus tour called “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” will run on Saturday and Sunday, December 13–14, and reservations are now open! This bus tour lets you fully enjoy the Amakusa West Coast with spiny lobsters, a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, and the Sakitsu village.🚌 For details and to book, search the tour name “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” or check the News section on our website.👀 Don’t miss this chance to experience the winter charm of the Amakusa West Coast.✨