On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Reihoku Town will be exhibiting at the Amakusa Fair 2026 held at HiRaKu in Tenjin, Fukuoka City! Fukuoka and Amakusa are connected by Amakusa Airlines (AMX) via the Mizoka service. This is a rare chance to bring the charms of Reihoku, located right next to Amakusa Airport, directly to the people of Fukuoka. 🍊 Reihoku’s seasonal best gathers in Tenjin! We will offer many of Reihoku’s proud local specialties on the day. 🎁 Fun activities At the venue, customers who spend 1,000 yen or more will be entered into a prize drawing! 📅 Event details Date and time: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 – 18:00 Venue: HiRaKu, Cultural Exchange and Creative Hub (Tenjin 2-chome 8-227, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City) Program: Local specialty sales, tourism PR, public recording of AMX Radio “Mizoka Talk,” and more Organizer and planner: Amakusa Airlines A short 35-minute flight from Fukuoka Airport takes you to a different world of blue seas. We’ll bring you exciting information to make you think, “Maybe I’ll go to Amakusa on my next break,” and we look forward to seeing you in Tenjin! Please feel free to drop by and enjoy the event ✨

A food-walking event, Nobeoka Tapas 2026 🍽️, will be held!! Nobeoka Tapas is an event for “food-walking” enjoyed while strolling through the town of Nobeoka. Visit participating shops and taste the tapas (small plates) and drinks each shop prepares, then move on to the next place, and the next. Hop between places that catch your eye and enjoy Nobeoka’s flavors and the town’s atmosphere. Discover new places you’ve never entered, see a familiar shop in a new light, and notice the faces of Nobeoka that only appear when you walk. Nobeoka Tapas is a townwide food culture. Please enjoy this special night, available only on this day, one plate and one drink at a time. ____________________________________ ■ Food-Walking Event Date and Time: February 27 (Fri) and 28 (Sat) Location: Various restaurants and eateries across Nobeoka City ■ Tapas Marche Date and Time: March 1 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 Location: Nobeoka Station West Exit Ekimae Building Around Waiwai Play Lab <Value Food-Walking Ticket> A value ticket that normally pays for 600 yen × 5 plates for 2,500 yen goes on sale from Monday, February 2, 2026!! ⁡ <How to Purchase Tickets> Advance in-person sales (cash only) ▶︎ ① Higashi Kyushu Basque Vision Promotion Office, 3rd floor, Nobeoka City Hall ② Onokobo Design LLC ⁡ Online reservation ▶︎ Purchase via “Nobeoka Tapas 2026 Tickets – Online Advance Sales” and receive by mail, or exchange for tickets at the information desk on the day of the event. Please note that refunds are not available after payment. ⁡ Same-day sales ▶︎ Purchase at the City Information Center or at the Marche Information Desk ※ If advance tickets sell out, same-day sales will not be available. If you can’t use all your tickets during the event period, you can use each unused ticket as a 600-yen voucher at participating shops, so there’s no need to worry! (Valid March 2–22) Tickets are sold until they sell out, so please get yours early ☺️💚

📺 A special TV program about the Amaichi Gran Fondo will air on TV Kumamoto (TKU)! Last winter, the cycling event “Around Amakusa! Amaichi Gran Fondo” took place across the entire Amakusa area. Cyclists from around the country raced along Amakusa’s stunning routes, and the excitement of that ride is now being broadcast as a TV program! 🚴‍♂️💨 The program will show participants cutting through the wind, the warm hospitality at aid stations, and, above all, plenty of footage of the beautiful coastline of our town, Reihoku. This is a must-see for those who actually took part, those who cheered along the route, and anyone who dreams of riding here someday. Please tune in and feel the breeze of Amakusa and Reihoku through your screen! 📅 Broadcast details Broadcaster: TKU TV Kumamoto Program title: Around Amakusa! Amaichi Gran Fondo Air date and time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 11:00 AM–11:30 AM 👉 For more details about the program, please visit the TKU official website. ※Program content is subject to change.

The Nobeoka Toka Ebisu Festival takes place on February 10th and 11th!! Held each year on February 10th and 11th, the Nobeoka Toka Ebisu welcomes many worshippers from Miyazaki Prefecture and beyond. On the first day, visitors came to pray for business prosperity and the fulfillment of various wishes under pleasantly mild weather with no chill 😊 Tomorrow features a lucky rice cake toss and a Nobeoka kagura dedication, so bring friends and family and join us for worship!! ⁡ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🗓️Date and time: Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th (national holiday) 📍Address: 3875 Yamashitamachi 1-chome, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture (Imayama Ebisu Shrine) 📞Contact: 0982-21-4525

Reihoku Sunset Marche — February Announcement📣 Hello everyone! With the season full of events like ehomaki and Setsubun, here is the announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche in February♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ Reihoku Sunset Marche will offer agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihokumachi, including bagged mikan (tangerines) for sale🍊. This time, a kitchen car from Ninoya Amakusa will also be on site offering ikinari dango❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ Items expected for sale ・Cauliflower ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumber🥒 ・Rice🌾 ・Taro ・Shiitake (log-grown) ・Potatoes🥔 ・New onions🧅 ・Tomatoes (Aiko, mini) ・Broccoli🥦 ・Green peppers ・Beni Haruka (sweet potato variety) ・Ponkan ・Mikan🍊 (bagged) ・Lettuce (sunny) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date: Sunday, February 8 — 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (reihoku town products hall facility, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Junzo Pre-Event "PRE Junzo" ❚ Held on February 14, 2026 "PRE Junzo" will take place in front of JR Oita Station in Oita City, Oita Prefecture. This special event offers a chance to sample the renowned sake from Bungoono City’s breweries all at once in front of JR Oita Station, ahead of the main event, the 15th Bungo-Ono Junzo, held in Bungoono City. It’s a perfect opportunity to casually compare local sake you rarely encounter. It’s ideal for those who have never tried Bungoono’s sake or want to learn more. In addition to enjoying Bungoono’s sake and shochu, vendors will offer delicious snacks that pair well with the drinks. PRE Junzo lets you taste Bungoono’s delicious offerings a little earlier. We sincerely look forward to your attendance. Date and Time: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM *Registration is open until 5:30 PM Location: JR Oita Station Plaza https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20260116event-bungoono/...

🌸✨Springtime in Nobeoka✨🌸 “Konohana Walk” is coming! Stroll along the Konohana Road on the Gokase River embankment, where 300 cherry trees and one million rapeseed flowers bloom in a riot of color🚶‍♀️🌼 At the gourmet and souvenir area, savor Nobeoka’s proud seafood and mountain delicacies and experience spring in Nobeoka with all five senses!!😋 🌟There’s plenty more to see and do! ・Hands-on experiences and displays by the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ・About 1,000 pinwheels lovingly made by junior high students ・Authentic matcha enjoyed amid the flowers🍵 ・Giant inflatable play area and craft workshops 🎤On the special stage, enjoy regional performing arts and a lively lineup of performances! Also‼️ 🔥The “Makoto Nagano Athletic Challenge” runs at the same time🔥 Can you clear the obstacles~!?💪 And in March… 🌸Waiwai Flower Tale 2026🌸 Enjoy the magical cherry blossom light-up and reward yourself with treats at the Waiwai Gourmet Fair✨ Everyone— We’re waiting for you in Nobeoka this spring!🌸 -————————— 🌸Konohana Walk & Nobeoka Delicious Food Market 📅Date: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2026 ⏰10:00–16:00 📍Venue: Gokase River embankment ▶ Saturday 21 Children’s performing arts stage & Nobeoka song stage ▶ Sunday 22 Nobeoka traditional performing arts stage ※Photos are from last year’s event ※Start times and performers may change -————————— 📺Presented by Cable Media Waiwai “Waiwai Flower Tale 2026” 📅Date: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Kita-Ote Gate to Honmaru Square) ・Cherry blossom light-up ・Upcycled art exhibition and more Light-up: 18:30–21:30 (held rain or shine) ※Event dates may change depending on cherry blossom conditions -————————— 🍴🌸Waiwai Gourmet Fair🌸🍴 📅Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00–16:00 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Ninomaru Plaza) ※Held in light rain / canceled in severe weather ※On the day of the gourmet fair 🚌Free shuttle bus between Aeon Nobeoka and the event area is planned (9:30–16:30) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2025/...

Sobo, Katamuki and Okue UNESCO Eco Park Bungo-ono City Children's Kagura Tournament ❚ Held on February 7, 2026 The Bungo-ono City Kagura Kaikan in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture will host a children's Kagura tournament. The event is held in the hope that children will grow with confidence and pride in the region's history and culture and develop a deep love for their hometown. This year, two children's Kagura troupes from Bungo-ono City will perform alongside children's Kagura groups from Saiki City and Taketa City. Please enjoy the bold and powerful Kagura dances performed by the children at the venue. Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9:30 AM–12:10 PM Location: Bungo-ono City Kagura Kaikan (810 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-ono City) Admission: No advance registration required. Free admission with unreserved seating. Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and other areas 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 ########## Kyushu, Bungo-ono City in Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ########## https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20260126event-kiyokawa/...

Deai Bridge – Todoroki Bridge ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark Deai Bridge and Todoroki Bridge are stone bridges built from the late Taisho era to the early Showa era. Todoroki Bridge is a two-span arch stone bridge erected in Showa 9 (1934) as a forestry railway bridge; its larger span measures 32.1 m, the longest in Japan. Deai Bridge was built in Taisho 13 (1924) and has a span of 29.3 m, the second longest in Japan. The sight of these two stone bridges—Japan’s longest and second-longest spans—overlapping is breathtaking. Beneath the bridges flows the emerald-green Okudake River, and on both banks you can see remarkable columnar joints formed from welded tuff of Aso pyroclastic flow. (Do not go down to the riverbed when the water is high, as it is dangerous.) Location: Todoroki, Kiyokawa-machi – Hiraishi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■Access to central Bungoono City from Fukuoka and Kumamoto Prefectures■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20260120spot-kiyokawa/...

[Held at Hakata Station] Announcing the Amakusa Reihoku “Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event” and the Ohisama Marche, packed with the charms of Amakusa Reihoku! On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the big event “Learn About Amakusa: Amakusa Reihoku Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event,” where you can experience the attractions of Reihoku with all five senses, will take place at Hakata Station Square, Fukuoka’s gateway! The Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association will also bring our proud local specialties to enliven the Ohisama Marche booth. Feel the breeze of Amakusa Reihoku—less than an hour’s flight from Fukuoka—right at the venue. 🛍️ Ohisama Marche: Featured Lineup This time’s market carefully selects the best tastes from Reihoku! ⚪︎ Celebrating the Kumamoto-Oshi Dora Grand Prix 2025 award! “Salt Dorayaki” — a masterpiece from long-established local wagashi maker Kurose Seikaho. The just-right saltiness enhances the sweetness, creating a taste you won’t forget. ⚪︎ “Canned Fish from Amakusa Takushin High School Marine Campus” packed with youthful energy — these popular specialty cans were lovingly made by local high school students during practical training. ⚪︎ “Processed Seafood Products” — seaweeds and senbei (rice crackers) made with shrimp and octopus caught in Amakusa’s rich waters; perfect for cooking or snacking. ⚪︎ “Fresh Seasonal Vegetables” sold directly by local farmers — proudly grown under Reihoku’s abundant sun. 👓 Experience & Consultation Booths: Learn About and Get Close to Reihoku In addition to the market, we offer corners where you can learn more deeply about Reihoku. ⚪︎ Metaverse Reihoku Travel (VR experience) — Using VR, why not tour Reihoku’s beautiful sea and scenery in 360-degree video while staying in Fukuoka? ⚪︎ Migration and Dual-Base Living Consultation — Reihoku town staff and regional revitalization team members will staff a consultation corner. Let’s talk openly about daily life and work in Reihoku. ⚪︎ Tourism PR & Talk Events — We will share every last highlight of Amakusa Reihoku. We have lovely gifts prepared for participants, so please stop by. 📅 Event Details Name: Learn About Amakusa! Amakusa Reihoku Area Dual Residency Experience Exchange Event Date and Time: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 11:00–17:00 at Hakata Station Square Organizer: Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture Contact: (Event planning and management) Parallab Co., Ltd. 📞092-986-9671 ✉️info@parallab.jp To everyone using Hakata Station and anyone with even a slight interest in Amakusa and Reihoku: we truly look forward to meeting you at the venue and sharing stories about Reihoku!

👹✨February 3 is Setsubun✨👹 When you think of Setsubun, you think of ehomaki! The lucky direction for 2026 is south-southeast. Face that direction, hold a wish in your mind, and silently take a big bite of the whole thick roll—this is the tradition of eating an ehomaki. This year, why not make your very own ehomaki at the sushi counter?🍣 Using delicious, naturally sweet rice from Kikuchi and guided directly by a sushi chef, enjoy a rare rolled-sushi-making experience. It’s designed so even young children can join in, making it perfect for creating family memories. Bring your family and friends and make special Setsubun memories together✨ 📌Details and reservations here https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

Take a little breather from your busy days. The popular market event “Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche” is finally celebrating its 7th edition! This time marks the third time it will be held in Reihoku Town👏 Why not spend a special day filled with “beauty, healing, and deliciousness” at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center? 🌿 How to enjoy the marche This edition features three delightful sections. [Treatment Corner]💆‍♀️ Warmth therapies, massages, head spas, and other treatments that help you relax both body and mind. [Hands-on & Sales Corner]🛍 Stalls selling handmade goods, fortune-telling, beauty experiences, and other booths perfect for treating yourself. [Food Corner]🍕🥐 From bento boxes and sweets to bread and pizza—there’s a satisfying lineup to fill your stomach. ✨ Highlights this time! Stamp rally! Visit venues around the site and collect stamps for a chance to win great prizes♪ Everyone is welcome! Admission is free. Whether you come with family and friends or drop by on your own for a little “yorimichi,” you’re warmly invited🤍 📅 Event details Date & Time: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (national holiday) 10:00–16:00 Location: Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) Admission: Free Organizer: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) Planning & Management: CROSSLINK On a winter afternoon, our staff look forward to seeing your smiling faces. Please feel free to stop by for a little “yorimichi”🌼

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids. On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place. The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!" Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…! They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body. Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves, I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive. From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event. Winter in Tomioka is the best. If you missed it, why not join the circle next year? If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

“Can you believe all of this is handmade?” A massive pyre has appeared that can withstand the sea breeze of Tomioka. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18th at 9:00 AM, the Dondoyama ceremony will take place at Tomioka Elementary School. This pyre rises more than five meters high. Looking up from below, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer presence. Please come and feel the passion that everyone poured into preparing for this day on site. A winter tradition wishing for good health and safety. Let’s watch together the moment a great pillar of flame soars into the Tomioka sky!

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

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) ■■■■■■■■■■■■