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.

Taken on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Konohanasakuya-hime from Kishimachi 2-chōme visiting Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The little photographer is adorable. I'm looking forward to this year's Kawagoe Festival.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The mirror lion float has returned to Hon-Kawagoe Station. This year, 26 floats will parade, so I’m looking forward to it.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Rokkenmachi and Sanbasō.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the parade of the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi 1-chome and the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Motomachi 2-chome and Sanno.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Shintomi-cho 2-chome featuring the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) and the floats from Motomachi 2-chome featuring Sanno are being pulled together.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Wakitamachi featuring Ieyasu, the float from Otemachi featuring Uzume, and the float from Kishimachi 2-chome featuring Konohanasakuya-hime are being pulled together.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Nakaharacho, featuring Kawagoe Taro Shigeyori, and the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome, showcasing the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance).

Photographed on October 19, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the Hon-Kawagoe PePe, which has closed, along with the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) float.

Taken on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.

There are two weeks left until the Kawagoe Festival.

On Sunday, September 20th, we held the 50th Hakurin Park Festival! Despite the unfortunate weather, many people attended. Thank you to everyone who came to the venue!

The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono ❚ Held on October 17th and 18th, 2026 The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono will take place at Lodge Kiyokawa in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue will feature around 20 tent saunas, making it a two-day event where sauna enthusiasts gather from all over the country. In addition to saunas, there will be food stalls and music events, allowing for a relaxed experience throughout the day. On the day of the event, programs such as VIP Aufguss, stage performances, food markets, and group whisking will be held. Tickets will be available in various types, including one-day tickets, two-day passes, the Ichiban Sauna ticket that allows entry one hour before opening, and VIP one-day tickets with reserved time. As no additional tickets will be released, please check early if you are interested. A pre-festival without saunas will also be held on Friday, October 16th, featuring cuisine and live performances from Cafe Paramu. For sauna lovers, these two autumn days are not to be missed! 【Date】 October 17th (Saturday) and 18th (Sunday), 2026 *The pre-festival is on October 16th (Friday) 【Location】 Lodge Kiyokawa (158 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 8:00 AM Doors Open 9:00 AM Ichiban Sauna Starts (Ichiban Sauna ticket required) 10:00 AM VIP and General Saunas Start, All Programs Begin 5:00 PM End *For pre-festival timings, please inquire 【Fees】 One-day ticket: 7,500 yen Two-day pass: 13,500 yen Ichiban Sauna ticket (1 day): 8,500 yen VIP ticket (1 day): 16,000 yen Pre-festival ticket: 6,000 yen (no sauna) *Free for high school students and younger when accompanied by a guardian 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC 【Parking】 Available (free) *Free shuttle service between the parking lot and venue ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

I took this photo at Mizumoto Park in Tokyo, and for me, it captures much more than just the beauty of autumn. As I walked among the towering metasequoia trees, I was completely drawn to the way the warm sunlight was passing through the forest. The trees were glowing in deep shades of red, orange, and gold, while the morning sun created beautiful, elongated shadows across the ground. I remember feeling a sense of calm as I stood there, surrounded by such incredible colors and silence. But what really caught my attention was that quiet seat beneath the trees. It looked so peaceful, almost as if it was inviting me to stop for a while and forget everything else. I imagined sitting there, feeling the cool autumn breeze, watching the sunlight slowly move between the trees, and simply enjoying the moment. I wanted to capture that feeling—not just the scenery. Sometimes a scene makes you stop before you even think about composition. You just feel something. That is what happened here. I waited for the sunlight to fall perfectly between the trees, revealing the seat and illuminating the autumn leaves around it. When I finally pressed the shutter, I felt that I had captured a small piece of the peacefulness I was experiencing at that moment. Looking at this photo now, I can still remember the feeling of standing there—the warmth of the sunlight, the quietness of the forest, and the overwhelming beauty of autumn at Mizumoto Park. This photograph is not only a picture of a beautiful place; it is a memory of a beautiful moment I was lucky enough to experience.

【A Night of Performing Arts and Celebration】 On a night in September. This year, the Nishiokoppe Village Performing Arts Festival was held 🎉 In the performing arts section, there were performances of traditional Japanese drumming, acting, band music, and dance, making for a nearly two-hour showcase filled with expressions and music. In the latter half, during the karaoke section, eight villagers took to the stage to passionately sing their favorite songs 🎤 As for the audience, they enjoyed chatting with acquaintances while savoring food and drinks purchased from the stalls, and cheering on the performers with all their might. Some were even seen waving glow sticks to support the karaoke ⚡️ Setoushi-kun seemed to enjoy the yakitori as well 🤤 We are grateful to everyone who participated, set up stalls, and helped behind the scenes, and to all the attendees who came on that day. Thank you for a wonderful night!

Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District ❚ Held on September 27, 2026 The "Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District" will take place in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Makomo (the Japanese bulrush) is a perennial grass from the rice family, traditionally used for food, crafts, and rituals. The swollen part of its stem is called Makomodake and is edible. The Makomo displayed at the venue has been cultivated on previously abandoned farmland. Compared to rice cultivation, it requires less maintenance and is expected to purify water during its growth, leading to its adoption as a new crop in the region. On the day of the festival, there will be a harvest experience, as well as a moment to listen to the sounds of bamboo flutes. Local vendors will offer Hase Women's Association's Makomo chirashi sushi set and fermented juices. The harvest experience will start at 1 PM with on-site registration. The harvested Makomo can be taken home for cooking, while the leaves and stems can be dried for tea or bundled for shimenawa (a traditional rice straw rope). Enjoy a leisurely day in autumn Hase. 【Date】 September 27, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM *Held in light rain; canceled in case of typhoon or severe weather 【Location】 Nagata-ni Promotion Council (former Hase Elementary School Grounds) 1298-3 Kuromatsu, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Experience】 Makomo Harvest Experience 【Food and Drink】 ・Makomo chirashi sushi set with Makomo tea (Hase Women's Association) ・Fermented juices *Nagomi Coffee (Inukai) *Hozuki (Oonomachi) *Haruna Kitchen (Mie Town) *Tao Organic Kitchen (Mie Town) 【Live Performances】 ・Harunayu & Junji Takaishi (Taketa City) ・Bamboo flute live performance (Aman Bamboo Flute Workshop) 【Sales】 ・Freshly harvested Makomo and Makomo tea ・Makomo shimekazari (decorative rice straw) ・Locally harvested vegetables ・Bamboo charcoal, bamboo chip compost, fermented bamboo powder ▶ For inquiries about the event Phone: 097-579-7172 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

【Invited by the Lights of the Yoimatsuri】 The Shinto Shrine Festival in the Kamiokoppe area of Nishiokoppe Village takes place every year on September 7th, with the Yoimatsuri held the night before.🏮 Preparations for the stalls began while the sky was still bright, and both children and adults gathered in droves. The stalls offered a mix of food and festival games, roughly half and half. There were yo-yo fishing, shooting games, and shape-cutting. Delicious treats included inari sushi, red rice, yakisoba, yakitori, cotton candy, and shaved ice... There were also performances featuring Nankin Tamasudare and Ezo deer drums. In sync with the calls, the decorative screens transformed into towers, roofs, and flags. The guests joined in with cheers and clapping to boost the atmosphere. Just then, a demon appeared, enveloping the venue in a tense atmosphere. The drum performance... or so it seemed, as the demon swung its antlers, appearing to battle something.👹 It was a wonderful performance filled with a spirit of dedication. The lights from the shrine and stalls illuminated the town that night. We enjoyed the Yoimatsuri while basking in the cool evening breeze.

Autumn winds blow at Komu. The display inside the Forest Art Museum "Komu" has been updated! 🍁Limited Time Only🌝Autumn Festival Version🍁 The shrine festival in Nishiokoppe Village has ended, but you can still feel the festive atmosphere at Komu. You can see the lion dance opening and closing its mouth, and carry Setoushi-kun's portable shrine. The food stalls that have been on display since summer are still here, so we hope you enjoy them together. You can also spot some autumn plants like pampas grass and Chinese lanterns on display.👀 ▶ About Next Week's Opening Schedule ◀ Normally, we are closed every Tuesday, but on the 22nd (Tuesday) and 23rd (Wednesday), we will be open due to the holiday! Instead, we will be closed on the 24th (Thursday), so please be careful not to make a mistake. Have a great holiday!👋 #Nishiokoppe Village #Komu #Autumn #Festival #Closed Days

Autumn Nishiokoppe Marche September 20th (Sunday) to 21st (Monday, holiday) Join us for the Autumn Nishiokoppe Marche over two days! At the entrance of Nishiokoppe Roadside Station "Kamu" along National Route 239. It will be held both days from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The vendors are as follows: ▶ Yumura Forest Garden Tempura soba and udon made from Nishiokoppe ingredients, tempura of Yamabe, chiffon cake with birch sap, and Setoushi-kun baked goods with birch sap ▶ Ezo Deer Balls Ezo deer balls and red wine stewed deer meat ▶ Seiryu no Sato Vegetables from Nishiokoppe ▶ Puppet Theater Circle Doremi Children's festival ▶ Meguru Bookstore Nekoze / First Appearance / (September 21st only) Used books If you're passing by, please stop by! Organized by: Nishiokoppe Marche Executive Committee #Nishiokoppe Village #Autumn Marche #Roadside Station #Kamu #Vendors

The autumn leaf season has arrived! Announcing the "Kawayu Marche"! On Saturday, October 10, 2026, we will hold the "6th Kawayu Marche" in front of EZO HOUSE at Kawayu Onsen! Restaurants from Teshikaga will gather to offer gourmet food and drinks, as well as events like Kawayu Bayashi, game tournaments, and handheld fireworks, ensuring fun for both children and adults. Enjoy a day that's a little different at Kawayu Onsen this autumn! ≪Schedule≫ Kawayu Bayashi Experience the excitement of the Kawayu Onsen festival with "Kawayu Bayashi"! First performance: 13:00 Second performance: 16:00 Struck Out Tournament 15:00~ Challenge yourself in the struck out game and win prizes! *Participation is free Potato Weighing Game 17:00~ Fun for parents and children! Join us for a potato weighing game! Prizes will be provided for participants. *Participation is free Handheld Fireworks☆Children Only☆ 19:00~ The finale of the marche will feature handheld fireworks for everyone to enjoy. Create wonderful memories at Kawayu Onsen. *Participation is free Simultaneously held! Experience tours are also accepting applications! Experience tour "AWAKE FROM KAWAYU" to enjoy the nature of Kawayu Onsen Explore the unique nature and attractions of Kawayu Onsen with a guide. For more details, please visit Teshikaga Navi 🤩 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2026kawayumarusye/...

The Saijo Festival Calendar for the 8th year of Reiwa (October 2023 to September 2024) is currently on sale. Price: 1,500 yen (tax included) per copy Sales location: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center

Taiki Town Sightseeing Model Course - Autumn Relaxing Course in Taiki Town for Autumn [2 Days, 1 Night] Here is a model course for visiting Taiki Town in autumn. If you're coming to the Hakurin Park Festival on September 20 (Sunday), be sure to use this as a reference! Day 1: Arrive in Taiki Town in the early afternoon → Moiwa Mountain Forest Park Observation Deck → Handa Farm → Roadside Station Cosmall Taiki → Dinner at Ajino Ryūgetsu → Stay overnight at a lodging facility in the city (There are four hotels and many guesthouses or homestays in the city. Check out Visit Taiki for details!) Day 2: Breakfast at Hotel Cosmo → Participate in the Hakurin Park Festival or visit autumn foliage spots (recommended after mid-October) For details on each spot and the festival, check the Taiki Town tourism website "Visit Taiki"! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

【Cancellation Notice】 Due to poor ground conditions, preparations could not be completed by the day before, and the "58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City" scheduled for Sunday, September 20th has been canceled. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City ❚ Scheduled for September 20, 2026 The Gosenkoku Matsuri will be held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This is a unique annual festival where portable shrines from around Ogata Town gather in one schoolyard. It is held with the aim of connecting traditional culture, which has been passed down in the community, to the next generation, along with prayers for a bountiful harvest. At the venue, Ogata Elementary School grounds, the portable shrines are lined up neatly, and the sounds of drums, lion dances, and kagura (Shinto ritual dance) add color to the festival. Among the highlights, the lion dance and white bear, which are rarely seen up close, are unique attractions for this day. 【Date】Sunday, September 20, 2026 【Location】Ogata Elementary School Grounds (100 Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) The event may be canceled or changed due to weather conditions. 【Event Schedule】 10:00 Lion Dance, White Bear, Portable Shrine Setup 11:30 Mikoshi Matsuri (Procession of the Portable Shrine) 12:00 Ogata Akatsuki Taiko (Drum Performance) 12:15 Okudake Ryū Kamihata Lion Dance Club 12:30 Ogata Three Shrines Kagura, Ogata Children's Kagura 16:00 Return of the Portable Shrine 16:20 Lion Dance, White Bear 17:15 Return of the Portable Shrine *Start times may vary depending on the situation. ▶ Concurrent Event 13:30～ Children's Portable Shrine Procession 【Organizer and Contact】 Gosenkoku Matsuri Executive Committee, Ogata Branch Phone: 0974-42-2111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

A barbecue for ten thousand people at the foot of Mt. Tarumae! On August 29th (Saturday) and 30th (Sunday), the Tarumae Sun Festival concluded successfully.🍖 The venue was Makiba no Hiroba within the Auto Resort Tomakomai Alten.✨ Large vehicle test drives and experience rides, utilizing the vast space, were also very popular! Thank you to everyone who attended this year.

The Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival will be held at Ono River Riverside Park in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fireworks festival, said to be the birthplace of Bungo fireworks, attracts many visitors every autumn. This year, about 3,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky. The launch is scheduled for 7:20 PM, allowing attendees to enjoy the fireworks leisurely as the sun sets and the air begins to cool. There will be special paid viewing seats for the fireworks near the venue (2,000 yen per seat). Reservations are not accepted in advance; tickets will only be sold on the day of the event, so please be aware of this. The event is expected to be bustling with many visitors, and parking congestion is anticipated. Since the number of parking spaces is limited, if you plan to come by car, please arrive early. If possible, consider using public transportation as well. Join us for a night of autumn fireworks lighting up the sky in Inukai. 【Date and Time】 Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:20 PM for the fireworks launch. *Will proceed in light rain, canceled in inclement weather. 【Location】 Ono River Riverside Park (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】 Special paid viewing seat 2,000 yen per seat *No reservations; tickets sold only on the day. 【Access】 About a 10-minute walk from Inukai Station on JR; about a 2-minute walk from the Inukai Kuhara bus stop on Oita Bus. 【Parking】 Available *Limited spaces. 【Contact】 Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association TEL: 0974-27-4215 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ 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 and 20-minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture. About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture. ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

On August 23, 2026, the 33rd Sugaoi Stone Buddha Fire Festival was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. During the festival's signature event, the "Chicken Crowing Contest," participants donned creative costumes and showcased their unique crowing sounds. The venue was filled with warm smiles and applause throughout the event. Additionally, the stage featured powerful performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums by the "Toyokai" and dances from "Okubata Kagura," captivating the audience with a series of impressive acts. In the latter half of the festival, the "Torch Throwing" event took place, where lit torches were thrown at a pillar approximately 3 meters high, with many children eagerly participating. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The "Goldfish Lantern" lights up on Shirakabe Street in Yanai. This summer, the goldfish that gently illuminated the old street corners during the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" will soon be taking a break. They look a little lonely. Thank you for this summer. See you again next year. Location: Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

An Island Summer, Passed On On the morning of July 19, 2026, the Ieshima Tenjin Festival brought music, colour, and tradition to the sea off Himeji. A young performer danced in ceremonial dress aboard a richly decorated danjiri boat, framed by the blue Seto Inland Sea. In this focused gesture, I saw the heart of a Japanese summer festival: an island passing its traditions from one generation to the next. Xi Lun

A Different Kind of Japanese Summer Fire Japanese summers are often remembered for fireworks. At 7:00 p.m. on July 25, 2026, I encountered another kind of summer flame at Tanukidani-san Fudoin in Kyoto. During the Hiwatari Matsuri, or Fire-Walking Festival, a yamabushi tended the sacred goma fire as sparks rose into the humid night air. In that instant, the heat of summer, the energy of a matsuri, and an old Japanese tradition burned together. Xi Lun