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

[Let's Dance in a Circle] In Nishiokoppe Village, the Bon Odori was held for two consecutive nights on the 14th and 15th. Thank you to everyone who came! 🙌 I participated in the Nishiokoppe Bon Odori! 🏮 As I was drawn in by the sound of the drums, I found a row of stalls waiting for customers. Before starting the dance, I took a bite. After filling my stomach a bit with udon, the children's Bon Odori began. What started as a circle of a few people quickly grew larger with children and adults joining in. Those who didn't join the dance but were watching while eating and drinking also wore calm expressions. As the children's Bon Odori ended and we took a break, a group of bipedal frogs appeared. Following them, more and more costumed people arrived. Before long, a circle around the yagura was formed. I was overwhelmed by the energy of those dancing for 45 minutes in their various costumes. I was glad to experience another page of summer this year. Since I couldn't attend the Kamiokoppe Bon Odori this year, I hope to conquer both days next year...! #Nishiokoppe Village #Bon Odori #Cool Summer Nights #Costumes #Summer

On August 22, 2026, the 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue featured various stalls offering light snacks such as shaved ice and sweets, as well as drinks like juice and coffee. Additionally, there were lottery draws, free tuk-tuk rides, and a light truck sauna, making it a bustling event from evening until night. The stage showcased a variety of performances including children's taiko drumming, ukulele, kagura, hula, and kids' dance, culminating in a lively lottery and mochi throwing that drew cheers from all around the venue. A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors, performers, and attendees. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from 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 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

On August 15, 2026, the 54th Asaji Summer Festival was held in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. In the evening, the Asaji Ground was filled with food stalls, followed by local kagura performances. The fireworks display lit up the night sky, drawing cheers from the audience. There was also a time for the "Asaji Ondo," where locals danced in a circle. It was a lively and warm summer night. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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 recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

A Hot Night with Beer Friday, July 31st The "Forest Beer Garden" organized by the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division was held!🍺🎉 With a sky that looked like it might rain and cooler temperatures, this year it took place in the Plum Hall of Hotel Rimu. While an outdoor beer garden is fun, having it indoors where you can eat and drink comfortably was also great! In addition to skewered dumplings, grilled chicken, frankfurters, soba and udon, edamame, french fries, bang bang chicken, takoyaki, shaved ice, cotton candy… this year there were also special menu items from the hotel! With a luxurious food menu, the line for drinks never seemed to end. I couldn't stop eating either!🤤 Thank you to everyone who came out!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Beer Garden #Chamber of Commerce Youth Division #Hotel Rimu #Summer

The JA Mashuuko Festival 2026 will be held this year too!! The JA Mashuuko Festival will take place again this year! There will be stage events, a fun lottery, a milk drinking contest, and a limited sale of hand-made fresh soba, along with plenty of delicious local products and pottery✨ Of course, there will also be food trucks🚚 JA Mashuuko Festival Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Location: 3-7-12 Chuo, Teshikagacho, Kawakami District, Hokkaido (A-Coop Teshikaga) Contents: Sale of local specialties, food trucks, various events, etc. We invite everyone to come and join us☺️ Organized by: Mashuuko Agricultural Cooperative (JA Mashuuko) https://www.jamashuuko.or.jp/news/2430/...

On August 14, 2026, the Komatsu Fire Festival was held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fire festival, believed to have originated in the Edo period, is a traditional event dedicated to the memorial of the village headman who fell victim to a rebellion, as well as a prayer for abundant harvests. At 7:30 PM, the flames lit up the wide fields, slowly rising and creating a unique landscape of Ogata Town. It was a night that felt both lively and, in some way, serene. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 33rd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 23, 2026 The "Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival" will take place at Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Starting with sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies in the evening, the festival will be filled with exciting taiko performances, kagura, and torch throwing, creating a lively atmosphere as night falls. One of the highlights is the "Rooster Imitation Contest," inspired by local legends. Participants don handmade costumes (though costumes are not required) and showcase their unique performances imitating rooster sounds in a fun event. Enjoy the nostalgic and rich atmosphere of this fire festival at the venue. 【Date】Sunday, August 23, 2026 【Location】Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Parking】Parking is available in front of Sugao Elementary School (a free shuttle taxi will operate to the venue) 【Event Schedule】 15:00 Sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies 15:10 Oni Welcoming 15:20 Opening Ceremony and Mochi Throwing 15:30 Toyokai Taiko 16:00 Rooster Imitation Contest 17:00 Torch Throwing 18:00 Okubata Kagura 20:00 End ▶ Rooster Imitation Contest Participants Wanted 【Participation Fee】Free (Participation prizes available) 【Application Deadline】Thursday, August 20, 2026 【Prizes】1st place: 30,000 yen; 2nd place: 20,000 yen; 3rd place: 10,000 yen in gift certificates 【Additional Prize】Roadside Station Mie gift certificate Applications can be made through the Sugao Regional Promotion Council 【Organizer and Contact Information】 Sugao Regional Promotion Council TEL: 090-7455-4739 ❚ What is the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival? It is organized by local residents to promote regional revitalization and raise awareness of the Sugao rock-carved Buddha. The "Rooster Imitation Contest" is based on local legends. According to the legend, an oni (demon) that had settled in the area demanded, "Give me a village girl as a bride!" The troubled village chief consulted a monk, who told the oni, "If you carve five stone Buddhas into the cliff in one night, I will give you a daughter as a bride; if not, you must leave the village." Concerned villagers went to check at night and found the oni carving the fifth statue. They had the village's rooster imitation master imitate a rooster's crow, tricking the oni into thinking it was morning, causing it to flee. ■■ 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is the "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Cute "Kingyo Chochin" lanterns decorate the street corners, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the soft light spilling from the lanterns. On the other hand, during the "Bakusō Neputa" on August 13th, the adorable "Kingyo Neputa" transforms and performs a wild and frenzied run. (laughs)

The Wind of Hokuto Pro Wrestling Blows At the end of July, a Hokuto Pro Wrestling event was held in Nishiokoppe Village. This was a continuation from last year, but the number of attendees was nearly double that of last year! During the day, the wrestlers visited the day service, and it felt like the distance between them and the villagers was greatly shortened. With their well-trained bodies, they performed stunning acts, dropping from great heights with a loud "bang!" and engaging in brawls outside the ring, making for a spectacular event. Hokuto Pro Wrestling matches not only excite the wrestlers but also draw cheers from the audience, energizing the entire venue. That’s why the spectators became increasingly engrossed in the matches, pouring their energy into their cheers and applause. The drinks and food we prepared were also purchased in abundance, proportional to the intensity of the matches.🙌 The children in the village who watched the wrestling have become fans, even making their own championship belts.🤩 Thank you to everyone who came out!

The "Suhōten Festival" at Iminomiya Shrine, known as "the extraordinary festival of the world," boasts a history of over 1,800 years. Men carry bamboo poles that can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh over 100 kilograms! Everyone, be careful not to knock over the bamboo, "Total Concentration: Bamboo Breathing!" Filming location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche ❚ Held on August 22, 2026 Enjoy the "delicious" and "wonderful" offerings of Bungo-Ono to the fullest at this marche! The "8th Station Front Marche" will take place at Mie Town Station Square. The venue will feature food booths offering coffee, sweets, and light meals, as well as fun booths including a game corner, free ride experiences, and a light truck sauna. Stage events will include taiko drumming, kagura performances, hula, and kids' dance. At the end of the event, there will be a lottery and mochi throwing. Enjoy a delightful evening from summer dusk to night with food, sights, and fun at the venue. 【Date】Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, held rain or shine *The event may be canceled in case of severe weather. Please check the event's website after 3:00 PM the day before for confirmation of the event. 【Venue】Mie Town Station Square (2998-2 Akamine, Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture) ■Stage Events 5:00 PM – 5:10 PM Opening Ceremony & First Mochi Throwing 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM Saijō-ji Children's Taiko 5:40 PM – 6:00 PM ALOHA Ukulele 6:10 PM – 6:40 PM Itaizako Shinmeisha Shrine Kagura 6:50 PM – 7:10 PM Daishin Taiko 7:20 PM – 7:40 PM Ohana Hula 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM Kids Dance "ROⓂD" 8:20 PM – 8:30 PM Lottery & Closing Ceremony & Second Mochi Throwing ■Fun Booths Night Market Corner (Game Corner) Free Ride Experience Light Truck Sauna (No need to bring anything) ■Venue Booths Cafe Param Antiques Imo no Chikara-ya Vintage Clothing Disco Nikoniko Chiffon Gochisou Kumogakure Melissa Cafe Nagomi Coffee Toko's Kitchen Pizza Buono *Even if the stage is canceled due to rain, food booths may still operate at the venue. ■Other Please note that the content listed may change due to unavoidable circumstances. Parking is available at the Bungo-Ono City Chamber of Commerce, Oita Bank, and Bungo-Ono City Hall. Due to expected congestion and full parking, we encourage the use of public transportation or walking to the venue. For accessible parking, please speak to the staff at the venue. ■Contact Information Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association TEL: 0974-27-4215 ■■Access from Fukuoka and Kumamoto to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The sales of the 2023 edition Saijo Festival posters have begun. Price: 400 yen (including tax) per piece Sales location: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center

As the golden hour gently embraces Furano, waves of lavender bloom beneath a sky of fading light. A solitary red hut rests among the purple fields, with emerald meadows and layered mountains quietly unfolding beyond. In this brief summer glow, the landscape feels less like a place and more like a memory waiting to be kept.

The Tomakomai Port Festival has begun!✨ Today, August 8th (Saturday), is the second day! At the tourism association booth, we are waiting for you with cold drinks and the Tomachoppu lottery!✨ The Tomachoppu, the mascot of Tomakomai tourism, is also dressed in a stylish happi coat💕. We hope to see you there! (The fireworks festival has been rescheduled to October🎇)