The 16th Teshikagacho Photo Contest The season for the Teshikagacho Photo Contest has arrived again this year. Teshikagacho, which encompasses 56% of Akan-Mashu National Park, is one of Japan's premier caldera landscapes. Iconic scenic spots such as Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Mt. Io captivate visitors and have served as subjects for many photographers over the years. In its 16th edition, the "Teshikagacho Photo Contest" aims to widely promote the charm of Teshikagacho, where primitive nature remains, while contributing to the development of photographic culture. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the name change to Akan-Mashu National Park! Your photos may be featured on commemorative stamps. For more details, please check the image. We look forward to many participants. • Application Period From November 20, 2023 (Friday) to January 22, 2024 (Friday), postmark valid • Theme "Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes" Experience the Four Seasons in Teshikagacho • Application Period From November 20, 2023 (Friday) to January 22, 2024 (Friday) Postmark valid • Categories Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Open, Wildlife/Children's Category • Prizes Grand Prize: 30,000 yen + additional prizes Other awards include "Excellence Prize" and "Honorable Mention" Children's Category Grand Prize: 10,000 yen gift certificate Other awards include "Excellence Prize" and "Honorable Mention" • Special Judge Takeshi Mizukoshi (resident of Teshikagacho) http://www.mizukoshitakeshi.com... • Announcement Scheduled for February 2024 • Inquiries/Submission Address Masyuko Tourism Association Photo Contest Department 088-3201 Hokkaido, Kawakami District, Teshikagacho, Mashu 3-3-1 015-482-2200 masyu_as@peace.ocn.ne.jp Organized by: Masyuko Tourism Association (Regional DMO) Supported by: Teshikagacho, Teshikagacho Board of Education, Mashu Lake Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikagacho Promotion Corporation, Teshikagacho Chamber of Commerce Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Production Association, Hokkaido Shimbun Kushiro Branch, Kushiro Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office

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

A special event to celebrate winter 2026, "Happy Party REIHOKU 2026 Xmas Market @ Shiki Community Center" will be held! On that day, there will be a free screening of Christmas movies, hands-on workshops for both children and adults, stalls offering delicious food and drinks, and warming activities, making for a packed schedule of content. We invite you to come along with your family and friends! 【Event Overview】 Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 16:00 to 21:00 Location: Shiki Community Center (444-1 Shiki, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 【Main Event Details 🎬】 ◯ Christmas Movie Screening (Admission Free) ・Film: "Guardians: The Legendary Heroes" ・Time: Ticket distribution from 17:00 Screening starts at 18:00 (Duration: approximately 97 minutes) ・Capacity: First 100 attendees 【🍲 Complimentary Offering (Limited Quantity, Free)】 Content: Clam chowder made with Reihoku specialty, red fan clams Start of service: From 18:00 (First 50 attendees) Provided by: Hamasaki Suisan Co., Ltd. 【📸 Christmas Costume Photo Campaign】 Post a Christmas costume photo on social media with the designated hashtag announced on the day to receive a "popcorn" gift (limited quantity). 【Workshops and Experience Programs】 ・Christmas Wreath Making (Hosted by: Misora Florist) Participation Fee: 1,500 yen or 3,000 yen courses (Capacity: 20 for each course) ・Christmas Candle Making (Hosted by: le.chainon) Participation Fee: 2,000 yen ・Tarot Card Reading (Hosted by: Motoshima Tarots) Fee: 500 yen 【Stall Information 🍔】 ◯ FOOD & DRINK (Dining) ・Cafe RAIN: X'mas CAFE Menu ・Mellows: Spice Curry ・Russian Confectionery: Stollen, Chocolate Salami ・Fukuda Orchard: Chicken Tomato Stew, Hot Wine ・Paradise: Tortilla, Shaka Potato ・Cafe 556: Baked Goods, Soft Drinks ・Yama Cafe Batten: Christmas Chicken 💅 【CROSS LINK (Beauty & Relaxation)】 ・Miyu Total Beauty Salon: Hand Care, X'mas Nail Chip Sales ・Yura: Warmth Activities, Ear Acupressure ・La Mer: Fascia Reset Head Spa ・Hidamari: Thai Traditional Massage 【Organizer, Co-Organizer, Support, and Sponsors】 Organizer: Amakusa CHICHI Club Co-Organizer: Reihoku Town Board of Education / Reihoku Town Children's Liaison Council Support: Reihoku Town / Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association / TEAM Reihoku / CROSS LINK Sponsors: Hamasaki Suisan Co., Ltd. / Smile Pocket

This is Mt. Tarumae, taken from Nunohata Station in Tomakomai City on October 29th. The first snowfall on Mt. Tarumae was on October 22nd. In just one week, it has donned a beautiful coat of snow.

The Winter Flower Tour Stamp Rally is now underway!✨ Collect stamps by visiting three flower spots that brighten up winter in Shimoda!💐 Participants in the stamp rally will have a chance to win wonderful prizes through a lottery!👀💙 Stamp Rally Period From October 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027 Application Deadline: February 8, 2027 (postmark valid) 🌟Stamp Locations and Flower Events Shimoda Ropeway | Little Angel Festa Period: From October 24, 2026 to December 12, 2026 Aloe Village | Aloe Period: From December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027 ⚠️Outside of the above period, stamps are available at the Izu Shirahama Tourism Association Cape Tsumeki | Narcissus Festival Period: From December 20, 2026 to January 31, 2027 ⚠️Outside of the above period, stamps are available at the Shimoda City Tourism Association (2nd floor of Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato) *Stamps will be available at each venue during the flower event periods📍 Why not enjoy a flower tour in winter Shimoda?😌🌷

"A Carpet of Autumn Spreading Across Daisetsuzan" A scene of autumn encountered around Mt. Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group, Hokkaido. At my feet, alpine plants dyed in red spread out, and beyond them, the majestic mountain range is woven with yellow, orange, and green high pines. White remnants of snow still cling to the mountainside, coexisting with the brief autumn and the hints of winter. It is like a vibrant carpet of colorful autumn leaves spread across the earth. This is the unforgettable autumn of Daisetsuzan that I encountered in my last year living in Hokkaido.

【Winter Opening Hours of Komu】 This is an announcement from the Forest Art Museum "Komu"📢 Starting from Sunday, November 1st, the closing time will change. The winter opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM with the last admission at 4:00 PM. The museum will be closed every Tuesday, just like in the summer. If Tuesday is a holiday, the museum will be closed the following Wednesday. We hope you will come and enjoy winter at Komu. We look forward to your visit. 【Forest Art Museum "Komu"】 Admission fee: High school students and above: 500 yen From 4th grade to junior high school: 300 yen Children from 3 years old to 3rd grade: 100 yen Free for children under 3 years old. Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Nishiokoppe Village #Komu #Opening Hours #Change #It's winter.

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

In a garden glowing with autumn colors, enjoy a cup of tea. On a night illuminated by the Mid-Autumn Moon. The pure Japanese garden, Korakuen, was lit up as if the moonlight had descended, allowing us to relish the night foliage instead of night cherry blossoms. Walking along the path of light from the garden entrance, we could see the illuminated autumn leaves and pavilions on both the right and left. Without the prepared lighting, the night Korakuen would be so dark that one couldn't distinguish between the soil and the roots of the trees. The sight of leaves, stones, moss, and lanterns floating in the darkness due to the various lights was truly wonderful. The redness of the autumn leaves was more vivid than during the day and burned into the back of my eyelids. On the night of the illumination, a tea ceremony was held at the tea room, Korakutei, within the garden. The tea utensils were adorned with autumn leaves, and the sweets and tea bowls also revealed the essence of autumn. While savoring the sweetness of the sweets and the warmth of the tea, we fully enjoyed the autumn tea ceremony. - This illumination project was held for the third time, following last autumn and this spring. Thanks to this event, we met many villagers visiting Korakuen for the first time, those who look forward to coming every time, and visitors from nearby towns, among others. May this wonderful garden continue to be a cherished place for many in the future. Korakuen will be closed for the winter, so in the remaining few days, I would be delighted if you could come and visit.

[For Those Heading to the Eastern Region] The Kawayu Accommodation Discount for Winter 2026 is now on sale!! Enjoy a discount of 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children per night! The eligible period is weekdays and Sundays from November 1st to March 26th of next year. This offer is available at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, and Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura. This winter, be sure to visit Kawayu Onsen!♨️✨

Taken on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 10, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Set in winter in Reihokumachi, the story of six individuals begins anew. We are recruiting participants for the premiere of "One Step to the Sky Color," the concluding chapter of the official Reihokumachi street performance "Beyond the Waves." Would you like to enjoy a special gaming experience in a working space overlooking the historic Tomioka Castle? Event Overview Title: One Step to the Sky Color — At the End of the Waves — Date and Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026,①9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ②1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Venue: Working Space Tomioka Castle East Corner Tower (Address: 2245-9 Honmaru, Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Kumamoto Prefecture) Required Participants: 6 people for each session Game Duration: 180 minutes Participation Fee: 800 yen per person (UZU scenario usage fee only) What to Bring: A smartphone or tablet with the Madamis app "UZU" installed Application Method: Please apply using the application form listed in the announcements section of the official website of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association. *If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. *Please note that if the number of confirmed participants does not reach 6, the event may not be held.

The endpoint of Izu, the starting point of emotions. Minami-Izu Town, located at the southernmost tip of Izu, enjoys a favorable climate even on Honshu. It is a place where new emotions begin, as well as a destination to reach. With its beautiful white sands, Yuigahama, the dynamic cliffs of Irouzaki, and the crystal-clear waters of Hirizo Beach, this town offers a stunning landscape. In spring, early-blooming cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers color the town, while summer brings lively beach activities and tide pooling. From autumn to winter, gentle sunlight and hot springs warmly welcome travelers. Throughout the seasons, a relaxed pace of life flows that cannot be experienced in the city. Moreover, this land, which has lived alongside the sea for centuries, is filled with warm connections between people and a simple yet vibrant culture. When you arrive at the end of your journey in Izu, something will begin to stir within you―― Minami-Izu Town is that "starting point of emotions."

Introducing the Tourism EXPO Japan – Hokkaido Tokachi Booth The charm of Tokachi lies in its overwhelming scale of nature 😊 From spring to autumn, vibrant flowers bloom beautifully, allowing you to leisurely stroll through colorful gardens and enjoy luxurious moments at cafes within the area 🎵 For those seeking active fun, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including rafting, canoeing, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and mountain climbing! There are also many campgrounds in the area, providing a fulfilling outdoor experience ✨✨ In winter, Tokachi can get as cold as minus 20 degrees Celsius. This harsh cold creates a fantastical winter landscape, and you can enjoy special winter-only events and activities that utilize snow and ice 😍 For relaxation during your travels, Tokachi is known for its beautiful hot springs, including the renowned 'moor hot springs,' which offers a rich variety of water types and abundant hot spring sources. Additionally, Tokachi, known for its sauna culture, hosts 'Avanto' in winter, where they cut through the frozen lake surface to create a water bath. Experience the ultimate 'totonoi' that refreshes both body and mind. Moreover, you can enjoy unique equestrian culture experiences, such as the only 'Ban'ei horse racing' in the world and the 'Horse-drawn Carriage BAR' that tours the nightlife of Obihiro City 🎵 Please come visit the Tokachi booth!! We look forward to seeing you all 🤗 https://www.t-expo.jp//

🍂Birao Mountain⛰️ Birao Mountain, standing at an elevation of 553.7 meters, is located in Teshikagacho. Its name comes from the Ainu word "Pira Oro," meaning "at the cliff." Situated near the center of Teshikagacho, it was once a beloved symbol of the town, where local middle school students would hike and ski during winter classes. Birao Mountain offers beautiful scenery in autumn as well✨. The leaves gradually begin to change, allowing you to experience the transformation each day. The best time to enjoy the autumn foliage in Teshikaga is expected to be around late September to mid-October this year🍁 This is the most comfortable time of the year, with relatively stable weather, making it perfect for activities. So, please come visit Teshikagacho!📸🍁🛶✨🐾 #Teshikagacho #Teshikaga #Hokkaido #autumn leaves #danpung

🍂Birao Mountain⛰️ Birao Mountain, standing at an elevation of 553.7 meters, is located in Teshikaga. Its name originates from the Ainu word "Pira Oro" meaning "place of the cliffs." Situated near the center of Teshikaga, it was once a beloved symbol of the town, where local middle school students would hike and participate in ski lessons during winter. Birao Mountain pairs beautifully with the autumn season, offering stunning views. The leaves gradually begin to change, allowing visitors to experience the transformation day by day. The best time to enjoy the autumn foliage in Teshikaga is expected to be from late September to mid-October this year. This is the most comfortable time of the year, with relatively stable weather, making it perfect for activities. So, please do come to Teshikaga!📸🍁🛶✨🐾 #Teshikaga #Birao #Hokkaido #autumn foliage #danpung

The sunset in Kushiro, known as one of the three great sunsets in the world. From autumn to winter, when the air is clear, it is especially a beautiful season to enjoy the scenery. It takes about five minutes on foot from Nusamai Bridge, one of the three famous bridges in Hokkaido, to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Both the evening scenery and city walks make it a great base for enjoying Kushiro. Follow us to check the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Kushiro, known as one of the world's three great sunsets, offers stunning views of the sunset 🌇. From autumn to winter, when the air is clear, it's said to be the season when the sunset is most beautiful. After enjoying the ever-changing colors of the sky from Nusamai Bridge, take a stroll through the city back to your hotel. It takes about five minutes on foot from Nusamai Bridge to Kushiro Prince Hotel. Whether it's the beautiful evening scenery or the city walk, Kushiro serves as a great base for your travels. Follow us to stay updated on the latest information about 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for September📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in September♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes for sale, including new rice and seasonal early mikan! We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Water Spinach ・Green Lemon ・Early Mikan ・Sweet Potato🍠 ・Basella ・Winter Melon ・Molokhia 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】September 13 (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】(General Incorporated Association) Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association, Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town)

[Save this] Here’s some tourist information about the Togakushi Shrine's Five Shrines tour!✨ Visiting the Five Shrines of Togakushi Shrine during the comfortable months of September to October is highly recommended! 〈Don’t forget to tap the "save" icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 "What is the Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine?" Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines: Okusha, Naka Shrine, Hokosha, Kuzuryū Shrine, and Hinomiko Shrine. Each shrine offers different benefits and stamps, so you can enjoy exploring their unique characteristics. "Overview of the Five Shrines Tour" 【Period】You can visit year-round. *Okusha and Kuzuryū Shrine are closed during winter.* 【Transportation】Bus, private car, walking, etc. *There are paid parking lots, but the number of available spaces may be limited.* *You can use the reserved Togakushi Line sightseeing express bus from Nagano Station.* 【Duration】It varies depending on your mode of transportation, but if walking the entire route, it generally takes about half a day. 【Order of Worship】There are no formal rules, so please visit according to your schedule. "Recommended Information" 【Lunch】 Togakushi Soba, considered one of Japan's top three soba noodles, is highly recommended. There are many Togakushi soba restaurants around Naka Shrine. Additionally, there are shops offering soba and soft serve ice cream at the entrance of Okusha Sandō. 【Scenic Spots】 The thatched Zuijinmon gate and the avenue of cedars, which are over 400 years old, located halfway along the path to Okusha, are among Japan's top scenic spots. 【Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits】 If you collect the stamps from all five shrines, you will receive a "Commemorative Bookmark for Shrine Visits"! 【Togakushi Walking and Climbing Guide】 Walking with a guide who has extensive experience and knowledge not only provides a sense of security but also offers new discoveries that differ from walking alone! You can apply for courses such as the Okusha worship course or the Five Shrines tour course according to your needs. *For more details, please visit the Togakushi Shrine Official Website or @togakushi_jinja.* #Togakushi Shrine #Togakushi #Five Shrines Tour of Togakushi Shrine #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

A Hidden Gem! Introducing Recommended Photo Spots✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the 'save' icon if you want to revisit this later!〉 ①Ōmuro Kofun Group This site is considered the largest stone mound burial group in Japan, featuring around 500 ancient tombs that are truly impressive! It is home to a concentration of uniquely structured tombs that are rare even on a national level. Within the grounds, you can find the Oomuro Kofunkan, which provides guidance on the tombs and exhibitions related to the ancient burial mounds in the city. 【Address】310 Ōmuro, Matsushiro, Nagano City 【Hours】Open from April to November, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 【Closed】Mondays (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday), the day after public holidays (excluding Saturdays and Sundays), winter season 【Fee】Free ②Hijiri Daijingu Shrine A place that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli world. Walking through the serene grounds, you are enveloped by the greenery of the trees and soft light, creating a calming moment. The natural beauty that changes with the seasons is also a charm. 【Address】5405-2 Ooka, Nagano City ③Shinsugara no Tanada Shinsugara no Tanada is a perfect photo spot where you can enjoy the original scenery of the satoyama (village forest)! The beautiful landscape of rice fields changes its expressions depending on the season and time of day. 【Address】Tanaguchi, Shinsugara Town (the photo was taken along Prefectural Route 70) ④Sansai Station Sansai Station is a unique photo spot that makes you want to take pictures! It’s a tradition to take commemorative photos with the letters of Sansai in front of the station, making it perfect for travel memories and family photos. 【Address】2207 Nenbutsuzuka, Oaza Sansai, Nagano City ⑤Minagami Mountain This mountain resembles an artificially raised lava dome. Minagami Mountain is a mystical spot that has sparked theories about it being the largest pyramid in the world created in ancient times, with related books published. 【Location】Toyohide, Matsushiro, Nagano City ⑥Old Battlefield Sign (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) This road sign has become a topic of conversation for being incredibly stylish. Some have even said it has the 'majesty of a king' at the intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park! 【Location】Intersection near Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park (Old Battlefield Entrance Intersection) #Photo Spots #Hidden Gems #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Every culture has its own special season for fireworks. In many parts of the Western world, winter brings the sparkle of fireworks, while in the part of Asia where I come from, autumn is illuminated by the lights of Diwali. But when I came to Japan, I discovered something beautifully different—**summer has a special place for fireworks here.** The sight of people in traditional yukata, enjoying taiyaki, gathering with friends and family, and waiting for the night sky to burst into a grand display of *hanabi* feels uniquely Japanese. The warmth of the summer evening, the laughter around me, and the vivid colors blooming across the sky create memories that stay long after the last firework fades. This photograph captures the **Toda Fireworks Festival**, taken this year from my rooftop—a summer night I will never forget.

Shiraito Falls A three-tiered waterfall with a height of 30 meters. In summer, the stream's water and breeze are refreshing, while the autumn foliage is vibrant. In winter, it freezes, showcasing a majestic beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. It is 370 meters from the parking lot to the waterfall. As you cross a small bridge, you can enjoy a nature-filled hiking course abundant in negative ions.

It took a year to finally complete it. I took photos of Doctor Yellow in the vicinity of Omi Nagaoka Nishiyama Castle Ruins throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, a blue sky; in autumn, the foliage; and in winter, snow.

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try! <Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!> 1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease! 2. Forest Adventure Nagano Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake! Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨ With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely! 3. Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site. 【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) #Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

About an hour from Tokyo. In the sea, there is an unknown Japan. Manatsuru, which can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. This small port town has special views known only to divers. This time, we visited "Iwa." It’s about a 40-minute drive from Hiratsuka. A convenient boat diving spot. It takes just a few minutes to reach the sea by boat. Once you enter the water, colorful soft corals spread out before you. Schools of fish swim slowly through the calm sea. The highlight of this place is the large iron frame reef sunk to the seabed. Originally used as scaffolding for bridge construction, it has now become a habitat for marine creatures and a popular spot for divers. Swimming between the massive structures feels like exploring underwater ruins. Soft corals sway above, and light filters through. Lionfish swim slowly, while small fish dart around them. The creatures you encounter change with the seasons. In summer, you see schools of fish. In winter, vibrant sea slugs. Throughout the year, you can enjoy different scenery with each visit. After diving, enjoying a leisurely lunch in Manatsuru or Shonan is also recommended. Just a little stretch from the city, a day like this awaits you. Japan's seas hold many undiscovered charms. On your next trip, why not visit the underwater Japan?

This photo captures the peaceful beauty of Japan’s hidden gem — where the gentle breeze moves across the clear blue water, green forests surround the lake, and snow-capped mountains rise quietly in the background. A perfect moment where early summer and winter meet in harmony.

This is the Taushubetsu River Bridge in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido. It has a unique presence reminiscent of an ancient ruin. In the past, it was accessible freely, but now the gates are closed. You need to either reserve a key from the roadside station or join a tour from places like the Higashitaisetsu Nature Guide Centre to visit. You can park your car before the forest road gate and walk or bike there, but it's a rough 4-kilometer gravel road. Also, it's out of mobile service range, so there’s no way to contact anyone in case of trouble. Additionally, this area is a habitat for brown bears, so all actions are at your own risk. Every year, the bridge sinks into the lake after autumn and freezes in mid-winter, leading to weathering and collapse in various places. Some parts also crumbled during the spring earthquake. It won't be long before it can no longer maintain its complete arch.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Otaru, Hokkaido, stands the remarkable Sea Lion Rock, a lesser-known gem that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. In winter, the surrounding waters become a gathering place for hundreds of Steller sea lions, creating a spectacular wildlife scene against the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan. As the seasons change, summer brings flocks of black-tailed gulls that fill the skies and cliffs with life. Rising behind this iconic rock formation is the striking red-and-white Shukutsu Observatory, visible prominently above the coastline and extending toward the vast Sea of Japan. Together, the observatory, the wildlife, and the rugged seascape create a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of northern Japan's natural beauty. While Otaru is often celebrated for its canals and historic streets, this hidden coastal viewpoint offers a different perspective—one where nature, history, and scenery converge.