"The Crimson Bridge Crossing into a New Autumn"
Akagi Ohnuma Woodpecker Bridge spans Gunma Prefectural Akagi Park, near Onuma.

This bridge, leading to Akagi Shrine, completed its reconstruction on December 16, 2025, welcoming its first autumn in a new form.

The vibrant crimson bridge stands against the backdrop of Mt. Akagi, which has begun to turn shades of red and yellow. And the endlessly clear blue sky stretches above.

The newly transformed bridge meets the autumn that arrives unchanged every year.

I captured this beautiful encounter in a single photograph.

♨️ Notice of Temporary Closure of Poppoyu Bath 📢

Due to plumbing work for the foot bath, it will be unavailable during the following date and time.

■ Closure Date and Time
October 14, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

■ Facility Affected
Poppoyu Bath, JR Mashu Station

We apologize for the inconvenience to those who plan to use the facility and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
*Please note that the usage times may change depending on the situation on the day.

The construction of Harris Trail has been completed, and it is now open for passage✨!

We apologize for any inconvenience caused during the construction period due to the road closure.
Thank you to everyone who has been waiting😌

It's perfect for evening strolls, so please give it a walk🌅🍂

♨️ Notice of Temporary Suspension of Poppoyu Bath 📢

Due to construction work on the footbath, it will be unavailable during the following dates: 

■ Suspension Dates 
September 29 to October 1, 2026 

■ Affected Facility 
Poppoyu Bath at JR Mashu Station 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to those planning to use the facility and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 
*Please note that the usage times may change depending on the situation on the day, and we will provide further notice if necessary.

Today, I visited Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.
Since the approach was under construction, I entered from the Path of the Heart.
There was mist, creating a magical atmosphere.

The former Satsuma Village chief's house – Shibuya Family Residence, a nationally registered tangible cultural property –

Located in Nakazatsuma 1-chome, Kamagaya City, the Shibuya Family Residence is the birthplace of Shibuya Sōji, an important figure of the Akahōtai during the late Edo period. The Shibuya family has served as village chiefs for generations since the mid-Edo period, and their residence is a grand building befitting of a chief.
The main house, built exactly 200 years ago in 1826 (Bunsei 9), is the oldest existing building in the city. Its large floor plan and tall roof make it a standout in the Satsuma District.

The roof features thatched roofing covered with iron plates shaped like tiles, and upon entering and looking up at the ceiling, one can still see the thatch from the Edo period.
A notable feature of the Shibuya Family Residence is that the main layout has remained unchanged since its construction.
The entrance hall for welcoming guests, along with the inner rooms known as Nakano-ma and Oku-no-ma, have hardly been altered and retain their original appearance.

The Tokonoma (alcove), display shelves, and attached writing alcove in Oku-no-ma have also not been remodeled, creating a space of high formality. The sturdy pillars, beams, and the kamidana (household shrine) in the living room still reflect the original construction, showcasing the traditional farmhouse layout that has continued since the Edo period.
The Shibuya family possesses a "house layout diagram" drawn in 1848 (Kaei 1).
This valuable document not only depicts the layout of the house but also includes images of the storehouse, shed, and household deity, conveying the conditions of the late Edo period. The fact that both the building and the diagram have been preserved together is extremely valuable.

Comparing the diagram with the current state reveals that the land divisions are accurately depicted, and the layout of the buildings remarkably matches the current floor plan.
The building has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has been continuously inhabited, evidencing the Shibuya family's dedication to preserving this home.
Furthermore, it retains the traditional landscape of a settlement built along the base of a plateau facing the highway. The depiction of the plateau in the diagram reflects the original scenery of the Satsuma settlement that still exists today.

Over the years, the Shibuya Family Residence has suffered some damage. Future plans include preservation and repair work, seismic reinforcement, and renovations for community use, aiming to develop it into a place of relaxation for the region.


For more details, please check the city’s website!


【Cultural and Sports Division】
https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/sibuyakemaruya.html

Chinda Falls
❚ Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark
Notice of Reopening of Chinda Falls Friendship Park

Due to construction, Chinda Falls Friendship Park had been completely off-limits for a while.
Now that the surrounding construction has been successfully completed, access to the park and the popular "Old Power Station Ruins" is now available.
Thank you very much to everyone who understood and cooperated during the construction period.

【Location】Yata, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture
【Access】About 5 minutes by car from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station
【Parking】Available

■■■Access 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

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Introducing recommended tourist spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu
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September 22nd,2022