Halloween at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsucho, Hokkaido. This weekend and next weekend, the event will be held for four days and is expected to be illuminated at night. However, the parking lot, which can accommodate hundreds of cars, and the park itself will be very crowded, making it difficult to take photos without visitors.

In Shikaoicho, Hokkaido the carpet of maple leaves at Fukuhara Sanso was not only red and yellow but also filled with subtle gradients of colors and it was very beautiful.

Taken on October 21, 26. This is the iced cafe latte and chestnut shortcake from cafe andon.

Taken on October 21, 2014. This is a chestnut shortcake from CAFE ANDON. It's an autumn-inspired cake topped with chestnut cream, sweet chestnuts, dried figs, and fig-cassis jam.🌰

Introduction of Futatokoro from Wakeido Item Number: F381104 Title: Awaho zu Futatokoro Signature: Issai Toumei (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsuhozon Tousougu Dimensions: Kozuka Length 97.5mm Width 15mm Kougai Length 167mm Width 10mm Period: Last of Edo School: Goto Ichijyo School Description: Araki Toumei is a renowned craftsman of the Goto Ichijyo school. He was born in Kyoto in the 14th year of the Bunka era. At the age of thirteen, he became a disciple of Goto Toujō, receiving the character 'Tou' and adopting the name Toumei. Later, he studied under Goto Ichijō, receiving the title of Issai and signing as Issai Toumei, also known as Ginshōtei. Toumei's depiction of millet is his most adept design and has become synonymous with his name. The sharpness of the chiseling beautifully expresses the ripened millet, showcasing a unique worldview in which his carving technique stands unparalleled.

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedo Item Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (Kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 96.3mm Width 14.5mm Period: Middle of Edo School: Yokoya school Description Yokoya Somin was a renowned craftsman representing the Edo Period and is considered the founder of a group known as Machibori, which served the Goto family. He produced many branches, including Yanagawa, Ishiguro, and Omori schools, shaping Edo metalwork. Somin was born in the 10th year of the Kanbun era, known as Nagajiro, and later changed his name to Jibei. He initially signed as Souchi but adopted the name Somin around the 7th year of Genroku after his father's death. Somin studied the painting style of the famous Kanō school and incorporated it into his metal engraving techniques. In addition to the traditional high relief style, he established a new realm known as Katakiri-bori. This engraving technique from the Yokoya school received great admiration and had a significant impact on the future of metalwork. This piece is an exquisite example of Katakiri-bori, creating a sensation akin to viewing a hanging scroll. It features Somin's specialty, the Taketora (bamboo tiger) design, characterized by the tiger's charming expression and skillful execution, all depicted through Katakiri-bori. The strength and subtlety of the chiseling are remarkable, truly showcasing a master craftsman.

Weekend Outing Reference✨ Fall Foliage Update Captured on 10/23🍁 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to revisit later!〉 ①Kagami Pond (Togakushi) 【Fall Foliage Status】Peak Season *Captured on 10/23 The fiery autumn leaves are stunningly beautiful. For the best view of the Togakushi mountain range reflected in the pond, morning is recommended! 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】50 cars *Traffic regulations will be enforced during the fall foliage season. *For more details, please check the Togakushi Tourism Association website. ②Obo Pass (Kinasa) 【Fall Foliage Status】Beginning to Color *Captured on 10/23 From the observation deck, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Nishi and the Northern Alps. During the fall foliage season, the mountainside becomes vibrant with red colors, offering breathtaking scenery! 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】About 5 cars ③Okususobana Gorge 【Fall Foliage Status】Peak Season *Captured on 10/23 This beautiful gorge is counted among Japan's top 100 scenic views. Especially in October, the beech, oak, maple, and rowan trees change color to stunning reds and yellows, providing a picturesque landscape. 【Parking】None *There are no designated parking areas along the gorge. When stopping for photography, please park safely in a way that does not obstruct traffic and be cautious of oncoming vehicles. *The road along the gorge is one-way starting from Okususobana Bridge, allowing for a circular route. Additionally, a fee is required to enter the Okususobana Nature Park further in, so please be aware. ④Iizuna Highlands (Daizahoushi Pond) 【Fall Foliage Status】Beginning to Color *Captured on 10/23 Daizahoushi Pond, a landmark at the foot of Mt. Iizuna, which has long been revered as a sacred mountain for ascetic practices, beautifully reflects the autumn leaves of Mt. Iizuna on its surface, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn breeze in the highlands. 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】Available *The "Nagano Tourism Net" webpage provides information on Nagano City's fall foliage! 🍁Please use it as a reference for your outing🍁 *As of 10/23, the site is under maintenance. *There is a link to "Fall Foliage Information" in the highlights. #Fall Foliage #Kagami Pond #Autumn Travel #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Due to popular demand, the second "Leather Craft Experience Workshop" has been confirmed! This time, you will use high-quality Italian leather "Buttero" and professional tools to create your very own original coin case. You can choose the color of the leather and the shape of the coin case (square type or round type) when you apply. Even beginners in leather craft will receive careful support from the instructor, so please feel free to participate. We look forward to your applications! ■Event Overview Event Name: Leather Craft Experience Workshop – Create Your Own Coin Case with High-Quality Italian Leather "Buttero" Date and Time: November 20th (Friday) and November 21st (Saturday), 2026, from 1 PM to 5 PM each day Venue: 2nd Floor of Reihokumachi Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsukumae, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Participation Fee: 6,000 yen (including tax) *Please pay in cash on the day Capacity: 6 participants per day on a first-come, first-served basis (reservation required) Application Deadline: November 13th (Friday) What to Bring: Apron, glasses or magnifying glass (if needed) *Please come in clothes that can get dirty on the day. Instructor: Koichi Makita from "Makita Leather Workshop" ■Application and Inquiries Please apply via the QR code on the flyer or from the announcement section of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website. For inquiries, please contact "Makita Leather Workshop" at the contact information listed in the announcement section of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website. ■Organized by: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, a general incorporated association.

Taken on October 21, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we stopped by cafe andon. I had the Andon chicken curry.

Photographed on October 20, 2026. I relaxed at the Starbucks Kanetsuki‑dōri Store. I had a Dark Mocha Chip Frappuccino with cat ear customization, along with a Starbucks baguette sandwich featuring two types of chocolate and butter. Thank you for the cute illustration! 😊🐈‍⬛

Taken on October 21, 2014. This is the love fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on October 21, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded with Shichi-Go-San and coming-of-age ceremonies.

The nights have become pleasantly cool, making it a comfortable season. I went to Shinjuku late at night and took a few casual photos.

Filmed on October 17, 2024. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the Hikikawase (float-pulling contest) featuring the Ootemachi/Uzume float, the Shintomi 1-chome/Iemitsu float, and the Shintomi-cho 2-chome/Kagami Shishi float.

【National Hometown Fair】 The National Hometown Fair will be held from Saturday, October 31, 2026 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Square. The Mashu Lake Tourism Association will also participate. We look forward to seeing you all! 🙇‍♂️🧸❣️ 2026 National Hometown Fair Date: From Saturday, October 31, 2026 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Square (1-1 Shinminato, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 231-0001) Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM *The event will be held rain or shine Admission: Free 🚉City Subway About a 15-minute walk via the Kishamichi from "Sakuragicho Station" or about a 15-minute walk from "Kannai Station" 🚉Minatomirai Line About a 6-minute walk from "Bashamichi Station" or "Nihon-ōdōri Station" About a 12-minute walk from "Minatomirai Station". Please note that the time is an estimate and may vary depending on operating conditions and transfers. ___ *The images used are from the event held in 2025.

Filmed on October 17, 2024. This is the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Otemachi and Uzume.

Taken on October 17, 26. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Iemitsu in Shintomi 1-chome.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, October 24th, the earliest Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Japan, "Hiroo Santa Land Tree Lighting Ceremony 2026," will take place. 😊 In addition to the "Santa Land Christmas Market," a variety of events will be held, including a sound festival featuring the Hiroo Santa Land Jazz School and the ensemble group "Sogaku." 🎵 During the lighting ceremony, children from Hiroo Nursery School and Toyone Nursery School will perform Christmas songs. At the moment the lights are turned on, approximately 150,000 lights and about 10,000 wooden lanterns will illuminate the venue, creating a romantic Christmas atmosphere. ✨✨ Additionally, fireworks will be launched to conclude the event, and special Christmas gifts will be distributed to children under elementary school age who attend. 😍 Enjoy an early Christmas with your family and friends! 🤗 🔶 Date: October 24, 2026 (Saturday) starting at 14:00 🔶 Venue: Daimaruyama Forest Park *In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Hirocho Children's Welfare Hall. 🔶 The illumination will be on display from 16:00 to 22:00 and can be enjoyed until March 31st. 🔶 Contact: Hirocho Fisheries and Commerce Tourism Division TEL: 01558-2-0177 https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp/santa_land/...

Taken on October 17, 2026. This is Ieyasu's float, rotating in front of Atre Kawagoe.

Reflected in the red umbrella is the traditional beauty of Kyoto. Standing amidst the vibrant autumn leaves is Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto. The Shimabara Tayū carries on a tradition that has lasted since the Edo period. Her luxurious kimono, unique Japanese hairstyle, and hairpins embody the aesthetic sensibility and craftsmanship of Japan. The vivid autumn leaves and the elegant figure of the Tayū, passed down through generations, create a moment where Kyoto's autumn scenery and traditional culture intertwine. I captured this fleeting moment in a photograph. I hope that such culture and beauty will be inherited by future generations. Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Model: Aoi Tayū

Reflected in the red umbrella is the traditional beauty of Kyoto. Autumn in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Standing amidst the vibrant autumn leaves is Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto. The Shimabara Tayū carries on a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. Her luxurious kimono, unique Japanese hairstyle, and hairpins embody Japan's aesthetic sense and the craftsmanship of artisans. The vivid autumn leaves and the elegant figure of the Tayū, passed down through time. I captured a moment where the autumn scenery unique to Kyoto overlaps with Japan's traditional culture. I hope that such culture and beautiful forms will be passed down to future generations. Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Model: Aoi Tayū from Shimabara, Kyoto.

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.

Photographed on October 17, 2026. The first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is Ieyasu's float passing under the overpass in front of Atre Kawagoe.

Taken on October 17, 26. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Wakitamachi and Ieyasu departing.

在日本，菊花象徵著秋天的到來。賞菊文化起源於平安時代宮廷的「重陽菊宴」，人們藉由菊花酒祈求長壽；到了江戶時代，賞菊走入尋常百姓家，也發展出豐富的栽培技法與菊展文化。 這趟香川秋之旅，走進丸龜城時正好趕上了菊花展。其中最令我駐足的，是日本經典的園藝技法「三本仕立て」。這是一株菊開三朵花的極致展現——三根主要花莖呈「前二後一」的三角陣型，每根花莖僅綻放一朵姿態完美的大花。 近距離欣賞，不難發現不論是花朵的高低分明、葉片的伸展角度，還是整體空間的平衡感，都經過精心的微調與呵護。看似俐落簡約，背後全是栽培者傾注的心血與精湛手藝。 以雄偉古樸的丸龜城為背景，漫步在盛開的菊花陣中，秋風拂過，不僅帶來屬於這個季節的雅緻，更讓人深刻體會到日本深厚且優雅的傳統園藝魅力。

Taken on October 18, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is LEC COFFEE's lemonade soda and napolitan bread.

The Kawagoe Festival has concluded.

Last week, I stopped by Doryu Falls in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture while visiting Nobeyama. It takes about 15 minutes to walk along a relatively flat path from the parking lot to get there. I soaked in a lot of negative ions.

Next to Kanzan Park, located on the border between Kiyose and Tokorozawa, there is a Cosmos field that is currently at its best viewing time. The weather was nice, making it a perfect day for a stroll.

It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The Nasori float is about to depart.