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/...

Introducing the Setoushi-kun Ballpoint Pen! A new ballpoint pen featuring the design of Setoushi-kun has been created! This pen writes with black ink🖋 Check out the images to see how it looks on paper. Available for purchase at Hotel Rimu and Roadside Station Kamu. The price is 400 yen, including tax. Perfect as a travel companion, a gift for friends, or just for yourself! #Nishiokoppe Village #New Product #Setoushi-kun #Ballpoint Pen #Hotel Rimu

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。

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.

Ninpo Station, nestled in the mountains, was a place I visited to capture trains. It exuded the atmosphere of a true "hidden station," surrounded by abundant nature. While waiting for the train, I stepped onto the silent platform, where cosmos flowers swayed gently along the tracks. Although it was just a brief moment waiting for the train, the vivid autumn colors at my feet made me deeply appreciate the essence of autumn in Japan.

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Halloween flower water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🎃

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the ai-tai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It's a limited edition for autumn.

The blue sky and flowers are very beautiful! It's a warm day perfect for a walk♪

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

Photographed on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I got a haircut and feel refreshed.

A bustling trip to Osaka led me to choose a solitary escape. After an hour and a half, I arrived at the sparsely populated Hayashisaki-Matsue Coast. The autumn breeze was cool, and the waves gently lapped at the shore. Standing alone in the vastness of nature, I listened to the sound of the sea and watched the sunset paint the surface of the water in endless shades of gold and red. In that moment, loneliness transformed from a sense of isolation into a gentle dialogue with my own soul, bringing immense comfort.

The Kawayu Marche has successfully concluded! 🥔♨️ Here is a photo report of the "6th Kawayu Marche" held in front of EZO HOUSE at Kawayu Onsen on Saturday, October 10, 2026! The event featured gourmet food, drinks, Kawayu Bayashi (local festival music), game tournaments, and handheld fireworks, providing fun for both children and adults. It was a great success! 🪅 See you again next year! Stay tuned.

Taken on October 10, 2014. This is the hanatemari (flower ball) at the chozuya (water basin) of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

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

This is a poppy flower I received from my senior, as they are moving to Kyoto. It's wonderfully beautiful and delicate. I've heard it's a handmade artificial flower made by their wife. Just looking at it soothes my heart.

October 11, 2026, Hitachi Seaside Park Red kochia and yellow cosmos against a blue sky. Colorful flower seedlings were planted along the pathways, making the scenery very beautiful.

Taken on October 3, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

"Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" Participants Wanted Saijo City is actually a "treasure trove of terrain." In this walking tour, we will explore the areas of Furuta, Kusunokigawa, and Teizui with a professional guide. Before us lies a landscape of mountains, rivers, rice fields, and villages. When we focus on the terrain and geology, we start to wonder, "Why did a village form here?" and "How did this landscape come to be?" This leads to new discoveries. Using the terrain as a clue, we will unpack the history of the land, the lives of the people who have lived there, and the culture rooted in the region. When you "walk with knowledge," the scenery of the town becomes much more interesting. Why not come and walk, see, and feel the hidden charms of Saijo? The familiar scenery will start to look a little different. "Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" ◯ Travel Fee 5,000 yen (tax included) per person *Monitor price. We kindly ask for your cooperation in answering a survey after the tour. Includes professional guide, chartered bus, and Setouchi meal for lunch. ◯ Date Wednesday, November 4, 2026 ◯ Time 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Gathering and registration at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center at 8:35 AM. ◯ Capacity 40 people, first come first served. ◯ Itinerary Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (9:00 AM) = Furuta District = (View of Saijo's townscape and fault line cliff from Konsen-ji) Qkamura Setouchi Toyo Seaside Campsite (granite sandy beach and coastal vegetation) = Qkamura Setouchi = (Setouchi meal for lunch) Daimyojin River = (a river with overhead railway tracks) Kusunokigawa District = (spring water from Usui Daishi-dō associated with Kōbō Daishi legend) Teizui District = (Uchinuki from Meisui Hyakusen, Shikoku's Largest Estuarine Tidal Flat, and tidal flat creatures) Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (4:00 PM) ◯ Inquiries and Reservations General Incorporated Association Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefecture Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Registration Number: 1500005007749 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0030 TEL 0897-56-2605 FAX 0897-47-3733

On October 8th, we held a flower watching tour at Kamegamori. Under clear skies ☀️, everyone was able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range in autumn. This year's final schedule is the 21st, and we are fully booked. Thank you very much. We plan to hold this event again next year. We look forward to your applications.

This is a photo I selected from my photo album, inspired by the theme of a photo contest titled "Autumn in Japan." The photo has not been edited. It is a beautiful picture of autumn flowers that I took at Jindaiji in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis. Jindaiji is a wonderful place rich in nature, known for its delicious soba, and it even offers pottery experiences (painting, bisque firing, and items can be taken home the same day). Soba manju and dumplings are also delicious. For someone like me who loves nature, art, and food culture, it is a place full of memories.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for October📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" happening in October!♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes from Reihokumachi. This time, we will have rice, mandarins, and seasonal delicacies like sweet potatoes available! We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don't forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Asparagus Chiffon ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Oregano ・Water Spinach ・Chestnut Chiffon ・Sweet Potatoes🍠 ・Shishito Peppers ・Zucchini ・Climbing Spinach ・Flowers ・Bread ・Shiso Leaves ・Bell Peppers🫑 ・Bagged Mandarins ・Purple Chili Peppers ・Molokhia ・Boiled Peanuts🥜 ・Lettuce🥬 ・Roselle ・Late Rice (5kg), (10kg) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, October 11th, from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center) (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Photographed on October 3, 26. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 3, 2026. This is the flower handwashing at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The higanbana of the tranquil forest. I felt the autumn as I was drawn to his passionate nature.

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.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival 2026 was held at Ono River Riverside Park in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue was lively with food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere as everyone awaited the fireworks. At 7:20 PM, approximately 3,000 fireworks lit up the night sky of Inukai, known as the birthplace of Bungo fireworks. Cheers erupted from the audience as they watched the fireworks up close. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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 tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Standing in the middle of the breathtaking red carpet of Hitachi Seaside Park, this scene felt almost unreal to me. Thousands of vibrant red Kochia bushes stretch across the landscape like a vast crimson ocean, with little touches of green and golden brown creating a beautiful natural texture. What caught my eye most was the single girl walking quietly among the red bushes. Surrounded by such an enormous sea of color, she looked so small and peaceful, almost as if she were part of the landscape itself. Her solitary presence gave the photograph a sense of calm, loneliness, and poetry. I took this photograph myself, and capturing this moment was deeply emotional for me. I remember being completely absorbed by the beauty in front of me—the endless red, the gentle pathways, and that one solitary figure moving through the flowers. For a moment, everything felt still, and I felt incredibly lucky to witness and preserve such a beautiful scene.

Red spider lilies in Yasuragi no Hayashi Yasuragi no Hayashi, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture September 2026

The name "Sui Fuyou" comes from the flower's colors resembling a person who is drunk from alcohol. It blooms white in the morning and gradually changes to a pale pink, then to a deeper pink and a color close to red as time passes. It is characterized by the way a single flower changes and withers within a day.

At the National Alps Azumino Park, 130,000 cosmos flowers are in full bloom in the Rural Culture Zone of Horigane and Hotaka District 🌸 Cosmos, a symbol of autumn, can be enjoyed here with popular varieties like "Double Click" and "Seashell" in a 3,300 m² flower bed 😄 ◇Location: Rural Culture Zone, Terraced Fields Flower Bed ◇Scale: 11 varieties, 130,000 flowers, 3,300 m² ◇Best Viewing Period: Late September to Late October