Oita Prefecture is a place we love and visit with family at least twice a year. On November 16, when the autumn colors began, we took our second leisurely walk through Fujikawachi Valley in Saiki City. We enjoyed the lower stream for about an hour and a half. My top recommendation, Oketsu Valley, is best seen from the bridge reached by car. I was captivated by the beautifully eroded water channels and took many photos. At the time I didn’t notice the light coming from the sky, and I was truly surprised when I checked the album. It was likely a shutter moment measured in seconds. It felt as if a goddess briefly and secretly appeared, and—though audaciously—I captured her on my phone. So overcome with happiness, I decided to post this. Tomorrow is my birthday, and my family will celebrate at our favorite inn in Beppu Onsen. I am deeply moved by this early gift from the heavens.

The fire festival at Ōnakao Rice Terraces, with 260 years of history. On autumn nights, the terraces glow orange as flames transform the landscape into a dreamlike scene. Chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, this site offers the flicker and shadowplay of fire—an effect no electric light can reproduce. Stars and the moon shine in the night sky, and the surrounding silence deepens the sense of being somewhere extraordinary. Visitors can immerse themselves in the warmth of the fire and the crisp autumn air, experiencing the season’s night with all five senses.

A silhouette of a whooper swan bathed in the setting sun. Some birds use it as a stopover before flying further south in Japan, but many spend the winter in Hokkaido. At sunrise and sunset, the river glows gold as they land on the water or take flight, creating a truly beautiful sight.

Ana Kōbō (穴弘法), Toki City, Gifu Prefecture I visited to attend the Autumn Leaves Festival.

Got the shot at Oidaira Park! Waiting since early morning. A light morning haze — perfect for the shot! Photographing the waterfall with maple leaves. Oidaira Park, Toyota City 2025/11/15

9:00 AM on November 14, 2025 Mount Fuji and autumn foliage from Koyodai, Narusawamura, Yamanashi Prefecture I wanted to see the colors spreading from the mountain’s vast base up to its summit! Waking up early to go was worth it!

This year’s Halloween Garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. The scenes from the garden.

A small worshipper I met at Kusubian Kannonji Temple, the 20th site I visited on the Kawachi Saigoku 33-temple pilgrimage.

Autumn colors at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This little-known spot lets you enjoy the fall foliage at a relaxed pace during the daytime. Each year, the local community lights up the temple for about a week. At night, the illuminated leaves and their reflections create a beautiful scene. The gradient from green to red is stunning, inviting you to lose track of time as you watch. Location: Hoshoji Temple (1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City) Parking: Available About Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji is an esteemed ancient temple with more than 800 years of history. Nicknamed “Colorful Hoshoji” and “Hoshoji in Autumn,” it bursts into vivid hues during the fall. During the event period, the light-up adds a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Bathed in autumn light A colorful cosmos field and an arched bridge glowing in the sunset. Through the eyes of a little traveler, we capture the warmth and beauty of Japan’s autumn. It’s a treasured moment where autumn’s gentleness meets a child’s innocence.

Rokkanon-Miike Pond is a cobalt-blue volcanic lake in Kirishima, said to be the most beautiful there. The trees reflected on the water looked like they were on fire, creating an indescribable beauty. In the third year of Tentoku, a monk named Seisho (Shoku) visited to train. While reciting the Lotus Sutra by the shore, a white-haired old man appeared and said, "I am Yamato Takeru, and I live on this mountain as a swan." Seisho carved six Kannon statues and built a shrine by the pond to enshrine them. When he turned around, there stood the white-haired old man…!!! Photographed in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Spider lilies that bloom at the equinox every year I was drawn to the poised figure of the white flower blooming on the border between life and death Its quiet strength moved me.

Autumn at Takadoya Wetland offers beautiful reflections. Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture November 2025

When I visited the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival, I photographed the charming pairing of the fox statues at Kasama Inari Shrine with the splendid chrysanthemums. Kasama is a town known for pottery, but cafe hopping is fun too.

The autumn in Urabandai, Fukushima is amazing. I took this photo during a figgy day near lake Hibara. The small island inside the lake also full of autum colors which makes the frame more beautiful. Mist, autumn colors and lake, these are all what i can even imagined. It was so exciting and eye-shoothing. After thus trip I was really refreshed and energized again.

Summer Spirit Abduction This is a photo of a shrine in Shimosoga, Odawara. People say it feels like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. It's best visited in summer.

One moment it seemed to dance wildly in the cold gusts, the next it swayed gently in the tender night breeze. The autumn wind chimes sound a variety of tones with the crisp, expressive chill of the season. Location: Showa Memorial Park

I finally went to photograph the cosmos I'd wanted to shoot for so long! At 138 Tower Park in Kiso Sansen Park. Bees flitted madly among the cosmos swaying in the wind. I captured the beauty of life living to nature's rhythm.

The autumn leaves around Naegi Castle Oyagura Remains are beautiful, and I photographed them looking down from the castle ruins. Naegi Castle Ruins, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

October 25, 2025 Nagano City Kinasa Okususobana Nature Garden I wandered through the park to enjoy the autumn leaves. The forest stretched as far as I could see, dyed in fall colors. Several ponds and wetlands dot the area. On this day I was especially drawn to Yoshiike, a breeding site for the black salamander and the forest green tree frog. Leaves sank into the pond while reflections added depth to the scene.

Autumn had quietly arrived at the neighborhood park before I noticed. I discovered it during a walk.

I visited Arashiyama Yusai-tei in Saga Kamenoocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The autumn leaves and their reflection seen through the round window looked like a painting and made the place truly beautiful. 💕(∗❛ัᴗ❛ั∗)◞📷🍁

Amidst the gentle rain, the silhouette of a majestic mountain looms over the serene Lake Hibara, creating a breathtaking backdrop. As I sit by the lake’s edge, the tranquil atmosphere envelops me, turning this moment into something truly unforgettable. The tiny islands in the distance adds a touch of magic, making the scene feel like a painting come to life.

I enjoyed the autumn leaves and the sea of clouds at Naegi Castle Ruins. I filmed aerial footage at Naegi Castle Ruins, the filming location that drew attention for the movie Black Showman. Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

I took this at Hachiman-bori Canal in Shiga Prefecture. The trees formed an arch and their soft reflections on the water left a strong impression. This shot felt warm amid the quiet.

On October 25, 202, Okusuzuhana Nature Garden in Kinasa, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture A valley stretched from the far end of the park toward Myoko and Kurohime. The entire forest was painted in autumn colors and it was breathtaking. I enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage again this year. This place is a hidden gem!

I visited the famed Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). From the Okudake Trailhead I took the ropeway to the Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), then continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m) and enjoyed autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

This is a photo of Kouzu Coast taken before sunrise on New Year’s Day. The title is "Yoake no Mae".

I went to photograph Yaotsu Gohodaki Falls in Gifu Prefecture on November 7, 2025.