I headed to Mishakaike in Nagano Prefecture to catch the autumn leaves during the evening sunset. However, I got caught in traffic and arrived just as the sun had completely set. Even so, the faint remaining light created a tranquil scene, reflecting the mountains in the still water, reminiscent of the works of Kaii Higashiyama, and it produced a magical sight.

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.

This is a sparkling plume of Japanese pampas grass taken at the boardwalk of Ido Shitsugen in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture on October 10, 2026. When I focused on the pampas grass in the back, the ones in the front sparkled beautifully.

This is the autumn foliage at Fukuhara Sanso in Shikaoicho, Hokkaido. Although it is private land, it is open to the public during the autumn foliage season, attracting many tourists. There are many maple trees here, and when the leaves start to fall, a beautiful red carpet is formed, making it very popular.

The photo was taken on October 10, 2026, at the walking path of Maenikkou Highland Ranch in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture. The autumn leaves of a single tree that I looked back at were very beautiful. Perhaps because it was on a high point where the sunset shines, the red color stood out even more. How lovely!

On Sunday, October 11th, around 3 PM, at Ido Shitsugen in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, there isn't a sense of scale like in the Nasu Highlands or Oku-Nikko. However, the satisfaction of having this view all to myself! I lay down on the wooden path and experienced autumn with my whole body. The breeze crossing the marsh was pleasant, providing the best healing.

On October 10, 2026, I took photos at Ido Shitsugen in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture. I thought about going to Oku-Nikko to search for autumn, but considering the traffic on Irohazaka Slope, I decided to visit Ido Shitsugen, which is said to resemble Senjōgahara Plateau, where I could stroll leisurely. Perhaps because I went around 3 PM, there were few people, allowing for a relaxed walk. Occasionally, the sunlight shone through, revealing sparkling autumn leaves.

On my way to Shikaoicho to capture the autumn leaves, I saw a large animal crossing the road a few hundred meters ahead. It looked much bigger than a dog or a fox, possibly a wild boar or a brown bear, but there are no wild boars in Hokkaido. When I stopped the car and cautiously looked around, I spotted a group of Yezo sika deer, probably following a stag. This time of year is the breeding season, so Yezo sika deer are quite active. Just yesterday, a stag suddenly dashed out in the early morning, forcing me to slam on the brakes. The male Yezo sika deer are larger than a foal, so colliding with one could easily result in a severely damaged vehicle that is no longer drivable. Please be cautious while driving in Hokkaido.

I captured a scene of wild deer gathering on a small hill during an autumn evening. The location is Maenikkou Tsuga Bokujou in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture. I visit this place several times a year. It's a beautiful spot for sunsets. Photo taken on October 10, 2026. This is my first post, and I'm a bit nervous! 😅

The monument of Gyo-bun The haiku, composed by the poet Sankyutei Gyo-bun, who follows in the footsteps of Matsuo Bashō, is inscribed on the front of the monument. This haiku was written during his journey when he passed through Kamagaya Post Town. Additionally, this monument was erected at the junction of Kioroshi Kaidō Road and Gendō Kaza-machi, serving as a waymarker. On the right side of the monument, it is inscribed "Right Kioroshi Road," and on the left side, "Left Nakakido Road." Kioroshi Kaidō Road was bustling with people traveling for worship from Edo to Kashima and to Chōshi, and many literary figures, including Matsuo Bashō and Watanabe Kazan, frequented Kamagaya Post Town. https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/bunkazai.html#cms28... [Cultural and Sports Division]

【Delicious Autumn Marche】 How was your Silver Week? I enjoyed some delicious food at the Nishiokoppe Marche held at the Roadside Station "Kamu"! For two days, on September 20th and 21st, there were various food stalls and a children's festival, featuring locally grown vegetables from Nishiokoppe Village and used books for sale. The first thing I tried was tempura of yamabe and udon. The udon already had vegetable tempura on top, but adding the yamabe tempura made it even more satisfying. Then, I shared some Ezo deer balls with an acquaintance🤤 This dish contains stewed deer meat instead of octopus in takoyaki. It's a must-try for those who love flour-based foods. Next to that tent, I got souvenirs from the super ball scooping and candy fishing. At the vegetable sales booth, there were pumpkins, leeks, and many types of potatoes for sale. It was fun to imagine what they would taste like once cooked while choosing them. On the second day of the marche, the Meguru Honya Nekoze made its debut with used book sales, making it a lively autumn marche📖 Although there were times when it rained heavily, thank you to everyone who came out. We look forward to seeing you at next year's spring marche! #Nishiokoppe Village #Marche #Kamu #Roadside Station #Stalls

【Invited by the Lights of the Yoimatsuri】 The Shinto Shrine Festival in the Kamiokoppe area of Nishiokoppe Village takes place every year on September 7th, with the Yoimatsuri held the night before.🏮 Preparations for the stalls began while the sky was still bright, and both children and adults gathered in droves. The stalls offered a mix of food and festival games, roughly half and half. There were yo-yo fishing, shooting games, and shape-cutting. Delicious treats included inari sushi, red rice, yakisoba, yakitori, cotton candy, and shaved ice... There were also performances featuring Nankin Tamasudare and Ezo deer drums. In sync with the calls, the decorative screens transformed into towers, roofs, and flags. The guests joined in with cheers and clapping to boost the atmosphere. Just then, a demon appeared, enveloping the venue in a tense atmosphere. The drum performance... or so it seemed, as the demon swung its antlers, appearing to battle something.👹 It was a wonderful performance filled with a spirit of dedication. The lights from the shrine and stalls illuminated the town that night. We enjoyed the Yoimatsuri while basking in the cool evening breeze.

[Chiheisen Morizumu] Friday, September 4th The cafeteria of GA.KOPPER was overflowing with people, and many were found in the hallway, listening to the relay talk. They gathered in Nishiokoppe Village, a remote area of Hokkaido, from all over the country and even the world to participate in the pre-festival of the Chiheisen Report Meeting "Morizumu." Founded in 1979, the Chiheisen Kaigi is a network of "doers" interested in exploration, adventure, and travel. These are people who place great importance on seeing things firsthand and have been sharing their experiences through monthly report meetings and a booklet called "Chiheisen Tsushin." Although there are no offices, membership fees, or rules, the connections formed over a long time are significant. Reunions with someone met through reports or communications, as well as new encounters, flourished in the village of Nishiokoppe. The gathering on Saturday the 5th began with an opening act by the Chiheisen Proper Conduct Band and the Nishiokoppe Wenshiri Drummers, followed by three report meetings and a venison festival. The traditional "Chiheisen Auction & Relay Talk" was also a great success! On Sunday the 6th, the report meeting was held from 9 AM to around 4 PM, filled with rich discussions. It was three days filled with the energy of those involved in Morizumu. We are truly grateful for choosing Nishiokoppe Village as the venue for such a large-scale gathering and for everyone's efforts to make it happen. We look forward to meeting you again somewhere on our travels!

The 43rd Nishiokoppe Festival will be held on Sunday, August 30th! It will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM at Nishiokoppe Forest Park. (In case of rain, it will be held at the Nishiokoppe Village Indoor Multipurpose Gymnasium behind Seicomart.) ◇Stage Events✨ Influencer, singer, and actress "Kopi" will be performing, along with a live performance by the amateur band "Nise'z," and music from the Nishinaka Wind Ensemble and the Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Taiko Drum Group. ◇Master of Ceremonies Once again, Kana Morino from HBC Asahikawa Broadcasting will be the host🎤 ◇Lumberjack Competition Participants will compete in cutting logs quickly! We are currently accepting participants! ◇Drink-Bang-Bang-Born Contest This year marks the third time for the competition where participants drink locally sourced grass-fed milk and pop balloons🥛 We are also looking forward to your applications! ◇Grand Lottery One lottery ticket will be given to each visitor. You have a chance to win local specialties and luxurious prizes🎁 ◇Food and Drink Sales, Booths by Local Businesses In addition to selling food, drinks, deer leather crafts, and used books, there will be many booths such as festival stalls and tea ceremony corners. We hope you enjoy exploring every corner of the venue! We sincerely look forward to welcoming many visitors. #Nishiokoppe Village #Nishiokoppe Festival #August 30th #Setoushi-kun #Summer

Event Announcement📣 The Shikaoicho Fireworks Festival will be held on Saturday, July 25th! 😊 Enjoy a variety of delicious local flavors at the "Great Flavor Corner," and starting at 6 PM, participate in the "Grand Bingo Tournament" where you can win luxurious gift certificates and prizes! 😍 Bingo cards will be distributed to the first 400 people starting at 5 PM. 🎵 Then, at 8 PM, a spectacular display of fireworks will light up the night sky! 🎆 Create summer memories with your family and friends at Shikaribetsu River Park for the "Fireworks Festival"! 🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, July 25th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM *In case of rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday, July 26th, and if it rains again on the 26th, it will be postponed to Monday, July 27th. *Please check the Shikaoicho Chamber of Commerce website for confirmation of the event's status. 🔶Location: Shikaribetsu River Park https://www.shikaoi-shokokai.com//

【Limited-Time Food Sales at Kamu】 At Roadside Station Nishiokoppe "Kamu," we will be selling limited-time food items during the three-day weekend in July! Dates: Saturday, July 18th – Monday, July 20th (Public Holiday) Sales start at 10 AM. Menu: ＼Sandwiches made with locally sourced wheat from Bakery Ishida／ ◇Two types of dog sandwiches, each 600 yen (tax included) ・Sandwich with deer loin cutlet from Nishiokoppe and egg salad ・Sandwich with yakisoba and yangnyeom chicken ＼Assorted pasta with deer meat sauce／ ◇Lunch box 800 yen (tax included) ＼Japanese cuisine options available／ ◇Shrimp tempura maki sushi ◇Sekiro sushi ◇Roll sushi (natto, egg, cucumber, kanpyou) Each 600 yen (tax included) Additionally, we plan to sell Sekiro sushi and shrimp tempura rolls! All items are available in limited quantities, so please visit us early if you're interested. Also, at Kamu, we are currently selling soft serve ice cream made with grass-fed milk from Nishiokoppe! How about some for dessert after your meal? 🍦🤤 In the attached garden, summer flowers have started to bloom, and the grasses are growing tall, swaying in the breeze. Don't miss the garden when you visit Kamu! - 【Roadside Station Nishiokoppe "Kamu"】 Opening hours ▶ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on ▶ Every Tuesday Admission ▶ Inside the roadside station: Free Flower park: 200 yen for high school students and above Contact ▶ 0158-87-2333 #Kamu #three-day weekend #limited menu

Depending on the weather, it feels like a different world. The mist and cloudy skies brought about by the cool climate unique to the Kushiro region add a distinctive beauty to the wetlands. On the wooden paths, you can encounter seasonal flowers, wild birds, and deer, while listening to the sound of the wind if you pay close attention. With comfortable shoes, take your time. From the city to the great outdoors. Why not embark on a journey to the Kushiro Shitsugen from the Kushiro Prince Hotel? You can make your reservation through the profile URL. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Event Announcement 📣 On July 4th (Saturday), the "White Snake Princess Festival" will be held at Lake Shikaribetsu!! This traditional arts festival was inspired by the local legend "The Tale of the White Snake Princess" 😊 The "White Snake Princess Dance" performed on the lakeside stage captivates the audience with its fantastical and mysterious world 🎵 Before the main event, Ainu traditional dances and performances of the traditional instrument "Mukkuri" will be presented, offering a glimpse into Ainu culture. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this mystical traditional art born from the local "Tale of the White Snake Princess" 🤗 📍Date and Time: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) from 17:30 to 21:15 (In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. For more details, please check the Shikaoi Tourism Association website or Instagram.) 📍Location: Lake Shikaribetsu (Free shuttle buses to the venue will operate.) 🔶Free shuttle bus service to the venue: A free shuttle bus utilizing the local bus service will operate from "Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art" in Shikaoicho to the Lake Shikaribetsu venue. The departure times will align with the local bus schedule. Return times are as follows: Departing from Lake Shikaribetsu at 21:40, Urimaku at 22:05, Little House on the Prairie at 22:12, Takushoku Bus Shikaoi Office at 22:20, Shikaoi Town Hall at 22:22, and Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art at 22:23. 【Bus Inquiries】Takushoku Bus Headquarters TEL: 0155-31-8811 🔶Event Inquiries: Shikaoi Town Tourism Association (Shikaoi Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0156-66-4034 https://shikaoi-hakujyahimemai.studio.site//

[30DAYS Nishiokoppe Village Edition] Here is the television broadcast information📢 On NHK Hokkaido From Friday, July 3rd at 19:30 A young NHK director stayed in Nishiokoppe for 30 days, documenting what he encountered and saw in the program. The title is "A Village with More Deer than People." For one week after the broadcast, it will also be available on NHK ONE. The rerun will be on Saturday, August 1st at 10:05. Please be sure to watch it!📺️ #30DAYS #Deer

✨Introducing recommended gourmet dishes from Michi-no-Eki Nakajo staff✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to revisit this later!〉 ‘Hiyashi Obukko’ This summer limited menu, ‘Hiyashi Obukko,’ which was popular last year, now features two varieties: ‘Pumpkin Soup’ and ‘Soy Milk Soup’! ＜What is Obukko＞ ‘Obukko’ is a local dish from the Nakajo region of Nagano City. It is a specialty dish made by simmering thick, chewy flat noodles with plenty of vegetables such as daikon, carrots, and mushrooms, all based on Shinshu miso. ‘Takeout Sanzoku-yaki’ Shinshu's famous ‘Sanzoku-yaki’ is also available for takeout! Enjoy juicy Sanzoku-yaki that you can eat with one hand. ‘Deer Meat Croquettes’ are also available and popular. ‘Deer Curry’ We are selling luxurious retort curry made with 100% deer meat from Nagano Prefecture, slowly simmered with onions and spices, at our shop. 【Recommended Information】 ‘Obukko Insulated Bag Giveaway’ When you purchase three items: spicy miso, Obukko's miso sauce, and frozen Obukko noodles, you will receive an original ‘Obukko Insulated Bag’! *Limited quantity available ・Basic Information ‘Michi-no-Eki Nakajo’ @michinoeki_nakajo 【Address】1704 Sumiyaki, Nakajo, Nagano City 【Phone Number】026-267-2188 【Business Hours】 ・Shop 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ・Dining Place Mamettai 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Light meals will be served between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM.) ・Direct Sales Office April – November / 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM December – March / 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM *Closed every Wednesday from December to March #Michi-no-Eki #Michi-no-Eki Gourmet #Michi-no-Eki Nakajo #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Dripping Deer Soy Sauce There is a team working hard towards the launch of a certain product. That "certain product" is deer soy sauce. Nishiokoppe Village is an area where Yezo sika deer are abundant. To prevent damage to crops and forests, as well as traffic accidents, hunters capture deer and process the meat at the village's wildlife processing center. By fermenting the protein contained in the meat, soy sauce can be made. If it can be made from pork, then it should also be possible to make soy sauce from the meat of Yezo sika deer and brown bears. Villagers who agreed with the idea of the proposer began making soy sauce in December 2024, with the help of experts. The part used was the neck meat of the Yezo sika deer. This part, which is tough and fatty, was often discarded as it was difficult to handle as meat. In the work I participated in, we were in the process of squeezing and filtering the meat that had been aged for three months. The liquid extracted under pressure from the juicer was repeatedly filtered using cloth, coffee filters, and filter paper, taking time to remove excess fat and protein. Initially, the liquid flowed smoothly down, but gradually it began to drip more slowly. With each round of filtering, the dripping droplets became clearer and sparkled. It feels like you can sense the vitality of the Yezo sika deer that lived in the nature of Nishiokoppe Village. - Alongside production, preparations for sales such as choosing packaging are underway. We are sharing information about deer soy sauce and bear soy sauce on Instagram @sanganosizuku, so please check it out. We hope you look forward to the launch.

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

At this time, the cherry blossoms were about 80% in bloom, but the morning sunlight was perfect. If the timing is right, the rays of light here are outstanding. Be cautious of deer at night.

【Nishiokoppe Campground OPEN】 Thank you for your patience!🙌 The campground located in Nishiokoppe Forest Park will open on Saturday, May 23rd!🎉 Usage fee: 500 yen per tent per night Reception hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM *Reception will be available the following day after 4:30 PM Please check in at the administration building located before the batting center. The administration building also sells garbage bags. For more details, please visit our website. https://www.vill.nishiokoppe.lg.jp/feeuub0000001a7a.html... We look forward to your visit! #Campground #Open #Free site

[Winter Wildlife Class] A wildlife class for elementary school students in the village. Adults knowledgeable about hunting and the mountains served as staff and provided opportunities for the children to connect with the nature around them. This time there were two activities: making candles from Ezo deer fat and a winter forest walk. The staff had simmered the Ezo deer fat in advance. We examined materials to see how it had cooled and solidified into white and what it had looked like before that change. While reheating the fat, the children decorated small jars with stickers. After finishing the outer decorations, they shaved crayons into small pieces and put them into the jars to color the candles. The warmed, clear Ezo deer fat gave off its distinctive scent as it returned to the classroom. They poured the fat into jars with a hanging cotton string, stirred so the crayon bits would melt, and left them to set. 🦌 🦌 🦌 After a restroom break, we set off for Miyanomori. The road snow had melted and frozen into a slick surface, but the children, who walk this route to and from school every day, moved along with ease. When we reached the torii gate, we did thorough warm-ups and put on snowshoes. Following the footprints of the staff who had walked the trail the day before, we lifted our snowshod feet high and climbed step by step. The snowshoes, the heavy snow, and the sunlight worked up a good sweat. Along the way we observed animal tracks and the buds on branch tips. When we reached a more open area, we took a break and then began a game of hide-and-seek in the snow. We tried hiding in the shade of trees and behind mounds of piled snow. Two university student staff members did their best to search for us. 🦌 🦌 🦌 Back in the classroom after taking off our snowshoes, the candles had cooled and solidified nicely. Their colors had shifted slightly from when they were hot, and that was beautiful too. It will be fun to try them at home. This concludes this year’s wildlife class. Thank you to the children who participated and to all the staff! #Wildlife Class #Candles #Snowshoes

Nara is a mainstay of Japanese domestic travel, and along with Kyoto is part of the classic school trip itinerary for millions of students every year. Kyoto is justly famous and inundated with visitors from around the world, but Nara, while still a bustling center of tourist activity, retains a more peaceful atmosphere. The city has a great deal of greenery and, of course, its famous deer, which together work to create a relaxed atmosphere. In spite of its soothing natural ambience, it is still a proper city, with all the comforts and attractions you would expect, so you can really enjoy the best of both worlds. The ubiquitous deer have been accustomed to human interaction for centuries, and will fearlessly approach you seeking deer crackers if you buy any. Despite being herbivores who are accustomed to people, they can be a bit insistent, especially the males. You will see some flabbergasted tourists backing away from the deer they'd notionally like to feed. Benefit from their example and only have one cracker out at a time, and hold it out calmly! While for many visitors the main attraction will justly be the unique chance to interact with lots of deer, Nara is steeped in history. (Japanese history has a "Nara Period" for a reason!). Of especial note is the Todai-ji temple, an ambitious early project of Japanese Buddhism that houses an enormous bronze Buddha statue that is worth a visit even for those who otherwise are not interested in history. Finally, if you are visiting Nara in the winter months, be sure to try Asuka Nabe! There are many hotpot dishes around the country, but a milk and chicken broth make this one very distinct. Its warming gentle flavor perfectly suits the soothing atmosphere of Nara!

Reflections on the sunset A scene at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. A deer is staring at the sunset over Nara Downtown. In such a scene, do deer also indulge in thought?

Mt. Wakakusa At the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Avec in a kimono is holding a Japanese umbrella and standing in the background with the sunset in the background. Specialties deer are around it. This is the site of a wedding tree photo shoot, and the deer play a role.

The “Welcome Shintoku Illumination” lighting began today in front of Shintoku Station. On the opening day, about 40 people, including kindergarten and nursery children from the town and their guardians, attended the lighting ceremony; when the children counted down and the lights came on together, cheers of “Wow!” broke out. The event started in 1987 (Showa 62) and was held every year until last June, when redevelopment work around Shintoku Station began and forced a cancellation last year. With the sidewalk area in front of the station now complete, the event can be held again this year. The scale is smaller than before, but we plan to expand the displays in future years as surrounding facilities are completed. As the first new addition this year, a new illuminated Ezo deer sculpture has been installed. The stag measures about 2 meters in body length and stands 2 meters tall; up close it has an impressive presence. Nearby, a doe is depicted grazing, nestled beside him. Visitors to Shintoku, please be sure to see the refreshed “Welcome Shintoku Illumination.” #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #illumination #Welcome #Shintoku Illumination #Ezo deer #japan #hokkaido #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #illumination #shintokustation

Nara Park 2022.11.03 The Morning Sun was shining brightly. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, a shrine located in Nara Park, is the headquarters of about 3,000 Kasuga-Taisha Shrines throughout Japan and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main God of worship enshrined at Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, was originally the god of Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. In the second year of Jingo Kageun Jingoken (768), Taketsuchi came from Kashima Jingu to Mount Spring on a white deer. At this time, it is said that the white deer on which Taketsuchi was riding gave birth to a child in Nara, which is the Roux of Nara's deer.