The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition ❚ Held from October 18 to November 23, 2026 The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition will be held at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Among the 275 submitted works from 14 countries and regions, including Japan, 31 selected pieces will be displayed. This exhibition allows visitors to compare expressions from creators of different countries and cultures all at once. At the same venue, the "Oita Children's Sculpture Exhibition" featuring works by elementary and junior high school students from Oita Prefecture, as well as children and students from special support schools, will also be held. All submitted works will be displayed. On the opening day, October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Park. Following the opening ceremony and the award ceremony for the children's sculpture exhibition, various activities are planned, including food trucks, a flea market, a light truck sauna experience, a tea ceremony in the open air, and a kagura performance. Admission to the Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum will also be free on this day. Why not find your favorite piece at the sculpture exhibition? 【Date】 From October 18 (Sunday) to November 23 (Monday, National Holiday) *Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the following weekday will be closed) 【Location】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture; within Asakura Fumio Memorial Park) 【Hours】 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) 【Admission】 Free 【Access】 About 60 minutes by car from Oita Meira IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Opening Day Event Schedule】 On October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at Asakura Fumio Memorial Park 10:00 AM - Opening ceremony and children's sculpture exhibition award ceremony 11:00 AM - Food trucks, flea market (Yasuragi Chaya), light truck sauna experience, tea ceremony in the open air 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kagura performance 【Contact】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum 0974-72-1300 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, October 17th, the "Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE" will be held😊 This wood-themed event invites you to touch, play with, and be captivated by wood‼ It will be a special day dedicated entirely to wood🌲 Craftsmen and shops specializing in wood from all over the region will gather! You can enjoy the display and sale of unique works filled with the warmth of wood🎵 There will be plenty of engaging activities for everyone, from children to adults, including making wooden coasters, batting with wooden bats, experiencing cajón performances, and trying your hand at splitting wood and having a campfire😍 This year, we will also hold the popular "Log Cutting Competition"‼ Additionally, many food trucks and restaurants will be present, offering delicious local gourmet food and sweets🎵 As a visitor benefit, the first 50 guests will receive a raw shiitake mushroom log and a seedling of Ezo cherry tree as a gift!🎁🎁 Enjoy a delightful time captivated by "just wood" along with pleasant music and delicious food🤗 🔶Date and Time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 🔶Venue: Honbetsu Park Seidayama Camp Village First Campsite 🔶Contact: Tree Festival in Honbetsu KIDAKE Executive Committee (Kuna Publishing Co., Ltd.) TEL: 0155-38-4188 https://www.town.honbetsu.hokkaido.jp/web/news/details/tree_festival_in_kidake.html...

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and movements. The enthusiastic performances of the children in their splendid costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men pulling the Hikiyama with strength and the vibrant atmosphere of the entire town during the festival are also appealing. It was moving to see the local people cherishing and passing down this traditional art form, inherited since the Edo period, to the next generation. The Yutani Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station, making it easily accessible. How about enjoying a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival this autumn? Surely, the children's earnest performances and the festival's excitement will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Taken on October 8, 26. This is the chestnut Basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE. 🌰

Taken on October 8, 2026. This is the quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It includes mixed mushrooms, chicken, pumpkin quiche, salad, butternut squash potage, and homemade bread. I enjoyed the flavors of autumn.

Set in winter in Reihokumachi, the story of six individuals begins anew. We are recruiting participants for the premiere of "One Step to the Sky Color," the concluding chapter of the official Reihokumachi street performance "Beyond the Waves." Would you like to enjoy a special gaming experience in a working space overlooking the historic Tomioka Castle? Event Overview Title: One Step to the Sky Color — At the End of the Waves — Date and Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026,①9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, ②1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Venue: Working Space Tomioka Castle East Corner Tower (Address: 2245-9 Honmaru, Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Kumamoto Prefecture) Required Participants: 6 people for each session Game Duration: 180 minutes Participation Fee: 800 yen per person (UZU scenario usage fee only) What to Bring: A smartphone or tablet with the Madamis app "UZU" installed Application Method: Please apply using the application form listed in the announcements section of the official website of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association. *If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. *Please note that if the number of confirmed participants does not reach 6, the event may not be held.

In Reihokumachi, we are promoting a new lifestyle called "dual residence" that connects urban areas with rural communities in collaboration with Kumamoto Prefecture and others. As part of this initiative, we are recruiting monitor participants for the program "Amakusa West Coast Stay Now," aimed at families living in urban areas, allowing them to stay in Reihokumachi for about a week! As a benefit, some experiential and exchange programs (such as agricultural experiences) during the stay will be free, and you can also use secondary transportation (bus, rental car fees, etc.) from your residence to the accommodation (Reihokumachi) and designated lodging facilities at no cost. Take this opportunity to "stay like you live" in the town of Reihokumachi, known for its nature and history! We look forward to your applications. 【Overview of "Amakusa West Coast Stay Now"】 Dates (tentative): From November 28, 2026 (Saturday) to December 19, 2026 (Saturday), for stays of 4 nights and 5 days or longer, up to 7 nights and 8 days. Duration of stay: About one week Main stay locations: Shiki District, Reihokumachi; Tomioka District For applications and details, please check the announcement section on the official website of the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association. 【Contact】Noharabo Co., Ltd. TEL: 080-3088-3313 Mail: nohara@nohalab.co.jp

Taken on October 8, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded with people celebrating Shichi-Go-San and coming for their first shrine visit.

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

Gourmet Information ❚ Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store At the Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store in Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, grapes are sold directly from August to the end of October. The varieties available change with the season, and the highlight in October is the Shine Muscat. At this time, the Shine Muscat is perfectly sweet, with firm, plump berries that offer a satisfying taste. You can enjoy them with the skin on; just wash and chill them for an easy treat. They are also easy for little ones to eat, making them a great snack for families. If the timing is right, you might find bagels from Tanaka-machi Coffee Shop available at the store. Sales will continue until the end of October, so if you're interested, it's best to go early. ■■Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store 【Location】 Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Business Hours】 Weekdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Open for a limited time from August to the end of October *Please check the latest business days on the farm's Instagram 【Regular Holidays】 Monday, Tuesday 【Access】 About 40 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC 【Parking】 Available 【Contact】 Reach out to Hirai Farm on Instagram (@h0810n) ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture 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 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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.

Photographed on October 6, 2026. This is the Hōjicha latte from Glin Coffee and the sweet potato cream fashion. The sweet potato cream fashion is coated with purple sweet potato cream, and the sesame enhances its sweetness.

Event Announcement 📣 The JAF Hokkaido Regional Rally Championship "Tokachi 2026" will be held on Sunday, October 11th 😊 The venue will be the Rikubetsu Circuit's Super Forest Road SS‼ Exciting battles will take place from this base 🎵 This is the final rally event of the season in Hokkaido. Let's enjoy the thrilling driving at Rikubetsu Circuit 🤗 🔷Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026 🔷Venue: Rikubetsu Circuit *Please note that there will be no food or drink vendors at the venue. Thank you for your understanding. 🔷Contact: Rikubetsu Town Industrial Promotion Division, Commerce and Industry Promotion Section TEL: 0156-27-2141 https://www.rikubetsu.info/tokachi2026.html...

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.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The mirror lion float has returned to Hon-Kawagoe Station. This year, 26 floats will parade, so I’m looking forward to it.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Rokkenmachi and Sanbasō.

Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, October 11th, the 71st Iwanai Sankyo Momiji Festival will take place! 😊 Enjoy beautiful autumn leaves along with local gourmet food and a variety of performances! 🎵 The stage will feature vibrant YOSAKOI Soran by Mikoto, a karaoke contest, and a glamorous singing show with Hitomi Nakamura! ✨✨ Additionally, you can enjoy the "Mountain Delicacies Bingo Tournament" and the "Vegetable Weight Guessing Quiz"! 😍 Other attractions include a "Vegetable Grab (500 yen per attempt)" and a variety of local specialty products for sale, along with many food trucks! In the autumn delicacies corner, we will serve our famous pork bowl, grilled chicken, and Genghis Khan! (※Paid grilling stations and charcoal will be available.) Let's experience the fruitful autumn in the beautiful nature of Iwanai Sankyo! 🤗🍁 🔷On the day of the event, a reservation-based shuttle bus will operate! 🚌 As a special benefit, customers who make reservations will receive a bingo card for the Mountain Delicacies Bingo Tournament and a set of local vegetables!‼ ・Outbound: Departing from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal at 9:20 AM ・Return: Departing from Iwanai Sankyo at 2:25 PM ・Fare: Round trip 3,000 yen (half price for children) You can board from Tokachi Bus Headquarters, Sanjo High School, Shirogane Dori 19, and Shirogane Dori 16 stops. ※Please note that the Obihiro City Senior Free Ride Certificate and One Coin Pass cannot be used. ※In case of rain, times and locations may change, so please inquire for details. For bus reservations and inquiries, call: 0155-23-5171 🔶Date and Time: Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (tentative) 🔶Venue: Iwanai Sankyo ※In case of rain, the opening ceremony and singing show will be held at the Kawanishi Agricultural Training Center starting at 12:00 PM. 🔶Inquiries: TEL 0155-22-8600 https://www.city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp/tourism/matsuri/1005852.html...

Photographed on October 19, 25. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the parade of the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi 1-chome and the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Motomachi 2-chome and Sanno.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Shintomi-cho 2-chome featuring the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) and the floats from Motomachi 2-chome featuring Sanno are being pulled together.

Azumino is a treasure trove of "Dosojin" Standing as the village's guardian deity, they can be found at the center of the village, along roads, and at crossroads Created with hopes for abundant harvests, good health, prosperity for descendants, and prevention of evil spirits and diseases Why not rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque countryside? 😄

The view from Azumino features rice fields where the harvest is not yet complete and the Northern Alps with a clear sight of the distant Hakuba mountains😀 This is a landscape unique to Azumino.

The studio of metal sculptor Daido Nakajima in Azumino✨ The presence of the gigantic animals made of stainless steel is astounding…❗️ The sculptural beauty shines in the light, embodying a sense of dynamism within its heaviness. The collaboration of the rich natural scenery of Azumino and the powerful metal art is breathtaking! 😆 *We are visiting and photographing with special permission.

On a clear day in Azumino, the towering Mt. Jonen stands majestically at the end of an endless road. Traveling this path makes you feel grateful for coming to Azumino. The refreshing feeling is beyond what photos can convey. This view is from near Jōnen Dōsojin. 😄

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

The flower fields blooming at Alps Azumino National Government Park Horigane-Hotaka District😀 The 2026 Autumn Flower Garden is currently being held🌸 Featuring five varieties of flowers, including salvia and gomphrena, in the autumn flower bed❗️ ◇Location: Den'en Bunka Zone Hotaka-guchi Flower Bed ◇Planting scale: 30,000 plants, 2,000㎡ ◇Planting varieties: Salvia, Blue Salvia, Gomphrena, Kochia, Lemon Bright ◇Best viewing period: Late September to mid-October We hope you visit!

Taken on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Wakitamachi featuring Ieyasu and the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome showcasing the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance).