Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine offers a "Mirai An-tai" fortune slip exclusive to new adults. It runs until January 12. I hope to receive one too. 😊

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Little Kyoto of Tosa What is the Little Kyoto of Tosa? About 550 years ago, amid the Onin War, Lord Norifusa Ichijo, the former kampaku, relocated to Nakamura (now Shimanto City) and established his residence there. In homage to Kyoto, he laid the foundations for shrine and temple construction and the development of the town. ※kampaku: the highest court noble post assisting the emperor Lord Ichijo’s move brought many Kyoto cultural elements to the area and fostered local pride. Even today, place names and shrines recalling Kyoto—such as Gion, Kyomachi, Kamogawa, and Higashiyama—remain. Because the community has long preserved ties with Kyoto, the Nakamura district of Shimanto City is known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa. The town, however, sits in a region prone to natural disasters. Flooding of the Shimanto River, fires, and earthquakes have erased most old buildings, yet the grid-like street pattern formed from the medieval to early modern periods still survives. History of the Tosa Ichijo Family The Tosa Ichijo family began when Lord Norifusa Ichijo moved in 1468 (Onin 2) to Hata no shō in western Kochi Prefecture (present-day Shimanto City), his hereditary estate. The lord directly managed the manor, controlled logistics along the Shimanto River basin, and laid the groundwork for the town to prosper as a trading hub linking Kyushu and Kansai. Norifusa’s son Fusaie remained as a local lord instead of returning to Kyoto, expanding Hata no shō and bringing the Tosa Ichijo clan to its peak. The Tosa Ichijo governed this land as court nobles-turned-daimyo for 106 years—through Fusafuyu, Fusaki, and Kanesada—until they were driven into Bungo by Motochika Chōsokabe in 1574 (Tensho 2). Historic sites that evoke the Ichijo family Tama-hime’s grave Tamahime, a daughter of Prince Fushimi-no-miya Kunitaka and the wife of Ichijo Fusafuyu, came to Nakamura in 1521 (Dai-ei 1) when she married. Because she arrived on June 22 and died on August 22, the 22nd of every month is still affectionately observed by locals as Tamahime Day. Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine During the Bunmei era (1469–1487), the Ichijo family invited the kami from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto to serve as the protective shrine for Hata. The honden preserves Muromachi-period architectural style and is the oldest shrine building in Kochi Prefecture, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Ichijo Shrine Established in 1862 (Bunkyū 2) on a plot of the former Nakamura Gosho Site by local volunteers honoring the Tosa Ichijo legacy, the shrine precinct contains Ichijo-related historic features such as the makeup well and the “never-blooming” wisteria. Shimanto City Museum "Shirotto" This castle-shaped museum stands within the Nakamura Castle Ruins. From its keep-like building you can look out over the Shimanto River and Higashiyama and enjoy sweeping views of the town. The museum exhibits valuable materials on Shimanto’s nature and culture, as well as the history of the Tosa Ichijo, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period patriots, and Shimanto-born socialist Kotoku Shusui. Festivals and events that evoke Little Kyoto Seasonal events that recall Kyoto culture are held here, including the Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu Fuji Matsuri (May), the Daimonji Okuribi bonfire (lunar calendar July 16), the Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival (September), and the Ichijo Grand Festival with the Sacred Fire Procession (November). Shimanto City carries a deep historical bond with Kyoto and a living tradition of inherited culture and performing arts. It is for these reasons, and its historical name Nakamura, that the area came to be called Little Kyoto of Tosa—Nakamura. A history linked to Kyoto, a culture passed down through generations. Come and feel the charm that makes Shimanto City known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa.

I watched the New Year’s fire brigade ritual by the Kawagoe Wakatobi Association at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. They look sharp.

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is a beckoning cat omikuji from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. 🐈 It looks like something good might happen.

This is the Year of the Horse omikuji from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. May it bring you blessings as well.🐴✨

Photographed on January 1, 2014. This is a photo spot at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

🚨Deadline Approaching🚨 The 15th Teshikagacho Photo Contest is now open📸💡 This year’s theme is “Experience the Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes Through the Seasons in Teshikaga.” Thanks to support from local businesses, many luxurious secondary prizes are available. Please see the details below. We look forward to your wonderful submissions📸✨ 15th Teshikagacho Photo Contest Entry Period November 1, 2025 (Saturday) – January 20, 2026 (Tuesday), postmarked by the deadline Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize: 1 winner…¥30,000 + secondary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu melon, etc.) Excellence Awards: 3 winners…¥10,000 + secondary prizes / Honorable Mentions: 5 winners…secondary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several winners ■ With the cooperation of local businesses, many secondary prizes including accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available.   Organized by: Mashu-ko Tourism Association (regional DMO) Supported by: Teshikagacho, Teshikagacho Board of Education, Mashu-ko Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikagacho Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office, Kushiro Shimbun https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/...

[Notice of Winter Night Scenery Operation on MtOoyama Cable Car] MtOoyama Cable Car will operate a “Winter Night Scenery” service during the following period. During the event, the first 200 passengers using the cable car each day will receive a cup of amazake. Additionally, a greeting event with a popular character will be held! Enjoy the crisp winter air and the night views at MtOoyama. ■Event Period 2026 Saturday, January 10; Sunday, January 11 Monday, January 12 (national holiday) Saturday, January 17; Sunday, January 18 Saturday, January 24; Sunday, January 25 ■Cable Car Operating Hours Service runs until 7:00 p.m. each day For details, please see the official website. https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/winteryakei2026.html...

Photographed on January 1, 2014. Around 6:00 a.m. at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine, this is the temizuya (water pavilion). The unusual atmosphere compared with usual is lovely.

[Now Open] MemanbetsuKohan Ice Fishing for Smelt Every day, many people from inside and outside the town join us! Set against vast natural scenery, this activity is only possible while the lake is frozen. We offer gear rental and sales, so first-timers can take part with confidence 😊 We warmly look forward to welcoming you! ■Period: Monday, January 5th – Wednesday, February 11th (public holiday) ■Fishing hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ■Fishing fee: Adults ¥900 per day, Elementary school students ¥450 per day

Photographed on January 3, 2014. This is the New Year floral temizu basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Happy New Year from Gen at Shosenkyo Gorge. I look forward to your continued support this year. The 8th year of Reiwa has begun, and a week has already passed. The weather in Yamanashi’s Shosenkyo has been fine every day, with no snow, making for very pleasant days. Kanazakura Shrine, famous as the birthplace of crystal, has been welcoming visitors for New Year’s prayers from all over the country every day, creating a lively atmosphere. Kanazakura Shrine is also well known as a place to improve your financial luck. Why not pay a visit sometime? Gen has been open without a break since New Year’s Day on January 1st. We have also received a steady arrival of new power stones. If you have time, please feel free to drop by. All of our staff are sincerely looking forward to your visit.

Photographed on January 3, 2014. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It looks festive and bright for the New Year.🎍✨

Reihoku Sunset Marche — January Announcement📣 Happy New Year🎊 Our first announcement of the year is the Reihoku Sunset Marche in January♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ At the Reihoku Sunset Marche, where agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku are sold, freshly shipped bagged mikan (tangerines) will be available this time 🍊 Please enjoy these seasonal farm products❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ Scheduled produce for sale: ・Aspara greens ・Cauliflower ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Kale ・Rice🌾 ・Coral leaf feather ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes🍠 ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Daikon radish ・Tomatoes (Aiko, cherry) ・Chinese cabbage ・Green peppers🫑 ・Broccoli🥦 ・Ponkan ・Mikan🍊 (bagged, boxed, bag-hung) ・Mizuna (Beni-hoshi variety) ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) ・Welsh onion (single stalk) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date: Sunday, January 11, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Local Products Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

Photographed on January 3, 2014. These are the hanachōzu (flower water basins) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

[About the operation of tourist and bathing facilities] Information on the New Year operating status of tourist and bathing facilities is available at the linked "Teshikaga Navi". Please note that hours and days of operation may differ from the usual schedule. Some bathing facilities may be temporarily closed, so we recommend contacting each facility directly before you go. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/20251226/...

Photographed on December 29, 2025. This is the torii at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine dressed for New Year’s. 🎍

The 33rd Bungo-ono Dondoyaki The 33rd Bungo-ono Dondoyaki will be held in Oonocho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The sight of the roughly 20-meter-tall bamboo “dondo” blazing into the sky is spectacular. Pray for health and safety in the dondoyaki fire and welcome a good year. Date and Time: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 4:30 PM–9:00 PM (held in light rain) Location: Bungo-ono City Ohno General Athletic Park (Second Parking Area) Admission: Free Parking: Available Program Master of ceremonies: hometown ambassador Akiteru Fujimura. 4:30 PM–5:00 PM Opening ceremony 5:00 PM–5:30 PM Shinto ritual 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Shonai Children’s Kagura (Yufu City) 7:00 PM–7:40 PM Hoyukai Taiko Drums (Bungoono City) 7:40 PM–8:00 PM Dondo lighting ceremony preparations 8:00 PM Lighting of the dondo and fireworks by Ikushima Hanabi 9:00 PM Closing ceremony *Event details are subject to change without notice. *Please bring New Year’s decorations such as shimekazari and talismans to the venue on the day of the event between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Items cannot be accepted in advance. What is dondoyaki Dondoyaki is a midwinter festival held around January 15 (Little New Year), when households bring New Year’s pine decorations, shimenawa ropes, kakizome calligraphy and other items to be piled up and burned in a communal fire. This fire festival is a New Year tradition across Japan. Organizer / Event Inquiries Onocho Dondoyaki Executive Committee (Bungoono City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division, Ohno Branch) TEL 0974-34-2234 Access from Fukuoka, Kumamoto and other prefectures to central Bungoono City From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about 3 hours by car From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about 2 hours by car From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo-ono-shi) ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Popular!! Recruiting participants for a bus tour [A journey to meet Sarurun Kamuy (God of the Marsh) and the red-crowned crane] At Grus, the Akan International Crane Center, the birthplace of artificial feeding, we will hold a day-trip bus tour to watch the cranes arrive, guided by Director Kawase ☺ This rare tour lets you see red-crowned cranes spread their great wings and take flight against the early morning sky ✨ Please join us! Operation dates: Sunday, February 8, 2026 and Sunday, February 15, 2026 Time: 7:00 AM–10:25 AM *Meet at 6:55 AM / KKS Convention Center (Kushiro City Tourism and International Exchange Center) Participation fee: JPY 5,500 (tax included) Capacity: 20 people per tour For details and to apply, please see the website. https://ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com/overview/19962/...

I relaxed during my break at starbucks motokawagoe station store. I had a honey, ginger, and rice koji milk latte and an Earl Grey & orange scone sandwich. One week remains until Hon-Kawagoe PePe closes… 🥹

At a quiet temple in Kawagoe, piles of weathered Daruma rest in one place, their wishes fulfilled. Each New Year, people return their old Daruma here, a ritual of gratitude and release. In the frame, an elderly woman gently places hers atop the others, bowing slightly—an act she learned as a child. Once, her parents brought her; later, she brought her children. The Daruma come and go, but the tradition remains, passed patiently from old to young, year after year. Location: Kitain temple, Kawagoe, Saitama.

Get drunk on the delicious flavors of Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture! 😍 Savor smoked dishes and sake at Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City 🥩🍶 Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward is a popular stop for many people with ties to Shobara. Here you can enjoy snacks made with Hiba Beef and a range of smoked items from Smoked Hakoda. Kaneki-ya also offers sake from breweries in Shobara City! This time, we explored what makes Kaneki-ya so appealing. [Shobara Sightseeing Guide website "Editorial Report" has been updated!] Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5454...

The kanji chosen as Kawagoe's hope for Reiwa 8 is "emi," meaning "smile." Although I will be transferring at the end of this month—still within Kawagoe—I will start fresh and do my best. 😊

Forest Museum Kimu From Sunday, January 4 the Forest Museum Kimu has opened. ※The museum will be closed on Tuesday, January 6. We look forward to your continued support this year. With the new year, the displays inside the museum have been refreshed. A large sun shines beyond the Red Fuji 🌞 The reddish branches in the foreground are mizuki that were grown at the Flower Park of Roadside Station Kamu. As a memento of your visit, please take a photo holding a hagoita (decorative wooden paddle) 📸 Also, starting today a special exhibition has opened. - SASAKI Craft Exhibition - Works by Sasaki Kogei, a wooden craft maker based in Nagayama, Asahikawa City, are displayed in the museum showcases. The exhibition runs through Friday, March 20. On the final day of the exhibition we plan to hold a woodworking workshop and a shooting gallery event. For details, please see the Mokumu HP. - Forest Museum Kimu Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission is accepted until 16:10 Admission fees: 500 yen for high school students and older 300 yen for 4th–6th grade elementary and junior high school students 100 yen for ages 3 through 3rd grade elementary Free for children under 3 Contact: 0158-87-2600 #Forest Museum Kimu#New Year #2026 #We look forward to your visit #Special Exhibition #Sasaki Kogei #Setoushi-kun #Mascot