Frost lingering in Obara Village At minus 2 degrees, frost coated the plants, creating a scene I had never seen before. However, the autumn leaves were almost finished, and although I had heard the four-season cherry blossoms were about half in bloom, the recent snowfall seemed to have kept flowering from progressing. I’ll look forward to next year. Date: 2025/12/6 Location: Obara Village, Toyota City Shot on: DJI MAVIC 3 ※Flight application approved by Toyota City Hall ※Unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Flight plan reported and flight log created

Just after sunrise, I stood on Mt. Wagakuni as the city below disappeared beneath a quiet sea of clouds. From the soft white surface, hints of autumn gold and crimson treetops—peeked through like floating islands. As the sky shifted from deep blue to pale rose, the clouds began to glow and for a brief moment, everything felt perfectly still between night and morning.

Photographed on December 3, 2025. I relaxed at Maestro in Resona Koedo Terrace, open every Wednesday. I had a Winter Berry Mocha and a buckwheat and matcha financier. The Winter Berry Mocha combines strawberry and chocolate, balancing tartness and sweetness perfectly. The financier was freshly baked.

Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot you can reach in a 5-minute walk. A popular place within walking distance of Kushiro Prince Hotel. One of the joys of a trip is creating your own katte-don (original seafood bowl) with your favorite seafood. Enjoy the distinctive flavors of this port town that bring a smile with every bite. Finish your visit with a Hokkaido gacha to take home a little travel memory. https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/experience/... Reservations can be made from the profile. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Wakasho Market, one of Kushiro’s must-visit spots, is just a 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel. Here, you can enjoy the fun of creating your own Katte-don—a custom seafood bowl made with your favorite fresh toppings. Savor the flavors of this charming port town, a taste that’s sure to bring a smile with every bite. And don’t forget to finish your visit with a Hokkaido Gacha for a memorable little souvenir of your trip. Reservations are available through the link in our profile. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot reachable in a 5-minute walk. You can easily visit this favorite attraction from Kushiro Oji Grand Hotel. The most popular offering is katte-don—the original seafood bowl you assemble with the seafood you like. In the fresh flavors unique to a port city, each bite makes you smile without thinking. Finally, don’t forget to try the Hokkaido capsule toy for a cute memento of your trip. Reservations can be made via the link in the profile. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Wakasho Market, a sightseeing spot 5 minutes on foot. It’s a popular spot easily reached on foot from Kushiro Prince Hotel. The custom seafood bowl made with your preferred seafood—Katte-don—is a major delight of the trip. The fresh flavors unique to a port city spread a smile the moment you take a bite. Finally, spin a Hokkaido gacha to leave a travel memory. Reservations are available from the profile link. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

The winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest are now on display at Kushiro Prince Hotel—come together and enjoy them 📸✨ Period: Today through the end of February Location: Kushiro Prince Hotel, 1st floor lobby We are also actively seeking entries for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest. We look forward to your participation‼︎ (For details, please see Teshikaga Navi)

Autumn leaves at Gifu Park 🍁 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

An update from the “Information Dispatch Bureau” on the Kawayu Onsen website 📝🆙 The Lake Kussharo Trout Fishing Tournament, held on November 15 and 16, took place on the Wakin Peninsula. This report covers how 100 anglers gathered and competed, capturing the excitement of the event. A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! 🎣 Please take a look ✨

Photographed on December 2, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water offering) by Hara Florist.

Start your special day from the morning at our top-floor restaurant. Relax and unwind with a seafood bowl or a buffet while taking in the breathtaking views. Please help yourself to your favorite seafood and create your perfect bowl. https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/top_kushiro/breakfast2025/... You can make reservations from the profile URL. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Start your special day with a morning at our top-floor restaurant. Relax and unwind as you take in the breathtaking views, accompanied by a seafood bowl or a delightful buffet. Create your own perfect dish by selecting and arranging your favorite seafood. Reservations are available through the link in our profile. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Start a special day from the top-floor restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing time as you savor a seafood donburi or the buffet while admiring the stunning scenery. Feel free to mix and match your favorite marine flavors to craft your own delicious plate. Reservations can be made via the link in our profile. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... Start your special day in the morning at our top-floor restaurant. Enjoy the overwhelming panoramic view with a seafood rice bowl or the buffet and let your mind unwind. Fill your bowl freely with the seafood you want and complete your own unique meal. Reservations are available via the profile link. 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/... https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/top_kushiro/breakfast2025/...

Nature Encounter Event This Weekend! On Saturday, December 6th, Professor Nakagawa from Hokkaido University will give a lecture at Kawayu Visitor Center. You can enjoy learning about how volcanic activity has shaped the landscapes and vegetation of Akan-Mashu National Park through engaging research. We hope you will join us!

Teshikaga Hikari Request ended on November 30. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us! ✨ Winners will be announced by shipment. Stay tuned to the official LINE for future event news and lovely updates. ☺️❣️

We are recruiting participants for the “Yamabiko Falls Phantom Night Tour”! Applications open from Monday, December 15. Enjoy the otherworldly, ice-bound scenery of the deep winter illuminated by lights♪ Event dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Saturday, February 7, 2026; Saturday, February 14, 2026 Event time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM Capacity: 40 people per day Participation fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥2,000 Children (elementary school students) ¥1,000 How to reserve: Reservations will be accepted by phone at Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch Office Reservations open on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 8:45 AM Application/Inquiries Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch Office TEL 0158-47-2211

From the volcanic lake circuit in Kirishima, you can see MtKarakunidake. The autumn foliage and the fluffy, wool‑like slopes were beautiful. Location: Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two months in a row 🌼 Event Month details🌿 ◉ Running through January 5! ✴︎ POP UP SHOP ✴︎ WORK SHOP ✴︎ RELAXATION ✴︎ KITCHEN CAR We invited artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of Izu with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead crafts / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Cafe / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Fukaya green onion specialty products from Saitama / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessories and goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small goods / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / moksa coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Limited-time price! Lighthouse tour / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and fruit preserves / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Certified Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma and herbal craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORK SHOP ◉ Brush calligraphy art experience / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make chopsticks using a plane tool / Kurasu Dougu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessories and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog diagnosis dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 KITCHEN CAR ◉ Curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions to each vendor in separate posts, so please check those out too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. WORK SHOP participants receive free parking! Please present your parking ticket at the reception desk✴︎ We will update event news as it comes, so check Instagram for the latest. WORK SHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some artists may accept same-day WORK SHOP reservations! To make a reservation, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

CAPO Marche We visited Ooyachi CAPO in March, and we’re going again this month! The CAPO Marche runs for four days from Friday, December 12th to Monday, December 15th. On the first two days, booths will feature Rausucho, Makubetsu, Shibecha, Rankoshicho, Shikaoicho and Nishiokoppe Village. On the last two days, delicious products will arrive from Toyoura-cho, Kembuchicho, Shimokawacho, Nayoro City, Moseushi Town and Shibetsu City. Opening hours vary by day, so please check the announcements. From Nishiokoppe Village, we’ll bring popular items from last time such as milk and cheese, wild vegetables, and canned venison and bear meat. Four days filled with proud specialties from around Hokkaido. Come to Ooyachi CAPO. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Ooyachi CAPO #CAPO Marche #Delicious #Winter

Photographed on November 30, 2025. After finishing the certification exam, I visited Taiwan Sabo e-one in Ōmiya. I had lu rou fan (braised pork rice), shrimp dumplings in soup, and Tieguanyin tea.

The exam finished safely. Tokyo was crowded, so I’m relaxing at home in my local area. I had a gingerbread latte and a white mocha cake.

I am in Tokyo today for an exam. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine around 8:00 a.m.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. A cafe latte from cafe andon and an apple caramel shortcake.

A beautiful village surrounded by autumn colors. Looks so stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is the apple caramel shortcake from cafe andon.

Nara Palace Site Historical Park Nara Prefecture Nara City Although it has been reconstructed, you can appreciate the vastness of the site. A train runs through the grounds with a level crossing, and the distances between the buildings are impressive. Excavation has finished, and various buildings are currently being rebuilt. The museum exhibits artifacts from the excavations and models showing how the site looked at the time. The parking lot was spacious and free.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is a cafe latte from cafe andon. What lovely latte art.

Photographed on December 1, 2025. This is the avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set from cafe andon. 🥑🦐

Autumn in the Enchanted Forest The bright red fall foliage of the bald cypress (rakushou) blazes on the surface of Lake Ejio. The scene feels dreamlike, as if you’ve wandered into a mysterious land. Photo location: Lake Ejio, Sanyoonoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

The endless mountain foliage of Nagano prefecture’s Lake Momiji unfurls in a sweeping colors of red, gold, and ember-orange, the autumn canopy spilling down the slopes until it kisses the mirrored surface of the lake.

Notice: 2026 Wakasagi (Pond Smelt) Fishing Season (Reiwa 8) The wakasagi fishing season is here! The season is planned from Monday, January 5, 2026 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (National Holiday). (Although the season usually runs until mid-March, to protect wakasagi stocks, this season will be limited to approximately one month. We appreciate your understanding.) Please note that the opening date may change depending on ice conditions and weather. Please check the association's social media for updates. Fishing hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please follow the posted times and rules. Equipment rental and sales are available at the reception desk, so tourists and first-time anglers can join with confidence 😊 We look forward to welcoming you!

Gifu Prefecture Tajimi City "Kokeizan Eihoji Temple" and autumn foliage

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Seven must-visit attractions when you come to Shimanto City Here are facilities where you can enjoy activities and experience the history and culture of Shimanto City. 1 Nakamura area Facing the Pacific at the mouth of the Shimanto River, Nakamura area in Shimanto City was developed about 550 years ago by the Ichijo family, court nobles from Kyoto, who modeled the townscape on Kyoto. Many place names mirror those in Kyoto, and historical sites from that era still remain. Shimanto River Pleasure Boat Enjoy the scenery of the Shimanto River and a moment of timeless charm. Regularly scheduled boats, private charters, and reservation-only dining yakatabune (pleasure boats with meals) are available. From late May to early June, firefly boat tours run so you can watch fireflies dancing above the Shimanto River. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko Situated on the banks of the Shimanto River, this experience facility sits amid abundant nature. Alongside river activities such as canoeing and SUP, it offers auto camp sites. A range of equipment rentals makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the Shimanto River up close. Tombow Natural Park Shimanto River Museum The world’s first dragonfly sanctuary. The park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly and features seasonal flowers. At the adjacent Shimanto River Museum, permanent exhibits include about 3,000 dragonfly specimens representing 1,000 species from around the world, and roughly 130 species of fish from the Shimanto River and other rivers, teaching visitors about the current state of the Shimanto River. Shimanto Iyashi no Sato A hot spring facility on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River estuary. The facility houses Shimanto Iyashi no Sato, which offers hot spring water drawn within Shimanto City, and Restaurant Yamakawumi, serving dishes that make the most of the river’s generous bounty. Shimanto City Folk Museum This castle-shaped museum stands on the site of Nakamura Castle, once the stronghold of Yasutoyo Yamanouchi, the younger brother of Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Inside, it presents life, history, and culture woven with the Shimanto River under the theme “a town living with the river.” It also displays valuable materials related to the Tosa-Ichijo clan, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period loyalist Makiyoshi Higuchi, and Meiji-era socialist Kotoku Shusui, a notable figure born in Nakamura. The top floor serves as an observation deck with panoramic views of the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city. 2 Nishitosa area Upstream in Shimanto City, the Nishitosa area features scattered riverside settlements and peaceful scenery. At night, with few surrounding lights, the stars shine without being obscured by artificial illumination, offering pristine stargazing. Shimanto River Station Canoe Offering beginner-friendly canoe tours, this facility provides half-day and full-day basic courses under instructor guidance. The building also exhibits canoes from around the world. As a river station, it operates the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle as well. Shimanto Gakusha A former local school renovated into a lodging experience facility. Classrooms and the nurse’s room remain as overnight rooms, and desks and other furnishings from the school days are preserved. You can enjoy Shimanto River–specific experiences such as canoeing, stream trekking (shower climbing), and raft play. Hotel Seira Shimanto Perched on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, this hotel offers an outstanding, nature-surrounded location. Signature dishes feature the river’s bounty, including ayu (sweetfish), river shrimp, and Shimanto beef. An adjacent 4-meter observation dome and staff-led stargazing introduce guests to the wonders of the night sky. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa Located where Japan National Route 441 and Japan National Route 381 meet in the midstream area of the Shimanto River, this station is a gateway to Shimanto River sightseeing. A signature small truck displayed in the center of the store showcases fresh local produce, handmade processed foods, and boxed lunches ranging from seasonal items to regional traditional dishes. At the Ayu Market, which focuses on wild-caught products, you can see and purchase ayu as well as eel and freshwater crabs, enjoying the Shimanto River’s rich bounty firsthand.