Winter break travel to Akanko! ⁡ Akanko dedicated booking site & Marimo Pay As an opening commemorative campaign While Marimo Pay normally offers up to 5% points back we are offering an incredible 10% back for stays during the campaign period!!!! ⁡ With Christmas, New Year and other events packed into winter break why not spend it at Akanko?? ⁡ Book from the link in our profile!! https://lake-akan.com/marimopay/...

Akanko Winter Illumination Giveaway Campaign!! Today between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM Post a photo of the illumination on any social media and show your post to the tourism association counter staff to receive an immediate prize by lottery♪ We do not require any specific hashtag for social media posts, but if you would like to add one, please use #Akanko Marimo Gate .

Today, December 8, is "Rice Day" 🍚✨ Satoyama no Yume, a branded rice from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, won first place in the "Osaka Residents’ Most Delicious Rice Contest" and is a carefully selected rice with a taste score of 80 or higher. By creating a branded rice, Satoyama no Yume aims to build an environment where young people can take up farming with hope, contribute to agriculture and regional development, and bring dreams and aspirations to the community. This rice packs the dreams of satoyama farmers. To promote circular agriculture by reusing bamboo that damages farmland, farmers spent years experimenting to achieve this proud flavor. They cut bamboo into powder, ferment it for use as fertilizer, and use oyster shells—Hiroshima Prefecture’s specialty—to replenish soil minerals. These practices contribute not only to great taste but also to building a sustainable society that cares for the environment. (Rice Day falls on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month.) 1) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Set of 3 × 1 kg 6,800 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000034?category_page_id=ct45... 2) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Premium Set of 3 × 1 kg 7,500 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000005?category_page_id=ct45...

Photographed on December 3, Heisei 25. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Here is a kumade decorated for the Year of the Horse, the zodiac sign for next year. 🐎

“Midwinter!” Yamabiko Falls Viewing Event—Applications open from Monday, December 8th! Experience the winter form of Yamabiko Falls, a sight shaped by nature—see it for yourself. Event dates: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 8th) Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 30th) Eligibility: Elementary school students and older (Each day limited to 30 participants; minimum number to hold the event: 5) *Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian* Participation fee: Adults 600 yen; elementary, junior high, and high school students 300 yen How to apply: Use the QR code on the flyer (Applications by email, fax, or phone are also accepted) Inquiries: Engaru Town Board of Education Maruseppu Education Center TEL 0158-47-2456 FAX 0158-47-3817 e-mail m-kyoui@engaru.jp We hope you’ll join us♪

Photographed on December 3, 2025. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

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 Risona Coedo Terrace, open every Wednesday. I had a Winter Berry Mocha and a buckwheat and matcha financier. The Winter Berry Mocha blends strawberry and chocolate for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. 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 seeking participants for the “Yamabiko Falls Phantom Night Tour”! Applications open Monday, December 15. Enjoy the magical sight of the frozen falls in midwinter, illuminated by lights.♪ Dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Saturday, February 7, 2026; Saturday, February 14, 2026 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. Reservations open Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:45 AM Inquiries / Applications Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch 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.