Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, October 18th, the 31st Churui Dontokoi Village Festival will be held😊 The festival, which opens with a powerful performance by Nauman Taiko, is packed with highlights‼ Enjoy the stunning performance by Tsugaru Shamisen Ishiguro Kai, a comedy show by Geisha Bows, and a glamorous singing show by Luca Mochizuki🎵 Additionally, there will be direct sales of local specialties like lily bulbs and the sale of Churui-produced wagyu beef😍 Moreover, police cars and fire trucks will gather, providing experiences such as fire extinguishing demonstrations and vehicle displays, allowing you to interact with working vehicles. The festival finale will feature a lucky draw and bread throwing, ensuring fun until the very end🎵 We warmly invite families to come and join us🤗 🔶Date and Time: October 18, 2023 (Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 🔶Venue: Special venue in front of Churui Naumann Elephant Museum *Will proceed even in light rain 🔶Shuttle Bus: Operating between Satsunai, Makubetsu, Nukanai, Komahata, and the venue. ・Outbound: Departs from Satsunai Community Plaza East Parking Lot at 8:30 AM → Makubetsu Town Community Hall at 8:50 AM → Nukanai Community Center at 9:10 AM → Komahata Public Hall at 9:30 AM → Arrives at the venue at 9:50 AM ・Return: Departs from the venue at 2:10 PM → Komahata Public Hall at 2:30 PM → Nukanai Community Center at 2:50 PM → Makubetsu Town Community Hall at 3:10 PM → Arrives at Satsunai Community Plaza East Parking Lot at 3:30 PM *Reservations for the shuttle bus are until 5:30 PM on October 15th (Thursday). TEL: 01558-8-2111 🔶Contact: 31st Churui Dontokoi Village Festival Executive Committee Office (Churui General Branch Regional Promotion Division) TEL: 01558-8-2111 https://www.town.makubetsu.lg.jp/kankosangyo/kankoevent/event/19006.html...

The marigolds blooming at the Azumino sightseeing spot, Sōshunfu Kahi, are said to depict the scenery of Azumino eagerly awaiting spring. A music box is installed, so please press the button to listen! 😄

The blue sky and flowers are very beautiful! It's a warm day perfect for a walk♪

It's a clear day in Azumino☀️ The water was crystal clear and looked very beautiful☺️

The stunning scenery of Azumino A breathtaking view from Ohisama Road Blessed with clear autumn weather, a wonderful landscape spread out before us If you stop by Azumino, this is a must-visit spot! 😆

Cosmos blooming in the fallow rice fields and the Northern Alps. There is a cosmos field near the Haishun Fuka Monument. Beyond that are the mountain ranges of Mt. Ariake and Mt. Jonen. Azumino is enjoying clear autumn weather this afternoon. It’s fully autumn in Azumino! 😄

When I looked up, a pale rainbow was arched beyond the mist.

Taken on October 13, 2026. This is the TATSUMI Special from Udon Tatsu-mi. The chicken tempura and pork offer double the luxury of the TATSUMI Special. I got a haircut, enjoyed delicious udon, and my spirits were lifted.

Taken on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I got a haircut and feel refreshed.

Event Announcement 📣 On Sunday, October 18th, the 24th Shihoro Harvest Festival will be held 😊 At the venue, you can enjoy local specialties and products from Shihoro High School students, including Shihoro beef loin cut steak, sweet red bean soup, and udon at the "Shihoro Taste Market." There will also be fun family activities such as "unlimited bagging of potatoes and onions" and the "Kalbi Quiz Rally & Lottery" 😍 Additionally, we will have a "Perfect Weight Eating Game" where you eat exactly the specified amount, as well as a "Grand Lottery" with Shihoro specialties as prizes‼ Furthermore, as part of a milk consumption expansion campaign, we will distribute free milk in limited quantities 🎵 Please come and enjoy the autumn blessings of Shihoro at the venue 🤗 🔷Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM (Rain or shine) 🔷Venue: Shihoro Town Agricultural Sports Park, Special Venue 🔷Contact: Shihoro Harvest Festival Executive Committee (Shihoro Town Hall, Industry Promotion Division) TEL: 01564-5-5220 https://www.shihoro.jp/news/detail.php?news=873...

Taken on October 10, 2014. This is the hanatemari (flower ball) at the chozuya (water basin) of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 10, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 8, 26. This is a black latte and a chestnut basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE.🌰

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...

The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge at dusk. A time when the sea and sky are painted orange. A lighthouse rises against the backdrop of the trees. A quiet moment before the sun sets.

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.

【Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount Eligible】Stay at the suite rooms "Shirokane no Mori" in a forest resort & experience the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism" – Refresh your mind and body in the closest spot to the clear stream. This tour allows you to experience a stay at a hotel in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and visit Kikuchi Gorge, a representative tourist spot of Kikuchi City, all in one go. We have started accepting reservations for a stay at the farm auberge "Shirokane no Mori" and a special plan utilizing the rich natural space of Kikuchi Gorge, the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism." This is a luxurious accommodation experience and a morning retreat program that sharpens your senses for those seeking self-improvement and refreshment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 【First Phase】Meditation and Tea Ceremony Experience Plan From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, you will have a meditation and tea ceremony experience led by tea master Matsumura in Kikuchi Gorge (each participant will receive a portable tea set, and tea will be brewed using water from Kikuchi Gorge), along with a rice ball bento breakfast. 【Second Phase】Mindfulness Walking and Medicinal Cuisine Bento Breakfast Plan From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, we will provide mindfulness walking in Kikuchi Gorge and a handmade medicinal cuisine bento breakfast that is gentle on the body. Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per session (please apply in pairs of 2 or groups of 3). For more details: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu... To make a reservation: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... Price: 63,000 yen Regular travel fee (per person, including accommodation and breakfast/dinner): 63,000 yen (tax included) After applying the Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount (actual payment amount): 43,000 yen (tax included) *Sales assistance amount: A maximum of 20,000 yen per travel contract per person applies. Event Dates: 【First Phase】From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. 【Second Phase】From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. Reservations: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu...

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

October 11, 2026, Hitachi Seaside Park Red kochia and yellow cosmos against a blue sky. Colorful flower seedlings were planted along the pathways, making the scenery very beautiful.

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.

The 21st Autumn Walk in Kinsenkyo will be held as scheduled on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Participants are requested to complete registration at the parking lot in front of Takinoue Town Hotel Keikoku (in front of Takinoue Town Local History Museum) by 9:45. Takinoue Gorge, known for its beautiful autumn leaves, is easily accessible from the Roadside Station and hotels, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Today, the Roadside Station "Kaori no Sato Takinoue" will host the Food Truck Party in TAKINOUE, featuring food trucks offering original menus made with local ingredients. We look forward to seeing you there.

"Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" Participants Wanted Saijo City is actually a "treasure trove of terrain." In this walking tour, we will explore the areas of Furuta, Kusunokigawa, and Teizui with a professional guide. Before us lies a landscape of mountains, rivers, rice fields, and villages. When we focus on the terrain and geology, we start to wonder, "Why did a village form here?" and "How did this landscape come to be?" This leads to new discoveries. Using the terrain as a clue, we will unpack the history of the land, the lives of the people who have lived there, and the culture rooted in the region. When you "walk with knowledge," the scenery of the town becomes much more interesting. Why not come and walk, see, and feel the hidden charms of Saijo? The familiar scenery will start to look a little different. "Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" ◯ Travel Fee 5,000 yen (tax included) per person *Monitor price. We kindly ask for your cooperation in answering a survey after the tour. Includes professional guide, chartered bus, and Setouchi meal for lunch. ◯ Date Wednesday, November 4, 2026 ◯ Time 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Gathering and registration at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center at 8:35 AM. ◯ Capacity 40 people, first come first served. ◯ Itinerary Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (9:00 AM) = Furuta District = (View of Saijo's townscape and fault line cliff from Konsen-ji) Qkamura Setouchi Toyo Seaside Campsite (granite sandy beach and coastal vegetation) = Qkamura Setouchi = (Setouchi meal for lunch) Daimyojin River = (a river with overhead railway tracks) Kusunokigawa District = (spring water from Usui Daishi-dō associated with Kōbō Daishi legend) Teizui District = (Uchinuki from Meisui Hyakusen, Shikoku's Largest Estuarine Tidal Flat, and tidal flat creatures) Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (4:00 PM) ◯ Inquiries and Reservations General Incorporated Association Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefecture Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Registration Number: 1500005007749 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0030 TEL 0897-56-2605 FAX 0897-47-3733

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■