Former Hamadera Park Station Building Illumination

The Former Hamadera Park Station Building, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, is a precious piece of architecture✨At night it sparkles with illuminations, making you feel as if you’ve wandered into a storybook world…☺
The event runs through this Friday! Come and see it❄

📣When you post beautiful photos of the Nishi Ward illuminations on Instagram, add “#Nissy-chan” to your caption!💫

📅Event period: Until Friday, December 26
🕐Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
📍Location: Former Hamadera Park Station Building (2-188 Hamaderakoen-cho, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

Nishi Ward Office Illumination

The season when Nishi Ward Office is wrapped in light ✨
A 5-meter-tall giant Christmas tree and the cute Nissy-chan welcome everyone 🎄 On chilly nights, enjoy a heartwarming moment under the sparkling illuminations ❄ The display runs until this Friday! Come and see it 🐥

📣 Post your beautiful photos of Nishi Ward’s illuminations on Instagram with “#Nissy-chan” attached! 💫

📅 Period: Until Thursday, December 25
🕐 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
📍 Location: Sakai City Nishi Ward Office (600, 6-chome Otorihigashimachi, Nishi Ward, Sakai City)

🌼We have updated the daffodil blooming report🌼
The daffodils throughout the garden are just beginning to bloom🌱
In some spots, you can already see clusters of blooms appearing✨

See the latest updates on our blog📖
Be sure to check it out👇
https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251223

Let me introduce Hakuryu Falls in the Kono Area of Minami-Echizen Town.
This waterfall sits on the border between Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town along the Echizen Coast.
Many people ask whether Minami-Echizen Town and Echizen Town are the same, but they are different towns.
A legend says that when 19 people drifting in a small ship from Izumo Province washed ashore at Nukaura, a dragon protected their boat and climbed to the mountain summit to heal itself in a warm pool.
We don’t know which pool healed the dragon, but the nearby Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae offers soothing warmth—wouldn’t you like to be healed like the dragon?

Lantern lighting has begun at Kawayu Onsen! 🏮
Lanterns now hang outside accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores within the kawayu group facility district of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen town at night. 💡
https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/

It seems hard to believe it is part of Japan!

Anyone who has visited Japan for any length of time knows that once you get beyond the cities there is beautiful verdant scenery no matter how far you go. Almost anywhere in Japan you can expect to see forested mountains, flowers, and idyllic green vistas. But not here! The Tottori sand dunes, in one of Japan's least visited prefectures, offer an entirely different landscape. It is more than just a palette cleanser, it is also beautiful in its own right! Clambering up the dunes can be arduous in in summer, and the dunes that don't seem so vast or sweeping when you set out can feel very tiring on the way back, so be sure to pace yourself and bring some water.

Besides the natural beauty, the sand is also sculpted by an international team in the adjacent Sand Museum! The Sand sculptures inside are enormous in scale, and have a different theme every year. I especially liked the French exhibition. Seeing France depicted through the medium of sand in rural Japan is an experience as unexpected as it is delightful. I didn't try it myself, but for those wanting something more exotic, there are also camels to ride!

A tiny bird even smaller than a sparrow, with round, charming eyes—the subspecies of long-tailed tit known as the shiraneaga (shimaenaga).
Found only in Hokkaido, this wild bird is beloved by birdwatchers and nicknamed the "snow fairy."
In winter it grows a fluffy, pure-white plumage and looks just like a snowball!
It mainly lives in forests and woodlands; with leaves gone in winter it becomes easier to spot, and it is often seen along the Lake Utonai lakeside.
(Image courtesy of Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

[Outdoor and Active Picks in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture]
Fun for everyone! 😍 Enjoy Shobara’s vast nature with these activities

Blessed with expansive wilderness, Shobara is a summer retreat and home to Ogidani Auto Campsite, one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest campgrounds where you can even try rare snow camping in Western Japan during winter. Beyond camping, thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting, canoe and kayak experiences, and river walking. In winter, you can fully enjoy outdoor sports like skiing.

For more details, visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4018

🏮
Lantern illumination begins in the Kawayu Onsen area‼︎

The lantern illumination at Kawayu Onsen uses the Kawayu Onsen logo created through Teshikaga Town’s design and branding project. It aims to foster momentum for revitalizing the onsen district among local residents and others, while offering visitors a unified, thoughtfully staged welcome that enhances guest satisfaction.

The lanterns hang from the eaves of lodging facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other stores within the Kawayu Group Facility Area of Akan-Mashu National Park.

Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen district at night♨️💡

Photographed on December 22, 2025.
This is cafe andon's Christmas-limited strawberry and chocolate shortcake.🎄
The combination of strawberries and chocolate goes really well together.😊🍓

Now that I'm free from exam studying, I wandered around Kawagoe.
This is the avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set from cafe andon.

The harmony of autumn leaves and shikizakura (four-season cherry blossoms) is beautiful.
Aerial drone footage of Kawami Shikizakura-no-Sato was taken.

Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

*Filmed in compliance with aviation law.

Tourist spot in Kushiro: Fisherman’s Wharf MOO 🐟
A 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel!

You can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food all in one place✨

There’s also a Botanical Garden, a relaxing spot beloved by locals.

The building’s high-design architecture, inspired by Kushiro’s nature, town, and industries, is a highlight.

Reservations are available from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙

"Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen."
has been updated. With poor weather across Hokkaido right now, take a breather and have a slow peek 👀✨ You might rediscover how to enjoy the soothing Kawayu Onsen.


https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/

15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura
❚ Held on March 14, 2026

The 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura will take place in Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture.
Megurakura (巡蔵, literally “visiting breweries”) is an event that guides visitors around the city’s historic breweries to enjoy their signature sake, shochu, craft beer, and local gourmet food.
While taking in the scenery of Bungo‑Ono City, please enjoy touring the breweries.

Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Location: Various venues across Bungo‑Ono City
▶ Participating breweries for the 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura: Hamashima Sake Brewery, Muretsuru Sake Brewery, Fujii Brewery
■ Megurakura tickets on sale now
Ticket Price: 3,000 yen (tax included)
▶ Limited first-come, first-served offer: comes with a special guinomi (small drinking cup)
※ Guinomi are available while supplies last.

▶ Ticket sales locations
Hamashima Sake Brewery TEL 0974-42-2216
Muretsuru Sake Brewery TEL 0974-72-0101
Fujii Brewery TEL 0974-37-2016
Bungo‑Ono City Tourism Association TEL 0974-27-4215

■ How to enjoy Megurakura
On the day of Megurakura, each brewery opens from 9:30 AM. You may start your tour at any venue. A Megurakura ticket is required for tastings at each brewery.
Present your Megurakura ticket at each brewery to taste the beverages they offer. When a brewery finishes offering tastings, staff will mark your ticket at that brewery’s section. Additional tastings will incur extra charges.
※ We cannot reissue, exchange, or refund tickets that are damaged, lost, unused, or forgotten.

■ Shuttle bus information for the day of Megurakura
Shuttle buses will operate on the day of Megurakura. A Megurakura ticket is required to board the shuttle.
A shuttle bus runs between JR Miemachi Station and the various venues at roughly 30–40 minute intervals. You may board or disembark at any stop.
※ Please show your ticket to staff when boarding.

■ Inquiries about the Megurakura event
Bungo Ono City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division TEL 0974-22-1117

■■ Access to central Bungo‑Ono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and others ■■
By car 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

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Kyushu — Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo‑Ono City)
Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots
■■■■■■■■■■■■
https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251222event-bungoono/

The Japanese archipelago!?
There is a rock in Kouno that looks like the shape of the Japanese archipelago.
Can you see the "Japanese archipelago"?

You’ll find it about 400 meters south from Kono Elementary School along Route 305.
It’s hard to spot, but give it a try!

Seven must-try ramen shops in Shobara City, at the northern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture 🍜✨

[Shobara Sightseeing Navi website: "Editorial Report" is up!]
Check the article here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5445

In Shobara City, you can enjoy a wide range of ramen, from classic light broths to more unusual bowls.

With so many attractive shops to choose from, a steaming bowl of ramen will be just what you want as the cold season sets in!!

This time, we introduce ramen you can eat around Shobara City.
We’ve summarized each shop’s appeal and characteristics.

Be sure to find your favorite bowl 🍜✨

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨

Hello! We are Hokulea Shonan 🤗

This time, we went diving at Osezaki, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿

Right now, Osezaki is the most likely beach diving spot on the Izu Peninsula to encounter sea turtles 👏

Recently it made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive!

On this dive we met a sea turtle on the very first dive 👏
No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always lifts your spirits 😄

On sunny days, relaxing in the shallows feels wonderful ✨

We also spotted popular nudibranchs among divers 👍
The marine life is incredibly abundant, and Osezaki is full of highlights 🥳

Thank you to everyone who joined us 🙏

If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to visit Osezaki 🌟
We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon!

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🌈 Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

With the theme “Set off for a world you’ve never seen,”
we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving.

We run courses and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas.
With small-group formats, beginners can join with confidence.
Request dives are also very welcome!

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Dive with sea turtles on a day trip from Tokyo.

Osezaki is one of the best beach dive sites on the Izu Peninsula
to encounter sea turtles.
Every encounter is special, no matter how many times you see them.

On calm, sunny days, shallow dives are slow and peaceful.
The rich marine life here always offers something new to discover.

Follow our daily diving moments on Instagram:
@hokulea_divejapan

#DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving
#ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan
#Hokulea Shonan

[Hot Springs and Day-Use Baths in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!]
Relax your body and mind 🍃 Hot springs in Shobara♨

These hot springs ease fatigue and offer soothing relief. With open-air baths framed by nature’s year-round scenery, both body and mind unwind. The freely flowing water from mineral-rich pools adds a touch of luxury. Whether on a trip or taking a daily break, be sure to enjoy Shobara’s hot springs.

For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4017

Advance reservation required.
“Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨
The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️
For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is Hanatetsu’s flower temizu (flower hand-washing basin).

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

Ashikaga Flower Park's hanachozu (flower basin)

The Christmas version runs until the 25th.

There are photo spots throughout the park.
The illumination area opens at 3:00 PM and lights up at 4:00 PM.

This year’s illumination let visitors enjoy the scent of wisteria as well.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is the hanachozu (flower basin) from Hara Florist. 🌹

"ShinobazunoikenoMadara" is a rare lotus that blooms in two different colors on the same species.
Among them, flowers that display two colors of petals on a single bloom are said to be especially rare!
You can see such rare lotuses at Hanahasu park in Minami-Echizen Town.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/

【Top 8 Miyoshi Gourmet Delights You Can Order Online】
A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy Miyoshi’s gourmet flavors at home! ✨

Here are Miyoshi gourmet items available for mail order — perfect for family gatherings over the New Year or get-togethers with friends.
Find your favorites and take your time
savoring the tastes of Miyoshi. 🍽️✨

If you have recommendations, please leave a comment!

※■Shops participating in the Furusato Nozei return‑gift program
are also listed on the furusato nozei (hometown tax) websites.
Be sure to search for them♪

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01 Mitonoba
■Address: 561-1 Higashisakaya-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @mitonoba7
■Online Shop:
Search for "Miyoshi Wine Beef"
https://meetnoba.base.shop/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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02 Mirasaka Fromage
■Address: 1617-1 Mirasaka Nika, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Mirasaka Fromage"
https://mfromage.net/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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03 Izumiya Confectionery (Japanese & Western Confections)
■Address: 5038-1 Mirasaka, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @izumiya_mirasaka
■Online Shop:
Search for "Izumiya Miyoshi"
https://www.kashiwa-mochi.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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04 Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ima-chan
■Address: 2130-7 Shiomachi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Ima-chan Miyoshi"
https://oko-imachan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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05 Kodama Soy Sauce
■Address: 230 Shimokawatate-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @marutamasoysause
■Online Shop:
Search for "Kodama Soy Sauce kirisoba"
https://marutama7.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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06 Fujita Foods
■Address: 738 Megurigami-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Fujita Foods Miyoshi"
https://fujita-foods.xsrv.jp/
A product list is available on the "Wani no Heya" page
To order, please call or fax: 0824-66-1082 / 0824-66-1093

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07 Yamaoka Sake Brewery
■Address: 489-1 Nishino, Kōnu-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @yamaokasyuzou
■Online Shop:
Search for "Yamaoka Sake Brewery Miyoshi"
https://zuikan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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08 HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY
■Address: 917 Kaitabara, Kisa-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @hiroshimanohbrewery
■Online Shop:
Search for "Hiroshima Noh Beer"
https://hiroshima-noh-brewery.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

Autumn foliage photographed at Sogi Park in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.
The light at the moment the sun set was utterly
magical.