I visited the famed Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). From the Okudake Trailhead I took the ropeway to the Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), then continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m) and enjoyed autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

This is a photo of Kouzu Coast taken before sunrise on New Year’s Day. The title is "Yoake no Mae".

I went to photograph Yaotsu Gohodaki Falls in Gifu Prefecture on November 7, 2025.

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive

Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁 The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁 The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨ I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡 Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊 ⚠Notice⚠ The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.

Teshikaga Night Sky Enjoyment Workshop Thanks to your support, we have reached the 12th Teshikaga Night Sky Enjoyment Workshop. This year’s theme is the much-anticipated Geminids meteor shower. The program includes a classroom lecture and an observation session. Why is Teshikaga’s night sky so stunning? How should we protect and make the most of this night sky? What exactly is a meteor shower? What are tips for enjoying it? Which astronomical events should you watch for next year? This workshop is packed with answers and insights. If the sky is clear, we will go outside and observe the meteor shower. We hope you get to see bright meteors that can compete with the waning moonlight. To register, contact Teshikaga Town Community Center. 015-482-2340 We look forward to your participation🌌✨

Atami – Where Adventure Meets Serenity Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka offers one of the most fascinating diving experiences in Japan — where adventure and serenity come together beneath the surface. Known for its wreck diving and mysterious blue cave, Atami attracts divers who seek both excitement and peace in one destination. The highlight of Atami is the wreck of Asahi No.16, one of the largest wrecks in Japan. Resting quietly on the seafloor, this massive structure is now covered in colorful soft corals and swarming with marine life. As you descend, the silhouette of the wreck slowly appears out of the blue — a breathtaking sight that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an underwater museum. Exploring this wreck is an unforgettable experience for divers who love large-scale structures full of history and mystery. Then, shift from adventure to calm in Atami’s Blue Cave. As you enter, sunlight pierces through the narrow opening, filling the space with an ethereal blue glow. The soft light, bubbles rising toward the surface, and the quiet stillness of the cave create a dreamlike world beneath the waves. It’s a moment of pure serenity — a dive that connects you deeply with the ocean. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wreck diving or a peaceful cave dive, Atami offers both just a short train ride from Tokyo. With easy access, clear water, and diverse dive sites, it’s a perfect destination for weekend divers and international visitors alike. If you’re searching for wreck diving in Japan, or want to discover the best diving spots near Tokyo, Atami is a must-visit. Dive into its hidden blue world — where every moment beneath the sea feels like a journey between adventure and serenity. 🌊💙 📍 Atami, Shizuoka, Japan About Hokule’a Shonan 🌈 Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ Dive Center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa — just a short trip from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help you discover the beauty of nature and the joy of exploring the ocean. We offer more than 300 diving tours and courses a year across Japan, from Izu to Okinawa and even overseas. With our small-group style, beginners can dive safely and comfortably while enjoying a personalized experience. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or joining an advanced adventure — we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. Let’s dive and enjoy the ocean together! 💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaDivingJapan #UnderwaterWorld #DivingNearTokyo

How about a drive to the Echizen Coast with everyone? 🚙 I especially recommend the sunset viewed from the coastal road. It’s nice to share summer memories while watching the sunset.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Amakusa Area designation within Unzen-Amakusa National Park on July 20, 2026, the two-day cycling event "Amakusa Round! Amaichi Granfondo 2025" will be held in Amakusa 🚴 Granfondo is an Italian term for long-distance cycling events. Rather than racing the clock, participants ride at their own pace, enjoy rest and meals at aid stations, and take in spectacular views on this relaxed cycling event♪ Event Overview Dates: December 13 (Sat)–December 14 (Sun), 2025 Location: Amakusa area, Kumamoto Prefecture (Amakusa City, Kami-Amakusa City, Reihoku) Capacity: Up to 200 riders per day, totaling 400 riders over two days. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses: (1) Shimashima Trial Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 140-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 30 riders experienced in cycling around the Amakusa area. (2) Shimashima Main Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 170 riders. (3) Kamishima Course Sunday, December 14, 2025. Start and finish at the Hiwado Regional Promotion Center, Kami-Amakusa City Hall. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Kamishima (Amakusa City and Kami-Amakusa City) for 200 riders. For registration details and more information, search for "Amaichi Gran" and visit the event website provided by Local Gain Co., Ltd. (080-7577-2505), or check the announcements section on our company website! Why not spend this December enjoying Reihoku’s food and nature while having a refreshing cycling experience around Amakusa? E-bike rentals are also available, so please take a look!

Thanks to everyone’s support, donations have surpassed ¥1,000,000 (including town office contributions). The donation period runs until December 18, and our goal is ¥4,392,000. We appreciate your continued support! We would be grateful for your replies so more people will join us—please reply if you can! 🙏

Good morning ☀ This morning in Tsukigase.

Green Woodwork A workshop used freshly cut, still-damp “green wood” to make everyday items. Participants used only simple tools like knives and shaving horses. For middle school students and older they offered sessions to make wooden spatulas, mini spoons, and small plates. Elementary school children could also join a session to make house ornaments. Under the instruction of Mariko Kusakari, four classes were held in total. I peeked into the house ornament session. The elementary children cut and shaved the wood themselves with support from parents and staff. They touched the wood’s end grain to confirm it was still damp and noticed that different species gave off different scents. Handing tools to children can be nerve‑wracking, but adults stepped in when needed and otherwise watched as the kids did the work. Pieces that started round gradually took on angular, almost pentagonal shapes. After cutting each piece to a chosen size, participants painted them and added a string or wire to finish the ornament. The display included a variety of shapes and colors, each full of personality. We live in a world where many things are easy to buy, so having the chance to make everyday items yourself is truly rewarding. I think I’ll join the wooden spatula workshop next time. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Green Woodwork #green wood #handicrafts #everyday items #mokuiiku (wood learning) #Komu Museum of Art

Reihoku Sunset Marche — November Event Notice📣 This is the announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche taking place in November♪ 👀Highlights of this edition of the Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche will feature agricultural products, processed foods, and prepared dishes from Reihoku. This time it will be held on the same day as the 10th anniversary and olive harvest thanksgiving festival of the neighboring Fukuda Family Olive Orchard.❣ We look forward to seeing everyone 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ 🙇Please note that parking is expected to be crowded, so you may also use the Chamber of Commerce parking lot.🙇 【Planned produce for sale】 ・Cucumbers ・Rice (new crop, late-season) ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes ・Zucchini ・Onions ・Mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Cherry tomatoes ・Peanuts ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, November 9, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM 【Venue】Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) ※Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

We will hold the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop 🎊 On Wednesday, November 19th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop♪ This session will use the proposed tourist walking routes developed from ideas and discussions in previous workshops to finalize the route🔥 A recap of sessions 1–3 is included, so drop-in participation for this workshop is perfectly fine! If you are interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development, please feel free to join us ✨ Date and time: Wednesday, November 19th, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Registration deadline: Monday, November 17th 👉 Please check the announcements section on our website to apply! This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association Secretariat, Ogata TEL: 0969-31-1136 E-mail: info@amakusa-kankou.com

Yuzu Picking Volunteers Wanted! We are recruiting yuzu picking volunteers in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, one of the leading yuzu-producing areas in the Kanto region. Come and try it for yourself!

I photographed a stunning orange sunrise this morning. I also love the mist along the foot of the mountains. I took this from a farm road in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.

Panoramic view from the summit of Mount Nagamine The chilly Azumino valley lies under a sea of clouds, with the Northern Alps towering beyond You can only see a scene like this on an Azumino morning!

Azumino Full Moon This is the Harvest Moon setting behind the Northern Alps On cold mornings a sea of clouds spreads below, and the view of the Northern Alps from Mount Nagamine is spectacular!!

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

Blue sky This is a morning photo of Kozu Coast in Odawara.

[Special offer for Michihigashi residents: “Use and Revive” Kawayu Stay Discount — Winter plan now on sale!] This winter, revive your body and spirit with a budget-friendly stay at Kawayu Onsen, Teshikaga. The “Use and Revive” Kawayu Stay Discount (Winter), available to residents of Michihigashi, went on sale on October 20 at three properties affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. As autumn ends and the calm of winter approaches, why not stay at Kawayu Onsen during the deep cold and come back refreshed? Kawayu Stay Discount (Winter) ・Eligible period Weekdays and Sundays from Sunday, November 2, 2025 through Sunday, March 29, 2026 ・Eligible area Residents of Michihigashi: Kushiro, Nemuro, Okhotsk, and the Tokachi region ・Participating properties Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu (members of the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) *Oyado Kinkiyu will be closed from November for the time being and is not eligible. ・Discount amount Adults ¥2,000, children ¥1,000 (no limit on consecutive nights) ・How to book Via each property’s official website, by phone, etc. This offer ends when the budget runs out, so neighbors, please take advantage of it. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/syukuhakuwariwinter25/...

[Kawayu Visitor Center Lecture Announcement 📣] Tomorrow, Saturday, 10/25, Professor Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, who has conducted long-term research in this field, will give a lecture titled "Why is Lake Kussharo so shallow? The secrets of Mount Atosanupuri revealed by the latest research." The venue is Kawayu Visitor Center and admission is free. We look forward to your visit ⛰️✨ Lecture "Why is Lake Kussharo so shallow? The secrets of Mount Atosanupuri revealed by the latest research." We will welcome Mitsuhiro Nakagawa, Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University. Date: Saturday, December 6, 13:30–15:30 Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, second floor Admission free (no registration required; capacity 50) We hope this talk offers a chance to encounter the grand natural story behind the familiar landscape of Lake Kussharo, so you can learn more about the lake and the park and feel proud of them. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuvcfureai2/...

I visited the famous Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). I took the ropeway from Okudake Trailhead to Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. Then I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m), and enjoyed the autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

I visited Mt. Kurikoma (elevation 1,626 m), the celebrated Tohoku peak praised as the "carpet of the gods." At the temporary shuttle bus stop, Kurihara City staff warned that "bears have been appearing on the trail for four consecutive days!" and, ringing bear bells loudly, we made the ascent. By the grace of the gods, we encountered no bears and were treated to truly stunning autumn foliage. Thank you. Location: Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture

Sparkling Korakuen: An Evening Tea Gathering Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 At Korakuen, where the maple trees had turned crimson, a light-up and tea gathering took place. Inside the garden stands Korakutei, a tea room used several times a month for tea practice and tea gatherings for children. Still, many village residents had never stepped into Korakutei, and many had only viewed Korakuen’s garden from outside. For regular walkers and those who don’t usually go out alike, these two days provided an opportunity to visit Korakuen. Because the garden has almost no lighting, lights placed along the walking paths glittered in the darkness. A gentle, light rain fell that night. The softly sweet tea sweets and the warm, full-bodied tea warmed us through. Even without knowing tea ceremony etiquette, I found the tea room’s refined, comforting atmosphere soothing, and I visited many times. (Refills of tea were available 🧉) Despite the poor footing due to the weather, many people came—thank you very much. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Traditional Japanese garden #Korakuen #Autumn foliage light-up #Tea gathering #Night #Autumn

Azumino was pleasantly warm, but a sudden passing shower arrived… When I looked up at the sky, there was a double rainbow

Divine glow ✨ On the way back from photographing Shirataki Falls, the pampas grass lit by sunlight looked divine, so I took a picture 📷 You can see gleaming pampas grass around town right now 👀 The temperature swings between morning and evening have deepened the autumn colors 🍁 Peak foliage may still be a little way off, but you can already feel the autumn scenery and breeze beyond the leaves 🌰

Outbound because it was autumn, I went to see the Autumn leaves. I like this season when the surroundings are brightly colored.

Mindfulness tourism was held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in nature’s clear streams to maximize mental and physical performance. Away from everyday noise, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. The program featured mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked through Kikuchi Gorge together with a resident priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature—lying on rocks, sitting in zazen, or otherwise pausing in reflection. In the calm atmosphere, attendees refreshed their minds and bodies and seemed to find new insights. On the first day, we held “Mindfulness Walking and a Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The water of Kikuchi Gorge was used for the tea. In the silent morning space, guests settled their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day, participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and a Breakfast Gathering.” They ate breakfast in the crisp morning air while sensing the surrounding nature. They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed, peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water from Kikuchi Gorge, offering clay-pot rice and meals made with local Kikuchi ingredients. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience in their own way. By walking and touching nature in the morning, many said they were able to forget work worries and busyness. The matcha tea ceremony eased tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature with the murmur of the river and the cool air felt pleasant. Freshly cooked rice in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul; the dishes were elaborate, truly delicious, and left guests very satisfied. These were among many comments we received. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with the five senses. Instead of letting a day pass by unnoticed, participants seemed to appreciate spending time in nature solely for themselves.