The second day of the Kawagoe Festival has come to an end. These are the festival float of Kogitsunemaru in Saiwai Town and the festival float of Nasori in Nandori Towns.

Goshikinuma ponds, often dubbed the “mysterious lake,” promise to be an great experience with their captivating colors—emerald green, cobalt blue, turquoise blue, emerald blue, and pastel blue. Goshikinuma meaning "five color ponds," is somewhat misleading. The area features far more than five ponds, each likely to reveal an even broader array of spectacular colors. During fall time the ponds look more heavenly and peaceful.

The first chestnut tiger of the season I shot it under and emphasized the "light" in Lightroom. Kushihara, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture 2024/10/20

It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. It is a festival float of the Senba Jiro Yasu family in Senba Towns. At the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I had an exorcism.

Photographed 10/19/24. Your friend is coming. 👋 It is a festival float of Iemitsu in Shintomi Town 1-chome.

Photographed 10/19/24. It is the Shinko Festival.

Photographed 10/19/24. It is a festival float of Suzume in Ote Towns.

The Kawagoe Festival has begun. At Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a festival float from OteTowns is performing an exorcism.

Beginning of Autumn leaves in Chichibu At Chichibu Muse Park, Row of ginkgo trees have begun to turn Autumn leaves Every year, this is the first photo of Autumn leaves photography

Today and tomorrow is the Kawagoe Festival. Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, I heard a congratulatory song. It was a place where the people of Nantong Towns were being exorcised.

Photographed 10/12/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Terukuni Children's Halloween Fair 2024 Various stalls will open, and the fair will be lively with live band performances and a raffle. Supported by the Women’s Disaster Prevention Club Hiratsuka Powers and the Isehara City Planning Department Crisis Management Section, there will also be disaster-preparedness activities such as building cardboard toilets to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters. Free admission. Costumes are very welcome—please come and join us. Date and time: Friday, October 25, 15:30–20:00 Venue: Terukuni Parking Lot (937-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara)

Photographed 10/12/24. This is Hanachozu of Chuin. Hanachozu was making a comeback.

October 5, 2024 Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll On that day, a major event took over the town of Suwa: the “Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along a one‑kilometer walking radius from JR Kami‑Suwa Station along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2‑chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sakes🍶. This year, a cypress masu (wooden sake box) doubled as a passport, letting visitors enjoy the aroma of hinoki wood while sipping fine sake. The 3,000 tickets sold out by September 30, showing just how popular the event was!!! Compared with last year, more local restaurants offered snack stalls, and additional stalls were run by neighborhood groups!!! Although the weather was a little worrying that day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Swatchao was lively, and the city began to buzz toward the pedestrian zone start at 12:00. By the official start at 13:00, lines had formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their preferred labels!!! After opening remarks by Suwa’s mayor and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, the stroll kicked off with Suwa’s customary kiyari work song, and the sake stroll began. The kiyari performers then walked along the kaido, responding to requests and singing until around 17:00🎶 From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Many guests joined in the dancing, and the sight of everyone enjoying themselves was memorable. The food stalls drew long queues: yakitori, grilled eel, karaage and sanzokuyaki (mountain warrior‑style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, kushiyaki, candied apples, bento sellers, french fries, yakisoba, and more… The snack stalls were as busy as the sake booths! Good sake paired with delicious local dishes and snacks naturally brought smiles to people’s faces🎶 We met many smiling visitors—thank you very much. What surprised us most was how little trash there was. From the organizer’s perspective, we picked up litter from JR Kami‑Suwa Station to the far end of the venue just before the event ended, and there seemed to be very little trash on the streets. I believe that resulted from attendees properly sorting and disposing of their waste. As I walked around holding a bag and saying, “If you have any trash, please put it in this bag!” several visitors responded, “Wow, amazing! You even collect trash? Thank you so much.” Those words wiped away my fatigue! I was deeply moved😢 For the next event, our staff will continue striving to ensure guests are satisfied and have a great time, while gaining the understanding and cooperation of local residents so that Suwa’s town can become even more vibrant and lively.

Autumn leaves and the purple gold mountain atlas comet In Hokkaido, autumn slowly turns color Autumn leaves were photographed in a composition that looked like a comet falling It seems that Comet Purple Gold Mountain Atlas will return in 80,000 years In other words, this is the last time you will be able to see this scenery and the comet at the same time When I thought about it, I felt somewhat lonely, as if I was saying goodbye to this life

Visited 10/15/24. After prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake. It's the autumn of appetite, isn't it? 🎃

Colorful Naegi Ruins of the Castle I took an aerial shot with a drone. Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture 2023/11 * Flight permission from the management office * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Comet Atlas, a hot topic right now I was able to take a picture with Kondeji You can tell it's a comet even with a smartphone. You can take pictures of the level. (The mountain range seen below is a recent The Hidaka Mountains, which became a national park) Even if it's sunny, it's barely visible to the naked eye I feel like I can see it somehow. I can't see the "tail" in my eyesight Because it looks like a small, dim star Many people don't seem to notice that it's a comet. It will be useful to have bright binoculars This celestial show will last until around the end of this week. It is said that it is an opportunity, It gets darker and smaller.

㊙ Sightseeing spot introduction Tomakomai Research Forest, Hokkaido University (Takaoka, Tomakomai) The Hokkaido University Research Forest, which is close to the city and allows you to feel the four seasons of Tomakomai, A hidden Autumn leaves spot in Tomakomai. It looks like it will be in Best time to visit from around this Sunday! Forget the hustle and bustle of the city and become one with Nature. * Scenes from last year. 【Facilities site】 QR code

Photographed 10/15/24. The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival was not held on October 15 because of the Kawagoe Festival, but I Prayer by custom. The Starbucks Bell Ring Street store also had a red and white curtain.

Bear Sighting Report 2024 Around 4:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15 — Koyasu area A bear was sighted near the Oyama lookout on the morning of Wednesday, October 16. Residents and visitors in the area are advised to take precautions in advance. If you spot a bear or find signs of one, please contact the City Hall Agricultural Promotion Division at 0463-94-4664. [Safety Guidelines for Encountering a Bear] 1 Do not approach the bear and avoid eye contact. 2 Do not shout or attempt to threaten the animal. 3 Do not feed bears or show them food. 4 Leave the area promptly. 5 Secure doors and windows to prevent bears from entering homes or other buildings.

“Takaharu Mystery Puzzle” —The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings—” A puzzle-solving experience set in Ojibaru Park, Takaharamachi, starts next week on Saturday, October 5, 2024.♪ This content lets you immerse yourself in a story where Takaharamachi’s history and fantasy intersect.🙋‍♀️ People of all ages, from adults to children, can enjoy this experience! Take this chance to visit Takaharamachi! We look forward to welcoming many visitors! ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー Event Overview Event Title Takaharu Mystery Puzzle — The Stolen Era and the Prince of Beginnings Event Period: Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Participation Fee: 500 yen (tax included) Puzzle Kit Sales Location: Okukirishima Kojyoharakoen Campground Management Office Recommended Age: 9 years and older (no age limit when accompanied by a parent) Estimated Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

Event announcement‼️ Be sure to check it out👀‼️ "Mountain Day Event" ‘Oujinooniwa’ ◯ Event Dates Sunday, November 3 Monday, November 4 (substitute holiday) It runs for two days! Location: Koushiobaru Park, Takaharacho Okukirishima Koushiobaru Hutte (former rest house) *Vendor event only on the 3rd. *The 4th is a mountain tour. November 3 We invite mountain-related vendors for sales, workshops, and body maintenance services. Under the title “Connecting Kirishima’s Walking Trails,” we will hold a talk show about mountaineering centered on Takaharacho and the Kyushu Nature Trail. A pleasant-sounding DJ will also perform at the venue♪ November 4 A trekking tour along the “Tenson Kourin no Michi” (the Path of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild). Guided by Mr. Ishikawa from Kirishima Geopark, participants will hear valuable stories about Kirishima, and at the summit enjoy a tasting and lesson on mountain coffee. After descending, you can soothe your tired body at Takahara’s hot springs. Although not listed on the flyer, there will also be a display of Toyota custom cars and some extra surprises. We will post more detailed information little by little, so keep checking for updates(^^) On November 3 and 4, come and visit the event ‘Oujinooniwa’ at Koushiobaru Park☆

Visited 10/14/24. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. It is a Basque cheesecake with dirty chai and purple sweet potato.

Photographed 10/14/24. At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, the "Kawagoe Festival Creative Doll Exhibition" is held in. The procession of the festival float is accurately Reproduction. It seems that it is more difficult to make small items than dolls.

[🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 🍁] Until Saturday, November 30! Of course, autumn too!! Instagram campaign 🥳✨ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post photos of autumn leaves taken in Gokase town on Instagram with the two hashtags: #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 and #Date of shooting (example: #October 31).👍💕 During the campaign, one person will receive a local specialty product from Gokase town every day as a gift 🎁❗ Outstanding works will receive a gift set of Gokase town specialties as well 🤩👏 Submitted works will be introduced on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels as needed.🙇‍♀️ [Period] From Wednesday, October 16, 2024 to Saturday, November 30, 2024 ※Other terms and conditions are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before applying. ※Please take care to avoid accidents when photographing. In particular, Shirataki is difficult to pass oncoming vehicles, and the road often has collapses and uplifts, so we do not recommend passage for those who are not confident driving or who do not want to risk damaging their vehicle. ------------------------------------------ Today I visited Unoko Falls, Yuhino Sato Bridge, and Gokase Gorge by car 🚗💨 From the Kuraoka area, it felt like Kuwanouchi and Sangasho areas had more advanced autumn colors.💡 The third photo is Unoko Falls that I took today! It looked like the leaves were just starting to change color. We will continue to update autumn foliage information on Instagram, Facebook, and our website, so please check them out.🤗 We look forward to many autumn leaf photos 🍁✨ Please send your entries enthusiastically—thank you 📸🙏

That day, Kawanishi, known for his love of food, restrained his appetite and visited PMOA Co., Ltd., headquartered in Suwa. PMOA is the well-known company that created Suwa City’s official character, Suwa-hime. Yamaoka gave us a tour of the factory and offices. PMOA, headquartered in Suwa City, is the only hobby manufacturer in Nagano Prefecture. They had been manufacturing plastic molds and parts for automobiles and cameras, but when orders declined during the Lehman shock (the 2008 global financial crisis), the president began to consider whether the company's existing technology could be applied to other businesses. At the same time, the hobby boom—part of Akihabara culture (plastic models, figures, etc.)—was taking off. They created a plastic model of Takashima Castle, beloved by Suwa residents — this marked the beginning of PMOA's production of building plastic models. With about 40 employees, the company primarily uses plastic molding to manufacture items such as figures, fishing lures and plastic parts for a maker known for bicycle lights. In addition to molding, they also provide services such as signboard printing and vehicle wrapping. They have even wrapped Suwa City municipal vehicles, including one featuring Suwa-hime; some readers may have seen it. They also accept private car-wrap orders, so anyone wanting a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle should consider it. The company now has its own factory adjacent to the Chino facility, which makes production-stage feedback much smoother and enables rapid response—this is a key strength. The company's motto is 'Making Japanese towns cute and lively!' Expect them to keep producing many adorable figures and striking plastic models. ※ Factory tour Date & time: Every Friday at 13:30 Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Group size: 2–20 people Elementary school children and younger: Free Junior high school students and older: 1,000 yen ◎ Please call at least one week in advance: 0266-78-6481 (Harada or Arai)

Photographed 10/14/24. This is the "Kawagoe Festival Creative Doll Exhibition" of the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center. The procession of festival floats is faithfully Reproduced. The festival floats are also stunning.

[Yama no Isehara Ichi Held!] The event will go ahead in light rain (cancelled in severe weather). Enjoy lots of delicious food and fun in Isehara! Sunday, October 20, 2024, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) Food tents and kitchen cars, local vegetables for sale, and a wide variety of booths will gather, and you can also enjoy stage performances like kids’ dance!! *Photos are from the September event. ● Access by train and bus 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit Platform 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you board routes I-34 or I-36, get off at Sogo Undokoen (General Sports Park) ▪ If you board routes I-31 or I-37, get off at Sogo Undokoen Iriguchi (General Sports Park Entrance) and walk 5 minutes *Crowding is expected, so please use public transportation. [Contact] By email to the Isehara Ichi Executive Committee iseharaichi@j4.gmobb.jp (Contact: Sakamoto)

Photographed 10/14/24. At the NakaTowns Tourist Information Center, the "Kawagoe Festival Creative Paper Doll Exhibition" is held in until 10/20 (Sun), so I went there. Works related to the Kawagoe Festival by Japanese paper doll artist Eiko Koyama are on display. The bell of the hour and the paper dolls are stunning.