Saturday, November 16, 2024 – Events held on the same day 44th Livestock Festival 9:30 AM–3:00 PM Agriculture Festival 2024 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Citizen Activities (Support Center) Festa 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Enjoy hands-on encounters with animals and a host of fun events showcasing the charms of Isehara! Come join us! *44th Livestock Festival 🐄 Children’s veterinarian experience, milking demonstrations, livestock quizzes, outdoor market, and more Venue: Isehara City Employee Parking Lot No. 3, north side of JA Shonan Head Office (295 Tanaka, Isehara) Access: 10-minute walk from the north exit of Isehara Station on the Odakyu Line Inquiries: 44th Isehara Livestock Festival Executive Committee Secretariat (within the Isehara City Economic and Environmental Department, Agricultural Promotion Division) 0463-94-4664 *Agriculture Festival 2024* Agricultural product giveaways (10:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM) New rice “Harumi” salted rice ball tasting (11:00 AM) and more Venue: JA Shonan Head Office (250 Tanaka, Isehara) Inquiries: Isehara City Agricultural Cooperative, General Affairs Department, General Affairs Division 0463-93-8111 *Citizen Activities (Support Center) Festa 2024* Armor dressing experience, magic class, and more Venue: Citizen Activities Support Center Inquiries: Support Center Festa Executive Committee: 0463-94-5300

The maples of Gujo Castle were beautiful, so I took a picture of the flag and Autumn leaves

It's been about a month since the Taste Festival ended. The temperature has dropped considerably, Gari winter is finally coming. 　 Speaking of winter on the Shintotsugawa River, it is the Shintotsukawa Snow Festival! It is the last festival of the four major festivals in Shintotsukawa Town. Please leave your schedule free and come to us! 　 By the way, the preamble has become long, but we are looking for participants for the "Winter Hot Pot Festival" of the Shintotsukawa Snow Festival. In the town Town it doesn't matter if you're running a restaurant or an amateur, you can Stalls it. Stalls have been opened in the past from as far away as Sapporo and Shimizu Town. Why don't you promote your store and raise funds for your organization's activities while enlivening your Events? Summary the application method, so please Stalls! ~Events Details~ 〇Events name The 32nd Shintotsukawa Snow Festival 〇Date & Time 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 26 (Sun) 10:00~14:00 〇Place: Shintotsukawa Town Farming Village Environmental Improvement Center Miei-mae Square (North Central Park) 〇Events details　 ・Winter hot pot competition ・ International Wok Oshi Sumo Tournament (In the past, the talent Sou Takei and Fefu's sister participated!) The prize money is 30,000 yen! ・Jumbo slide

Isehara Choi-Nomi Festival 2024 THE FINAL Residents of Isehara City and choinomi fans from neighboring towns, thank you for waiting! Today, Tuesday, November 12, and Wednesday, November 13, a two-day bar-hopping event featuring 38 participating venues across the city finally begins! As the name THE FINAL suggests, this will be the last choinomi event held in the city. You can relax at a familiar spot or discover a new place you've been curious about! Enjoy a pleasant time with delicious drinks and small plates. Same-day tickets🎫 are still available! Tickets are also on sale at the tourist information desk on the stairs at Isehara Station North Exit (9:00–17:00). ◆Ticket price: ¥3,000 One sheet with three ticket stubs ※One ticket stub redeems one small plate plus one drink Organizer: Isehara Choi-Nomi Executive Committee

Autumn is a beautiful season. Honestly speaking it is my best season in Japan. This is mainly due to good weather and magnificent views. Usually we enjoy the autumn by ourself but this time we decided to include take our special family members in tbe autumn party. The looks so nice and pretty. It seems they also enjoyed a lot. We tried our best to give them a autumn date. Very special outing for us. Photo taken in Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo.

Yama no Ocha Sakamotoen Autumn Warehouse Sale Today, Sunday, November 10th, the “Autumn Warehouse Sale” took place on the grounds of Sakamotoen 🍵✨ Sakamotoen’s booth offered discounted teas, and shoppers who spent over ¥2,000 could enter a raffle—what a deal 😳👏 There were also light food stalls, food trucks, and booths selling crafts and relaxation services, creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere 😌💕 A fill-a-bag of mandarins for ¥500 drew challengers who expertly piled the bags full—watching their skill made me laugh out loud 🤣🤣🤣 The festival’s highlights, the hojicha latte and matcha latte, were truly delicious and ordered by many 🤤 I couldn’t stop at the hojicha latte I bought first and ended up enjoying a matcha latte too 🤭 Simply perfect ✨ Inside the building, beautiful kyusus and Sakamotoen’s tea products lined the shelves 😳💡It was pure luxury to imagine brewing tea with a favorite kyusu while browsing the many tea varieties 🥹… Although it rained, everyone relaxed and smiled as they enjoyed their tea, making it a lovely festival 😌💕

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture "Kiyokawa ‘Aya’ Hoshouji in Autumn" Hoshouji sits in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history of more than 800 years. Known as "Aya no Hoshouji" or "Hoshouji in Autumn," it bursts into vivid color during the autumn leaves season. During the event period, the temple is lit up, and the enchanting atmosphere captivates visitors. Of course, it’s also beautiful during the daytime. [Event Period] Sunday, November 3, 2024–Sunday, November 10, 2024 Light-up: 17:30–21:00 [Location] Hoshouji (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa We will also post updates on foliage conditions on the Tourism Association’s Instagram. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. You can find a link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Fujikawa Town festival float procession festival 🥰 To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the enforcement of the Town system, festival float procession Festival It was held for the first time in five years. Prefectural Road 42 was closed to traffic, and four festival floats were used for many It was moved by a puller.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Isehara Halloween 2024 Isehara Halloween 2024 was held on Sunday, October 27, organized by the Isehara City Merchants' Association Federation. With a variety of booths and many food trucks, the event was lively and bustling, especially with families attending and plenty of cute costumes on display.

The 22nd Fukushima Festival Today, Sunday, October 27th, the Fukushima Festival took place at the Welfare Center 😆👏 As always, we worried about rain, but amazingly it turned out sunny and even hot 🫢 It seems the people of Gokase Town’s good deeds convinced the weather to hold off the rain 😆 As soon as the event ended, though, it started raining right on cue ☂️ (laughs) The venue featured a bazaar booth stocked with a wide variety of items, and everyone was seriously checking each table for bargains 👀💡 There was also an exhibition booth showcasing lovely works created by local residents, and a wax ball-making experience booth run by the G Music Group, offering a relaxed, enjoyable program 🤗 So many delicious stalls lined up that I couldn’t decide what to have for lunch 🤤💕 Wandering around while deciding was part of the fun, though 🤩 The stage program included singing, dancing, and shamisen performances — it was truly fulfilling 🥳 The performers on stage and the cheering audience created a warm, unified atmosphere in the hall 😌💕 There were several moments when I was so moved that tears welled up as I held the camera (in fact, they even fell) 😭✨ In addition to the Social Welfare Council members, local junior high student volunteers and students from Kyushu University of Health and Welfare helped with the event’s operation 😳👏 Thanks to the students’ cooperation, the event took on a friendly, bright atmosphere 🫶 With this “Fukushima Festival,” the town’s October events have come to an end 🥹 November also brings many events 🤩 Everyone, to fully enjoy the upcoming events, please take care to avoid injuries and look after your health 🙌❤️‍🔥

Hello, this is Gen 👋 Shosenkyo Gorge is finally into the heart of autumn. At Shosenkyo Gorge, on Sunday, November 10, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A big autumn event! The Crystal Mikoshi and Momiji Dance will be held❗️ A mikoshi is the vehicle that carries the deity through the neighborhood during festivals. At its center rests an 80-kilogram crystal sphere as the deity’s spirit seat, making this mikoshi popular for protection against evil and misfortune‼️ This mikoshi will be carried by professional bearers, Kai-Koma group, parading powerfully and tightly along Crystal Road, to Senga Falls and the area above the falls—the sight is truly spectacular‼️ A must-see‼️ Anyone who wants to carry the mikoshi can join in on the spot and take part 😃 During November, Gen is also holding an Amethyst Fair ✌️ We have everything from fist-sized amethysts to 200-kilogram-class specimens, so if you love amethyst or stones, please come and see them 👀 This is a rare opportunity you can only experience during the autumn foliage season 😃 If you have the time, please come and visit Shosenkyo Gorge‼️‼️‼️ We look forward to seeing you 😃

The 15th Futako-Tamagawa Oyama Road Festival 2024 Futako-Tamagawa shopping street follows the Oyama Road, and this year’s festival is themed "Learn about, Talk about, and Feel the History of the Oyama Road." The Isehara City product fair will bring delicious local treats, including cheesecakes from Kashiwagi Farm, fresh vegetables, and Miyatani Tofu Shop’s 'Oyama Pilgrimage Tofu.' Sanno University, which has campuses in Isehara and Setagaya, will also participate with a variety of events for you to enjoy. Please come and join us!! Date and Time: Saturday, October 26, 12:30–15:00 (Opening ceremony starts at 12:00) ※Event will be scaled down in case of rain Location: Futako-Tamagawa Elementary School grounds and gymnasium (4-6-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya) ※No parking or bicycle parking available Organizer: Futako-Tamagawa Oyama Road Festival Organizing Committee

2024/10/19 at Tachi Taketa Kaikan Title: The Beauty of Tachi Taketa

Photographed 10/19/24. On the first day of the Kawagoe Festival, it is a festival float of Kawagoe Taro Shigeyori in Nakahara Towns. The sky was suspicious.

Photographed 10/19/24. It is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Shinko Festival. It is a portable shrine (彦神, 姫神).

Isehara Daijingu Annual Grand Festival 2024 On Sunday, October 20, the Isehara Daijingu Annual Grand Festival took place, drawing many visitors and creating a lively atmosphere!

Photographed 10/14/24. It is the Annual Grand Festival of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It is held as the Minamoto of the Kawagoe Festival.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Reiwa 6 Isehara Daijingu Annual Grand Festival Usually held in September, this year the sacred rites will take place on Saturday, October 19 (ceremonies only) The main festival will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 11:00. At 17:30 there will be a mochi scattering, and at 18:00 a must-see powerful performance of Iwami Kagura! Street vendors will also be present. Please come and join us! *Isehara Daijingu* (0463-96-1611) 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station