This year, various spots around Sakai City are once again brightened with illuminations✨ This time, we're featuring the illuminations at Sakai Risho-no-Mori! 👀 Don't miss its nighttime appearance♪ 🌟 "Sakai Risho-no-Mori Illuminations" ⛄ 📅 Period: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Monday, February 16, 2026 🎄 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM 📍 Location: In front of the main entrance of Sakai Risho-no-Mori (2-1-1 Shukuincho-nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai) 📞 Contact: Sakai Risho-no-Mori (tel: 072-260-4386)

Window Art at Kamu On display until around noon on Friday, December 26th! 📍Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu Throughout December, the windows inside the facility are filled with drawings.🖍 With a Christmas and sweets theme, children from the nursery, elementary and junior high students, and adults have decorated the windows. The windows beside the karakuri organ feature impressive works by five villagers! We hope you enjoy seeing how each piece combines Christmas and sweets. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #window art #Roadside Station #Kamu #winter #Christmas #sweets #drawing

Enjoy a sparkling winter night! Introducing illumination events around Nagano City✨ Nagano Forest Village Decorated largely with natural materials, it offers a warm, gentle, and otherworldly atmosphere. "Forest Plays Christmas 2025" Period: Friday, November 21 to Thursday, December 25, 2025 Lighting hours: 4:00 PM–9:00 PM *Please see the official website for details* Zenkoji Omotesando Illumination Zenkoji Omotesando and the area in front of Nagano Station will glow with magical illumination✨ Period: Saturday, November 15, 2025 to Monday, February 23, 2026 *The Christmas tree will be on display until Thursday, December 25, 2025.* Lighting hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM Venue: Zenkoji Omotesando (Nagano Station Intersection to Zenkoji Intersection) *Please see the official website for details* #Illumination #Nagano City events #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Sightseeing #Nagano Travel #Nagano #Nagano City

December 7th Azumino greeted a below-freezing morning The sendangusa, known locally in Nagano as "baka", was frosted by the river mist that formed in the early morning The frost will melt as the sun rises In the distance, the landscape of the Northern Alps

December 6th Azumino Cold Moon The full moon sinks behind the Northern Alps A December morning turned bitterly cold.

December 6th Good morning This morning in Azumino the sky is a crisply clear blue The summit of Mount Nagamine is minus 5 degrees… It’s a very cold morning, but the full moon, the alpenglow on the Northern Alps, and the sea of clouds together make an amazing sight!!

Photographed on December 3, Heisei 25. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Here is a kumade decorated for the Year of the Horse, the zodiac sign for next year. 🐎

“Midwinter!” Yamabiko Falls Viewing Event—Applications open from Monday, December 8th! Experience the winter form of Yamabiko Falls, a sight shaped by nature—see it for yourself. Event dates: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 8th) Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 30th) Eligibility: Elementary school students and older (Each day limited to 30 participants; minimum number to hold the event: 5) *Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian* Participation fee: Adults 600 yen; elementary, junior high, and high school students 300 yen How to apply: Use the QR code on the flyer (Applications by email, fax, or phone are also accepted) Inquiries: Engaru Town Board of Education Maruseppu Education Center TEL 0158-47-2456 FAX 0158-47-3817 e-mail m-kyoui@engaru.jp We hope you’ll join us♪

Photographed on December 3, 2025. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.

Recently, part of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai) froze over. A swan standing on the ice flaps its wings✨🦢 Roadside Station Utonai Lake, which posts many stunning photos on social media, is open in winter from 9:00 to 17:00. It offers plenty of delicious local food and goods, so please stop by for a break during winter road trips. (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

Photographed on December 2, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water offering) by Hara Florist.

We are seeking participants for the “Yamabiko Falls Phantom Night Tour”! Applications open Monday, December 15. Enjoy the magical sight of the frozen falls in midwinter, illuminated by lights.♪ Dates: Saturday, January 17, 2026; Saturday, February 7, 2026; Saturday, February 14, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM Capacity: 40 people per day Participation fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥2,000 Children (elementary school students) ¥1,000 How to reserve: Reservations will be accepted by phone at Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch. Reservations open Monday, December 15, 2025, at 8:45 AM Inquiries / Applications Engaru Town Maruseppu General Branch TEL 0158-47-2211

CAPO Marche We visited Ooyachi CAPO in March, and we’re going again this month! The CAPO Marche runs for four days from Friday, December 12th to Monday, December 15th. On the first two days, booths will feature Rausucho, Makubetsu, Shibecha, Rankoshicho, Shikaoicho and Nishiokoppe Village. On the last two days, delicious products will arrive from Toyoura-cho, Kembuchicho, Shimokawacho, Nayoro City, Moseushi Town and Shibetsu City. Opening hours vary by day, so please check the announcements. From Nishiokoppe Village, we’ll bring popular items from last time such as milk and cheese, wild vegetables, and canned venison and bear meat. Four days filled with proud specialties from around Hokkaido. Come to Ooyachi CAPO. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Ooyachi CAPO #CAPO Marche #Delicious #Winter

[Winter Version of Pochi Bags Arrives] Pochi bags produced by Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko featuring illustrations of Setoushi-kun. This winter, poch i bags themed for Christmas and New Year will be displayed at facilities around the village. One member of the drum team designed motifs inspired by Christmas and the New Year. Each design is sold in a set of three. The price is 200 yen. All three bags in a set have different illustrations, so we hope you enjoy the moment of deciding who to give them to. The regular versions we have produced and sold so far—five-piece and three-piece sets—remain available. Why not use a pochi bag to give a small amount of money or a message? On sale at Hotel Rimu, Roadside Station Kamu, and Komu – Forest Art Museum. We also welcome performance requests for Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko. For inquiries, please contact ni.uentaiko2488 at mark gmail.com. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Setoushi-kun #Pochi bags #Nishiokoppe Uenshiri Daiko #Winter #Christmas #Otoshidama

<Taiki Town urban area, the season’s first snowfall has arrived> Last night’s snow left a light dusting across the town center. This view comes from the newly completed Mt. Moiwa observation deck. You can still drive to the observation deck parking lot, but the forest road is not plowed, so deeper snow will make the site inaccessible by car.

I am in Tokyo today for an exam. This is Tokyo Daijingu Shrine around 8:00 a.m.

December 4th It snowed in Azumino as well A landscape dressed in snow At Hotaka Shrine, the “Azumino Shintake Lanterns” begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM About 10,000 bamboo lanterns in the shrine grounds will cast a gentle glow There will be a time and space that soothes the heart A night market called “Yomichi” runs at the same time, with food trucks and craft stalls Please come and visit♪

Notice: 2026 Wakasagi (Pond Smelt) Fishing Season (Reiwa 8) The wakasagi fishing season is here! The season is planned from Monday, January 5, 2026 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (National Holiday). (Although the season usually runs until mid-March, to protect wakasagi stocks, this season will be limited to approximately one month. We appreciate your understanding.) Please note that the opening date may change depending on ice conditions and weather. Please check the association's social media for updates. Fishing hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please follow the posted times and rules. Equipment rental and sales are available at the reception desk, so tourists and first-time anglers can join with confidence 😊 We look forward to welcoming you!

Metasequoia Avenue Makinomachi Hiruguchi to Makino, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture <Autumn Foliage> Typical peak season: late November to early December During the autumn foliage season from mid-November to mid-December, congestion occurs on Prefectural Route 287 Namiki Road and surrounding roads on weekends between 11:00 and 18:00. Please help ease traffic by visiting on weekdays when it is less crowded or by using the Makino Kogen Free Temporary Parking at the north end of the avenue. If you use public transportation, take JR Makino Station and then the Takashima City Community Bus Makino Highland Line. The avenue and nearby roads are vital local residential streets. Please do not park or stop on the road. The surrounding roads are residential streets. Slow down and watch for pedestrians. So that as many people as possible can enjoy the area, follow photography etiquette and avoid dangerous actions such as stopping on crosswalks or stepping into the roadway to take pictures.

Dance, Dance, Dance Dance is closer to strength training than I thought…! I realized that when I joined a dance lesson held in Nishiokoppe Village. The instructor who taught us was Toshimasa Miya, a teacher at EOS DANCE STUDIO in Asahikawa City. This was the second time Miya came to Nishiokoppe Village. I couldn’t attend the first lesson, but when I heard a second session would be held, I went to loosen my exercise-starved body. As soon as the lesson began, music started playing. I was surprised and thought, “Are we already dancing?” but we began with stretches set to the music. It seems they teach you to get into the habit of moving to the rhythm from the stretching stage. They say dance isn’t about moving your body as fast or as much as possible; what matters is moving to the rhythm. They also explained that if you get better at moving specific parts of your body, you can express more delicate whole-body movements in dance. The smaller the movements, the more your muscles and mind work. To keep your center steady while making various motions, you also need to strengthen your core. Not being a regular dancer, I moved my arms and legs with all my might and ended up soaked in sweat. It’s hard to move smoothly like the teacher or snap into sharp motions at times, but when you move your body fully and use your limbs the way you imagined, it feels great. While learning dance basics, people from elementary school age to adults enjoyed trying out dance. A dance lesson is scheduled again after the New Year. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to get moving, or if you want to feel soothed watching people move joyfully, come and join the next lesson. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #dance #dance lesson #EOS DANCE STUDIO #Asahikawa #winter #exercise

The Tokachigawa Onsen Kohaku Night and Marche runs at Roadside Station Gardens Spa Tokachigawa Onsen through Sunday, December 7. Centered on the amber color of the mall hot spring, the event features a symbolic tree inspired by Tokachi’s nature, Tokachi sake and snacks, and daily-changing markets and live music. Come and visit us! 😊 Kohaku Night and Marche Period: November 1, 2025 – December 7, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Admission: Paid from 6:00 PM Adults: ¥1,500; Elementary school children: ¥600

Hello from the Shosenkyo Tourist Association 😊 The autumn colors at Shosenkyo are gradually giving way to signs of winter. Rain and wind have started to strip leaves from the trees, but you can still enjoy autumn foliage around Kakuen Peak to Senga Falls for a little while longer 🍁✨ Golden leaves glowing in the sunlight, a carpet of soft fallen leaves underfoot, and the sound of the waterfall echoing through the quiet gorge… As in the photo, what you see now is the unique beauty of late autumn. A walk while listening to the rustle of falling leaves is a special experience available only in this season. Please come and enjoy the remaining autumn colors 🍂🌈

Winter Flower Tour Stamp Rally in Shimoda is now on! Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture keeps the winter season blooming with flower events. 1) Until December 14, Little Angel Festa 2025 is happening on Mt. Nesugata — yay! https://ropeway.co.jp// Please take the ShimodaRopeway from Izukyu Shimoda Station to the summit. ⇓ 2) From November 30 to January 4, the Aloe Flower Festival is held in Izu Shirahama — yay! https://www.izu-shirahama.jp/?p=4552... Bright red, cone-shaped aloe flowers bloom boldly against the backdrop of Shirahama Beach. ⇓ 3) From December 20 to January 31, the 60th Daffodil Festival takes place at scenic Tsumekizaki! https://www.shimoda-city.info/suisen... Enjoy the winter flowers that color Shimoda while taking part in the stamp rally (^○^). You can still collect stamps even outside each event period, so please visit Shimoda by January 31. After the Daffodil Festival ends, neighboring Minami-Izu Town and Kawazu Town will hold cherry blossom festivals! Izu overflows with flowers all year round! We warmly invite you to come and visit.

[Nishiokopper Live] GA.KOPPER Event Announcement📢 Friday, December 19 Doors open at 6:30 PM / Show starts at 7:00 PM At GA.KOPPER Guesthouse, Nishiokoppe Village Nishiokopper Live is coming up! This event is organized by villagers of Nishiokoppe Village who call themselves "Nishiokopper," and it's for the Nishiokopper community. Enjoy both light-hearted and wholehearted performances that will warm your body and soul on a cold winter night. Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase. Free admission. For inquiries, please call 090-6446-7689 (Asano). #NishiokopperLive #Nishiokopper #GAKOPPER #Guesthouse #Nishiokoppe #Hokkaido #Christmas #Winter

The season for clear stargazing has arrived. The Orion constellation and the Winter Triangle, both iconic winter sights, stood out. Nearby, Taurus, Gemini, and the Pleiades were also visible.

About one month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, spend them with special people in a special place. At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we are preparing with sincere care to offer moments that gently let your heart unwind. This winter, please join us in creating unforgettable moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ Christmas is just around the corner. 🎄✨ Special moments deserve special people and a special place. At Kushiro Prince Hotel, we prepare each day with heartfelt care to offer you a warm and relaxing experience that gently melts your heart. This winter, let’s create unforgettable moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ Less than a month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, be with special people in a special place. Kushiro Prince Hotel prepares with sincerity and care, hoping to present you with a peaceful, relaxing time. This winter, we warmly invite you to share unforgettable moments with us. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ______________________________________________________ There’s less than a month until Christmas. 🎄✨ On special days, be with special people in a special place. Kushiro Prince Hotel is preparing with wholehearted care so that guests’ hearts can gently relax. This winter, join us for precious moments together. 【Instagram】 @kushiroprincehotel ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/informations/gaido2025/...

Tsukatte Fukkatsu ♨️ Soak in the highly acidic Kawayu Onsen, whose waters can even dissolve nails, and let its baths melt away your everyday gloom and sever unwanted ties!! The Kawayu Onsen bond-cutting bath tour plan is on sale at Kawayu Kanko Hotel, KKR Kawayu, and Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura‼︎🎶 If you can’t spare that much time, we also offer a day-trip ema (votive plaque) for 2,000 yen each✨Come refresh both mind and body with the bond-cutting bath tour～💪♨️

The season of the sea of fog has arrived ✨ When you think of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, the sea of fog comes to mind. As autumn deepens and mornings and evenings grow colder, this is the perfect time to see it. The whole town becomes wrapped in white mist, and a quiet time passes as if you were above the clouds. To enjoy the sea of fog, start with the classic Takataneyama. From the observatory, you can watch the mist slowly drift and the morning sun gradually breaking through. One of its charms is how the view changes from day to day. For a relaxed natural setting, go to Okadayama. From the mountaintop the mist spreads to the distant peaks, creating a calm, sea‑like panorama. At Tomishiyama, the contrast between the sea of fog and the mountain ridges is striking. Depending on the day’s weather and light, it reveals a completely different expression. The sea of fog is a special sight that appears only on mornings when weather conditions line up. That’s why the joy of encountering it feels all the more special. It typically takes about two to four hours for the fog to clear. The scene as the mist lifts is beautiful as well ♪ On chilly mornings, set your alarm a little earlier and come to Miyoshi. Why not see the spectacular views the fog creates in Miyoshi? *The photos are from past visits.* ◼ Takataneyama (Sea of Fog Observatory) *Images: 1–2* Address: Awaya‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 30 spaces ◼ Tomishiyama *Images: 3–4* Address: Yasuda, Kisa‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 100 spaces ◼ Okadayama *Images: 5–6* Address: Ueda‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 5 spaces

Christmas Wreath Making Onesmanorgarden, which designs and builds gardens, invited garden planner Yuka Sato as an instructor to host a fun hands-on crafting session. What we made was a Christmas wreath using eucalyptus leaves and other foliage. In April we made wreaths from dried hydrangeas, but this time a row of fresh, live leaves was laid out. Surrounded by the scent of nioi-hiba, we first trimmed long branches into shorter lengths. From there we made the components to attach to the ring, glued them together, and tied them onto the ring with wire. We repeated that process over and over until the ring was covered. The steps are very simple. However… from start to finish you have to keep the volume consistent, bundle while considering the balance of leaves and berries, and skillfully fill in gaps so none remain. It really makes you think. Our fingertips turned dark from the leaf oils as we worked in silence, and after about three to four hours we finished a lush, full wreath! Adding gold or silver pine cones and wrapping ribbons changed each piece’s final impression during the finishing touches. Participants took their finished works home and seemed to hang them on walls and elsewhere in their homes. As time passes and they dry, their color and texture change. It was a project that let us enjoy qualities different from dried pieces. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Wreath making #Christmas #Eucalyptus #Pine cone #Handicraft