Gurutto Daffodil Stamp Rally is now underway. A QR stamp rally is currently taking place in Kyonan Town. There are seven stamps placed around the town. Participants who collect all of them will receive a small gift. Guests staying overnight will receive a gift after collecting one stamp. If you collect stamps from 30 participating shops around town and submit your entry, you will receive an original tote bag on the spot (first 200 people). As a second chance, a lottery will award local specialties and other prizes. Small gifts are distributed at Michi-no-Eki Kyonan Information Center (closed December 31 and January 1), Hota Station Tourist Information Center (closed December 31 and January 1), and Michi-no-Eki Hota Elementary School. The event runs until February 1. Entry sheets are available at Hota Station Tourist Information Center and Awakatsuyama Station Tourist Information Center.

Event Announcement📣 On Sunday, December 14th, the 56th Hiroo Hair Crab Festival will take place😊 This is a gourmet event where you can savor plenty of Hiroo’s fresh seafood!! The main attraction is a live sale of boiled hair crab prepared in a two-meter cauldron!! You can also enjoy a hair crab speed-eating contest and delicious stalls offering snow crab miso soup, deep-fried shishamo smelt, seafood curry, and more🎵 At the direct-from-producer market you’ll find seasonal hair crab and shishamo, autumn salmon and hachikaku (sagefish), vegetables, and specialty products from Hiroo as well as local specialties from our sister cities Memuro Town and Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture, so please stop by if you like😀 The event’s finale is a fun raffle where Hiroo specialty products are awarded by lottery😍 Come and enjoy the flavors of the season🎶 It’s getting colder, so please dress warmly for the day🤗 https://hiroo-kanko.jp/2025/12/01/56-keganimatsuri/...

[Notice of Ooyama Star Festival (Tounen-seki Memorial Service)] At Daisenji Temple, a star festival will be held to honor the nine planetary stars (tounen-seki) that govern the year’s fortunes and to pray for turning misfortune into blessing in the coming year. Date and time: Monday, December 22, 14:00– Prayer fee: from ¥1,000 (postal applications accepted) How to apply: Please inquire by phone (applications accepted until December 21) Phone: 0463-95-2011 For details, please see Daisenji Temple’s website. https://oyamadera.jp/other/%e3%80%90%e5%a4%a7%e5%b1%b1%e3%81%ae%e6%98%9f%e3%81%be%e3%81%a4%e3%82%8a%ef%bc%88%e5%bd%93%e5%b9%b4%e6%98%9f%e4%be%9b%ef%bc%89%e3%80%9112-21%ef%bd%9e12-22/...

⋆⸜ ⭐️<Daisen Park Japanese Garden> Wa Light Nights ⭐️ ⸝⋆ [Special Winter Evening Opening]💫 On winter nights, this tranquil Japanese garden comes alive with the soft glow of Japanese-style lights. Forget the everyday and spend a warm, luminous moment with someone special✨☺♡⃛ <Daisen Park Japanese Garden ( @daisenteien )> 🔶Event Period ・ Saturday, December 20 – Sunday, December 21 ・ Wednesday, December 24 – Thursday, December 25 ・ 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍For details, search “Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Winter Evening Opening”! 🔗 https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1... https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1...

On November 19, we held the fourth workshop to develop a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” turning the literary spots and heritage remaining in Reihoku into new tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

[Isehara and MtOoyama Specialty Products Sale at Sagami-Ono Station – Event Announcement] This weekend, on December 13 and 14, we will hold a sale of specialty products from Isehara and MtOoyama in the concourse of OdakyuLine Sagami-Ono Station. We will offer fresh local vegetables and local specialties such as Ooyama Manju from the popular MtOoyama shop Ryoben. In addition, we will introduce hometown tax return gifts and multicolor woodblock prints. Isehara City’s image character Kururin and Odakyu’s child-rearing support character Mokoron will also appear. Come and visit us for a weekend outing! Date: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 Time: 10:30–15:00 Location: OdakyuLine Sagami-Ono Station concourse

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] December Announcement📣 This is an announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche in December♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche sells agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku, and this event marks its first anniversary since it began🎊 To celebrate the first anniversary, we will hold a lottery for the first customers who spend 700 yen or more! A Veg Check screening that awards health points will also be available, so please come by❣ We look forward to seeing you😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Planned produce for sale] ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Rice (new harvest)🌾 ・Red leaf lettuce (sunny lettuce) ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Zucchini ・Daikon radish ・Carrots🥕 ・Chinese cabbage ・One-character scallion (wakegi) ・Green peppers🫑 ・Beni Haruka sweet potato ・Spinach ・Mandarin oranges🍊 ・Mizuna ・Cherry tomatoes (Aiko, fruit types) ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM ※Veg Check screening: 12:30 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Reihoku Town Product Center facility: 4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku)

[Notice: Isehara Yoga in MtOoyama] Join a relaxing yoga session held at Ryokan Asada at the foot of MtOoyama. This special event lets you gently release everyday fatigue with yoga, restore body and mind, and enjoy the ryokan’s signature tofu kaiseki for lunch. We hope you will join us. Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: Yoga from 10:00 (90 minutes) ※Registration from 9:30 Venue: Ryokan Asada Fee: 5,000 yen (includes meal) Capacity: 20 people (minimum 10 participants required; advance reservation needed) What to bring: comfortable clothing, a drink, and a yoga mat (rental available for 200 yen) Application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 For details, please see the official website. https://isehara-kanko.com/isehara-yoga/...

⋆⸜ ⭐️<Daisen Park Japanese Garden> Wa Light Nights ⭐️ ⸝⋆ 【Special Winter Night Opening】💫 On winter nights, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden comes alive, bathed in traditional Japanese light. Leave everyday life behind and spend a warm, glowing moment with someone special ✨😊♡⃛ < Japanese Garden in Daisen Park > 🔶Event Period ・ Saturday, December 20 to Sunday, December 21 ・ Wednesday, December 24 to Thursday, December 25 ・ 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍For details, search “Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Winter Night Opening”! https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1...

⋆⸜❄Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko Winter Mini Concert❄⸝⋆ Enjoy choir, piano, and string performances in the free zone's Tourist Information Exhibition Room♪🎀 [Same-day events] ※Reservation required ☆ Risho Cafe vol.2 opens in the hall, serving special sweets like chocolates and cakes🍰 ☆ A workshop to make a displayable Christmas handkerchief featuring the "Chasen Tree" pattern will also be held☆🎄 ⭐Sunday, December 14 — 11:00 to 16:00 📍Please come to Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko ( @rishonomori )♪😊 🔍For details, search "Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko Concert"! 🔗 https://sakai-rishonomori.com/pages/103?detail=1&b_id=574......

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival This enchanting event fills winter nights along Kiso Road with the warm glow of ice candles and bamboo lanterns handcrafted by local residents. Held at post towns and other venues across the Kiso area, it usually runs from late January through mid-February each year. A photo contest will also be held. We look forward to many entries! For details, please see the Kiso Tourism Federation website.

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

[Announcement] Odakyu Family Fun Festa 2025 An event bringing memorable, fun times to children and families raising children The Odakyu Family Fun Festa returns this year! Enjoy a packed lineup for the whole family, including a railway staff job experience booth, workshops, and character stages! Date and time: Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, 10:00–16:00 Venue: Ebina Central Park (right next to ebina station) For more details, please check the official website. https://www.odakyu.jp/oyako/info/17837/...

[Daffodil Festival Begins] The Daffodil Festival runs from December 6 through February 1 of next year. In Kyonan Town, one of Japan’s three major daffodil sites, you can enjoy abundant daffodils mainly along Ezuki Narcissus Road and at Okukuzure Narcissus Field from mid-December to the end of January. During the festival, we will hold the Gurutto Daffodil QR Stamp Rally, a photo contest, the Daffodil Marche, a Game Meat Marche, and more, so please join us. #Chiba Prefecture#Kyonan Town#Boso Peninsula#One of Japan’s Three Major Daffodil Sites#Gurutto Daffodil QR Stamp Rally#Daffodil Marche#Ezuki Narcissus Road#Okukuzure Narcissus Field

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

The 20th Higashi Fureai Cultural Festival will be held! Two days to enjoy local culture and the arts✨ A packed program including wind band and dance performances, a history lecture titled "Warlords of the Sengoku Era and Their Connections to Sakai", and the Sakai suzume odori (sparrow dance)! There will also be extensive exhibits: flower arrangements, paintings, and works by children to admire🌸 📅 December 14 (Sunday) and 15 (Monday), 10:00–18:00 (exhibits only on the 15th) 📍 Sakai City Higashi Cultural Hall, Cultural Hall (2-minute walk from Kitanoda Station) Free admission! Please come and join us 😊 🔍 For more details, search for "Higashi Fureai Cultural Festival" 🔗https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/.../r7/20hureaibunkasai.html... #Sakai events #Higashi Fureai Cultural Festival #Sakai City #cultural festival #suzume odori #wind band #dance #art exhibition #art activities https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/.../r7/20hureaibunkasai.html...

Tomoya Kaneko Solo Live in Nishiokoppe Born in Shimokawacho, Tomoya Kaneko is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a radio host and variety show personality. In Nishiokoppe Village, there was someone who attended the same high school and belonged to the same soft tennis club as Kaneko. That person invited Kaneko and organized the live event. As part of Nishiokoppe Village’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the concert used village subsidies and received support from the organizing committee members as well as many villagers and people from outside the village. At the entrance and in front of the hall at Hotel Rimu, the live venue, life-size (slightly smaller) panels of Kaneko and a welcome board greeted guests. Inside the venue, Tomoya Kaneko fans’ uchiwa fans were placed on each table, and the stage featured illuminated letters reading KANEKO TOMOYA. Kaneko’s humor-filled talk and passionate singing electrified the audience. During the show, as people approached to take photos, a sweaty Kaneko was nearby. Standing alone on stage in front of 110 guests, he shone as he entertained the crowd. He joyfully responded to segments that brought children onstage, and the excited children, even when they weren’t onstage, stood toward the back of the hall and swayed happily. Thank you to everyone who helped with video production and the raffle, and to all who came to the venue. Tomoya Kaneko, thank you for coming!! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Tomoya Kaneko #Live #Setoushi-kun #100th Anniversary of Village Founding #Music #Live

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

The Ehime Prefectural Office in Osaka will host the "Ehime Saijo Fair" for three days, from Wednesday, December 3 through Friday, December 5, 2025. We will offer seasonal local fruits and vegetables; anpo persimmons, a specialty of Shuso (semi-dried persimmons); rich carrot juice made from Saijo-grown carrots; Ishizuchi kurocha (Ishizuchi black tea); jams; local sake; nori seaweed; and other products from Saijo. Also making their debut are fragrant aonori financiers (financiers made with aonori, a type of green laver). We will also promote Saijo City's attractions and provide tourist information. If you live in or near the Kansai region, please stop by! [Ehime Saijo Fair] ・Event Period Dates: Wednesday, December 3 – Friday, December 5, 2025 Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closes at 5:00 PM on the final day, Friday, December 5) ・Location Ehime Prefectural Office in Osaka 1st Floor, Higobashi Center Building 1-9-1 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0002, Japan ・Details Sale of Saijo City specialty products and tourism promotion

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.

A packed winter of events! Introducing December's event lineup ✨ 1. Nagano Christmas Market 2025 The Nagano Christmas Market, which drew many visitors last year, returns this year! Traditional Christmas decorations and a market that evokes authentic German charm await you. Date: Friday, December 12 – Thursday, December 25 Hours: Weekdays: 15:00–20:00 Weekends: 11:00–20:00 Venue: Nagano Station East Exit Park *See the official website for details* 2. Togakushi Ski Resort Opens With a variety of runs, both beginners and advanced skiers can have fun. Enjoy a full program of events and a wide selection of slope-side dining for even more fun! Planned opening date: Saturday, December 13 Hours: 8:30–16:15 Venue: Togakushi Ski Resort *See the official website for details* 3. Zenkoji Omotesando Illumination Zenkoji Omotesando and the Nagano Station area will be magically lit with illuminations ✨ Period: Saturday, November 15 – Monday, February 23, 2026 Hours: 17:00–22:00 Area: Zenkoji Omotesando (Nagano Station Ekimae Crossing to Zenkoji Crossing) Christmas tree locations: Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit Station Square Seisen University Higashiguchi Campus Nagano Tokyu Department Store Front Plaza *Christmas trees will be on display until Thursday, December 25.* *See the official website for details* 4. 100th-Edition Commemoration: Zenkoji Binzuru Market This handmade market celebrates its 100th edition this December! A variety of food and craft stalls will gather, creating a market that makers, buyers, locals, and tourists alike can enjoy. An original commemorative novelty item is also planned. Dates: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 Hours: 10:00–15:00 Venue: Shiroyama Park *See the official website for details* #Nagano City events #Nagano events #Event information #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano tourism #Nagano travel #nagano #naganocity

[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

[ISEHARA Bread Festival Wheat Fest Announcement] The popular annual event returns this year. Delicious bakeries, confectioneries, and food trucks will be on site! Come with your family and friends. Date and time: Sunday, November 30th, 2025, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park Admission: Free Please note that parking will be very crowded on the day. When coming, please use public transportation.

📢 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) will feature a Sakai City booth🎉 This Sunday, November 23rd, the Kofun Fest HaniCotto takes place in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and Sakai City will have a booth there!✨ It’s a chance to pick up tourist information about Sakai City! We’ve also prepared a photo spot featuring the city’s new “hot air balloon” attraction, which has been in the news recently♪ Be sure to take a commemorative photo! Admission is free, so please come by— we look forward to seeing you!💕 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) Date and time: Sunday, November 23rd, 10:00–16:00 ※Held rain or shine (canceled only in severe weather such as official warnings) Location: Imashirozuka Kofun, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture (48-8 Gunge-Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture) 🔍For details, search “Kofun Fest HaniCotto” https://hanicotto.com/category/news/page/3/...

Hashi Watashi Fest running through Saturday, November 29 An event to help you learn more about and fall in love with Sakai City's central moat-ring area Hashi Watashi Fest is back this year✨ Take on the stamp rally visiting shops and facilities within the moat-ring area! Show the map or your card to receive discounts, gifts, and other perks🎁 A market will be held at the former Sakai Fire Station on Saturday, November 29♪ Various events will take place across the moat-ring area as well🎉 ★Stamp rally and perks available from Saturday, November 1 through Saturday, November 29 ★Hashi Watashi Market and prize drawing 📅 Saturday, November 29, 11:00–16:00 📍Former Sakai Fire Station (Ichinocho-nishi 1-chome 1-27, Sakai Ward) This autumn, explore Sakai's moat-ring area and experience its appeal😊✨ 🔍Search for “Hashi Watashi Fest” for more details! 🔗 https://cango-sakai.com/free/5th-cango-fes... https://cango-sakai.com/free/5th-cango-fes...

♬ Sophia Sakai Planetarium Concert ♬ Join saxophonist TSUBO‑KEN as you gaze at the stars and savor the saxophone’s beautiful tones 🎷✨ Sign up via the web 😊 📅 Date and time: Saturday, December 13th, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM (doors open 6:45 PM) 📍 Venue: Sophia Sakai Planetarium (@sophiasakai_pla ) 💰 Admission: ¥1,000 👥 Capacity: 140 people (first-come, first-served by application) 🔍 For details, search “Sophia Sakai Planetarium Concert”! 🔗 https://www.sofia-sakai.jp/news/...プラネタリウムコンサート/ #Sophia Sakai #Planetarium #Planetarium Concert #PlanetariumConcert #Sakai City #Saxophone #Sakai City Event https://www.sofia-sakai.jp/news/...プラネタリウムコンサート/

🎉 Enjoy the Christmas spirit in Shimoda! 🎄 On Saturday, December 20th, Shimoda Civic Culture Hall hosts “Shimodadada”! A volunteer-run Christmas event in Shimoda City returns this year following last year’s success🎄🥂 A Christmas market, concerts, and workshops for both children and adults fill the day⛄❄️ Participate in the Shimoda Ultra Quiz on the day for a chance to win luxurious prizes🌟 Come and experience something that will make you love Shimoda even more🎅💝 More details→https://www.instagram.com/shimodadada_/... Coinciding with the same day (12/20), Tsumekizaki opens its Narcissus Festival with an opening event! Don’t forget to check out the Narcissus Festival too✨

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