This delicate little flower is called mizosoba. It belongs to the knotweed family, the same family as buckwheat (soba). You can observe it along the shore of Lake Utonai, around the alder terrace. (Image courtesy of the Lake Utonai Wildlife Conservation Center)

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Feel secure with this! A Directory of Shimanto River River Activity Operators! ★The Appeal of River Activities★ You can enjoy the Shimanto River with your whole body in 360°, and nothing captures that feeling better than river activities! The Shimanto River has a gentle current, so beginners and children can take part. On canoe tours you can sometimes go where no man-made structures are visible, offering a true escape from everyday life. Shimanto City is home to many river activity operators, with a variety of options that let everyone from small children to seniors enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Take this chance to find an operator that interests you♪ 1. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco sits beside the Shimanto River, surrounded by rich natural scenery. In addition to campsite facilities, the site includes well-equipped bungalows and a Shimanto hinoki cypress house. It also serves as a terminal for the Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday) *Open during the period around Golden Week and from July 1 to September 30 Pets allowed to ride together (tandem kayaks). *Please bring a life jacket for your pet. Depending on size, joint riding may be unavailable. 2. withRIVER withRIVER is located at the foot of a Shimanto River chinkabashi (submersible bridge). The current is gentle here, so beginners and small children can feel safe. At the end of the tour you can even try jumping from the chinkabashi. In addition to canoe and SUP experiences, withRIVER offers horseback riding. Besides ordinary rides, there is a course that lets you ride within the Shimanto River. Because the horse stands where you can touch the bottom, children and non-swimmers can participate safely. Operating season: March to mid-November Dogs may ride along (on SUP or two-person canoe). Dog life jackets are available to rent (500 yen per jacket). Free photo sharing available 3. Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei is a rented villa-style accommodation on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, available to one group per day. Families, groups, and couples can relax here. Rooms include a terrace where you can barbecue while watching the sunset. River SUP experiences are available from Yuubetei. The owner customizes courses to match guests. SUP board rentals are also offered. Please request when booking your stay. *SUP experiences operate only in the summer season. 4. Okera Adventures Shimanto Okera Adventures Shimanto centers on “bikerafting,” a combination of cycling and packraft (inflatable boat) river descent. They are the only operator in Japan to run regular guided bikerafting tours. (*Survey by Okera Adventures, March 2022) They operate by private-group bookings only, so you and your group enjoy the tour alone. One appeal is that guides tailor the tour to participants, weather, and conditions. Operating season: Year-round Dogs may ride along (dog life jackets available for rent). Free photo sharing available 5. Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center is known for the spectacular natural scenery in the latter part of its tours. The attached Shimanto Hiroba Auto Campsite offers toilets and barbecue sites so you can camp beside the Shimanto River. (Advance reservation required) There is a beginner-friendly canoe school where instructors lead basic half-day and full-day courses. You can paddle an 8 km canoe touring course to the famous Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge featured on TV and in magazines; the latter 4 km of the course shows almost no man-made structures, letting you fully enjoy the Shimanto River’s wilderness. The Canoe Center also serves as a river station exhibiting canoes from around the world and as a terminal for the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Free photo sharing available 6. Shimanto Rakusha Shimanto Rakusha is a former school repurposed into a place where you can stay and play. The lodging uses spaces such as the school infirmary as bedrooms, and classrooms have bunk beds. You can even stay in the broadcasting room that still runs the school PA system or in the principal’s office. Because canoe experiences here do not involve long downstream runs, you can set your own experience time. Families can take turns, play in the river, and enjoy canoeing freely. In addition to canoeing, you can try stream trekking (shower climbing), raft play, and relaxed fishing in the Shimanto River. Closed: Every Wednesday *Open daily in July, August, and September Free photo sharing available 7. Canoe Shimanto Base Canoe Shimanto Base runs tours using sit-on-top canoes that you sit on the deck rather than inside. You can choose a half-day course with a 3 km downstream stretch (morning or afternoon) or a shorter course without downstream paddling. All canoes are single-person, and two sizes are available so you can pick the right fit. The half-day course is available from third grade elementary school and up; the short course is available from first grade elementary school and up. The short course is a private booking for groups of 1–10 people. Operating season: March to November Dogs may ride along. *Please be sure to bring a life jacket that fits your dog’s body size. Free photo sharing available 8. Good River Shimanto At Good River Shimanto you can enjoy a full Shimanto River canoe tour. They instruct you from canoe boarding and paddle technique to how to enjoy canoeing. The downriver course follows the river current and reveals little in the way of man-made structures, letting you relax in expansive nature. You can take commemorative photos at the popular Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge. They also run rafting tours, letting you drift downstream in a raft boat on the gentle Shimanto River in relaxed comfort. Guests from age three through seniors can participate. Operating season: Mid-March to early November Children and dogs may ride along Free photo sharing available How was it? Try experiencing Shimanto City’s river activities!

On a rice field road a little outside the Hot spring resort town of Kinosaki, I found a Torii (shrine gate) gate and arrived here. The stairs to the worship hall were quite long, but it was a fun prayer to think that Naoya Shiga had walked the same way.

Itadori-juku in Imajo offers a charming retro atmosphere! This site contains the remains of a checkpoint that once marked the entrance to the Hokkokukaido. By establishing the checkpoint, it served an important role in regulating travelers on the road.✨ Nearby stand four traditional houses with thatched roofs built in the kogashira style, and they are certified under Fukui Prefecture’s Traditional House Recognition System. If you’re curious, visit and you might enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere.

This is one of the photos when I was traveling to see the cherry blossoms in Yamanashi Prefecture in Spring this year. I visited this temple when I heard that there was a magnificent Cherry Blossom Tree-lined Path. Local grandpas were enjoying a banquet under the cherry blossoms in full bloom. When I saw everyone looking up at the beautiful cherry blossoms overhead, I thought that Spring had come for everyone, and I clicked the shutter.

The season of new Soba has begun. From mid-August, beside the Soba field along National Route 38, "Soba Road" "Soba no Machishintoku" In order to announce the "Shintoku New Soba Festival" by PR, Two types of streamers are erected. Until the Shintoku New Soba Festival is Held in, the 1.3km section with Soba fields is 🚩 lively The new Soba will be produced in 2025, but Production people are working hard to harvest it. You can taste new Soba at the Shintoku New Soba Festival, Soba noodles shops in the In the town also offer new Soba noodles, so Those who can't come to the festivals, For those who are thinking one step ahead, Or those who eat at festivals but say they don't eat enough! Please visit Shintoku and come 💁 ♀️ to the Soba noodles shop Shintoku New Soba Festival Sunday, September 28 From 10:00 to 14:00 We look forward to seeing you there 💁‍♀️ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku #Shintoku Soba #New Soba #New Soba Festival #Soba Road #Welcome Shintoku #Welcome back Shintoku #Shintoku Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Station front Complex facility #tuktuk ##hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Hello, this is Waraji, a Koshu local cuisine restaurant. 😄 September is drawing near mid-month, but the late summer heat remains strong and the sun is intense. ☀️ Even so, Shosenkyo Gorge is wrapped in clear air, making it a season to enjoy nature’s beauty. Near our shop, the Crystal Fountain sprays glittering mist and offers a cool, refreshing sight. It’s the perfect soothing spot for this time when summer’s traces still linger. 💧✨ At Waraji, our craftsmen carefully prepare each eel by cleaning, steaming, and grilling it until it turns fragrant, and we serve it as a traditional unaju box. The aroma of our secret sauce whets the appetite, and once you taste it, you’ll want it again—our proud specialty. By the entrance, the seasonal hibiscus (mukuge) blooms beautifully, making it a lovely walk after your meal. With nature, flowers, and delicious food, we hope to refresh both your body and spirit. 🌸 We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] Announcement for the September event📣 This is the Reihoku Sunset Marche September announcement♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣All-you-can-pack small onions🧅 and newly harvested rice from Reiwa 7! In addition to farm produce, there will also be prepared foods and various breads❣ We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don’t forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ [Planned agricultural products for sale] ・Asparagus ・Okra (round okra) ・Pumpkin ・Cucumber ・Water spinach ・Rice (newly harvested) ・Korinqui (kolinqui) ・Early-season mikan ・Onions ・Garlic ・Banana peppers 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Saturday, September 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) @reihokukankou ※Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Announcement The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), hosted at six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and items will be offered at discounted prices. Take this chance to visit, enjoy Amakusa Ceramics, and soak in the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ The Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association account will introduce participating kilns one by one in the coming days. We will share photos 📸 of preparations for the kiln tour and ask about the new works 📝. Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Contact: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Yellow Cosmos will soon be in full bloom This is Located in in Yamanashi Prefecture "Flower City Park" Spring summer, autumn, and winter, it is also the best 🥹 when it is entwined with Mount Fuji in the Spot when various flowers are in Best time to visit

【East Kyushu Ise Shrimp Kaido / Ise Shrimp Festival has begun 📢】 What is the Ise Shrimp Festival? Ise Shrimp Festival is a Events held every September at 29 stores in the coastal areas of Saiki City and Miyazaki Prefecture Nobeoka City, Oita Prefecture, to coincide with the lifting of the ban on Ise Shrimp fishing! Fresh and energetic Ise shrimp dishes can be enjoyed 🦐✨ abundantly for 3 months The Coastline, which runs from Saiki City at the southern tip of Oita Prefecture to Nobeoka City at the northern end of Miyazaki Prefecture, is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year. This sea faces the clean tides of the Pacific Ocean, and is a place where Ise shrimp grow vigorously with abundant food. You can taste the "real Ise shrimp" nurtured by Nature as it is fresh! Held in: Tuesday, September 2 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ⭐ Participating stores (Nobeoka City) ⭐ (1) Chef Marukane Marukin Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Shin 505 Time:11:30~14:00 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-45-2067 (2) Restaurant Rinko Rinko Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Shin 29-14 Time:11:30~13:30 18:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-45-3571 (3) Restaurant Sato Sato Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 2501-23 Time:11:00~14:00 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Thursday (subject to change) Phone number: 0982-45-2077 or 090-9570-3231 (4) Seafood inn Sazareishi Takashima Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 2535-2 Time:11:30~14:00 18:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone: 0982-45-2268 (5) Shiokano inn Takahiraya Takahiraya Address: 2927-1 Tsuruyama, Furue, Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City Time:12:00~14:00 18:30~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 090-5213-2027 (6) Rental villa Himuka no inn Shinonome Shinonome Address: 2927-1 Furue Tsuruyama, Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City Time:9:00~17:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 090-1824-8157 Phone reception hours (9:00~17:00) * Since it is only for incoming calls, we do not Phone you back. (7) Roadside Station Kitaura Restaurant Kaisenkan Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 3337-1 Time: 10:30~16:00 (L.O. 15:00) Regular holiday: Year-end and New Year holidays only Phone number: 0982-45-3811 *Please make a reservation at least 3 days in advance. (8) Guesthouse Konpeki Address: Nobeoka-shi Sumie-cho 1426-1 Time:11:00~14:30 17:00~20:00 Regular holiday: Not opens Phone number: 0982-43-0211 Reservations are required. "Higashikyushu Ise Shrimp Kaido" official website https://higashi-iseebi.jp//

Bat Waterfall Bat Waterfall in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, spans about 120 meters in width and about 10 meters in height. When viewed from above, the shape of the cliff is said to resemble a bat spreading its wings, which is how the waterfall got its name. You can see the whole waterfall from the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck. This waterfall lies on the main stream of the Ono River. In the Meiji era, workers built a bypass canal around the falls and a chute-like slide to move boats up and down so cargo could be transported by boat along the Ono River. The remains of this waterway construction are a highly valuable heritage site and have been designated an Oita Prefecture historic site as the "Bat Waterfall Boat Route Ruins." Location: Between Kusabukano in Ogata Town and Kamiozuka in Asaji Town, Bungoono City About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 12-minute drive from JR Ogata Station *The road to the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck includes some very narrow sections, so please drive with great care.* 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yesterday (September 9), we replanted daffodil bulbs at Cape Tsumeki, a scenic spot in Shimoda City. Daffodils bloom in winter, and Shimoda City holds its Daffodil Festival from December 20 to January 31. All the bulbs in the garden are dug up every June, and when summer ends the park management staff of Shimoda City replants the bulbs. Although daffodils can bloom for several years without being replanted, we dig them up once to check the soil and buried bulbs so they will bloom beautifully. About 15 people gathered to work today. We carried out the task with hopes that this year’s display will be even more beautiful. 😊 Imagining these bulbs sprouting, flowering, and turning the garden into a pure white sea of daffodils in three months makes me excited for the opening. ✨ Those who participated in the work included local residents of the Susaki area, Izu Kyuko Line, Shimoda Kaikoku Museum, ShimodaRopeway, Villa Ozawa (Tsumekizaki shop), Blue Tsumekizaki (Tsumekizaki shop), Shimoda City General Affairs Division, Tourism Exchange Division, Shimon Information Center, and Shimoda City Tourism Association. Thank you to everyone who took part and worked hard under the hot sun. 😊 We will hand over to the park management staff so they can continue replanting many bulbs, hoping that many visitors will come to this year’s Daffodil Festival. Thinking of the garden turning completely pure white, we look forward to seeing you in January! *The photo of the fully blooming daffodil garden is an award-winning entry from last year’s photo contest.*

An island 🏝 you'll want to come back to again and again ― Izu Oshima Island Tour Hello! This is 🤗 Hokule'a Shonan This time, I would like to introduce ✨ the Scene of the diving tour on Izu Oshima Island Izu Oshima Island is a popular outlying island that is easy to access from Tokyo. It's about 45 minutes by high-speed boat from Atami, 🛳 but it's a different world in the sea. Held in for the second time this year, and there are many repeat visitors, making it truly 😊 an island that makes you want to come back again and again A fascinating Water world 🌊 The sparkling scenery that spreads out in the shallow area ✨ The world surrounded by light is so beautiful that you will want to look at it forever. Plus, swimming through the dynamic terrain ⛰️ arches and rocky terrain created by volcanic eruptions will make you feel like you're on an adventure. No matter where you dive, there is a lot of variety, and every time you dive, you will discover something new! And above all, a school 🐠🐟 of fish constantly swimming around the divers and never and a moment when they get bored. Unforgettable Night Diving 🌙 What was particularly impressive this time was night diving. The sea at night shows a completely different look than in the daytime. Fish and nocturnal creatures illuminated by lights... Kiss your heart. Among them, what! !️ I came across an oversized sea turtle 🐢 with a body length of more than 1 m. Impression ✨ by the appearance of sleeping comfortably on the rocky ground Everyone was so excited by the power that they just got close and kissed ... I'm sorry 🙏 I woke you up, but it was 👏 a really valuable encounter. Summary🪸 Izu Oshima Island is a special place that combines the grandeur of Nature with the richness of Water, in addition to its proximity and accessibility. A world of shallow light, volcanic terrain, schools of fish, and encounters with big game... All of them will be unforgettable memories. I Izu Oshima Island everyone thinks, "I want to Outbound again!" I can't wait to see 🤿✨ what kind of encounters await me on the next tour 📸 The tour Scene and Latest Information are also Broadcasting on Instagram! 👉 @hokulea_divejapan #DiveJapan #UnderwaterAdventure #ScubaLife #OceanLovers #NightDive #DivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan

Ripe astringent persimmons are exquisite♪ You might even eat some as you harvest if you get hungry...

Autumn tradition: persimmon harvesting! Using a bamboo-handled scissor pole made for harvesting, each persimmon is picked one by one. That skill is a craftsman’s art! The technique of a mother who has harvested persimmons for 50 years is truly impressive ✨😍

Location Okabe Town, Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture Yamame no Sato Summer Yamame fishing in a clear streams full of ozone surrounded by mountains Summer sky Clouds are beautiful　

"Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" has featured Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu. "Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" introduced Kokushōji's Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu ✨ 👉 For details, please see our website and the news section! It is listed among the 12 recommended spots for Kumamoto sightseeing and is presented alongside other regional attractions 👀 Please stop by when you visit Kumamoto♪

Setouchi Superb View Station, Shimonada

Famous castle of the South Seas National Treasure Kochi Castle

Matsuyama and Autumn Higher Castle Keep

It was the first time I went to Kamikochi. I love Nature and was finally able to go, and I felt my heart beating. The saturation of blue and green was high, and the voices of birds and the sound of water seeped into my heart. Even though it was summer, it was cool and comfortable. My favorite place that I want to Outbound again.

This is a photo taken when I traveled to the Rurikei Highlands in Kyoto with my friends. The cool air that you can't feel in the city, the sound of leaves rustling, the sound of water, the voices of animals, sounds that you should be able to hear even in the city. It was a trip that reminded me of how much we are usually deprived of sight and hearing by things that are close to us. Goats, cute.

A journey in the sea of clouds at Daikanbo, a waterfall in Aso Oguni. All the stress has been sucked away, and I think I can do my best again from tomorrow

11th Akaezomatsu Summit 🌲 Starting tomorrow and continuing for two days (September 6–7), the Akaezomatsu Summit will take place at Kawayu Onsen ✨ Day one will be held at Kawayu Furusato-kan, and day two at Kawayu Visitor Center, where participants will dive into the theme “Forest × Food.” At CAFE SOFTWOOD on the second floor of Kawayu Visitor Center, we will offer Akaezomatsu herbal tea (limited quantity, ¥690)! You can enjoy a special Akaezomatsu herbal tea that you don’t usually get the chance to taste ☕️✨ Talk, learn, inhale the scent, and savor… Come experience the deep charm of Akaezomatsu 🌲 ❣️

Gokase Winery's First Pressing of 2025!🍇 A new wine born from the blessings of Gokase is on the way🍷 This year too, winemaking has begun using grapes nurtured by Gokase’s fertile land💡 Every bottle from Gokase Winery uses only grapes carefully grown in Gokasecho😁 These grapes, which endured Gokase’s harsh winters and ripened under the summer sun, each offer a uniquely delicious flavor. This unwavering commitment to 100% locally grown grapes underpins the quality of Gokase Winery’s wines✨ The first-pressed Campbell Early this season features a fruity aroma and refreshing acidity🍇 A sweet, rich scent filled the winery, raising excitement for the new wine🎵 This year’s vintage is another wonderful result, filled with the producers’ love😆 New Niagara and Campbell Early wines are scheduled for sale on Saturday, October 18th🍷

Enoshima - in the middle of the road Bridging the Everyday and the Extraordinary It's been a few months since I started working and moved to Tokyo I moved to GW, so it was my first long vacation I thought about returning to my Local Hokkaido, but the plane was 80,000 yen round trip .... I boarded Enoshima alone, which I had always wanted to outbound to Nature that is different from Hokkaido, the feeling of being enveloped in the extraordinary the moment you cross the bridge You may have come to Enoshima on a trip, but from the moment you cross this bridge, you will have a special experience that is far from your daily life.

Hello, this is Crystal Sound ✨ It's September now, but the hot days continue. The sun still shines strongly in Shosenkyo Gorge, yet the occasional breeze hints that autumn is arriving. Relax and enjoy some peaceful time in nature 🍃 At Crystal Fountain, located at the heart of Shosenkyo Gorge, sparkling sprays of water dance on the breeze in a truly lovely way 💎 Do come and experience it for yourself. By the way, the birthstone for September is sapphire. Its stone meanings are compassion, sincerity, and noble ideals. Said to give the wearer confidence and guide them to success, it is also believed to calm irritability and anxiety 💙 Inside our shop you can see natural stones gathered from around the world, including beautiful sapphire rings and necklaces. The photo shows a quartz cluster from Arkansas, USA. Its crystalline clarity is soothing ✨ Please drop by Crystal Sound to discover the many charms of natural stones. All our staff look forward to welcoming you sincerely 😊

Chowa Town Rural Area Today is also good weather. There is sunshine, but the wind is an autumn wind. From now until the Autumn leaves season, it is a good season when the scenery changes. The rice fields are gradually turning golden. I wonder if the harvest will be a little earlier this year.

All ten of Shimoda’s beaches closed their swimming season on August 31. Thank you to everyone who visited this year. After the season ends, designated swimming and surf zones disappear, and regulations such as "prohibited," "caution," or "permitted" no longer apply; lifeguards and beach patrols that were on duty at the bathing sites are withdrawn. A water-accident advisory is also in effect. With hot days likely to continue, please take care of weather, water temperature, and wave conditions if you go swimming. Be equally careful around other bodies of water. Even outside the official swimming season, you can still enjoy time by the sea as marine therapy. For marine sports, there are experiences suitable for beginners, including sea kayaking, surf lessons, and diving. Simply walking the shore and breathing the salt-tinged air can have the benefits of marine therapy. Spread a sheet on the sand and relax while watching the sea or getting lost in a book. As summer’s bustle fades, the autumn sea becomes clear and calm. Shimoda’s sea is worth visiting even after the swimming season ends.✨ We look forward to seeing you (^o^)