I visited the famed Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). From the Okudake Trailhead I took the ropeway to the Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), then continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m) and enjoyed autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

This is a photo of Kouzu Coast taken before sunrise on New Year’s Day. The title is "Yoake no Mae".

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive

Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁 The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁 The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨ I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡 Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊 ⚠Notice⚠ The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.

Atami – Where Adventure Meets Serenity Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Atami in Shizuoka offers one of the most fascinating diving experiences in Japan — where adventure and serenity come together beneath the surface. Known for its wreck diving and mysterious blue cave, Atami attracts divers who seek both excitement and peace in one destination. The highlight of Atami is the wreck of Asahi No.16, one of the largest wrecks in Japan. Resting quietly on the seafloor, this massive structure is now covered in colorful soft corals and swarming with marine life. As you descend, the silhouette of the wreck slowly appears out of the blue — a breathtaking sight that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an underwater museum. Exploring this wreck is an unforgettable experience for divers who love large-scale structures full of history and mystery. Then, shift from adventure to calm in Atami’s Blue Cave. As you enter, sunlight pierces through the narrow opening, filling the space with an ethereal blue glow. The soft light, bubbles rising toward the surface, and the quiet stillness of the cave create a dreamlike world beneath the waves. It’s a moment of pure serenity — a dive that connects you deeply with the ocean. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wreck diving or a peaceful cave dive, Atami offers both just a short train ride from Tokyo. With easy access, clear water, and diverse dive sites, it’s a perfect destination for weekend divers and international visitors alike. If you’re searching for wreck diving in Japan, or want to discover the best diving spots near Tokyo, Atami is a must-visit. Dive into its hidden blue world — where every moment beneath the sea feels like a journey between adventure and serenity. 🌊💙 📍 Atami, Shizuoka, Japan About Hokule’a Shonan 🌈 Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ Dive Center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa — just a short trip from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help you discover the beauty of nature and the joy of exploring the ocean. We offer more than 300 diving tours and courses a year across Japan, from Izu to Okinawa and even overseas. With our small-group style, beginners can dive safely and comfortably while enjoying a personalized experience. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or joining an advanced adventure — we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. Let’s dive and enjoy the ocean together! 💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaDivingJapan #UnderwaterWorld #DivingNearTokyo

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Amakusa Area designation within Unzen-Amakusa National Park on July 20, 2026, the two-day cycling event "Amakusa Round! Amaichi Granfondo 2025" will be held in Amakusa 🚴 Granfondo is an Italian term for long-distance cycling events. Rather than racing the clock, participants ride at their own pace, enjoy rest and meals at aid stations, and take in spectacular views on this relaxed cycling event♪ Event Overview Dates: December 13 (Sat)–December 14 (Sun), 2025 Location: Amakusa area, Kumamoto Prefecture (Amakusa City, Kami-Amakusa City, Reihoku) Capacity: Up to 200 riders per day, totaling 400 riders over two days. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses: (1) Shimashima Trial Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 140-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 30 riders experienced in cycling around the Amakusa area. (2) Shimashima Main Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 170 riders. (3) Kamishima Course Sunday, December 14, 2025. Start and finish at the Hiwado Regional Promotion Center, Kami-Amakusa City Hall. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Kamishima (Amakusa City and Kami-Amakusa City) for 200 riders. For registration details and more information, search for "Amaichi Gran" and visit the event website provided by Local Gain Co., Ltd. (080-7577-2505), or check the announcements section on our company website! Why not spend this December enjoying Reihoku’s food and nature while having a refreshing cycling experience around Amakusa? E-bike rentals are also available, so please take a look!

Good morning ☀ This morning in Tsukigase.

We will hold the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop 🎊 On Wednesday, November 19th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop♪ This session will use the proposed tourist walking routes developed from ideas and discussions in previous workshops to finalize the route🔥 A recap of sessions 1–3 is included, so drop-in participation for this workshop is perfectly fine! If you are interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development, please feel free to join us ✨ Date and time: Wednesday, November 19th, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Registration deadline: Monday, November 17th 👉 Please check the announcements section on our website to apply! This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association Secretariat, Ogata TEL: 0969-31-1136 E-mail: info@amakusa-kankou.com

Yuzu Picking Volunteers Wanted! We are recruiting yuzu picking volunteers in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, one of the leading yuzu-producing areas in the Kanto region. Come and try it for yourself!

Blue sky This is a morning photo of Kozu Coast in Odawara.

I visited the famous Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). I took the ropeway from Okudake Trailhead to Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. Then I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m), and enjoyed the autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

I visited Mt. Kurikoma (elevation 1,626 m), the celebrated Tohoku peak praised as the "carpet of the gods." At the temporary shuttle bus stop, Kurihara City staff warned that "bears have been appearing on the trail for four consecutive days!" and, ringing bear bells loudly, we made the ascent. By the grace of the gods, we encountered no bears and were treated to truly stunning autumn foliage. Thank you. Location: Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture

✨🍂Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Autumn Evening Opening — Illuminated Autumn Leaves🍂✨ At Sakai City Daisen Park Japanese Garden, we will present a light-up of the garden dressed in autumn leaves.💫 Brilliant red maple leaves reflect on the surface of the garden pond, creating a magical scene.🍁🌠🍁 Event Dates 🔸November ・Saturday, November 15 ・Friday, November 21 to Monday, November 24 (national holiday) ・Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30 🔸December ・Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 Hours 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (last admission 8:30 PM) 💁For details, please check the URL below. 🔗ttps://www.daisenteien.jp/event/r34omk9-7pf 🔍Search for “Daisen Park Japanese Garden autumn leaves”! https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/r34omk9-7pf...

Sparkling Korakuen: An Evening Tea Gathering Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 At Korakuen, where the maple trees had turned crimson, a light-up and tea gathering took place. Inside the garden stands Korakutei, a tea room used several times a month for tea practice and tea gatherings for children. Still, many village residents had never stepped into Korakutei, and many had only viewed Korakuen’s garden from outside. For regular walkers and those who don’t usually go out alike, these two days provided an opportunity to visit Korakuen. Because the garden has almost no lighting, lights placed along the walking paths glittered in the darkness. A gentle, light rain fell that night. The softly sweet tea sweets and the warm, full-bodied tea warmed us through. Even without knowing tea ceremony etiquette, I found the tea room’s refined, comforting atmosphere soothing, and I visited many times. (Refills of tea were available 🧉) Despite the poor footing due to the weather, many people came—thank you very much. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Traditional Japanese garden #Korakuen #Autumn foliage light-up #Tea gathering #Night #Autumn

Divine glow ✨ On the way back from photographing Shirataki Falls, the pampas grass lit by sunlight looked divine, so I took a picture 📷 You can see gleaming pampas grass around town right now 👀 The temperature swings between morning and evening have deepened the autumn colors 🍁 Peak foliage may still be a little way off, but you can already feel the autumn scenery and breeze beyond the leaves 🌰

Autumn leaves on floating islands A floating island located at the Anegawa Dam in Shiga Prefecture. The Autumn leaves season is spectacular.

Shimoda Photography Club 10th Anniversary Photo Exhibition Now Open✨! The Shimoda Photography Club has been capturing Shimoda’s landscapes and everyday life. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, a special exhibition of about 2,000 photographs is on display📸✨ The exhibition spans three areas: 🚉 Inside the station (Izukyū Shimoda Station ticket gate) 🏬 Downtown street (Renjaku-cho Street to Ise-machi Street) 🖼️ Downtown gallery (Oyokocho Fujita Building) November 1st (Saturday) – November 9th (Sunday) on view🏞️🎨 Take a stroll through town and rediscover Shimoda’s charm through these photos🌿 👉 More details here https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251101...

A very yellowtail Limited Time Hokusei Line. At this time of year, the cosmos field in front of the railroad tracks It colors the Hokusei Line.

Autumn of the Sangi Railway Along the Sangi Railway line in Inabe City, red spider lililies bloom in autumn.

The Tsuya River in the Sunset Aerial photograph of red spider lililies blooming on the embankment of the Tsuya River in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. October 2025

Memories of Summer Enbara River 2025.08.16 The cold water of the underground water warms up with the warmth of summer, and river fog is generated, and the sun shines on it, creating a beam of light.

📢 Happening this Sunday: Ebisu-jima Cote Riviere 🇫🇷 🍁 Come relax by the river in Ebisu-jima and enjoy shopping for antique goods, tasting gourmet treats, and listening to live music. 📅 Date and Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 10:00–16:00 📍 Venue: Ebisu-jima DOCK Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Kushiyacho-nishi 1-1 west side, west of Xavier Park, riverside of Uchikawa 🚃 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Nankai Line Sakai Station; about a 5-minute walk from Hankai Line Hanadakuchi Station 🚩 Organizer: sakainoma 🔍 For event details, check @ebisujima.cote.rivi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ebisujima.cote.rivi/?hl=ja...

Taiki Town Autumn Foliage Update A maple tree near the gazebo in Hakurin Park is turning brilliant shades, creating a beautiful gradient of color 🍁 The rest of the park is expected to reach peak fall color a little later.

Thank you for waiting! We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2026 Atami Fireworks by the Sea. 2026 (Reiwa 8) Atami Fireworks by the Sea Dates April 26 (Sunday) May 24 (Sunday) July 20 (Monday, public holiday) · July 26 (Sunday) August 5 (Wednesday) · August 9 (Sunday) · August 18 (Tuesday) · August 24 (Monday) September 13 (Sunday) October 12 (Monday, public holiday) · October 25 (Sunday) November 8 (Sunday) · November 23 (Monday, public holiday) December 6 (Sunday) · December 25 (Friday) Time: 20:20–20:40 (Only in July and August: 20:15–20:40) Venue: Atami Bay ※The event will be held rain or shine. ※The above dates and times are accurate as of October 27, 2025. Please check the page below for the latest information. https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8...

Kiunkaku Limited-Time “Wagakari no Niwa” and “Dark Green BAR 1919” Kiunkaku, built in 1919 as a villa in Atami and now a tangible cultural property of Atami City, preserves the area’s changing history and culture. The venue normally closes at 5:00 PM, but to let visitors see the Japanese garden and interior illuminated at night, Kiunkaku will offer two special evening openings on Saturday and Sunday, November 1–2, 2025. Enjoy a serene atmosphere unlike the bustling streets of Atami, with lush gardens, the sound of water, and a traditional Japanese light display created with wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrellas) and hand lanterns. [Wagakari no Niwa] Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Special evening admission: 1,000 yen (tax included); no reservation required *Because wagasa are used, the outdoor garden display will be moved indoors in case of rain. *Entry may be restricted depending on crowding. *Some garden areas will be closed for the special nighttime program. *The number of lanterns is limited. In addition, “Kissa Yasuragi,” which served as a bar when Kiunkaku operated as a ryokan, will reopen as a non-alcoholic bar for two days only. Relax in a classical atmosphere created by dark green sofas and mood lighting. [Dark Green BAR 1919] Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025; 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM sessions (each 90 minutes, rotating) Price: BAR set ticket 2,500 yen (tax included) *This is a combined ticket for the light-up and the BAR (one drink plus unlimited Shizuoka green tea). *Advance reservation only (please check the reservation link below). https://kiunkaku.jp/article/qPC6zRS0... *Because wagasa are used, the light-up will be held indoors in case of rain. On Monday, November 3, 2025 (holiday), a special nighttime photography session will be held by private booking, allowing participants to photograph the interior and the illuminated garden. The Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival takes place that day; guests can photograph and view the fireworks from Kiunkaku’s second floor. [Nighttime Photography Session] Date and Time: Monday (holiday), November 3, 2025, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Fee: 3,000 yen (includes admission) *If it rains, only the usual garden light-up will take place. Inquiries: Kiunkaku 0557-86-3101 Please check Kiunkaku’s official website below for details of each event. https://kiunkaku.jp//

The former palace Nijo Castle is also torikyu ni jojo." Kyoto, Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Nijo-dori, Horikawa, Nishiiri, Nijojo-cho, 541 Nijo Castle is famous for the Ninomaru, which Tokugawa Yoshiyoshi declared the return of the Great Government, but although it was reduced in scale by Ieyasu's order, the site is vast. If you take a walk in the large garden, you can fully enjoy the cherry blossoms in Spring and the Autumn leaves in autumn. Why don't you go out?

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】 A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025… #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆 Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁 Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town #Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025 on Instagram! Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town! Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!! Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels. [Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use *The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.* 1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025" Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡 Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰 ⚠ Caution ⚠ Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Notice: Lecture Tomorrow📣 Tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, Professor Tomoko Yoshikawa, who has long studied this field, will give a lecture titled “Creatures of Volcanic Lakes: The Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo.” The event will take place at Kawayu Visitor Center and admission is free. We look forward to your visit⛰️✨ Lecture: “Creatures of Volcanic Lakes — The Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo” Presented by Tomoko Yoshikawa, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Agriculture, Tamagawa University. Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, 2nd floor Admission: Free (no registration required; capacity 50) We hope this opportunity to encounter the grand natural story behind Lake Kussharo, a familiar local landscape, will help you understand the lake and the park more deeply and feel proud of them. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuvcfureai2/...

Announcement: Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche📣 The Reihoku Medical Association Hospital will host the Musubu Marche to raise interest in health and medical care on Saturday, November 8. Highlights include a hands-on job experience session for children with nurses and pharmacists, a public lecture by the hospital director, and a photo-frame workshop using scallop shells, plus many other attractions. Food trucks will be on site that day, and a stamp rally will let visitors collect stamps at each booth for a chance to win prizes by lottery. Please come and join us✨ Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Location: Main parking area in front of Reihoku Medical Association Hospital (3600-3 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Note: The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in heavy rain (programs may change).

*The photo was taken during a spring mountain-climbing event.* [Now Accepting Participants] The 20th Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb will be held! This mountain-climbing event takes you to Tenjiku, one of Reihoku’s landmarks and the highest peak on Amakusa Shimoshima. The 20th “Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb” will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025⛰. The roughly 11 km round trip offers panoramic views from the summit and refreshing forest bathing, and a local product sale will also be held, so please sign up for an autumn outing. Participants can also earn 20 Kumamoto Health Points✨ Register via the QR code or from the News section of our website! ▶ Schedule: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9:30–14:00 09:30 Departure ceremony 10:10 Start 14:30 Goal (estimated) ▶ Meeting place: Amakusa Koba-no-Mori Nature School (former Koba Elementary School), 6118-2 Tororo, Reihoku ▶ Parking: Please use the Koba-no-Mori Nature School parking area (around the lodging building). ▶ Course: Approximately 11 km round trip ▶ Eligibility: People who are healthy on the day and can follow the event rules. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. ▶ What to bring: Drinks, trash bags, towel, change of clothes, etc. ▶ Fee: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500; elementary and junior high students ¥500; preschool children free Fees will be collected at registration on the day. Please bring exact change if possible. ▶ Other: Rice ball bento (¥500) will be prepared for those who need it. If you would like one, please fill in the field at the end of the application form. This event accepts pre-registration only; there will be no on-site registration. Please provide information for every participant. The event may be canceled due to weather. In that case we will notify the email address you provided (if multiple people register together, we will contact the representative’s email address). Application deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM