Ceremony for the Opening of Prefectural Route Taketa–Gokase, Habu Section Today, Friday, December 13, the opening ceremony for the Habu section of the Taketa–Gokase Line took place in the Kuwanouchi area 🤩👏 The Taketa–Gokase Line is an important road that starts in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, passes through Takamori and Takachiho, and ends in Gokase Construction on the Habu section, a part of that route, has been completed, and today’s ceremony marked its opening 👏 First, a Shinto ritual was performed by the priests of Kuwanouchi Shrine and Futono Shrine to celebrate the road’s opening and pray for safety going forward 😌🙏 After that, distinguished guests cut the ribbon, and all the students of Kamigumi Elementary School opened a decorative paper ball, officially opening the road 🎊 Next, as a ceremonial first passage, Kuwanouchi kagura was performed 👹✨ This special kagura is said to be danced only at ceremonies 😳 During the kagura performance, participants released balloons, and many balloons colored the wide blue sky over Kuwanouchi 🎈👋 By the time the rituals concluded, the cold wind that had blown since morning had died down and the sun brought warm, calm weather for the opening ceremony ☀️ We hope the remaining construction is completed smoothly and that everyday life and transportation become more convenient ☺️

Limited seats still available! Shinano‑Omachi Hidden Gem Tour — Learn Camera Techniques We’re pleased to announce the date: Thursday, January 9, 2025 (backup date Friday, January 10, 2025). The subject is Omachi’s specialty, koori-mochi (frozen rice cake). This guided tour lets you enter the processing site for koori-mochi, observe the workers, feel the texture of the ingredients, and capture the atmosphere with your own camera while learning photography techniques. Thanks to the continued cooperation of the Katakuri Koori‑Mochi Section of Nōsanbutsu chokubaijo Katakuri, this event is possible again this year. Registration has just opened, but only a few spots remain. If you’re interested, please consider applying soon. ⭐︎ View participants’ photos here https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88323/... ⭐︎ To apply, use this link or call 0261-22-0190! https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90392/...

The Way of the Brush For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention, and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the fullest. #kangi #calligraphy #kimono #osakacastle

Mairi Sandera in Hida Furukawa 2022.01.15 In Hida Furukawa, the unique traditional custom "Sanji Mairi", which has been going on for more than 200 years, is a place to visit three temples in the In the town: Yen Temple, Shinshuji Temple, and Honkoji Temple on the night of January 15 every year in memory of the blessings of Shinran Saint. On this day, 1,000 candles are lined up along the Seto River, and the lights reflected on the surface of the river are very beautiful, and you can enjoy a heartwarming scene. In addition, snow sculptures and candles boasting a height of 2 meters are lined up in the town.

【Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura)】 The "Uedahara Yutate Kagura" took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The Uedahara Yutate Kagura begins with the fire deity tending two large cauldrons of boiling water while the waters are inspected. Afterward, dancers wildly leap over the charcoal embers, scattering sparks as they perform. Next, two performers dressed in eboshi caps and hakama stir the hot water and scoop it by hand to collect the yudama (hot-water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers in white robes drench themselves with sasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal, enter the cauldron area to recite norito (Shinto prayers), and conclude with a final dedicatory dance. The courageous and otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. 【Location】 Mitarai Shrine grounds (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) ■■■ Access to downtown Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended spots in Bungoono City for sightseeing, dining, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura (Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura) White-robed performers douse themselves with hot water The Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered once every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The ceremony begins with the aragami (rough deity) performing a water purification of two large cauldrons whose fires have been kept burning, then wildly dancing over the charcoal fire while scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the deity. Then two white-robed performers drench themselves with water using kumazasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the cauldron area to recite norito prayers, and conclude with a final dedication dance. The powerful, otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) 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 Follow Bungoono City on Instagram for recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile.

Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura) — The fierce deity that scatters sparks The Uedahara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years, prays for health and safety and a bountiful harvest. Many spectators attended on the day. The performance begins with the fierce deity testing the hot water from two large kettles as the firewood continues to burn; after that, the deity whirls and stomps across the charcoal fire, scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers dressed in white drench themselves with sasa bamboo, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the kettle, recite norito prayers, and finally perform the concluding dance. The bold, otherworldly display drew great applause from the crowd. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) 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 Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. The Bungoono City Tourism Association website is linked from the profile.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman. #kangi #calligraphy #kimono #osakacastle

The sword is the soul of the samurai; it cannot be sold even if it starves to death. Bushido made the sword a symbol of his power and valor. From an early age, one is taught how to use a sword. He started with a wooden sword, and when he reached the age of 15, he was allowed to carry a serious weapon. At that time, he became aware of his self-respect and sense of responsibility for carrying a dangerous weapon in the street. remember that one step outside the doorway is the world of death. #samuraisord #bushido #katana

Zen is alive and well in traditional Japanese culture. Zen has greatly influenced traditional Japanese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts. Zen has had a great influence on traditional Japanese culture. It is also said that modern etiquette is based on the The Ogasawara school of etiquette, which is said to have become the standard of modern etiquette, is said to have been established by relating Zen manners to the lifestyle of the samurai class. #teaceremony #japanesetea #calligraphy

Calligraphy masters apply Japanese kanji characters to the native language names of foreign customers. Since each kanji character has its own meaning, enjoy this traditional cultural experience, including the meaning of the kanji used in your name. You can take home the engraved wooden Dojo-fuda as a souvenir to remember your visit. #calligraphy #kanji #shodo #travelmemories #culturalexperience

For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the best of our ability. We must not only carefully consider the words of the Samurai, but we must also act on them. #samurai #katana #bushido #osakacastle

The reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "The beauty of the Japanese language. I often hear that the reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "the beauty of the Japanese language. Using the calligraphy skills learned through the calligraphy experience, students write their favorite kanji characters on fans and hanging scrolls of their choice. The master calligrapher will then take the kanji back to your bag with his expert brush strokes. Since each kanji character has multiple meanings, it is important to know what other meanings they have. Knowing the meaning will make the bag shine. #brush #kanji #shodo #travel memories #cultural experience

In Hinomotoichi's Calligraphy Trial Plan, students do not pick up a brush and start writing immediately after the lesson begins.  Instead, we begin by explaining about the culture of calligraphy and the history of calligraphy in Japan. This is because it helps them to better understand the difference between Japanese calligraphy and caligraphy, which is a form of character decoration that also exists in other countries, and to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese language. #calligraphy #kanji #shodo

The practice of swordsmanship was intended above all to nurture the mind. The samurai, through diligent practice and extreme concentration, desired to attain a state of unthoughtfulness, free of attachment or preoccupation, and thus able to respond instantly. A warrior is prepared to die each morning. In the quiet moments of the morning, he imagines himself being struck by lightning, doused by fire, or cut to pieces with a sword or spear. It is hard to remember that one step outside the doorway is the world of death. #Honor #Bushido #samuraisord #katana

For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the best of our ability. We must not only carefully consider the words of the Samurai, but we must also act on them. #samurai #katana #bushido #osakacastle

In Hinomotoichi's Calligraphy Trial Plan, students do not pick up a brush and start writing immediately after the lesson begins.  Instead, we begin by explaining about the culture of calligraphy and the history of calligraphy in Japan. This is because it helps them to better understand the difference between Japanese calligraphy and caligraphy, which is a form of character decoration that also exists in other countries, and to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese language. #calligraphy #kanji #shodo

Until Tuesday, December 24, the Izusan Local Museum is exhibiting the original Hokke Mandala. According to Izusan Shrine tradition, this Hokke Mandala was embroidered with the hair of Hojo Masako. A repair inscription on the back records that Hojo Masako used her own hair to stitch the Hokke Mandala to pray for the soul of her husband, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and that it was enshrined as the principal image of the Hokke Hall. The museum usually displays a replica, but the original is on temporary public view for the first time in two years and four months. Please take time to appreciate the three-dimensional Sanskrit characters made with hair and the subtle coloration of the backing that only the original can show. Atami City Izusan Local Museum Hokke Mandala Exhibition Period: Thursday, November 28, 2024–Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Address: 708-2 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (within the grounds of Izusan Shrine) Phone: 0557-80-4252 Access: From atami station, take a bus bound for Nanao for about 10 minutes and get off at Izusan Shrine-mae Hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays (if a public holiday falls on Wednesday, closed the following day) Admission: Adults ¥180 (groups ¥120); junior and senior high school students ¥120 (groups ¥80); elementary school children and younger free Parking: Available (a few spaces at Izusan Shrine) Note: Group discounts apply to parties of 20 or more.

Winter in Shirakawa Township Photo taken on 2022.02.26 Shooting from the Hagijo Observation decks Since it was free, chronic traffic jams began to occur due to Car parking for long periods of time, so parking spaces are currently Car Closed in Hagigi Observation decks. The usual parking lot near the Village Car closes in the evening, so I had to Accommodation to the Village and walk up to the Observation decks to take this view. You can also use paid coin parking, so it would be nice to be able to go by Car.

Autumn in Gokase: Peak Season Now! Josenji With only one calendar page left and autumn foliage ending in most places, surprisingly Josenji is now at its peak 😳🍁 It was cloudy when I took the photos, but the deep, vivid reds stood out and looked incredibly beautiful 🥹✨ While leaves are fading elsewhere, are the trees at Josenji a late-foliage variety? Or is it due to local environmental factors? I’m not sure, as I don’t know the details… In any case, I never expected to see such stunning autumn colors in December 😳👏 Please stop by and enjoy them for yourself 🤗✨

Commemorative Celebration for the Registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Today, Sunday, December 1, a celebratory gathering was held at the Ara-Odori Hall in the Sakamoto district to mark the registration of “Gokase Ara-odori” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in February of Reiwa 3 (2021).👏✨ Because the registration around Reiwa 3 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a celebration then was difficult, so today’s event was finally realized.🥹 After the opening, the ceremony proceeded smoothly with greetings from the Ara-Odori Preservation Society and congratulatory messages from guests, followed by kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) accompanied by the powerful sounds of Ara-odori drums, bells, and matchlock gun volleys.🍶🔨 Later, Mr. Fujimoto, the lead dancer, gave the toast and the banquet began.👏 It was a wonderful gathering where members of the Ara-Odori Preservation Society, the dancers and their families all shared their various feelings about Ara-odori.😌 During the banquet, the host conducted interviews in which, somewhat shyly, everyone spoke passionately about Ara-odori.🤭✨ When people had enjoyed enough sake and conversation, the event concluded with three cheers of banzai.🙌🙌🙌 In Miyazaki, a land that preserves many traditional performing arts such as kagura, the registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage truly felt like a great achievement.😳 Going forward, we hope these traditional performing arts, preserved and passed down in each district, will continue to be treasured.✨

⛩ Gion Shrine Niiname Festival and Final Kagura Performance 👹 On November 23rd, the Niiname Festival and the final kagura performance were held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district.⛩ First a Shinto ceremony took place, followed by a kagura dedication at the kagura hall.👹 Today we welcomed visitors from overseas and guests who came from Tokyo.😮 The gingko trees at Gion Shrine had turned color, creating a carpet of yellow.😆✨ Gokase Town is getting colder, and it looks like winter is finally arriving.⛄

(accomplished in) both the literary and military arts A samurai is a man of letters and a man of martial arts, studying both arts. For the Samurai, the way of literature and the way of martial arts are like two wheels on one wheel. Samurai honor, which believes that the way of literature and the way of martial arts are two sides of the same coin, aims at the path of both literature and martial arts through two experiences: Samurai tea ceremony and Samurai calligraphy. The spirit of the Samurai is a way of life and death, a way of letting go of attachment to life and living in this lifetime. Through Samurai honor, students acquire the spirit of Bushido. #osakacastle #samurai #calligraphy

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungoono City [Hoshōji Autumn Leaves 2024] Hoshōji Temple in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history spanning over 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is lit up, enchanting visitors with its mystical atmosphere. Here is a look at the autumn leaves in 2024. [Location] Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Have you all been feeling tired lately??? It may be a little early, but why not plan an evening with friends, partners, or family to see a nationally designated Important Cultural Property lit up? In December, we will illuminate Katakura-kan in Suwa for six days across three weekends (Dec. 7–8, 14–15, and 21–22, 2024)! Katakura-kan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and served as a filming location for the famous hot spring film *Thermae Ro◯e* (title partially obscured in the original). Wild eel is actually in season right now, and there is a traditional cold 'doyō' period in January (寒の土用), which locals note. Here’s a suggested plan: 1. Enjoy eel in the Suwa–Okaya area 2. See Katakura-kan illuminated 3. Unwind and refresh from everyday fatigue and stress at Kamisuwa Onsen. Oh—don’t forget to book your accommodation! ・Period: December 7–8 (Sat–Sun), December 14–15 (Sat–Sun), and December 21–22 (Sat–Sun), 2024. ・Time: 17:00–20:00 * Bathing hours at Katakura-kan end at 20:00. Last admission is at 19:30.

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture’s Bungoono City Hoshōji Temple (Hoshōji) Hoshōji Temple, which is lit up during the autumn foliage season, also looks beautiful in daytime. Hoshōji Temple is located in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history of more than 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is illuminated, and its magical atmosphere captivates visitors. Location Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa We will also announce foliage conditions on the tourism association’s Instagram. ■■■ Access to Bungoono City center ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for Bungoono City sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

In addition to scenery and food that can only be seen and eaten in Japan, calligraphy, a traditional culture that can only be experienced in Japan, is one such example. When providing services to foreigners visiting Japan in the form of experience tourism, we are conscious of "learning" that leads to cultural understanding, such as deepening understanding of the history of calligraphy in Japan and conveying the meaning behind each kanji character.

Samurai are born aware of their "honor" The goal of the aspiring samurai was not wealth or knowledge, but honor. Honor is a goal to be pursued "within oneself," without regard to profit or loss. Therefore, "honor" that is concerned with public reputation is not real honor. #osakacastle #samurai #harakiri #bushido #katana

Metasequoia trees in Makino Highlands, Shiga Prefecture 2023.12.02 It was raining, but the sun shone just a little.

—Nakasendo Tsumago Inn Bunka-Bunsei Parade②— November 23rd is the busiest day of the year in Tsumago inn✨ At lunch break, people enjoy rice balls wrapped in bamboo bark🍙 Catching a shot of someone eating one makes a great photo! I wonder if people used to carry and eat rice balls like this on the road back then💭 Someone is handing out large sheets of paper called Kawaraban, which were like newspapers in the Edo period. They were sold and distributed to inform ordinary people of urgent news at the time💭