[Outdoor and Active Picks in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture]
Fun for everyone! 😍 Enjoy Shobara’s vast nature with these activities

Blessed with expansive wilderness, Shobara is a summer retreat and home to Ogidani Auto Campsite, one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest campgrounds where you can even try rare snow camping in Western Japan during winter. Beyond camping, thrill-seekers can enjoy rafting, canoe and kayak experiences, and river walking. In winter, you can fully enjoy outdoor sports like skiing.

For more details, visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4018

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Lantern illumination begins in the Kawayu Onsen area‼︎

The lantern illumination at Kawayu Onsen uses the Kawayu Onsen logo created through Teshikaga Town’s design and branding project. It aims to foster momentum for revitalizing the onsen district among local residents and others, while offering visitors a unified, thoughtfully staged welcome that enhances guest satisfaction.

The lanterns hang from the eaves of lodging facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other stores within the Kawayu Group Facility Area of Akan-Mashu National Park.

Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen district at night♨️💡

Photographed on December 22, 2025.
This is cafe andon's Christmas-limited strawberry and chocolate shortcake.🎄
The combination of strawberries and chocolate goes really well together.😊🍓

Now that I'm free from exam studying, I wandered around Kawagoe.
This is the avocado and shrimp hot sandwich set from cafe andon.

The harmony of autumn leaves and shikizakura (four-season cherry blossoms) is beautiful.
Aerial drone footage of Kawami Shikizakura-no-Sato was taken.

Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

*Filmed in compliance with aviation law.

Tourist spot in Kushiro: Fisherman’s Wharf MOO 🐟
A 5-minute walk from Kushiro Prince Hotel!

You can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food all in one place✨

There’s also a Botanical Garden, a relaxing spot beloved by locals.

The building’s high-design architecture, inspired by Kushiro’s nature, town, and industries, is a highlight.

Reservations are available from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated 📝🆙

"Calm your mind and take a fresh look. Autumn at Kawayu Onsen."
has been updated. With poor weather across Hokkaido right now, take a breather and have a slow peek 👀✨ You might rediscover how to enjoy the soothing Kawayu Onsen.


https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/autumn/

15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura
❚ Held on March 14, 2026

The 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura will take place in Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture.
Megurakura (巡蔵, literally “visiting breweries”) is an event that guides visitors around the city’s historic breweries to enjoy their signature sake, shochu, craft beer, and local gourmet food.
While taking in the scenery of Bungo‑Ono City, please enjoy touring the breweries.

Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Location: Various venues across Bungo‑Ono City
▶ Participating breweries for the 15th Bungo‑Ono Megurakura: Hamashima Sake Brewery, Muretsuru Sake Brewery, Fujii Brewery
■ Megurakura tickets on sale now
Ticket Price: 3,000 yen (tax included)
▶ Limited first-come, first-served offer: comes with a special guinomi (small drinking cup)
※ Guinomi are available while supplies last.

▶ Ticket sales locations
Hamashima Sake Brewery TEL 0974-42-2216
Muretsuru Sake Brewery TEL 0974-72-0101
Fujii Brewery TEL 0974-37-2016
Bungo‑Ono City Tourism Association TEL 0974-27-4215

■ How to enjoy Megurakura
On the day of Megurakura, each brewery opens from 9:30 AM. You may start your tour at any venue. A Megurakura ticket is required for tastings at each brewery.
Present your Megurakura ticket at each brewery to taste the beverages they offer. When a brewery finishes offering tastings, staff will mark your ticket at that brewery’s section. Additional tastings will incur extra charges.
※ We cannot reissue, exchange, or refund tickets that are damaged, lost, unused, or forgotten.

■ Shuttle bus information for the day of Megurakura
Shuttle buses will operate on the day of Megurakura. A Megurakura ticket is required to board the shuttle.
A shuttle bus runs between JR Miemachi Station and the various venues at roughly 30–40 minute intervals. You may board or disembark at any stop.
※ Please show your ticket to staff when boarding.

■ Inquiries about the Megurakura event
Bungo Ono City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division TEL 0974-22-1117

■■ Access to central Bungo‑Ono City from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, and others ■■
By car from JR hakata station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about 3 hours
By car from JR kumamoto station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about 2 hours
By car from JR beppu station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes
By car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes

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Kyushu — Bungo‑Ono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungo‑Ono City)
Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots
■■■■■■■■■■■■
https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251222event-bungoono/

The Japanese archipelago!?
There is a rock in Kouno that looks like the shape of the Japanese archipelago.
Can you see the "Japanese archipelago"?

You’ll find it about 400 meters south from Kono Elementary School along Route 305.
It’s hard to spot, but give it a try!

Seven must-try ramen shops in Shobara City, at the northern tip of Hiroshima Prefecture 🍜✨

[Shobara Sightseeing Navi website: "Editorial Report" is up!]
Check the article here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5445

In Shobara City, you can enjoy a wide range of ramen, from classic light broths to more unusual bowls.

With so many attractive shops to choose from, a steaming bowl of ramen will be just what you want as the cold season sets in!!

This time, we introduce ramen you can eat around Shobara City.
We’ve summarized each shop’s appeal and characteristics.

Be sure to find your favorite bowl 🍜✨

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨

Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗

This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿

Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏

Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive!

On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏
No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄

On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨

We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍
Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳

Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏

If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟
We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜!

---
🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!",
we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving.

We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas.
With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence.
Request dives are also very welcome!


#DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving
#ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan
#HokuleaShonan

[Hot Springs and Day-Use Baths in Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture — Your Go-To Spots!]
Relax your body and mind 🍃 Hot springs in Shobara♨

These hot springs ease fatigue and offer soothing relief. With open-air baths framed by nature’s year-round scenery, both body and mind unwind. The freely flowing water from mineral-rich pools adds a touch of luxury. Whether on a trip or taking a daily break, be sure to enjoy Shobara’s hot springs.

For details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4017

Advance reservation required.
“Teshikaga Eco Passport” will run again in winter 2026🚌💨
The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, visits scenic spots around Teshikaga and offers 2-day and 3-day passes, so please make a reservation in advance and make use of it. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants an easy way to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga❣️
For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨
https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is Hanatetsu’s flower temizu (flower hand-washing basin).

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

Ashikaga Flower Park's hanachozu (flower basin)

The Christmas version runs until the 25th.

There are photo spots throughout the park.
The illumination area opens at 3:00 PM and lights up at 4:00 PM.

This year’s illumination let visitors enjoy the scent of wisteria as well.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
This is the hanachozu (flower basin) from Hara Florist. 🌹

"ShinobazunoikenoMadara" is a rare lotus that blooms in two different colors on the same species.
Among them, flowers that display two colors of petals on a single bloom are said to be especially rare!
You can see such rare lotuses at Hanahasu park in Minami-Echizen Town.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19388/

【Top 8 Miyoshi Gourmet Delights You Can Order Online】
A must-see for anyone who wants to enjoy Miyoshi’s gourmet flavors at home! ✨

Here are Miyoshi gourmet items available for mail order — perfect for family gatherings over the New Year or get-togethers with friends.
Find your favorites and take your time
savoring the tastes of Miyoshi. 🍽️✨

If you have recommendations, please leave a comment!

※■Shops participating in the Furusato Nozei return‑gift program
are also listed on the furusato nozei (hometown tax) websites.
Be sure to search for them♪

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01 Mitonoba
■Address: 561-1 Higashisakaya-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @mitonoba7
■Online Shop:
Search for "Miyoshi Wine Beef"
https://meetnoba.base.shop/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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02 Mirasaka Fromage
■Address: 1617-1 Mirasaka Nika, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Mirasaka Fromage"
https://mfromage.net/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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03 Izumiya Confectionery (Japanese & Western Confections)
■Address: 5038-1 Mirasaka, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @izumiya_mirasaka
■Online Shop:
Search for "Izumiya Miyoshi"
https://www.kashiwa-mochi.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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04 Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ima-chan
■Address: 2130-7 Shiomachi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Ima-chan Miyoshi"
https://oko-imachan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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05 Kodama Soy Sauce
■Address: 230 Shimokawatate-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @marutamasoysause
■Online Shop:
Search for "Kodama Soy Sauce kirisoba"
https://marutama7.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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06 Fujita Foods
■Address: 738 Megurigami-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Online Shop:
Search for "Fujita Foods Miyoshi"
https://fujita-foods.xsrv.jp/
A product list is available on the "Wani no Heya" page
To order, please call or fax: 0824-66-1082 / 0824-66-1093

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07 Yamaoka Sake Brewery
■Address: 489-1 Nishino, Kōnu-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @yamaokasyuzou
■Online Shop:
Search for "Yamaoka Sake Brewery Miyoshi"
https://zuikan.jp/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

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08 HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY
■Address: 917 Kaitabara, Kisa-chō, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
■Instagram: @hiroshimanohbrewery
■Online Shop:
Search for "Hiroshima Noh Beer"
https://hiroshima-noh-brewery.com/
■Participating vendor for Furusato Nozei return gifts

Autumn foliage photographed at Sogi Park in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.
The light at the moment the sun set was utterly
magical.

Photographed on December 18, 2025.
I passed a certification exam on November 30, so I celebrated.
I enjoyed a gingerbread latte and a strawberry and chocolate tart.

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊

At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards.
You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷

At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍
Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵

The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶

This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗


https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/

Sure to delight visitors of all kinds.

Lake Kussharo formed inside one of Japan’s largest calderas.
Traces of a prehistoric mega-eruption remain visible today.

Just pondering that history can make a day fly by—
that’s what time feels like when you stay at Kussharo Prince Hotel.

Why not spend a special time alongside Lake Kussharo, born from one of Japan’s largest calderas?

You can book from the profile URL.
https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/
Winter season (limited) January 19, 2026 (Monday) – March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

The white-petaled lotus flower.
The lotus comes in charming colors like pink and white and makes a lovely sight.
It first blooms in mid-June and reaches its peak from early to mid-July.
Some varieties close their petals in the morning, so visiting in the morning is recommended.
https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/feature/80061/

Winter in Tomakomai often makes both sidewalks and roads icy and slippery.
Shoes with non-slip soles—such as those with glass fiber reinforcement, built-in spikes, or wraparound spike bands—are essential.
Use sand where available and pay attention to how you walk.

Photographed on December 15, 2025.
This is the hanatemizu at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.
It is decorated for Christmas. 🎄❄️