"Mindfulness Tourism" will be held at Kikuchi Gorge. It is a fusion experience of mindfulness walking with a tea gathering or breakfast. This is a one-of-a-kind meditation experience held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. "Listen, walk, taste"—cleanse your mind and body through all five senses. Enjoy a luxurious moment of quiet tea drinking, wrapped in the murmuring sounds of the clear stream. Savor a breakfast that dialoguess with nature in an extraordinary setting. Spend a special time sharpening your five senses while feeling the breath of nature. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat designed to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■Saturday, November 1, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering" A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The tea gathering will use water from Kikuchi Gorge. It is a special experience where you can enjoy delicious tea. ■Sunday, November 2, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering" Enjoy breakfast in the crisp morning air while feeling connected to nature. We use water from Kikuchi Gorge and serve rice cooked in an earthenware pot along with dishes made generously from ingredients sourced in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

Announcing the Tomioka Castle Festival on the radio! We will promote the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary: 9th Tomioka Castle Festival,” held on Sunday, October 26, on FM Kumamoto’s program “Ii Tabi Kumamoto Tourism School.” 📻 The broadcast airs on Thursday, October 23, from 18:08, so please tune in. 👂 Also, be sure to check the quoted post below for more on the castle festival. 👀‼️

Reihoku Sunset Marche — October Announcement📣 We are pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche will take place in October♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ Freshly harvested rice from the 2025 crop (late-harvest rice and sun-dried rice) will be offered at bargain prices! Just-picked lettuce and zucchini will also be available 🥬 In addition to produce, prepared foods will be on sale too ❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ [Planned Produce for Sale] ・Okra (white okra) ・Cucumbers ・Water spinach (kangkong) ・Rice (new crop, late-harvest rice, sun-dried rice) ・Extra-early mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Jumbo peanuts ・Zucchini ・Banana peppers ・Bell peppers ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, October 12 — 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM [Venue] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association ※ Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

[Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Kicks Off Today!] The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will run for five days from Thursday, October 9 through Monday, October 13 (a national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. For photos of preparations and the new works being readied for the tour, please see our past posts from visits to each kiln. The forecast looks favorable for those five days, with plenty of sunshine expected. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the coastal scenery of the Amakusa West Coast 🌊🌅. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [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 ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 • A stamp rally with a chance to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche Opening Celebration 🎊] The "Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche," which drew more than 200 visitors when it was held in July, will return to Reihoku Tourist Information Center on Sunday, October 19th 😍 You can enjoy not only healing treatments but also delicious food from kitchen trucks, so please take this opportunity to visit♪ For details about each vendor, check the event notices on CROSSLINK’s (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025 or the website linked in our profile 📝 Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche] [Period] Sunday, October 19th 10:00 AM–4:00 PM [Venue] Reihoku Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsu-Fukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) *A stamp rally is also planned 📃 [Contact] CROSSLINK (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 06 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and special discount sales will take place, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. 🌊🌅 (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate. 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Heading south along the Amakusa West Coast brings you to the Takahama area. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is a kiln that forms part of the Ueda family’s history; the Ueda family served for generations as village headmen in this area. In the Meiji era, grape cultivation thrived in the Takahama district, and the area became widely known for “Takahama grapes.” The town was once described as being covered in vines. Though grape growing faced extinction at one point, the local promotion association’s efforts revived it, and you can now see grape trellises across the region. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is well known for its mirumon (seaweed motif), but the kiln’s painted grape designs also keep Takahama’s history alive. By the time the Autumn Kiln Tour takes place, the grape harvest will already be over, but it is delightful to reflect on the area’s past while admiring the grape motifs on the pottery. From Thursday, October 9 to Sunday, October 12 during the event, Ueda Family House, adjacent to Juho-gama, will host a workshop by illustrator Yoko Koda, along with food and craft stalls. Please see the posted images for details. 📍Takahama-yaki Juho-gama 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate.) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※A digital stamp rally linked to the Kumamoto Health Points program 📱 ※A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Introducing participating kilns / 05 Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th to Monday, October 13th (holiday), using six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City as venues 😊 During the event you can see new works on display and buy items at discounted prices, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Odatoko lies south along the Amakusa West Coast at the point where the road bends toward the sea. Perched to overlook a calm shoreline popular with divers and kayakers, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln stands here. Previously known and loved as Amakusa Karatsu Jurō Kiln, it has reverted this autumn to its former name, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln. The exhibition room displays pottery reflecting the distinct personalities of the married couple. Mr. Kameyama Go trained in Karatsu, famed for Karatsu ware, while his wife, Sanae Kameyama, studied ceramics at the pottery college in Arita. Even within Saga Prefecture, Karatsu and Arita ceramics differ greatly in materials and characteristics — clay or stone, pottery or porcelain. Mr. Go’s pieces attract the eye with striking forms and tranquil, nature-like patterns woven from clay and glazes. The lines on his pottery, reminiscent of classical Karatsu motifs, embody a ‘‘beauty of subtraction.’’ Ms. Sanae uses a blue pigment called gosu to paint modern, expressive designs by underglaze before applying glaze. Her work carries a warm charm that brings a smile to the viewer’s face. Although they work with opposite materials, the couple’s distinct styles complement each other. These works arise precisely because Amakusa offers both types of materials. The exhibition room, filled with vessels nurtured by Amakusa’s nature, radiates an unexpectedly rich harmony. Please pick them up and savor their world. 📍Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2802 TEL: 090-5081-1316 🗺️ The back of this year’s kiln tour flyer has been renewed! Based on the Amakusa West Coast map illustrated by Sanae, please head out and enjoy the kiln tour by car 🚗 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rally events will take place simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from the kilns you visit (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 04 Unshū Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus special discounted sales. Take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kilns / Unshū Kiln sits in a small seaside settlement where you can hear the surf, roughly halfway along the road that leads to the Tomioka Peninsula in Reihoku. One late-summer day I visited the kiln owner, Ms. Miyoshi, a friendly person who always carries a light, cheerful air. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, alongside Unshū Kiln’s staple vessels, you will see works using the vivid red cinnabar (shinsa) pigment, a color believed since the Jomon Period to ward off evil. Also noteworthy are charming pieces inspired by Amakusa sea urchins. They appeared a few years ago and have returned for this Autumn Kiln Tour after a long absence. During the exhibition the kiln will sell succulents including cacti, and offer painting-on-ware experiences. Please drop by—unexpected encounters and discoveries await you. 📍Unshū Kiln 2829 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2507 TEL: 080-5254-7915 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Goyama Kame Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto health points📱 • A prize-entry stamp rally to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln📃) For inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The 3rd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop was held🎊 On September 25, the third workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route that turns literary spots and heritage in Reihoku Town into new tourist resources, allowing visitors to enjoy the “Literary Treasures of Reihoku.”✨ This third session focused on taking a deeper look at writers connected to Reihoku Town. Participants researched as if they were actually guiding tours and presented their findings to one another. Each participant’s guide showed a unique personality, making for an absorbing time.👏 The final, fourth workshop is planned for late October to early November♪ We will hold a fun workshop to exchange opinions based on the walking route proposals and guide manual developed from previous workshops, so please join us.👀 *We plan to open applications on our website in early October.* We also welcome ideas and insider tips for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please take the survey in the notices section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Ogata) ☎0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal 2025.*

[Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary WEB Photo Contest 🎊] To coincide with the “9th Tomioka Castle Festival” on Sunday, October 26, Reihoku Town will hold a WEB Photo Contest celebrating the 70th anniversary of the town’s incorporation📸 This year marks the 70th year since Reihoku Town was founded. Under the theme “The Charms of Reihoku Town,” we are seeking photos that capture the town’s appeal — abundant nature, local dishes and specialties, historic buildings, everyday life, people’s smiles, and more! Photos taken since January of this year are eligible, so pictures from the Reihoku Jatto Festival or the Tomioka Castle Festival are welcome. Smartphone photos are fine! Capture a scene that moved you and submit it! Cash prizes are available👀! 📸[Open Category] High school students and older Grand Prize (1): 10,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Special Prize (2): 3,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Runner-up Special Prizes (up to 4): Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen 📸[Junior Category] Elementary and junior high school students Grand Prize (1): 5,000-yen book voucher; Special Prize (2): 3,000-yen book voucher 📸[Eligible Photos] Photos taken from January 2025 through the Tomioka Castle Festival day on October 26, 2025 📸[Submission Deadline] Tuesday, November 11, 2025 📸For submission details, please check the photo contest special website. (You can find the link in the announcements section on our company website in the profile.) We look forward to many entries📸 🏯[Contact] Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section (inside Reihoku Town Chamber of Commerce) E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

🌏🚴‍♂️ Tour de Kyushu 2025 is coming! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Professional riders from Japan and around the world will race across Kyushu’s natural landscapes and cityscapes. This year’s four-day event runs from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th (national holiday) across Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 Theme "Make Kyushu Sustainable — for a sustainable future for Kyushu" We will showcase Kyushu’s stunning beauty to the world.✨ 🏁 Race schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00 — Sasebo Criterium / 45 km ・10/11 (Sat) 11:00 — Fukuoka / 121 km ・10/12 (Sun) 9:00 — Kumamoto, Aso / 115 km ・10/13 (Mon, national holiday) 10:00 — Miyazaki, Oita / 121 km ※Traffic restrictions will be in place along the course on race days. We ask for your understanding and cooperation. For details, check the official website and social media 👉https://tourdekyushu.asia// https://tourdekyushu.asia/en/...

Notice: Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival 🏯 The “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Municipal Status — 9th Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival” will be held at the Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote on Sunday, October 26, 2025‼️ Stage events will feature local performing arts plus Kaoru Yumi, famous for her role as Kagero Ogin in Mito Komon, a performance by the Ashikita Teppo-tai, a Chinese face-changing show, and an appearance by Kumamon 🐻. Around 30 tents and food trucks will line the venue, bringing together delicious treats from inside and outside the town♪ Other hands-on activities include the “Tomioka Castle 🏯 and Amakusa West Coast Walking 🌅,” the Kumamoto Maru trial voyage ⛴️, and a pearon (dragon boat) experience 🚣. If you want to take part, please make an advance reservation early! The Tomioka walking tour and pearon experience are eligible for the Kumamoto Health Points program ❣️ A photo contest 📷 (cash prizes available ✨) will run at the same time. There are separate categories for general and junior entrants♪ Come and enjoy autumn in Reihoku Town‼☺️ We look forward to seeing you🙌 For details about the O-shiro Festival, please visit the Reihoku Town website. Period: Sunday, October 26, 2025 Venue: Tomioka Castle Hyakken Dote Contact: Reihoku Jatto Festival / Tomioka Castle O-shiro Festival Executive Committee (Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division Tel 0969-35-3332 Reihoku Chamber of Commerce Tel 0969-37-1244)

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 03 Mugen Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. During the event you can view and buy new works and enjoy discounted sales, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kiln Introduction / Tucked quietly in the satoyama of Reihoku, Mugen Kiln stands serene. From the pieces created by kiln owner Seiko Tanaka, you sense an unwavering dedication to beauty. When asked about that source, she showed us the neatly arranged collection of seashells. As a child, during the Obon season she began collecting sakuragai and benigai shells found on the local shore during the spirit-floating ceremony, becoming captivated by the mysterious shapes and colors that nature creates. Tanaka’s remark — “Truly beautiful things in this world are those without calculation, like these” — left a strong impression. It seems the core of Mugen Kiln’s unique worldview breathes from that sentiment. We hope you will pick up Tanaka’s carefully crafted ceramics and feel their charm firsthand. Unpesticided vegetables and potted flowers will also be on sale during the period. 📍 Mugen Kiln 588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2506 TEL: 080-1703-6886 ________________________________ 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 (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kamegama) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto Health Points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 02 Kobo Kaze The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th through Monday, October 13th (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues.😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and discounted items will be available, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating.🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Kobo Kaze continues to make pottery in a more than 130-year-old traditional farmhouse surrounded by nature. The studio began full-scale pottery activities in 2006. For this feature, the studio owner, Mr. Hayashida, demonstrated a hand-building technique known as himodzukuri, one of the methods that does not use a potter’s wheel. Himodzukuri involves stacking clay rolled into cord-like strands and shaping them as they accumulate. Mr. Hayashida skillfully forms black clay into these cords and stacks them slowly and deliberately. Watching him work feels like time itself is moving gently, and it soothes the viewer. When firing pieces in a carbonization kiln, Kobo Kaze leaves the exterior unglazed to highlight the natural gradations created by the way flames touch the surface, bringing out the clay’s inherent texture. A transparent glaze is applied to the interior to ensure everyday usability. The result is a simple, unpretentious elegance. During the event, visitors can also find bamboo dragonfly crafts, wooden goods, homemade sweets, loaves of bread, and jams for sale. 📍Kobo Kaze 598 Takahama Minami, Takahama, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (public holiday) Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally for Kumamoto Health Points (smartphone) ※ A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 01 Uchida Sarayama Pottery The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City welcoming visitors😊 During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus discounted items. Please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics along with the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the Uchida Sarayama Pottery, which carries on a porcelain-making history that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, we recommend a new piece using the “iro-itchin” (colored itchin) technique: itchin motifs painted in a blue inspired by the Amakusa West Coast sea. Though itchin looks charming, it represents delicate skill and careful effort. The blue itchin patterns stand out beautifully against the white ground — a piece you should pick up and examine closely. Also not to be missed are Uchida Sarayama Pottery’s classic zodiac figurines. Sales begin each year with the Autumn Kiln Tour. Next year’s zodiac is the horse. We photographed a veteran painter with 20 years’ experience at work. Watching the unglazed horses come to life through the brush is a stirring sight. The zodiac figurines cycle every 12 years, and Uchida Sarayama Pottery prepares a new mold each time, applying designs suited to the era. They produce as many as three thousand pieces. Through these zodiac figurines, they aim to convey the distinctive whiteness of Amakusa Toseki. 📍Uchida Sarayama Pottery 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! • A digital stamp rally that counts toward Kumamoto Health Points 📱 • A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Kikuchi City’s largest festival, the Kikuchi Souhakuryu Festival, takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, along the shopping street and at Kikuchi City Furusato Creation Civic Plaza in Kumamoto Prefecture. Four dragons—the two called the male dragon and the female dragon, plus two young dragons carried by children—perform a bold and vigorous routine together with their carriers. In Kikuchi City, legends say the ancestor of the Kikuchi clan rested beside Kikunoike and a white dragon appeared, marking the beginning of Kikuchi. Another tale tells that when Kikuchi Onsen was discovered, a white dragon spoke in a dream. The city therefore has sightseeing spots linked to dragons. The Souhakuryu Festival began in 1994 based on those legends to revitalize the local community. The white dragon measures 50 meters in length and weighs a total of 500 kilograms. To the shouts of “Seiya! Seiya!” it parades through the shopping street. Men carry the white dragon, making its large body writhe as it charges forward with powerful, heroic movement. The dramatic dragon dance is a must-see. At the end, about 3,000 fireworks burst into the night sky right before your eyes. Enjoy the full-on atmosphere of the Souhakuryu Festival with the carriers’ rousing shouts, the dragon’s winding motion, and the close-up fireworks. Kikuchi Souhakuryu Festival official website https://kikuchi-hakuryu.com//

[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

"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♪

“Majakki” LINE stickers Volume 2 are now on sale!! Arao City’s mascot character “Majakki” appears in an adorable pixel style! Please enjoy and use the Majakki LINE stickers delivered from Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture!! Majakki Pixel Stickers - LINE Stickers | LINE STORE Production: Arao City Tourism Association https://line.me/S/shop/sticker/author/5551850...

Third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk: Tourism Route Workshop to Be Held! We will hold the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. On Thursday, September 25, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, we will host the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. This session will focus more on “literature,” uncovering stories while weaving in the history of Reihoku to create a fun guide manual. It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so anyone interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development is encouraged to participate. Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉Apply via the notice section on the official Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website! Application Deadline: Monday, September 22 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop is organized under the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program.

Tongjun Bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture If the timing is right, you can see the place where it is released Water is a masterpiece The area around the bridge is also spacious, rich and quaint

The 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Stroll” sightseeing route creation workshop was held🎊 Last week on August 21, the second workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route so visitors can enjoy the town’s literary spots and heritage as new tourism resources✨ Held with the aim of revitalizing tourism “together with local people,” the second session proved a rich time in which the more we dug, the more literary treasures of Reihoku we uncovered👏 In particular, participants were treated to a carefully delivered, realistic walking-tour-style guided explanation by Mr. Kanzaki, the president of the Guides Association, who projected images as he spoke. This gave everyone a renewed understanding of the local area and created a lively atmosphere♪ The next workshop, the third session, is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM‼ We plan an enjoyable workshop full of activities that delve more deeply into literature and the history of Reihoku, so please join us👀 *We will open recruitment for participants on our website in early September.* We are also collecting ideas and insider information from those who cannot attend the workshops to help shape the walking route. Please take part in our survey via the announcements section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is being held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal year Reiwa 7.*

Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers released!! Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers are ready‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300... Majakki Stickers - LINE Stickers | LINE STORE Produced by: Arao City Tourism Association In July 2005, the majaku was selected as Arao City’s official fish. The majaku (anajako), Arao City’s fish, is a shrimp species that lives in tidal flats and has long been loved as a relative of hermit crabs. Born on July 3 (Arao Tidal Flat Day), Majakki is the prince of the majaku world! He appears around Arao to meet many people and promote the wonders of the tidal flats. Majakki works hard to bring smiles to Arao residents and visitors alike! Please enjoy these Majakki LINE stickers, featuring phrases in the Kumamoto Arao dialect‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300...

Stamp Rally Touring Kumamoto’s World Heritage Sites! Collect stamps completed by visiting Misumi West Port, Manda Pit, Sakitsu Village, and more, and receive a clear file‼ To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the World Cultural Heritage Sites “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” we are holding a stamp rally that visits the World Heritage sites and component properties within Kumamoto Prefecture. Visit Manda Pit and Misumi West Port, component properties of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” and Sakitsu Village, a component property of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region and Amakusa,” and tour Kumamoto City to fully discover the charms of Kumamoto! Collect all the stamps to receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Please see below for details. Event Period From Saturday, July 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025 Opening Hours and Closed Days for Each Facility Manda Mine Station: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays (if a Monday is a public holiday, closed the following weekday) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: none Sakitsu Village Guidance Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed days during the event period: none Stamp Locations (5 spots in total) Manda Mine Station (Arao City) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya (Uki City) Sakitsu Village Guidance Center (Amakusa City) Waiting Room on the Shinkansen Platform Side at kumamoto station (Kumamoto City) Sakura Machi Kumamoto, 2nd Floor Concourse (Kumamoto City) ‼Those who complete the rally will receive exclusive World Heritage goods‼ If you collect all the stamps, please show the completed design to staff at one of the facilities below. You will receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Locations to Receive Limited Goods • Manda Mine Station • JR Misumi Station Tourist Information Center (note: different from the stamp location) • Sakitsu Village Guidance Center Participation Fee Free Inquiries Regional Development Division, Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division, World Heritage and Cultural Exchange Office Phone 0968-63-1274

Hello everyone! How are you spending the three-day weekend? This July in Reihoku Town was blessed not only with the Jatto Festival and the dragon boat (Pearlong) races, but also with events like the Sunset Marche 🥬 and the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche 🌿✨ (Photo shows the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche) The next Sunset Marche is scheduled for September 14th❗️ The Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche will appear in Oyano on August 23rd and at A-Coop Reihoku on August 28th🎉 For details, check @cross_link2025👀 The hot days continue, so please take care of your health 🥹 We will keep bringing you Reihoku Town’s tourism and event information through the second half of this year 😤 #reihoku #amakusa #kumamoto #Reihoku #Amakusa #Kumamoto #tourism #marche #event #beauty #day trip spots #Yorimichi Marche #Reihoku Sunset Marche

We will hold the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop🎊 On Thursday, August 21, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop♪ Based on feedback from the first session, we will consolidate and refine the tourism walking route into a single plan! It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so if you’re interested in tourism guiding or community development, please join us✨ Date and time: Thursday, August 21, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉To register, go to the Notices section on the homepage in our profile👀 Registration deadline: Friday, August 15 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy project.*

Reihoku Sunflower Project 🌻 Introducing the sunflower project as one of Reihoku Town’s summer scenes! Local volunteer farmers have planted a total of 150,000 sunflowers at various spots around Reihoku Town (near Reihoku Town Hall and along Route 324), and they are now in full bloom 👀 The photos were taken with the sunset—one of Reihoku Town’s charms—in the background 🌇 The sunflowers along the major highway that runs through the heart of town are now at their peak, forming an important part of daily life for locals passing through town, and creating a memorable sight for first-time visitors ✨ You can take in the vast sunflower fields even just by driving by, so be sure to see them while they’re in bloom now!!

A workshop to create a sightseeing walking route for “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” was held🎊 and we are conducting a survey! Last week on July 23, a workshop was held to devise a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” aiming to make the town’s literary spots and heritage into new tourism resources✨ Nine local and non-local participants who know the area well joined and engaged in lively discussions. Students, local residents, and travel industry professionals who attended offered ideas from their different perspectives, making it a very valuable time👏 The next workshop, the second session, is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, so please join us👀 *Recruitment for participants is planned to be announced on our website in early August* We are also collecting ideas and useful information for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please check the notice on our website from the profile of this account! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 *This workshop is being held as part of the 2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.*

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Reihoku Town’s municipal status, the 37th Reihoku Jatto Festival took place 🎊 Last weekend, the Reihoku Jatto Festival and the Dragon Boat (Peiron) Races were held successfully, drawing many visitors to Reihoku Town ✨ Spectacular fireworks launched right overhead 🎆, fiercely competitive Peiron races and hands-on Peiron experiences 🌊 energized the crowd, and the two days flew by in no time‼️ (By the way, this post’s author joined the festival for the first time this year, participating as both festival staff and a Peiron paddler. I was truly amazed by the close-up drama of the fireworks and the exhilarating rush of paddling a Peiron boat 👀) If you couldn’t make it this year, please come to the Reihoku Jatto Festival next year 🔥