Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two-month event — Details 🌿 ◉ Open through January 5! ✴︎ Pop-up Shops ✴︎ Workshops ✴︎ Relaxation ✴︎ Food Trucks We invite artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of the region with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP SHOPS ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead goods / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European-bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Café / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Saitama Fukaya green onion specialty products / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessory goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small items / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / Moksa Coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Lighthouse tour — special limited-time price! / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and processed fruit products / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Official Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma herb craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORKSHOPS ◉ Brush calligraphy workshop / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make your own chopsticks using a wood plane (kanna) / Kurasu Dogu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessory and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 FOOD TRUCKS ◉ KaRin Bakery (food truck) — curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions of each vendor in separate posts, so please look for those too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. Parking is free for WORKSHOP participants! Please show your parking ticket at the venue reception✴︎ We will post new event information as it becomes available, so please check Instagram. WORKSHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some creators may accept same-day reservations for their WORKSHOPs! To reserve, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

December 4th It snowed in Azumino as well A landscape dressed in snow At Hotaka Shrine, the “Azumino Shintake Lanterns” begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM About 10,000 bamboo lanterns in the shrine grounds will cast a gentle glow There will be a time and space that soothes the heart A night market called “Yomichi” runs at the same time, with food trucks and craft stalls Please come and visit♪

Nara Palace Site Historical Park Nara Prefecture Nara City Although it has been reconstructed, you can appreciate the vastness of the site. A train runs through the grounds with a level crossing, and the distances between the buildings are impressive. Excavation has finished, and various buildings are currently being rebuilt. The museum exhibits artifacts from the excavations and models showing how the site looked at the time. The parking lot was spacious and free.

Gifu Prefecture Tajimi City "Kokeizan Eihoji Temple" and autumn foliage

[Now accepting applications!] 📸 December 7 Mihama Photowalk in Hayase Let’s find views worth keeping secret. Join a photowalk through Hayase, a small lakeside community, as we explore the town on foot. You’ll discover places that rarely appear in travel guides and spots you usually pass without a second thought. Each participant may encounter a scene that feels uniquely theirs that day. While sensing the deeper atmosphere of alleyways and the village, let’s search together for those views you’ll want to keep to yourself. A great part of the photowalk is sharing perspectives and discoveries with other participants. Bring whatever camera you like and hunt for those little secret scenes. On the day, photographer Tsutomu Ogino, who handles Mihama Town photography, will accompany the group. As winter’s presence begins to show, let’s enjoy a pleasant time together. We warmly look forward to your applications. ■ Date and time: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1:00 PM–4:30 PM ■ Meeting place: Hayase Tourist Information Center (10-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture) ■ Participation fee: Free (reservation required) ■ Capacity: About 10 people (first-come, first-served) ■ Application deadline: Closes when capacity is reached ■ How to apply Applications are accepted via Google Forms. Submitting the form completes your registration. https://forms.gle/TZht18Bmn31oRNPA7... * Smartphones are fine for cameras. * Please wear comfortable, warm clothing for walking. * Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. * Photos taken by participants may be featured on official social media accounts or the website. #viewmihama #Mihama Town #Wakasa Mihama #Wakasa Mihama #Photowalk #photowalk

Mt. Houraijisan Fire Festival in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

It’s the Horaiji-yama Fire Festival in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

The fire festival at Mt. Houraijisan in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

This is the old highway in Saga, Kyoto City.

📢 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) will feature a Sakai City booth🎉 This Sunday, November 23rd, the Kofun Fest HaniCotto takes place in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and Sakai City will have a booth there!✨ It’s a chance to pick up tourist information about Sakai City! We’ve also prepared a photo spot featuring the city’s new “hot air balloon” attraction, which has been in the news recently♪ Be sure to take a commemorative photo! Admission is free, so please come by— we look forward to seeing you!💕 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) Date and time: Sunday, November 23rd, 10:00–16:00 ※Held rain or shine (canceled only in severe weather such as official warnings) Location: Imashirozuka Kofun, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture (48-8 Gunge-Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture) 🔍For details, search “Kofun Fest HaniCotto” https://hanicotto.com/category/news/page/3/...

[Applications Open] “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest” is now accepting entries! Thank you for the many submissions to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary Web Photo Contest.” After judging, we will announce the selected works. This is an announcement for the “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest,” which opened for entries on Monday, November 17. The theme is “Amakusa’s Best Spots You’ll Want to Share.” Feel free to photograph Amakusa’s landscapes, streets that evoke its history and culture, festivals, light-ups, and more, and submit as many entries as you like! For details, please see our company announcements page or the attached flyer.👀

Applications Open: Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip! A one-night, two-day bus tour called “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” will run on Saturday and Sunday, December 13–14, and reservations are now open! This bus tour lets you fully enjoy the Amakusa West Coast with spiny lobsters, a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, and the Sakitsu village.🚌 For details and to book, search the tour name “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” or check the News section on our website.👀 Don’t miss this chance to experience the winter charm of the Amakusa West Coast.✨

Ana Kōbō (穴弘法), Toki City, Gifu Prefecture I visited to attend the Autumn Leaves Festival.

Hina dolls are displayed for the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri) at the Ukon residence, the house of a Kitamae shipowner. You might be able to see them if you visit the Ukon residence around March 3rd.

The autumn leaves around Naegi Castle Oyagura Remains are beautiful, and I photographed them looking down from the castle ruins. Naegi Castle Ruins, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

Autumn leaves at Hōshōji Temple ❚ Foliage status as of November 11, 2025 The autumn leaves at Hōshōji Temple in Kiyokawacho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. About 70% of the trees have changed color, and it is at its peak viewing time. This spot is not widely known, so you can enjoy the foliage quietly during the day. The light-up runs until November 15. The illuminated leaves and their reflections are beautiful at night. Come to Hōshōji Temple to see the vivid autumn colors. We will provide updates on the foliage status as they become available. Location: Hōshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawacho, Bungoono City) Parking: Available Kiyokawa “Sai” Hōshōji Autumn During the event, light-up displays will be held. Event period: Saturday, November 8, 2025 to Saturday, November 15, 2025 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 Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Western-style building was built as a villa for the Ukon family. You can see it inside the Ukon House, the former residence of a Kitamae shipowner. The building has a modern feel, and the view is spectacular!

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum is hosting a Night Museum again this year! From Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 30, the museum will be open from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM with the autumn leaves illuminated. The nighttime view of the illuminated leaves from Kyū-Tanabe Handaifu-ke Zashiki is spectacular. A commemorative castle seal for the event will be sold during the period (300 yen). Please join us. Please note the illumination continues after the Night Museum until December 25, so enjoy an evening stroll. Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Night Museum Period: Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ※Closed on Monday, November 25 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM ※Last admission by 7:30 PM Admission: Free The historic site and garden illumination runs until Thursday, December 25. Feel free to explore. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Tel: 0770-32-0050

Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival Celebrates Local History Enjoy and learn about the historic Oyama Michi that runs through Futakotamagawa. The 16th Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival will be held. Oyama Michi refers to the routes used by pilgrims visiting Ooyama, with paths centered on the mountain across various regions. The Oyama Michi that passes through Futakotamagawa led from Edo’s Akasaka-mitsuke Gate to Ooyama and served as a back road to the Tokaido, frequently used for transporting goods. This festival offers a close-up opportunity to learn about the history of Oyama Michi. Isehara City will also participate and host a booth. Please join us. ◇ Date and Time Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00–15:00 ◇ Venue Futakotamagawa Elementary School building and gymnasium (Tamagawa 4-6-1, Setagayaku) ◇ Setagaya Ward official site https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/03660/27555.html...

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

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

Why not try Koubai-eki (紅梅液) during the hot season? Takano Shoten (高野商店), which produces Koubai-eki, is a long-established store in the Imajo district dating back to the Edo period. It's the syrup that forms during the production of their popular sweet-syrup ume paste, and amazingly the only ingredients are plums and sugar! Ume is known to help relieve tiredness and guard against summer heat fatigue, making it a good choice in hot weather.

Made in Sakai Fair 2025 📣 This weekend, on Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th… Made in Sakai Fair 2025 will take place✨ It’s a fun event packed with the best of Sakai🙌 You might be able to buy a whole Chinese cabbage for 200 yen⁉️ That popular shop everyone’s talking about in Sakai and beloved sweets will gather in one place!🍴 There will also be cool fire trucks and police vehicles on display😮 Enjoy many hands-on activities like pop-up postcard making and tenugui (hand towel) dyeing!! There are lots of great finds, so please come by 🤗 🎈Made in Sakai Fair 2025 📍Sakai City Industrial Promotion Center Event Hall and other venues 📅 Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 10:00–16:00 (rain or shine) 🚃 Access: 5-minute walk from Nakamozu Station ※ Please use public transportation such as trains or buses to reach the event venue. 🔍 For details, search for “Made in Sakai Fair”! https://madeinsakai.com//

The 13th Asaji Kagura Festival / 26th Miyama-style Iwato Kagura Exchange Tournament ❚ Held on November 30, 2025 The 13th Asaji Kagura Festival / 26th Miyama-style Iwato Kagura Exchange Tournament will take place at Asaji Community Center in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. This Asaji Kagura Festival centers on the Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society and the Itaisako Shinmeisha Kagura Troupe, both inheritors of the Miyama style, one of the Ono-line Iwato Kagura traditions originating in Asaji Town. Come see the bold yet lively dances in person at the venue. Food trucks and vendor stalls will also be on site. Date and Time: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 9:00–16:00 *If it rains, the event moves to the Asaji Community Center Hall Location: Special venue at Asaji Community Center (Tsuboizumi, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) *Parking: Asaji Ground (space is limited, so please carpool when possible) *Please bring warm clothing and a ground sheet or blanket. Admission: Free Schedule 09:00 Ritual ceremony 09:25 Opening ceremony 09:30 Tachibanaoki Shrine folk kagura (Taketa City) 10:00 Miyadokoro Shrine affiliated performers (Taketa City) 10:30 Itaisako Shinmeisha Kagura Troupe (Bungoono City) 11:00 Hoyo Kagura (Oita City) 11:30 Futamata Tenso Shrine Kagura Company (Taketa City) 12:00 Shirayuri Little Taiko (Taketa City) 12:30 Iyotoko Gohashira Shrine Kagura Company (Oita City) 13:00 Ogi Shrine folk kagura (Taketa City) 13:30 Negino Shrine Kagura Company (Taketa City) 14:00 Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society (Bungoono City) 14:30 Tachibanaoki Shrine folk kagura After the performance Mochi scattering and a lottery to win Asaji beef For event inquiries Bungoono City Hall Asaji Branch Office TEL 0974-72-1111 Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ########## Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu’s Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ##########

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Savoring the River! Ayu, Unagi, River Shrimp, Gori! Traditional Fishing Methods That Live Alongside the Shimanto River Introducing the traditional river fishing methods passed down by river fishers on the Shimanto River. This highlights the important local culture of living close to the river and gratefully receiving its bounty. 〇Traditional Fishing Methods of the Shimanto River The Shimanto River’s traditional fishing methods have been carefully preserved by local river fishers. While their form has gradually changed with environmental shifts, they still remain part of daily life. The river’s abundant gifts—ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), tenaga-ebi (long-arm shrimp), and aosa nori (green seaweed)—brighten family meals with the seasons. Skilled chefs in Shimanto City also prepare them into delicious dishes for visitors, and various processed forms are enjoyed as souvenirs. 〇See the River, Taste the River A slow walk along the Shimanto River reveals traps for catching eels and long-arm shrimp seen from chinkabashi bridges, partly submerged in the water. Depending on the season, you may encounter people fishing for ayu or working from traditional river boats. Along the banks you might spot stone-lined devices for catching gori, and at the river mouth workers harvesting green seaweed. If you look closely at the Shimanto River, you’ll discover human lives intertwined with the river. In the evening, taste the very ingredients caught with the traps you saw, slowly savored at a local restaurant. It’s a distinctive, insider way to enjoy the Shimanto River. 〇Introduction to Traditional Fishing Methods ・Ayu Fire-Swinging Fishing Nets are set across the river in advance, and at night a boat swings torches from the deck. Startled by the dancing bands of flame, ayu panic and are driven into the nets. Today this practice often uses LED lights, but the principle remains the same as the traditional method. Ayu are also caught by cast nets, angling, and other methods. ・Long-Arm Shrimp Fishing From a chinkabashi bridge looking toward the water’s edge, you can see PVC pipes spaced at regular intervals. These are korobashi, traps for catching long-arm shrimp. Once made of wood, they have changed to more convenient materials over time. Long-arm shrimp are commonly enjoyed deep-fried whole, producing vibrant colors, and are treasured as a local flavor—some grow large enough to resemble cucumbers. ・Unagi (Eel) Fishing You may see pieces of styrofoam or PET bottles floating in the river without drifting away; they can mark korobashi used to catch eels. Sensitive to smell, eels avoid resin traps, so wooden korobashi are still widely used. ・Gori Fishing If stones are lined along the riverbank to dam the water, they may form the setup for gori’s noborio-toshi-ue fishing. In the Shimanto River, juvenile Numachichibu fish are called gori and are enjoyed as a spring to early-summer delicacy. They are typically eaten deep-fried or simmered in soy-based preserves. 〇Important Notices Fishing on the Shimanto River is subject to fishing rights. Purchasing an angling permit is required when you fish. Also, closed seasons are established to protect resources. Please be aware of these regulations.

Special Open Day for Takabeya Shrine, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property From November 1 for one week is Cultural Property Protection Week. During this period, people are encouraged to become familiar with the cultural properties around them, reconsider their value, and pass them on to the future. As part of this initiative, the nationally registered tangible cultural property “Takabeya Shrine: Haiden and Heiden, Main Hall” will be specially opened to the public. On the day there will also be a temple carpenter experience and a historical-site walk around Takabeya Shrine, offering a rare chance to feel the living presence of culture and history. Date and Time Monday, November 3, 2025 (national holiday) 10:00 AM–12:00 PM / 1:00 PM–3:00 PM *Event will be cancelled in severe weather. Details will be posted on the Isehara Cultural Properties site. Location Takabeya Shrine (2202 Shimokasuya, Isehara City) Admission Fee Free Access From Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu’s Isehara Station North Exit, platform 2, take the bus bound for Aikō-Ishida Station. Get off at Awakubo Iriguchi bus stop and walk 3 minutes. Please check the official site for the detailed schedule on the day. https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/bunkazai/docs/2025102200040/...

<Tickets on sale now!> Hiroshima Kagura Kansai Performance in Sakai is coming!🎈 Hiroshima Kagura is coming to Sakai!!⸜❤︎⸝ Hiroshima Kagura offers rich storytelling, powerful dances and staging, and dazzling costumes and masks Packed with elements that even first-timers will enjoy!!ꕤꕥꕤ On the day, you can also try on costumes actually used on stage✨ We will also sell local specialties from various towns and cities, so please take this opportunity to visit us!✨ 📅 Date and time: Saturday, December 6th, 10:00–18:10 📍 Venue: Fenice Sacay Grand Hall (@fenice_sacay) 🔍 For details, search “Hiroshima Kagura Kansai Performance”! 🔗 https://www.akitakata.jp/ja/shisei/section/syoukou/a103/... #Hiroshima Kagura #Hiroshima Kagura (alternate) #Sakai Taiko #Sakai Kagura #Fenice Sacay #stage #dance #Kansai Performance #Sakai City https://www.akitakata.jp/ja/shisei/section/syoukou/a103/...

Notice of the Special Exhibition of the Treasure Hall at Hyuga Yakushi This fall, an exhibition will specially display precious temple treasures that delve into the history of Hyuga Yakushi. Organized by the Isehara City Council for Preservation and Use of Local Cultural Properties, the exhibition centers on the city-designated cultural property, the woodblock printing plate of the Den Myosawa Fudo (Den Myosawa Fudōson), and generously exhibits many temple treasures that are not usually on view. Come and see for yourself the breath of a long history and the crystallization of faith and craftsmanship that have been passed down. ◆ Exhibition Period October 31, 2025 (Friday) to November 13, 2025 (Thursday) Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed in severe weather) ◆ Venue Hyuga Yakushi Hojobo Treasure Hall (1644 Hyuga, Isehara City) ◆ Admission Fee 300 yen (student rates, group rates, and other discounts available) For details, please visit the official website https://www.hinatayakushi.com/%e4%bb%a4%e5%92%8c7%e5%b9%b410%e6%9c%8831%e6%97%a5%e9%87%91-%ef%bd%9e-11%e6%9c%8813%e6%97%a5%e6%9c%a8-%e5%ae%9d%e6%ae%bf%e7%89%b9%e5%88%a5%e5%b1%95%e8%a6%a7%e4%bc%9a%e3%82%92%e9%96%8b%e5%82%ac/#news_single_body...