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.

【Takamuro Shrine National Tangible Cultural Property Special Open to the public】 One week from November 1 is "Cultural Property Protection Emphasis Week". The purpose of this period is to familiarize ourselves with the cultural properties around us, to reconsider their value, and to protect and pass them on to the future. As part of this Traditional Japanese straw raincoat, a special Open to the public will be held at the National Tangible Cultural Property "Takamuro Shrine Worship Hall, Shrine and Main Shrine". Implementation of the "Palace Carpentry Experience" and "Walking around the historical sites around Takamuro Shrine" will also be held on the day of the event, making it a valuable opportunity to experience a space where culture and history are alive. 〇Date and time 2025 (Reiwa 7)Monday, November 3 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. * Canceled in case of bad weather. Details will be announced on the "Isehara Cultural Properties Site". 〇Venue Takamuro Shrine (2202 Shimosuya, Isehara City) 〇Visiting the site fee free 〇Access From Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu "Isehara Station North Exit" No. 2, Aiko-Ishida Station Outbound bus Get off at "Awakubo Entrance" bus stop 3 minutes on foot Please check the official website for the detailed schedule of 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/...

【Hinata Yakushi Treasure Hall Special Exhibition Held in】 This autumn, a special exhibition will be held in to open to the public the precious temple treasures of the history of Hinata Yakushi. Sponsored by the Isehara City Regional Cultural Properties Preservation and Utilization Council, a number of temple treasures that cannot usually be seen are exhibited, centering on the city-designated cultural property "Denmyosawa Fudoson Wood". Please take a look at the breath of history and the crystallization of faith and skills that have been passed down with your own eyes. ◆Event period 2025 (Reiwa 7) October 31 (Friday) ~ November 13 (Thursday) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day (Cancelled due to stormy weather) ◆Held in Hinata Yakushi Hojobo Hohoden (Hyuga 1644, Isehara) ◆ Admission fee 300 yen (Other student fees, group fees, etc.) For more information, 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...

November 1 (Sat) 10:00~15:00 ◆Ishirozaki Lighthouse Open to the public The interior of the Ishirozaki Lighthouse will be opened to the public. Squid is a rare opportunity that happens several times a year! Thereare various Privileges on the day of the event. The Ocean Guard's "Umimaru" and Minami-Izu Town's official "Iro Baron" will also appear! November 1 (Sat) ~ 2 (Sun) ◆Minami-Izu Drum Festival In October, gods gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine for Marriages meetings from all over the country, and there are only local gods who are away. November, when the gods return, is also called Kamikizuki or Kamikizuki, and although the scale has increased due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Annual Grand Festival is held everywhere in Minami-Izu Town to pray for a bountiful harvest of five grains.

Commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo: Kofun Summit 🌈 🔴In honor of the Osaka-Kansai Expo🔵, we will explore the value and appeal of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group from an international perspective🌏, comparing them with sites such as Petra in Jordan and India’s stone tombs. Attendees on the day will be entered into a lottery to win hot air balloon ride tickets✨ Please be sure to apply❁❁❁ 📅 Date and Time: Saturday, November 29, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM 📍 Venue: Fenice Sakai Large Hall (2-1-1 Onihashi-cho, Sakai Ward) Admission: Free Capacity: 1,700 people (first-come, first-served application) 💁 For details, search for "Kofun Summit"! 🔗https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/.../r07/r07kofunsummit.html... ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 🔷 Concurrent Special Exhibition and Kofun Goods Sale (no registration required) Location: Fenice Sakai Galleria Time: 12:00 PM–4:30 PM 🔶 Concurrent Children’s Theater Park (no registration required) Location: Fenice Sakai Onihashi Park Time: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM 💁 More details here 🔗https://www.fenice-sacay.jp/event/31242/... #Osaka #Sakai #Sakai City #Sakai Higashi #Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group #World Heritage #Kofun Summit #Kofun #haniwa #Haniwa Division Chief #Fenice Sakai #Kofun Goods #Expo #Osaka-Kansai Expo #Post-Expo https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/rekishi/sei/samazama_torikumi/r07/r07kofunsummit.html...

🍂A Model Course to Savor Autumn Flavors🍂 🔸—Moat Area Central Section—🔸 The season for hearty autumn eating has finally arrived! ⋈😊⋈ Sakai’s Moat Area is full of not only tourist attractions but also shops serving seasonal sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and autumn gourmet dishes featuring mushrooms like matsutake. 🌰🧡 Here we present a short model course to enjoy autumn gourmet food and sightseeing in the Moat Area central section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"A course to visit shrines, temples, and shopping streets while enjoying autumn flavors (Central Area)" ① Ako Shrine ( @aguchijinja_official_ ) ↓ ② Sakai Yamanokuchi Shopping Street ↓ ③ Taste the season: autumn flavors 🌰✨ ・Rosier ( @rosier_fruits Mont Blanc parfait) ・D..labo ( @d_labo_ice Muscat parfait) ・Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi Steamed chestnut yokan) ・Maruichi Confectionery ( @maruichikashiho Chestnut zenzai) ・SAKAINOMA ( @sakainoma Mushroom bagel sandwich) ・Cafe Lapin (mushroom stew hamburger, etc.) ↓ ④ Myokokuji Temple 🔍For details, search for “Taste the Season: Autumn Flavors Special”! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

🍁Autumn Flavors Model Course🍁 ◽️– Moat Area, Southern Section –◽️ The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ୨୧😊୨୧ Sakai’s Moat Area is home not only to sightseeing spots but also to many shops offering autumn sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as well as mushroom dishes featuring matsutake. 🌰🍱💛 Here is a short model course for enjoying autumn cuisine and attractions in the Moat Area’s southern section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"A Route Tracing Rikyu’s Connections and Autumn Flavors (Southern Section)" ① Sakai Rishō no Mori (@rishonomori) ↓ ② 868 Building (@hachirokuhachi) ↓ ③ Savor Seasonal Autumn Flavors🌰✨ ・Mimiu Sakai (shrimp and mushroom tempura soba) ・BLUE KETTLE (baked sweets: sweet potato, chestnut, pumpkin) ・Ume no Hana Sakai Rishō no Mori branch (special autumn kaiseki) ↓ ④ Nanshu-ji Temple 🔍For details, search "Spotlight on Seasonal Autumn Flavors"! 🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

🍂Autumn Flavors Model Course🍂 🔸— Moat Area, North —🔸 The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ❊😊❊ Sakai’s Moat Area is full of shops offering not only tourist attractions but also sweets made with freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, plus autumn gourmet dishes featuring matsutake and other mushrooms. 🌰🤎 Here is a short model course (Moat Area, North) to enjoy autumn flavors and sightseeing⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆ 📍"Ironworking History and Autumn Flavors Course" 1. Sakai Denshokan ( @sakaidensan ) ↓ 2. SAKAINOMA PLAZA Yanagi ( @sakainoma ) ↓ 3. Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors🌰✨ ・Tsuboichi Tea Main Shop ( @saryo.tsuboichi — chestnut parfait ) ・Rosier Yanagi ( @rosier_fruits — autumn selected mixed parfait ) ・Zelkova Shokudo ( @zelkova_shokudo — healthy lunch ) ・Asahido Confectionery ( best in Senshu ) ・Sorori ( @__sorori__ — Naruto Kintoki sweet potato ) ↓ 4. Teppou Blacksmith Residence ( @sakaimachiyamuseums ) 🔍Search for "Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors Special" for details! 🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96... https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...

This photo was taken at Isahaya Shrine in Nagasaki Prefecture. The stylish transparent amulet was impressive, so I took a picture of the shrine in the background. The heat of midsummer was over, but the wind Car of the many was swirling with the wind, and there was a cool atmosphere in the air.

[Torii Pass - toriitoge-] Overview A roughly 6 km mountain trail linking Narai inn on the Kiso Kaido with Yabuhara inn. In the Edo period it was famous as one of the Nakasendo’s toughest stretches, a place that made straw-sandalled travelers limp with pain. Today it is a popular, atmospheric trekking route. Hikers from Japan and abroad walk this pass in large numbers. From the summit you can look west to Mitakesan and east to Kiso Komagatake. Along the old road you will find numerous haiku and waka monuments and stone Buddhas, including those honoring Matsuo Bashō. The pass saw battles between the Kiso clan and the Takeda clan in the Sengoku era, and in the late Edo period Princess Kazunomiya passed through here on her marriage procession. Free loan of hinoki conical hats and bear bells! This service lets walkers experience the look of Edo-period travelers, especially those walking between Yabuhara and Narai on the Nakasendo. The traditional original hinoki (cypress) hats, hand-painted with kanji, make perfect travel companions and evoke the spirit of Edo travelers. They’re great for the experience and for photo opportunities. What is a hinoki hat? A hinoki hat is one of Kiso region’s traditional crafts. It remains popular with locals and visitors as a practical fashion item and as a sunshade that traces its roots to the Edo period. How to try them You can try them at the tourist information centers listed below. We refund the full deposit when you return the items. ⚠ The deposit will not be refunded if the item is lost or damaged. (Items may be wet without issue.) Loan locations: ① Narai-juku Tourist Information Center ② Yabuhara-juku Nigiwai Hiroba Enkan ③ Kiso Village Tourist Information Center Addresses: ① 497-3 Narai, Shiojiri City ② 1019-1 Yabuhara, Kiso village ③ Lot 196, Yabuhara, Kiso village TEL: ① 0264-34-3160 ② 0264-36-3020 ③ 0264-36-2543 Opening hours: ① 9:00–17:00 ② 8:30–17:00 ③ 9:00–17:00 Closed: ① During the New Year holidays ② Every Tuesday ③ Every Monday Refundable deposit: 2,000 yen per item Payment method: Cash only

On October 26, 2025, the Ontake-style Kagura Festival was held at Nogaba Park, the 'Home of Kagura' 😊 Alongside Kiyokawa Town’s Ontake Kagura and the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society, four kagura troupes from inside and outside the prefecture gathered to offer a performance. One highlight of the festival was the meeting kagura. The meeting kagura, with three troupes performing the same piece on three separate stages, delivered a powerful spectacle. Under the clear autumn sky, many kagura fans visited the venue and enjoyed a day of bold and magnificent dances. The Ontake Kagura passed down in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, is said to have begun in 1449, the first year of Hōtoku, when Ontake Shrine was founded. It has been handed down for many years, and kagura following this tradition spread through Ono, Naoiri, the southern part of the prefecture, and as far as the Aso region. In 2007 it was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The Ontake-style Kagura Festival has been held since 1988 to reexamine this regional culture of kagura born from Kiyokawa’s local environment and to promote regional revitalization through kagura. As a crystallization of local culture that brings together traditional arts from each area, the Ontake Kagura centers on bold, splendid dances, and the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society’s graceful performances continue to captivate many kagura fans and carry the Ontake tradition forward. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This photo was taken at Takayama Inari Shrine in Aomori Prefecture. There is a thousand Torii (shrine gates) here, and you can see it from the high ground. It shows various expressions in Four Seasons, but this photo is not from a high ground, but from a Torii (shrine gate). The wonderful curves were impressive, and Impression of the superb view that unfolded ahead was aroused.

Gohbara-juku (Gohbara-juku) Location: Gohbara, Hirooka, Shiojiri City Gohbara-juku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it branched from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokuriku side route) to connect Nakasendo’s Seba-juku with the Hokkokukaido. Rather than an existing settlement becoming the post town, Gohbara’s original village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in the Ueno land division. When the post station was laid out, the settlement was moved around Genna 5 (circa 1619) to its present site together with the Kataishi hamlet, which had been on the west bank, to create the new post town. Highlights of Gohbara-juku Houses were laid out with wide frontages of five to six ken, featuring main gabled roofs with the short side facing the street and sparrow deterrents on the ridges. Each house has a forecourt with planted trees, creating an attractive streetscape, and shop names are displayed at every residence. Sōetsu Yanagi, called the father of the mingei (folk craft) movement, praised Gohbara-juku in his essays, saying the entire post town was “a single splendid work of art.” On the north side of the post town stands Gofuku-ji, which served as a resting place for Emperor Meiji during his imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). Read more about the Nakasendo and the five post towns in the city here↓

Motoyama-juku (Motoyama-juku) Location: Shiojiri City, Soga Honzan Motoyama prospered as the gateway to Kiso Road and the exit from the Matsumoto Plain. Two-story houses with latticework fronts line the streets, preserving a strong sense of the past. The town is also introduced as the birthplace of sobakiri (cut buckwheat noodles). In Keicho 19 (1614), Shiojiri, Seba, and Motoyama were designated as new post towns on the Nakasendo. Unlike Shiojiri and Seba, which were formed by relocating people from neighboring villages, Motoyama developed from a medieval settlement. It was the 32nd station counting from Edo, situated 30 cho from Seba Post Town and 2 ri from Niegawa Inn (Niegawa-juku). The post town divided into Kamimachi to the south and Shimomachi to the north, with the honjin, wakimotonjin, and dispatch office at its center. South of the town stood Hachiman Shrine, Choukyuuji, and Joukouji; to the north was Suwa Shrine, and across the Narai River lay Ikeo Shrine, though some temples were later abandoned. Because Motoyama bordered the Owari Domain in Kiso, a checkpoint was located south of the town to inspect women and timber. In Tenpo 14 (1843) the town had 117 households and 34 inns. Compared with Seba Post Town’s three-ken frontage, many houses in Motoyama had four- to five-ken facades. The town suffered several great fires, but surviving buildings date from the late Edo to Meiji periods. Facing the street, they feature hirairi degekata construction and second-floor rooms with senbon-koshi lattices, retaining much of the post town atmosphere. Notably, three residences built around the Meiji era—the Akiyama Family (Wakamatsuya), the Tanaka Family (Ikeda family), and the Kobayashi Family (Kawaguchi Family)—are registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. The honjin, Kobayashi residence, hosted Princess Kazunomiya, daughter of Emperor Ninkō, when she married Tokugawa Iemochi in Bunkyū 1 (1861), and it later accommodated the Meiji Emperor during his tour in Meiji 13. Each house still carries its traditional shop name, offering a glimpse into the past. The town’s specialty is soba. A note by Unrin in Hōei 3 (1706) in the miscellany Fūzoku Bunsen records Motoyama as the birthplace of sobakiri. Historic sites include the Motoyama Castle Ruins on a small hill behind the town, said to have been guarded by the Motoyama Minbu branch of the Kiso clan; Ike no Gongen (Ikeo Shrine), known for votive plaques for rain rituals, sericulture, and eye disease cures, whose shrine grove is a Shiojiri City natural monument; and the Shitamachi Stone Figure Group, featuring Dosojin, Koshin stone monuments, and inscribed tablets. For articles on the Nakasendo and the city’s five post towns, click here↓

Enjoy historical buildings and Autumn leaves! Introducing ✨ the history of Matsushiro Use the "Sanada Treasure Museum", "Sanada Residence", and "Bunbu School" introduced this time can also be used for advantageous common admission tickets! * For details of the common admission ticket, please check the Sanada Treasure Museum website. (1) Matsushiro Ruins of the Castle As an important place in Kita Shinano, the castle was used as a base point by Takeda Shingen and Japanese cedar scenic spots, and after entering the Edo period, it became the residence of the Sanada family. It is a historical site that you want to visit when you come to Matsushiro. Every year in mid-April, it is also crowded as a Famous landmarks for cherry blossoms. 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 November ~ March 9:00~16:30 * Admission until 30 minutes before closing 【Regular holiday】Year-end and New Year holidays December 29th ~ January 3rd 【Car parking lot】Yes (Municipal Tonomachi Sightseeing Car Parking Lot) 【Admission Fee】Free (2) Sanada Residence The Sanada residence is a valuable building as a palace outside the castle built at the end of the Edo period. After the Meiji era, it was used as a private residence of the Sanada family. The traditional charm of the four seasons in the seated Garden is also a highlight, and you can also enjoy the Autumn leaves. 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 November ~ March 9:00~16:30 * Admission until 30 minutes before closing 【Regular holiday】Year-end and New Year holidays December 29th ~ January 3rd 【Car parking lot】Yes (Sanada Residence, Bunbu School North Side Car Parking Lot) 【Admission Fee】Adults: 400 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen * For details such as Fees, please check the Sanada Treasure Museum website. (3) Sanada Treasure Museum It has a collection of daimyo tools such as weapons that were handed down to the Sanada family of the Matsushiro Domain. Many interesting documents are on display, such as the Important Cultural Property "Aoe Odachi" and letters by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ishida Mitsunari, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Takeda Shingen, and others. 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 November ~ March 9:00~16:30 * Admission until 30 minutes before closing 【Regular holiday】Tuesdays (excluding holidays), year-end and New Year holidays December 29 ~ January 3 【Car parking lot】Yes (parking lot in front of Sanada Treasure Museum Car 【Admission Fee】General: 600 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen * For details such as Fees, please check the Sanada Treasure Museum website. (4) Bunbu School It is a domain school built at the end of the Edo period. The premises, which has a simple air while retaining the face of the Edo period, is often Use on location for movies and historical dramas. You can enjoy powerful guidance Video at the Literature Center and gunnery experience at the Jiu-Jitsu School. 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 November ~ March 9:00~16:30 * Admission until 30 minutes before closing 【Regular holiday】Year-end and New Year holidays December 29th ~ January 3rd 【Car parking lot】Yes (Sanada Residence, Bunbu School North Side Car Parking Lot) 【Admission Fee】Adults: 400 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen * For details such as Fees, please check the Sanada Treasure Museum website. (5) Zoyama Shrine Centered on the majestic Main Shrine built in the Momoyama style of cypress wood, there are Thereare Kogitei, where Zoyama discussed the current situation of the nation with the aspirants of the Bakumatsu period, the Tea Room and Yanyutei relocated from Kyoto, the ruins of the Zoyama house, the monument of his birth, and the Sakuma Zozan bronze statue. 【Car parking lot】Yes 【Admission Fee】Free (6) Yamadera Temple Tsuneyama Residence It is the residence of Matsushiro Domain, Yamadera Temple Tsuneyama. The main gate, which is estimated to have been built from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period, and the shoin, which is estimated to have been built from the end of the Taisho period to the early Showa period, have been restored and landscaped, and it is a facility that can be freely Visiting the site and used. 【Business hours】9:00~17:00 November ~ March 9:00~16:30 * Admission until 30 minutes before closing 【Regular holiday】Year-end and New Year holidays December 29th ~ January 3rd 【Car parking lot】Yes (Xiangshan East Car Parking Lot) 【Admission Fee】Free #Matsushiro #Autumn leaves #Nagano City #Nagano #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #nagano #naganocity