A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁 Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘 The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨ In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨ Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase? With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆

[Autumn Foliage Drive 🚘] Today I went for a drive to hunt for the remaining autumn leaves as they’re dwindling 🚗 First stop was Josenji Temple 🍁 The maple trees around the temple showed a range of colors, and every view was beautiful ✨ Mt. Nijo, being higher in elevation, didn’t have great foliage this year 😅 Still, the lookout gave a sweeping view of the mountains; the wind was cold but it felt refreshing 😊

Yusaku Park autumn leaves ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 17, 2025 Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. Overall, the foliage is about 60 percent along. The area around Shinji Pond seems to be at its peak this week. Even spots farther from the pond are progressing, so you can enjoy green, yellow, and red leaves that make for a beautiful sight. This week looks good for viewing the autumn colors. During the Yujaku Kanko Momiji Festival, local people sell kusa mochi and other treats. If you see them, give them a try. We will keep sharing updates on the foliage status. The Yusaku Park illumination runs through this week, from November 21 to 23, three nights in total. Some areas are dark at night, so we recommend bringing a flashlight. Location: Yusaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: Available Remaining illumination dates: November 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun) ▶ Hours: From sunset until 9:00 PM ■■■ 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 Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple ❚ Autumn foliage status as of November 17, 2025 The autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The peak has just passed. The 2025 Hoshoji Temple light-up ended on the 15th. We will report the foliage status as it changes. Location: Hoshoji Temple (Udae 1639, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Parking: Available ■ Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji Temple is a venerable temple with more than 800 years of history. Known as “Colorful Hoshoji” and “Hoshoji in Autumn,” it displays vivid hues during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, a light-up is held, and its magical atmosphere enchants visitors. ■■■ Access to downtown Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from beppu station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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.✨

Talents from Gokase Gathered! ✨ The "Yūhi no Sato Sakuhin-ten Exhibition" and the "Small Shimotsuki Festival in Sato," held on November 15 and 16, concluded to great success! Thank you so much to everyone who attended 😊 The venue, filled with impressive works mainly by local residents, shone with warm sensibility✨ Many people joined the hands-on sessions and created pieces that showcased their individuality 😆 It was a heartwarming event that brought together people of all ages, from children to adults 🥰

Beginner-friendly! Hike Mt. Kuradake from the 9th station Mt. Kuradake sits in Kyokushi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its appeal is that you can drive up to the 9th station and reach the summit in about a 30-minute walk, making it an easy outing. The mountain takes its name from the saddle-like shape you see from the foothills. There are several routes to suit different abilities, including the Forest Course, the Panorama Course, and the East Trailhead Course (9th station). Hikers from beginners to advanced enjoy this mountain. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama. You can take in sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso, the Kuju Mountains in Oita, and Unzen in Nagasaki. Wildflowers bloom along the way, offering seasonal variety. Signposts and markers make the route relatively easy to follow. Relax at the summit with a packed lunch or a cup of coffee. It’s also a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kuratake...

Autumn colors at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This little-known spot lets you enjoy the fall foliage at a relaxed pace during the daytime. Each year, the local community lights up the temple for about a week. At night, the illuminated leaves and their reflections create a beautiful scene. The gradient from green to red is stunning, inviting you to lose track of time as you watch. Location: Hoshoji Temple (1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City) Parking: Available About Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji is an esteemed ancient temple with more than 800 years of history. Nicknamed “Colorful Hoshoji” and “Hoshoji in Autumn,” it bursts into vivid hues during the fall. During the event period, the light-up adds a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Autumn leaves at Yujaku Park ❚ Foliage status as of November 12, 2025 Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture This park is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn foliage spots. Overall, about 30–40% of the leaves have changed color. The area around Shinji Pond is starting to turn first. Areas around Tanji Pond and places farther from the ponds are still mostly green, but the mix of green and red now creates a beautiful gradient of leaves. During the Yujaku Tourism Momiji Festival, local residents sell kusamochi (herb rice cakes) and other treats. If you see them, try one. We will update the foliage status as it changes. Please note that the Yujaku Park light-up follows a fixed schedule. Some paths are dark at night, so we recommend bringing a flashlight. On the 15th, Yujaku Night Kagura Suikyo will take place, and Yujaku Park Parking will be unavailable for certain hours. Location: Yujaku Park (Aoji-machi Kamiotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: Available Remaining light-up dates: Friday, November 14; Sunday, November 16; Friday, November 21; Saturday, November 22; Sunday, November 23 Time: From sunset until 9:00 PM ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Discover sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu’s Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁 The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁 The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨ I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡 Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊 ⚠Notice⚠ The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Amakusa Area designation within Unzen-Amakusa National Park on July 20, 2026, the two-day cycling event "Amakusa Round! Amaichi Granfondo 2025" will be held in Amakusa 🚴 Granfondo is an Italian term for long-distance cycling events. Rather than racing the clock, participants ride at their own pace, enjoy rest and meals at aid stations, and take in spectacular views on this relaxed cycling event♪ Event Overview Dates: December 13 (Sat)–December 14 (Sun), 2025 Location: Amakusa area, Kumamoto Prefecture (Amakusa City, Kami-Amakusa City, Reihoku) Capacity: Up to 200 riders per day, totaling 400 riders over two days. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses: (1) Shimashima Trial Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 140-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 30 riders experienced in cycling around the Amakusa area. (2) Shimashima Main Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 170 riders. (3) Kamishima Course Sunday, December 14, 2025. Start and finish at the Hiwado Regional Promotion Center, Kami-Amakusa City Hall. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Kamishima (Amakusa City and Kami-Amakusa City) for 200 riders. For registration details and more information, search for "Amaichi Gran" and visit the event website provided by Local Gain Co., Ltd. (080-7577-2505), or check the announcements section on our company website! Why not spend this December enjoying Reihoku’s food and nature while having a refreshing cycling experience around Amakusa? E-bike rentals are also available, so please take a look!

Reihoku Sunset Marche — November Event Notice📣 This is the announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche taking place in November♪ 👀Highlights of this edition of the Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche will feature agricultural products, processed foods, and prepared dishes from Reihoku. This time it will be held on the same day as the 10th anniversary and olive harvest thanksgiving festival of the neighboring Fukuda Family Olive Orchard.❣ We look forward to seeing everyone 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ 🙇Please note that parking is expected to be crowded, so you may also use the Chamber of Commerce parking lot.🙇 【Planned produce for sale】 ・Cucumbers ・Rice (new crop, late-season) ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes ・Zucchini ・Onions ・Mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Cherry tomatoes ・Peanuts ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, November 9, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM 【Venue】Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) ※Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

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

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 ##########

Divine glow ✨ On the way back from photographing Shirataki Falls, the pampas grass lit by sunlight looked divine, so I took a picture 📷 You can see gleaming pampas grass around town right now 👀 The temperature swings between morning and evening have deepened the autumn colors 🍁 Peak foliage may still be a little way off, but you can already feel the autumn scenery and breeze beyond the leaves 🌰

Hoshoji Temple ❚ Autumn foliage status as of October 31, 2025 Autumn leaves at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The trees are still mostly green overall. We will report on the foliage progress here as it changes. Location: Hoshoji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa, Bungoono City) Parking: Available Kiyokawa “Sai” Hoshoji Temple in Autumn During the event period, the temple will be illuminated for night viewing. Event period: Saturday, November 8, 2025 to Saturday, November 15, 2025 Access times to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yusaku Park (Yujaku Koen) ❚ Autumn foliage status as of October 31, 2025 Yusaku Park (Yujaku Koen) in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture It is one of Oita Prefecture’s representative spots for autumn colors. The trees are still mostly green overall. The Yusaku Tourism Momiji Festival begins on November 3. During the festival, kusa-mochi (grass rice cakes) and other items are sold. We will report the changing foliage conditions here in sequence. Location: Yusaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking: Available ■■■ 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, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Sugao Magaibutsu ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark Sugao Magaibutsu stands in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Its full, gentle face and softly rounded shoulders show a beautifully three-dimensional carving. Its craftsmanship is exquisitely detailed, comparable to wooden Buddhist statues in Kyoto and Nara. Sugao Magaibutsu is thought to date from the end of the Heian period. It is carved into welded tuff from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago. It has been designated a National Important Cultural Property and a Historic Site. Location: 466 Asase, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture About a five-minute drive from Sugao Magaibutsu is Roadside Station Mie, which offers a panoramic view of Enaito no Kei. It’s a good spot to take a break. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about 3 hours by car From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about 2 hours by car From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu — Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungoono City) Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2025 ❚ Held on November 15, 2025 “Yusaku Night Kagura: Mizukagami 2025” will take place at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. The bold Kagura dances will be reflected on the surface of the Shinji Pond. Because the area around the pond can get cold at night, we recommend bringing a jacket. Date and Time: Saturday, November 15, 2025 ※If it rains, the event will be postponed to the following day. Location: Yusaku Park (Ageotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) Parking From 14:00 on the day of the event, parking in and around the venue is not permitted. A shuttle bus will operate to and from Asaji Community Center, so please use it. ▶ Parking: Asaji Community Center ▶ Service Hours: 15:00–21:00 ▶ Contribution: 300 yen Performers Itaisako Shinmeisha Kagura Troupe Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society Organizer Asaji Town Youth Division Mizukagami Executive Committee Event Inquiries Bungoono City Hall, Asaji Branch 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20251029event-asaji/...

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.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Gokase Town Fukushi Festival This year’s Fukushi Festival was once again wrapped in warm energy! 🙌 The theme this year was “Spreading the Circle of Welfare to Tomorrow.” True to its name, the welfare center venue was full of smiles and kindness pointing toward Gokase Town’s future 😊 The bazaar, which began at 10:00, was a huge hit 🔥 Many people gathered hunting for bargains, and lively circles of socializing spread throughout the venue 👚 We even saw lots of children carrying stuffed animals bigger than themselves 👀 A variety of stage performances were fantastic, offering entertainment for all ages and bringing the whole venue together in excitement 🔥 Through displays of welfare activities and the bazaar, this Fukushi Festival naturally fostered a spirit of mutual support 🥰 From the staff who helped run the event to local residents and student volunteers, people of all ages—from children to seniors—had a chance to shine 👏 The Fukushi Festival is a truly lovely event where you can feel Gokase’s circle of kindness spreading into tomorrow and beyond. I already want to join this warm circle again next year ✨

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】 A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025… #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆 Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁 Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town #Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025 on Instagram! Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town! Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!! Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels. [Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use *The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.* 1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025" Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡 Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰 ⚠ Caution ⚠ Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Announcement: Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche📣 The Reihoku Medical Association Hospital will host the Musubu Marche to raise interest in health and medical care on Saturday, November 8. Highlights include a hands-on job experience session for children with nurses and pharmacists, a public lecture by the hospital director, and a photo-frame workshop using scallop shells, plus many other attractions. Food trucks will be on site that day, and a stamp rally will let visitors collect stamps at each booth for a chance to win prizes by lottery. Please come and join us✨ Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Location: Main parking area in front of Reihoku Medical Association Hospital (3600-3 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Note: The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in heavy rain (programs may change).

*The photo was taken during a spring mountain-climbing event.* [Now Accepting Participants] The 20th Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb will be held! This mountain-climbing event takes you to Tenjiku, one of Reihoku’s landmarks and the highest peak on Amakusa Shimoshima. The 20th “Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb” will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025⛰. The roughly 11 km round trip offers panoramic views from the summit and refreshing forest bathing, and a local product sale will also be held, so please sign up for an autumn outing. Participants can also earn 20 Kumamoto Health Points✨ Register via the QR code or from the News section of our website! ▶ Schedule: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9:30–14:00 09:30 Departure ceremony 10:10 Start 14:30 Goal (estimated) ▶ Meeting place: Amakusa Koba-no-Mori Nature School (former Koba Elementary School), 6118-2 Tororo, Reihoku ▶ Parking: Please use the Koba-no-Mori Nature School parking area (around the lodging building). ▶ Course: Approximately 11 km round trip ▶ Eligibility: People who are healthy on the day and can follow the event rules. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. ▶ What to bring: Drinks, trash bags, towel, change of clothes, etc. ▶ Fee: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500; elementary and junior high students ¥500; preschool children free Fees will be collected at registration on the day. Please bring exact change if possible. ▶ Other: Rice ball bento (¥500) will be prepared for those who need it. If you would like one, please fill in the field at the end of the application form. This event accepts pre-registration only; there will be no on-site registration. Please provide information for every participant. The event may be canceled due to weather. In that case we will notify the email address you provided (if multiple people register together, we will contact the representative’s email address). Application deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM

We sincerely thank you for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Here is a brief excerpted report on our activities for the first half of this fiscal year (April–September 2025). ■ May: Sea-Opening Ceremony & SUP Experience On Saturday, May 31, we held a sea-opening Shinto ceremony and the SUP Experience 2025, with a total of 37 participants, which was very well received. ■ June: OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025 On Saturday, June 7, we hosted the OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025, which welcomed approximately 1,600 visitors. ■ July: The 37th Reihoku Jatto Festival (Fireworks Display) The festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, and our company participated by sharing information and providing event staff. ■ Other Achievements ・Number of tourists who visited the tourist information center: 2,408 ・Total visitors to the Sunset Marche (local product sales): 608 ・Visitors to the Beauty & Healing Yorimichi Marche (product sales and treatment trials, held Saturday, July 12): 213 ・Usage of Shiraiwasaki Campground: 102 people ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・RV Park usage: 34 bookings (April–August 2025) ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・Website operations: Posted 17 notices ・SNS activity Facebook: 35 posts, 1,798 followers Instagram: 46 posts, 2,486 followers COOL JAPAN VIDEOS: 27 posts, 7 followers ・Guided tours provided: 77 people ・PR activities: Participation in the Roadside Station Tsujunkyo first-anniversary event (April 12–13); sales revenue: ¥92,822 We would be grateful for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Thank you very much for your continued cooperation.

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. 👀‼️

Kiyokawa “Aya” Hōshōji in Autumn ❚ Held November 8–15, 2025 Hōshōji in Kiyokawa, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, will feature a light-up display. Hōshōji is a venerable temple with over 800 years of history. Known as “Aya no Hōshōji” or “Hōshōji in Autumn,” the temple erupts in vivid colors during the maple season. During the event, local residents will illuminate the temple, enchanting visitors with a dreamlike atmosphere. [Event Period] Saturday, November 8–Saturday, November 15, 2025 ▶ Lights on from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (scheduled) [Location] Hōshōji (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa Town, Bungoono City) ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase On Sunday, October 12, the 27th Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase took place under clear skies at Gokase Winery Event Square. 🌞 An opening drum performance instantly raised the festival mood, and the Dange-nana Dance by Kamikumi Elementary School and the Dan-shichi Odori Preservation Group united the crowd. ✨ Dance and hula routines had many people spontaneously joining in. ✨ Kainina’s song choices hit the perfect notes, and they got so into the music they paid little attention to the cameras. 🎶 At the Aju Girls’ stage, fans crowded the front to take photos. 📷 Momashi Five brought their signature presence, involving the whole audience and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. 😆 In the on-site fields visitors enjoyed a sweet potato digging experience; many left with sacks full of piping-hot sweet potatoes. 🍠 The main guests, the Toshiki Abe Life Memory Project, played melodies that perfectly matched the venue’s evening atmosphere as dusk approached. 😍 The finale featured kagura ritual music from Kotono Shrine. 👹 A roaming lion dance through the venue drew screams and laughter from different corners. 😅 Many people also joined the final mochi-throwing. 😊 We were treated to the beautiful sunset that inspired the name Sunset Village, making it another delightful day this year. ✨