Taken on October 17, 2026. This is Ieyasu's float, rotating in front of Atre Kawagoe.

Photographed on October 17, 2026. The first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is Ieyasu's float passing under the overpass in front of Atre Kawagoe.

Taken on October 17, 26. It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Wakitamachi and Ieyasu departing.

The Autumn Festival at Fukuōji Shrine is a festival that features a portable shrine passing through the Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji, showcasing the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. This year, after seven years, the Kenboko (spear-like decoration) was presented within the grounds of Ninna-ji. The highlight is the magnificent procession of the Senkan portable shrine! In front of the Nio Gate at Ninna-ji, there will be performances of taiko drums, lion dances, and the "lifting" and "turning" of the portable shrine, creating a lively atmosphere for the festival. Additionally, the normally closed Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji will be opened, providing a rare opportunity for solemn ceremonies to be held in front of the Shin-den. This year marks the return of the Kenboko presentation after seven years within the grounds of Ninna-ji. 📅Every year on the third Sunday of October 📍Procession of the Portable Shrine Starting from Fukuōji Shrine, it will pass through Narutaki, Yamagoe, Uzumasa, Tokiwa, and Omuro, then return to Fukuōji Shrine via Ninna-ji. 📸 Recommended Viewing Spots Around 14:30｜In front of the mountain gate of Ninna-ji Around 15:30｜Fukuōji Intersection This autumn festival in Kyoto is filled with the enthusiasm and traditions of the local people.

The Kawagoe Festival has concluded.

It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The Nasori float is about to depart.

Taken on October 17, 2014. It was the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. The moment the floats turned was impressive.

It's the first night of the Kawagoe Festival. In Shintomi-cho 2-chome, the mirror lion float and in Suehirocho, the Takasago float are crossing each other.

The Kawagoe Festival has begun.

The 45th Yusaku Tourism Maple Festival ❚ Held from November 3 to November 23, 2026 The 45th Yusaku Tourism Maple Festival will take place at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Yusaku Park, the venue, originated as a villa given to a senior retainer by the lord of the Oka domain during the Edo period. It is said that Tanomura Chikuden and Rai San'yō also visited, and over 500 maple and kaede trees will change color around the heart-shaped pond. The trees, dyed in red and yellow, reflect beautifully on the surface of the water. During the festival, rice cakes and other items will be sold, and for five days, the area will be illuminated from sunset until 9 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the night scenery of the autumn leaves wrapped in light. On Saturday, November 14, there will be daytime dance and karaoke, along with an evening performance of Yusaku Night Kagura "Mizukagami." Feel free to visit at your preferred time. 【Period】 From November 3 (Tue, Holiday) to November 23 (Mon, Holiday) 【Schedule】 Illumination: November 7 (Sat), 13 (Fri), 20 (Fri), 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun) *From sunset to 9:00 PM Dance and karaoke: November 14 (Sat) 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (canceled in case of rain) Yusaku Night Kagura "Mizukagami": November 14 (Sat) starts at 3:45 PM (postponed to the next day in case of rain) 【Location】 Yusaku Park (Kameozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) 【Admission】 Free entry 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Contact】 Bungoono City Asaji Branch 0974-72-1111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Grand Festival.

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Grand Festival.

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Taken on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Konohanasakuya-hime from Kishimachi 2-chōme visiting Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The little photographer is adorable. I'm looking forward to this year's Kawagoe Festival.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The mirror lion float has returned to Hon-Kawagoe Station. This year, 26 floats will parade, so I’m looking forward to it.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Rokkenmachi and Sanbasō.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the parade of the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi 1-chome and the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Motomachi 2-chome and Sanno.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Shintomi-cho 2-chome featuring the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) and the floats from Motomachi 2-chome featuring Sanno are being pulled together.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Wakitamachi featuring Ieyasu, the float from Otemachi featuring Uzume, and the float from Kishimachi 2-chome featuring Konohanasakuya-hime are being pulled together.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Nakaharacho, featuring Kawagoe Taro Shigeyori, and the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome, showcasing the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance).

Photographed on October 19, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the Hon-Kawagoe PePe, which has closed, along with the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) float.

Taken on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.

There are two weeks left until the Kawagoe Festival.

On Sunday, September 20th, we held the 50th Hakurin Park Festival! Despite the unfortunate weather, many people attended. Thank you to everyone who came to the venue!

The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono ❚ Held on October 17th and 18th, 2026 The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono will take place at Lodge Kiyokawa in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue will feature around 20 tent saunas, making it a two-day event where sauna enthusiasts gather from all over the country. In addition to saunas, there will be food stalls and music events, allowing for a relaxed experience throughout the day. On the day of the event, programs such as VIP Aufguss, stage performances, food markets, and group whisking will be held. Tickets will be available in various types, including one-day tickets, two-day passes, the Ichiban Sauna ticket that allows entry one hour before opening, and VIP one-day tickets with reserved time. As no additional tickets will be released, please check early if you are interested. A pre-festival without saunas will also be held on Friday, October 16th, featuring cuisine and live performances from Cafe Paramu. For sauna lovers, these two autumn days are not to be missed! 【Date】 October 17th (Saturday) and 18th (Sunday), 2026 *The pre-festival is on October 16th (Friday) 【Location】 Lodge Kiyokawa (158 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 8:00 AM Doors Open 9:00 AM Ichiban Sauna Starts (Ichiban Sauna ticket required) 10:00 AM VIP and General Saunas Start, All Programs Begin 5:00 PM End *For pre-festival timings, please inquire 【Fees】 One-day ticket: 7,500 yen Two-day pass: 13,500 yen Ichiban Sauna ticket (1 day): 8,500 yen VIP ticket (1 day): 16,000 yen Pre-festival ticket: 6,000 yen (no sauna) *Free for high school students and younger when accompanied by a guardian 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC 【Parking】 Available (free) *Free shuttle service between the parking lot and venue ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono 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 and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

I took this photo at Mizumoto Park in Tokyo, and for me, it captures much more than just the beauty of autumn. As I walked among the towering metasequoia trees, I was completely drawn to the way the warm sunlight was passing through the forest. The trees were glowing in deep shades of red, orange, and gold, while the morning sun created beautiful, elongated shadows across the ground. I remember feeling a sense of calm as I stood there, surrounded by such incredible colors and silence. But what really caught my attention was that quiet seat beneath the trees. It looked so peaceful, almost as if it was inviting me to stop for a while and forget everything else. I imagined sitting there, feeling the cool autumn breeze, watching the sunlight slowly move between the trees, and simply enjoying the moment. I wanted to capture that feeling—not just the scenery. Sometimes a scene makes you stop before you even think about composition. You just feel something. That is what happened here. I waited for the sunlight to fall perfectly between the trees, revealing the seat and illuminating the autumn leaves around it. When I finally pressed the shutter, I felt that I had captured a small piece of the peacefulness I was experiencing at that moment. Looking at this photo now, I can still remember the feeling of standing there—the warmth of the sunlight, the quietness of the forest, and the overwhelming beauty of autumn at Mizumoto Park. This photograph is not only a picture of a beautiful place; it is a memory of a beautiful moment I was lucky enough to experience.

【A Night of Performing Arts and Celebration】 On a night in September. This year, the Nishiokoppe Village Performing Arts Festival was held 🎉 In the performing arts section, there were performances of traditional Japanese drumming, acting, band music, and dance, making for a nearly two-hour showcase filled with expressions and music. In the latter half, during the karaoke section, eight villagers took to the stage to passionately sing their favorite songs 🎤 As for the audience, they enjoyed chatting with acquaintances while savoring food and drinks purchased from the stalls, and cheering on the performers with all their might. Some were even seen waving glow sticks to support the karaoke ⚡️ Setoushi-kun seemed to enjoy the yakitori as well 🤤 We are grateful to everyone who participated, set up stalls, and helped behind the scenes, and to all the attendees who came on that day. Thank you for a wonderful night!

Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District ❚ Held on September 27, 2026 The "Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District" will take place in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Makomo (the Japanese bulrush) is a perennial grass from the rice family, traditionally used for food, crafts, and rituals. The swollen part of its stem is called Makomodake and is edible. The Makomo displayed at the venue has been cultivated on previously abandoned farmland. Compared to rice cultivation, it requires less maintenance and is expected to purify water during its growth, leading to its adoption as a new crop in the region. On the day of the festival, there will be a harvest experience, as well as a moment to listen to the sounds of bamboo flutes. Local vendors will offer Hase Women's Association's Makomo chirashi sushi set and fermented juices. The harvest experience will start at 1 PM with on-site registration. The harvested Makomo can be taken home for cooking, while the leaves and stems can be dried for tea or bundled for shimenawa (a traditional rice straw rope). Enjoy a leisurely day in autumn Hase. 【Date】 September 27, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM *Held in light rain; canceled in case of typhoon or severe weather 【Location】 Nagata-ni Promotion Council (former Hase Elementary School Grounds) 1298-3 Kuromatsu, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Experience】 Makomo Harvest Experience 【Food and Drink】 ・Makomo chirashi sushi set with Makomo tea (Hase Women's Association) ・Fermented juices *Nagomi Coffee (Inukai) *Hozuki (Oonomachi) *Haruna Kitchen (Mie Town) *Tao Organic Kitchen (Mie Town) 【Live Performances】 ・Harunayu & Junji Takaishi (Taketa City) ・Bamboo flute live performance (Aman Bamboo Flute Workshop) 【Sales】 ・Freshly harvested Makomo and Makomo tea ・Makomo shimekazari (decorative rice straw) ・Locally harvested vegetables ・Bamboo charcoal, bamboo chip compost, fermented bamboo powder ▶ For inquiries about the event Phone: 097-579-7172 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

【Invited by the Lights of the Yoimatsuri】 The Shinto Shrine Festival in the Kamiokoppe area of Nishiokoppe Village takes place every year on September 7th, with the Yoimatsuri held the night before.🏮 Preparations for the stalls began while the sky was still bright, and both children and adults gathered in droves. The stalls offered a mix of food and festival games, roughly half and half. There were yo-yo fishing, shooting games, and shape-cutting. Delicious treats included inari sushi, red rice, yakisoba, yakitori, cotton candy, and shaved ice... There were also performances featuring Nankin Tamasudare and Ezo deer drums. In sync with the calls, the decorative screens transformed into towers, roofs, and flags. The guests joined in with cheers and clapping to boost the atmosphere. Just then, a demon appeared, enveloping the venue in a tense atmosphere. The drum performance... or so it seemed, as the demon swung its antlers, appearing to battle something.👹 It was a wonderful performance filled with a spirit of dedication. The lights from the shrine and stalls illuminated the town that night. We enjoyed the Yoimatsuri while basking in the cool evening breeze.