Special coupon offer available at Kawayu Onsen! Tokutoku Coupon 2026 A new savings campaign, the Tokutoku Coupon, has begun for guests staying at hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association! Guests who stay at any of the three participating hotels—Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu—will receive discount coupons worth a total of ¥2,000 to use at participating businesses. Pick up the coupons at your hotel front desk and present them at the shops listed on the MAP to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2026, through the end of March 2026, but will end once coupons run out. Take advantage of this great deal to enjoy hot springs and local dining in the Kawayu Onsen area! [Coupon distribution period] Thursday, January 15, 2026 – through the end of March 2026 *Distribution ends when coupons are gone* [Coupon details] Discount coupons totaling ¥2,000 − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at snacks and bars (MAP NO 2, 3, 8) − A ¥1,000 discount coupon valid for payments at izakayas, cafes, and other listed establishments (excluding MAP NO 2, 3, 8) [Shops where coupons can be used] 1) Cafe Noble 2) Snack COCO 3) Zakku & Baran 4) Miraku Sushi 5) Inakaya Genpei 6) Izakaya Matsurigura 7) Robata Maruhachi 8) Unite 9) Hokkaido Kitchen 9 Shiro 10) Orchard grass 11) Cream Fairy Tale Chup [Hotels distributing the coupons] Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu Bettei Suikazura, KKR Kawayu (hotels affiliated with the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association) *Only guests currently staying at or who have stayed at the above participating accommodations are eligible* *Guests wishing to use the coupons should request them at the front desk.* [Other information] • Depending on the day of the week and time, shops may be busy. • We recommend contacting each shop in advance for reservations or inquiries. • Shops will tear off the coupon when used, so please bring it as issued. (Coupons that have already been torn will be invalid. Please take care.) [Organizer and coupon issuer] Kawayu Restaurants and Bars Association https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/tokutoku2026/...

It's the Devil's Banquet! Scary masks, bone plates, and shadowy staging. Yet the star is a little devil holding a spoon with a smile. Tonight only, fear becomes a feast. Photo location: home

Merry Christmas! 🎅✨ How are you spending this Christmas? Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest illumination event, Bihoku Illumination, is now underway at National Bihoku Hillside Park 🎄💞 An installation art collective called Mirror Baller, known for creating spaces of light and reflection, presents artworks themed around “Dream,” filling the winter park with magical light and sound. Enjoy a photogenic, moving experience. Last year Mirror Baller occupied a paid special area; this year they are free to enter. 🌟Event details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5326... 🌟Recommended articles🔽 [2025 Updated] Pair the National Bihoku Hillside Park illumination with delicious on-site gourmet treats! https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5380...

Enriched dive to the shipwreck 🚢 Hello 🫧 This is Hokulea Shonan. Today we visited the shipwreck dive site in Atami 🚢 Large schools of fish gathered around the wreck, and we were thrilled by the dramatic underwater scenery 🤩 This time we dived using enriched air (Nitrox). Thanks to that, my body felt much better after the dive ☺️ Enriched air is a breathing gas with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air. Because less nitrogen accumulates in the body, it reduces the risk of decompression sickness and allows for safer dives 👍 Another big benefit is that you get less tired ✌️ Thank you to all the guests who joined us 😊 Diving as a family was truly lovely ✨ From now on, let’s enjoy Atami’s shipwreck more comfortably with enriched air 🥳 🌈 At Hokulea Shonan, you can also earn the Enriched Air Specialty (SP) certification 🙌 We also welcome requests for course dates! --- 🏝️ Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme “Let’s travel to unseen worlds!”, we share the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We run lessons and tours more than 300 days a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #Hokulea Shonan #Enriched Air #Nitrox #Enriched Diving #CoolJapanVideos #HokuleaShonan #NitroxDiving #EnrichedAir #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue

[Spectacular Views in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture — This Is the Place!] Experience beautiful nature🍃 Top scenic spots in Shobara! Located in the center of the Chugoku region, Shobara covers a territory where 80 percent of the area is forest. This town, where people and nature live together in satoyama-style communities, still preserves natural wonders you won’t find in the city. Here are breathtaking vistas that remind you of the everyday, long-forgotten but precious gifts of vast nature and the kindness of its people. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4019...

Lantern lighting has begun at Kawayu Onsen! 🏮 Lanterns now hang outside accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and other stores within the kawayu group facility district of Akan-Mashu National Park. Follow the gentle glow of the lanterns and enjoy Kawayu Onsen town at night. 💡 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/889/...

A place where you can meet sea turtles on a day trip✨ Hello! This is Hokulea Shonan 🤗 This time we went diving at Ose Cape, where you can dive with sea turtles on a day trip 🤿 Right now, among beach dives on the Izu Peninsula, Ose Cape has the highest chance of encountering sea turtles👏 Recently it also made headlines when two whales appeared during a dive! On this dive we met a sea turtle on the first dive👏 No matter how many times you see them, the moment you meet one always gets you excited😄 On sunny days it feels great to relax in the shallow water✨ We also found nudibranchs that are popular with divers👍 Ose Cape was teeming with life and full of highlights 🥳 Thank you to everyone who joined us🙏 If you want to dive with sea turtles, be sure to head to Ose Cape🌟 We don’t know how long they’ll stay, so come soon〜! --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme "Set out for a world you’ve never seen!", we convey the beauty and joy of nature through diving. We hold over 300 courses and tours a year in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can participate with confidence. Request dives are also very welcome! #DiveJapan #ScubaDivingJapan #BeachDiving #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #HiddenJapan #HokuleaShonan

I had a female model hold a painting I made. This becomes a complete work of art 🎨 I used to paint until I made photography my profession 🖼

I sometimes use body paint when photographing male nudes. Is this a fish painted using makeup only? (laugh) I work as a female photographer taking male nude photographs, and I take pride in it!

Northern Alps Foothills🏔️ Omachi City December 19 — The sky is clear today☀️ and the snow-capped Northern Alps stand out against the blue sky🏔 So, I went around Omachi City to visit the best Northern Alps viewpoints😊 1. Omachi Park 2. Mikamachi Kita signal crossing 3. Kannon Bridge 4. Asahi-cho Pedestrian Bridge 5. On the Shinano-Ōmachi Station overpass Spots 1–3 are reachable by car from shinanooomachi station, and spots 4–5 are within a 10-minute walk😌 I would be happy if you could stop by when you visit🥰 🏂 Shinano-Ōmachi Navi🏔 https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨ Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄ An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂 The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡 As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊 Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄

🌼The 60th Shimoda Onsen Narcissus Festival🌼 ＼2 days until the opening!／ Today (12/18) we carried out a cleanup at Cape Tsumeki🧹 About 60 people helped, and the park is now fully ready to welcome visitors✨ Planters of narcissus have also been placed at Izukyu Shimoda Station🚉🌼 📅 December 20th, 10:00 — Opening event ・Ribbon cutting ・Shimoda Taiko drumming performance🥁 ・Free kinmedai nigiri sushi for the first 100 visitors ・Ikenodan nitsumiso hotpot served to the first 200 visitors Current bloom status: “Starting to bloom”🌱 We will post occasional bloom updates on the blog during the festival📝 👉 More details here https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251218... Enjoy the delicate white narcissus in winter Shimoda❄️🌼

Meigetsuin Temple, famous for its hydrangeas This temple in the historic city of Kamakura also offers spectacular autumn foliage. Especially from the Satori Window, the view of the autumn leaves captures a timeless sense of old Japan.

Autumn colors in Tokyo Metropolitan Mizumoto park. Where the autumn colors looks completely different than the other spots in Tokyo. The sunrise view from the metasequoia forest looks amazing.

[Announcement of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest] The annual Teshikaga Photo Contest will be held again this year. Submissions are invited under the theme "Experience the volcanoes, forests, and lakes through the four seasons of Teshikaga," and the winners will be announced on the tourism information portal Teshikaga Navi. Please check Teshikaga Navi for the contest entry guidelines and details. We look forward to your participation. "Call for Entries: 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest" Entry Period November 1, 2025 (Saturday) to January 20, 2026 (Tuesday); postmarked by this date Categories Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Open Prizes Grand Prize 1 entry…30,000 yen plus supplementary prizes (accommodation vouchers, Mashu Melon, etc.) Excellence Awards 3 entries…10,000 yen plus supplementary prizes / Honorable Mentions 5 entries…supplementary prizes / Special Prize and Tourism Association Prize: several awards ■ Thanks to the cooperation of local businesses, many supplementary prizes such as accommodation vouchers, meal vouchers, and local products are available. Organizer: Mashu Lake Tourism Association (local DMO) Supported by: Teshikaga Town, Teshikaga Town Board of Education, Lake Mashu Agricultural Cooperative, Teshikaga Town Promotion Corporation, Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Onsen Ryokan Association, Mashu Melon Producers Association, Hokkaido Shimbun, Kushiro Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment Akan-Mashu National Park Management Office https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/15photocon/...

Sunrise view of Mizumoto park in tokyo park. The metasequoia forest looks amazing during sunrise.

The ginkgo avenue along Sakuradoori is one of Nagoya's most representative and beautiful street trees in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The entire street turns a glorious golden hue, creating a striking urban autumn scene. Sakuradoori stretches for several kilometers, but the best view is famously from the pedestrian bridge at Nisshin-mae Crossing (where Sakuradoori meets Fushimi-dori). It is widely known as the prime spot to take in the whole avenue.

The best season to visit Yōki-sō is unquestionably autumn. The maple trees in the garden turn vivid red, creating a striking contrast with the historic buildings; you can enjoy a unique autumn scene where the red of Taisho-era romantic architecture and the red of the maples come together.

The charm of Horyuin Temple lies in its moss and thatched gate. From the approach, the gradation of autumn colors seen beyond the thatched gate looks like a painting framed by the gate.

The autumn colors in Mizumoto park in Tokyo looks amazing during sunrise. The early morning view of the metasequoia forest with the soft sunlight looks amazing. Its a Mystic view. I had an amazing experience during my trip to the Mizumoto park.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Also it is paradise for bird watchers. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

Special exhibition until Sunday, December 14th "Mago Nagasaka Exhibition" Mago Nagasaka’s solo show, his first museum exhibition in the Hokuriku region. From paintings to three-dimensional works, this rare opportunity presents the trajectory of Nagasaka’s creative practice on an unprecedented scale that uses the natural setting of Kanazu Forest of Creation. To support Nagasaka’s global efforts driven by his strong belief that art exists to save people and promote world peace, the museum will attempt artwork sales second only to the Ueno Royal Museum. Through this exhibition, we aim to convey the future roles and possibilities of art and foster a sustainable cultural environment. 📌Hours 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 📌Venue Kanazu Forest of Creation Museum Artcore and open-air museum 57-2-19 Miyanoyatsu, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture 919-0806 📌Admission General 300 yen (200 yen), 65 and over / people with disabilities 150 yen, Free for high school students and younger, and one caregiver per visitor with a disability Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ★Part of the admission fees will be used to support activities in Ghana.

The autumn leaves at Okuni Jinja Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. The vermilion bridge blends seamlessly into the fall scenery.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

Akizuki Castle Ruins in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture I went to see the autumn leaves at Akizuki Castle Ruins The brilliant red foliage was beautiful. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷💕🍁

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival This enchanting event fills winter nights along Kiso Road with the warm glow of ice candles and bamboo lanterns handcrafted by local residents. Held at post towns and other venues across the Kiso area, it usually runs from late January through mid-February each year. A photo contest will also be held. We look forward to many entries! For details, please see the Kiso Tourism Federation website.

December 6th Azumino Cold Moon The full moon sinks behind the Northern Alps A December morning turned bitterly cold.

December 6th Good morning This morning in Azumino the sky is a crisply clear blue The summit of Mount Nagamine is minus 5 degrees… It’s a very cold morning, but the full moon, the alpenglow on the Northern Alps, and the sea of clouds together make an amazing sight!!

Just after sunrise, I stood on Mt. Wagakuni as the city below disappeared beneath a quiet sea of clouds. From the soft white surface, hints of autumn gold and crimson treetops—peeked through like floating islands. As the sky shifted from deep blue to pale rose, the clouds began to glow and for a brief moment, everything felt perfectly still between night and morning.

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄