Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City's top spots for food and shopping! Blessed with vast land, Shobara offers farm-to-table gourmet delights. Surrounded by rich nature and marked by big temperature swings, Shobara is a treasure trove of delicious ingredients. As one of the prefecture's largest agricultural towns, it is home to the nationally acclaimed wagyu brand Hiba Beef 🥩, a specialty unique to Shobara. From these local ingredients come indulgent and exceptionally tasty treats. Be sure to try the exclusive specialties you can only taste in Shobara. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navigation website 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4014...

I took this photo at Ritsurin Park during the autumn foliage season. A building appears across the pond, and a maple with red leaves fills the foreground, giving a strong sense of depth, so I pressed the shutter. It was a calming scene that warmed my heart. This fall I hardly got to capture autumn because of university exams and assignments, plus driving school, so Ritsurin Park was the only place I visited. It's an incredibly fun spot, though. I’m hoping to visit many different places next year.

An aerial composition of the four-season cherry blossoms along the Tashiro River in Obara Village. Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture December 2025

Winter break travel to Akanko! ⁡ Akanko dedicated booking site & Marimo Pay As an opening commemorative campaign While Marimo Pay normally offers up to 5% points back we are offering an incredible 10% back for stays during the campaign period!!!! ⁡ With Christmas, New Year and other events packed into winter break why not spend it at Akanko?? ⁡ Book from the link in our profile!! https://lake-akan.com/marimopay/...

Akanko Winter Illumination Giveaway Campaign!! Today between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM Post a photo of the illumination on any social media and show your post to the tourism association counter staff to receive an immediate prize by lottery♪ We do not require any specific hashtag for social media posts, but if you would like to add one, please use #Akanko Marimo Gate .

Today, December 8, is "Rice Day" 🍚✨ Satoyama no Yume, a branded rice from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, won first place in the "Osaka Residents’ Most Delicious Rice Contest" and is a carefully selected rice with a taste score of 80 or higher. By creating a branded rice, Satoyama no Yume aims to build an environment where young people can take up farming with hope, contribute to agriculture and regional development, and bring dreams and aspirations to the community. This rice packs the dreams of satoyama farmers. To promote circular agriculture by reusing bamboo that damages farmland, farmers spent years experimenting to achieve this proud flavor. They cut bamboo into powder, ferment it for use as fertilizer, and use oyster shells—Hiroshima Prefecture’s specialty—to replenish soil minerals. These practices contribute not only to great taste but also to building a sustainable society that cares for the environment. (Rice Day falls on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month.) 1) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Set of 3 × 1 kg 6,800 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000034?category_page_id=ct45... 2) [Shobara Satoyama no Yume Farm] New crop: Shobara branded rice Satoyama no Yume Premium Set of 3 × 1 kg 7,500 yen (shipping and tax included) Product here 🔽 https://ec.satoyamaselect.jp/view/item/000000000005?category_page_id=ct45...

Frost lingering in Obara Village At minus 2 degrees, frost coated the plants, creating a scene I had never seen before. However, the autumn leaves were almost finished, and although I had heard the four-season cherry blossoms were about half in bloom, the recent snowfall seemed to have kept flowering from progressing. I’ll look forward to next year. Date: 2025/12/6 Location: Obara Village, Toyota City Shot on: DJI MAVIC 3 ※Flight application approved by Toyota City Hall ※Unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Flight plan reported and flight log created

This is the great ginkgo at Choraku-ji Temple in the Agi District of Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. The great ginkgo at Choraku-ji is about 1,100 years old. From roughly 3 meters above ground the trunk splits into four sections, and the thickest part measures about 4 meters around. The tree exceeds 30 meters in height, its entire trunk measures about 9 meters in circumference, and it was designated a Natural Monument of Gifu Prefecture in 1967. The trunk is divided partway into a large, old section and the sections that grew from it. About 250 years ago, when a bridge over the Agi River was washed away, legend says a portion of the trunk was cut off and used for the bridge beams, and the cut surface was reportedly charred with embers to prevent rot. Also, some 450 years ago when Takeda Katsuyori’s forces attacked Iwamura Castle and the Oda army, which had come out to meet them, were routed, Choraku-ji is said to have been burned; scorch marks from that fire still remain. Over its long history, this tree has been carefully tended and protected by the local community. It is so large that its branches spread beyond the temple grounds, making it visible from a distance with a strong presence. The trunk is thick and, when seen up close, the ginkgo is impressively majestic.

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.

The winning entries from the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest are now on display at Kushiro Prince Hotel—come together and enjoy them 📸✨ Period: Today through the end of February Location: Kushiro Prince Hotel, 1st floor lobby We are also actively seeking entries for the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest. We look forward to your participation‼︎ (For details, please see Teshikaga Navi)

Autumn leaves at Gifu Park 🍁 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

An update from the “Information Dispatch Bureau” on the Kawayu Onsen website 📝🆙 The Lake Kussharo Trout Fishing Tournament, held on November 15 and 16, took place on the Wakin Peninsula. This report covers how 100 anglers gathered and competed, capturing the excitement of the event. A must-see for fishing enthusiasts! 🎣 Please take a look ✨

Teshikaga Hikari Request ended on November 30. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us! ✨ Winners will be announced by shipment. Stay tuned to the official LINE for future event news and lovely updates. ☺️❣️

From the volcanic lake circuit in Kirishima, you can see MtKarakunidake. The autumn foliage and the fluffy, wool‑like slopes were beautiful. Location: Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture

A beautiful village surrounded by autumn colors. Looks so stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

This is the first time I have ever seen Mount Fuji. (This is the first time I have seen Mount Fuji.) Mount Fuji, harmonizing with the autumn leaves, is truly beautiful. (Mount Fuji, in harmony with the autumn foliage, is so magnificent.) Will the day come when we can meet again? (Will the day come when we can see it again?) #Tokyo #Kawaguchiko #maple #Japan trip #trip #Japan travel #Kawaguchiko #autumn-leaf trip #Mount Fuji

Autumn in the Enchanted Forest The bright red fall foliage of the bald cypress (rakushou) blazes on the surface of Lake Ejio. The scene feels dreamlike, as if you’ve wandered into a mysterious land. Photo location: Lake Ejio, Sanyoonoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Ukishima in Anegawa Dam in autumn Anegawa Dam Observation Deck, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

The endless mountain foliage of Nagano prefecture’s Lake Momiji unfurls in a sweeping colors of red, gold, and ember-orange, the autumn canopy spilling down the slopes until it kisses the mirrored surface of the lake.

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

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Seven must-visit attractions when you come to Shimanto City Here are facilities where you can enjoy activities and experience the history and culture of Shimanto City. 1 Nakamura area Facing the Pacific at the mouth of the Shimanto River, Nakamura area in Shimanto City was developed about 550 years ago by the Ichijo family, court nobles from Kyoto, who modeled the townscape on Kyoto. Many place names mirror those in Kyoto, and historical sites from that era still remain. Shimanto River Pleasure Boat Enjoy the scenery of the Shimanto River and a moment of timeless charm. Regularly scheduled boats, private charters, and reservation-only dining yakatabune (pleasure boats with meals) are available. From late May to early June, firefly boat tours run so you can watch fireflies dancing above the Shimanto River. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko Situated on the banks of the Shimanto River, this experience facility sits amid abundant nature. Alongside river activities such as canoeing and SUP, it offers auto camp sites. A range of equipment rentals makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the Shimanto River up close. Tombow Natural Park Shimanto River Museum The world’s first dragonfly sanctuary. The park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly and features seasonal flowers. At the adjacent Shimanto River Museum, permanent exhibits include about 3,000 dragonfly specimens representing 1,000 species from around the world, and roughly 130 species of fish from the Shimanto River and other rivers, teaching visitors about the current state of the Shimanto River. Shimanto Iyashi no Sato A hot spring facility on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River estuary. The facility houses Shimanto Iyashi no Sato, which offers hot spring water drawn within Shimanto City, and Restaurant Yamakawumi, serving dishes that make the most of the river’s generous bounty. Shimanto City Folk Museum This castle-shaped museum stands on the site of Nakamura Castle, once the stronghold of Yasutoyo Yamanouchi, the younger brother of Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Inside, it presents life, history, and culture woven with the Shimanto River under the theme “a town living with the river.” It also displays valuable materials related to the Tosa-Ichijo clan, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period loyalist Makiyoshi Higuchi, and Meiji-era socialist Kotoku Shusui, a notable figure born in Nakamura. The top floor serves as an observation deck with panoramic views of the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city. 2 Nishitosa area Upstream in Shimanto City, the Nishitosa area features scattered riverside settlements and peaceful scenery. At night, with few surrounding lights, the stars shine without being obscured by artificial illumination, offering pristine stargazing. Shimanto River Station Canoe Offering beginner-friendly canoe tours, this facility provides half-day and full-day basic courses under instructor guidance. The building also exhibits canoes from around the world. As a river station, it operates the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle as well. Shimanto Gakusha A former local school renovated into a lodging experience facility. Classrooms and the nurse’s room remain as overnight rooms, and desks and other furnishings from the school days are preserved. You can enjoy Shimanto River–specific experiences such as canoeing, stream trekking (shower climbing), and raft play. Hotel Seira Shimanto Perched on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, this hotel offers an outstanding, nature-surrounded location. Signature dishes feature the river’s bounty, including ayu (sweetfish), river shrimp, and Shimanto beef. An adjacent 4-meter observation dome and staff-led stargazing introduce guests to the wonders of the night sky. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa Located where Japan National Route 441 and Japan National Route 381 meet in the midstream area of the Shimanto River, this station is a gateway to Shimanto River sightseeing. A signature small truck displayed in the center of the store showcases fresh local produce, handmade processed foods, and boxed lunches ranging from seasonal items to regional traditional dishes. At the Ayu Market, which focuses on wild-caught products, you can see and purchase ayu as well as eel and freshwater crabs, enjoying the Shimanto River’s rich bounty firsthand.

Angel ladders over a yellow town. It was a thinly overcast day with the sun coming and going, but I managed to capture the angel ladders. Date: 2025/11 Location: Sobue Town, Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture *Flight over the Nikko River confirmed* *Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism* *Flight plan notified and flight log completed*

Autumns in nagano is amazing. There are multiple location to see autumn colors in Nagano prefecture but lake momiji is exceptionally good one. The running water and fall colors look stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Mizu No Kamui Kankoken, where pristine nature, protected since ancient times, still breathes. On the official SNS account for this Cool Japan Video, we share the vast landscapes, seasonal changes, and small local charms centered on Akanko, Lake Mashu, and Kushiro Shitsugen, bringing you the sights and timely information unique to Eastern Hokkaido. We aim to post discoveries that spark travel plans and information that lets you feel the atmosphere on site. Please follow us and enjoy the present face of Eastern Hokkaido together!

“Hiroshima Prefecture Shobara City’s Finest from Farming Town” Winter Gifts 2025 Start! ✨ Get extra savings by adding our official LINE account as a friend Details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special/5357... Shop directly from producers to enjoy the flavors of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Winter Gifts 2025 are now open for orders at Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP, our producer-direct online store! ⛄🎁✨ [Order Period] Until Friday, December 26, 2025 This year’s lineup includes fan-favorite products such as the “Hiba Beef Soboro and Shigure-ni Set,” made with 100% Hiba Beef—the legendary branded wagyu of Shobara—easy-to-eat “Shobara Wild Boar Gyoza” with no strong gamey taste, a “Charcoal-Smoked Assortment” that brings out the best of Shobara’s premium ingredients, Aigamo (duck) raised alongside rice in Tojo Town, and Ichiki Town’s “Shikishin Natural Yam,” all perfect companions for the winter season. Last year’s popular winter selection, the “Bihoku Mon Gift,” returns with a newly prepared New Rice Companion Set and a Sweets Set. We also offer the “Shobara City Branded Rice Set” and the “Shobara 20th Anniversary Commemorative Sake,” among other direct-from-producer gifts filled with producers’ dedication. These seasonal tastes make wonderful gifts for loved ones and are also perfect as gourmet deliveries to enjoy at home—please try them during this season✨ Plus, everyone who newly adds the Satoyama Shobara SELECT SHOP official LINE account as a friend will receive an exclusive friend-only coupon. See the link for more details!

A trip to Kyoto with someone special turned out to be wonderful. Visiting Kyoto in autumn for the first time felt very atmospheric and truly captured the essence of Japanese autumn…

I shot aerial footage of Gujo Hachiman Castle in autumn. It was my first visit to Gujo Hachiman Castle. The autumn colors had passed their peak and many leaves had faded, but an unexpected mist gave the scene a great atmosphere. Date: 2025/11 Location: Gifu Gujo * Flight application for Gujo Hachiman completed * Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism * Flight plan notified and flight log prepared

Lake Momiji in Nagano prefecture is one of the best autumn spots in Japan. It looks specifically beautiful during sunset.

November 22, 2025 The prefectural border between Noda City, Chiba Prefecture and Sakaimachi, Ibaraki Prefecture I photographed the sunset from the Tone River embankment on the Sakaimachi side, looking toward Kanseki-jō Castle 🏯. Behind the castle stood Mt. Fuji 🗻, and above it hung Yuzuki 🌕. I savored late autumn with the crimson sunset and moon-viewing.

A Scene from Yakumobarai in the Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami On November 15, 2025, the Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami took place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu This one-night-only night kagura, held during the autumn foliage season, began thanks to the passionate efforts of local young people. Dances of the kagura are performed on a stage set above Shinji Pond, creating a beautiful, otherworldly scene as the maple leaves and the kagura are reflected on the water.