Autumn appetites🍎✨ Have you heard of the local specialty “Takano apples” from Takano, Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture?✨ The cool climate and large temperature swings in Takano, Shobara City seem ideal for growing delicious apples! “Takano apples” are a little-known but proud specialty of Hiroshima Prefecture✨ If you drive along Takano’s “Apple Road,” where many orchards stand side by side, you can see Takano apples hanging on the trees in abundance😋💞 Why not stop by on a drive? Many orchards open from mid-September! Opening times vary by farm, and some farm shops close when they sell out, so it’s more reliable to call the orchard you plan to visit in advance✨ Please come and visit Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture! 🔽Orchards in Takano, Shobara City where you can pick apples🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/4812... 🔽Orchards in Tojo, Shobara City where you can pick apples🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/4813... For more information about orchards, please see the Shobara Tourist Navi website! https://www.shobara-info.com//

The Nishihara Festival will be held in on October 12 in the Nishihara district of Uenohara City. It is close to the Okutama area, Tambayama Village, and Kosuge Village. Drive, stop by and take a look. Hiroshi Kadokawa and Ami Mitsuya will perform on stage. You can enjoy one day with a lot of every year, so please go out. Location: 6931 Nishihara, Uenohara City Around Biryukan

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] Announcement for the September event📣 This is the Reihoku Sunset Marche September announcement♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣All-you-can-pack small onions🧅 and newly harvested rice from Reiwa 7! In addition to farm produce, there will also be prepared foods and various breads❣ We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don’t forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ [Planned agricultural products for sale] ・Asparagus ・Okra (round okra) ・Pumpkin ・Cucumber ・Water spinach ・Rice (newly harvested) ・Korinqui (kolinqui) ・Early-season mikan ・Onions ・Garlic ・Banana peppers 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Saturday, September 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) @reihokukankou ※Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

The long-closed “phantom roadway” Chobochinai Route will reopen for a limited time again this year. The Chobochinai Route, long closed to traffic, will open a little earlier than usual this year! 📅 Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM ■ What the phantom roadway is This road is an extremely limited route that is usually passable for only about one month, from mid-September to mid-October. It is called the “phantom roadway” because it can be used only when the water level falls to its lowest. Early October in particular coincides with peak autumn foliage, drawing many visitors from both inside and outside the route. 📌 Open section Dodo Route 1116 (Chobochinai Gate to Higashikawa-kita 7-sen Gate) 📅 Opening date and time From 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 ※ The schedule may change or be canceled due to weather or road conditions. ※ The start of the winter closure period is undecided at this time. 🚧 Cautions There are no maintained sidewalks, and some sections are narrow. Please take extra care with vehicle passing, sharp curves, and road surface conditions. Enjoy the nature of Higashikawa while driving safely. PS. The photos were taken in past years.

[Notice] Iwanai Bar-Hopping Tournament 🍺 Starts Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM Event flow ⇩ ・18:15 — Registration at the plaza in front of the Iwanai Regional Culture Center Exchange your ticket course voucher for the course map ・19:00–20:30 — Bar-hopping starts 🍺 Visit the four venues listed on the course map♪ ・20:30 — "Grand Lottery" A grand lottery will be held at the plaza in front of the Iwanai Regional Culture Center! The grand prize is a shared dining voucher worth 100,000 yen for participating stores❗️❗️ 1st prize is a dining voucher worth 50,000 yen 2nd prize and below will also receive luxurious prizes Advance tickets (4,000 yen) are sold at the following locations ⇩ 1. Participating bar-hopping venues (listed on the flyer) 2. Iwanai Chamber of Commerce 3. Iwanai Tourism Association (Roadside Station Iwanai) 4. Iwanai Rakza 5. Kaneta Yoshida Kamaboko Shop Thank you in advance 🙇 Organizer: Iwanai Restaurant Association

🌊Echizen Coast🌊 The Echizen Coast is perfect for a driving getaway. In the Kono district of Minami-Echizen Town, you can watch the sun sink beyond the horizon. Come and enjoy a weekend drive yourself☆

[Notice] Event information♪ ★ Iwanai Lions Club Beer Garden🍺 Two days only: August 9 and 10! At the event plaza in front of Roadside Station Iwanai Lions Festival celebrates in town🦁 Local restaurants will join and support with stalls There will also be events like a shaved-ice eating contest♪ Wondering where to go for the three-day weekend? If so, come to Iwanai-cho! 😊 Event organizer Iwanai Lions Club ★ Bon Festival 2025 August 11 (Mon) to August 16 (Sat) The "Bon Festival" will be held at the event plaza in front of the Roadside Station❗️ *August 11 and 12 are a pre-opening.* August 13–16 18:30–19:15 Children’s Bon dance 19:15–20:00 Hokkaido Bon dance Final day, August 16 From 18:30 Bon dance and costume dance Food stalls available🍴 Free karaoke and surprise guerrilla events too! Make summer holiday memories❗️Make hometown return memories❗️ Organizer: Bon Festival Children’s Festival Executive Committee

[Notice] This year’s lodging fireworks will again take place on August 10th. Launch site: IWANAI RESORT ※There is no parking available. Launch time: 8:30 PM. Postponed in case of severe weather. Organizer: Iwanai-cho Lodging Fireworks Executive Committee Inquiries: 0135-62-2222

[Notice] Event Information♪ The 52nd Iwanai Dotoh Festival!!! A spectacular fireworks show with about 5,000 shells🎇 ★Date and Time ・Saturday, August 2 — from 12:00 ※Fireworks start at 20:00 ※Postponed to the next day in case of rain ・Sunday, August 3 — from 10:00 ★Venue Special outdoor site on the west side of the Iwanai Regional Cultural Center Postal code 045-0003 51-7 Bandai, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai District, Hokkaido For the program and event details, please see the images from the second one onward.

Reihoku Sunflower Project 🌻 Introducing the sunflower project as one of Reihoku Town’s summer scenes! Local volunteer farmers have planted a total of 150,000 sunflowers at various spots around Reihoku Town (near Reihoku Town Hall and along Route 324), and they are now in full bloom 👀 The photos were taken with the sunset—one of Reihoku Town’s charms—in the background 🌇 The sunflowers along the major highway that runs through the heart of town are now at their peak, forming an important part of daily life for locals passing through town, and creating a memorable sight for first-time visitors ✨ You can take in the vast sunflower fields even just by driving by, so be sure to see them while they’re in bloom now!!

Otofukecho pairs perfectly with dusk 🌄 The wide sky and endless fields make it a truly charming town 🍃 It’s also nice to stop by during a leisurely drive 🚗

📍Chiyoda Weir A beautiful weir standing quietly in the great outdoors💧 Surrounded by the clear waters of the Tokachi River and lush greenery, it’s a place where time soothes the heart🍃✨ From around September to October, one of the charms here is watching autumn-returning masu salmon (autumn masu) swim upstream to spawn🐟 It’s a spot that makes photographers want to get out with their cameras, highly recommended for photo lovers📸

Notice: Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival This year too, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival will take place over three days from July 7th to July 9th. Please be aware that some roads will be closed during the festival, so take care when coming to the area. Come and join the “Iwanai Festival.”😌 *The schedule was referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.

Mokoto Pass Mokoto Pass runs along the north side of Lake Kussharo. It is a prefectural road connecting Kawayu Onsen to Higashi-Mokoto Village. Not well known as a tourist route, the road nevertheless offers unique, beautiful views from two observation points. Do visit — you are likely to encounter wonderful scenery. https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mokototoge/...

While driving, I spotted some cows!! The temperature rose sharply today! The cows looked hot, but the sunny weather felt wonderful. 🌞 The forecast calls for a slight drop in temperature tomorrow. Everyone, please take good care of your health. 😌

Thunder Falls(Kaminari Falls) Closed for winter has been lifted, and Thunder Falls (Kaminari Falls), a scenic spot in Takayama Village, has opened. A waterfall where the main stream of the Matsukawa River streams down It is said that it was named "Thunder Falls" because the sound sounds like thunder Also known as "Urami Waterfall". You can literally see the back side of the waterfall Fun at this time of year with plenty of water due to melting snow and super exciting waterfalls Water in spring (now) with plenty of budding Summer Cool even in the middle of summer Summer Spot Autumn: Collaboration between Autumn leaves and Splash of water * Closed in winter (mid-November ~ late April of the following year) The opening period is much better There is fun for each season, so I go there many times. If you come to Takayama Village, be sure to see it! It is a proud Spot that cannot be missed

To Little Forest Restaurant Popeye After a hibernation period, they have opened for the 2025 season, so I went to visit right away. Popeye sits alone at the farthest edge of the mountainside in the Kamisahoro area. Its single-story circular shape and wooden sign greet you with a charming exterior. Inside, the room faces south with pastureland stretching out and views of the Hidaka Mountains. Plenty of sunlight pours in, creating a comfortable space. People of all ages are welcome, and small children are especially encouraged to visit. The menu includes set meals, pasta, rice dishes, and desserts. The highly recommended item is the lunch special, the “Seasonal Popeye Lunch.” The contents change each month, and the main staple rice is kamameshi cooked in-house. You can ask to substitute plain steamed rice for the kamameshi, so feel free to mention it. ※Because quantities are limited, it may sell out early. It’s about a 15-minute drive from JR Shintoku Station, roughly 11 kilometers away. On a sunny day, it makes for a pleasant drive; enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the views, or stop by to refuel after a full day of activities in town. Be sure to drop in 💁‍♀️ ※The regular closing day is every Monday, but if a holiday falls on a Monday, they take their day off after the holiday instead. ※If you plan to come from far away, it might be a good idea to check in advance whether they are open. Little Forest Restaurant Popeye Closed: Mondays Contact: 080-5592-6798 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido gourmet #Hokkaido sightseeing #hokkaido (Japanese phonetic) #Tokachi #Tokachi (phonetic) #Tokachi sightseeing #Tokachi gourmet #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Shintoku Town gourmet #Small Forest #Restaurant #Restaurant Popeye #Popeye #Welcome to Shintoku Town #Welcome back to Shintoku Town #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers #hokkaido_love #ilovehokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidolikers #hokkaidolove #hokkaidosgram #hokkaidofood #hokkaidotravel #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

From today (April 21), we are also open on Mondays❕ We will remain open every day until October 31. We look forward to welcoming you☺️ We have also installed benches and chairs in the plaza in front of the Roadside Station, so please feel free to rest there♪ *There are no trash bins.

The mountain climbing season has arrived. Kuranodake, located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, offers trails for beginners through advanced hikers. It is a mountain that even small children can enjoy. From the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, and a big appeal is that you can easily challenge yourself starting from the 9th station. The elevation is 1,118 m. It was selected as one of the Top 100 Walking Trails in Japan. It sits at the western end of the Aso outer rim, and the name comes from its saddle-like shape. Following the northeast ridge of Kuranodake leads to peaks such as Mount Tsumushi (1,064 m), and some hikers aim for them from Kuranodake’s summit. The mountain hosts many alpine plants and bird species. There are several routes up Kuranodake; for intermediate and advanced hikers there are the Forest Course and the Panorama Course. Beginners can drive up to the 9th station and start from the East Trailhead Course. With routes of varying difficulty, many families hike together. From the summit you can see the Kuju Mountain Range, the Five Peaks of Aso, Mt. Kimpō, and Unzen. Many people bring a packed lunch or coffee to enjoy on the hike. Before hiking, pick up maps and information at Shiki no Sato in Asahishi-Fumoto, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, located at the trail entrance, and why not give it a try?

Cherry Blossom Report: Ontakesan Sakura Road as of April 3, 2025 The cherry trees along the road on Mt. Ontake in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture are at their best. They seem to be at their peak now, with some petals starting to fall in the wind. The views are excellent, making it a great drive. Location: Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono 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, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250403spot-kiyokawa/...

Notice about parking The snow has melted and spring is finally arriving🌸 Here is a notice about parking at Roadside Station Iwanai Please take note🚗 Parking at Roadside Station Iwanai is divided into several areas 1. Parking in front of the Kida Kanjirou Art Museum 2. Taramaru Market parking lot 3. Parking in front of the police box 4. Parking behind the Roadside Station Please be aware that the event plaza in front of the station is a no-parking zone Each year some visitors mistakenly park there We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation <(_ _)>

As of March 26, the cherry blossoms at Kikuchi Park are about 40% in bloom, and pale pink flowers have begun to color the whole park. The softly spreading cherry blossoms lift the spirits. Why not enjoy a spring moment as the trees grow more beautiful each day toward full bloom? Relaxed hanami awaits in the peaceful atmosphere of Kikuchi Park. At Kikuchi Park, the cherry trees are illuminated by paper lanterns from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the period from Sunday, March 16 through Saturday, April 5, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms. On Sunday, March 30, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche will take place, with about 45 stalls expected to gather. For details, see https://x.gd/KbzJC...

Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old. Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season. Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village. For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

[Scenic Views within a 10-Minute Walk from Shinano-Ōmachi Station 🏔] Today, February 27th, Omachi City enjoys clear skies ☀️ The Omachi City Tourist Association is located inside JR Ōito Line’s Shinano-Ōmachi Station 😌 So sometimes visitors ask for spots where they can see the Northern Alps during the wait for their next train. Here are the spots we guide people to🏔✨ The first is from the pedestrian walkway over the small overpass ahead after turning left at the “Asahi-cho” intersection on National Route 147 🏔 The second is from the “Asahi-cho” pedestrian bridge 🏔 When you stop by Omachi City, why not take a short walk around Shinano-Ōmachi Station? 😊 ⭐️Explore Omachi City⭐️ https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Iwanai Onsen 50th Anniversary♨️ With heartfelt thanks to the local community “Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri” Celebration♨️ About the Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri⤵︎ Event period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025 🟡Benefit 1: Limited-time discounts (bathing and accommodation) Special discounts are available at participating Iwanai Onsen facilities *Present the flyer to receive the benefits❗️ *For accommodation, offers are limited to residents of the Shiriuchi area and require telephone reservations 🟡Benefit 2: Onsen stamp rally A chance to win luxurious prizes by lottery!!! Prizes 1st prize: Pair accommodation voucher for Takashima Ryokan♨️ (1 group) 2nd prize: Set of 3 craft beers🍺 (1 person) 3rd prize: IWANAI RESORT 1-day lift ticket⛷️ (3 people) Flyer distribution locations⤵︎ ・Iwanai Onsen bathing facilities and venues ・Iwanai Town Hall ・Roadside Station Iwanai ・Other distribution spots around town ⭐︎How to participate⭐︎ Bring the flyer and use discounts at participating facilities! Collect stamps at two onsen locations and enter the lottery Iwanai Onsen won in the “Onsen General Election 2024” Ranked 3rd nationwide and 1st in Hokkaido in the Beautiful Skin category👏🏻 Takashima Ryokan also defended its national No.1 spot in the Solo Traveler category❗️ Take this opportunity to visit Iwanai Onsen♨️

Rent a car within Taiki Town You want to sightsee around Taiki Town but don’t have a car, or you’d like to take a short trip during a long stay in Taiki Town… If so, you can rent a car from Hotel Kashiwa in town!

Kikuchi’s new landmark featuring the country’s largest dragon deity! Dragon tour and bell-ringing experience at Kogenji Temple Details below https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...