【Snow-covered Yatsugatake】 I took a picture from Fujikawa Town Station Street!

Kurara Band Christmas Live 🎄 On Saturday, December 14th, Kurara Band Christmas Live took place at Gion Terrace Kuraraku Multipurpose Hall 😆 This was the third Christmas live, and once again a large crowd came to enjoy the show 😀 Despite the winter chill typical of Kuraoka, the venue buzzed with heat 🔥 as adults and children alike jumped and danced with excitement 😁🎵 It was a concert that brought smiles to everyone who attended, and we look forward to it happening again next year 🥰

Photographed 12/15/24. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. On Sundays, it is crowded. It's a gingerbread latte and a chocolate cake.

Miyanomori Draped in Snow Over the course of a few days, Miyanomori deepened in snow. While helping a wood education program coordinator, I took a short stroll through Miyanomori. I trudged through the snow, my boots sinking as I walked. If I had been alone, I would have kept my eyes on the ground, but when someone spoke to me and I looked up, I found flower buds and leaf buds. They’re putting out buds and patiently waiting for the long winter to pass. There was a hollow opening in a trunk. I wondered whether someone lives there or had lived there. I learned that the cracked bark on the Sakhalin fir is caused by frost cracking. Moisture inside the tree freezes and expands, splitting the trunk. When the trunk cracks, a clear sound is said to ring through the whole forest. I tried walking alongside deer tracks and picked up fallen fruits and flowers from the snow. I also loved the view of the town dusted in snow from a slightly higher vantage point. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #winter #snow #snow-dusted #Miyanomori #wood education #kobushi (Japanese magnolia) #yachidamo (Manchurian ash) #Sakhalin fir #deer

It is winter on Mt. Koya, a World Cultural Heritage Site. Snow removal work was being carried out for Worshippers who visited even in winter. The vermilion building is the main tower.

Photographed 12/12/24. It is an orange annual sea bream lottery.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. Preparations for the New Year 🎍 had begun, and Shichi-Go-San's shooting spots were moving.

Cleaning of a large aquarium in Kushimoto Marine Park in Wakayama Prefecture, and the service of a staff member dressed as Santa Claus. Waving and jaunting to the children.

Photographed 12/11/24. This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.

At the "Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival" (Snow Festival) to be Held in in Nayoro City, Hokkaido in February 2025, we would like to Held in the "Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Competition", where snow sculpture carvers from all over the world compete in skill and artistic level, and liven up the Local Snow Festival and Broadcasting the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro to the world! In Nayoro City, located in the north of Hokkaido, this is the executive committee that Held in the Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival (hereinafter referred to as "Snow Festival"). Held in the Snow Festival as a Local Snow Festival, this time for three days from February 7 ~ 9, 2025. We have planned various events such as a huge slide, illuminations, a huge maze of snow, and a frigid yakiniku festival where you can enjoy yakiniku in -20 degrees Celsius, and this is a major winter Events that will be celebrating its 73rd year this year! Held in the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest since 2001 as the centerpiece of the Events, in which professional snow sculpture sculptors from around the world compete in the skills and artistry of snow sculptures. However, due to the recent rise in prices, it has been difficult to find the cost of running the Games, and we have a strong desire not to disrupt this unique and wonderful Events, so we Squid planned this project. Outline of the Tournament The Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest began in 2001 as the Japan Cup, the World Five Continent Squid Broadcasting s Snow Sculpture Competition, and in 2020 it celebrated its 20th edition, with 19 snow sculptures lined up at the venue, the largest ever. There were some years when the tournament had to be canceled due to the spread of the new coronavirus, but February 2025 will mark the 22nd edition of the historic tournament. For details, search for "Campfire Crowdfunding"! When you open the site, you can see it by searching "Nayoro"! At last Taking advantage of the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro City, the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Sculpture Contest, which broadcasting the charm of the region to the world, is an important project that will open up the future of the region. Through this Events, we hope to let many people know the charm of Nayoro City and lead to the revitalization of the region. We look forward to your warm support.

A heavy snow warning was issued in Shinanomachi today, and we have been busy with snow removal since the morning. Starting tomorrow, the Kurohime Highland cross-country ski course will have a temporary OPEN. From December 15th to 20th, you can use it for a cooperation fee of 200 yen, so please take this opportunity to visit! The official OPEN will begin on December 21st, so please check that as well. When you come, please take great care of your safety on the way. We look forward to seeing you! https://www.shinano-machi.com/news/5273...

Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine before going to work. A wedding ceremony was taking place. This is the Hanamari of Temizuya.

Photographed 12/9/24. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Black latte and kumquat Basque cheesecake. It is a beautiful latte art that looks as if it is snowing in the air. ❄️ The kumquat Basque cheesecake is also delicious. 🍊

Yomitan Village Sightseeing spots & Events 【December~March】 Yomitan Village in winter is full of fun! Sightseeing spots & Events are just a few of them! Come and experience it! 【Cape Zanba Lighthouse & Whale Watching】 Cape Zanba Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the main island of Okinawa that can be climbed, and is also certified as a lighthouse in love. Period of winter is the time when you can see humpback whales raising their young, so you can also go whale watching. [Ryukyu Lantern Festival] This year's 10th "Ryukyu Lantern Festival" is counted as one of the "#Okinawa 3 Great Night Views"! You can enjoy making washi lanterns and projection mapping! 【Ilmi Banta Seaside Night Light】 The "Night Light on the Seaside" planned by Banta Cafe by Hoshinoya Resort is a fantastic world where the blue sea shines under the stars and the white sand beach floats! 【Yomitan Cosmos Field】 A vast cosmos field on the north side of Yomitan Junior High School! On the mainland, the Cosmos blooms in early autumn, but in Okinawa, the Yomitan Cosmos Field that can be seen at this Period is the best photo Spot!

Friday, December 12th morning at Lake Utonai 🌅 Tomakomai has been experiencing a spell of severe cold recently. This image comes from the Roadside Station Lake Utonai Facebook page. It shows the season’s uniquely beautiful sunrise and the lake’s surface.✨ (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Lake Utonai)

The 'Symbol Street Terrace' illumination, which will brighten the street, begins on Saturday, December 14th. ✨ The opening ceremony, starting at 5:00 PM, will liven up the event with performances, including a set by Tomakomai Tourism Ambassador Shihori Kadota. ✨

Photographed 12/9/24. Naka Town I and a virgin Information Center sightseeing. Otomedama is a water balloon with a swaying maiden heart (flower petals).

【Fujikawa Town Takashita Diamond Fuji】 Diamond Fuji with the sun overlapping the summit of Mt. Fuji You can see it for about 2 weeks from December 16th ~ New Year's Day. The best time to see it is around December 22nd. If you come by Car, please prepare anti-slip items.

At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, a hanging decoration exhibition is held in. It is the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure ship. It sounds auspicious, doesn't it? 😊

Mairi Sandera in Hida Furukawa 2022.01.15 In Hida Furukawa, the unique traditional custom "Sanji Mairi", which has been going on for more than 200 years, is a place to visit three temples in the In the town: Yen Temple, Shinshuji Temple, and Honkoji Temple on the night of January 15 every year in memory of the blessings of Shinran Saint. On this day, 1,000 candles are lined up along the Seto River, and the lights reflected on the surface of the river are very beautiful, and you can enjoy a heartwarming scene. In addition, snow sculptures and candles boasting a height of 2 meters are lined up in the town.

Snowy scenery of the former Komaru Elementary School 2022.01.06 In April of 2018 (Heisei 30), Komaru Ko was reborn as a base for exchange and tourism in the Village. In the Inside the facility, there are Reproduction classrooms, a library, a music room (with movie screening facilities), and classrooms where you can Use Events and exhibitions. You can enjoy the scenery of Showa, including the large Ginkgo tree in the school yard.

＼Oikamana Lake has frozen over!／ Nearly the entire surface of Oikamana Lake (Ikebana Nae Swamp) along the Pacific coast has frozen. In spots where the ice is thick enough, you can walk on it. You can also hear strange sounds when the ice shifts or cracks. This is a fleeting, otherworldly sight that lasts only until the snow begins to fall. Find Taiki Town tourist information here! ↓ https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Gokase Highland Ski Resort Safety Prayer Ceremony Today, Thursday, December 12, a safety prayer ceremony was held at Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which is set to reopen in eight days for the first time in three years. 🙏✨ Around 60 people boarded shuttle buses from the base to gather, and amid heavy media coverage, a Shinto ritual took place inside the ski center. 😌 The ritual proceeded smoothly, and after offering prayers for the resort’s safety and success, participants toasted together. 🍻 At the post-ceremony gathering, everyone spent a relaxed time, eagerly anticipating the ski area’s opening. 🤗 Along the road up to the resort, snow had accumulated in places, and the slopes were adorned with frost-covered trees that created a magical scene. ❄️✨ When the wind blows, it really is cold, isn’t it? 🥶 I came fully bundled up today, but cold is cold. 🤣 Still, a ski resort should feel like this! Right? 💪❤️‍🔥 Only a little time left until opening. 🤩 Let’s hold on a bit longer and wait with excited anticipation. ✨

Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura (Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura) White-robed performers douse themselves with hot water The Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered once every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The ceremony begins with the aragami (rough deity) performing a water purification of two large cauldrons whose fires have been kept burning, then wildly dancing over the charcoal fire while scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the deity. Then two white-robed performers drench themselves with water using kumazasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the cauldron area to recite norito prayers, and conclude with a final dedication dance. The powerful, otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, 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 Follow Bungoono City on Instagram for recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile.

Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura) — The fierce deity that scatters sparks The Uedahara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years, prays for health and safety and a bountiful harvest. Many spectators attended on the day. The performance begins with the fierce deity testing the hot water from two large kettles as the firewood continues to burn; after that, the deity whirls and stomps across the charcoal fire, scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers dressed in white drench themselves with sasa bamboo, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the kettle, recite norito prayers, and finally perform the concluding dance. The bold, otherworldly display drew great applause from the crowd. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Uedahara, Mie-machi, 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 Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. The Bungoono City Tourism Association website is linked from the profile.

View ✨ of the new control tower from a hotel room at Haneda Airport in late November I tried to emphasize the illumination of light! It's not as flashy as I thought it would be before Christmas month, but it's a calm atmosphere. I was able to taste it!! I was very satisfied ♡♡ to forget that I was at the airport and spend a quiet and relaxing time

Among the hanging dolls, I was curious. If you look closely, it is the 12 zodiac signs. 🐭🐮🐯🐰🐉🐍🐎🐏🐵🐓🐶🐗

Notice of Winter Closure for Some Public Toilets in Town To prevent freezing, some public toilets and drinking fountains in town were closed from Wednesday, December 11th. Please check the closure status of toilets at your destination in advance. Closure period: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 – late March *Toilets available during winter* ・Within Tsumago-juku, Tsumago-juku parking lot toilets ・Nakasendo Ishikochi Tachiba Teahouse, O-Tsumago, Kudaridani / Kurashina Soreisha toilets ・Mitomuno-juku toilets ・Kakitsubata Gorge parking lot toilets (on the Koiji Suspension Bridge side)

About sightseeing information during the New Year holidays Here is an announcement about sightseeing information for the New Year holidays! Have a wonderful New Year🐍✨ ► Information centers and tourist facilities Nagiso Town Tourism Association, Tsumago tourist information center, Nagiso Station tourist information center Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3 Nagiso Town Museum (Wakihonjin Okuya, Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) main inn, History Museum) Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3 ► Buses From Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3, community buses (Magome Line and Hoshin Line) will operate reduced services. Some trips will run at different times than usual, so please be careful. Also, because tourist information centers will be closed from December 29 through January 3, tickets will not be sold during that period. Please pay the driver in cash when getting off the bus. ► Taxis Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi (in the Tsumago No.1 parking lot) Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3: 8:00–17:00 Closed on Wednesday, January 1 Contact Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi Co., Ltd. TEL. (+81)-264-57-3133 ► Tsumago-juku For shop opening hours, please check the official Tsumago website. *The photo shows the New Year’s first smoke signal ceremony on January 4 at the site of Tsumago Castle*

Preparations for Sairinka are underway! The skeleton of the most important installation in Sairinka has been built. From here, the covering will be added and the installation will be completed. We’re excited to see how the Forest of Light will turn out 😊 Preparatory work for Sairinka is in progress! The framework of the most important piece in Sairinka has already been completed. I can’t wait to see what the Forest of Light will look like 😊