Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert The Oyama Sekison Arts Festival, a long‑running celebration that blends tradition with innovation and Japanese with Western styles, returns with the much‑anticipated Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert—an event music fans look forward to each year! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, now’s the time! Saturday, October 12, 2024 — Doors open 12:00, Concert starts 13:00 Venue: Nohgakuden at Oyama Afuri Shrine Office Access: From Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 4 (for the Oyama Cable Car) Get off at “Shamukyoku Iriguchi” (Shrine Office Entrance); the venue is immediately nearby Admission: Adults ¥1,500 (advance) / ¥1,800 (at the door) Junior and senior high school students ¥500; elementary school children free Tickets are also on sale at Eki‑naka Kururin House, Isehara Station Tourist Information (0463‑95‑5333) They’re selling fast—don’t miss out! For inquiries Oyama Summer Jazz Concert Executive Committee 090‑8441‑5467 (Nakamura)

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival “Okunchi” Today, Wednesday, October 9, the Gion Shrine in Kuraoka District held its autumn festival “Okunchi.”🤗 The light rain that fell until yesterday felt like a distant memory under a clear, delightful autumn sky.☀️ Gion-san’s power is truly amazing.👏✨ Even though the festival fell on a weekday this year, visitors from outside the prefecture and local children gathered from the start of the ceremony.😊 We were allowed into the main hall and were able to see the “Urayasu no Mai” dance.🥹 It was a beautiful dance that radiated tradition.✨ The Gion kagura also came with detailed explanations about how it differs from other kagura, which made it even more enjoyable.🤩 The Usu-daiko drum dance invited everyone, including the general public, to join in lively dancing, and the playful exchanges of the Yamaboshi question-and-answer skit added a comedic touch that made people chuckle.🤣 Traditional events can sometimes seem formal and stern, but this festival was anything but that—it was a truly entertaining celebration.💫 After the Usu-daiko dance there was a mochi-throwing event, and the festival concluded with a dedication of the Gion kagura, keeping the atmosphere lively from start to finish.🤗🎉

Japan Birthplace Festival! !️ Held in Festival Highlands 🎆 2024 Held in:2024.10.20(Sun) Meeting place: Takaharu Sports Park ◎ Japan Cradle Festival] 11:00 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. 【Stage Events】11:00-15:00 ⭐︎Shinonome Drum ⭐︎ Karaoke competition ⭐︎ Stage show by kindergarten children ⭐︎Junior Chorus ⭐︎ Early drinking competition ⭐︎ Lottery, etc. 【Events】11:00-15:00 ⭐︎ Calligraphy performance ⭐︎ Blood donation ⭐︎ New Sports Experience ⭐︎ Fluffy playground equipment ⭐︎ Mobile Zoo ⭐︎ Working Cars Exhibition ⭐︎Miyazaki Beef Yakiniku ⭐︎ Sports Corner⚽️ 【Cooperation with Miyazaki Jingu Shrine】16:00-17:10 【Festival Highlands 2024】 Stage Events 17:10-19:40 ⭐︎ junior high school brass band Department ⭐︎ Break Girls ⭐︎Hyuga no Kuni Eisa Drum Amaterasu Highlands Dance (Sano Kagura) 【Fireworks Festival 🎆】 20:00-20:20 The exhibition will be exhibited at the Town residents gymnasium on the 19th and 20th, so please take a look! !️ Events a lot of! Publication will be posted as soon as the program is ready, but Fun ♫ In addition, some of the time designations traffic restriction There are around the venue, so please check the flyer for Events details and traffic restriction confirmation! !️ #Miyazaki Events #Miyazaki Fireworks Festival #Japan Cradle Festival #Matsuri Highlands #Festival Highlands 2024 #Jimmu-sama #Jimmu-sama Collaboration #Lion Dance #Miko Mai #Junior High School Student Collaboration #Fireworks Festival 🎆

The 57th Isehara Dokan Festival / The 50th Isehara Commerce and Industry Festival 2024 At last, the city’s biggest event, the Dokan Festival, will be held around Odakyu Line Isehara Station for two days starting tomorrow, Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6! The cast for the “Ota Dokan Falconry Procession and Hojo Masako Pilgrimage to Hinata Yakushi” features talent and actor Ryohei Odai as Ota Dokan and talent and film commentator LiLiCo as Hojo Masako! A variety of events will take place, including the traditional Hinoki Tree Climbing ceremony (shigi nobori) at Hinata Yakushi (Hinata in the same city). Enjoy the festivities to the fullest and get excited! We look forward to seeing you there! ※Please be aware of traffic restrictions. For the Dokan Festival program and other details, please see the Isehara City website. [Notice from the Station Kururin House] Special Dokan Festival sale prices (until the end of October) Dokan Festival tote bag 1,000 yen → 850 yen Dokan Festival tenugui (hand towel) 800 yen → 650 yen (tax included) ※During the festival, they are also sold at the Tourism Association booth in the festival plaza! Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit · on the stairs Station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

Autumn feeds the horses and the sky runs high ☀️🐴 This morning the Nobeyama Highlands felt exactly like that 📡

Thursday, October 3 — G Class: Tea Pan-Frying Experience at Miyazaki Sabou🍵 Today, third graders from four elementary schools across Gokase Town gathered at Miyazaki Sabou for a G class✍️💡…so I was able to observe their visit👀✨ We had considered skipping the tea-picking experience because of light rain, but the kids’ energy cleared the sky enough for a short session, so we did a little picking👏👏👏 Chanting “one bud, two leaves!” everyone happily hand-picked tea leaves🌿 After that, the group split into three teams to do 1) a factory tour, 2) a pan-frying experience, and 3) a tasting session✍️✨ 1) The factory was full of first-time sights! Different tea aromas drifted through the air, and just watching the tour felt soothing🤤💕 When told that a single tea leaf can become green tea, oolong tea, or black tea, the kids gasped “Whaaaat!?” with perfect reactions😳💮💮💮 lol 2) The pan-frying experience stemmed from what they heard on the tour: machines roast leaves at 200–300°C, so the kids nervously asked, “Is it hot!?”🤣 But trying it turned out to be fun🤩 They watched, fascinated, as the leaves dried and released a pleasant aroma, commenting “I like this smell!” and “But it’s tiring~💦” while learning the pan-fried tea production process😊 3) They learned about types of tea utensils and how to use them, the ideal water temperature for brewing, and other tips for making tasty tea, then each brewed and tasted pan-fried tea themselves🍵✨ One child said it smelled like corn soup, which surprised me, but apparently pan-fried tea is often said to have a corn-like flavor😮💡 The children’s sensitivities never cease to amaze me👏 They compared four teas by taste and tried to identify which was pan-fried tea, oolong, hojicha, or black tea. Many struggled, confused by the familiar colors and aromas🤣 Did you know? Taiwanese and Gokase oolong teas are closer in color to green tea rather than brown😏✏️ At the end, during the Q&A, the children asked sharp questions to the producers and summarized what they had learned✍️💫 The kids experienced the full charm of Gokase’s pan-fried tea and felt the producers’ passion😌 I hope they take pride in this local specialty and help weave the future of Gokase Town✨

Isehara Flower Update 2024.10.3 The red spider lilies in Hinata are coming into full bloom around each bus stop. Blooming has also started at Hinata Yakushi. Many visitors continue to come to the area around Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop. Here are the red spider lilies near Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop as of yesterday. There were many buds near Takahashi Bus Stop, and while some early bloomers are fading and being replaced by new ones, the flowers should remain beautiful for about a week, so please come soon! Yesterday, at the Oyama Fire Festival bonfire Noh performance, I enjoyed the mystical world lit by the torches! The red spider lilies along the Oyama Shindo are also at their best! Don’t miss them!! ※There are few buses, so please check the schedule in advance. Parking lots may become crowded depending on the day and time. Please observe good manners and enjoy your walk. *Please use the Hinata red spider lily guide map placed inside the can at the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Area and in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00).

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage "Ara Odori" on Sunday, September 29 Ara Odori took place on Sunday, September 29 🐵💫 The sunny weather was almost hot and great for photos, but I imagine it was truly tough for everyone who spent the whole day dancing in costume. Well done to all of you 👏 I was amazed to see so many people each memorizing their roles, dances, and songs to perform a single dance together 😳✨ Elementary school students joined in and danced Ara Odori partway through, and it moved me to see this tradition being passed down to people of all ages 🥹 I heard that Ara Odori used to ban women long ago, but even as the form has changed with the times, I felt a strong community spirit to protect the tradition together 💪✨ Today, students from Gokase Junior High School, who hope to share more of Gokase Town’s charm and traditions and make the town more vibrant, spent the whole day filming the Ara Odori on video for us 📸💡 We should be able to share that video soon, so look forward to it 🤗💕

"Summer Stars, Beyond Mt. Shichimen" Even though it was still hot during the day, the air became much cooler as the night wore on. A month ago, the Milky Way, the Great Triangle in summer, and the mountains to the west, which were directly above my head, are tilting faster and faster, and I can see that the direction of the triangle has changed compared to the time of Tanabata.

“The 1st SpoGOMI Tournament in Isehara” 2024 On Saturday, September 28, we took part in a team-based litter-picking competition at Isehara Daijingū, organized by the Isehara Heisei Rotary Club (President Yoshiaki Miyamoto). Forty-six teams and many more people joined, united by the slogan “Cleaning is a sport!” Teams competed by the weight of the litter they collected, and awards and prizes were presented, making this an enjoyable event that promoted both environmental cleanup and community service. With the Dōkan Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, Isehara is now clean and ready to welcome visitors from near and far!

Isehara Flower Update: September 30, 2024 The higanbana (red spider lilies) in Hinata are at their peak. The cosmos field in front of the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center in the Arouzu area is also beautiful. The parking area beside Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop is full, and many visitors continue to come. This shows the current condition of the higanbana near Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop today. According to local residents, many buds remain, so the flowers should stay beautiful through this week and next. Please note that bus services are limited, so check schedules in advance. Parking lots may become crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing proper manners. A map of the Hinata higanbana is available inside cans at the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop parking area and inside the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00). Please make use of it.

The Way of the Brush For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention, and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the fullest. #kangi #calligraphy #kimono #osakacastle

[Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House] Kururin fans and collectors, thank you for waiting! Introducing our new merchandise. Kururin canvas tote bag ***1,800 yen (tax included) Spacious with an inner pocket, it’s highly functional! It will make going out feel more cheerful. We look forward to seeing you! On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information Center) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

Isehara Flower Report — Hinata's Red Spider Lilies 2024.9.26 This year the blooms are not opening all at once as in past years; flowering varies by location. Many shoots with buds were seen. Depending on the temperature, they may bloom rapidly. Hinata Yakushi is running late and only about one third of the flowers are open now, but it’s worth a visit during your shrine visit! *Red spider lilies special: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin available* ※Limited to 500 copies (while supplies last) ¥500 Many people were taking photos and strolling around the Hinata Yakushi bus stop area again today. ※There are few buses, so please check schedules in advance. Parking lots may be crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing good manners. *Please use the Hinata red spider lily guide map placed inside the can by the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi bus stop parking area and in the can in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00).*

Nobeoka City Event Information ＼The season of Nobeoka’s suigo ayu-yana has arrived again this year!／ What is ayu-yana… Ayu-yana is a traditional fishing method that dams the river and creates an outlet in part of the flow, using the ayu’s instinct to swim downstream to spawn to guide them into a catch trap called otesu. While yana fishing is found across Japan, the Nobeoka Suigo Ayu-Yana stands out for its grand scale—constructed in spots where the river exceeds 100 meters in width—and for being set up close to the city center, a rarity elsewhere. On the Ose River, dining huts associated with the ayu-yana open, so you can enjoy a full course of freshly caught ayu—salt-grilled, miso-grilled, and more—while taking in the otherworldly scenery right before you. The sight of ayu being grilled on the riverbank has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Fragrant Landscapes, and it is the only site in Miyazaki Prefecture to receive this recognition. Each year a pier is laid out so visitors can walk out toward the center of the river, offering a chance to see ayu fall into the otesu up close. 👀✨ Please come and visit us!

Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market (canceled in case of rain) Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM Venue: On the grounds of Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara A wide selection of antiques that captivate collectors will be on display. You might find a thrilling discovery or a real bargain! Enjoy lively performances of taiko drumming, food trucks, and a free plant giveaway of flower seedlings from 11:00 AM for the first 100 visitors (one pot per person), among other attractions! Contact: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 0463-95-3237

Isehara Flower Report: Higanbana in Hinata – September 24, 2024 This year’s bloom was delayed by the extreme heat, and flowering now varies by location. Depending on temperatures, they may all burst into bloom at once. Hinata Yakushi is currently largely not in bloom. Around Arouzu, many buds remain, so you should be able to enjoy them for a while. Near the Hinata Yakushi bus stop, some areas are in full bloom and look lovely (with some salvia as well), and many visitors with cameras have been coming. Parking lots may be crowded depending on the day and time. Please enjoy your walk while observing proper manners. Please make use of the Hinata Higanbana guide map found inside the can by the restroom entrance in the Hinata Yakushi bus stop parking area and in the back parking lot of the Skills Development Center (8:30–16:00). ※ The shaded path is currently impassable due to typhoon damage. ※ Bus services are limited, so please check schedules in advance. ※ We appreciate your donations to the Higanbana fund.

50th Isehara Commerce and Industry Festival / 18th ISEHARA Sole The 50th Commerce and Industry Festival and the 18th ISEHARA Sole bring performers and audiences together in a celebration of dance across many genres. Held at the same time as Isehara’s biggest event, the 57th Isehara Tourism Dōkan Festival, on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6, the area around Isehara Station promises even more excitement! Venue: Around Odakyu Line Isehara Station Contact: Isehara Chamber of Commerce and Industry TEL: 0463-95-3233

September 23 (Mon) Red spider lilies announcing the start of autumn 🍁 Hello everyone 🤗! Gokase Town had an intense thunderstorm yesterday ⛈️, and today dawned bright and clear with a refreshing breeze 😌☀️! The atmosphere has completely shifted to autumn 🍁 — it feels so pleasant… ✨ Along the roadside in Gokase Town, as autumn approaches, you can sometimes spot striking red flowers 👀 — red spider lilies ☺️💡 So today I photographed the red spider lilies blooming near Yuuhi-no-Sato Ohashi bridge in the Kuwanochi area 📸💫 As their name suggests, red spider lilies reach their peak around the equinoctial week and are known as flowers that announce the start of autumn; they are also called lycoris or manjusha-ge 🤔 Their vivid red color and distinctive shape really catch the eye 👏 When I was shooting, various swallowtail butterflies swirled around them, creating an incredibly beautiful scene 🥹✨ Because their bulbs are poisonous, people have long planted them around rice paddies, fields, and graves to deter moles, so they carry a traditional Japanese charm that stirs nostalgic feelings when you look at them 😌… Spring and autumn especially bring out the beauty of plants — they are wonderful seasons 🍁. Let’s continue enjoying Japan’s four seasons 🤩✨

CAMP at Kijiya on Wednesday, September 18th⛺ I tried a CAMP experience at Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya🔥 We planned to start while it was still light, but the sun set early and we began at dusk🌆 Still, we had a lively barbecue with everyone while watching the sunset from Kijiya on the hilltop🥩 The autumn night breeze felt pleasant and there were fewer bugs, so this season is perfect for camping💡 Come and try camping at Kijiya—it's highly recommended✨

[Friday, September 13] Unoko Falls Today I visited the viewing platform at Unoko Falls. The waterfall had a strong flow today, and it looked impressive from the platform. Mt. Aso was clearly visible from the winery.

Pumpkin Contest Held in a pumpkin contest at Ojibaru Park (Jimmu no Kan)! What is the Pumpkin Contest? This year marks the 18th edition of the Pumpkin Contest! If you know in the past, it was held at the same Period as the "Higanbana Festival"! Around June, the Takaharucho Tourism Association will distribute seedlings (4 types) to those who can grow! In September, we will bring in pumpkins and hold a screening meeting (about 800 pumpkins every year). September 22 (Sun) ~ 23 (Mon) Held in an exhibition and sale at Ojibaru Park! --- + --- Pumpkin Venue is free of charge ---+--- Available over 80kg in the past, and we can't wait to see what kind of pumpkin will come this year! (*'▽') --- + --- Pumpkins that can be eaten in addition to ornamental pumpkins --- + --- Available of Fukuebisu, Butter Nut, and Korinky pumpkin are also available, so if you want to eat delicious Squid Pumpkin, please purchase it! --- + --- calligrapher's work ---+--- You can also purchase the works of the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat "Heart Calligrapher" at the Calligrapher on the day! Perfect for doorstep decorations and gifts! You may come across a good work! Check out the past photos to see what the atmosphere looks like! ---+---For inquiries, please contact---+--- Venue: 3-251 Kamamuta, Ojibaru Park Miyazaki Prefecture Nishimorokata District Takaharu Exhibition Purchase: 9:00~16:00 For inquiries, please contact: Takaharucho Tourism Association 0984-42-4560

Hinata Yakushi 2024 Higan-bana Limited: Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin Distribution ※Limited to 500 sheets (ends when sold out) Higan-bana Limited Yakushi Rurikō Nyorai Goshuin ¥500 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the "Hinata Yakushi" bus for about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop, then a 15-minute walk via the approach to the temple ※Bus service is infrequent, so please check in advance. For details, please see the Hinata Yakushi website.

[Yakushi Forest Road Partial Closure] Due to the effects of Typhoon No. 10, a section of Yakushi Forest Road (from the back of Hinata Yakushi to Nanasawa) is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians. There is no scheduled date for reopening at this time. For detailed information, please see the Kanagawa Prefecture website.

Isehara Flower Update: September 20 Gentle Hinata red spider lilies…their stems have grown and blooming has begun, and in some spots they are partially very beautiful! This morning’s view of the red spider lilies. Temporary Tourist Information Desk open at Hinata Yakushi Bus Stop Parking Lot September 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun), 23 (Mon, public holiday) 9:30–15:00 Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “Hinata Yakushi” bus, about 20 minutes, get off at the final stop During the red spider lily season, the parking lot behind the Human Resources Development Center is specially opened and a red spider lily guide map is provided, so please make use of it. Please refrain from parking on the street. The season gets crowded, so please enjoy the flowers while observing good manners.

The 57th Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival The Isehara Tōkan Tourism Festival, held in memory of the local samurai lord Dōkan Ōta, is the city’s largest event! This year’s Dōkan will be played by actor Ryohei Odai, and Masako Hōjō will be portrayed by TV personality LiLiCo, in the traditional Dōkan Ōta falconry procession and Masako Hōjō’s pilgrimage to Hinata Yakushi. The festival also features an exhibition 3x3 basketball match and a new puzzle event, “Isehara Puzzle Walking Tour: Dōkan Ōta’s Treasure,” among many other attractions. Event Dates and Times Saturday, October 5 — 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM Sunday, October 6 — 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Venue: Around Odakyu Isehara Station, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Contact: 0463-94-4729 Tōkan Festival Executive Committee (Isehara City Commerce and Tourism Promotion Division)

Isehara Flower Update: September 18 The spider lilies at Hinata are not yet in peak bloom. Some areas have already begun to bloom. A temporary tourist information desk will open at the parking area next to the Hinata Yakushi bus stop. It will operate on Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; and Monday, September 23 (a public holiday). From the north exit of Odakyu Isehara Station, take the Kanachu Bus from platform 3. Take the bus bound for Hinata Yakushi; the ride takes about 20 minutes. Get off at the final stop. ※Bus service is limited, so please check schedules in advance. If the temporary desk is not open, unmanned spider lily information maps are available at the Hinata Yakushi bus stop (parking lot restroom entrance) and at the Vocational Development Center (rear gate parking lot, 8:30–16:00). They are in a can—please take as many copies as you need.

Ojibaru Park Higanbana flowering ❕ Events announcement will also be available! (*'▽') In Ojibaru Park in Takaharu Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, red spider lililies are currently in bloom and are in best time to visit (*'▽') It is said that the first Emperor Jimmu was born and raised, and it is a place related to the legends and myths of Izanami and Izanagi. It Located in about 13 minutes by Car from the Highlands IC and about 10 minutes by Car from Takaharu Station. There are cottages in the park! You can also enjoy BBQ! It is ❕ a facilities that children can enjoy, such as Rainbow Trout fishing and facilities of Go-carts tree education In addition to Higanbana, you can also enjoy the Autumn leaves of the four seasons at Ojibaru Park! The photo is a photo of the past!! ★event★ Held in the 18th Pumpkin Contest! 2024 (Reiwa 6) September 22 (Sun) ~ 23 (Mon) 9:00~16:00 Venue: Ojibaru Park (Jimmu-no-kan) Pumpkin can be ♪♪ purchased on the spot About 500~800 pumpkins are exhibited at Ojibaru Park every year! From edible pumpkins to pumpkins with slightly unusual shapes, you may be able to see pumpkins weighing more than 100 kg this year! We also sell pumpkins with cute brushstrokes by the calligrapher "Non-chan" in Takaharu Town. You can display it at your doorstep or as a gift... Please come and visit us (*'▽') Available is also available by searching the calligrapher's Home page, so please take a look ❕

Takabeya Shrine Annual Festival On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the annual festival was held at Takabeya Shrine (2202 Shimokasuya, Isehara). The event opened with the “beach sand scattering,” which uses sand collected during the Shio-kumi purification ritual at Terugasaki Beach in Oiso as a substitute for purifying salt. Despite the heat, the festival became lively and energetic!

Hinata Yakushi Cluster Amaryllis (Higanbana) in Isehara 2024 *The shaded path is currently closed to through traffic due to typhoon damage* The higanbana season is finally here!! However, with this year’s lingering summer heat, peak bloom still seems a little way off. We have confirmed a few lone flowers blooming here and there in the rice fields. A temporary tourist information booth will open to coincide with the flowers’ best viewing. Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; Monday (national holiday), September 23 Location: Hinata Yakushi bus stop terminus From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Platform 3 Take the “bound for Hinata Yakushi” bus for about 20 minutes *Bus services are infrequent, so please check schedules in advance.* The rice paddies and fields where the higanbana bloom are open to the public thanks to the generosity of the landowners. Please follow proper etiquette and show your understanding and cooperation. We will post updates on the blooming status as they come in.