December 4, 2024 — Taiki Town Snow began falling this morning, and the urban area looks set to see its first accumulation of the season. Real winter has arrived!

The 13th Azumino Kamiakari Bamboo Lantern Festival Friday–Sunday, December 6–8, 2024 About 10,000 bamboo lanterns will be lit one by one, warming and brightening the cold winter nights The gentle glow of candles will warm your heart as well Lighting hours: 16:00–around 20:00 Venue: Hotaka Shrine Open lighting ceremony for everyone (Participants are asked to bring a lighter for lighting by 16:00.) *Lighters for lighting will be sold on site.* ● Kagura Hall Live Performance A lively live show will be held to energize the event ● Special Hotaka Ningyo Kamiakari Display A special stage unique to this year’s kamiakari will be exhibited in the Kita Shrine Garden ● Kamiakari Goshuin (Kamiakari commemorative seal) During the kamiakari event, from 16:00 to around 20:00, a special goshuin will be available only at this time. A customary offering of 500 yen is required. Concurrent Event / Azumino Terrace Dec 6–8 “Rice and Sake MARKET” 15:00–20:00 Food trucks and delicious-treat tents gather in one place! A warm rest tent with a stove will also be available.

Winter in Shirakawa Township Photo taken on 2022.02.26 Shooting from the Hagijo Observation decks Since it was free, chronic traffic jams began to occur due to Car parking for long periods of time, so parking spaces are currently Car Closed in Hagigi Observation decks. The usual parking lot near the Village Car closes in the evening, so I had to Accommodation to the Village and walk up to the Observation decks to take this view. You can also use paid coin parking, so it would be nice to be able to go by Car.

Photo taken on December 1st The autumn leaves at Atami Plum Garden are now at their peak! The garden has about 380 maple trees, and perhaps because of the mild climate they usually change color from late November through December, earning the reputation of being "the latest autumn leaves in Japan." Early-blooming plum trees have already started flowering since mid-October, so searching for plum blossoms while enjoying the autumn foliage is a unique Atami experience. During the Momiji Festival, the annual footbath opens, the Atami Plum Garden Momiji Festival Photo Contest is held, and the Momiji Light-Up takes place, among other events. Event period / November 16 to December 8, 2024 Hours / Light-up (every night during the event) 4:30 PM–9:00 PM Venue / Atami Plum Garden (8-11 Ume-enzaka, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Phone / 0557-85-2222 Organizer / Atami City Tourism Association Access / ■ From JR Atami Station, take the bus bound for Ainobara Danchi for about 15 minutes and get off at "Ume-en" ■ From Atami Station, take the Ito Line about 3 minutes to Kinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes Admission / Free Parking / 100 spaces in front of the plum garden (open only during the event) (Weekdays) 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Standard car 300 yen · Motorcycle & bicycle 100 yen · Microbus 1000 yen

Snowy Sapporo Station Sapporo Station is now lit up with colorful lights Together with the slowly falling snow

[🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submission Showcase — Part 6—🍁] Here we introduce works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held on the Instagram account of Gokase Tourism Association! @gokase_pan

【🍁Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 5🍁】 Here we showcase works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024” held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. @thusandleavis様

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 4 🍁 Here we introduce works posted to the "#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" contest held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @mitsu_yumi.0520 @naomin168 @niidome2110 (in no particular order)

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 3 🍁 Here we showcase photos posted to the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account for the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event! @donguri223103 @san.shimako.1105 @kaaazuuu1123 @kickcamp_with_jimny (in no particular order)

⛩ Gion Shrine Niiname Festival and Final Kagura Performance 👹 On November 23rd, the Niiname Festival and the final kagura performance were held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district.⛩ First a Shinto ceremony took place, followed by a kagura dedication at the kagura hall.👹 Today we welcomed visitors from overseas and guests who came from Tokyo.😮 The gingko trees at Gion Shrine had turned color, creating a carpet of yellow.😆✨ Gokase Town is getting colder, and it looks like winter is finally arriving.⛄

[Searching for Autumn in Gokase] November 19 A little late, but I went looking for autumn around Gokase and am sharing some photos📸✨ Photo 1 / Shirataki Falls Photo 2 / From the bridge on the way to Unoko Falls viewing point Photo 3 / From Yūhi no Sato Ohashi (Sunset Village Bridge) Photos 4 and 5 / Near the torii at Myoken Shrine

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungoono City [Hoshōji Autumn Leaves 2024] Hoshōji Temple in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history spanning over 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is lit up, enchanting visitors with its mystical atmosphere. Here is a look at the autumn leaves in 2024. [Location] Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Have you all been feeling tired lately??? It may be a little early, but why not plan an evening with friends, partners, or family to see a nationally designated Important Cultural Property lit up? In December, we will illuminate Katakura-kan in Suwa for six days across three weekends (Dec. 7–8, 14–15, and 21–22, 2024)! Katakura-kan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and served as a filming location for the famous hot spring film *Thermae Ro◯e* (title partially obscured in the original). Wild eel is actually in season right now, and there is a traditional cold 'doyō' period in January (寒の土用), which locals note. Here’s a suggested plan: 1. Enjoy eel in the Suwa–Okaya area 2. See Katakura-kan illuminated 3. Unwind and refresh from everyday fatigue and stress at Kamisuwa Onsen. Oh—don’t forget to book your accommodation! ・Period: December 7–8 (Sat–Sun), December 14–15 (Sat–Sun), and December 21–22 (Sat–Sun), 2024. ・Time: 17:00–20:00 * Bathing hours at Katakura-kan end at 20:00. Last admission is at 19:30.

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture’s Bungoono City Hoshōji Temple (Hoshōji) Hoshōji Temple, which is lit up during the autumn foliage season, also looks beautiful in daytime. Hoshōji Temple is located in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City. This venerable temple has a history of more than 800 years. It displays vivid colors during the autumn foliage season. During the event period, the temple is illuminated, and its magical atmosphere captivates visitors. Location Hoshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About an 8-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa We will also announce foliage conditions on the tourism association’s Instagram. ■■■ Access to Bungoono City center ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for Bungoono City sightseeing, gourmet food, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is in our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Metasequoia trees in Makino Highlands, Shiga Prefecture 2023.12.02 It was raining, but the sun shone just a little.

Autumn leaves in Kyorinbo 2023.12.02 The bright red carpet was beautiful. It is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 605 AD, and was named "Kyorinbo" because he preached in a place surrounded by forests. The Kannon-sama of the Honzon is also made by Prince Shotoku, and is called Akagawa Kannon, and has gathered faith that difficult wishes can be fulfilled if you visit twice. 　In addition, the Garden that spreads out in the Precincts is said to be the work of Enshu Kobori, and the exciting Momoyama period scenic Garden with a series of mossy boulders, together with the thatched Shoin (early Edo, city-designated cultural property), creates the atmosphere of a hidden village of wabi-sabi. 　In late autumn, the approximately 300 old trees with Autumn leaves that fill the 2,000 tsubo Precincts are dyed bright red, and the contrast with the thousands of bamboo trees surrounding them fascinates visitors. Held in Autumn leaves Light up is also held from November 15 to December 5 every year.

Jozankei Hot Spring× Sapporo International Ski Resort Collaboration plan is here! Enjoy stress-free skiing at Jozankei Hot Spring, located in a national park, 26km from the center of Sapporo City, and Sapporo International Ski Resort, which has 100% natural powder snow! (1) Accommodation plan with one-day ticket is now available Exclusive plans with IC tickets sold by each hotel are full of Privileges unique to Hot Spring resorts, such as bathing after skiing, luggage storage before and after check-in, and services unique to each hotel. (2) Dedicated shuttle bus "Jozankei Ski Liner" By reservation-only bus, you can sit reliably near the inn and go straight to the ski resort with ease. (3) Opened a special rental counter "Premium Gate" Use those who need a rental can use the "Premium Gate" exclusively for Jozankei Accommodation guests. You can enjoy your ski time without waiting for a rental. In addition to sightseeing in Sapporo, please plan skiing to Hokkaido at Jozankei Hot Spring! For details, please check the "Jozankei Hot Spring Ski Plan" site on the Jozankei Tourist Association website.

✨ The Northern Alps are dusted with snow 🏔 Today, November 25th, just after noon, Omachi City cleared to bright sunshine ☀️ and the snow-dusted Northern Alps appeared 🏔 I took photos from Omachi Park to the east of Omachi City and from the observation deck at the summit of Mt. Takagari ✨ Visitors from Japan and abroad were enjoying the view. For more details, we posted on the staff blog. Please see the official Omachi City Tourism Association website 😌

Autumn leaves picking at Ryuzoji Temple in Yamaguchi City. "Autumn leaves are past their prime!" I nodded my head and looked at my feet ・・・・・💖. I don't know whose work it is, but "GOOD JOB!"

Autumn is my favorite season in Japan. This is because of this aesthetic view. Enjoying the autumn from ropeway is very good but the view of autumn with the ropeway is amazing. The autumn valey in Yuzawa kogen ski resort is one of the best place to enjoy the autumn. Over the valley there is a ropeway service which looks like this image.

【Autumn leaves】Still in time! Beautiful Autumn leaves also seen in Kamogawa ★Early December Boso Peninsula is a place where you can enjoy "the latest Autumn leaves in Kanto". If you're thinking, "I missed the Autumn leaves," it's okay. On the Boso Peninsula, Autumn leaves are yet to come! Located near the border between Kamogawa City and Kimitsu City, Shiraiwa is known as the most beautiful Autumn leaves Famous landmarks in Okukiyosumi. The contrast between the pure white rock surface and the red of the Autumn leaves harmonizes wonderfully, creating a wonderful sight. "Fudo Falls" in the Shipogi district is a truly unexplored place There is a deep bamboo and Japanese cedar forests that cross Kiyosumi and enter the mountain road from the prefectural road. It is 10 meters high and 8 meters wide, and when there is a lot of water, the waterfall splits into two parts, the right is called the male waterfall and the left is called the female waterfall. Valleys are deep upstream, and you can enjoy the atmospheric scenery during the Autumn leaves period in early winter. Best time to visit Autumn leaves Late November ~ early December 2024 Location: Shiraiwa, Shipogi Fudo Falls, Kamogawa City Access (Car) Tateyama Automobile About 50 km from Kimitsu IC Access (Railway) JR Sotobo Line Taxi from Awa Tianjin Station about 9 km

Autumn leaves 🍁 at Daikokuji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture Cute Jizo was taking a nap on a futon of fallen leaves.

At Shinshu Tateshina and Mishaka Pond. You can enjoy the picturesque scenery.

At Shinshu Togakushi, Kagami Pond. The reflection of the scenery on the water was beautiful.

I may not know the name of the hill, but witnessing the Naeba Plateau in the fall is truly a breathtaking experience. It transforms into a stunning tapestry of autumn colors, as if it were aflame with beauty. The national highway that traverses the area adds to the scene, leading one through a charming tunnel that highlights nature's grandeur. It's a wonderful reminder of how harmoniously the landscape and human elements coexist.

On the Lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi, we enjoyed the collaboration between Autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji. I was worried that this year's Autumn leaves would be affected by the intense heat, but they were dyed bright red to my surprise.

[Event: Report on the November 9 (Sat) Salt Road Walk!] Here is a report on our autumn Salt Road Walk, where participants felt history underfoot. The walk began in the Sha district at Nishina Shinmeigu Shrine. The morning started shrouded in mist, but the sky cleared into perfect blue as the day progressed. Participants enjoyed walking while gazing up at the snow-capped Northern Alps. Thank you to everyone who joined us 😍 A brief introduction: we plan to hold this event again around the same time next year. If you’re interested, please check our association website in the fall. Omachi City Tourism Association

【Inagako Autumn leaves】 R6.11.14 Autumn leaves are getting warmer than last week. Lake Inagako, the ginkgo at Suwa Shrine, and the ginkgo at Kushigata General Park are in Best time to visit! Enjoy the warm color gradients.

Experience the stunning beauty of Futaiko, the emerald lake nestled in the breathtaking Naeba plateau—a true gem of nature! Japan's fall season is bursting with vibrant colors and incredible sights, and Naeba offers so much more than just skiing. This hidden treasure is less traveled, making it a serene escape where you can immerse yourself in the abundance of nature.

[🍁Autumn Foliage Updates Are Live🍂] Autumn colors are later than usual across Japan in 2024, and the foliage spots in Omachi are about ten days behind their typical peak. We are sharing these color updates on the official website “Shinano Omachi Navi.” Please use this information to help plan your visit.😊