＼ ＼ The Kushiro Local Products Festival has begun〜😊／／ Starting today! The 54th Kushiro Local Products Festival🐟 A long line formed even before the doors opened‼︎ Local specialties from Kushiro, nearby towns, sister cities and sister city partners are all laid out in a row ^ ^ A winter tradition in Kushiro. You can't welcome New Year's Eve without coming to this. The festival runs for three days starting today. Please come and visit us 😊 📍Kushiro City Tourism & International Relations Center 1F Main Hall (3-3 Saiwai-cho, Kushiro City) 12/12 (Fri) 10:00–16:00 12/13 (Sat) 9:00–16:00 12/14 (Sun) 9:00–15:00

“Teshikaga Eco Passport” service confirmed to run in winter 2026🚌💨 The Mashu–Kussharo sightseeing loop bus, Teshikaga Eco Passport, which tours scenic spots around Teshikaga, offers 2-day and 3-day passes—please reserve in advance and make use of them. It’s recommended for those who feel unsure about driving and for anyone who wants to enjoy sightseeing in Teshikaga with ease❣️ For details, see Teshikaga Navi✨ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/2025winterecopassport/...

⋆⸜ ⭐️<Daisen Park Japanese Garden> Wa Light Nights ⭐️ ⸝⋆ [Special Winter Evening Opening]💫 On winter nights, this tranquil Japanese garden comes alive with the soft glow of Japanese-style lights. Forget the everyday and spend a warm, luminous moment with someone special✨☺♡⃛ <Daisen Park Japanese Garden ( @daisenteien )> 🔶Event Period ・ Saturday, December 20 – Sunday, December 21 ・ Wednesday, December 24 – Thursday, December 25 ・ 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍For details, search “Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Winter Evening Opening”! 🔗 https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1... https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1...

Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri was held On December 6, 2025, the Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri took place around Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The Kawagoe Shimatsuri is an annual festival when the deities of the three Ogata shrines (Ichinomiya, Ninomiya, and Sannomiya) come together. The portable shrine from Ichinomiya Shrine and the portable shrine from Sannomiya Shrine gather at Ninomiya Shrine. The event was shortened from two days to one this year. Despite challenges such as a shortage of people to carry the mikoshi, the organizers’ determination to keep the festival alive has preserved the tradition. At night, young men wearing traditional loincloths carry the Sannomiya mikoshi through the cold river, guided by torchlight. Their calls of “Essa hoisa” echo as they pass through the torii above the falls and wade across the river, creating a breathtaking spectacle. ■■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and other areas 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Photographed on December 8, 2025. This is the flower-filled hand-washing basin (hanachozu) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It features Christmas colors. 🎄

Hello. This is En'emon Folklore Museum 😃 Winter has finally arrived at Shosenkyo Gorge! In the crisp, clear air, the contrast of the blue sky with Aoyama's green and brown makes the natural beauty stand out even more ✨ Even though it's cold outside, sunlight feels warm and cozy ☀️😊 It's nice to spend the year-end slowly while basking in the sun👍 Right now, En'emon Folklore Museum welcomes visitors with Christmas decorations. We have many gift-perfect items, so it's nice to warm up in the shop while you browse♪ We look forward to greeting you with smiles 😃✨✨

Photographed on December 8, 2025. This is the hanachozu (flower water basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The autumn leaves at Oidaira Park in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture The scene of bright red maples lit by the morning sun, rising into view, was breathtaking From Takamidai along the river, I used an ultra-wide lens to fill the frame with autumn.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Also it is paradise for bird watchers. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

On November 19, we held the fourth workshop to develop a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” turning the literary spots and heritage remaining in Reihoku into new tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] December Announcement📣 This is an announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche in December♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche sells agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku, and this event marks its first anniversary since it began🎊 To celebrate the first anniversary, we will hold a lottery for the first customers who spend 700 yen or more! A Veg Check screening that awards health points will also be available, so please come by❣ We look forward to seeing you😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Planned produce for sale] ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Rice (new harvest)🌾 ・Red leaf lettuce (sunny lettuce) ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Zucchini ・Daikon radish ・Carrots🥕 ・Chinese cabbage ・One-character scallion (wakegi) ・Green peppers🫑 ・Beni Haruka sweet potato ・Spinach ・Mandarin oranges🍊 ・Mizuna ・Cherry tomatoes (Aiko, fruit types) ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM ※Veg Check screening: 12:30 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Reihoku Town Product Center facility: 4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku)

Photographed on December 4, 2025. After the exam, I visited Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. I was fortunate to be able to pay my respects, so I offered a katashiro (paper doll) for the year-end purification ritual.

From downtown Kushiro: Mt. Akan-Fuji and Mt. Meakan Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido is surrounded by vast, unspoiled nature. Winter is finally in full swing ☃️ — stay tuned for winter scenery updates!

In winter, some tourist facilities in Shimoda City are scheduled to close or suspend operations for maintenance and inspections. Please take care when visiting. The Izu Cruise "Shimoda Port Sightseeing" had been scheduled for inspection until December 12, but it finished earlier than planned and resumed service yesterday ⚓✨ https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20251125...

Photographed on December 3, 2025. This is the lunch plate from Brasserie Catheri near Kawagoeshi Station in Kawagoe City. It’s packed with salad, gratin, quiche, and more. 😊

“Zatsu Tabi - That's Journey -” (author: Kenta Ishizaka) episode “Journey 46” takes place in Fukui Prefecture, exploring the Reinan region. In Mihama Town, the visit includes overnight stays and stops at major attractions such as the Rainbow Line, Roadside Station, and the Lake Center. It is currently available for a limited time on Kadokomi (ComicWalker), so please take a look when you have time. https://comic-walker.com/detail/KC_002635_S/episodes/KC_0026350009500011_E?episodeType=latest...

The autumn leaves at Okuni Jinja Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. The vermilion bridge blends seamlessly into the fall scenery.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

⋆⸜ ⭐️<Daisen Park Japanese Garden> Wa Light Nights ⭐️ ⸝⋆ 【Special Winter Night Opening】💫 On winter nights, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden comes alive, bathed in traditional Japanese light. Leave everyday life behind and spend a warm, glowing moment with someone special ✨😊♡⃛ < Japanese Garden in Daisen Park > 🔶Event Period ・ Saturday, December 20 to Sunday, December 21 ・ Wednesday, December 24 to Thursday, December 25 ・ 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍For details, search “Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Winter Night Opening”! https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1...

Illuminations are lit at JR Miemachi Station ❚ Held from December 5, 2025 to January 31, 2026 Illuminations are on display at JR Miemachi Station in Mie-machi, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture, organized by the Mie Branch of Bungo-ono City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The lights glitter and lend a festive glow to Miemachi Station. Why not visit Miemachi Station this winter? Date and Time: Friday, December 5, 2025–Saturday, January 31, 2026 Location: JR Miemachi Station (2930 Akamine, Mie-machi, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture) Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM–1:00 AM (next day) ■■■ Access from places such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival This enchanting event fills winter nights along Kiso Road with the warm glow of ice candles and bamboo lanterns handcrafted by local residents. Held at post towns and other venues across the Kiso area, it usually runs from late January through mid-February each year. A photo contest will also be held. We look forward to many entries! For details, please see the Kiso Tourism Federation website.

Photographed on December 3, 2013. This is the Tori-no-ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. A kumade decorated with beckoning cat charms that looks auspicious.

This year, various spots around Sakai City are once again brightened with illuminations✨ This time, we're featuring the illuminations at Sakai Risho-no-Mori! 👀 Don't miss its nighttime appearance♪ 🌟 "Sakai Risho-no-Mori Illuminations" ⛄ 📅 Period: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – Monday, February 16, 2026 🎄 Lighting hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM 📍 Location: In front of the main entrance of Sakai Risho-no-Mori (2-1-1 Shukuincho-nishi, Sakai-ku, Sakai) 📞 Contact: Sakai Risho-no-Mori (tel: 072-260-4386)

Window Art at Kamu On display until around noon on Friday, December 26th! 📍Roadside Station Nishiokoppe Kamu Throughout December, the windows inside the facility are filled with drawings.🖍 With a Christmas and sweets theme, children from the nursery, elementary and junior high students, and adults have decorated the windows. The windows beside the karakuri organ feature impressive works by five villagers! We hope you enjoy seeing how each piece combines Christmas and sweets. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #window art #Roadside Station #Kamu #winter #Christmas #sweets #drawing

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...

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...

Photographed on December 3, Heisei 25. This is the Tori-no-Ichi fair at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Here is a kumade decorated for the Year of the Horse, the zodiac sign for next year. 🐎