Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ Held August 13–17, 2025 Would you like to cruise the plunge pool of Harajiri Falls in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, on a raft boat? You can experience Harajiri Falls with your whole body. Enjoy the breathtaking views you can only see from such close range. Date and Time Wednesday, August 13, 2025 to Sunday, August 17, 2025 Daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (tours every 30 minutes) Location Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City) ▶ Meeting time / Please arrive at the top of the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation. Price 3,500 yen per person Eligibility Ages 3 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) What to Bring Shoes that can get wet, a towel, and a change of clothes Other Information The event may be canceled due to weather or rising river levels. If there is availability on the day, walk-ins are welcome without a reservation. We also accept bookings outside the event period at any time (please check the registration form above for details). Event Inquiries Bevrep Co., Ltd. Bungoono Sales Office × Southwave (Contact: Ono) Phone 090-6896-5296 https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250806event-ogata/...

River SUP Experience Would you like to try SUP on a river? It’s completely different from regular SUP—the thrill of riding downstream is unbeatable. You don’t just float on the water; you ride the current and glide along, creating an exceptional sense of oneness with nature. It’s a slightly adventurous riverside outing perfect for families and friends. We run tours every day during the Obon period. Enjoy a river activity that’s perfect for summer. ■Open to elementary school students and up! ■Beginners are welcome—experienced guides provide thorough support for peace of mind! [Tour Dates] Tuesday, August 12th to Saturday, August 16th, 2025; Sunday, September 7th and Saturday, September 20th [Location] Onogawa River (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Meeting Point] Onogawa River Club Inukai Base (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, near Onogawa River Park) [Duration] About 3 hours (9:30–12:00, 13:30–16:00) ■■ Oita River Club For fees and reservations, please check the Oita River Club (Rivaclu) website for details. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250804spot-inukai/...

We will hold the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop🎊 On Thursday, August 21, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop♪ Based on feedback from the first session, we will consolidate and refine the tourism walking route into a single plan! It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so if you’re interested in tourism guiding or community development, please join us✨ Date and time: Thursday, August 21, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉To register, go to the Notices section on the homepage in our profile👀 Registration deadline: Friday, August 15 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy project.*

🍂Autumn Mountain School — Casual Participants Wanted🍁 🌰—Get a Head Start on Autumn Flavors! Chestnut Gathering Experience—🌰 Step on the spiky chestnut burr with your shoe and a glossy chestnut will pop out. Pick it up with tongs and drop it into the basket. You’ll get lost in the satisfying rhythm of the whole process. Would you like to enjoy chestnut gathering while soaking up autumn nature? 🍱Lunch includes a Donkotei special menpa bento♪ 📅 Date: Sunday, September 7 — 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake no Yakata 21 🌲 Venue: Old Forest House “Sakura no Tsubone” 👥 Capacity: 4 people minimum to 10 people maximum per day 💰 Fee: ・Adults: ¥5,000 per person ・Children (age 3 and over): ¥4,000 per person *Village residents receive a ¥500 discount *Price includes experience fee, guide fee, lunch, and consumption tax 📝 Registration deadline: Sunday, August 31 🚶 Accompanying staff: A tour attendant or local guide will accompany the group 🧤 What to bring and what to wear ・Work gloves ・Towel ・Water bottle ・Hat ・Long pants ・Long-sleeve shirt ・Sturdy, easy-to-move-in shoes that can get dirty *For applications and details, please check Morotsuka Navi. Spend a day filled with autumn flavors and hands-on experiences to satisfy both your heart and your stomach. We look forward to your participation!

Sunset Village Sculpture Symposium This year again, works by Yoichi Okumura, who lives in Miyazaki City, have come to Gokasecho✨ These gentle pieces reflect Okumura’s warm personality😊 Although stone is usually thought of as hard, he can express it so softly😲 Looking at the works gives you a cozy, warm feeling🥰 A picture book about a snowman was also placed there to help visitors feel a little cooler⛄ You could also watch the creation process👀 The stone’s sheen is different before and after, isn’t it!? (Maybe it’s the photographer’s skill…😅) By the time he arrived in Gokasecho, he had already created about seven pieces✨ He is expected to dedicate a work to Furudono Shrine again this year, which is something to look forward to🎵 You can see the exhibition and Okumura’s working process below Furudono Shrine💡 He is scheduled to stay in Gokasecho until September 3, but since there will be tidying up and other tasks, it might be best to visit in August😊 *Note: Okumura will be absent on August 7.*

Taijaku Gorge Taijaku Gorge is a canyon along the Okudake River. Steep cliffs of welded tuff with well-developed columnar jointing rise on both sides. The cliffs reach heights of up to 70 meters. Rocks on the valley floor are exposed from volcanic activity about 15 million years ago. Because the Okudake River originates in the rich natural forests of the Sobo–Katamuki mountain range, the gorge is a clear, blue ravine. [Location] Obara and Taijaku, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🫐【Notice: Kurohara Blueberry Farm Opening】🫐 The blueberry season has arrived ✨ Kurohara Blueberry Farm will be open for a limited time from July through August! Would you like to pick the forest’s blue jewels, blueberries, with your own hands? Inside the farm, freshly picked blueberries are available for you to eat as much as you like! Enjoy fruit grown above 600 meters in elevation, soaking up the sun’s generous blessings 🌞 【Opening Hours】 9:00–17:00 (advance reservation required) ※Please make a reservation by phone at least one week before your visit. 【Fees】 💰Admission: 500 yen per person for elementary school students and older (no time limit) 🧺Takeaway: 1,500 yen per kilogram ※For reservations and details, please see Morotsuka Navi.

Summer has arrived 🌻 Last week Gokasecho saw many rainy and cloudy days, but this week the weather has been pure summer ✨ with the sun dazzling every day 😎 I drove out to Shirataki to look for a bit of cool air 🚗 Just watching the water fall from a drop of about 20 meters felt refreshing 😊 Along the way there was a sunflower field in full bloom 🌻 It was a spot I’d never known about before, so I felt like I’d discovered a great treat 🎵 People often picture Miyazaki Prefecture as hot, but Gokasecho sits surrounded by high mountains ⛰ Because of that, average summer temperatures are a few degrees lower than other parts of the prefecture, and mornings and evenings can be chilly enough to need a light blanket. Many nights you can sleep soundly without air conditioning 😉 (Last night was actually quite cool and I slept under a blanket 😅) Escape the summer heat and come refresh your body and mind in Gokase this summer ✨

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!!

Kodai Torch Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 14, 2025 The Kodai Torch Fire Festival takes place on August 14, 2025, in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. From the area around Harajiri Falls across the rice fields of the Ogata basin, the glow of Kodai torches rises in a magical display. [Date] Thursday, August 14, 2025 ※Canceled in severe weather. No postponement. [Location] Around Harajiri Falls and across the Ogata plain ※Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 18:30 on the 14th. Please follow the directions of staff when passing through. [Ignition time] 19:30 simultaneous lighting [Number of lights] About 10,000 torches [Flame Sculpture Submission Project] Around the venue, local residents create torch sculptures unique to Ogata—such as torii gates and stone bridges—competing in a beautiful showcase. [Event Inquiries] Bungoono City Ogata Branch Office Phone 0974-42-2111 Roadside Station Harajiri Falls Co., Ltd. Phone 0974-42-4140 ❚ What the Kodai Torch Fire Festival Is A traditional event passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to have included Bon memorial rites, insect-chasing prayers for a good rice harvest, and memorials for victims of uprisings that occurred in the Edo period. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250725event-ogata/...

A workshop to create a sightseeing walking route for “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” was held🎊 and we are conducting a survey! Last week on July 23, a workshop was held to devise a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” aiming to make the town’s literary spots and heritage into new tourism resources✨ Nine local and non-local participants who know the area well joined and engaged in lively discussions. Students, local residents, and travel industry professionals who attended offered ideas from their different perspectives, making it a very valuable time👏 The next workshop, the second session, is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, so please join us👀 *Recruitment for participants is planned to be announced on our website in early August* We are also collecting ideas and useful information for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please check the notice on our website from the profile of this account! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 *This workshop is being held as part of the 2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.*

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of Reihoku Town’s municipal status, the 37th Reihoku Jatto Festival took place 🎊 Last weekend, the Reihoku Jatto Festival and the Dragon Boat (Peiron) Races were held successfully, drawing many visitors to Reihoku Town ✨ Spectacular fireworks launched right overhead 🎆, fiercely competitive Peiron races and hands-on Peiron experiences 🌊 energized the crowd, and the two days flew by in no time‼️ (By the way, this post’s author joined the festival for the first time this year, participating as both festival staff and a Peiron paddler. I was truly amazed by the close-up drama of the fireworks and the exhilarating rush of paddling a Peiron boat 👀) If you couldn’t make it this year, please come to the Reihoku Jatto Festival next year 🔥

Packraft experience Lodge Kiyokawa, located in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At Lodge Kiyokawa, you can try a packraft experience. The Okudake River that flows right in front is an emerald-green clear stream. If you explore by boat, you may encounter waterfalls and astonishing rock walls that you can't see from the riverbank! The single-person rafting boat used is called a "packraft." It weighs about 3 kg, so it is excellent to maneuver. Enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace by boat with friends or family. For packraft use, please contact Lodge Kiyokawa. Satono Tabi Resort Lodge Kiyokawa [Location] 158 Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture About a 45-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 3-minute drive from Roadside Station Kiyokawa [Parking] Available ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250722spot-kiyokawa/...

＼Announcement: Original Morotsuka Village T-Shirts👕 Now on Sale／ Every year Morotsuka Village hosts the Morotsuka Cross-Country Race and the Kyushu Ball-Toss Championship. To commemorate these two events, a local designer living in the village has created a limited-edition original T-shirt collection! 👕 All designs are original They express the joy of sport and the lush nature of Morotsuka Village with playful, creative touches✨ 📌 T-Shirt Features ・Lightweight fabric with good breathability ・Back made with quick-dry mesh for comfort in hot weather ・Stretchy material and a relaxed fit around the shoulders and neck These shirts are perfect for everyday wear and recommended as activewear for walking or outdoor events♪ 🛒 Quantities are limited, so act quickly if you’re interested. Grab a special piece for this summer👕 ※ T-shirts are available from the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association and Morotsuka Store.

The 34th Shidahara Lake Surface Fire Festival will take place in Oonocho, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture. On the special stage, a variety of performances will be featured, including kagura, Raiden Soran, and dance. There will also be a prize raffle with luxurious gifts. The master of ceremonies will be Chuka Shuto, the Bungo-ono City Hometown Ambassador, who will liven up the festival. The aerial fireworks and underwater fireworks reflected on the lake surface create a truly magical sight. Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 6:15 PM – Event proceeds in light rain; canceled in severe weather. Location: Shidarawaru Dam area Stage Events 5:30 PM – Prayer for a bountiful harvest 6:15 PM – Opening declaration 6:20 PM – Dance by Chikumatsu Mikaikai 6:30 PM – Mie Junior (Raiden Soran) 6:45 PM – Firefighting Squadron Kiko Ranger 7:00 PM – Jimmy Kikuchi 7:30 PM – Kagura (Asakusa Inuyama Kagura Company) 8:00 PM – Prize raffle 8:30 PM – Mie Swing Family (big band) Fireworks Launch Time Fireworks start at 8:40 PM — aerial and underwater fireworks. Traffic Restrictions and Shuttle Bus Service Around the Venue On the day of the event, roads near the venue will be closed to traffic (no vehicle access). Private cars cannot enter during event hours, so please use the shuttle bus. Shuttle buses operate from 6:00 PM. Wait times are about 5 to 10 minutes. Shuttle Bus Cooperation Fee: 200 yen round trip for elementary school students and older (please cooperate with this fee for shuttle bus operation). Children below elementary school age ride free. Shuttle Bus Boarding Location: Near Ohno Community Center, Bungo-ono City Parking: Around the Ono Branch Office of Bungo-Ono City Hall Other Information Visitors wearing yukata will receive a gift while supplies last. A sacred fire will depart from Asakusa Shrine and small torches around the venue will be lit in sequence. 5:30 PM – Sacred fire departs from Asakusa Shrine 6:00 PM – Small torches lit around Toji 6:15 PM – Small torches lit around the dam area 6:30 PM – Seven-color lanterns Organizer and Event Inquiries The 34th Shidahara Lake Surface Fire Festival Executive Committee Phone: 0974-34-2301 Access to Central Bungo-ono City Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Kyushu, Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture — Introducing tourism and recommended spots https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250718event-oono/...

Updated August 8, 2025 The night kagura has been canceled due to a rain forecast for the day. --------------------------------------------------------- Ontake-style Okuhata Kagura Night Kagura A night kagura organized by Okuhata Kagura will take place at Mie Town Station Square. Also joining will be Nakae Iwato Kagura, a tradition from the Hano district of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and a meeting kagura performance is planned. Date and Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025 3:00 PM–9:00 PM *Canceled in case of rain* Location: Mie Town Station Square ❚ Okuhata Kagura Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Oita Prefecture An Ontake-style Iwato kagura handed down from Ontake Shrine (Kiyokawa Town) to the Okuhata district of Mie Town. The dances consist of 33 pieces. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Gion Shrine Summer Festival July 15 was the Gion Shrine’s summer festival⛩ We covered the Morimaki ritual held before the ceremony📷 They shaped the makaya grass gathered that morning into the form of Yamata no Orochi💪 Makaya is stiff, and twisting large amounts at once is a real challenge😅 Still, the Morimaki Ritual Preservation Society finished it with impressive skill✨ The amazake prepared overnight also turned out exceptionally tasty this year😆 There were many more visitors this year, which made us happy😁 The local community cherishes their “Gion-san” It will surely continue together with the community going forward🥰

Sunset Village Marche & KIDS Festa On Sunday, July 13th, Sunset Village Marche & KIDS Festa took place in the wine hall at Gokasecho Winery. Rain fell while we were setting up, and the weather caused some worry, but though there were occasional heavy showers, we also saw sunny spells. With many stalls and stage events, the place buzzed with families and visitors. The water play area was a huge hit with the children. Kids went wild with the full-scale water guns and pools. Huge numbers of soap bubbles floated out from the bubble booth, too. Seeing so many children smile made this a day that brought smiles to all of us.

The summer taste of Kiyokawa Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture: "Clean Peach." The season runs from late June through the end of July, and this rare "phantom peach" is a signature specialty of Kiyokawa Town. The 2025 declaration of the start of the Clean Peach season was made on July 10, 2025. Please try these proud peaches, each carefully and lovingly grown by local farmers. Many visitors come every day. For the latest information and details about Clean Peach sales times and the distribution status of numbered tickets, please check the Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa website. ■ Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa offers many peach-related products, so please stop by when you are driving through the area. Location: Michi-no-Eki Kiyokawa (Kiyokawa Furusato Product Center Yume Ichiba: 1574-1 Sunada, Kiyokawa Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture) About a 40-minute drive from Oita Mera IC Hours: March–November 7:30–18:00 / December–February 8:00–17:00 ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250714info-kiyokawa/...

Kikuchi Tourism Association offers bicycle rentals. Recently, more people have been using them. This time, we introduce the popular destination, Kiki Castle. Kiki Castle is a mountain fortress built by the Yamato government in the late 7th century, about 1,350 years ago. A prefectural excavation uncovered valuable remains, including the foundations of 72 buildings, a former reservoir, and earthwork embankments. You can also see reconstructed buildings on site. At Onko Soseikan, exhibitions and videos explain Kiki Castle’s history and structure in detail. Excavations have continued since fiscal 1967 to the present. In terms of area, the site is about 12 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The grounds are very spacious, making them ideal for a walk. Our staff actually visited by electric-assist bicycles. We reached Kiki Castle from Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen Plaza in about 20 minutes. There are some slopes, but electric-assist bicycles make riding easy. On the site is a café called Kuri to Sora that sells sweets made with Japanese chestnuts. The Mont Blanc soft-serve is especially popular. Please stop by the café to relax during your trip. You can enjoy scenery you don’t usually see. When you visit Kikuchi City, please enjoy a bicycle journey.

Today (July 10) I covered a hop harvest 😆 It was my first time seeing this year’s hop field... and it was spectacular✨✨ Straight-reaching vines, healthy dark green leaves, and clusters of hops hanging like little bells…!! “It’s a shame this view will be gone after today!” I said as I gazed with the grower 👀 With preparations complete, it was time to harvest 💪 There were so many cones that even removing the supporting wires was a struggle 💦 We filled bags with the harvested hops, and I worried they might not all fit on the truck we were loading back with today 😂 These hops will be processed into beer with a fresh, lively aroma 🍺 I tasted last year’s brew too — it had a refreshing scent and went down easy 😆👍 I can’t wait to try this year’s beer 😍

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour Why not take a raft boat and cruise the plunge pool of Harajiri Falls in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture? You can experience Harajiri Falls with your whole body. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery that you can only see up close. Date and Time Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Monday, July 21, 2025 (national holiday) Daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (departures every 30 minutes) Location Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata, Bungo-Ono) ▶ Meeting time / Please arrive at the top of the stairs down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation. Fee 3,500 yen per person Eligibility Ages 3 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) What to Bring Shoes that can get wet, towel How to Apply Please check the link to apply. Other Information The tour may be canceled due to weather or rising river levels. If there is availability on the day, we can accommodate walk-ins without a reservation. We accept reservations outside the event as well (see the application form above for details). Event Inquiries Bebepu Co., Ltd., Bungo-Ono Office × South Wave (Contact: Ono) Phone 090-6896-5296 ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono ■■■ 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, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250708event-ogata/...

The hot days continue, and there are few people for the purpose of walking around the Castle Town ... In the summer, Kitsuki enjoys marine sports, the campsite is crowded, and the Castle Town is a little Vacation. Meanwhile, I was also and curious about how hot it was, and in the morning ... Even though it was cool, I took a walk around the town at 33 degrees Celsius. Today, I'm posting with a slightly rough feeling. Tea shop to cool off, flower shop with flowers in the heat of the past few days ... And such? If you walk a little, you can stop by the ice cream shop of your grandmother, who is over 90 years old, and if you take a peek at the shared kitchen space with House guests, Shokudo if you look at it, the daily lunch is an omelet 💚. The heat was terrible, but it was good to see all kinds of people, and it was good to see good things such as a nostalgic mailbox that had been repainted beautifully before I knew it. I will post it separately to everyone. Please be careful of this heat.

On July 5, 2025, hydrangea deadheading took place around Fukkoji Temple in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. About 50 people took part and removed spent hydrangea blooms from the temple grounds and nearby areas. In about two hours, the precincts were transformed into a sea of green. Thank you to everyone who participated. May beautiful hydrangeas bloom again next year. ❚ About Fukkoji Temple The bas-relief Buddhist statue carved into the rock on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, reaches roughly 11 meters in height and ranks among Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The enormous central figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo typically appears in a wrathful form, but years of wind and rain have softened the features of this carving into a rounder, gentler expression. Though large in scale, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukkoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” for the many hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy abundant hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a three-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a two-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🍄 July 7 is "Dried Shiitake Day" 🍄 To celebrate, we will hold the "Dried Shiitake Fair" on Saturday, July 5! 📍Venue: Morokko House parking lot 🕘Time: 9:00–16:00 ✨Event highlights✨ - Freshly grilled! Complimentary dried shiitake - All-you-can-stuff dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms! - Tasting of Morotsuka Village oolong tea "Seikomasucha" 🍵 - Local specialties and summer vegetables will also be on sale 🍅🥬 This is an event everyone from children to adults can enjoy! Come with your family and friends and join us 😊

Meeting the "Flower That Brings Happiness," Kirengeshoma — Summer Hikes up Mt. Kurodake Around Obon, the elusive Kirengeshoma begins to bloom quietly in the mountains 🌼 Listed as Vulnerable (Category II) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List and thrust into the spotlight by an NHK morning drama, this flower is said in local lore to bring happiness to those who see it. Kirengeshoma once grew in large colonies around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but its numbers have drastically declined due to deer browsing. Now, it survives only in limited areas where local residents continue conservation efforts. Mt. Kurodake is designated an Important Habitat by Miyazaki Prefecture, and besides Kirengeshoma it shelters many rare Kyushu mountain plants and wildlife, making it a precious natural treasure. On this hiking tour, local guides will accompany you, pointing out rare plants and offering nature interpretation so you can fully savor the rich forest. 🟡 Tour Overview: Mt. Kurodake Hike 📅 Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point: Obarai Community Center (escort from Shiitake no Yakata 21 available) 🎒 Eligibility: Ages 3 and up (minimum 4 participants to run / maximum 10) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 (lunch and guide fee included) 📝 Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16 Hike Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers) 🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or non-slip athletic shoes. A special summer day to meet the elusive flower. We look forward to your participation!

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 27, 2025 Fukoji Temple in Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. The hydrangeas overall have passed their peak. You can now see flowers beginning to wither and colors starting to fade. Oita Prefecture has announced that the rainy season appears to have ended. Hydrangea deadheading will take place on July 5, 2025, so hydrangeas can be seen through July 4. Many visitors came to Fukoji again this year. Thank you very much. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaichi Station [Parking] Available (free) [Toilets] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The cliff-carved Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, including their base, measure about 11 meters high and are among Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded and softened this carving’s features. Though large, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called the Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can enjoy a profusion of hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access from central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Geosite Beautification Volunteer Recruitment ❚ Event held on July 5, 2025 At Bukkoji Temple, one of the geosites (points of interest) in Oita’s Bungo-Ono Geopark, volunteers will trim spent hydrangea blooms around the temple grounds. We are seeking volunteers to help. Would you join us in trimming the spent flowers? [Date and Time] Saturday, July 5, 2025, 7:00–9:00 Registration accepted until 8:00. *The event will be postponed in case of rain. If postponed, the city hall website will announce it by the day before the event.* [Registration and Meeting Place] Bukkoji Temple First Parking Lot (Kamiozuka, Aoji Town, Bungo-Ono City) [Tasks] Trimming spent hydrangea blooms *Volunteers will work for at least one hour sometime between 7:00 and 9:00.* *A commemorative gift will be given to participants.* *Tools will be lent, but supplies are limited. If you own pruning shears or hedge shears, please bring them if possible.* [Contact] Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark Promotion Council Phone: 0974-22-4089 ■■■ 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, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250618event-asaji/...

Relax at Kurunconne 😌🌿 Today I stopped by Kurunconne 🤗✨ (Yes, I was working properly!) For the meeting I ordered a craft cola and a Mix Berry smoothie 😚🍹 Both are a treat to look at 😆 The craft cola is different from regular cola — it gives you that “I’m drinking something good for my body!” feeling, with no guilt. It has a nice spice kick and is perfect for the season when you want something refreshing ✨ The Mix Berry smoothie offers natural sweetness from the ingredients alone… it satisfied both my thirst and a little hunger — a blissful drink 🤤 There are many varieties, so it’s fun to try different ones 💫 They also offer light meals and desserts, and takeout is available 🥪✨ The shop has lots of manga and hosts many healing events every day ✨ I tried a tarot-like reading where you pick one card from 100 based on the theme “for this version of myself…,” and the message I received was very uplifting and gave me energy 💪❤️‍🔥 They sell fun goods and body-friendly foods, so there are endless ways to enjoy the place 🤗🎶 Be sure to check out Kurunconne’s account too 🙌 kurun→https://www.instagram.com/kurun2424/... conne→https://www.instagram.com/conne.jp/...

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 24, 2025 Fukoji sits in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. Overall, the hydrangeas have just passed their peak. Some of the earlier flowers have begun to wither. This year there are fewer blooms than usual, but the later-blooming flowers are beautifully open. We will report on the bloom status as it changes. Location: Kamiotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Access: about a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: available (free) Restrooms: available ❚ Fukoji The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, measures about 11 meters tall, making it one of Japan’s largest cliff Buddhas. The central, enormous figure is Fudo Myoo, the Immovable Wisdom King. Fudo Myoo normally appears fierce, with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded its features into a gentle, softened face. Though large, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see numerous hydrangea blooms together with the cliff Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local residents. ■■■ Access from central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■