Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 03 Mugen Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. During the event you can view and buy new works and enjoy discounted sales, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kiln Introduction / Tucked quietly in the satoyama of Reihoku, Mugen Kiln stands serene. From the pieces created by kiln owner Seiko Tanaka, you sense an unwavering dedication to beauty. When asked about that source, she showed us the neatly arranged collection of seashells. As a child, during the Obon season she began collecting sakuragai and benigai shells found on the local shore during the spirit-floating ceremony, becoming captivated by the mysterious shapes and colors that nature creates. Tanaka’s remark — “Truly beautiful things in this world are those without calculation, like these” — left a strong impression. It seems the core of Mugen Kiln’s unique worldview breathes from that sentiment. We hope you will pick up Tanaka’s carefully crafted ceramics and feel their charm firsthand. Unpesticided vegetables and potted flowers will also be on sale during the period. 📍 Mugen Kiln 588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2506 TEL: 080-1703-6886 ________________________________ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kamegama) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto Health Points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 02 Kobo Kaze The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th through Monday, October 13th (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues.😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and discounted items will be available, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating.🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Kobo Kaze continues to make pottery in a more than 130-year-old traditional farmhouse surrounded by nature. The studio began full-scale pottery activities in 2006. For this feature, the studio owner, Mr. Hayashida, demonstrated a hand-building technique known as himodzukuri, one of the methods that does not use a potter’s wheel. Himodzukuri involves stacking clay rolled into cord-like strands and shaping them as they accumulate. Mr. Hayashida skillfully forms black clay into these cords and stacks them slowly and deliberately. Watching him work feels like time itself is moving gently, and it soothes the viewer. When firing pieces in a carbonization kiln, Kobo Kaze leaves the exterior unglazed to highlight the natural gradations created by the way flames touch the surface, bringing out the clay’s inherent texture. A transparent glaze is applied to the interior to ensure everyday usability. The result is a simple, unpretentious elegance. During the event, visitors can also find bamboo dragonfly crafts, wooden goods, homemade sweets, loaves of bread, and jams for sale. 📍Kobo Kaze 598 Takahama Minami, Takahama, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (public holiday) Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! ※ A digital stamp rally for Kumamoto Health Points (smartphone) ※ A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 01 Uchida Sarayama Pottery The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City welcoming visitors😊 During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus discounted items. Please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa Ceramics along with the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the Uchida Sarayama Pottery, which carries on a porcelain-making history that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, we recommend a new piece using the “iro-itchin” (colored itchin) technique: itchin motifs painted in a blue inspired by the Amakusa West Coast sea. Though itchin looks charming, it represents delicate skill and careful effort. The blue itchin patterns stand out beautifully against the white ground — a piece you should pick up and examine closely. Also not to be missed are Uchida Sarayama Pottery’s classic zodiac figurines. Sales begin each year with the Autumn Kiln Tour. Next year’s zodiac is the horse. We photographed a veteran painter with 20 years’ experience at work. Watching the unglazed horses come to life through the brush is a stirring sight. The zodiac figurines cycle every 12 years, and Uchida Sarayama Pottery prepares a new mold each time, applying designs suited to the era. They produce as many as three thousand pieces. Through these zodiac figurines, they aim to convey the distinctive whiteness of Amakusa Toseki. 📍Uchida Sarayama Pottery 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! • A digital stamp rally that counts toward Kumamoto Health Points 📱 • A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

(The 38th Ontake-style Kagura Tournament) ❚ Held on October 26, 2025 The 38th Ontake-style Kagura Tournament will be held at Kagura no Sato Nobaba Park in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Food and drink stalls will be available at the venue. Come and see the brave and splendid Kagura dances. [Date and Time] Sunday, October 26, 2025, performances start at 8:30 AM (scheduled) [Venue] Kagura no Sato Nobaba Park (Udae, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) [Performing Groups] Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata, Bungoono City) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Shonai, Yufu City) Miyama-style Asaji Kagura Preservation Society (Asaji, Bungoono City) Yokobori Iwato Kagura Preservation Society (Namino, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture) Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) [Admission Fee] Please pay at the venue entrance on the day. ▶ Junior high school students and older: 500 yen (unreserved seating) ※ Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. [Access to the Venue] Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will run from JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. [Shuttle Bus (Free)] Runs round-trip between JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue JR Bungoo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (parking available) → Nobaba Park ❚ What is the Ontake-style Kagura Tournament? The "Ontake Kagura" passed down in Kiyokawa is said to have begun in Houtoku 1 (1449), at the same time as the founding of Ontake Shrine. This tradition has been handed down for many years, and Kagura in this lineage has spread across Ono, Nyu, the southern part of the prefecture, and as far as the Aso region. In 2007 it was designated a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. We have held the Ontake-style Kagura Tournament since 1988 to reexamine this regional culture of Kagura born from Kiyokawa's local environment and to promote regional revitalization through Kagura. This event brings together the traditional cultures of each area. Centered on Ontake Kagura, the brave and splendid dances and the elegant performances by the Kiyokawa Children's Kagura Preservation Society, which carries the Ontake tradition forward, captivate many Kagura fans. ■■■ 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 tourism and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250924event-kiyokawa/...

Moncher × Gokase Grapes 🍇 I visited the Gokase grape collaboration now on sale at Moncher Seasons in Hakata Hankyu.✨ The cakes displayed in the showcase looked as delicious as they sounded… 🍰 A kind staff member showed me the cakes made with Gokase grapes. 👀 They said the collaboration has been widely promoted, and some customers come specifically for the cakes featuring Gokase grapes. 😆 I tried the soft-serve made with Campbell Early grapes. 🍦 The soft-serve wasn’t overly sweet, and the aroma of Campbell Early gently spread through it, making it perfect for this still-warm season. 😍 The cakes using Gokase grapes are scheduled to be sold through the end of September. 💡 Be sure to visit Moncher Seasons on the B1 level of Hakata Hankyu. 😊

[👒 Summer Gokase 2025 Entry Photo Showcase ④ 👒] Thank you for entering the “Summer Gokase 2025” campaign 😆 Thanks to you, we received many submissions ✨ Here are some of the photos submitted to “#Summer Gokase 2025”! @kakigoori2020 @gokase_pan @chika_narita @niidome2110 @tae_gerbera35 @narunaru918 @kokoyukeip There were many other wonderful entries besides the ones shown 😆 We will now begin judging! Please wait a little while for the announcement of the results 😁

[👒 Summer Gokase 2025 Photo Entries Spotlight ③ 👒] Thank you for entering the "Summer Gokase 2025" campaign 😆 Thanks to you, we received many submissions ✨ Here are some of the photos posted to "Summer Gokase 2025"! @kakigoori2020 @machieri9.3 @fouzan_839 @totalrelaxation_salon_spring @gokase_pan We will now begin the selection process! Please wait for the results to be announced 😁

Nukazuke Workshop🥕 A "Nukazuke Workshop" was held to showcase local ingredients and inspire new ideas for processing them.💡 Under the guidance of Rieko Teramoto, who is from Gokase, participants first tasted the nukazuke prepared yesterday.🥢 There were 18 varieties in total!! Familiar vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and daikon sat alongside new flavor discoveries such as dried shiitake, konnyaku, and myoga.👀✨ Next, Teramoto demonstrated how to prepare the nuka bed in front of everyone, teaching about moisture levels and other details.📝 She then shared ready-to-use nuka beds for participants to take home, and everyone immediately began pickling the vegetables they had brought.😊 They said the pickles should be ready in about 12 hours, and everyone left excited to eat their creations, carefully taking their own nuka beds home.🥰 I can’t wait to try the nukazuke made by the participants next time.😍

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] Announcement for the September event📣 This is the Reihoku Sunset Marche September announcement♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣All-you-can-pack small onions🧅 and newly harvested rice from Reiwa 7! In addition to farm produce, there will also be prepared foods and various breads❣ We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don’t forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ [Planned agricultural products for sale] ・Asparagus ・Okra (round okra) ・Pumpkin ・Cucumber ・Water spinach ・Rice (newly harvested) ・Korinqui (kolinqui) ・Early-season mikan ・Onions ・Garlic ・Banana peppers 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Saturday, September 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) @reihokukankou ※Reihoku Town Products Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Announcement The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (national holiday), hosted at six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and items will be offered at discounted prices. Take this chance to visit, enjoy Amakusa Ceramics, and soak in the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ The Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association account will introduce participating kilns one by one in the coming days. We will share photos 📸 of preparations for the kiln tour and ask about the new works 📝. Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln (Goyama Kame Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Contact: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Higashi Kyushu Spiny Lobster Road – The Spiny Lobster Festival Is Underway📢] What is the Spiny Lobster Festival?? The Spiny Lobster Festival is an event held at 29 coastal eateries across Saiki City in Oita Prefecture and Nobeoka City in Miyazaki Prefecture, timed each year to coincide with the opening of the spiny lobster season in September! For three months, you can fully enjoy fresh, lively spiny lobster dishes.🦐✨ The coastline stretching from Saiki at Oita’s southern tip to Nobeoka at Miyazaki’s northern edge enjoys a warm climate year-round. This sea faces clean Pacific currents, is rich in food, and provides an ideal environment for spiny lobsters to thrive. You can taste nature-grown, authentic spiny lobster at peak freshness! Event period: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ⭐ Participating restaurants (Nobeoka City) ⭐ 1) Marukin (Marukin) Restaurant Address: 505 Ichiburi, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:00–20:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0982-45-2067 2) Rinkou Restaurant Address: 29-14 Ichiburi, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 11:30–13:30, 18:00–20:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0982-45-3571 3) Sato Restaurant Address: 2501-23 Furue, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 Closed: Thursdays (subject to change) Phone: 0982-45-2077 or 090-9570-3231 4) Sazareishi Takashima Seafood Inn Address: 2535-2 Furue, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 11:30–14:00, 18:00–20:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0982-45-2268 5) Shioka no Yado Takahiraya Address: 2927-1 Tsuruyama, Furue, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 12:00–14:00, 18:30–20:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 090-5213-2027 6) Himuka no Yadori Shinonome Vacation Cottage (Shinonome) Address: Part of 2927-1 Tsuruyama, Furue, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 090-1824-8157 (phone reception 9:00–17:00) Note: This line is for incoming calls only; no callback will be made. 7) Michi-no-Eki Kitaura Restaurant Kaisenkan Address: 3337-1 Furue, Kitaura, Nobeoka City Hours: 10:30–16:00 (last order 15:00) Closed: Only during the New Year holidays Phone: 0982-45-3811 Note: Please make reservations at least three days in advance. 8) Minshuku Konpeki (Konpeki Guesthouse) Address: 1426-1 Sumiecho, Nobeoka City Hours: 11:00–14:30, 17:00–20:00 Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0982-43-0211 Reservations are required for all establishments. "Higashi Kyushu Spiny Lobster Road" official website https://higashi-iseebi.jp//

Bat Waterfall Bat Waterfall in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, spans about 120 meters in width and about 10 meters in height. When viewed from above, the shape of the cliff is said to resemble a bat spreading its wings, which is how the waterfall got its name. You can see the whole waterfall from the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck. This waterfall lies on the main stream of the Ono River. In the Meiji era, workers built a bypass canal around the falls and a chute-like slide to move boats up and down so cargo could be transported by boat along the Ono River. The remains of this waterway construction are a highly valuable heritage site and have been designated an Oita Prefecture historic site as the "Bat Waterfall Boat Route Ruins." Location: Between Kusabukano in Ogata Town and Kamiozuka in Asaji Town, Bungoono City About a 50-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 12-minute drive from JR Ogata Station *The road to the Bat Waterfall Observation Deck includes some very narrow sections, so please drive with great care.* 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

"Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" has featured Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu. "Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" introduced Kokushōji's Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu ✨ 👉 For details, please see our website and the news section! It is listed among the 12 recommended spots for Kumamoto sightseeing and is presented alongside other regional attractions 👀 Please stop by when you visit Kumamoto♪

The 57th Bungoono City Ogata Town Gosenkoku Festival ❚ Held on September 23, 2025 The Gosenkoku Festival will take place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Gosenkoku Festival is the town’s autumn festival held at various shrines in Ogata to celebrate the harvest of crops. The portable shrines from across Ogata gather in one place for this grand joint festival, held every year on the Autumnal Equinox. At the venue, Ogata Elementary School ground, the town’s portable shrines line up while lion dances, white bear performances, and kagura dances are dedicated. Come see the rare lion dances and white bear performances that are not often seen. [Date and Time] Tuesday, September 23, 2025 (national holiday) [Location] Ogata Elementary School Ground (Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) The event may be canceled or modified depending on the weather and other conditions. [Program] 10:00 Lion dance, white bear performance, and placement of portable shrines 11:30 Miyuki-sai (procession festival) 12:00 Ogata Children’s Taiko Drums; Okudake-style Kamihata Lion Dance Club 12:30 Ogata Three-Shrine Kagura; Ogata Children’s Kagura 16:00 Kango-sai (returning shrine festival) 16:20 Lion dance and white bear performance 17:15 Return of the portable shrines *Start times may vary depending on circumstances. ▶ Concurrent Event 13:30– Children’s portable shrine parade (elementary school students may join freely) [Organizer / Inquiries] Gosenkoku Festival Executive Committee Office, Ogata Branch Phone: 0974-42-2111 ■■■ 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 tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu’s Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250908event-ogata/...

Gokase Winery's First Pressing of 2025!🍇 A new wine born from the blessings of Gokase is on the way🍷 This year too, winemaking has begun using grapes nurtured by Gokase’s fertile land💡 Every bottle from Gokase Winery uses only grapes carefully grown in Gokasecho😁 These grapes, which endured Gokase’s harsh winters and ripened under the summer sun, each offer a uniquely delicious flavor. This unwavering commitment to 100% locally grown grapes underpins the quality of Gokase Winery’s wines✨ The first-pressed Campbell Early this season features a fruity aroma and refreshing acidity🍇 A sweet, rich scent filled the winery, raising excitement for the new wine🎵 This year’s vintage is another wonderful result, filled with the producers’ love😆 New Niagara and Campbell Early wines are scheduled for sale on Saturday, October 18th🍷

Third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk: Tourism Route Workshop to Be Held! We will hold the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. On Thursday, September 25, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, we will host the third Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk tourism route creation workshop. This session will focus more on “literature,” uncovering stories while weaving in the history of Reihoku to create a fun guide manual. It’s perfectly fine to join for the first time, so anyone interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development is encouraged to participate. Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) 👉Apply via the notice section on the official Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association website! Application Deadline: Monday, September 22 Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop is organized under the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program.

Hakusan Valley ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark Geosite Hakusan Valley is a clear stream selected among Japan’s Top 100 Waters, and it is also known for the mass emergence of fireflies around June. Along the river you can see columnar joints from the Aso pyroclastic flow, creating a varied and dramatic landscape. The area is also home to Inazumi Submerged Limestone Cave, a popular tourist attraction. Location: Along the Nakatsu Bure River between Mie Town and Kiyokawa-cho in Bungoono City The river’s official name is Nakatsu Bure River, but in the Hakusan area it is affectionately called the Hakusan River. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kawakami Gorge Kawakami Gorge in Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture sits at the uppermost reaches of the Okudake River. It stays cool in summer and offers beautiful autumn foliage in fall. A walk along the gorge lets you enjoy its rich natural forest. The riverbed is slippery, so please be careful. Location: Ohedaira Mine, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■Access to central Bungoono City■■■ About a three-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a two-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 Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 2nd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Stroll” sightseeing route creation workshop was held🎊 Last week on August 21, the second workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route so visitors can enjoy the town’s literary spots and heritage as new tourism resources✨ Held with the aim of revitalizing tourism “together with local people,” the second session proved a rich time in which the more we dug, the more literary treasures of Reihoku we uncovered👏 In particular, participants were treated to a carefully delivered, realistic walking-tour-style guided explanation by Mr. Kanzaki, the president of the Guides Association, who projected images as he spoke. This gave everyone a renewed understanding of the local area and created a lively atmosphere♪ The next workshop, the third session, is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM‼ We plan an enjoyable workshop full of activities that delve more deeply into literature and the history of Reihoku, so please join us👀 *We will open recruitment for participants on our website in early September.* We are also collecting ideas and insider information from those who cannot attend the workshops to help shape the walking route. Please take part in our survey via the announcements section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎ 0969-31-1136 *This workshop is being held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal year Reiwa 7.*

On August 24, 2025, the Suga-o Stone Buddha Fire Festival took place in Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At the “Rooster Crow Imitation Contest,” inspired by a local legend, participants imitated rooster calls in their own styles, filling the venue with smiles. On stage, the bold drumming of Toyukai and the dances of Matsuo Kagura were performed. In the latter half of the festival, a torch-throwing event called “Taima-nage” took place, in which flaming torches were thrown from below into a roughly 3-meter-high pine pillar to ignite it, and many children gave it a try. ■■■ 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 Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Summer Memories of Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture On August 14, the Kodai Torch Fire Festival took place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. At 7:30 p.m., torches were lit all at once, and the lights of the torches prepared by the local community rose up in a dreamlike display across the area around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata rice fields. Flame sculptures made from torches that depict torii gates and stone bridges are also beautiful. Upstream from Harajiri Falls stands the stone Harajiri Bridge, and the sight of torches glowing on the stone bridge is very beautiful. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Shinda Falls Shinda Falls in Kyushu’s Oita Prefecture, located in Bungoono City, consists of the male waterfall on the main stream of the Ono River and the female waterfall on the Hirai River, a tributary. The male waterfall is about 100 meters wide and 20 meters high. The site is also famous for a visit by the Muromachi-period painter Sesshū, who created a work titled “Chinden Waterfall Painting” here. ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣 Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟 Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊 The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥 In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆 The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡 Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣 We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers released!! Arao City mascot character “Majakki” LINE stickers are ready‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300... Majakki Stickers - LINE Stickers | LINE STORE Produced by: Arao City Tourism Association In July 2005, the majaku was selected as Arao City’s official fish. The majaku (anajako), Arao City’s fish, is a shrimp species that lives in tidal flats and has long been loved as a relative of hermit crabs. Born on July 3 (Arao Tidal Flat Day), Majakki is the prince of the majaku world! He appears around Arao to meet many people and promote the wonders of the tidal flats. Majakki works hard to bring smiles to Arao residents and visitors alike! Please enjoy these Majakki LINE stickers, featuring phrases in the Kumamoto Arao dialect‼ https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300...

Stamp Rally Touring Kumamoto’s World Heritage Sites! Collect stamps completed by visiting Misumi West Port, Manda Pit, Sakitsu Village, and more, and receive a clear file‼ To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the World Cultural Heritage Sites “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” we are holding a stamp rally that visits the World Heritage sites and component properties within Kumamoto Prefecture. Visit Manda Pit and Misumi West Port, component properties of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” and Sakitsu Village, a component property of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region and Amakusa,” and tour Kumamoto City to fully discover the charms of Kumamoto! Collect all the stamps to receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Please see below for details. Event Period From Saturday, July 19, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025 Opening Hours and Closed Days for Each Facility Manda Mine Station: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: Mondays (if a Monday is a public holiday, closed the following weekday) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: none Sakitsu Village Guidance Center: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed days during the event period: none Stamp Locations (5 spots in total) Manda Mine Station (Arao City) Misumi-West Port Urashima-ya (Uki City) Sakitsu Village Guidance Center (Amakusa City) Waiting Room on the Shinkansen Platform Side at kumamoto station (Kumamoto City) Sakura Machi Kumamoto, 2nd Floor Concourse (Kumamoto City) ‼Those who complete the rally will receive exclusive World Heritage goods‼ If you collect all the stamps, please show the completed design to staff at one of the facilities below. You will receive exclusive World Heritage goods. Locations to Receive Limited Goods • Manda Mine Station • JR Misumi Station Tourist Information Center (note: different from the stamp location) • Sakitsu Village Guidance Center Participation Fee Free Inquiries Regional Development Division, Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division, World Heritage and Cultural Exchange Office Phone 0968-63-1274

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟 From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪 Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨ About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡 From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊 The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨ At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍 The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰 It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

The deep green of Usa Jingu Shrine, which symbolizes "summer in Japan". In the sunlight shining through the trees, I captured the moment when my father passed through the vermilion Torii (shrine gate). This Torii (shrine gate) is the boundary between the sacred and the mundane, a symbol of purification and vitality.   Usa Jingu Shrine, the Main Shrine of the Hachiman faith, is a sacred place where my ancestors, the Karashima clan, especially Katsuotome Karashima, were deeply involved in its founding. The image of the father passing through the Torii (shrine gate) gate symbolizes the way in which the lineage and faith are passed down from generation to generation, following in the footsteps of distant ancestors.   This trip was a powerful and healing experience for me, like a large tree taking root in my heart. I was touched by the vitality of Usa Jingu Shrine in summer and the history of my ancestors, and I realized that my Roux is deeply rooted in this Great Earth. This is more than just a summer scene, it is a piece that conveys an ancient bond and inner peace.

The 32nd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 24, 2025 The Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival takes place at Sugao Stone Buddha Plaza in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The rooster-crowing imitation contest, inspired by a local legend, is a delightfully fun event where participants perform rooster calls while wearing handmade costumes (of course, costumes are optional) or delivering unique acts. Smiles fill the venue. Date and Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025 Location: Sugao Stone Buddha Plaza (Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) Parking is in front of Sugao Elementary School’s pool. A free shuttle taxi runs between the parking area and the venue. Event Schedule 15:00 Shinto rituals and Buddhist ceremonies 15:10 Welcoming the demon 15:20 Opening ceremony and mochi-throwing 15:30 Toyuyukai taiko drumming 16:00 Rooster-crowing imitation contest 17:00 Torch throwing 18:00 Matsuo kagura performance 20:00 End ▶ Rooster-Crowing Imitation Contest — Participants Wanted Participation fee: Free (participation prizes available) Application deadline: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Prize money: 1st place 30,000 yen, 2nd place 20,000 yen, 3rd place 10,000 yen Additional prize: Roadside Station Mie gift certificates Apply via the Sugao Regional Promotion Council Organizer / Contact Sugao Regional Promotion Council ❚ About the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival Local residents organize the festival to boost community revitalization and promote awareness of the Sugao cliff-carved stone Buddhas. The rooster-crowing imitation contest is based on a local legend. According to the tale, a troublesome demon settled in the area and demanded, "Give me the village maiden as a bride!" The troubled village headman consulted a monk, who told the demon, "If you carve five stone Buddhas on the cliff in one night, I will give you the maiden as a bride; if you cannot, you must leave the village." Worried villagers checked at night and found the demon carving the fifth statue. They had the village’s rooster-call master imitate a rooster, and the demon mistook the sound for dawn and fled. ■■■ Access to Bungoono City central area ■■■ 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’s Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250813event-mie/...

Hello everyone! How are you spending the three-day weekend? This July in Reihoku Town was blessed not only with the Jatto Festival and the dragon boat (Pearlong) races, but also with events like the Sunset Marche 🥬 and the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche 🌿✨ (Photo shows the Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche) The next Sunset Marche is scheduled for September 14th❗️ The Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche will appear in Oyano on August 23rd and at A-Coop Reihoku on August 28th🎉 For details, check @cross_link2025👀 The hot days continue, so please take care of your health 🥹 We will keep bringing you Reihoku Town’s tourism and event information through the second half of this year 😤 #reihoku #amakusa #kumamoto #Reihoku #Amakusa #Kumamoto #tourism #marche #event #beauty #day trip spots #Yorimichi Marche #Reihoku Sunset Marche