【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed on 2/24/25. It is a white Ume plum in the middle of the hospital.

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 2/17/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Hanachozu that seems to be Spring. 🌸

A radiant smile graces her face as she experiences the joy of wearing a kimono for the first time, posing gracefully in front of Sensoji, one of Tokyo's most iconic tourist destinations. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of her kimono contrast beautifully with the lush greenery and ornate architecture surrounding the temple. Sensoji evokes a unique blend of emotions; it is a place steeped in rich traditions, where the scent of incense wafts through the air, inviting visitors to partake in centuries-old customs. At the same time, the area buzzes with contemporary energy, filled with trendy shops and lively street vendors, creating a remarkable fusion of the old and the new that captivates both locals and travelers alike.

When I visited a wooden joinery in Oita Prefecture, I received a kumiko set. Kumiko can be incorporated without using a single nail. It has existed since the Asuka period and is said to be used in shrine architecture. I'm just amazed at Japan's technology (laughs).

Photographed on February 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. Today is Valentine's Day. 🌹🍫💖

Photographed 2/11/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It was about 7 o'clock in the morning.

Ryōgenji, founded as the family temple of Honda Tadakatsu, was established in 1595 (Bunroku 4) when Ryōgaku Shōnin from Tōzenji in Kogane, Shimōsa, was invited to open the temple. It was originally called Ryōshinji, but during Masatomo’s time it was renamed Ryōgenji, taking Tadakatsu’s posthumous Buddhist name. The temple also contains the graves of Honda Tadakatsu, his wife, and Tadachō. Tadakatsu and Tadachō had their bones divided and interred here, which led to the establishment of this grave site.

Photographed 1/28/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 2/1/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed 1/25/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Photographed 1/19/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

This work is the Gifu Great Buddha Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture It is a work that combines the front, right side, and left side with a kaleidoscope lens

This work is the Great Buddha Hall Located in Gifu Park, Gifu Prefecture This is a composite photo of the front, right side, and left side

Photographed on January 3, 25. It is Daruma City in Kitain.

Photographed on January 11, 25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin. I saw it for the first time in a long yellowtail.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. I took it from a different angle.

Photographed 1/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a New Year's specification. 🎍

Katsuoji Temple in Osaka. Lots of fantastic ponds and cute darumas.

Photographed 12/21/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Christmas specification. 🎄

Photographed 12/15/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 12/9/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Autumn in Gokase: Peak Season Now! Josenji With only one calendar page left and autumn foliage ending in most places, surprisingly Josenji is now at its peak 😳🍁 It was cloudy when I took the photos, but the deep, vivid reds stood out and looked incredibly beautiful 🥹✨ While leaves are fading elsewhere, are the trees at Josenji a late-foliage variety? Or is it due to local environmental factors? I’m not sure, as I don’t know the details… In any case, I never expected to see such stunning autumn colors in December 😳👏 Please stop by and enjoy them for yourself 🤗✨

Photographed at the Light up of Toji Temple in Kyoto Light up from Horii was taken with a wide-angle lens 20mm F1.8. Photo taken on November 25, 2024

Photographed at the Light up of Toji Temple in Kyoto There was one bird in the middle of the shoot, and I was able to shoot it well. Photo taken on November 25, 2024

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.

I went to Light up Toji Temple in Kyoto. Point Autumn leaves and five-storied pagoda photography Wide-angle lens 20mm, F1.8 photo taken on November 25, 2024