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

✨A Three-Day Holiday Packed with Events✨ The three-day holiday starts tomorrow 😁 Gokasecho is full of events 🎆 "Yaki Happy Fest" 🎤 Set in a hall styled after the Gokase Winery, this festival brings together delicious food, wine, and live music! Celebrating the connection between Osaka and Gokase, the excitement begins with a pre-festival night. Come enjoy a relaxed, joyful time amid Gokase’s rich nature and a refreshing breeze. Date and Time Pre-festival: Friday, August 8, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM Main festival: Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Location Hall styled after Gokase Winery "Gokase Festival" 🎆 An annual celebration that colors the summer in Gokasecho! Held in the Gokase Town Hall parking area, the festival draws large crowds with food stalls, stage events, and more. The finale lights up the night sky with fireworks. Let’s enjoy a summer evening in Gokase together! Date and Time Sunday, August 10, 2025, 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (fireworks start at 8:00 PM) Location Visitor parking lot at Gokase Town Hall "Tenohira Gion Market" 👐 A heartwarming handmade market born from the idea that you can make a living doing what you love, even in the countryside. Set around Gion Shrine, more than 20 unique stalls will offer handmade goods and tasty food. This year, artists who regularly sell at Kyoto’s "Hyakumanben Handmade Market" will make a special appearance! Come to Gokase’s natural setting and find pieces that make your heart flutter. Note: The venue may change in case of rain. Date and Time Monday, August 11, 2025 (public holiday), 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (postponed to August 12 in case of rain) Location Gion Shrine (Kuraoka, Gokasecho)

Kagura Hall Performances August–November Kagura Hall is a facility in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. It regularly hosts public kagura performances. Here are the public performance dates from August through November. Location: Kagura Hall (810 Sunada, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Admission: Adults ¥1,000, children up to junior high ¥500 (both ¥500 extra on the day) *Tickets are available by advance reservation or on the day of the event. Contact: Kagura Hall, Tel 0974-35-2372 ❚ August Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, August 17, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa-style Matsuo Kagura; Takenoura Kagura Preservation Society Reservations Start: From June 17, 2025 ❚ September Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa-style Osako Kagura; Asono Kaguraza Reservations Start: From July 21, 2025 ❚ October Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Asakusa–Inuyama Kagura Company; Shonaihara Kagura Preservation Society Reservations Start: From August 19, 2025 ❚ November Public Performance Date and Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 12:30–15:30 Performers: Ontake Kagura Reservations Start: From September 16, 2025 https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250808event-kiyokawa/...

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

📣 Announcement: Pottery Exhibition 📣 From Saturday, August 2, a pottery exhibition will be held on the first floor of Shiitake no Yakata 21. 🎨 Exhibition Details 🎨 📅 Dates: Saturday, August 2, 2025 – Saturday, August 30, 2025 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM 📍 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 21 (1st floor) ❌ Closed: Every Wednesday 👤 Profile Name: Yoshiyuki Nakamura (Nakamura Yoshiyuki) Born 1947, from Miyazaki City (age 78) Since 2009, he studied under Hisayoshi Ikeda at the Morotsuka Village Pottery Class. After working as an assistant at the class, he has been teaching there since 2017. His hobbies are pottery, photography, gardening, computers, and watching his grandchildren play baseball⚾ 🏺 Message from the Morotsuka Village Pottery Class It has already been eight years since we happily began creating works together in the pottery class. This exhibition mainly features pieces we made as reference works, but recently our students have been making wonderful pieces that impress us greatly. In this exhibition, we hope you will take a relaxed look back over our journey so far. Please feel free to drop by ✨

🫐【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!!

Ramune found on the Return road in the summer Festival.

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.

This is a summer recommendation from the Saikai City Tourism Association in Nagasaki Prefecture♪ This year’s rainy season ended early, and a string of extremely hot days has followed. Here are Saikai City spots to help you beat that heat. ◎ Tsugane-Otoshi Waterfall Address: Yukinoura Kadori, Oseto, Saikai City※After passing Shinko-ji in Yukinoura village, you will see a signboard. 〇 Free admission, restrooms available ♪ Tsugane refers to the mud crab; the name comes from the sight of crabs being swept down with the falling water. There is no plunge pool; water slams onto the rocks and creates a natural mist shower♪ ◎ Yukinoura Seaside Park Address: 615-14 Shimokamagō, Yukinoura, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Open all day, free admission; restrooms and hot-water showers (100 yen per use) available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ The white sandy beach stretches about 400 m and is perfect for rockpooling and surfing♪ ◎ Yanaginohama Seaside Park Address: 2394 Taira Sotogō, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission; restrooms, hot-water showers (100 yen per use), and changing rooms available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ This seaside park borders a very shallow sea that reveals a vast mudflat at low tide. It’s ideal for summer beach fun and enjoyable for both young children and adults♪ ◎ Saiwomono River Park Address: Yukinoura Saiwomono, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission, restrooms available.※No open flames allowed ♪ Recommended for those who prefer rivers to the sea!※Please be careful of sudden deep spots and rising water levels. ◎ Nanatsugama Cave (Seven Cauldrons Limestone Cave) Address: 2541-1 Nakaura Kitagō, Saikai Town, Saikai City 〇 April–September 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30) October–March 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) Admission: Adults ¥800, Junior high ¥400, Elementary ¥200, Preschool ¥100 (group discounts for 20+ people) ♪ The cave maintains a temperature around 15°C year-round, making it especially cool in summer♪ We also recommend the “cooling platform” that uses the cave’s breeze and the “cold footbath” that uses chilled water♪ Saikai City is full of spectacular views, historic sites, and hidden gems♪ Come and enjoy Saikai City this summer♪

Playing in the River Activities for the first time in the Takekiri Valleys of Oita. I'm a little scared, but I take my mom's hand and put my feet in the cold river.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🎨 Announcement: The Late Sukenori Miroku – Exhibition “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits” 🌲✨ From Friday, July 18, the Library Corner at Shiitake no Yakata 21 will host an exhibition by the late Sukenori Miroku (Miroku Sukenori) titled “Morotsuka Kagura, the Forest’s Gifts, and Its Spirits.” This exhibition presents nine works in total, including two paintings depicting kagura that are planned to be donated to Morotsuka Village. Please take this rare chance to see these precious pieces that are not often on view 👀🍃 📅 Exhibition period: Friday, July 18 – Tuesday, July 29 🕙 Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (※Last day closes at 15:00) 🏛 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 21, Library Corner 🎟 Admission: Free ❗️Note: Closed on Wednesday, July 23. 📞 Inquiries: Morotsuka Village Office, Board of Education, Education Division TEL: 0982-65-0072 👤 About Sukenori Miroku Mr. Miroku was an artist who expressed local spiritual culture through motifs of kagura and nature-based faith. He continued to render the forest’s resident spirits and his respect for Morotsuka Village’s nature and kagura with a delicate touch. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to encounter his artistic legacy and spirit 🖌️🌿 👣 Spend a peaceful moment in a space where nature and art resonate together 🍀 We warmly look forward to your visit!

Local keychain 4th edition now on sale! The 4th edition features Arao’s local mascot, Majakki☆彡 You’ll find Majakki biting into an Arao pear and Majakki reenacting the Toten Festival, and many more designs! Each piece comes with a variety of stands, so they double as acrylic stands in a 2-way keychain(^O^)／ Nine designs in total On sale at Marugoto Arao Product Center! Please stop by ♪ Marugoto Arao Product Center Business hours 11:00–16:30 Closed every Monday (if a holiday, closed the following weekday)

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🥰

The World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025 is now underway! July 1 (Tuesday)–September 30 (Tuesday) World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025: 38 cards in all Event period: July 1, 2025 (Tuesday)–September 30, 2025 (Tuesday) Celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Heritage registration! Set off on an adventure through eight prefectures and 11 cities! The industrial revolution that laid the foundations of modern Japan took place from the late Edo period through the Meiji era. The factories, mines, and shipyards that served as its stages remain across the country as the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution, now listed as a World Cultural Heritage. We are holding a special program to enjoy these history-rich industrial sites: the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” Card Rally 2025! At the designated component sites and related facilities, you can collect cards featuring illustrations of things and people closely connected to the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution. Collect the normal cards available at each facility and get a rare card! Collect specific cards to receive limited-edition cards and premium card holders (quantities limited). From young children to history-loving adults, this event offers both learning and collecting fun. Plus, add the official LINE account as a friend, and a robot named Gear-kun will appear to help you collect cards via LINE! With Gear-kun you can check your digital card collection and easily make inquiries about the card rally via LINE, making it very convenient! This summer, enjoy exploring industrial heritage sites while encountering the passion and technology of the late Edo through the Meiji era. For details, please check the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution 10th Anniversary Special Site.” Inquiries about the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage Council: 099-286-2363 Inquiries about the card rally (general) Organizing Office: 050-2030-7388 Normal card pickup locations — 8 prefectures, 11 cities nationwide Hagi Reverberatory Furnace Guide Hut [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Emisugahana Shipyard Guide Hut [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Obanayama Tatara Museum [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shigetsuki Park Ticket Booth (Site of Hagi Castle) [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoin Shrine Treasure House Shiseikan [Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoko Shuseikan (Former Shuseikan Foundry Site) Slope [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Former Kagoshima Spinning Mill Engineer’s House (Ijinkan) [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Sekiyoshi Local Products Center [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace Guidance Center Reception [Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture] Hashino Iron Mining Information Center or Iron History Museum [Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture] Sano Tsunetami and the Miezu Naval Arsenal Site History Museum or Saga Castle Honmaru History Museum [Saga City, Saga Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museum or Kosuge Shu Shipyard Site [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Digital Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Nagasaki Port Terminal [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Takashima Coal Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Takashima Kita-kei Mine nearest bus stop [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] World Heritage Visitor Center [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Miyahara Pit [Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] — located inside Manda Pit Station. Coal mine train shelter [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ※Installed inside the paid area of Manda Pit; on rainy days, after checking your mine entry ticket, staff at the Manda Pit entrance will hand it to you. Omuta City Coal Industry Science Museum [Omuta, Fukuoka Prefecture] Ryujokan [Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture] Former Main Office Viewing Area, Imperial Ironworks, Yawata [Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture] Ongagawa Water Source Pump Room Information Center (inside Nakama City Community Exchange Center) [Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto 864-0001 Phone: 0968-57-9155 Closed: Every Monday (if a holiday, the following weekday), December 29–January 3 Manda Pit site tours: Adults 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary/middle school students 210 yen Manda Pit Station exhibition room and DVD screening room tours: Free Parking: Free Bus-only parking [5 large, 3 medium] 72 standard car spaces A motorcycle-only parking area is also available https://diginal.co.jp/card_rally/...

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/...