[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🍷

“Majakki” LINE stickers Volume 2 are now on sale!! Arao City’s mascot character “Majakki” appears in an adorable pixel style! Please enjoy and use the Majakki LINE stickers delivered from Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture!! Majakki Pixel Stickers - LINE Stickers | LINE STORE Production: Arao City Tourism Association https://line.me/S/shop/sticker/author/5551850...

#014 Roadside Station Tsuno 12th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival!!✨ It has been 12 years since Roadside Station was built in Tsunocho, and to thank everyone who has visited so far, a gratitude festival will be held! Schedule: September 21–23, 2025 September 21 only: Spiny Lobster Festival From 10:00, limited quantities will be sold! There will be a direct sale of spiny lobster and spiny lobster miso soup for sale. *Sales end when supplies run out; miso soup is limited to one bowl per person.* September 23: Stage events and food trucks gather!! There will also be a booth offering vascular age measurement and internal sugar measurement by Meiji Yasuda Life! Three-day common programs 1. Sale of Roadside Station original lucky bags with a 12th-anniversary commemorative ticket 2. Follow Roadside Station Tsuno on Instagram to receive a “Prittsuno” gift 3. Various special offerings at the food and drink booths! Inquiries: 0983-25-5055 (Roadside Station Tsuno) Everyone, please come and check out the thanksgiving festival at Roadside Station Tsuno!!

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.

#013 According to the calendar it’s already autumn! 🍂 But it’s still hot and humid. Introducing the “Saroma Great Harvest Festival,” planned to be held in Saroma, Hokkaido, a sister city of Tsunocho! First, let us explain that our town, Tsunocho, is home to a tire test course operated by TOYO TIRE Corporation. That test course exists in both Tsunocho and Saroma, Hokkaido. According to what we heard, summer tires are tested in Tsunocho and winter tires in Saroma, and then they become commercial products. This TOYO TIRE test course is what linked Tsunocho and Saroma as sister cities. [Saroma Great Harvest Festival] This harvest festival gives thanks for the year’s bounty and lets visitors enjoy seafood and mountain produce, including a direct sale of farmed scallops from Lake Saroma and special-price meat sales. There is a grand lottery with a total prize pool of 1,000,000 yen and stage events by well-known artists, drawing about 10,000 visitors each year. Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 Location: Toyo Tire Saroma Test Course Our town, Tsunocho, will also have a booth at this event. We’ll be grilling local free-range chicken, its charcoal aroma whetting your appetite—come and enjoy! *We had no photos. Sorry (´;ω;｀)*

📢 Announcement: “Miyazaki Kagura” at the National Noh Theatre — Katsura Kagura Performance On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the National Noh Theatre (Sendagaya, Tokyo) will host a performance of Katsura Kagura, a traditional performing art handed down in Morotsuka Village. Kagura is offered as a prayer to the gods. Please take this opportunity to experience its mysterious dances and sounds. 📅 Event Details ・Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ・Doors open: 12:30 / Performance starts: 13:30 (scheduled to end around 17:40) ・Venue: National Noh Theatre (4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) ・Admission: Free (advance application required; if applications exceed capacity, attendees will be selected by lottery) 📖 Program 1️⃣ Keynote lecture (about 30 minutes) 2️⃣ Katsura Kagura performance (about 3 hours) 📝 How to Apply ・Application period: Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Monday, October 6, 2025 ・Lottery results notification: Scheduled to be sent around Friday, October 17, 2025 📞 Contact “Miyazaki Kagura — National Noh Theatre Performance” Office TEL: 0985-22-1122 (Mon–Fri) 10:00–17:00 (excluding public holidays) 🔍 About Katsura Kagura Katsura Kagura is a kagura tradition from the Katsura settlement in Miyazaki Prefecture, preserved as an offering to Katsura Shohachiman Shrine. The shrine is said to have been established in the Nanbokucho period through a dedication from the Kanto region, and it preserves a mysterious history and long-standing traditions. ⛩️ Timing of Offerings ・Major kagura (night kagura) are offered irregularly for shrine relocations, shrine rebuilding, or when prayers are answered. ・Normally, the three-part kagura is offered during the spring and autumn grand festivals.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

★☆★Announcement: Gyaana Festival 2025★☆★ That hot summer festival that colors the end of summer in Morotsuka is back... ＼“Gyaana Festival 2025 – Matsuri Kyo”／ This year it will be held on Saturday, September 13th! 📅 Date and time: Saturday, September 13th, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM (scheduled) 📍 Venue: Morotsuka Village Sports Park, Yu Yu Playland and the baseball field 💰 Admission: Free Field attractions ・Morotsuka Gourmet Food Court ・Kids’ fish-catching event ※ If you join the fish-catching event, please bring your own bags or cooler boxes. Program ・Local performing arts show ・Performances by village elementary and junior high students ・Stage performance by Tatsuo Kamon ・Grand raffle ・Fireworks finale 👘 Special perks for visitors wearing yukata or traditional Japanese clothing! 🎟️ Raffle tickets will be handed out at the reception desk on the day, one per person. 🌦️ The event will go on in light rain. In severe weather, the scale will be reduced and the event will be held at the Central Community Center. 🌀 If typhoon effects are expected, the event may be canceled. The final fireworks burst close to the venue for a spectacular view 🎆 Let’s enjoy the end of summer together with energy and smiles 😊 “Gyaana” is a Morotsuka dialect word meaning “energetic”!

Tongjun Bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture If the timing is right, you can see the place where it is released Water is a masterpiece The area around the bridge is also spacious, rich and quaint

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

📢 Reservation starts for Himuka no Kuni “Enpaku” from 10:00 on Monday, August 25! ＼ Reservation for Himuka no Kuni “Enpaku” opens! ／ 🌲 Morotsuka Village will host two nature-based hands-on programs! 1. One-of-a-kind Wooden Amulet Accessory Workshop Tour💍 Use the village’s abundant woods to handcraft your own wooden accessory✨ The finished piece will be blessed by the deputy chief priest of Kinkei-ji Temple. You will complete a unique “amulet accessory” made just for you! 📅 Dates: Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, October 5, 10:00–15:00 📍 Venue: Shiitake no Yakata 👥 Capacity: 10 participants (minimum 5 to run) 💰 Fee: ¥3,000 (materials charged separately) 👕 Bring: work gloves, towel, apron (if concerned about wood dust), drinks, parts fees 2. Autumn Mountain School “Platto” Yuzu Picking & Yuzu Kosho Making Experience🍊 Harvest fragrant yuzu and make the versatile seasoning yuzu kosho that goes with everything! Why not make one of Morotsuka’s staple condiments, alongside miso, with your own hands? 📅 Date: Saturday, November 22, 9:30–16:00 📍 Venue: Shiitake Hall 21 👥 Capacity: 10 participants (minimum 5 to run) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 👕 Bring: comfortable clothes for moving around, water bottle 🌿 Come and craft while feeling the season in nature. We look forward to your participation 🥰 📱 For details and application, visit the Enpaku official website! ※ “Himuka no Kuni Enpaku” is an exchange event where you can experience the nature, history, culture, food, and craftsmanship of northern Miyazaki Prefecture.

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 🥰

🍂Autumn Mountain School “Platto” — Now Accepting Participants🍁 ~Harvest Summer Vegetables & Make Homemade Pizza~ Harvest fresh summer vegetables grown in Mr. Shinka’s field with your own hands, then try your hand at making pizza using those vegetables! Enjoy authentic, wood‑fired pizzas baked in a homemade pizza oven for a toasty, savory finish🍕 After the harvest experience, enjoy a delicious lunch♪ Savor the tastes of summer with hot, fresh pizzas topped with just‑picked vegetables🍅 This event is perfect for families with children and anyone who wants to connect with nature. Participants coming from afar can stay overnight starting the day before (Saturday). Create an end‑of‑summer memory and relax in the beauty of nature. 📅 Date: Sunday, September 14 — 10:00 to 15:00 📍 Meeting place: Shiitake no Yakata 21 🌲 Venue: Farmer’s Guesthouse Shinka 👥 Capacity: Minimum 4 — Maximum 10 per session 💰 Fee: ・Adults: ¥5,000 per person ・Children (age 3 and up): ¥4,000 per person ※Village residents receive a ¥500 discount ※Includes experience fee, guide fee, lunch, and consumption tax 🧤 What to bring: An apron (please wear clothes that can get dirty) 📝 Registration deadline: Sunday, September 7 🚶‍♀️ Accompanying staff: A tour leader or local guide will accompany participants 📲 For applications and more details, check Morotsuka Navi!

#012 Tsunocho is home to about fifty restaurants and confectioneries. This is the third installment in our gourmet series! Here we introduce a long-established Japanese and Western confectionery shop loved both inside and outside the town. ~Founded in 1950, a taste that recalls Tsunocho~ Kashiho Kikuya Kikuya is a long-standing Japanese and Western confectionery shop founded in 1950 by the family of my childhood friend. It continues to be loved by both local residents and visitors from outside the town. Kikuya makes many well-known sweets. First is the wagashi called “Ichinomiya,” which people associate with Kikuya. The name comes from the town’s representative sightseeing spot, Tsuno Shrine, formally the ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. The moist cake contains white bean paste and cream, combining the best of Japanese and Western tastes. Other confections that remind people of Tsunocho include Tsuno Station, Tsunayahime, and Kinfugu Monaka. Why use names derived from Tsunocho? The owners say they want recipients to think, “This is from Tsunocho,” or “How nostalgic.” Indeed, someone who left the prefecture and receives one of these sweets after years would likely feel nostalgic. Such treats exist in Tsuno. These days, customers come from within the town, from other towns, and even from other prefectures specifically to buy these sweets. In addition to regular items, Kikuya also makes custom birthday cakes featuring character designs. That, too, is one reason the shop remains beloved. Kikuya’s confections are also sold at the station café inside the tourism association office. They make excellent gifts for loved ones or people who have helped you. Hours 9:00–18:00 Sundays 14:00–17:00 Closed Irregular holidays Parking About 10 spaces Phone 0983-25-0127 Address 〒889-1201 4939 Kawakita, Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (in front of Akagike Residence)

#011 Tourist Spot Feature Part 3✨ Introducing a little-known Tsunocho attraction: Fudo Park!! Fudo Park, on the left side of the hill leading to Tsuno Winery, sits within the precincts of the Fudo Myo-o and is a spot to enjoy cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring. The cherry trees peak from mid-March to early April, drawing visitors from both inside and outside the town for hanami, and a flower festival has been held there in the past. It’s a minor location, but a well-kept local secret!! When I was in kindergarten the park was large enough to hold our sports day. Nearby parking holds about 50 cars, and both the park and the parking lot are free and accessible 24 hours a day. The park has a stairway that leads up to Taki Shrine, a subordinate shrine of Tsuno Shrine, the ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. The enshrined deity is the water god Takaokami no Kami, who is said to grant relief from ear ailments and bring peaceful ears. When you visit Tsunocho, why not stop by once? Access: About a 10-minute drive from tsuno station Nearby building: Nursing home Aijuen Tsuno Winery Address: 11592-1 Kawakita, Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture (address of Aijuen)

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 🙇‍♀️✨

#010 Long time no post!! Today I’ll introduce Tsuno Town’s fireworks display and river festival, held on Friday, August 22. Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display Organized by the Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display Executive Committee, this show launches from rice fields where the harvest is finished. No specific viewing areas are designated, so many watch from the concurrently held river festival site, while others enjoy clear views from farther away. The fireworks look different depending on where you watch, and about 3,000 shells will light up the night sky over Tsuno. The highlight is that you can look down on the fireworks from the hillside parking lot of Tsuno Winery. Why not come for a fireworks experience you can’t usually have? Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: From 8:00 PM TEL: 0983-25-5501 (Tsuno Winery) If it rains, the event will be postponed to Sunday, August 24. Tsuno Town River Festival Held at the same time as the Tsuno Citizens’ Fireworks Display, this river festival is organized by the Tsuno Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division. Food stalls line the Tsuno River Fureai Street beside Tono Shrine, and the event features plenty of fun stage programs for children. Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM TEL: 0983-25-0200 (Tsuno Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Parking: Please use Roadside Station Tsuno. On the day of the event, Tsuno Winery and the area around Tono Shrine are expected to be crowded with cars and visitors from about one hour before the fireworks launch. Please take care when you come.

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/...