Fukkoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Status as of June 3, 2025 Fukkoji, located in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture, is famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are currently about 40–50% in bloom. Flowering is progressing. The plants that bloomed early are showing beautiful flowers. We will announce updates on the bloom status as they come. [Location] Kamiotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station [Parking] Available (free) [Toilets] Available ❚ Fukkoji The bas-relief Buddhist statue carved into the temple grounds, including its pedestal, stands at about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The central enormous figure is Fudo Myo-o. Fudo Myo-o typically appears in an angry form, but years of wind and rain have softened this carving into a round, gentle expression. Although it is a large Fudo Myo-o, it has a very approachable appearance. Fukkoji is also called Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season, you can see numerous hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas planted here are cared for by the temple and local residents. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

SUP Experience Event in Tomioka 2025 Held✨ On Saturday, May 31, a safety prayer ceremony for a safe summer at sea and the SUP Experience Event in Tomioka 2025 took place at Tomioka Beach 👏 Blessed with good weather, all participants enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the day 🏖️ There’s nothing like the exhilaration of standing on a board and paddling across the sea! We plan to hold the event again next year, so be sure to join us 👍 Tomioka Beach, selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment’s Top 100 Clear Beaches, offers exceptionally transparent waters and makes a great sunset spot 🌅 Be sure to include it in your summer plans ❤️

Enjoy Ehime & Oita Tour Stamp Rally 2025 ❚ Period: June 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 A digital stamp rally inviting you to visit roadside stations and tourist facilities in Ehime and Oita is now underway. Collect stamps at designated spots in Ehime Prefecture and Oita Prefecture, then enter a prize drawing for hotel vouchers and local product bundles based on the number of stamps you earn. We invite you to join this opportunity! [Event Period] Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Friday, October 31, 2025 [Locations] Roadside stations, tourist facilities, and other sites across Ehime and Oita — 51 locations in total *Please see the flyer for eligible facilities.* [Eligible facilities in Bungo-Ono City] ▶ Roadside Station Harajiri Falls ▶ Inazumi Underwater Cave ▶ Lodge Kiyokawa [Prizes] ▶ Special Prize (2 winners by lottery): Accommodation voucher worth 30,000 yen Eligibility: Visit 10 or more sites in each of Ehime and Oita and collect 30 stamps to apply ▶ Prize A (2 winners by lottery): Local products worth 10,000 yen Eligibility: Visit 5 or more sites in each of Ehime and Oita and collect 15 stamps to apply ▶ Prize B (10 winners by lottery): Local products worth 5,000 yen Eligibility: Visit 2 or more sites in each of Ehime and Oita and collect 7 stamps to apply ▶ Prize C (36 winners by lottery): Local products worth 2,500 yen Eligibility: Visit 1 or more sites in each of Ehime and Oita and collect 4 stamps to apply [How to Participate] Add the official LINE account as a friend (details on the flyer) Use GPS at eligible spots to collect stamps Collect stamps and apply for prizes [Organizer] Ehime–Oita Exchange Project Executive Committee, Tourism Exchange Subcommittee [Inquiries about the Stamp Rally] Ehime–Oita Exchange Project Executive Committee, Tourism Exchange Subcommittee Office (Oita City Tourism Division) Phone: 097-537-7043 ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250602info-bungoono/...

【Best time to visit fireflies 🌌】 Speaking of Spot where you can Appreciation fireflies in Nobeoka City, there are Kitagawa, Yoshino, Maino, etc. It seems that it is ✨ in best time to visit in various places Let's 😊 continue to observe manners and Appreciation to protect this beautiful Nature ◎ Do not illuminate with bright lights, throw away trash, or harm Nature. ◎ Watch quietly so as not to disturb the people around you. ◎ Do not use insect repellent spray at the Appreciation area, and take measures such as long sleeves. 🪄 May the light of the fireflies dancing in the night sky be a memorable time for you

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃 It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅 Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞 At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨ I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰 The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷 When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

Overflow at Chinda Falls Resumes Chinda Falls, located in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture on Kyushu. Waterfall flow had been stopped for construction since October 2024, but construction is complete and overflow resumed on May 21, 2025. Further construction will require another temporary stoppage of the waterfall. We will share details as they become available. Please be careful when visiting Chinda Falls for sightseeing. ■Upcoming Construction Schedule Water flow will be stopped again from June onward From September onward, improvement work is scheduled for Chinda Falls Fureai Park (the park will be completely closed during construction) ■About Chinda Falls Chinda Falls consists of the male waterfall spanning the main stream of the Ono River and the female waterfall on the Hirai River tributary. The male waterfall is about 100 meters wide and approximately 20 meters high. The ink-wash painter Sesshū, active during the Muromachi period, visited here and painted "Chinda Waterfall." Remains of a power plant built in the Meiji era also remain. ■■■Access to central Bungo-Ono■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture (Bungo-Ono City) on Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

★ ☆ ★ The 26th Kyushu Ball Insertion Championship in Morotsuka ★ ☆ ★ On Sunday, June 29, the 26th Kyushu Tamazumi Championship will be held at the Morotsuka Village Gymnasium. Held in 🌟 a convention "It's just a ball, but it's a ball." The height of the basket for the ball exceeds 4 m 😮 Entries are available in the "General Division" and the "Beginner Division" in which even beginners 🔰 can participate. There are. * From 2025, there will be no ladies division, and entries will be made in the general category. ■ Schedule of the day Sunday, June 29, 2025 09:30 Opening Ceremony 10:00 Start of competition 16:00 End Venue: Morotsuka Village Gymnasium Car parking for participants: Morotsuka Village Sports Park Baseball Stadium ■ Inquiries About the tournament・・・Morotsuka Village Board of Education TEL ０９８２－６５－００７２ Application for participation・・・Morotsuka Village Tourism Association TEL ０９８２－６５－０１７８ *The deadline for entries is Friday, June 13. For application and details, please visit the Kyushu Ball Insertion Championship of [Moroka Navi] Please confirm. We look forward 😊 to receiving many entries 【What is the Kyushu Ball Throwing Championship?】 In 1990 (Heisei 2), in Wakan Town, Hokkaido, the "All Japan Ball Insertion Association (commonly known as AJTA)" was born as a new sports promotion organization that anyone can easily participate in. In 2000 (Heisei 12), the AJTA Kyushu Association was established here in Morotsuka Village as an organization of the Kyushu block of the All Japan Ball Insertion Association. In support of AJTA's spirit of putting in the ball, we continue our activities as one of the Village development of the Village Forest Park and Morotsuka, which revitalizes the community through interaction with urban areas. Currently, AJTA Kyushu gathers volunteers who have dreams of putting in the ball, and in addition to running the Kyushu Ball Throwing Championship (Held in every summer in Morotsuka Village), which is a step toward the national tournament, we are striving to popularize this easy and profound ball throwing competition as a recreational sport for the Village people. [All Japan ball holder Roux, etc.] Divided into two divisions, a general division and a beginner division, they will compete for the crown of the Kyushu Ball Throwing Champion. The "All-Japan Ball Bowl" is a time race in which players of 4 to 6 players compete for the time it takes to put a total of 100 balls (99 ajata balls ×× 1 anchor ball) into the basket. 【AJATA Roux All Japan Ball Insertion Championship Competition Rules】 ●Basic Roux The "All-Japan Ball Throw" is a timed race in which players of 4 to 6 players compete for the time it takes to put a total of 100 balls (99 ajata balls × 1 anchor ×ball) into the basket. (1) Participating players must be between 4 and 6, and if even one player is missing, they will be disqualified. (2) The start will be from the back to prevent flying. (Gun start) (3) Put the ajata ball first, and put the anchor ball at the very end. (If you enter first, you will be disqualified) (4) If all 100 balls are not included, you will be disqualified. (5) Throwing tools such as sticks and shoulder cars is disqualified. (6) Safe if the ball rests on the basket. It is safe to drop the ball on the basket with an anchor ball. (7) If a person other than the player touches the ajata ball, he or she will be disqualified. (8) Other match management will be notified at the coaches' meeting. The above Roux was officially decided on April 15, 1996 (Heisei 8), partially revised in 2010 (Heisei 22), and all championship tournaments will be held in based on this Ajata Roux. ●Participating players Number of players: Up to 8 registered players, 4 to 6 participating players Gender: Regardless of gender Age: Junior high school students and above (Only junior high school students are not allowed to form teams, but if one or more adults participate in the team, it is allowed.) ●Competition equipment (1) Ajatakot An ajata circle with a diameter of 6 m is marked with line tape. Centered on the Ajata basket (2) Ajata Basket (Official) Height 4m12cm with steel base (Lowest temperature recorded at the All Japan Association site -41.2°C) Diameter of the basket 44 cm, depth 44 cm (association site ≈ 44 ° north latitude) (3) Ajatabor (official) outer skincloth resin particles ・ Ajata ball (99 pieces) ... ８０ｇ±２ｇ ・ Anchor ball (1 piece) ... ２５０ｇ±５ｇ (4) Ajata Shoes Wear indoor shoes (athletic shoes).

Kitsuki Castle A landmark towering over the Castle Town Kitsuki Since its construction in 1394, Kitsuki Castle has watched over this town for 600 years. Although it Castle Keep simulated, the three-tiered Castle Keep towering over the Ruins of the Castle is reminiscent of the appearance of this castle in the past. Built in the early Muromachi period by the Kitsuki clan on Mount Tai at the mouth of the Yasaka River, the castle was surrounded by natural strongholds such as the Takayama River to the north and Morie Bay to the east. While the castle changed its location and shape due to subsequent natural disasters and earthquakes, the castle owners were also replaced by the Maeda, Japanese cedar, and Hosokawa clans, and the Ogasawara and Matsudaira clans finally marked the end of the Edo era, and Kitsuki Castle continues to this day without welcoming a new castle owner. It is said to be important for understanding the actual state of castles in the early Edo period, such as understanding the building composition and structure of the castle before its destruction by the "One Country, One Castle Order" from historical documents and excavation results, and in March 2020, the Ruins of the Castle in the Taishan area and the ruins of the Lord's Palace at the foothills were designated as national historic sites. Some of the stone walls still exist. Today, the top of the mountain is open to the public as Shiroyama Park, and there is also a stone park where valuable stone structures such as the Kunisaki Pagoda found in various parts of the city are exhibited outdoors. At the time of the castle's construction, it was named "Kitsuki", but since it was mistakenly written as "Kitsuki" on the shogunate's shuin stamps, it has been changed to "Kitsuki". It is also known as "Katsuyama Castle" because it withstood the onslaught of the Shimazu for two months. Inside the castle, valuable items such as items related to the lords are on display, and armor, weapons, and Buddhist statues are on display. You can also enjoy dressing up and taking commemorative photos. It is visited by many tourists as the final destination of a walk around the Castle Town, and the superb view from the Castle Keep and the comfort of the wind will be a memory of the trip.

kurakurakura Festival 2025 The kurakurakura Festival returns this year. The Taketa–Bungo Ono area, fed by abundant mountain waters, hosts a wide variety of breweries and distilleries producing sake, shochu, wine and craft beer. Special limited-time experience programs will be held at those breweries. ❚ What is the kurakurakura Festival The Taketa–Bungo Ono area features a diverse range of producers, from sake and shochu to wine, craft beer and whisky. Alongside enjoying great drinks, visitors can take part in many exclusive, limited-time brewery experiences. Learn about the breweries and you’ll love the drinks even more. Whether you’re a fan of alcohol or not, discover new ways to enjoy these beverages. [Event Period] Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 [Venues] Eight breweries across the Taketa–Bungo Ono area For details, please check the link below. ■■■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, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250526event-bungoono/...

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Report as of May 22, 2025 Fukoji Temple stands in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. At present, most hydrangeas are still buds. We will update the bloom status as it progresses. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station [Parking] Available (free) [Restrooms] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The rock-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its base, stands approximately 11 meters tall and ranks among Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The central giant figure represents Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo traditionally appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have softened this carving into a rounded, gentle face. Although it is a large Fudo Myoo, it has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called Hydrangea Temple for good reason, with many hydrangeas planted across the grounds. During the rainy season you can see abundant hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas planted here are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】 Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"! We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨ From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏 Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️ Here is how to vote💡 【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】 ⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person. <If voting via Google Form> ・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A... ・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response. ⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance. <If voting via Instagram> ・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍ ⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware. <If voting at a polling location> ・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope. Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨ ⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand. Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗 1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1) 2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2) 3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3) 4 @_yuta610 (photo 4) 5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5) 6 @8215dr72 (photo 6) 7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7) 8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8) 9 @reoron001219 (photo 9) 10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10) 11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11) 12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12) We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

Hello, this is the Kitsuki City Tourism Association! Kitsuki City, located in the northeastern part of Oita Prefecture, is a full of charm Castle Town surrounded by abundant nature. Kitsuki City, with a population of about 26,000 (as of 2023), is There is a at the base of the Kunisaki Peninsula and is easily accessed from Oita Airport. Kitsuki City is known as the "Castle Town of the Slope" and is characterized by a rare townscape in Japan, with samurai residences spread out on high ground from north to south, arranged across the merchant town in the valley. In this first COOL JAPAN VIDEO posting, we will deliver plenty of Tourist Information that allows you to fully enjoy Kitsuki City! We will also introduce recommended Spots and exquisite gourmet Information, so be sure to check it out! 【Access to Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from Oita Airports. In addition, it is about 30 minutes by car from Beppu / Yufuin. Use JR Station is the closest. Transportation from the station to the Castle Town area by local bus or Taxi and enjoy a historical walk. There are the sea nearby, the beautiful scenery Unfolds on a sunny day, and it is also popular as a Driving course, so renting a car is also recommended! 【About Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 While receiving the blessings of the sea and mountains, Kitsuki City has nurtured its own culture over a long history. Above all, if you walk through the Castle Town, you can feel the good Nostalgic Atmosphere with Samurai Residences and Merchant Towns left everywhere. If you are interested in the kimono experience and historical walks that are often introduced in Kitsuki City's Tourist Information, please visit. 【Historical background of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture developed from the Muromachi period to the Edo period, and the townscape of the Edo period still remains Richly preserved, making it an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It is attractive that you can enjoy the unique scenery and history that other Castle Towns do not have. In particular, the structure that developed in the form of Samurai residences lined up on the north and south and sandwiched between the Merchant Town in the center is rare in Japan. This unique townscape of "Castle Town on the Slope" has become one of the reasons why many tourists have visited it in recent years. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Kitsuki Castle, a symbol of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, is said to be the smallest Castle Keep in No.1 in Japan, but its charm is said to be a Castle Town with a compact but unusual shape with historical value. From the high ground of the castle, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Castle Town cityscape and Seto Inland Sea, giving Visitors Impression. The castle is Open to the public as a Museum and is recommended for history buffs and photography lovers. ◆Suya Slope, Shioya (Shihoya) Slope Slope with Samurai Residence and other townscapes reminiscent of the scenery of the Edo period. If you look down from the top of the slope or walk along the Stone pavement slope that connects the high ground, the scenery Unfolds as if you have traveled back in time. There are many tourists who rent kimonos and stroll around the city, and it is also famous as a photo Spot of the Kitsuki City Tourism Model Course. ◆Kitsuki Castle Shitamachi Area (Samurai Residence, Merchant Town) It is characterized by a castle town with a very rare topography in Japan, with a group of Samurai Residence Districts spreading out on the high ground from north to south and a merchant town spread out in the valley. At the Samurai Residence, you can also visiting the site architectural techniques and structures where you can learn about the lifestyles and construction techniques of the time, and the fun of learning about the historical background Unfolds. Souvenir shops and cafes are also scattered around, so you can enjoy a little Meals and shopping. ◆Ohara Residence It is known as a presence that represents a corner of the Samurai Residence, and the Charming Garden and the appearance of the old architecture make you feel the history of Kitsuki more deeply. Please think about the culture of the Castle Town and the lives of the people at that time. 【Kitsuki City's Traditional Culture and Crafts】 In Kitsuki City, traditions representative by samurai residences and Castle Town culture are inherited, while local festivals and performing arts rooted in the locals are also carefully preserved in various places. Especially in Kitsuki City, which is still deeply connected to kimono culture, you can enjoy the kimono experience. If you walk in a kimono to blend in with the Castle Town, you will feel as if you are the protagonist of a period drama. In addition, as a kimono Privileges, you can enter the cultural facilities for free, and there are services such as discounts at Privileges Subject shops, so you can stroll around at a great price. In particular, taking photos on Samurai Residence Street and Shioya Slope is sure to look good on social media. 【Gourmet food in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki tea / Kitsuki black tea Tea Production around Kitsuki City is characterized by its deep taste and refreshing aroma. In recent years, it is one of the few domestic black teas At cafes in the city, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets with Kitsuki tea and matcha. Why don't you spend a moment of travel while taking a break at a quaint café in Castle Town? ◆Mandarin oranges (citrus fruits) Kitsuki City is a Mandarin Oranges production area that boasts one of the highest productions in the prefecture. In addition, various varieties are also cultivation, so many people visit to coincide with the citrus season. ◆ Strawberries Kitsuki City is one of the one of the most strawberry-producing areas in Oita Prefecture, and High quality strawberries are cultivation that take advantage of the warm climate and rich nature environment. Varieties such as "Saga Honoka" and "Belitsu" are especially popular, and are characterized by a good balance of sweetness and acidity, rich Aroma and juiciness. Strawberry picking can also be enjoyed at the tourist farm, and it is popular with many people. ◆Hamo Oyster Kitsuki City is known as a fisheries for ducks, and Raised in the fast currents of the Bungo Water Channel, the ducks are characterized by their tight flesh and good fat. It is in season from summer to autumn, and you can enjoy its elegant taste with hot water and tempura. Oyster farming is also thriving, growing in nutrient-rich waters and having a rich umami and creamy texture. Especially in winter, when the Oyster Highway is in season! The store, which serves a variety of dishes such as grilled oysters and steamed oysters, is crowded with many customers. 【Introduction of Events and Festivals in Kitsuki City】 ◆Kitsuki Castle Festival (May) A traditional festival centered on the Castle Town area where Samurai parades and stage events are held like historical picture scrolls. Local residents and tourists will It will be a lot of fun! together. ◆Kitsuki Tenjin Festival (July) It is a 300-year-old festival held at Kitsuki Tenmansha Shrine and the Castle Town area, where dancers, drum drummers, mikoshi and festival floats parade through the town of Kitsuki. ◆ Kangetsu Festival (October) An event to enjoy Tea and the famous moon of mid-autumn in the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of the Castle Town. Lights are lit in the Castle Town, and it is a festival that colors the autumn night in a very fantastic way. ◆Castle Town Kitsuki Walk and Hiina Tour (February ~ March) Hiina Meguri is held in for about one month. This is an Events around the Hina dolls displayed in Samurai residences and Machiya houses. In the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat full of Edo atmosphere, you can feel the arrival of Spring. 【Tourist Information of Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture】 Kitsuki City is an attractive town with a townscape full of history, beautiful Nature, and a food culture born from that Nature. Wear a kimono and walk around the Castle Town, enjoy the spectacular scenery, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Why don't you experience such a special trip in Kitsuki City? Plenty of charm awaits your visit. In the next post, I will introduce Kitsuki that I couldn't write in this post!

🌺 【Best time to visit the flowers of the Brushwood tree】 🌺 The "Brushwood", which is characterized by its unique flower appearance like a red brush, has begun ✨ to bloom vividly this year The way it sways in the wind is also beautiful, and you can't help but stop and look at it. If you're in the area, be sure to take a look ☺️ 📍 Filming location ・Izumi Station East Exit Ryokuchi Park ・646-5 Kamisababuchi, Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture

The 38th Meisui Hakusankawa Firefly Festival The "Meisui Hakusankawa Firefly Festival" will be held at Inazumi Underwater Cave Square in Mie Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. Various events will take place on the day of the festival. Local fresh vegetables and sweets such as sake manju and brown sugar manju will also be on sale! This is a cozy, community-led festival organized mainly by local residents. Date and Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 The event will go ahead in light rain. Rain decision will be made at 8:00 on the day. Location: Inazumi Underwater Cave Square Other: Sales of local fresh vegetables, sake manju, brown sugar manju, and more A commemorative gift will be presented to the first 200 visitors. Schedule 16:00 Karaoke contest 17:00 Toyoyu Taiko drumming 17:30 Opening ceremony 17:50 Okuhata kagura (sacred dance) 19:20 Folding fan dance 19:50 Mochi throwing 20:00 Firefly viewing Organizer: The Association to Protect Hakusankawa Access to central Bungo-Ono About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250514event-mie/...

🌿New Tea Season🌿 The tea fields in Gokasecho are turning a vivid green😌🍵 The first and second photos show the house in Kuwanochi, in front of which the weeping cherry trees that we introduced in spring looked so beautiful📸✨ Against the fresh green of the remaining cherry leaves, the two-tone tea fields made an incredibly beautiful scene🥺👏 Fresh tea is arriving one after another at the Gokase Specialty Center, and the scent of new tea fills the shop🥰 Enjoy the fragrant, new tea leaves that make you feel as if you are standing right in the tea fields🍵✨

Shiraiwa Mountain Opening 🌸 Today (May 11), the Shiraiwa Mountain Opening was held at the Gokasecho Highland Ski Area Parking Center😊 A Shinto ceremony took place on the mountain, with organizers and other attendees praying for safety while enjoying the crisp mountain air👏 After the ceremony, those who wished began climbing toward the rhododendron colony💪 Azaleas, Okamenoki, yama-shakuyaku (mountain peony), and rhododendrons appeared to be in full bloom💡 ⚠ Notice ⚠ From May 12, Reiwa 7, the town road Hon-yashiki/Hagi Line and the Hagi Forest Road, which provide access to the Goboubatake trailhead (Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe), will be closed to all traffic until further notice due to road disaster recovery work. To reach Shiraiwa Mountain, Mukaisakayama, and Kiridachigoe, please use the Ogawadake: Tenyabo trailhead (road subsidence, many falling rocks, rough road).

【🌸 Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 — Featured Submissions, Part 12 — 🌸】 The submission period finally ends today, Sunday, May 11. We’re showcasing entries to “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025,” currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account.💪❤️‍🔥 @hanpenpen2022 @goto0619 (in no particular order) This time’s photos show the Akebono azaleas on Mt. Futagami and the white flowers in Kuraoka…what kind of flowers are those, I wonder?🤔 Everyone clearly knows well when and where different flowers bloom, and many have personal memories and attachments to these blooms. Those feelings seem to shine through in the photos — they’re truly lovely.✨ -------------------------------------------------------------------- “#Gokase Flower Viewing 2025” also ends today, Sunday, May 11!👏 If you meant to enter but haven’t yet, don’t miss the chance — submit before you forget!💡❗ ≪#How to Enter #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account, then post a photo of flowers taken within Gokasecho on Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Flower Viewing 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... 【Period】From Thursday, March 20, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️Other terms and conditions appear on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please be sure to read them before entering. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

An article is introducing Gokasecho 👏✨ Please take a look 😆!

Josenji Temple with Azaleas in Bloom In spring, Josenji Temple bustled with many cherry-blossom viewers.🌸 Now the petals have fallen, and the weeping cherry trees with fresh green leaves are beautiful.✨ Azaleas bloom across the temple grounds, and the contrast between the new greenery and the vermilion flowers is delightful.😆

Koinobori Sports Day 🎏 & Azalea Festival 🌸 On May 5th, the event was held in District 8: Koinobori Sports Day and the Azalea Festival. Under a clear sky where koinobori raised by local volunteers drifted gracefully, the sports day took place in the morning.👟 The program offered activities that people of all ages could enjoy, and both adults and children competed with smiles.😆✨ In the afternoon, the venue moved to the gymnasium for a quiz contest and karaoke competition.🎤 The day ended with a much-anticipated raffle, and the whole event was lively from start to finish.😍

The mountain opening for MtSobosan was held on May 3, 2025. A famed peak representing Kyushu and selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, many climbers enjoyed the trails that day. The akebono azalea was also in full, beautiful bloom. The climb was very strenuous, but the view from the summit is spectacular. From now on you can also enjoy fresh green foliage, so please enjoy your hike safely. MtSobosan has many hard routes, so prepare plenty of gear and food and prioritize safety when climbing. ■■During climbs ●Prepare plenty of gear and food and prioritize safety when climbing. ●MtSobosan and MtKatamukiyama are home to many valuable alpine plants. To protect nature, please do not pick or take them. ■■MtSobosan Straddling Oita Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture, it is a representative Kyushu peak selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Its elevation is 1,756 m. Unlike Aso and Kuju, it is an older volcano, which has formed deep valleys and steep ridges. You can enjoy how vegetation changes with elevation. ■■■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 beppu station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Introducing Arao’s local specialties If you’ve come all the way to Arao, you’ll want to take home a souvenir or keepsake that you can only find here. Here are Arao’s signature specialties and some tasty local treats worth trying. Shodai-yaki pottery Perfect for interiors and everyday tableware alike Shodai-yaki, a pottery tradition passed down in Arao for about 400 years, is made from high-quality clay dug from the foothills of Mount Kodai, east of Arao City. Its style combines the high artistry recognized as a traditional Japanese craft with a rustic charm that enhances food and flowers, making these pieces very popular for daily use. Alongside large plates and vases, you’ll find teacups and coffee cups in abundance. Find the piece that speaks to you. Shodai-yaki kilns in Arao City ・Shodaiyaki Fumoto-gama, master: Yasuaki Inoue Fumotoaza Furuhata 1728-1, Arao City TEL:0968-68-0456 ・Shodai-yaki Shirohei Kiln, master: Nobuaki Kijima Oshima 25-3, Arao City TEL:0968-62-0538 ・Kodai-yaki Sueyasu Kiln, master: Eisuke Sueyasu Fumoto 1712-2, Arao City TEL:0968-68-0058 ・Shodai-yaki Naka-Dera Kiln, master: Kousei Nishikawa Kaba 1192, Arao City TEL:0968-68-7326 ・Shodai Mizuho Pottery, master: Rui Fukuda Kamihirayama 914, Arao City TEL:0968-66-2380 ・Kodai Hontani Chihiro Kiln, master: Tomohiro Maeno Kawatou 2131-74, Arao City TEL:0968-68-6459 https://arao-kankou.jp/sightseeing/specialty/#:~:text=%E8%8D%92%E5%B0%BE%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8-,%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8B%E3%81%94%E3%81%A8%E3%81%82%E3%82%89%E3%81%8A%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8,-%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8%E3%80%81%E5%B0%8F...

[May 3] Kurara Festival 2025 A Golden Week fast start💪💨 On May 3, Constitution Memorial Day, Kurakura Kurara in the former Kuraoka Junior High School hosted the Kurara Festival 2025🥳 The weather could not have been better that day☀️✨ The venue bustled with many food and drink stalls, fortune-telling, relaxation services, crafts, and a flea market. About 300 visitors came, making it a very lively day🤗🌟 Because it was quite warm, shaved ice was hugely popular🍧💕 (Adults seemed to prefer alcohol🍺?) In the courtyard, Nani.loa HULA studio performed hula dances🌺 A special guest performance featured the vice principal of Kuraoka Elementary School singing passionately, which electrified the crowd😆🔥 The raffle offered many luxurious prizes, and smiles were everywhere☺️✨ Although a new festival that started last year, Kurara Festival has already become a beloved event both inside and outside the local community👏💡 Everyone is already looking forward to next year💕

【🌸 Gokase Hanami 2025 — Featured Photo Submissions Part 11 🌸】 It’s been a while, but we’re resuming introductions of the works submitted to “#Gokase Hanami 2025,” currently hosted on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🤩💫 @sayasyoto They submitted many photos of the rhododendrons at Mikasho Shrine and a rare bamboo called kikkouchiku.✨ They also showcased the beauty of the leaves remaining on the cherry trees after blooming.🌸🌿 Since we can, please enjoy comparing these with the cherry blossom photos we introduced earlier.☺️💕 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Now then, the long-running “#Gokase Hanami 2025” is finally in its final stretch.💪💡 The event runs through Sunday, May 11, so if you took flower photos in Gokase during Golden Week, please do submit them.🤗✨ ≪#How to Enter Gokase Hanami 2025 ≫ Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account and post flower photos taken within Gokasecho to Instagram with the two hashtags #Gokase Hanami 2025 and #date of photography (example: #March 20).🤳❤️‍🔥 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Period: From Thursday, March 20, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025 ⚠️ Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Be sure to read them before applying. https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1962.html... ⚠️ Please take great care to avoid accidents while photographing.

[Events Information] The 11th "Nippo Coast Rock Gaki Festival 2025" is being held in again this year! Unlike true oysters, which are in season in winter, rock oysters are in season in summer! Enjoy the large, rich creamy rock oysters! Period: Thursday, May 1, 2025 ~ Sunday, August 31, 2025 (Hyuga City, Kadogawa Town, Nobeoka City = May 1 ~, Saiki City = May 9 - ) Organizers: Nippō Coast Rock Gaki Festival Executive Committee (Hyuga City Tourism Association, Kadokawa Town Tourism Association, Nobeoka Tourism Association, Tourism Town planning Saeki) Inquiries: 0982-29-2155 (Nobeoka Tourism Association) 🎁 Giveaway Campaign 🎁 Meals rock oysters at participating stores during the period, and if you apply by stamping the gift application postcard with the Stamp of the participating store, you will win a gorgeous prize by lottery! 1st prize: Luxury Ise Shrimp set × 5 people 2nd prize: Local special Gourmet set worth 5,000 yen × 4 people 3rd prize: Local special Gourmet set worth 3,000 yen ×10 people The application period must be postmarked by Monday, September 1. * This Events does not have tourist facilities Stamps. * Implementation will be held after the Events ends, and only winners will be contacted for confirmation. ★⭐ Nobeoka City Participating Stores ⭐★ (1) Kitaura Rinkai Park Oyster House Address: 2501-60 Furue, Kitaura-cho, Nobeoka City Kitaura Rinkai Park Phone: 0982-45-3039 Time: 11:00~15:00 (L.O14:00) Regular holiday: Every Friday * Subject to change due to weather etc. (2) Roadside Station Kitaura Restaurant Kaisenkan Address: Nobeoka-shi, Kitaura-cho, Furue 3337-1 Phone: 0982-45-3811 Time:10:30~16:00(L.O15:00) * Rock oysters will be provided on 5/12 ~ Regular holiday: Year-end and New Year holidays (3) Fukufuku Address: Nobeoka City Shinmachi 6-5 Maru Building 1st Floor Phone: 0982-32-0629 Time:17:00~22:00 Regular holiday: Every Sunday (4) Kokugikan Address: Nobeoka City Spring Town 2-3-4 Phone: 0982-32-5729 Time: 11:00~15:00 (L.O14:00) 17：00～22：00（L.O21：30） *Friday and Saturday only 17：00～22：30（L.O22：00） Regular holiday: Every Monday * Open on holidays, holidays, and busy seasons

Golden Week finally starts tomorrow🎌!! Here is a roundup of events taking place in Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture🙌 We present the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 and the Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓✨ Be sure to stretch your Golden Week plans to include a visit to Reihoku this year! ~~~~~ Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 During the event, you will find new works on display and for sale, special discount sales, and a variety of other attractions. Take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※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📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332 ~~~~~ Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓ On Sunday, May 4, 2025 (national holiday), the 7th Spring Outing Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair will take place across Tomioka Port in Reihoku Town🎵 The event lineup includes Tomioka Port dolphin-watching cruises🐬, tours of Tomioka Castle🏯 and walks around Tomioka Town, plus a Kizuna Marche🎪 selling practical training products from Takushin High School Marine Campus and local agricultural, marine, and processed goods—there’s plenty to enjoy! Advance registration for dolphin watching and town walks has ended, but dolphin-watching still has available slots, so please come to the reception desk when you arrive! Inquiries: Reihoku Town Hall General Affairs Division TEL 0969-35-1111 FAX 0969-35-2454 ✉️ REIHOKU@town.reihoku.lg.jp

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Opening] ⁠ Known as the source of one of the world’s finest porcelain raw materials, Amakusa Toseki, the Amakusa West Coast hosts seven scattered kilns. The 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour runs for five days from today, Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6. The final kiln introduced is Takahama Ware Juhogama. The Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour finally begins today. This Golden Week, please come out to the Amakusa West Coast and enjoy the season 😊 *You can view previous kiln introductions from this account’s profile!* 🌸Takahama Ware Juhogama Located in the Takahama district of the Amakusa West Coast, Takahama Ware Juhogama boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Edo Period when Amakusa Toseki was first quarried and pottery production began. Its signature products are pure white, translucent porcelain and a distinctive painted motif called mirumon, inspired by seaweed. You have likely seen pieces with this pattern around Kumamoto Prefecture. Just before the Spring Kiln Tour, the workshop buzzes with preparation to put items out for sale. During the event, you can find bargain-priced items and chances to unearth real treasures. The painted pieces are whimsical and charming, and this season many designs feature sake motifs, which makes them especially fun. Mariko Ueda, the managing director, recommends a large-capacity café au lait bowl. It’s perfect for long morning drinks or for enjoying cereal—an ideal morning vessel. On the premises stands the former Ueda family residence, once the local headman’s home. A stroll through the garden brings dazzling spring greenery into view. If you pause feeling watched, you might find a large tanuki statue sitting among the bushes. That tanuki is still awaiting a name, so why not become its namesake when you visit? 📍Takahama Ware Juhogama (Instagram 👉 @takahamaware_kilnjyuho) 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ____________________ 🖌️During the Spring Kiln Tour, Takahama Ware Juhogama offers painting experiences on an ongoing basis. 🎪From Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 (approximately 10:00–15:00), a market, guided history and architecture tours of the Ueda family and Shiraso, mochi pounding, and various other events will take place! Details: check Takahama Ware Juhogama’s Instagram (@takahamaware_kilnjyuho). 🚗When you visit the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, please be sure to stop by. ♩ ____________________ [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event, you’ll find new works on display and sale, special discounts, and a variety of activities. Take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! *A digital stamp rally qualifies for Kumamoto health points📱* *A paper-entry stamp rally at participating kilns gives you a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln)📃* [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 through Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM–5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln [Inquiries] Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Bungo Ono City 20th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Bungo Ono City celebrated the 20th anniversary of its city status on March 31, 2025. To mark the occasion, a commemorative ceremony and cultural performance will take place at Eitopia Oono. Admission is free, so please come and join us. ❚ Commemoration Ceremony [Date and Time] Sunday, May 25, 2025 [Venue] Eitopia Oono, Grand Hall [Admission] Free [Schedule] 12:00 Doors open 12:40 Opening: Wadaiko performance by Toyukai 13:00 20th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony 14:00 Commemorative Cultural Performance [Booth Exhibits] In the entrance hall, booths will feature Bungo Ono City and its friendship exchange city, Taito Ward. ▶ Taito Ward Exhibit Booth Specialties from Taito Ward, Bungo Ono City’s friendship exchange city, will be exhibited and sold (planned). ▶ Bungo Ono City Exhibit Booth Displays and sales will showcase exhibits and products related to the founding of Bungo Ono City (planned). ❚ Commemorative Cultural Performance "Cheerful Folks from Asakusa Are Coming!" Asakusa Paradise — Bungo Ono Version: Silent-Narration, Opera, and More "Asakusa Paradise" is a comedy blending silent-narration (katsuben), opera, wadaiko and other elements, produced by katsuben performers Yata Aso and Kohata Aso from Mie Town. The show has been performed mainly in Asakusa, Taito Ward, and gained popularity. Now the Asakusa Paradise troupe may be coming to celebrate Bungo Ono City’s twentieth birthday!? To celebrate the 20th anniversary, a cultural exchange between Asakusa and Bungo Ono will unfold. For this Bungo Ono version, a new piece themed on dried shiitake mushrooms will be performed, and the Mie General High School Kagura Club along with a chorus formed from local residents will also appear. Though described as opera, the piece is a lighthearted comedy without formality. [Date and Time] May 25, 2025 Start 14:00 End 15:30 (planned) [Venue] Eitopia Oono, Grand Hall [Admission] Free [Story] The Asakusa Paradise troupe arrives to celebrate Bungo Ono City’s twentieth birthday. What awaits them is the world of kagura. But despite the celebration, has Amaterasu shut herself in the rock cave? With silent narration, opera, wadaiko, kagura and dance… Can everyone working together with local citizens open that rock cave!? [Inquiries] ▶ About the Commemoration Ceremony: Bungo Ono City, General Affairs Division, Mayor’s Office Phone: 0974-22-1001 ▶ About the Commemorative Cultural Performance: Community Development Promotion Division, Cultural and Arts Promotion Section Phone: 0974-221001 ■■■ Access to Central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono City (Bungo Ono City) ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250501event-mie/...

Arao’s food scene offers a rich variety! Families and friends alike will find plenty of flavors to love. Arao’s dining options range from specialty sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku restaurants to chic cafes and restaurants, plus numerous confectioneries and nightlife spots. After a day of fun, relax at your favorite spot. ~Maki Cafe~ A takeout shop on Greenland Street known for freshly made crepes, sweets, and café-style menu items. Genre Takeout-only cafe Address 827-2 Miyauchi, Arao City Phone 070-5400-7654 Hours 12:00 – 17:00 Closed Tuesdays (next day if a public holiday) plus one irregular day per month Parking 5 spaces Instagram https://www.instagram.com/makicafe_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa touseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour invites you to visit seven scattered kilns along this coast. Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Located in the Shimoda-minami area of the Amakusa West Coast, Jurou Kiln sits right by the sea where you can feel the ocean breeze. The kiln owner, Goh Kameyama, shapes and fires his pieces with a powerfully refined technique that gives the work a quiet tension. Meanwhile, Sanae Kameyama’s painted brushwork is delicate and graceful yet carries a distinctively modern sensibility that lends the vessels a soft expression. From sturdy, no-nonsense wares to charming, smile-inducing painted scenes, the couple’s contrasting sensibilities resonate to produce pieces that gently speak to both viewers and users. Location: Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto 863-2802 TEL: 0969-42-3143 _______________________________ On Sunday, May 4 at Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln! Sanae will perform an impromptu whale painting and in-situ blue-and-white underglaze dyeing, “whale painting 🐳 impromptu dyeing.” Please feel free to drop by and watch 👀 For details, search Instagram: Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln @takahamaware_kilnjyuho ⚠️ Please note this event will not take place at Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln. _______________________________ This is the final introduction to the participating kilns tomorrow 😿 Please be sure to take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event, each kiln will offer new works for display and sale, plus special discount offers and other activities. Take this chance to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln, and savor the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto health points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332