🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024🍁 Please vote! [Until January 5, 2025!] Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held recently on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🥹✨ We have taken the liberty of conducting a strict first-round selection by the tourism association staff and have chosen 12 entries from all submissions 🤔💡 From these 12 entries, we would like to decide the winners by asking followers of our Instagram account to vote 🤩👏 Please follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko), then in the comments of a post with the hashtag #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Vote, choose one of the 12 entries and comment the number of the entry you selected ✍ Voting is limited to one vote per account. [Voting period: Until Sunday, January 5, 2025] [Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account] https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Please check the original posts by the entrants before voting 🤗 1 @gokase_pan 2 @kaaazuuu1123 3 @thusandleavis 4 @mitsu_yumi.0520 5 @san.shimako.1105 6 @hiroko.gf1 7 @kaaazuuu1123 8 @niidome2110 9 @sakai_0808 10 @sakai_0808 11 @thusandleavis 12 @naomin168 Ten winners who vote will be selected by lottery to receive specialty products from Gokase Town as a gift 🎁💫 We look forward to your many votes 🥰

【Snow-covered Yatsugatake】 I took a picture from Fujikawa Town Station Street!

Kit wishes come true — we have put up ema plaques 😍 A few years ago we collaborated with KitKat on the Kito Line and installed ema plaques then; we have installed those same ema again this year‼️ If you visit Takaharacho, please stop by Takahara Station and write your wish on one‼️😝 We will properly dedicate the ema at the shrine ⛩️! About ema — we looked into them a bit! ⭐︎Unlike omikuji, ema are things you “dedicate” ⭐︎You can write vertically or horizontally—either is fine ⭐︎Since you are asking the kami (gods), it’s good to write phrases like “May 〇〇 come true” or “I hope 〇〇 is granted.” ⭐︎You may sign with either your initials or your full name—both are OK! In fact, it used to be recommended to include your address and date of birth, but many people avoid that now to prevent personal information from leaking. ⭐︎You can write several wishes on a single ema, but it’s better to separate different prayers by using different ema. ⭐︎It seems acceptable to dedicate the same wish on ema at several different shrines or temples. This is what we found in our research, so we can’t say it’s definitive, but remembering these guidelines might help your wishes come true even more! 😍 Please drop by Takahara Station to write an ema — they are free of charge‼️🤩 Place: Takaharu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Takahara Station) Address: 473-6 Nishifumoto, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan Parking available (free)

Kanto's largest Ginkgo 🍁 This one is located in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture 　　　　　　　　　　　　"Jozoji" It is one of the largest Ginkgo trees in the Kanto region. The best time to see it is now and be sure to 🤤 visit it at the end of autumn

We are pleased to announce the annual “First Sunrise Cruise,” a refined way to welcome the New Year aboard a ship. Enjoy an exquisitely luxurious moment as you watch the first sunrise rise from the horizon in the special, unobstructed setting of the open sea. A geopark guide will once again provide commentary about the Izu Peninsula! This event requires reservations, so please book below as soon as possible if you wish to join. [From Atami Port: First Sunrise Cruise] Boarding location / Atami Port (regular ferry terminal for Atami–Hatsushima service) Date / Wednesday, January 1, 2025 6:00 Ticket sales begin (Atami Port counter) Around 6:30 Depart Atami Port for a sightseeing cruise; the ship will stop so passengers can watch the first sunrise from on board (sunrise around 6:50) Around 7:15 Return to Atami Port ※Cruise time approximately 45 minutes Vessel / Ile de Vacances Premiere or Ile de Vacances III Capacity / 250 passengers Reservations / Required by phone: 0557-81-0541 ※Reservations open from December 2, 2024 ※If cancellations occur on the day, those seats will be released for general sale. Fees / Adults ¥2,600; elementary school students ¥1,300 (preschool children free); pets ¥1,300 ※Depending on weather, the first sunrise or Mt. Fuji may not be visible; refunds cannot be issued in such cases. ※The cruise may be canceled due to poor sea conditions. ※The above information may change without notice for weather or other reasons. Thank you for your understanding. https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/spot/181...

At the "Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival" (Snow Festival) to be Held in in Nayoro City, Hokkaido in February 2025, we would like to Held in the "Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Competition", where snow sculpture carvers from all over the world compete in skill and artistic level, and liven up the Local Snow Festival and Broadcasting the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro to the world! In Nayoro City, located in the north of Hokkaido, this is the executive committee that Held in the Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival (hereinafter referred to as "Snow Festival"). Held in the Snow Festival as a Local Snow Festival, this time for three days from February 7 ~ 9, 2025. We have planned various events such as a huge slide, illuminations, a huge maze of snow, and a frigid yakiniku festival where you can enjoy yakiniku in -20 degrees Celsius, and this is a major winter Events that will be celebrating its 73rd year this year! Held in the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest since 2001 as the centerpiece of the Events, in which professional snow sculpture sculptors from around the world compete in the skills and artistry of snow sculptures. However, due to the recent rise in prices, it has been difficult to find the cost of running the Games, and we have a strong desire not to disrupt this unique and wonderful Events, so we Squid planned this project. Outline of the Tournament The Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest began in 2001 as the Japan Cup, the World Five Continent Squid Broadcasting s Snow Sculpture Competition, and in 2020 it celebrated its 20th edition, with 19 snow sculptures lined up at the venue, the largest ever. There were some years when the tournament had to be canceled due to the spread of the new coronavirus, but February 2025 will mark the 22nd edition of the historic tournament. For details, search for "Campfire Crowdfunding"! When you open the site, you can see it by searching "Nayoro"! At last Taking advantage of the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro City, the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Sculpture Contest, which broadcasting the charm of the region to the world, is an important project that will open up the future of the region. Through this Events, we hope to let many people know the charm of Nayoro City and lead to the revitalization of the region. We look forward to your warm support.

Autumn leaves and seasonal cherry blossoms along the river. I and a beautiful scenery that I didn't notice from the ground. Haramura Village, Toyota City Shot on DJI MAVIC 3 JAPAN Aichi Toyota 2023/12 * Flight notification has been submitted to the facilities manager. * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Friday, December 12th morning at Lake Utonai 🌅 Tomakomai has been experiencing a spell of severe cold recently. This image comes from the Roadside Station Lake Utonai Facebook page. It shows the season’s uniquely beautiful sunrise and the lake’s surface.✨ (Image courtesy of Roadside Station Lake Utonai)

Nanatsugama Cave Stalactites and Stalagmites Cave [2541-1 Nakaura Kitago, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Discovered in 1928 and designated a National Natural Monument in 1936, this cave is the only stalactite cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. Thirty-five caves have been identified around Nanatsugama Cave, some exceeding 2 km in total length. The section open to the public is the “Shimizu Cave,” which allows access up to the 250 m mark. As you move through the dim cave, you will encounter a 6 m waterfall, two stalagmites resembling Jizo statues, a massive 60 cm-diameter pillar, and stalactites that look like cascading waterfalls, offering a series of mystical sights. Hours of operation ・April to September 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) ・October to March 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ※The cave is closed for the New Year holidays from December 30 to January 2. Event information ・Every March, events are held to coincide with the cherry blossoms and rapeseed blooms. ・Food vendors, handcrafted goods sales, and stage performances are held. ・From October to November each year, events such as the Autumn Festival, where you can view fields of cosmos, and Halloween events are planned and held. ♪Currently hosting “Light Cave 2024”♪ The tunnel section beyond the seabed-like interior is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy lights that are visible even during the day. Come visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture!

【Fujikawa Town Takashita Diamond Fuji】 Diamond Fuji with the sun overlapping the summit of Mt. Fuji You can see it for about 2 weeks from December 16th ~ New Year's Day. The best time to see it is around December 22nd. If you come by Car, please prepare anti-slip items.

Mairi Sandera in Hida Furukawa 2022.01.15 In Hida Furukawa, the unique traditional custom "Sanji Mairi", which has been going on for more than 200 years, is a place to visit three temples in the In the town: Yen Temple, Shinshuji Temple, and Honkoji Temple on the night of January 15 every year in memory of the blessings of Shinran Saint. On this day, 1,000 candles are lined up along the Seto River, and the lights reflected on the surface of the river are very beautiful, and you can enjoy a heartwarming scene. In addition, snow sculptures and candles boasting a height of 2 meters are lined up in the town.

Snowy scenery of the former Komaru Elementary School 2022.01.06 In April of 2018 (Heisei 30), Komaru Ko was reborn as a base for exchange and tourism in the Village. In the Inside the facility, there are Reproduction classrooms, a library, a music room (with movie screening facilities), and classrooms where you can Use Events and exhibitions. You can enjoy the scenery of Showa, including the large Ginkgo tree in the school yard.

＼Oikamana Lake has frozen over!／ Nearly the entire surface of Oikamana Lake (Ikebana Nae Swamp) along the Pacific coast has frozen. In spots where the ice is thick enough, you can walk on it. You can also hear strange sounds when the ice shifts or cracks. This is a fleeting, otherworldly sight that lasts only until the snow begins to fall. Find Taiki Town tourist information here! ↓ https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Gokase Highland Ski Resort Safety Prayer Ceremony Today, Thursday, December 12, a safety prayer ceremony was held at Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which is set to reopen in eight days for the first time in three years. 🙏✨ Around 60 people boarded shuttle buses from the base to gather, and amid heavy media coverage, a Shinto ritual took place inside the ski center. 😌 The ritual proceeded smoothly, and after offering prayers for the resort’s safety and success, participants toasted together. 🍻 At the post-ceremony gathering, everyone spent a relaxed time, eagerly anticipating the ski area’s opening. 🤗 Along the road up to the resort, snow had accumulated in places, and the slopes were adorned with frost-covered trees that created a magical scene. ❄️✨ When the wind blows, it really is cold, isn’t it? 🥶 I came fully bundled up today, but cold is cold. 🤣 Still, a ski resort should feel like this! Right? 💪❤️‍🔥 Only a little time left until opening. 🤩 Let’s hold on a bit longer and wait with excited anticipation. ✨

【Request to everyone who visits Ozora Town】 ⚠️ The fields of Meruhen no Oka are off-limits ⚠️ Every year, more and more people enter the fields of the snowy Meruhen no Oka hills. The fields on the Meruhen no Oka are the private property of the farmers. Never enter the field, and depending on the depth of the snow, there is a risk of getting stuck and getting stuck, so please enjoy the scenery [from the place where the snow has been removed] during the snow period.

From Soto Recipes! As a special return to everyone who supported us through crowdfunding of the luxury retort "Izu no Gokumeshi" that fully uses high-quality ingredients from the three towns of Shizuoka and Izu, we Held in a social gathering to eat "Izu no Gokumeshi" together in Izu with our ambassador Izu no Nushi Fishing. Izu Southwest Coast Tourism Promotion Council Three towns: Nishi-Izu Town, Matsuzaki Town, and Minami-Izu Town We received full cooperation in recipe development, etc. Chiaki, Representative of Soto Recipe Co., Ltd. Ambassador "Izu no Nushi Fishing" With everyone who supported us We enjoyed camping food unique to the southwestern Coast of Izu, such as "Dogashima barley wine", "Hon Wasabi and local fish", "Ghibier yakiniku", "natural eel kabayaki", "deep-fried ginaga shrimp", and "tide soup". Souvenirs include "Hot Spring Melon", "Bonito Dashi Salt", and "Matsuzaki Rice". There is a very much to everyone who participated.

Metasequoia Row This is the Metasequoia from yesterday, 12/9 🎄! The leaves were beautifully autumn-colored 🥰 Please post with the hashtag #Takaharacho Metasequoia 😁 Location: Just a short walk from Takaharu Seiryu Land parking lot! 31-2 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki 889-4414 Parking is free; please park neatly in the available open spaces.

Popular snow activities in Nayoro City, Hokkaido "Powder Snow Safari" A tour to the summit of Mount Piyasiri, next to the Piyasiri ski resort in the city. Ride a snowmobile through snowy forest roads and snowfields to meet the giant "Snow Monster". From the top of the mountain, if you are lucky, you can also see the "Sun Pillar", which is a Nature tabletop phenomenon, Mt. Rishiri on the northernmost Rishiri Island, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Rest assured that the snowmobile will have a driver. Rental items such as helmets, gloves, and spats are also available, so even beginners can enjoy it. Period: Late December ~ Early March Number of receptionists: 1 person ~ Duration: 2 hours ~ 2 and a half hours Fee: 12,000 yen/person (tax included) For details, search for "Nayoro Sightseeing & Town Planning Association"!!

Call for participants for ♪ the "Yamahiko Falls Night Tour" The 28-meter-high Yamabiko Falls freezes in the middle of winter and becomes a huge icicle. Enjoy a Light up and fantastic figure. ◇Held in date and time Saturday, January 18, Saturday, February 1, Saturday, March 1 17:30~18:30 each day ◇ Meeting point Yamabiko Hot Spring Car Parking Lot *Please register at least 15 minutes in advance. ◇ Number of applicants and participation fee First 40 people each day, junior high school students and older: 2,000 yen, elementary school students: 1,000 yen (including guide fee and insurance fee) ◇ How to apply December 16 (Mon) 8:45 a.m. ~ Reservations start Please apply by Phone. ◇Other Please dress appropriately for the cold. There are cancellation in case of bad weather. Application / Inquiries Engaru Town Marusebu General Branch　 Phone: 0158-47-2211

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing the 2024 autumn colors at Yujaku Park (Yujaku Kōen) Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City Around 500 maple and Japanese maple trees line the Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, making this one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn foliage spots. Many visitors come during the autumn color season. In 2024, the foliage was later than usual, with peak colors around late November. Every year from early to mid-November, the Momiji Festival is held, and the herbal rice cakes made by local residents are very popular during the event. For one day a special stage is set up on the pond for an event called Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami. Please visit Yujaku Park again in 2025. Location Yujaku Park (Ageotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking available (free) Access to central Bungoono 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 Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile.

I saw this scenery after returning to Hokkaido from Kanto for the first time in a yellowtail. I was reminded of the beauty of the snow on the trees. The shooting location is Route 452 in central Hokkaido.

On the shore of Lake Utonai, the samaras of the karakogi maple sparkle in the sunlight ✨ You can also see whooper swans 🦢 (Image provided by the Lake Utonai Wildlife Protection Center)

This is the scene at Onneto this morning, Friday, December 6. The temperature is relatively mild, and many hot-water pits toward the back of the lake have prevented the ice from forming there. The ice seems to be repeatedly freezing and thawing, making it extremely dangerous, so please exercise great caution when approaching the lake surface. Also, as I have reported several times recently, the Onneto Line road from Nonaka Onsen to the lake is closed today and is now closed to vehicles for the winter. If you walk to the lake, be sure to take proper snow and cold-weather precautions and avoid accidents. Onneto is now heading into full winter❄️

Mt. Fuji from Hirabayashi, Fujikawa Town The Hirabayashi area, where terraced rice fields spread, is one of the 100 views of Fujimi in the Kanto region Selected

Autumn at Ooyama 2024 Maple Report 🍁 12.5 Here is the current view of Oyama Temple as of Thursday, December 5, and of the lower Ooyama Afuri Shrine and Fujimidai as of Tuesday, December 3. On clear days, the view of Mt. Fuji from Fujimidai is exceptional! The maple trees along Suzukawa, below the OyamaCableCar bus stop, are also beautiful. The peak of the autumn leaves has passed at this soothing spot of Ooyama, so please visit as soon as you can! ※Sunset comes early, so if you aim for the mountaintop, start early in the morning and allow plenty of time. Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 4 Take the ‘For Ooyama Cable’ bus for about 30 minutes Get off at the last stop and walk 15 minutes to the cable car station

December 7th to December 21st "Fukushima Teppen Park Illumination 2024" will take place. The illumination at Fukushima Teppen Park, perched 805 meters above sea level, features a Christmas theme. Enjoy the collaboration with the night view! ■ Dates and times: Saturday, December 7th to Saturday, December 21st — lights on from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM ■ Location: Fukushima Teppen Park Organizer: Fukushima Teppen Park Event Executive Committee

Ryozenji, an indispensable site in the history of Shimoda’s opening, sits a 10-minute walk from Izukyū-Shimoda Station. On November 8, a new shop called Sushilabo 302 opened in the temple’s parking lot. It’s a great stop when you want to tour compact Shimoda efficiently, grab a quick bite, enjoy lively conversation with the staff, or if you overdid the ryokan breakfast but still want sushi in Shimoda.(^^)/ The sushi chefs are several “side-job sushi artisans.” They trained for a few months and debuted when the shop opened.✨ They normally work in completely different fields, and some have come from other prefectures. Sushilabo, a new style of sushi restaurant in Shimoda, was planned by the fourth-generation owner of the town’s popular sushi spot Mimatsu Sushi, who helped train these side-job sushi artisans and bring the shop to life. When you stroll around town, please stop by and enjoy— you might even meet a favorite side-job sushi artisan!

【Notice】 Japanese smelt fishing on ice is one month away! The Japanese smelt fishing venue on the Memanbetsu Lakeside is used by many customers every year because it is about 10 minutes by car from the airport and has very good access. Japanese smelt fishing equipment can be purchased and rented at the venue, making it easy for beginners to get started! If you are a first-timer, there is only one thing you need to prepare. Please dress warmly! Because you will be fishing on the ice for a long time, you will get cold from your feet. Therefore, it is even better if you have a sock warmer to put on the soles of your feet! We look forward to seeing you there! ［INFOMATION］ Venue: Ozora Town Memanbetsu Lake Abashiri Memanbetsu Lakeside Campground Behind Period: 2025 (Reiwa 7) January 5 (Sun) ~ Mid-March Time: 8 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Fee: Adult 900 yen, Elementary school student 450 yen Other: Implementation of sales and rental *If you fish for Japanese smelt outside of the above hours, it is poaching. * The start and end dates vary depending on the ice conditions and weather, so please check the social media or website of the Ozora Town Tourist Association or contact the secretariat.

Kiso Area Ski Resort Information 2024-2025 We will inform you of the scheduled opening dates of each ski resort this season. * There are subject to change due to weather, etc., so please check each Home page for details. A unique ski and snowboard area awaits you! Scheduled opening date of the ski resort ★12/14 (Sat) Kaida Highlands Maia Ski Resort (Kiso Town) Address: Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Kaida Highlands Nishino 5346-1 ℡：0264-44-1111 ★12/20 (Fri) Ontake Ski Resort (Otaki village) Address: 3162 Otaki village, Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture ℡：0264-48-2240 ★12/20 (Fri) Nogi Pass Ski Resort (Nagawa, Matsumoto City) Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 1173-13 ℡：0263-79-2246 [Open period only] ★12/21 (Sat) Yabuhara Highlands Ski Resort (Kiso village) Address: 2857-16 Kiso Village, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Kiso Village, Nagano Prefecture ℡：0264-36-1622 ★12/21 (Sat) Kiso Fukushima Ski Resort (Kiso Town) Address: Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Shinkai 10034 ℡：0264-27-6021

Autumn foliage update for December 3rd Here are the conditions at Awamata Waterfall, Tsutsumori Momiji Valley, and Kegai Sakai on December 3rd.