Kikuchi Tourism Association offers bicycle rentals. Recently, more people have been using them. This time, we introduce the popular destination, Kiki Castle. Kiki Castle is a mountain fortress built by the Yamato government in the late 7th century, about 1,350 years ago. A prefectural excavation uncovered valuable remains, including the foundations of 72 buildings, a former reservoir, and earthwork embankments. You can also see reconstructed buildings on site. At Onko Soseikan, exhibitions and videos explain Kiki Castle’s history and structure in detail. Excavations have continued since fiscal 1967 to the present. In terms of area, the site is about 12 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The grounds are very spacious, making them ideal for a walk. Our staff actually visited by electric-assist bicycles. We reached Kiki Castle from Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen Plaza in about 20 minutes. There are some slopes, but electric-assist bicycles make riding easy. On the site is a café called Kuri to Sora that sells sweets made with Japanese chestnuts. The Mont Blanc soft-serve is especially popular. Please stop by the café to relax during your trip. You can enjoy scenery you don’t usually see. When you visit Kikuchi City, please enjoy a bicycle journey.

Today (July 10) I covered a hop harvest 😆 It was my first time seeing this year’s hop field... and it was spectacular✨✨ Straight-reaching vines, healthy dark green leaves, and clusters of hops hanging like little bells…!! “It’s a shame this view will be gone after today!” I said as I gazed with the grower 👀 With preparations complete, it was time to harvest 💪 There were so many cones that even removing the supporting wires was a struggle 💦 We filled bags with the harvested hops, and I worried they might not all fit on the truck we were loading back with today 😂 These hops will be processed into beer with a fresh, lively aroma 🍺 I tasted last year’s brew too — it had a refreshing scent and went down easy 😆👍 I can’t wait to try this year’s beer 😍

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour Why not take a raft boat and cruise the plunge pool of Harajiri Falls in Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture? You can experience Harajiri Falls with your whole body. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery that you can only see up close. Date and Time Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Monday, July 21, 2025 (national holiday) Daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (departures every 30 minutes) Location Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata, Bungo-Ono) ▶ Meeting time / Please arrive at the top of the stairs down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation. Fee 3,500 yen per person Eligibility Ages 3 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian) What to Bring Shoes that can get wet, towel How to Apply Please check the link to apply. Other Information The tour may be canceled due to weather or rising river levels. If there is availability on the day, we can accommodate walk-ins without a reservation. We accept reservations outside the event as well (see the application form above for details). Event Inquiries Bebepu Co., Ltd., Bungo-Ono Office × South Wave (Contact: Ono) Phone 090-6896-5296 ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono ■■■ 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, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250708event-ogata/...

The hot days continue, and there are few people for the purpose of walking around the Castle Town ... In the summer, Kitsuki enjoys marine sports, the campsite is crowded, and the Castle Town is a little Vacation. Meanwhile, I was also and curious about how hot it was, and in the morning ... Even though it was cool, I took a walk around the town at 33 degrees Celsius. Today, I'm posting with a slightly rough feeling. Tea shop to cool off, flower shop with flowers in the heat of the past few days ... And such? If you walk a little, you can stop by the ice cream shop of your grandmother, who is over 90 years old, and if you take a peek at the shared kitchen space with House guests, Shokudo if you look at it, the daily lunch is an omelet 💚. The heat was terrible, but it was good to see all kinds of people, and it was good to see good things such as a nostalgic mailbox that had been repainted beautifully before I knew it. I will post it separately to everyone. Please be careful of this heat.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

On July 5, 2025, hydrangea deadheading took place around Fukkoji Temple in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. About 50 people took part and removed spent hydrangea blooms from the temple grounds and nearby areas. In about two hours, the precincts were transformed into a sea of green. Thank you to everyone who participated. May beautiful hydrangeas bloom again next year. ❚ About Fukkoji Temple The bas-relief Buddhist statue carved into the rock on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, reaches roughly 11 meters in height and ranks among Japan’s largest rock-carved Buddhas. The enormous central figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo typically appears in a wrathful form, but years of wind and rain have softened the features of this carving into a rounder, gentler expression. Though large in scale, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukkoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” for the many hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy abundant hydrangea blooms alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ About a three-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a two-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a one hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🍄 July 7 is "Dried Shiitake Day" 🍄 To celebrate, we will hold the "Dried Shiitake Fair" on Saturday, July 5! 📍Venue: Morokko House parking lot 🕘Time: 9:00–16:00 ✨Event highlights✨ - Freshly grilled! Complimentary dried shiitake - All-you-can-stuff dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms! - Tasting of Morotsuka Village oolong tea "Seikomasucha" 🍵 - Local specialties and summer vegetables will also be on sale 🍅🥬 This is an event everyone from children to adults can enjoy! Come with your family and friends and join us 😊

Meeting the "Flower That Brings Happiness," Kirengeshoma — Summer Hikes up Mt. Kurodake Around Obon, the elusive Kirengeshoma begins to bloom quietly in the mountains 🌼 Listed as Vulnerable (Category II) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List and thrust into the spotlight by an NHK morning drama, this flower is said in local lore to bring happiness to those who see it. Kirengeshoma once grew in large colonies around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but its numbers have drastically declined due to deer browsing. Now, it survives only in limited areas where local residents continue conservation efforts. Mt. Kurodake is designated an Important Habitat by Miyazaki Prefecture, and besides Kirengeshoma it shelters many rare Kyushu mountain plants and wildlife, making it a precious natural treasure. On this hiking tour, local guides will accompany you, pointing out rare plants and offering nature interpretation so you can fully savor the rich forest. 🟡 Tour Overview: Mt. Kurodake Hike 📅 Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point: Obarai Community Center (escort from Shiitake no Yakata 21 available) 🎒 Eligibility: Ages 3 and up (minimum 4 participants to run / maximum 10) 💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 (lunch and guide fee included) 📝 Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16 Hike Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers) 🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or non-slip athletic shoes. A special summer day to meet the elusive flower. We look forward to your participation!

Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association Original Tote Bag We have created an original tote bag for the Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association. There are two types available. These tote bags are perfect for outings, shopping, and walks. They are made of sturdy, easy-to-use canvas fabric and can hold A4 size. Price: 1,100 yen (tax included) [Sales Location and Inquiries] Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association Business hours: 9:00–17:00, open year-round (excluding New Year holidays) Phone: 0974-27-4215

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 27, 2025 Fukoji Temple in Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. The hydrangeas overall have passed their peak. You can now see flowers beginning to wither and colors starting to fade. Oita Prefecture has announced that the rainy season appears to have ended. Hydrangea deadheading will take place on July 5, 2025, so hydrangeas can be seen through July 4. Many visitors came to Fukoji again this year. Thank you very much. [Location] Kamiozuka, Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaichi Station [Parking] Available (free) [Toilets] Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The cliff-carved Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, including their base, measure about 11 meters high and are among Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded and softened this carving’s features. Though large, the figure has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called the Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can enjoy a profusion of hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access from 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

July 7th is Tanabata 🎋🌌 In front of Morotsuka Village Central Community Center, tanzaku with wishes and cute Orihime and Hikoboshi figures made from origami are hung on bamboo branches 🌟 Just looking at them warms the heart 😊 Why not write a lovely wish of your own? 💫

Geosite Beautification Volunteer Recruitment ❚ Event held on July 5, 2025 At Bukkoji Temple, one of the geosites (points of interest) in Oita’s Bungo-Ono Geopark, volunteers will trim spent hydrangea blooms around the temple grounds. We are seeking volunteers to help. Would you join us in trimming the spent flowers? [Date and Time] Saturday, July 5, 2025, 7:00–9:00 Registration accepted until 8:00. *The event will be postponed in case of rain. If postponed, the city hall website will announce it by the day before the event.* [Registration and Meeting Place] Bukkoji Temple First Parking Lot (Kamiozuka, Aoji Town, Bungo-Ono City) [Tasks] Trimming spent hydrangea blooms *Volunteers will work for at least one hour sometime between 7:00 and 9:00.* *A commemorative gift will be given to participants.* *Tools will be lent, but supplies are limited. If you own pruning shears or hedge shears, please bring them if possible.* [Contact] Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark Promotion Council Phone: 0974-22-4089 ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250618event-asaji/...

#009 There are about 50 restaurants and confectionery shops in Tsunocho. This is the second installment of our gourmet series! Opened in May 2019, this udon shop has become popular even outside Tsunocho, and we would like to introduce it here. — Now firmly a "Tsuno specialty" — Hinoya Udon After exiting Tono IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, turn left at the first traffic light and go a short distance; you will see a sign reading "udon" on your left. That is Hinoya Udon, the shop featured this time. The parking lot is usually full at lunchtime. Here are Hinoya Udon’s recommended menu items, a lesser-known dessert, and advice on the best times to visit. ◆ Recommended menu (including my personal picks) 〇 Vegetable Tempura Bukkake Udon They source vegetables from Roadside Station Tsuno and directly from local farmers, so the vegetables are all from Tsunocho. The vegetables are sweet and the batter is crispy! It’s addictive!! 〇 Meat and Egg Bukkake Udon The simmered beef pairs perfectly with the broth and soft-boiled egg—really delicious!!! I recommend this to students and meat-udon lovers. By the way, it’s my personal favorite. (laughs) You can also enjoy seasonal choices like Ume Oroshi Bukkake Udon and cold Zaru Udon, as well as set menus combining udon and tempura. Now for a dessert that surprisingly many people don’t know about. It’s the homemade soy milk pudding. In fact, some customers come specifically for this pudding. I sometimes go just for it myself. But it tastes best after udon! Even the fact that it’s homemade makes it appealing. The pudding is topped with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour); its silky texture and gentle sweetness deliver a moving experience unlike any I have had before. I lived in Kagawa while at university, so I ate many firm, delicious udon dishes. However, Hinoya Udon’s noodles have good bite, and you can sense their dedication to the broth and ingredients. For me, Hinoya Udon is uniquely superb and the most delicious. I was impressed by the owner’s attention to detail and delicacy. If you stop by Tsunocho, be sure to come and try these exquisite udon. Finally, when is the best time to go? On weekdays, come right at opening or after 1:30 PM. Depending on the day, these times work best! On holidays, the shop is generally full! ◆ Shop information Hours 11:00 AM–2:30 PM Closed Tuesday (occasional irregular closures) ☎ 0983-32-8311 Instagram ⇒ @hinoyaudon

Relax at Kurunconne 😌🌿 Today I stopped by Kurunconne 🤗✨ (Yes, I was working properly!) For the meeting I ordered a craft cola and a Mix Berry smoothie 😚🍹 Both are a treat to look at 😆 The craft cola is different from regular cola — it gives you that “I’m drinking something good for my body!” feeling, with no guilt. It has a nice spice kick and is perfect for the season when you want something refreshing ✨ The Mix Berry smoothie offers natural sweetness from the ingredients alone… it satisfied both my thirst and a little hunger — a blissful drink 🤤 There are many varieties, so it’s fun to try different ones 💫 They also offer light meals and desserts, and takeout is available 🥪✨ The shop has lots of manga and hosts many healing events every day ✨ I tried a tarot-like reading where you pick one card from 100 based on the theme “for this version of myself…,” and the message I received was very uplifting and gave me energy 💪❤️‍🔥 They sell fun goods and body-friendly foods, so there are endless ways to enjoy the place 🤗🎶 Be sure to check out Kurunconne’s account too 🙌 kurun→https://www.instagram.com/kurun2424/... conne→https://www.instagram.com/conne.jp/...

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom status as of June 24, 2025 Fukoji sits in Asaji Town, Bungoono City. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. Overall, the hydrangeas have just passed their peak. Some of the earlier flowers have begun to wither. This year there are fewer blooms than usual, but the later-blooming flowers are beautifully open. We will report on the bloom status as it changes. Location: Kamiotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Access: about a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: available (free) Restrooms: available ❚ Fukoji The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its pedestal, measures about 11 meters tall, making it one of Japan’s largest cliff Buddhas. The central, enormous figure is Fudo Myoo, the Immovable Wisdom King. Fudo Myoo normally appears fierce, with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded its features into a gentle, softened face. Though large, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see numerous hydrangea blooms together with the cliff Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local residents. ■■■ Access from central Bungoono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Every year when Children's Day approaches, Carp streamers swim out on the river. On this day, the wind was light and the scene of the Carp streamers reflecting on the surface of the water was beautiful. It is not a particularly large or famous river, but I wanted to cherish this scenery that has been passed down by the local people.

#008 [Tourist Spot Feature Part 2 ✨] Introducing Tsuno Winery, a sightseeing spot with panoramic views of Tsunocho! We’ll do our best to make this a place you’ll want to visit! Tsuno Wine has won numerous awards at home and abroad, and Tsuno Winery, where that wine is made, is full of charm. Here we introduce that wine and the winery. ◆About Tsuno Wine Because Miyazaki Prefecture traditionally has a shochu culture, wine never took hold easily, and the region was said to be an unfavorable environment for grape growing. Even so, the foundation built by Momoto Eitomo 102 has been handed down, and Tsuno Wine is made with the ambition to create wines that can compete on the world stage. Tsuno Wine is known for its Campbell Early rosé, which was actually selected in 2004 for the Wine Report’s “World’s Top 100 Wines,” and this rosé still attracts many repeat customers. Every year many of their wines win awards at domestic and international competitions, drawing buyers from within and beyond the prefecture as well as online customers from overseas. They also offer wines that are easy to drink for those who usually dislike wine, and even wines made with Miyazaki’s famous mangoes. So what kind of place is the Tsuno Winery where these wines are produced? ◆What kind of place is Tsuno Winery? Tsuno Winery sits on the Makiuchi Plateau, surrounded by Hyūga Nada and the Mount Osuzu range, offering sweeping views over Tsunocho. The site is famous as a night-view spot and for unbeatable views of the town’s fireworks. The site includes a shop with wine and a bakery, a wine brewery, and vineyards, and offers guided tours. You normally can’t enter the brewery, so it’s hard to know exactly how it’s laid out, but there is a spot in the shop where you can glimpse inside. You’ll be surprised by the size of the machinery! I haven’t personally been to the vineyards, but there is a row of grapevines by the parking lot, so you can get a pseudo-experience. And above all, the shop! It carries dozens of wines with detailed descriptions, making it easy even for beginners to choose. If you still can’t decide, someone knowledgeable about wine is usually nearby to ask. Beyond wine, the shop stocks many snacks that pair well with the wines, giving wine lovers a delightful dilemma. The shop also houses a bakery, attracting many visitors who come just for the bread. The selection is wide and changes day by day, which adds to the fun. When you visit Tsunocho, be sure to stop by. Next time in our tourist spot feature, we’ll cover the town’s roadside gateway, Roadside Station Tsuno. Stay tuned!!

【Isaribi】 Squid fishing is in its heyday. At night, Isaribi sparkles off the coast of Hatsu and is very beautiful. Held in beach bars. While admiring the romantic Isaribi, you can relax with a Sake on the beach. #Okagaki Town #Okagaki Town Tourism Association #Hatsu Coast #Big Dipper #Squid fishing #Isaribi #Beach bar

Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area) From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple… Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰 The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌 We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨ Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆? This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

Fukkoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Update as of June 20, 2025 Fukkoji Temple sits in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are now just past their peak viewing period. This year there are fewer blooms than usual, but they are blooming beautifully. Temperatures exceeded 30°C several days this week, so some hydrangeas look tired, but the later-blooming ones are flourishing. We will keep posting bloom updates. Location: Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking: Available (free) Restrooms: Available ❚ Fukkoji Temple The bas-relief Buddha carved into the temple grounds, including its pedestal, stands about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central colossal figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo normally appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded his features into a gentle face. Despite his size, this Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukkoji is also known as “Hydrangea Temple” because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can see many hydrangea blooms alongside the bas-relief Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara. The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗 The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕 Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars. They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪 When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰 It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

Thank you for waiting!! This year again, a fresh-picked corn sale will take place at Kaigobaru Vegetable Fields (kaigobaru yasai batake). Corn you harvest yourself tastes exceptional. Come enjoy the flavors of summer with everyone!! Date: Saturday and Sunday, July 5–6, 2025, 9:00–15:00 *Held in light rain; ends when sold out* Location: Kaigobaru Vegetable Fields (Kaba 1828) Price: On sale — 150 yen per ear What to bring: Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, plastic shopping bags, small change Contact: Kaigobaru Hometown Lovers Association 090-7534-2621: Ikematsu (hours 9:00–17:00) Notes: - If you’ll harvest corn, we recommend clothes that can get dirty, work gloves, and rubber boots. - Bringing an eco bag is also recommended. - No advance registration required. - Held in light rain (in bad weather sales may be limited to produce only). - The event ends when stock runs out. Kaigobaru Vegetable Fields (next to Arao Olive Village)

Fukoji Hydrangeas ❚ Bloom Report as of June 16, 2025 Fukoji sits in Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a hydrangea sightseeing spot. The hydrangeas are currently at their best. This year there are fewer flowers than usual, but each one blooms beautifully. Some of the earliest blossoms have begun to wither slightly. We will update the bloom status as it changes. Location: Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture Access: About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station Parking: Available (free) Restrooms: Available ❚ Fukoji The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds, including its base, stands about 11 meters tall and is one of Japan’s largest cliff Buddhas. The central, giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo usually appears with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have softened this cliff Buddha’s features into a gentle, rounded face. Although large, the Fudo Myoo here has a very approachable presence. Fukoji is also called “Hydrangea Temple” for good reason, with many hydrangeas planted around the grounds. During the rainy season, visitors can see numerous hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community. ■■■ Access to central Bungo-Ono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

"Arao Tideland Day" Commemorative Tideland Wildlife Observation Event Saturday, July 5, 2025 Arao Tideland is home to many creatures such as crabs and hermit crabs. Come and learn the names and characteristics of tideland wildlife you don't usually see. Date and time: Saturday, July 5, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM (Registration from 9:00 AM)※Canceled in case of severe weather Backup date: Sunday, July 6 Location: Arao Tideland Waterfowl and Wetland Center Participants: Families including elementary and junior high school students Capacity: First 15 groups, free of charge What to bring: Rubber boots, work gloves, water bottle, hat (for heatstroke prevention), writing materials How to apply: Apply by phone Application start: Monday, June 2, from 9:00 AM Contact and application: Secretariat of the Arao Tideland Conservation and Wise Use Council Phone: 0968-63-1386 (Environmental Conservation Division)"

🌟The Hotaru no Yakata has been upgraded and is reopening with a fresh look🌟 The Hotaru no Sato Vacation Village Hotaru no Yakata in Kitagawa Town will finally reopen after renovations on April 1, 2025🎉 ✨What has changed? ✔ The exhibition room, training room, restrooms, and showers have been renovated! ✔ The entrance has been transformed into a lawn plaza🌿 ✔ New large playground equipment has arrived, much to the delight of children🎠 🎒Lots of hands-on experiences! You can get information about the UNESCO Geopark and outdoor activities and even try simulated experiences like canoeing, mountain trekking, and nature observation✨ With a nursing room and shower facilities, families can feel at ease😊 📣 And…the highlight of this renovation! Nobeoka City’s NPO Himuka Kando Taiken World (Nobe☆Sta) manages the facility as the designated administrator✨Using their expertise, they have launched authentic experience programs led by outdoor specialists! This is a hub facility for the Sobo-Takame-Okue UNESCO Global Geopark and it serves as the central spot for outdoor tourism in Nobeoka City Learn, experience, and connect with nature── it has been reborn as a new center for immersive experiences🌱 🏕 Overnight stays are available! Campsites start at ¥2,200 per night Bike rentals and training room use are also well equipped, making it perfect for training camps in nature♪ 🚗 Convenient access! A 5-minute drive from Kitagawa IC and a 5-minute walk from Kitagawa Station! 📞 For inquiries and reservations, contact Hotaru no Yakata TEL: 0982-27-4740 Enjoy everything nature, learning, and play have to offer at Hotaru no Yakata—let’s go💨 Bring the whole family for a visit💚✨ NPO Himuka Kando Taiken World (Nobe☆Sta) http://en.nobe-star.com// Contact http://en.nobe-star.com/contact...

Shiyama Shrine "Wish-Setting Festival: Passing Through the Chino-wa (Ring of Miscanthus)" Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM [Ritual] From 10:00 AM on Friday, June 13, 2025 [Chino-wa Crossing] From Friday the 13th until 4:00 PM on Sunday the 15th At Shiyama Shrine on the 13th, the Wish-Setting Festival and the Great Purification of Midsummer will take place. Anyone may attend the shrine ritual on the day. If you visit Shiyama Shrine 20 to 10 minutes before the ritual begins, you can receive a katashiro (paper human) for the katashiro ceremony. In the katashiro ceremony, write your name and age on the paper doll (hitokata), breathe on it and stroke it, transfer and cleanse half of this year’s sins and impurities, and pray for good health and a safe summer for the rest of the year. For vehicle katashiro, write the owner’s name and the vehicle number, stroke the vehicle body or key to cleanse impurities and misfortune, and pray for safe driving. When you leave the katashiro at Shiyama Shrine, prayers for good health and traffic safety will be offered at the Wish-Setting Festival. From the 13th until 4:00 PM on the 15th, the Chino-wa Crossing will be held. Pass through the large ring made of kaya (miscanthus) leaves to cleanse the sins and impurities of the past six months, and pray for health and safety for the remaining six months—this traditional event is part of the midsummer Great Purification observed at many shrines across the country at the year’s midpoint. Shiyama Shrine 818 Oshima, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture 864-0057 Phone: 0968-62-1390 A 15-minute walk from Arao Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line

This photo was taken from the Ferris Car when I went to Huis Ten Bosch. I took the place where the illuminations started just as the sun began to set. The contrast between the red color of the tower and the blue of the river is Beautiful.