A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids. On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place. The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!" Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…! They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body. Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves, I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive. From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event. Winter in Tomioka is the best. If you missed it, why not join the circle next year? If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

Kneeling quietly against a deep black background. With closed eyes, what is on their mind? All that remains in the darkness is emotion. #Portrait #Art Photography #Expressive Photography #Photography of Japan #Cool Japan You may use this as-is for Cool Japan. Shall we go for the next one?

Yokohama Noge The beauty of lowered eyes quietly leaves an impression in this shot. I captured the moment when the air slowly shifts from winter to spring. If expressed in color, it feels almost white. photo yutti model SAGI #portrait #artphotography #japanesephotography #seasonalchange #cooljapan

A nesting burrow for Pirika

Photographed on January 20th: Atami cherry blossoms are in full bloom at several spots 🌸 (Kamanariya Heishichi Statue · Itokawa Promenade · Shinshui Park Third Section · Sanremo Park · Kaihin Park · Nagisa Koen Park) Itogawa Cherry Blossom Festival runs until February 8th https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

This is a photo of the Atami Cherry Blossoms along Itokawa Promenade illuminated on January 17th 🌸 https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/59...

Good morning! The blooms are advancing! What will this week's cold snap do?! Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival February 14, 2026–March 29, 2026

A Slightly Snowy Gujo Hachiman Castle Date: December 2025 Location: Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture * Flight application for Gujo Hachiman approved * Comprehensive unmanned aircraft flight permit obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism * Flight plan submitted and flight log prepared

At Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, photographed Title: Reverie

“Can you believe all of this is handmade?” A massive pyre has appeared that can withstand the sea breeze of Tomioka. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18th at 9:00 AM, the Dondoyama ceremony will take place at Tomioka Elementary School. This pyre rises more than five meters high. Looking up from below, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer presence. Please come and feel the passion that everyone poured into preparing for this day on site. A winter tradition wishing for good health and safety. Let’s watch together the moment a great pillar of flame soars into the Tomioka sky!

The time has finally come!! Tsukigase’s major event that draws about 200,000 visitors over roughly three weeks!! The Tsukigase Plum Grove Plum Festival!! Tsukigase Plum Grove was designated as Japan’s first nationally recognized Place of Scenic Beauty!! We look forward to welcoming many visitors again this year!!

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

Morgenrot over the Northern Alps Scenery to behold in Azumino during winter Azumino, a town that makes you love mornings—this view is the best!!

I went to Hatsumode at Inuyama Naritasan Temple in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. These are a monkey chimaki from Nikko Saru Land and Arii.

From Hakuba Mountain Harbor, you can see breathtaking views of the Northern Alps on clear days. The first time I saw them, I was so captivated by the scenery that I lost myself for a while.

These sparrows were photographed near Asahi Station when I went to Nagano to photograph the Nagano Electric Railway. They played together in a flock on the fluffy snow, their soft bodies so charming that I nearly forgot the cold.

At a quiet temple in Kawagoe, piles of weathered Daruma rest in one place, their wishes fulfilled. Each New Year, people return their old Daruma here, a ritual of gratitude and release. In the frame, an elderly woman gently places hers atop the others, bowing slightly—an act she learned as a child. Once, her parents brought her; later, she brought her children. The Daruma come and go, but the tradition remains, passed patiently from old to young, year after year. Location: Kitain temple, Kawagoe, Saitama.