Gohbara-juku (Gohbara-juku) Location: Gohbara, Hirooka, Shiojiri City Gohbara-juku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it branched from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokuriku side route) to connect Nakasendo’s Seba-juku with the Hokkokukaido. Rather than an existing settlement becoming the post town, Gohbara’s original village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in the Ueno land division. When the post station was laid out, the settlement was moved around Genna 5 (circa 1619) to its present site together with the Kataishi hamlet, which had been on the west bank, to create the new post town. Highlights of Gohbara-juku Houses were laid out with wide frontages of five to six ken, featuring main gabled roofs with the short side facing the street and sparrow deterrents on the ridges. Each house has a forecourt with planted trees, creating an attractive streetscape, and shop names are displayed at every residence. Sōetsu Yanagi, called the father of the mingei (folk craft) movement, praised Gohbara-juku in his essays, saying the entire post town was “a single splendid work of art.” On the north side of the post town stands Gofuku-ji, which served as a resting place for Emperor Meiji during his imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). Read more about the Nakasendo and the five post towns in the city here↓

Motoyama-juku (Motoyama-juku) Location: Shiojiri City, Soga Honzan Motoyama prospered as the gateway to Kiso Road and the exit from the Matsumoto Plain. Two-story houses with latticework fronts line the streets, preserving a strong sense of the past. The town is also introduced as the birthplace of sobakiri (cut buckwheat noodles). In Keicho 19 (1614), Shiojiri, Seba, and Motoyama were designated as new post towns on the Nakasendo. Unlike Shiojiri and Seba, which were formed by relocating people from neighboring villages, Motoyama developed from a medieval settlement. It was the 32nd station counting from Edo, situated 30 cho from Seba Post Town and 2 ri from Niegawa Inn (Niegawa-juku). The post town divided into Kamimachi to the south and Shimomachi to the north, with the honjin, wakimotonjin, and dispatch office at its center. South of the town stood Hachiman Shrine, Choukyuuji, and Joukouji; to the north was Suwa Shrine, and across the Narai River lay Ikeo Shrine, though some temples were later abandoned. Because Motoyama bordered the Owari Domain in Kiso, a checkpoint was located south of the town to inspect women and timber. In Tenpo 14 (1843) the town had 117 households and 34 inns. Compared with Seba Post Town’s three-ken frontage, many houses in Motoyama had four- to five-ken facades. The town suffered several great fires, but surviving buildings date from the late Edo to Meiji periods. Facing the street, they feature hirairi degekata construction and second-floor rooms with senbon-koshi lattices, retaining much of the post town atmosphere. Notably, three residences built around the Meiji era—the Akiyama Family (Wakamatsuya), the Tanaka Family (Ikeda family), and the Kobayashi Family (Kawaguchi Family)—are registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. The honjin, Kobayashi residence, hosted Princess Kazunomiya, daughter of Emperor Ninkō, when she married Tokugawa Iemochi in Bunkyū 1 (1861), and it later accommodated the Meiji Emperor during his tour in Meiji 13. Each house still carries its traditional shop name, offering a glimpse into the past. The town’s specialty is soba. A note by Unrin in Hōei 3 (1706) in the miscellany Fūzoku Bunsen records Motoyama as the birthplace of sobakiri. Historic sites include the Motoyama Castle Ruins on a small hill behind the town, said to have been guarded by the Motoyama Minbu branch of the Kiso clan; Ike no Gongen (Ikeo Shrine), known for votive plaques for rain rituals, sericulture, and eye disease cures, whose shrine grove is a Shiojiri City natural monument; and the Shitamachi Stone Figure Group, featuring Dosojin, Koshin stone monuments, and inscribed tablets. For articles on the Nakasendo and the city’s five post towns, click here↓

Thank you for waiting! We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2026 Atami Fireworks by the Sea. 2026 (Reiwa 8) Atami Fireworks by the Sea Dates April 26 (Sunday) May 24 (Sunday) July 20 (Monday, public holiday) · July 26 (Sunday) August 5 (Wednesday) · August 9 (Sunday) · August 18 (Tuesday) · August 24 (Monday) September 13 (Sunday) October 12 (Monday, public holiday) · October 25 (Sunday) November 8 (Sunday) · November 23 (Monday, public holiday) December 6 (Sunday) · December 25 (Friday) Time: 20:20–20:40 (Only in July and August: 20:15–20:40) Venue: Atami Bay ※The event will be held rain or shine. ※The above dates and times are accurate as of October 27, 2025. Please check the page below for the latest information. https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8...

The light is beautiful

I want to enter a photo contest and this is my first posted! Oishi Park on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi is the best time to visit kochia, so I went to Yamanashi Prefecture. On this day, there was a time when the moon did not rise, so I thought that I would Squid to take a picture with the starry sky, but unfortunately it was forecast to be cloudy on the day. After slowly taking a dip in the Hot Spring with a disappointing feeling, I suddenly went outside and looked up at the sky, and it was sunny! I suppressed my feeling of impatience and headed to Oishi Park by Car and was able to take a picture. The contrast between the cap clouds over Mt. Mount Fuji, the clouds reflected by the town lights, and the pleasant starry sky creates a good atmosphere, and as a result, it became a very favorite piece of the seasonal scenery and coincidence.

2025/08/30 I Outbound to Enoshima for my first outing with my girlfriend, who I am currently dating This is the first memorable day I was able to have a girlfriend I took this photo with the hope that I would be able to have a relationship like the man and woman in the photo I was able to take a beautiful and wonderful photo of the silhouette of the two people reflected in the water of the rocks by the backlight illuminated by the setting sun

Kiunkaku Limited-Time “Wagakari no Niwa” and “Dark Green BAR 1919” Kiunkaku, built in 1919 as a villa in Atami and now a tangible cultural property of Atami City, preserves the area’s changing history and culture. The venue normally closes at 5:00 PM, but to let visitors see the Japanese garden and interior illuminated at night, Kiunkaku will offer two special evening openings on Saturday and Sunday, November 1–2, 2025. Enjoy a serene atmosphere unlike the bustling streets of Atami, with lush gardens, the sound of water, and a traditional Japanese light display created with wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrellas) and hand lanterns. [Wagakari no Niwa] Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Special evening admission: 1,000 yen (tax included); no reservation required *Because wagasa are used, the outdoor garden display will be moved indoors in case of rain. *Entry may be restricted depending on crowding. *Some garden areas will be closed for the special nighttime program. *The number of lanterns is limited. In addition, “Kissa Yasuragi,” which served as a bar when Kiunkaku operated as a ryokan, will reopen as a non-alcoholic bar for two days only. Relax in a classical atmosphere created by dark green sofas and mood lighting. [Dark Green BAR 1919] Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025; 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM sessions (each 90 minutes, rotating) Price: BAR set ticket 2,500 yen (tax included) *This is a combined ticket for the light-up and the BAR (one drink plus unlimited Shizuoka green tea). *Advance reservation only (please check the reservation link below). https://kiunkaku.jp/article/qPC6zRS0... *Because wagasa are used, the light-up will be held indoors in case of rain. On Monday, November 3, 2025 (holiday), a special nighttime photography session will be held by private booking, allowing participants to photograph the interior and the illuminated garden. The Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival takes place that day; guests can photograph and view the fireworks from Kiunkaku’s second floor. [Nighttime Photography Session] Date and Time: Monday (holiday), November 3, 2025, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Fee: 3,000 yen (includes admission) *If it rains, only the usual garden light-up will take place. Inquiries: Kiunkaku 0557-86-3101 Please check Kiunkaku’s official website below for details of each event. https://kiunkaku.jp//

[2025 Autumn Mall Onsen Express Campaign 🚌♨️] This year we are holding the “Autumn Mall Onsen Express Campaign” again 🍁 A 3-day, 2-night plan with a free shuttle bus from Sapporo Station and Asahikawa Station to Tokachigawa Onsen accommodations ✨ Exclusive perks await guests using the Mall Onsen Express 🎁 [Perk 1] Mix and match your accommodations freely! 💡 Guests using the Mall Onsen Express may freely combine hotels for the first and second nights (for example, Night 1: Daiichi Hotel → Night 2: Sasai Hotel) *If you change your second-night accommodation, check-in on Day 2 will be from 14:00 onward.* [Perk 2] Receive a “Tokachigawa Mall” bath additive (Bathclin) as a gift! 🛁 *Limited to guests staying two nights or more.* [Perk 3] Guests staying at Ohheigen, Sasai Hotel, Daiichi Hotel, Kangetsuen, Sanyoan, or Seijakubo receive a free local bus ticket! 🚌 *Limited to guests using the Mall Onsen Express.* [Perk 4] Otofuke Tokachigawa Onsen mini guided tour 🌾 *Limited to guests using the Mall Onsen Express.* *Please reserve at the hotel front desk upon check-in. (Limited to the first 40 people.)* *This is limited to guests staying two consecutive nights on the Mall Onsen Express.* *The route may change or the tour may be canceled due to weather.* ⚠ Reservations required (Please apply to the Tokachigawa Onsen accommodations at least 3 days in advance.) ⚠ Reservations are accepted at each accommodation. ⚠ For accommodation inquiries, please contact each lodging directly. Why not take a soothing trip to Tokachigawa Onsen this autumn? 🍂

October 25, 2025Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Okusohana Nature Garden Beech Forest The Autumn leaves of the Okusohana Nature Garden, where huge beech trees grow in clusters, It was a different world! Autumn leaves and yellow leaves! A walk in the yellow forest looking for a bright red color made me spend a luxurious time. It is a good memory of the ♪ trip

Event announcement 📣 The Hiroo Santa Land tree lighting ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 😊 This annual event is held at the sacred site of Hiroo Santa Land, Daimaruyama Forest Park, on the fourth Saturday of October 🎄🎄 On the day, a Christmas market and the Santa Land Sound Festival start at 2:00 PM, and the tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:00 PM 😍 About 150,000 lights and some 10,000 wooden lanterns in the park will illuminate at the signal, wrapping the area in a magical glow. Children in elementary school and younger will receive an early Christmas gift 🎁🎁 Fireworks will be launched after the lighting ceremony, sparkling brightly in the autumn night sky ✨✨ Come and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere if you can 🤗 Please wear warm clothing. Date and time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2:00 PM onwards Location: Daimaruyama Forest Park https://www.santaland.or.jp/40th-anniversary/...

This is Lake Onneto in Ashoro Town that I went to the other day Unfortunately, the Autumn leaves are in the final stages. I was just waiting for the snow. If the wind is light, it will be on the surface of the lake Mt. Akan, female and male Mt. Akan are reflected. It is very beautiful. Mt. Akan on the left is usually It is emitting a plume, Volcanic activity is increasing. Eruption Alert Level 2.

It was held in Rikubetsu Town in October This is the Scene of Rally and Kachi 2025. Specialties of Rikubetsu Circuit Water splash. For several years, Jimny and XC such as Hilux and A new class in which SUVs participate has been established. It's getting exciting.

It was held in Rikubetsu in September Scene of Rally Hokkaido On the first day, we were blessed with good weather Raising dust and running hard I enjoyed the rally car.

It is a view rock of Engaru Town that I went to in September The view from the top is very good. However, there are fences and other There is no fall prevention fence at all. It's very scary. With small children and pets Better not to go together.

Abashiri in September It is the road that leads to Cape Notori. For location shooting for cars commercials It is a road that is often used Drift ice can also be seen in February.

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】 A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025… #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆 Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁 Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town #Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025 on Instagram! Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town! Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!! Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels. [Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use *The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.* 1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025" Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡 Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰 ⚠ Caution ⚠ Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Notice: Lecture Tomorrow📣 Tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, Professor Tomoko Yoshikawa, who has long studied this field, will give a lecture titled “Creatures of Volcanic Lakes: The Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo.” The event will take place at Kawayu Visitor Center and admission is free. We look forward to your visit⛰️✨ Lecture: “Creatures of Volcanic Lakes — The Ecological Connections of Lake Kussharo” Presented by Tomoko Yoshikawa, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Agriculture, Tamagawa University. Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 1:30 PM–3:30 PM Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center, 2nd floor Admission: Free (no registration required; capacity 50) We hope this opportunity to encounter the grand natural story behind Lake Kussharo, a familiar local landscape, will help you understand the lake and the park more deeply and feel proud of them. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kawayuvcfureai2/...

Announcement: Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche📣 The Reihoku Medical Association Hospital will host the Musubu Marche to raise interest in health and medical care on Saturday, November 8. Highlights include a hands-on job experience session for children with nurses and pharmacists, a public lecture by the hospital director, and a photo-frame workshop using scallop shells, plus many other attractions. Food trucks will be on site that day, and a stamp rally will let visitors collect stamps at each booth for a chance to win prizes by lottery. Please come and join us✨ Reihoku Medical Association Hospital Musubu Marche Date and Time: Saturday, November 8, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Location: Main parking area in front of Reihoku Medical Association Hospital (3600-3 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Note: The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in heavy rain (programs may change).

*The photo was taken during a spring mountain-climbing event.* [Now Accepting Participants] The 20th Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb will be held! This mountain-climbing event takes you to Tenjiku, one of Reihoku’s landmarks and the highest peak on Amakusa Shimoshima. The 20th “Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb” will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025⛰. The roughly 11 km round trip offers panoramic views from the summit and refreshing forest bathing, and a local product sale will also be held, so please sign up for an autumn outing. Participants can also earn 20 Kumamoto Health Points✨ Register via the QR code or from the News section of our website! ▶ Schedule: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9:30–14:00 09:30 Departure ceremony 10:10 Start 14:30 Goal (estimated) ▶ Meeting place: Amakusa Koba-no-Mori Nature School (former Koba Elementary School), 6118-2 Tororo, Reihoku ▶ Parking: Please use the Koba-no-Mori Nature School parking area (around the lodging building). ▶ Course: Approximately 11 km round trip ▶ Eligibility: People who are healthy on the day and can follow the event rules. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. ▶ What to bring: Drinks, trash bags, towel, change of clothes, etc. ▶ Fee: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500; elementary and junior high students ¥500; preschool children free Fees will be collected at registration on the day. Please bring exact change if possible. ▶ Other: Rice ball bento (¥500) will be prepared for those who need it. If you would like one, please fill in the field at the end of the application form. This event accepts pre-registration only; there will be no on-site registration. Please provide information for every participant. The event may be canceled due to weather. In that case we will notify the email address you provided (if multiple people register together, we will contact the representative’s email address). Application deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM

【Nakasendo and 5 Post Towns in Shiojiri City】 There are 69 Shukuba on the Nakasendo Road between Edo Japan Bridge and Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi Bridge. Although there are more hills in the Shiojiri City area than on the Tokaido, there was no long stay in the river, so we were able to pass as planned. There were five shukuba on the Nakasendo road in the Shiojiri city area: Shiojiri Inn, Washima Inn, Motoyama Inn, Niekawa Juku, and Narai Juku. (1) Shiojiri Inn -Shiojirijuku- (30th from Edo Japan Bridge) Shiojiri inn was set up in Sakai in the Matsumoto and Suwa territories to change Rice shells and contraband items, and the honjin and wakihonjin used for attendance shifts were established, and the number of hatagoya was the second largest in Nakasendo and the largest in Shinano at the end of the Bakumatsu shogunate. (2) Washima inn -Barajuku- (31st from Edo Japan Bridge) It is a Shukuba that corresponds to the follow-up of the Nakasendo Road and Zenkoji Temple Highway. The inn was equipped with one of only three Kanme Kaisho on Nakasendo. Most of the faces of the Shukuba were destroyed by the great fire in the early Showa period, but the stone lantern of the night light remains in the place where it hits. (3) Motoyama inn -Motoyamajuku- (32nd from Edo Japan Bridge) Motoyama inn is said to be the birthplace of Soba cutting. It flourished as the entrance to Kisoji Road and the exit of Matsumotodaira. Honjin became a Accommodation when the Imperial Princess Wagu married Tokugawa Ieshige and during the Meiji Emperor's visit in 1880 (Meiji 13). (4) Niekawa Juku -Niekawajuku- (33rd from Edo Japan Bridge) Niekawa Juku is the entrance to Kisoji 11 Inn. As a transportation hub on the Nakasendo Highway, the Kakegawa Checkpoint was located, and it developed in the Accommodation industry and remote area commerce. (5) Narai juku -Naraijuku- (34th from Edo Japan Bridge) The Shukuba was called "Narai Senken" and was crowded. Richly preserved of the faces of that time, it is now visited by many people as a popular Sightseeing spot.

EXPO'70 Pavilion Expo Commemorative Park (former site of the 1970 Osaka World Expo) 10-10 Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture The exhibition hall of the 70th World Expo in the Expo Commemorative Park. This is an exhibition of works from the 1970 Osaka Expo. The interior of the exhibition, which is based entirely on red, is reminiscent of Taro Okamoto. There were exhibits from around the world that would have been held at the Expo, but the one that stuck with me was one of Taro Okamoto's works of art in the photo. And of course, the Tower of the Sun.

Event Announcement📣 From Saturday, October 25 to Wednesday, October 29, the 56th Obihiro Chrysanthemum Festival will take place 😊 Over five days, a variety of events will unfold 🎶🎶 🔶October 25 – Student Day!! Enjoy student-focused events such as the elementary school calligraphy exhibition awards ceremony, high school calligraphy performance, and dance performances 🎵🎵 🔶October 26 – Art & Fantasy Day The schedule is packed with family-friendly attractions including a hero show, impressionist singing show, picture book readings, and an idol show 🎶🎶 🔶October 27 – Health & Culture Day You can watch health exercise sessions, a traffic safety outreach lecture, high school student showtime and live performances, and university and middle school students performing solo with guitar and voice 🎵🎵 🔶October 28 – Entertainment Day Enjoy a kayōkyoku (popular song) show by Kō-chan & Mamizō, street performances by performer RUI, a kayōkyoku show by Akari Mizumori, and hula dance among other attractions 🎶🎶 🔶October 29 – Music Day Immerse yourself in music with flute and guitar or flute and piano by Grazie 95, a guitar live by One-Man Digital Orchestra Harumi Sato All-Stars, and a kayō stage featuring popular songs 🎵🎵 🔷In addition, on October 25 Obihiro Agricultural High School will hold a local products sale, and on October 27 and 29 the film "The Talkative Photo Studio" will be screened, so please enjoy the many events on each day 🤗 https://obikan.jp/page-7621/page-7625/...

Like dandelion fluff. The charm of Fujikawa Town nationwide It spreads 🌼 softly

[Limited to 500 copies] Tomioka Castle “Gojoin” 70th Anniversary Edition Now on Sale! This year marks the 70th anniversary of Reihoku’s municipal status, established on January 1, 1955 (Showa 30). To commemorate the anniversary, a special Tomioka Castle Gojoin 70th Anniversary Edition will be sold in a separate limited release of 500 copies, apart from the regular Gojoin on sale now.🎊 During the Shimabara–Amakusa Uprising, Tomioka Castle served as a government stronghold and withstood two major assaults by the rebel forces led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada. Through a desperate defense, the castle avoided capture. The Gojoin of the impregnable Tomioka Castle is said to bring the blessing of “not falling.”👀 Please purchase yours at the Reihoku Town History Museum.✨ Price: 500 yen per sheet (set of two: regular edition plus 70th anniversary edition — 700 yen) Number available: First 500 copies (sales end when sold out) Sale starts: Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM — the day of the Castle Festival! Sales location: Reihoku Town History Museum Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM) Closed: Every Thursday (if a holiday, closed the following weekday) Phone: 0969-35-0712 Please note: mail-order sales are not available. For inquiries, contact Reihoku Town History Museum (☎0969-35-0712) or Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division (☎0969-35-3332). The same notice is also available on the official Reihoku Town Hall website.

🌻 Tsunan Sunflower Square 🌻 Surrounded by sunflowers that bloom brilliantly in midsummer, I visited because I wanted to feel "summer". It was a masterpiece with sunflowers blooming all over the place, but I 📷✨ took a picture of some of them There is also a maze of sunflowers, and it is a Spot that is sure to be photogenic! It is a place where 🌻 families, couples, and photographers can enjoy a variety of things

The annual grand festival of Imamiya Shrine in the western district was held on both Sunday, October 19 and Monday, October 20. On the first day’s procession, this year’s yakudoshi supporters’ group, Imamiya Reiwa Inoko-kai, carried the portable shrine from Wadayama to Imamiya Shrine in the morning, distributing lucky rice cakes and sacred sake along the route for warding off misfortune. In the afternoon, following the Atami Fue-Rei Kai flute ensemble and accompanied by the palace mikoshi, the procession toured the route from Imamiya Shrine through Tenjincho, Wadamachi, Nagisa Elementary Park, and back to Tenjincho before entering the shrine. With officials in attendance, the eve shrine ceremony was conducted at Imamiya Shrine. After the ritual, the shrine’s traditional kagura, a children’s dancer performance, and miko dances were offered, drawing a large crowd. On the second day, the festival’s main shrine ritual took place, followed by a dedication performance by wadaiko drummer Ichitaro and the hocho-shiki knife ceremony led by Takashi Kishimoto, head instructor of the Shijo Shinryu headquarters. On both days, food stalls lined the shrine and its surroundings, and not only adults but also children enjoyed the festival.

From Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, the music event titled “Atami Art Fringe: Winds of Asia” will take place over three days at the Moon Terrace in the waterside park and Dragon Bridge on the Itokawa Promenade. At the softly lit, atmospheric venues, you can enjoy dances and musical performances from countries across Asia. It’s about a 10-minute walk between the two sites. Admission to all performances is free, so please feel free to drop by. Date and time / Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, 6:30 PM–8:40 PM Moon Terrace, Waterside Park Friday, October 24 6:30 PM–6:50 PM Korea: Dance 7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM Korea: Dance 8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance Saturday, October 25 6:30 PM–6:50 PM Thailand: Dance 7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM Thailand: Dance 8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance Sunday, October 26 6:30 PM–6:50 PM India: Kathak (North Indian classical dance) 7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM India: Kathak (North Indian classical dance) 8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance Dragon Bridge, Itokawa Promenade Friday, October 24 6:30 PM–6:50 PM China: Face-changing performance 7:00 PM–7:20 PM Mongolia: Morin khuur performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM China: Face-changing performance 8:20 PM–8:40 PM Mongolia: Morin khuur performance Saturday, October 25 6:30 PM–6:50 PM Vietnam: Trống (drum) performance 7:00 PM–7:20 PM China: Erhu and pipa performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM Vietnam: Trống (drum) performance 8:20 PM–8:40 PM China: Erhu and pipa performance Sunday, October 26 6:30 PM–6:50 PM China: Face-changing performance 7:00 PM–7:20 PM India: Sitar and tabla performance 7:50 PM–8:10 PM China: Face-changing performance 8:20 PM–8:40 PM India: Sitar and tabla performance The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in severe weather. The program may change due to weather or other circumstances. Decisions will be made by 3:00 PM on each day; information will be provided via the contact number below. Inquiries / Opera Kisekan Phone 090-4606-1059

[Mt. Kiritou] Mt. Kiritou rises to 1,305 meters and is a popular destination for day hikes. It sits near the middle of the Central Divide that runs east to west across Nagano Prefecture. From the summit you can take in wide views of Matsumoto, Ina, and the Suwa area, as well as the Northern and Southern Alps, MtOntake, Yatsugatake, and even MtMyoko on the far horizon. From late April into May, delicate reddish-purple okinagusa flowers greet hikers. [Hiking Routes] Mt. Kiritou has three main hiking routes, each with its own appeal. Choose the route that suits you and give Mt. Kiritou a try! 1. Shimotonishijo Course 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) 3. Central Divide Course Note: In winter, crampons and other cold‑weather mountaineering gear are essential. 1. Shimotonishijo Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 40 spaces Toilets: one men’s and one women’s toilet at Yamanokami Nature Garden Related: Yamanokami Nature Garden, okinagusa This route starts at Shimonishijo to the north of Mt. Kiritou. From the Yamanokami Nature Garden parking area it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From the parking area you walk along forest paths through the Nature Garden and past Tamarazu no Ike toward the trailhead, warming up your legs before the climb. 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) Access by car: about 20 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Ono Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: temporary toilets available (closed in winter) Related: Mt. Kiritou winter sample itinerary This route starts from Ono to the south of Mt. Kiritou. The trail passes historic spots such as the Kattori Castle Ruins and a stone monument to Ontake Daigongen. It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from the parking area, and it is the steepest of the three courses. 3. Central Divide Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: none Related: Oshibayama, nirinso (two‑leaf anemone) The trailhead lies slightly toward Shiojiri from the watershed park at Utou Pass. The route climbs via Oshibayama to Mt. Kiritou and takes about 2.5 hours. The scenery and terrain change rapidly on the way to the summit, offering a varied mountain trail. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Requests for a safe and enjoyable climb of Mt. Kiritou Please protect plants for nature conservation. Take your trash home to help protect the environment. The Mt. Kiritou area experiences frequent lightning, so monitor the weather carefully. Do not enter any prohibited areas. Never start a wildfire. Be aware of dangerous wildlife such as bears, hornets, and poison‑sumac species.

📢 From October 4th, the gas balloon “Osaka Sakai Balloon” finally began operating at Daisen Park! 🎉 From about 100 meters above, you can see the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun and other nearby burial mounds. ✨ 🔍 For details, search for “Osaka Sakai Balloon”! https://osaka-sakai-balloon.com//

🌰Autumn Flavors Spotlight — Moat Area The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived!🍁🍂 Sakai’s Moat Area is home not only to tourist attractions but also to many shops offering autumn treats made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and seasonal mushrooms like matsutake.🌰🍠 Enjoy the Moat Area’s sightseeing while savoring the peak flavors of autumn♪🌈✨ 🔍For details, search “Sakai Autumn Flavors Spotlight”! https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96...