I stand quietly under the autumn tree, a lonely bicycle waiting for my rider’s return. Fallen leaves wrap around my tires like a rusty blanket, and I breathe in the gentle pause between journeys.

The season of the sea of fog has arrived ✨ When you think of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, the sea of fog comes to mind. As autumn deepens and mornings and evenings grow colder, this is the perfect time to see it. The whole town becomes wrapped in white mist, and a quiet time passes as if you were above the clouds. To enjoy the sea of fog, start with the classic Takataneyama. From the observatory, you can watch the mist slowly drift and the morning sun gradually breaking through. One of its charms is how the view changes from day to day. For a relaxed natural setting, go to Okadayama. From the mountaintop the mist spreads to the distant peaks, creating a calm, sea‑like panorama. At Tomishiyama, the contrast between the sea of fog and the mountain ridges is striking. Depending on the day’s weather and light, it reveals a completely different expression. The sea of fog is a special sight that appears only on mornings when weather conditions line up. That’s why the joy of encountering it feels all the more special. It typically takes about two to four hours for the fog to clear. The scene as the mist lifts is beautiful as well ♪ On chilly mornings, set your alarm a little earlier and come to Miyoshi. Why not see the spectacular views the fog creates in Miyoshi? *The photos are from past visits.* ◼ Takataneyama (Sea of Fog Observatory) *Images: 1–2* Address: Awaya‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 30 spaces ◼ Tomishiyama *Images: 3–4* Address: Yasuda, Kisa‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 100 spaces ◼ Okadayama *Images: 5–6* Address: Ueda‑cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Parking: About 5 spaces

Perched on a golden autumn branch, the little bird savors its meal in the soft afternoon light. The crisp leaves shimmer around it, turning the moment into a quiet celebration of the season.

A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁 Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘 The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨ In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨ Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase? With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆

Dobine Park in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The ginkgo avenue along the promenade was at its peak autumn color. (୨୧❛ᴗ❛)📷✨🍁

A lonely bench sits beneath an autumn tree, waiting patiently for someone to pause and feel the season drift by. In the quiet of the vacant park, it becomes a silent witness to fall’s gentle passing. Location: wako Jurin park, Saitama

[Autumn Foliage Drive 🚘] Today I went for a drive to hunt for the remaining autumn leaves as they’re dwindling 🚗 First stop was Josenji Temple 🍁 The maple trees around the temple showed a range of colors, and every view was beautiful ✨ Mt. Nijo, being higher in elevation, didn’t have great foliage this year 😅 Still, the lookout gave a sweeping view of the mountains; the wind was cold but it felt refreshing 😊

This is the autumn foliage of Kaida Highlands in Kiso town. On clear days you can see MtOntake beautifully, and lively Kiso Horses as well!

This is the autumn foliage around Lake Ontake in Otaki village. Looking out over the scene, the landscape is entirely awash in autumn colors and truly beautiful!

This is the autumn foliage at Nezame-no-toko in Agematsu Town. The vibrant colors add to the usual beauty of Nezame, creating an even more stunning scene!

The road in Hiyoshi, Kisomachi, Kiso Koma Highland… The crimson autumn leaves and the carpet of fallen leaves are truly beautiful! Photo taken on: November 14, 2025

This is Iwaide Kannon in Okuwa village. The autumn leaves surrounding Iwaide Kannon have turned bright red and look very beautiful!

The parking area around Kijishi no Sato Yamaichi in Azuma, Nagiso town is ablaze with stunning crimson autumn leaves! Photo taken on November 14, 2025.

I aimed to make a single leaf stand out by capturing the striking color of backlit autumn leaves and pairing it with a soft, blurred background. I hope it conveys the deepening of autumn and the beauty of the light.

Urabandai in Fukushima is one of my most favorite autumn destination.

November 17th A breathtaking view from the summit of Mount Nagamine this morning A morgenrot draping the Northern Alps A sea of clouds covering the Azumino Plain For this view, visit Azumino at dawn The tourism association organizes the "Stay in Azumino: Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour" For details, visit the official website

November 15th Good morning A Morgenrot morning in Azumino The rising sun hit the Northern Alps, turning them red This weekend looks set to bring clear, pleasant weather in Azumino

A silhouette of a whooper swan bathed in the setting sun. Some birds use it as a stopover before flying further south in Japan, but many spend the winter in Hokkaido. At sunrise and sunset, the river glows gold as they land on the water or take flight, creating a truly beautiful sight.

This year’s Halloween Garden at Tokachi Hills in Makubetsu, Hokkaido. The scenes from the garden.

The "From the Information Desk" section on the Kawayu Onsen website has been updated📝🆙 We report on the Kawayu Marche held on Saturday, October 18, and the light-up of MtAtosanupuri. Please take a look♨️✨ https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/feature/814/...

Rokkanon-Miike Pond is a cobalt-blue volcanic lake in Kirishima, said to be the most beautiful there. The trees reflected on the water looked like they were on fire, creating an indescribable beauty. In the third year of Tentoku, a monk named Seisho (Shoku) visited to train. While reciting the Lotus Sutra by the shore, a white-haired old man appeared and said, "I am Yamato Takeru, and I live on this mountain as a swan." Seisho carved six Kannon statues and built a shrine by the pond to enshrine them. When he turned around, there stood the white-haired old man…!!! Photographed in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

The autumn in Urabandai, Fukushima is amazing. I took this photo during a figgy day near lake Hibara. The small island inside the lake also full of autum colors which makes the frame more beautiful. Mist, autumn colors and lake, these are all what i can even imagined. It was so exciting and eye-shoothing. After thus trip I was really refreshed and energized again.

Daimon Kinoshita Exhibition in Teshikaga The Daimon Kinoshita Exhibition is now on display in the lobby of Teshikaga Town Public Hall. A miniature version of Setta no Surioto, which is exhibited at the Guimet Museum (Musée national des arts asiatiques-Guimet) in France, is being shown and unveiled in Teshikaga for the first time. (The original measures 3 m by 12 m.) Exhibition hours: 9:00–21:00 Period: Now through November 25, 2025 Please take this opportunity to come and see it.

Autumn Scenery in Nagawacho Mountains in the Wada area, Nagawa Town, and scenes from Nagakubo-juku. These are the autumn leaves you should see and feel in person at the spot. The Wada area has two campsites. Camping here in autumn feels especially wonderful 🍂⛺!! Miyashita Hills Auto Campsite http://www.miyashitahills.jp// TEL 0268-88-2915 Akakura no Mori Auto Camping Ground https://akakuranomori.sakura.ne.jp// TEL 0268-88-3126 Nakasendo Wada-shuku and Nagakubo-juku are particularly charming at this time of year. Please come and visit 😊❤️

Amidst the gentle rain, the silhouette of a majestic mountain looms over the serene Lake Hibara, creating a breathtaking backdrop. As I sit by the lake’s edge, the tranquil atmosphere envelops me, turning this moment into something truly unforgettable. The tiny islands in the distance adds a touch of magic, making the scene feel like a painting come to life.

【Notice of Winter Road Closures for Reiwa Year 7】 【Winter Road Closure Notice 2025.10.31】 The following roads in the Mashu Area will be closed for winter starting today, October 31, Reiwa Year 7. ・Prefectural Road 52 Kussharo Lake Shore Line (Third Observation Deck) from 15:00 ・Prefectural Road 150 Mashu Lake Nakashibetsu Line (Uramashu Observation Deck) from 9:00 Access to Lake Mashu is possible from the Teshikaga Town side to Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace (First Observation Deck) via Prefectural Road 52. ・Prefectural Road 588 Kussharo Tsubetsu Line (Tsubetsu Pass) from 10:00 The winter detour for Tsubetsu Pass will be Japan National Route 243 (Bihoro Pass). ・Prefectural Road 587 Atosato Koshimizu Line (from near the top of Mokoto Pass to Koshimizu Town, 9.8 km) from 10:00 For updates on the lifting of winter road closures, please check Teshikaga Navi. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Northern Alps, MtJonen and the Great Ginkgo The bright yellow ginkgo leaves stood out against Azumino’s clear blue sky!! You can see it as you drive up to the Central Entrance Parking of National Alps Azumino Park, Horigane-Hotaka Area.

November 9th The Bell Ringing Hill Assembly Hall in Azumino is a historic building that served as the setting for the NHK radio drama "The Bell Ringing Hill." The autumn leaves were just at their peak!

I visited the famed Toohoku peak MtAdatara (1,700 m). From the Okudake Trailhead I took the ropeway to the Summit Station, passed MtYakushi (1,322 m), and reached the summit of MtAdatara. I was moved by the stark volcanic landscape of the explosion crater (Numanodaira Crater), then continued to Mount Yahazu (1,673 m) and enjoyed autumn colors painting the slopes of MtTetsu (1,709 m). Location: Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

Scuba Diving in Atami, Japan — A Day Full of Color and Connection 🪸 A few days ago, we went diving in Atami, Shizuoka, one of Japan’s most popular wreck diving sites just a short trip from Tokyo. The moment we descended, we were surrounded by thousands of colorful fish, swirling around the shipwreck like a living rainbow. The vibrant soft corals covering the wreck made the underwater scenery absolutely breathtaking. 🌈 It was an especially memorable day because one of our guests completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course! 🎉 Congratulations on reaching this new milestone in your scuba journey. Every certification represents more confidence, more discovery, and deeper connection with the sea. We were also delighted to dive with a wonderful guest visiting from France 🇫🇷, who made the most of his stay in Japan through diving. Sharing the ocean with divers from around the world reminds us that the sea connects people beyond borders. 💙 Thank you to all our amazing guests for bringing your energy and smiles. Whether you’re trying fun diving near Tokyo, taking a PADI license course, or exploring Japan’s hidden underwater gems, we’re here to make every dive unforgettable. At Hokule’a Shonan, we offer small-group diving trips, from Atami and Izu to Okinawa — all led by certified PADI instructors. 🌺 Contact us anytime to plan your next diving adventure in Japan! 🌊 ---------------------------- 🌈 About Hokule’a Shonan Hokule’a Shonan is a PADI 5⭐️ diving center located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Our motto is “Let’s embark on a journey to the unseen world.” Through diving, we help people discover the beauty and joy of nature while exploring Japan’s rich underwater world. We offer more than 300 days of diving courses and tours every year, including Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas destinations. With small-group diving and personalized instruction, beginners can dive safely and comfortably. We also welcome custom requests — whether you want to try your first dive, take a PADI course, or join a local ocean adventure! Come and dive with us — let’s enjoy this beautiful blue world together! 🌊💙 #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #Atami #WreckDive #AOWDiver #PADI #ScubaDivingJapan #ExploreTheBlue #UnderwaterWorld #JapanDiving #AtamiDive