Kurara Band Christmas Live 🎄 On Saturday, December 14th, Kurara Band Christmas Live took place at Gion Terrace Kuraraku Multipurpose Hall 😆 This was the third Christmas live, and once again a large crowd came to enjoy the show 😀 Despite the winter chill typical of Kuraoka, the venue buzzed with heat 🔥 as adults and children alike jumped and danced with excitement 😁🎵 It was a concert that brought smiles to everyone who attended, and we look forward to it happening again next year 🥰

Photographed 12/15/24. After the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. On Sundays, it is crowded. It's a gingerbread latte and a chocolate cake.

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

Photographed 12/12/24. It is an orange annual sea bream lottery.

Ginji Katsura Rakugo Performance Today, December 15, a rakugo performance by Ginji Katsura, who hails from Nobeoka and is also active in Tokyo, took place🪭✨ This event held the morning show at Kurun and the afternoon show at Kuraokakurara🤗 As a poster, this was my first time seeing live rakugo properly, and I was very excited to watch🤩✨ Rakugo uses almost no props! Performers remain seated, using only a tenugui (hand towel) and a sensu (folding fan), skillfully expressing characters through gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact😯 They make the audience imagine the scene, delivering stories that end with a punchline that makes you laugh out loud🤭 It was truly funny, and I listened with excitement wondering how each punchline would land🤣💫 The scene of eating soba was especially striking. It was incredible—he really made it seem like he was eating. It looked delicious🤤💕 lol In the afternoon, students from Gokase Secondary School also came to watch, and the venue filled with laughter✨ A boy of around five laughed out loud too, and I felt rakugo is a wonderful art that transcends gender and age😳 He kindly agreed to commemorative photos, and both the morning and afternoon shows provided a consistently enjoyable time🥹👏 I hope he will hold another rakugo performance in Gokase soon🤗✨ Thank you very much for today, Ginji Katsura👏👏👏

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. Preparations for the New Year 🎍 had begun, and Shichi-Go-San's shooting spots were moving.

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...

Photographed 12/11/24. This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.

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

Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine before going to work. A wedding ceremony was taking place. This is the Hanamari of Temizuya.

Photographed 12/9/24. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Black latte and kumquat Basque cheesecake. It is a beautiful latte art that looks as if it is snowing in the air. ❄️ The kumquat Basque cheesecake is also delicious. 🍊

Ceremony for the Opening of Prefectural Route Taketa–Gokase, Habu Section Today, Friday, December 13, the opening ceremony for the Habu section of the Taketa–Gokase Line took place in the Kuwanouchi area 🤩👏 The Taketa–Gokase Line is an important road that starts in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, passes through Takamori and Takachiho, and ends in Gokase Construction on the Habu section, a part of that route, has been completed, and today’s ceremony marked its opening 👏 First, a Shinto ritual was performed by the priests of Kuwanouchi Shrine and Futono Shrine to celebrate the road’s opening and pray for safety going forward 😌🙏 After that, distinguished guests cut the ribbon, and all the students of Kamigumi Elementary School opened a decorative paper ball, officially opening the road 🎊 Next, as a ceremonial first passage, Kuwanouchi kagura was performed 👹✨ This special kagura is said to be danced only at ceremonies 😳 During the kagura performance, participants released balloons, and many balloons colored the wide blue sky over Kuwanouchi 🎈👋 By the time the rituals concluded, the cold wind that had blown since morning had died down and the sun brought warm, calm weather for the opening ceremony ☀️ We hope the remaining construction is completed smoothly and that everyday life and transportation become more convenient ☺️

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)

The 'Symbol Street Terrace' illumination, which will brighten the street, begins on Saturday, December 14th. ✨ The opening ceremony, starting at 5:00 PM, will liven up the event with performances, including a set by Tomakomai Tourism Ambassador Shihori Kadota. ✨

Photographed 12/9/24. Naka Town I and a virgin Information Center sightseeing. Otomedama is a water balloon with a swaying maiden heart (flower petals).

Harai River Kagura 👹 Date: Saturday, December 14, 7:00 PM until around 7:00 AM the following morning Venue: Haraikawa Kagura Hall 6421 Gamuta, Takaharacho, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture 10 minutes by car from Takahara IC Parking 🅿️ is available but limited, so please arrive early. Haraikawa Kagura Its history has been passed down for about 500 years and it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the country! There are many breathtaking dances, including the sword dance “Twelve Swords,” performed with real blades. Another feature of Haraikawa Kagura is the abundance of kamiuta (sacred songs). When attending, please drive carefully and dress warmly 🙇‍♂️💦 #Miyazaki Prefecture #Miyazaki City #Miyakonojō #Kobayashi #Takaharacho #Haraikawa Kagura #Haraikawa Kagura Hall #Haraikawa Yusui Garden #Nationally Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Nishimorokata District, Takaharacho #Takahara Divine Dances

Oyama Wild Boar and Deer Marche Opening 2024 Finally happening tomorrow! With the autumn leaves season over on Mt. Ooyama, be sure to taste the local specialty wild boar and venison. Enjoy game cuisine, tasting booths, other Oyama specialties for sale, and food trucks. ◆ Date and time: Saturday, December 14, 10:00–16:00, free admission ◆ Venue: In front of Shimizuya store parking lot 295 Ooyama, Isehara, Kanagawa ◆ Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the "For Oyama Cable Car" bus and get off at Oyama Station, about 20 minutes by bus Also running through Monday, March 31, 2025 The "Oyama Wild Boar and Deer (Game) Fair" is also underway! ◆ Stamp rally During the fair, collect stamps by ordering game dishes at participating shops Collect three stamps to receive a special commemorative gift, limited to the first 100 people ※For details, please contact each shop. Don’t miss this chance to sample Mt. Ooyama’s famous game cuisine!

【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.

At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, a hanging decoration exhibition is held in. It is the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure ship. It sounds auspicious, doesn't it? 😊

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.

Hiratsuka City and Isehara City Joint “Local Produce and Specialties Marche” 2024 Featuring a selection of Isehara’s Japan Heritage delicacies, fresh vegetables, sweets and other local products for sale, gourmet food trucks, plus Kururin✨ will also be there! ◆Date and Time: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 10:00–17:00 ◆Venue: The Outlet Shonan Hiratsuka WEST COURT (8-1-1 Ohkami, Hiratsuka) From Isehara, vendors appearing both days: National Association for the Production and Promotion of Domestic Medicinal Herbs, Isehara Ōyama Onsen, Katano Facility Horticulture, Yonetani Tofu Shop, Suzuki Chili Vendors appearing only on Sunday, December 15: Frieden, Pan Yeast Seaver, Jinenjo House, Manmaruya Isehara and Hiratsuka✨Full of charm✨We hope to see you there!

＼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. ✨

Actually, on December 1st, Kamisuwa Shizune from the “Onsen Musume” project suddenly appeared at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside JR Kami‑Suwa Station!!! Her voice actress is Nanaka Suwa! ◆What Onsen Musume Is Onsen Musume is a regional revitalization project created to promote the attractions of hot spring towns and tourist spots across Japan to domestic and international audiences through various content such as anime, manga, characters, and voice actors. Previously, Shimosuwa Watanon lived in Shimosuwa Town, but Kamisuwa had not yet appeared. With yesterday’s appearance in Kamisuwa, the twins—Kamisuwa Shizune (older sister) and Shimosuwa Watanon (younger sister)—finally managed to be together yesterday! Thank you for waiting. At the information center, we sell one can badge per person (up to two) and acrylic keychains (one per person). Customers who purchase a total of 1,500 yen or more will receive an original sticker! Please come safely! We look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts!

Among the hanging dolls, I was curious. If you look closely, it is the 12 zodiac signs. 🐭🐮🐯🐰🐉🐍🐎🐏🐵🐓🐶🐗

Photographed 12/9/24. At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, a hanging decoration exhibition is held in until the 14th.

Photographed 12/9/24. It is Town Hanachozu of Naka Information Center sightseeing.