Christmas is finally just a week away 🎄 In Amakusa City, light-ups are taking place across the area under the name Amakusa Romantic Fantasy 2025, and here is information about the illuminations you can see in Reihoku ✨ This time we introduce Hama-yū Rehabilitation Center. The entire entrance to the facility is lit up as a Christmas illumination 💡 (remarkably, the staff made it by hand 👀) When you visit, be sure to take a look ☺️ Here is the place we introduced👇 Hama-yū Rehabilitation Center (1215 Shiki, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2503)

Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice: With just under three weeks left in 2025, we hope this message finds you well and prospering. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and the many others who have supported us this year. We ask for your continued patronage in the coming year and offer this as our year-end greeting. — Office Year-end and New Year Hours — Tourism Association Office and Tourist Information Center: Closed from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Normal business resumes on January 5. Please note that bicycle rentals at the Tourist Information Center will also be suspended during the period above. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours.

【Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest Results Announcement🎊】 Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest.” We received many stunning shots that captured the town’s scenery and charm, and this contest became a wonderful opportunity to highlight Reihoku’s appeal.🙇 From a total of 81 submissions, we carefully selected the following winners and are pleased to announce them! 📸【General Category】High school age and above The Grand Prize goes to the nickname “2984”! (second photo) The title is “Chasing the Ball,” taken at the Tomioka Castle Festival. The entrant commented, “The dragon dance that breathes smoke feels unique to Amakusa.”🎶 “2984” will receive a prize of 10,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen at a later date.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive 3,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.💝 First is nickname “Sora” (third photo), titled “Shining Tomioka Castle”🏯. This photo was taken at Tomioka Castle during the castle festival; the entrant wrote, “I climbed up during a break in the festival. The contrast between the white walls and blue sky was very beautiful.” Second is nickname “Green and White and Purple” (fourth photo), titled “Children of the Seaside Town”🌊. The entrant wrote, “Children working together and the glittering sea — it was the perfect moment.”🎶 The following four entrants received Honorable Mentions👏; each will receive Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.🎁 First is nickname “dSuke” (fifth photo), titled “Blooming at Tomioka Castle”🎆. The entrant described: “The sky shifts from dusk to night in a deep blue. Lights reflect on the sea surface, the castle ruins sit on the hill, and large fireworks bloom overlapping that scene.”👍 Second is nickname “Hijikata Tonza Buro” (sixth photo), titled “Mukaizuki Aoi,” and the entrant wrote, “I photographed the Kumamoto-maru docked at Tomioka Port against the background of the annual Jatto Festival fireworks I watch every year!”📸 Third is nickname “Manakan” (seventh photo), titled “Sunset Reflected in the Rice Fields Before Planting,” taken in the castle town. “Water fills the paddies before planting; with no wind the surface is calm. You only see this special scene on a day with a beautiful sunset when everything lines up. I look forward to seeing this view every year,” the entrant wrote.🎶 Fourth is nickname “Arisa” (eighth photo), titled “First Sunrise 2025,” taken at the Tomioka Marine Park observation area🌅. “I visit this spot every year to see the first sunrise. It’s not an exaggeration to say this light powers me through the year. It’s my power spot,” the entrant shared. 📸【Junior Category】Elementary and junior high school students Next are the winners in the Junior Category! The Grand Prize goes to nickname “Melon and Watermelon” with the title “Bustling Castle Festival”! (ninth photo) Congratulations on your win🎊 The entrant said, “I was chatting with friends at the castle festival venue when I suddenly noticed this scene.” “Melon and Watermelon” will receive a 5,000-yen book gift card.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive a 3,000-yen book gift card.🎁 First is nickname “Haru” (tenth photo), titled “Beautiful Sunset,” taken on National Route 324 (Sakasegawa)☀️. “Riding home from cram school, I sat beside my driving mother and the sky was so beautiful I took a photo. I was happy when my mother said, ‘It’s beautiful,’” the entrant wrote.🎶 Second is nickname “Reo” (eleventh photo), titled “Godzilla,” taken on National Route 324 (Kozufukae). The entrant wrote, “Riding in my mother’s car, I saw clouds heading toward the sea that looked like Godzilla.”✨ After a rigorous screening, the works above were chosen as winners. We deeply thank everyone for so wonderfully expressing Reihoku Town’s charm! We appreciate your continued support of Reihoku Town.🙇 Also, the 4th Amashin Photo Contest is currently open! Please check the Notices section on our website for details.📸 🏯【Contact】Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section Address: 4535-2 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502, inside the Reihoku Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0969-37-1244 E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

“Hikari no Fantasy Kikuchi 2025” is being held at Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Shimin Hiroba Plaza in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, where it is decorated with illuminations. The highlight is a giant Christmas tree stretching 15 meters in length. The sight of its beautiful lights is breathtaking. Various other illuminations are installed, and the lights paint a magical atmosphere. This event is organized by the Kikuchi Brightening Association together with volunteer citizens who want to brighten and energize Kikuchi City. It grows a little each year and is upgraded annually. Around the venue is Kikuchi Onsen, where you can warm up after the cold. Enjoy the hot springs along with the illuminations. ■Illumination period: Saturday, November 29, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026 ■Lighting hours: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/fantasy-kikuchi...

On November 19, we held the fourth workshop to develop a sightseeing walking route that lets visitors enjoy “Reihoku’s Literary Treasures,” turning the literary spots and heritage remaining in Reihoku into new tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

[Reihoku Sunset Marche] December Announcement📣 This is an announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche in December♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche sells agricultural products, processed goods, and prepared foods from Reihoku, and this event marks its first anniversary since it began🎊 To celebrate the first anniversary, we will hold a lottery for the first customers who spend 700 yen or more! A Veg Check screening that awards health points will also be available, so please come by❣ We look forward to seeing you😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ [Planned produce for sale] ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkin🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Rice (new harvest)🌾 ・Red leaf lettuce (sunny lettuce) ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Zucchini ・Daikon radish ・Carrots🥕 ・Chinese cabbage ・One-character scallion (wakegi) ・Green peppers🫑 ・Beni Haruka sweet potato ・Spinach ・Mandarin oranges🍊 ・Mizuna ・Cherry tomatoes (Aiko, fruit types) ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM ※Veg Check screening: 12:30 PM–3:30 PM [Location] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Reihoku Town Product Center facility: 4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku)

[Applications Open] “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest” is now accepting entries! Thank you for the many submissions to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary Web Photo Contest.” After judging, we will announce the selected works. This is an announcement for the “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest,” which opened for entries on Monday, November 17. The theme is “Amakusa’s Best Spots You’ll Want to Share.” Feel free to photograph Amakusa’s landscapes, streets that evoke its history and culture, festivals, light-ups, and more, and submit as many entries as you like! For details, please see our company announcements page or the attached flyer.👀

Applications Open: Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip! A one-night, two-day bus tour called “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” will run on Saturday and Sunday, December 13–14, and reservations are now open! This bus tour lets you fully enjoy the Amakusa West Coast with spiny lobsters, a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, and the Sakitsu village.🚌 For details and to book, search the tour name “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” or check the News section on our website.👀 Don’t miss this chance to experience the winter charm of the Amakusa West Coast.✨

[Event Information] In November we will exhibit at events in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture and in Tokyo. On Sunday, November 23, we will take part in “The 5th Nagoya Castle Grand Tea Gathering ✖️ Traveling! Castle EXPO at Hizen Nagoya Castle” in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, and on Saturday and Sunday, November 22–23, we will join “JOIN Migration, Exchange & Regional Revitalization Fair 2025” in Tokyo with a booth from Reihoku Town and our company. At both events we will sell Reihoku Town specialties. At the Castle EXPO we will also sell the Tomioka Castle goshuin-style castle seal🏯, and at the JOIN migration fair we will offer Reihoku mandarin oranges, now in season🍊. Please come and visit us✨ For more details about each event, search the event names below: “The 5th Nagoya Castle Grand Tea Gathering ✖️ Traveling! Castle EXPO at Hizen Nagoya Castle” “JOIN Migration, Exchange & Regional Revitalization Fair 2025” Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502 TEL: 0969-31-1136 E-mail: info@amakusa-kankou.com

Beginner-friendly! Hike Mt. Kuradake from the 9th station Mt. Kuradake sits in Kyokushi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its appeal is that you can drive up to the 9th station and reach the summit in about a 30-minute walk, making it an easy outing. The mountain takes its name from the saddle-like shape you see from the foothills. There are several routes to suit different abilities, including the Forest Course, the Panorama Course, and the East Trailhead Course (9th station). Hikers from beginners to advanced enjoy this mountain. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama. You can take in sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso, the Kuju Mountains in Oita, and Unzen in Nagasaki. Wildflowers bloom along the way, offering seasonal variety. Signposts and markers make the route relatively easy to follow. Relax at the summit with a packed lunch or a cup of coffee. It’s also a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kuratake...

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Amakusa Area designation within Unzen-Amakusa National Park on July 20, 2026, the two-day cycling event "Amakusa Round! Amaichi Granfondo 2025" will be held in Amakusa 🚴 Granfondo is an Italian term for long-distance cycling events. Rather than racing the clock, participants ride at their own pace, enjoy rest and meals at aid stations, and take in spectacular views on this relaxed cycling event♪ Event Overview Dates: December 13 (Sat)–December 14 (Sun), 2025 Location: Amakusa area, Kumamoto Prefecture (Amakusa City, Kami-Amakusa City, Reihoku) Capacity: Up to 200 riders per day, totaling 400 riders over two days. Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Courses: (1) Shimashima Trial Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 140-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 30 riders experienced in cycling around the Amakusa area. (2) Shimashima Main Course Saturday, December 13, 2025. Start and finish at Tomioka Port in Reihoku. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Shimashima (Amakusa City and Reihoku) for 170 riders. (3) Kamishima Course Sunday, December 14, 2025. Start and finish at the Hiwado Regional Promotion Center, Kami-Amakusa City Hall. A roughly 80-km route around Amakusa Kamishima (Amakusa City and Kami-Amakusa City) for 200 riders. For registration details and more information, search for "Amaichi Gran" and visit the event website provided by Local Gain Co., Ltd. (080-7577-2505), or check the announcements section on our company website! Why not spend this December enjoying Reihoku’s food and nature while having a refreshing cycling experience around Amakusa? E-bike rentals are also available, so please take a look!

Reihoku Sunset Marche — November Event Notice📣 This is the announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche taking place in November♪ 👀Highlights of this edition of the Sunset Marche👀 ❣Reihoku Sunset Marche will feature agricultural products, processed foods, and prepared dishes from Reihoku. This time it will be held on the same day as the 10th anniversary and olive harvest thanksgiving festival of the neighboring Fukuda Family Olive Orchard.❣ We look forward to seeing everyone 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ 🙇Please note that parking is expected to be crowded, so you may also use the Chamber of Commerce parking lot.🙇 【Planned produce for sale】 ・Cucumbers ・Rice (new crop, late-season) ・Taro ・Sweet potatoes ・Zucchini ・Onions ・Mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Cherry tomatoes ・Peanuts ・Lettuce (sunny, leaf) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, November 9, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM 【Venue】Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) ※Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

We will hold the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop 🎊 On Wednesday, November 19th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association will host the 4th “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourist route creation workshop♪ This session will use the proposed tourist walking routes developed from ideas and discussions in previous workshops to finalize the route🔥 A recap of sessions 1–3 is included, so drop-in participation for this workshop is perfectly fine! If you are interested in literature, history, tour guiding, or community development, please feel free to join us ✨ Date and time: Wednesday, November 19th, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Venue: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association, 2nd floor (4535-1 Kozufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture) Registration deadline: Monday, November 17th 👉 Please check the announcements section on our website to apply! This workshop is held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant program. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association Secretariat, Ogata TEL: 0969-31-1136 E-mail: info@amakusa-kankou.com

Mindfulness tourism was held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in nature’s clear streams to maximize mental and physical performance. Away from everyday noise, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. The program featured mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked through Kikuchi Gorge together with a resident priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature—lying on rocks, sitting in zazen, or otherwise pausing in reflection. In the calm atmosphere, attendees refreshed their minds and bodies and seemed to find new insights. On the first day, we held “Mindfulness Walking and a Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The water of Kikuchi Gorge was used for the tea. In the silent morning space, guests settled their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day, participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and a Breakfast Gathering.” They ate breakfast in the crisp morning air while sensing the surrounding nature. They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed, peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water from Kikuchi Gorge, offering clay-pot rice and meals made with local Kikuchi ingredients. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience in their own way. By walking and touching nature in the morning, many said they were able to forget work worries and busyness. The matcha tea ceremony eased tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature with the murmur of the river and the cool air felt pleasant. Freshly cooked rice in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul; the dishes were elaborate, truly delicious, and left guests very satisfied. These were among many comments we received. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with the five senses. Instead of letting a day pass by unnoticed, participants seemed to appreciate spending time in nature solely for themselves.

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

We sincerely thank you for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Here is a brief excerpted report on our activities for the first half of this fiscal year (April–September 2025). ■ May: Sea-Opening Ceremony & SUP Experience On Saturday, May 31, we held a sea-opening Shinto ceremony and the SUP Experience 2025, with a total of 37 participants, which was very well received. ■ June: OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025 On Saturday, June 7, we hosted the OPPAI_ROCK Marche & Petting Zoo 2025, which welcomed approximately 1,600 visitors. ■ July: The 37th Reihoku Jatto Festival (Fireworks Display) The festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, July 19–20, and our company participated by sharing information and providing event staff. ■ Other Achievements ・Number of tourists who visited the tourist information center: 2,408 ・Total visitors to the Sunset Marche (local product sales): 608 ・Visitors to the Beauty & Healing Yorimichi Marche (product sales and treatment trials, held Saturday, July 12): 213 ・Usage of Shiraiwasaki Campground: 102 people ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・RV Park usage: 34 bookings (April–August 2025) ※Currently temporarily closed due to construction ・Website operations: Posted 17 notices ・SNS activity Facebook: 35 posts, 1,798 followers Instagram: 46 posts, 2,486 followers COOL JAPAN VIDEOS: 27 posts, 7 followers ・Guided tours provided: 77 people ・PR activities: Participation in the Roadside Station Tsujunkyo first-anniversary event (April 12–13); sales revenue: ¥92,822 We would be grateful for your continued understanding and support of our activities. Thank you very much for your continued cooperation.

[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.

We will present the "Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up". At Kikuchi Gorge, a signature sightseeing spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, we will illuminate the gorge at night. From the Kikuchi Gorge tollgate area, we will light up locations such as Reimei Falls, Momijigase, and Ryugafuchi. This marks the fourth Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up. We invite you into an extraordinary night at Kikuchi Gorge, normally closed to visitors after dark, with lights, illumination displays, and bamboo lanterns. Event dates: Friday, October 31st to Sunday, November 9th, Reiwa 7 (2025). Time: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (Last admission: 8:20 PM). Admission: 1,000 yen per person for junior high school students and older (includes maintenance cooperation fee and parking fee). Parking: Please use the Kikuchi Gorge parking lot. Shuttle bus: On Saturday, November 1; Sunday, November 2; Monday, November 3 (national holiday); and Saturday, November 8, a shuttle bus will run from the central Kikuchi Gorge parking lot to the Kikuchi Gorge boarding area. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/light_up...

"Mindfulness Tourism" will be held at Kikuchi Gorge. It is a fusion experience of mindfulness walking with a tea gathering or breakfast. This is a one-of-a-kind meditation experience held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. "Listen, walk, taste"—cleanse your mind and body through all five senses. Enjoy a luxurious moment of quiet tea drinking, wrapped in the murmuring sounds of the clear stream. Savor a breakfast that dialoguess with nature in an extraordinary setting. Spend a special time sharpening your five senses while feeling the breath of nature. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat designed to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■Saturday, November 1, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering" A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The tea gathering will use water from Kikuchi Gorge. It is a special experience where you can enjoy delicious tea. ■Sunday, November 2, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering" Enjoy breakfast in the crisp morning air while feeling connected to nature. We use water from Kikuchi Gorge and serve rice cooked in an earthenware pot along with dishes made generously from ingredients sourced in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

Announcing the Tomioka Castle Festival on the radio! We will promote the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary: 9th Tomioka Castle Festival,” held on Sunday, October 26, on FM Kumamoto’s program “Ii Tabi Kumamoto Tourism School.” 📻 The broadcast airs on Thursday, October 23, from 18:08, so please tune in. 👂 Also, be sure to check the quoted post below for more on the castle festival. 👀‼️

Reihoku Sunset Marche — October Announcement📣 We are pleased to announce the Reihoku Sunset Marche will take place in October♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ Freshly harvested rice from the 2025 crop (late-harvest rice and sun-dried rice) will be offered at bargain prices! Just-picked lettuce and zucchini will also be available 🥬 In addition to produce, prepared foods will be on sale too ❣ We look forward to seeing you 😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag 🛍✨ [Planned Produce for Sale] ・Okra (white okra) ・Cucumbers ・Water spinach (kangkong) ・Rice (new crop, late-harvest rice, sun-dried rice) ・Extra-early mikan (mandarin oranges) ・Jumbo peanuts ・Zucchini ・Banana peppers ・Bell peppers ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche [Date] Sunday, October 12 — 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM [Venue] Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association ※ Reihoku Town Product Center facility (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku)

[Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Kicks Off Today!] The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will run for five days from Thursday, October 9 through Monday, October 13 (a national holiday), with six kilns across Reihoku and Amakusa City participating. For photos of preparations and the new works being readied for the tour, please see our past posts from visits to each kiln. The forecast looks favorable for those five days, with plenty of sunshine expected. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the coastal scenery of the Amakusa West Coast 🌊🌅. ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour] Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (national holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 • A stamp rally with a chance to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche Opening Celebration 🎊] The "Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche," which drew more than 200 visitors when it was held in July, will return to Reihoku Tourist Information Center on Sunday, October 19th 😍 You can enjoy not only healing treatments but also delicious food from kitchen trucks, so please take this opportunity to visit♪ For details about each vendor, check the event notices on CROSSLINK’s (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025 or the website linked in our profile 📝 Look forward to it! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ [Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche] [Period] Sunday, October 19th 10:00 AM–4:00 PM [Venue] Reihoku Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsu-Fukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) *A stamp rally is also planned 📃 [Contact] CROSSLINK (Crosslink) Instagram @cross_link2025

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Introducing Participating Kilns / 06 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (a public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. 😊 During the event, new works will be exhibited and sold, and special discount sales will take place, so please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. 🌊🌅 (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate. 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Heading south along the Amakusa West Coast brings you to the Takahama area. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is a kiln that forms part of the Ueda family’s history; the Ueda family served for generations as village headmen in this area. In the Meiji era, grape cultivation thrived in the Takahama district, and the area became widely known for “Takahama grapes.” The town was once described as being covered in vines. Though grape growing faced extinction at one point, the local promotion association’s efforts revived it, and you can now see grape trellises across the region. Takahama-yaki Juho-gama is well known for its mirumon (seaweed motif), but the kiln’s painted grape designs also keep Takahama’s history alive. By the time the Autumn Kiln Tour takes place, the grape harvest will already be over, but it is delightful to reflect on the area’s past while admiring the grape motifs on the pottery. From Thursday, October 9 to Sunday, October 12 during the event, Ueda Family House, adjacent to Juho-gama, will host a workshop by illustrator Yoko Koda, along with food and craft stalls. Please see the posted images for details. 📍Takahama-yaki Juho-gama 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 – Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Note: Tenjiku Gama will not participate.) 〈Amakusa City〉Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※A digital stamp rally linked to the Kumamoto Health Points program 📱 ※A stamp rally offering a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (within Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Introducing participating kilns / 05 Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9th to Monday, October 13th (holiday), using six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City as venues 😊 During the event you can see new works on display and buy items at discounted prices, so please take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅♪ (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating 🙇‍♀️🙇) 🍁🍁🍁 Introducing the participating kilns / Odatoko lies south along the Amakusa West Coast at the point where the road bends toward the sea. Perched to overlook a calm shoreline popular with divers and kayakers, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln stands here. Previously known and loved as Amakusa Karatsu Jurō Kiln, it has reverted this autumn to its former name, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln. The exhibition room displays pottery reflecting the distinct personalities of the married couple. Mr. Kameyama Go trained in Karatsu, famed for Karatsu ware, while his wife, Sanae Kameyama, studied ceramics at the pottery college in Arita. Even within Saga Prefecture, Karatsu and Arita ceramics differ greatly in materials and characteristics — clay or stone, pottery or porcelain. Mr. Go’s pieces attract the eye with striking forms and tranquil, nature-like patterns woven from clay and glazes. The lines on his pottery, reminiscent of classical Karatsu motifs, embody a ‘‘beauty of subtraction.’’ Ms. Sanae uses a blue pigment called gosu to paint modern, expressive designs by underglaze before applying glaze. Her work carries a warm charm that brings a smile to the viewer’s face. Although they work with opposite materials, the couple’s distinct styles complement each other. These works arise precisely because Amakusa offers both types of materials. The exhibition room, filled with vessels nurtured by Amakusa’s nature, radiates an unexpectedly rich harmony. Please pick them up and savor their world. 📍Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2802 TEL: 090-5081-1316 🗺️ The back of this year’s kiln tour flyer has been renewed! Based on the Amakusa West Coast map illustrated by Sanae, please head out and enjoy the kiln tour by car 🚗 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9th – Monday, October 13th (holiday) 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venues: 〈Reihoku〉 Uchida Sarayama ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshugama (Tenjiku Gama will not be participating) 〈Amakusa City〉 Takahama-yaki Juho-gama, Amakusa Karatsu Gozakameyama Kiln (Jurō Kiln) 🍁Two stamp rally events will take place simultaneously! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from the kilns you visit (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Ceramic Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour — Featured Kiln / 04 Unshū Kiln The 36th Amakusa West Coast Autumn Kiln Tour will take place over five days from Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday), with six kilns in Reihoku and Amakusa City serving as venues. During the event you can enjoy new works on display and for sale, plus special discounted sales. Take this chance to visit and enjoy Amakusa ceramics and the Amakusa West Coast scenery 🌊🌅. (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate.) 🍁🍁🍁 Featured Kilns / Unshū Kiln sits in a small seaside settlement where you can hear the surf, roughly halfway along the road that leads to the Tomioka Peninsula in Reihoku. One late-summer day I visited the kiln owner, Ms. Miyoshi, a friendly person who always carries a light, cheerful air. For this Autumn Kiln Tour, alongside Unshū Kiln’s staple vessels, you will see works using the vivid red cinnabar (shinsa) pigment, a color believed since the Jomon Period to ward off evil. Also noteworthy are charming pieces inspired by Amakusa sea urchins. They appeared a few years ago and have returned for this Autumn Kiln Tour after a long absence. During the exhibition the kiln will sell succulents including cacti, and offer painting-on-ware experiences. Please drop by—unexpected encounters and discoveries await you. 📍Unshū Kiln 2829 Tomioka, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2507 TEL: 080-5254-7915 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ The 36th Amakusa West Coast 🍁 Autumn Kiln Tour Period: Thursday, October 9 to Monday, October 13 (public holiday) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues Reihoku: Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Note: Tenjiku Pottery Kiln will not participate) Amakusa City: Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Goyama Kame Kiln (Juro Kiln) 🍁 Two stamp rallies run concurrently! • A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto health points📱 • A prize-entry stamp rally to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms available at each kiln📃) For inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The 3rd “Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk” tourism route creation workshop was held🎊 On September 25, the third workshop was held in Reihoku to develop a sightseeing walking route that turns literary spots and heritage in Reihoku Town into new tourist resources, allowing visitors to enjoy the “Literary Treasures of Reihoku.”✨ This third session focused on taking a deeper look at writers connected to Reihoku Town. Participants researched as if they were actually guiding tours and presented their findings to one another. Each participant’s guide showed a unique personality, making for an absorbing time.👏 The final, fourth workshop is planned for late October to early November♪ We will hold a fun workshop to exchange opinions based on the walking route proposals and guide manual developed from previous workshops, so please join us.👀 *We plan to open applications on our website in early October.* We also welcome ideas and insider tips for route planning from those who cannot attend the workshop. Please take the survey in the notices section on our website! Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Ogata) ☎0969-31-1136 *This workshop is held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Subsidy Project for fiscal 2025.*

[Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary WEB Photo Contest 🎊] To coincide with the “9th Tomioka Castle Festival” on Sunday, October 26, Reihoku Town will hold a WEB Photo Contest celebrating the 70th anniversary of the town’s incorporation📸 This year marks the 70th year since Reihoku Town was founded. Under the theme “The Charms of Reihoku Town,” we are seeking photos that capture the town’s appeal — abundant nature, local dishes and specialties, historic buildings, everyday life, people’s smiles, and more! Photos taken since January of this year are eligible, so pictures from the Reihoku Jatto Festival or the Tomioka Castle Festival are welcome. Smartphone photos are fine! Capture a scene that moved you and submit it! Cash prizes are available👀! 📸[Open Category] High school students and older Grand Prize (1): 10,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Special Prize (2): 3,000 yen + Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen; Runner-up Special Prizes (up to 4): Reihoku Town specialty products worth 5,000 yen 📸[Junior Category] Elementary and junior high school students Grand Prize (1): 5,000-yen book voucher; Special Prize (2): 3,000-yen book voucher 📸[Eligible Photos] Photos taken from January 2025 through the Tomioka Castle Festival day on October 26, 2025 📸[Submission Deadline] Tuesday, November 11, 2025 📸For submission details, please check the photo contest special website. (You can find the link in the announcements section on our company website in the profile.) We look forward to many entries📸 🏯[Contact] Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section (inside Reihoku Town Chamber of Commerce) E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

🌏🚴 ♂️ Tour de Kyushu 2025 Held in! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Set in the Nature and cityscape of Kyushu, professional athletes from Japan and the world will compete in a heated race! Held in this year for four days from Friday, October 10 to Monday, October 13 in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 The theme is "Make Kyushu Sustainable" Broadcasting ✨ the charm of beautiful Kyushu to the world 🏁 Race Schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00〜 [Sasebo Criterium / 45km] ・ 10/11 (Sat) 11:00〜 [Fukuoka / 121km] ・ 10/12 (Sun) 9:00〜 [Kumamoto, Aso / 115km] ・ 10/13 (Mon) 10:00〜 [Miyazaki, Oita / 121km] * There are traffic restrictions along the course on the day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For details, please check 👉the official website and social media https://tourdekyushu.asia// https://tourdekyushu.asia/en/...