Panoramic view from the summit of Mount Nagamine
The chilly Azumino valley lies under a sea of clouds, with the Northern Alps towering beyond
You can only see a scene like this on an Azumino morning!

Made in Sakai Fair 2025
📣 This weekend, on Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th…
Made in Sakai Fair 2025 will take place✨
It’s a fun event packed with the best of Sakai🙌

You might be able to buy a whole Chinese cabbage for 200 yen⁉️
That popular shop everyone’s talking about in Sakai and beloved sweets will gather in one place!🍴
There will also be cool fire trucks and police vehicles on display😮
Enjoy many hands-on activities like pop-up postcard making and tenugui (hand towel) dyeing!!
There are lots of great finds, so please come by 🤗

🎈Made in Sakai Fair 2025
📍Sakai City Industrial Promotion Center Event Hall and other venues
📅 Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 10:00–16:00 (rain or shine)
🚃 Access: 5-minute walk from Nakamozu Station
※ Please use public transportation such as trains or buses to reach the event venue.

🔍 For details, search for “Made in Sakai Fair”!

https://madeinsakai.com/

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Savoring the River! Ayu, Unagi, River Shrimp, Gori! Traditional Fishing Methods That Live Alongside the Shimanto River

Introducing the traditional river fishing methods passed down by river fishers on the Shimanto River. This highlights the important local culture of living close to the river and gratefully receiving its bounty.

〇Traditional Fishing Methods of the Shimanto River
The Shimanto River’s traditional fishing methods have been carefully preserved by local river fishers. While their form has gradually changed with environmental shifts, they still remain part of daily life. The river’s abundant gifts—ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), tenaga-ebi (long-arm shrimp), and aosa nori (green seaweed)—brighten family meals with the seasons. Skilled chefs in Shimanto City also prepare them into delicious dishes for visitors, and various processed forms are enjoyed as souvenirs.

〇See the River, Taste the River
A slow walk along the Shimanto River reveals traps for catching eels and long-arm shrimp seen from chinkabashi bridges, partly submerged in the water. Depending on the season, you may encounter people fishing for ayu or working from traditional river boats. Along the banks you might spot stone-lined devices for catching gori, and at the river mouth workers harvesting green seaweed. If you look closely at the Shimanto River, you’ll discover human lives intertwined with the river. In the evening, taste the very ingredients caught with the traps you saw, slowly savored at a local restaurant. It’s a distinctive, insider way to enjoy the Shimanto River.

〇Introduction to Traditional Fishing Methods
・Ayu Fire-Swinging Fishing
Nets are set across the river in advance, and at night a boat swings torches from the deck. Startled by the dancing bands of flame, ayu panic and are driven into the nets. Today this practice often uses LED lights, but the principle remains the same as the traditional method. Ayu are also caught by cast nets, angling, and other methods.

・Long-Arm Shrimp Fishing
From a chinkabashi bridge looking toward the water’s edge, you can see PVC pipes spaced at regular intervals. These are korobashi, traps for catching long-arm shrimp. Once made of wood, they have changed to more convenient materials over time. Long-arm shrimp are commonly enjoyed deep-fried whole, producing vibrant colors, and are treasured as a local flavor—some grow large enough to resemble cucumbers.

・Unagi (Eel) Fishing
You may see pieces of styrofoam or PET bottles floating in the river without drifting away; they can mark korobashi used to catch eels. Sensitive to smell, eels avoid resin traps, so wooden korobashi are still widely used.

・Gori Fishing
If stones are lined along the riverbank to dam the water, they may form the setup for gori’s noborio-toshi-ue fishing. In the Shimanto River, juvenile Numachichibu fish are called gori and are enjoyed as a spring to early-summer delicacy. They are typically eaten deep-fried or simmered in soy-based preserves.

〇Important Notices
Fishing on the Shimanto River is subject to fishing rights. Purchasing an angling permit is required when you fish.
Also, closed seasons are established to protect resources.
Please be aware of these regulations.

<Tickets on sale now!> Hiroshima Kagura Kansai Performance in Sakai is coming!🎈

Hiroshima Kagura is coming to Sakai!!⸜❤︎⸝

Hiroshima Kagura offers rich storytelling, powerful dances and staging, and dazzling costumes and masks
Packed with elements that even first-timers will enjoy!!ꕤꕥꕤ

On the day, you can also try on costumes actually used on stage✨
We will also sell local specialties from various towns and cities, so please take this opportunity to visit us!✨

📅 Date and time: Saturday, December 6th, 10:00–18:10
📍 Venue: Fenice Sacay Grand Hall (@fenice_sacay)

🔍 For details, search “Hiroshima Kagura Kansai Performance”!
🔗 https://www.akitakata.jp/ja/shisei/section/syoukou/a103/

#Hiroshima Kagura #Hiroshima Kagura (alternate) #Sakai Taiko #Sakai Kagura #Fenice Sacay #stage #dance #Kansai Performance #Sakai City
https://www.akitakata.jp/ja/shisei/section/syoukou/a103/

【Notice】
Winter business hours will change ❕ from November

Use the Roadside Station Iwanai
thank you🙏

Our Facility is open from November 1 to April 20 of the following year
Business hours are from 9:00 to 17:00.
Closed day every Monday.
* If Monday is a Holidays, the following Tuesday is Closed Day.

◎ Stamp rally Stamps
Please note that the above business hours and closed days will be handled in the same way as Same as above.

We look 😊 forward to seeing you during the winter months

🐟 Roadside Station Iwanai

🍂A Model Course to Savor Autumn Flavors🍂 🔸—Moat Area Central Section—🔸

The season for hearty autumn eating has finally arrived! ⋈😊⋈
Sakai’s Moat Area is full of not only tourist attractions but also shops serving seasonal sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and autumn gourmet dishes featuring mushrooms like matsutake. 🌰🧡
Here we present a short model course to enjoy autumn gourmet food and sightseeing in the Moat Area central section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆

📍"A course to visit shrines, temples, and shopping streets while enjoying autumn flavors (Central Area)"
① Ako Shrine ( @aguchijinja_official_ )
↓
② Sakai Yamanokuchi Shopping Street
↓
③ Taste the season: autumn flavors 🌰✨
・Rosier ( @rosier_fruits Mont Blanc parfait)
・D..labo ( @d_labo_ice Muscat parfait)
・Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi Steamed chestnut yokan)
・Maruichi Confectionery ( @maruichikashiho Chestnut zenzai)
・SAKAINOMA ( @sakainoma Mushroom bagel sandwich)
・Cafe Lapin (mushroom stew hamburger, etc.)
↓
④ Myokokuji Temple

🔍For details, search for “Taste the Season: Autumn Flavors Special”!
🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96

🍁Autumn Flavors Model Course🍁 ◽️– Moat Area, Southern Section –◽️

The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ୨୧😊୨୧
Sakai’s Moat Area is home not only to sightseeing spots but also to many shops offering autumn sweets made with fluffy chestnuts, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, as well as mushroom dishes featuring matsutake. 🌰🍱💛
Here is a short model course for enjoying autumn cuisine and attractions in the Moat Area’s southern section. ⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆

📍"A Route Tracing Rikyu’s Connections and Autumn Flavors (Southern Section)"
① Sakai Rishō no Mori (@rishonomori)
↓
② 868 Building (@hachirokuhachi)
↓
③ Savor Seasonal Autumn Flavors🌰✨
・Mimiu Sakai (shrimp and mushroom tempura soba)
・BLUE KETTLE (baked sweets: sweet potato, chestnut, pumpkin)
・Ume no Hana Sakai Rishō no Mori branch (special autumn kaiseki)
↓
④ Nanshu-ji Temple

🔍For details, search "Spotlight on Seasonal Autumn Flavors"!
🔗https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96


https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96

🍂Autumn Flavors Model Course🍂 🔸— Moat Area, North —🔸

The season for hearty appetites has finally arrived! ❊😊❊
Sakai’s Moat Area is full of shops offering not only tourist attractions but also sweets made with freshly roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, plus autumn gourmet dishes featuring matsutake and other mushrooms. 🌰🤎
Here is a short model course (Moat Area, North) to enjoy autumn flavors and sightseeing⋆⸜ ⚘ ⸝⋆

📍"Ironworking History and Autumn Flavors Course"
1. Sakai Denshokan ( @sakaidensan )
↓
2. SAKAINOMA PLAZA Yanagi ( @sakainoma )
↓
3. Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors🌰✨
・Tsuboichi Tea Main Shop ( @saryo.tsuboichi — chestnut parfait )
・Rosier Yanagi ( @rosier_fruits — autumn selected mixed parfait )
・Zelkova Shokudo ( @zelkova_shokudo — healthy lunch )
・Asahido Confectionery ( best in Senshu )
・Sorori ( @__sorori__ — Naruto Kintoki sweet potato )
↓
4. Teppou Blacksmith Residence ( @sakaimachiyamuseums )

🔍Search for "Savor the Season’s Autumn Flavors Special" for details!
🔗 https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96



https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/feature/detail/96

November is almost here 🍂✨
This time, we introduce six autumn foliage spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! 🍁
Be sure to dress warmly and come to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 💛🎶

🍁🍁🍁Here are the highlights of the six autumn leaves spots🔽🍁🍁🍁

1. The Nursing-Rooting Giant Ginkgo of Mt. Kamitakano 🍁
[Address] Takano-cho, Shinichi, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] This giant ginkgo stands in the precincts of Tenman Shrine, with a trunk circumference at chest height of 9.6 meters, ranking first in the prefecture. It is said to have been planted as a sacred tree when Takemikazuchi-no-kami was enshrined here in the first year of Tenpyo (729). Aerial roots called "breasts" hang down from the main trunk, and it is designated as a prefectural natural monument. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About an 8-minute drive from Takano IC on the Onomichi–Matsue Expressway or from Roadside Station Takano
[Typical viewing period] Early to mid-November

2. Mt. Azuma 🍁
[Address] Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] Mt. Azuma belongs to Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and lies about 35 km north of Shobara City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture. The Azuma Lodge of Kyukamura closed in 2020. Restroom facilities are available at the former campsite public toilets. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

3. Hiba Mountain Range 🍁
[Address] Yuki, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Shimane Prefecture
[Highlights] A series of mountains around 1,200 meters high, with the area near Hiba-san Goryo covered by a nationally designated natural monument of pure beech forest. Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] To Hiroshima Prefectural Citizens’ Forest Park Center
About 40 minutes from Shobara IC
About 40 minutes from Tojo IC
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

4. Dogo Mountain Range 🍁
[Address] Misaka, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Tottori Prefecture
[Highlights] One of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains and featured in Sumie Tanaka’s New 100 Famous Flowers of the Mountains. Enjoy 360-degree views from the summit, stone embankments from former ranches, and the large pond built as a water source for tatara ironmaking. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 45-minute drive from Shobara IC to Tsukimigaoka
About a 30-minute drive from Tojo IC to Tsukimigaoka
[Typical viewing period] From early November

5. Taishakyo Gorge 🍁
[Address] Tojo-cho, Shobara City to Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] A gorge spanning Tojo-cho in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town. Designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and listed among Japan’s Top 100 Landscapes. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 15-minute drive from Tojo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

6. The Iroha Maple Group of Kamichi 🍁
[Address] Inakusa, Soryo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] The Iroha maple group of Kamichi includes remarkably large trees, the largest having a trunk circumference at chest height of 3.25 m, and nine others exceeding 2 m in circumference—an unusually large cluster even on a national scale. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 15-minute drive from Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway
[Typical viewing period] Early to mid-November

For autumn foliage information for 2025, see🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/special/4758

For an article summarizing the highlights, see🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5312

The Sai River flowing through Azumino receives the Hotaka River and the Takase River here.
This spot is the confluence of the three rivers.
Many rivers that flow down from the Northern Alps merge into a single river at this point.

A long three-day weekend is coming soon✨
This time, we introduce autumn events and traditional festivals held in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!✨

🔽🔽🔽We’ve picked five highlights to help you plan your three-day weekend outing!🔽🔽🔽

1⃣ The 32nd Bingi Tojo “Otoori” Parade
Date and Time: Until Sunday, November 2, 2025, starting at noon (12:00)
Location: Starting at Tojo Elementary School Ground
About: Known as the “Otoori,” this event has been organized by the Otoori Preservation and Promotion Association since 1993. The procession features a daimyo procession, warrior procession, and groups carrying horo and hanawarabe, presenting each year in early November a bold and splendid historical pageant.

Event details URL: https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5310
Highlights: https://www.shobara-info.com/report/4841

2⃣ The 18th Taishaku Autumn Leaves Festival
Date and Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 10:00–15:00
Location: Taishaku Community Promotion Center
About: A commemorative project for the 20th anniversary of Shobara City’s municipal merger!
Music Plaza
10:15 Niimi Wind Ensemble
11:15 Shobara City 20th Anniversary Stage Part 1 — Ryo Sasaki
12:15 Stage Part 2 — Issei Minami
13:30 Kendama performance
14:00 Singing contest
14:45 Lottery
*Performance times may vary slightly.

Food Plaza
Frankfurters, fried chicken, beef udon, sweet red-bean soup (zenzai), grilled chicken skewers, french fries, yakisoba, beef bowl, teppan-grilled game meat, vegetable tempura, deep-fried maple leaf-shaped cakes, croquettes, coffee, Yotsuba Kobo cookies, sale of locally fresh vegetables, local products, earthenware bells, and a shooting game stall.
Details URL: https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5322

3⃣ Autumn Beef Terrace | Taishakukyo Scola Plateau
Date and Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 10:00–15:00
Location: Spice Hall 2F Open Terrace
About: An event where you can enjoy the elusive Jinseki beef at reasonable prices.

Barbecue Set
Set Includes:
Jinseki beef, vegetables, and rice balls

Also happening:
Minna no Marche Hiroshima (market stalls)
Details URL: https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5317

4⃣ Tojo Whole-Town Festival
Date and Time: Monday, November 3, 2025 (National Holiday), 12:00–20:30
Location: Tojo Station and surrounding facilities and downtown areas
About: Besides a music event on the platform inside Tojo Station, the festival offers art and cultural programs that make use of the town’s historic streetscape, bringing together the charm of the Geibi Line and Tojo Town.

Details URL: https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5341

5⃣ The 22nd Children’s Festival
Date and Time: Monday, November 3, 2025 (National Holiday), 10:00–14:00
Location: National Bihoku Hillside Park North Entrance, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari
About: A children’s festival spreading smiles across the Bihoku Hills—everyone gather for the Children’s Festival!
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Shobara City’s merger, the stage will feature a Remick🎶 concert!
Enjoy hands-on experiences, crafts, and a stamp rally!

Details URL: https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5338

✨🎪 Five Autumn Traditions and Events in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 🎪✨
Enjoy the full bounty of autumn at cheerful events held again this year!

From gourmet treats and hands-on experiences to stage shows and markets,
there are plenty of autumn rewards for the whole family to enjoy all day.

Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!

1⃣ Hiba Mountain Sky Peak Hunt in Hiroshima Prefectural Forest 2025
[Date] Until Monday, November 3, 2025
[Location] Hiroshima Prefectural Forest (registration, start, and finish locations)
[Details]
Same-day registration available! ✨
A mountain event that visits 10 summit points across the Hiba mountain range!
Participants will hunt points by checking summit checkpoints themselves.

[Details URL 🔽]
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5176

2⃣ Tojo Stroll and Townscape Gallery
[Date] Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Wednesday, November 5, 2025
[Location] Kaido Tojo Road, a certified Yumekaido Renaissance district
[Details]
・Opening ceremony and events
・Townscape gallery
・Townscape marche
・Town sake festival
・Special exhibition at the nationally registered tangible cultural property Sanrakuso (held at Sanrakuso)
・The 32nd Bingo Tojo “Otoori” procession

[Details URL 🔽]
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5320

3⃣ Autumn Lunch Buffet 2025 | Kyukamura Taishakukyo
[Date] Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Sunday, November 9, 2025
[Location] Kyukamura Taishakukyo
[Details] Following the popular Obon period service, we will hold an autumn lunch buffet!
This event again features the oven-baked pancake beloved at the breakfast buffet, rice accompaniments, handmade sandwiches, and original dishes for guests of all ages.

Enjoy Taishakukyo in autumn alongside the fall foliage.

[Details URL 🔽]
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5324

4⃣ Winter Illumination 2025–2026 Bihoku Illumi | National Bihoku Hills Park
[Date] Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Monday, January 12, 2026 (national holiday) ※closed certain days during the period
[Location] National Bihoku Hills Park ※parking and admission fees apply
[Details] Spend a special night in a shimmering world of light! Following last year’s success, the Flower Plaza (special area) returns with the “Mirror Bola” dreamlike new world.

[Details URL 🔽]
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5326

5⃣ Sanchaya Festival | National Bihoku Hills Park
[Date] Saturday, November 1, 2025
[Location] Shobara — Sangenchaya
[Details] A festival celebrating the second anniversary of the regional family learning space will be held!

[Details URL 🔽]
https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5321

📢 Happening this Sunday: Ebisu-jima Cote Riviere 🇫🇷

🍁 Come relax by the river in Ebisu-jima and enjoy shopping for antique goods, tasting gourmet treats, and listening to live music.

📅 Date and Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 10:00–16:00
📍 Venue: Ebisu-jima DOCK
Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Kushiyacho-nishi 1-1 west side, west of Xavier Park, riverside of Uchikawa
🚃 Access: About a 10-minute walk from Nankai Line Sakai Station; about a 5-minute walk from Hankai Line Hanadakuchi Station
🚩 Organizer: sakainoma

🔍 For event details, check @ebisujima.cote.rivi on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ebisujima.cote.rivi/?hl=ja

🍁Autumn foliage updates for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture are being posted from October!🍁
There are six maple-viewing spots in Shobara City in total!✨

In autumn, Shobara City fills with colorful leaves. The foliage in Hiroshima Prefecture starts changing early here, so you can enjoy the colors for a long time. This time, we introduce six autumn-leaf viewing spots within Shobara City.

1. The Great Ginkgo of Chichisagari on Mt. Kamitakano
2. Mt. Azuma
3. The Hiba Mountain Range
4. The Dogo Mountain Range
5. Taishaku Gorge
6. The Iroha Maple Cluster in Kamichi

Find features and highlights here 👇
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5312

This year’s autumn foliage information is here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/4758

Taste Japan’s best ayu in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!🐟

Wild ayu raised in the pristine Seijo River in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, offer a supreme flavor that delights ayu lovers across the country.
In fact, they won the Grand Prix at the “Ayu Tasting Contest” held in 2024 and were chosen as Japan’s top ayu!🥇

When you visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, be sure to try the wild ayu from the Seijo River.

A uniquely fragrant and delicate taste awaits you here✊

Find retailers here🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/5200

＼ Autumn flavors from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture — a town of farming! 🍎

Crisp and delicious!
Want to grab freshly picked apples ✊

This time, we introduce seven apple farms with farm shops🍎

"I don’t have time for apple picking, but if I’m visiting Shobara I’d like to buy fresh apples to take home!" For those people, here are several apple farms with on-site farm shops to recommend!

Why not drive around and visit several distinctive apple farms 🚗🎶

Find out more here 🔽
https://shobara-info.com/report/5318

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).

October 23rd
Azumino in autumn
Today the sun felt warm during the day, and a walk with views of the Northern Alps was perfect!
Be careful, as mornings and evenings are cold.

*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

[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.

📢 Sakai Tourism Concierges will take part in Czech Festival 2025! ✨

This year again, the Sakai Tourism Concierges will join the Czech Festival and promote Sakai tourism on stage. They will also carry out PR activities at the Sakai Convention and Tourism Association PR booth. ☺
Please come to the Czech Festival! We look forward to seeing you at the venue. ✨

🔍 Check the Czech Festival’s social media for event details.
🔍 For more information, search for “Czech Festival 2025”!
https://www.facebook.com/KansaiSakaiCzech/?_rdr

🌳 The 68th Sakai City Greening Festival will be held at Daisen Park 🌳

We are hosting an event at Daisen Park, Sakai’s signature park, to share the importance of greenery.
There will be plant sales, booths for children to enjoy, and food trucks on site, too 🍔🥤 Bring a picnic sheet and head to Daisen Park ☺

📅 Date and time: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:00–16:00
📍 Location: Daisen Park, Sakai City — Large Lawn Plaza and other areas
🔍 For details, search for “Sakai City Greening Festival”
https://www.sakai-park.or.jp/event/2025/08/68.html

📢 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

💡Registration open for the lecture series “Unpacking the Teppo Blacksmith House through Science”!
(A regional collaboration project between Sakai City and Kansai University)

🌈We will hold the lecture series “Unpacking the Teppo Blacksmith House through Science” at Teppo Blacksmith House!
Sakai City and Kansai University have conducted joint research on the Teppo Blacksmith House and shared the results widely through regional collaboration projects. In recent years, researchers from various fields beyond history have joined the investigations, conducting multifaceted analyses of the valuable materials preserved at the Teppo Blacksmith House.

This lecture series will present those research findings. In addition to history, experts in informatics and metallurgical engineering will explore the rich materials passed down at the Teppo Blacksmith House from multiple angles.✨

📅Dates:
① Sunday, October 12, 2025 — Finished
② Sunday, November 9, 2025
③ Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰Times: 11:00 and 14:00 — about one hour each session
📍Venue: Teppo Blacksmith House
🕰Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
💰Admission: 500 yen
https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/rekishi/bunkazai/bunkazai/oshirase/r7sakai_kandai.html

The Sakai Station Tourist Information Center offers plenty of Sakai goods that make perfect travel mementos.

Alongside classic sweets, you’ll find a lively selection of unique items inspired by the World Heritage kofun burial mounds!🔑 The standout is a collaboration keyholder featuring Hello Kitty and the kofun—available in two limited designs. Both are irresistibly cute, so be sure to grab them both!

🎨 The acrylic figure stand actually doubles as a keyholder in a convenient 2-way design—you can display it or attach it to your bag and take it with you.

📚 You’ll also find stationery useful for work or study, like sticky notes, clips, and masking tape, plus portable glasses cloths and popular magnets!
From practical items to collectible pieces, there’s something for everyone.😊

Be sure to pick up your Sakai souvenirs at the Sakai Station Tourist Information Center!

🍁Sunday, November 16 — “Morning Yoga at the Temple” — Now accepting participants!

As autumn deepens, why not spend a refreshing morning at Myōhōji Temple🍁☀️
At this seasonal change, when the autonomic nervous system can be unsettled, balance your body with yoga and a gentle rice porridge, and refresh your mind🌿

The deputy head priest will also serve matcha and wagashi as a warm gesture of hospitality🍡
We look forward to your reservation😊🎶

Date: Sunday, November 16
Venue: Myōhōji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanocho Higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai)
Gathering time: 8:20 AM
Fee: ¥5,000 · With rental mat ¥5,100
For details, search “Sakai Morning Yoga”🔍

🎈Delving into the traditions and individuality of Sakai bamboo crafts! Two exhibitions at Sakai City Museum
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Exploring the tradition and individuality of “Sakai bamboo crafts”!✨
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Featuring dynamic spatial art and other works by fourth-generation bamboo artist Takenabe Chikuunsai, whose pieces were also shown at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai💫

📅: Saturday, September 20 – Monday, November 3 (public holiday)
📍: Sakai City Museum (@sakai_city_museum) and the tea room Shin-an
💰: Special exhibition admission fee
🔍For details, search for “Sakai City-Owned Artworks Exhibition”

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. 👀‼️

The end of the season is just around the corner! Let's enjoy the last Mt. Tarumae of the year!

Mt. Mt. Tarumae, which is popular as a mountain that is easy to climb even for beginners, ends its season in early November every year.
Before the end of the season, Enjoy the contrast between the bright red fiery Autumn leaves of Mt. Mt. Tarumae and the sparkling water surface of Lake Shikotsu!

Breathe in the clear air and refresh your mood!
We look forward to seeing you there!