[All About Gokasecho in Spring 🌸] Here are some photos of Gokasecho in full bloom 📷 Rhododendrons, weeping cherry blossoms, and Akebono azaleas were in full bloom! Please feel free to submit your photos for Gokase Hanami 2026!

Tracing the footprints of stories, an adult getaway.🌿 Amakusa Reihoku Literary Walk unearths Reihoku’s literary heritage and proposes a new kind of journey. Recently, with the cooperation of people inside and outside the town, we held a monitored tour📖✨ Literary monuments blending into Reihoku’s beautiful scenery and the landscapes beloved by great writers. As you walk listening to a literary tourism guide’s commentary, the familiar streets begin to sparkle like a novel. A stroll themed around “words” offered a wonderfully indulgent refresh that makes you forget the rush of daily life. From now on, we will prepare to bring this “story” and the landscapes that gave it life to many more people. Look forward to future updates!

Our popular “Morning Yoga at the Temple” Rental mats for the session on Sunday, March 8 are now down to only 2 slots left! 🧘‍♀️✨ Spend a luxurious, quiet moment in the main hall of Myohoji Temple, listening to your own breath. After balancing body and mind with yoga, the deputy chief priest will offer ・a gentle, warming morning rice porridge that’s kind to the body 🥣 ・relaxing matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) 🍵🍡 as a special treat. “I’ve been feeling unusually tired lately…” “I want to reset my body and mind for spring” This is the perfect pampering plan for those feelings. Only 2 slots remain with rental mats included—first come, first served! Hurry up 💨 📅 Date and time: Sunday, March 8 — Gather at 8:20 AM 📍 Venue: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanocho Higashi, Sakai Ward) 💰 Fee: 5,000 yen (rental mat +100 yen) 🔍 For details, search “Sakai Morning Yoga” https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/173...

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Little Kyoto of Tosa What is the Little Kyoto of Tosa? About 550 years ago, amid the Onin War, Lord Norifusa Ichijo, the former kampaku, relocated to Nakamura (now Shimanto City) and established his residence there. In homage to Kyoto, he laid the foundations for shrine and temple construction and the development of the town. ※kampaku: the highest court noble post assisting the emperor Lord Ichijo’s move brought many Kyoto cultural elements to the area and fostered local pride. Even today, place names and shrines recalling Kyoto—such as Gion, Kyomachi, Kamogawa, and Higashiyama—remain. Because the community has long preserved ties with Kyoto, the Nakamura district of Shimanto City is known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa. The town, however, sits in a region prone to natural disasters. Flooding of the Shimanto River, fires, and earthquakes have erased most old buildings, yet the grid-like street pattern formed from the medieval to early modern periods still survives. History of the Tosa Ichijo Family The Tosa Ichijo family began when Lord Norifusa Ichijo moved in 1468 (Onin 2) to Hata no shō in western Kochi Prefecture (present-day Shimanto City), his hereditary estate. The lord directly managed the manor, controlled logistics along the Shimanto River basin, and laid the groundwork for the town to prosper as a trading hub linking Kyushu and Kansai. Norifusa’s son Fusaie remained as a local lord instead of returning to Kyoto, expanding Hata no shō and bringing the Tosa Ichijo clan to its peak. The Tosa Ichijo governed this land as court nobles-turned-daimyo for 106 years—through Fusafuyu, Fusaki, and Kanesada—until they were driven into Bungo by Motochika Chōsokabe in 1574 (Tensho 2). Historic sites that evoke the Ichijo family Tama-hime’s grave Tamahime, a daughter of Prince Fushimi-no-miya Kunitaka and the wife of Ichijo Fusafuyu, came to Nakamura in 1521 (Dai-ei 1) when she married. Because she arrived on June 22 and died on August 22, the 22nd of every month is still affectionately observed by locals as Tamahime Day. Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine During the Bunmei era (1469–1487), the Ichijo family invited the kami from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto to serve as the protective shrine for Hata. The honden preserves Muromachi-period architectural style and is the oldest shrine building in Kochi Prefecture, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Ichijo Shrine Established in 1862 (Bunkyū 2) on a plot of the former Nakamura Gosho Site by local volunteers honoring the Tosa Ichijo legacy, the shrine precinct contains Ichijo-related historic features such as the makeup well and the “never-blooming” wisteria. Shimanto City Museum "Shirotto" This castle-shaped museum stands within the Nakamura Castle Ruins. From its keep-like building you can look out over the Shimanto River and Higashiyama and enjoy sweeping views of the town. The museum exhibits valuable materials on Shimanto’s nature and culture, as well as the history of the Tosa Ichijo, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period patriots, and Shimanto-born socialist Kotoku Shusui. Festivals and events that evoke Little Kyoto Seasonal events that recall Kyoto culture are held here, including the Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu Fuji Matsuri (May), the Daimonji Okuribi bonfire (lunar calendar July 16), the Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival (September), and the Ichijo Grand Festival with the Sacred Fire Procession (November). Shimanto City carries a deep historical bond with Kyoto and a living tradition of inherited culture and performing arts. It is for these reasons, and its historical name Nakamura, that the area came to be called Little Kyoto of Tosa—Nakamura. A history linked to Kyoto, a culture passed down through generations. Come and feel the charm that makes Shimanto City known as the Little Kyoto of Tosa.

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.

[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 😊

A small worshipper I met at Kusubian Kannonji Temple, the 20th site I visited on the Kawachi Saigoku 33-temple pilgrimage.

Autumn colors at Hoshoji Temple in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This little-known spot lets you enjoy the fall foliage at a relaxed pace during the daytime. Each year, the local community lights up the temple for about a week. At night, the illuminated leaves and their reflections create a beautiful scene. The gradient from green to red is stunning, inviting you to lose track of time as you watch. Location: Hoshoji Temple (1639 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City) Parking: Available About Hoshoji Temple Hoshoji is an esteemed ancient temple with more than 800 years of history. Nicknamed “Colorful Hoshoji” and “Hoshoji in Autumn,” it bursts into vivid hues during the fall. During the event period, the light-up adds a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates visitors.

🍁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”🔍

"Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" has featured Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu. "Overseas and domestic tour and hotel bookings with NEWT" introduced Kokushōji's Ichibutsu Nijūgo Bosatsu ✨ 👉 For details, please see our website and the news section! It is listed among the 12 recommended spots for Kumamoto sightseeing and is presented alongside other regional attractions 👀 Please stop by when you visit Kumamoto♪

🎑Saturday, October 4 — “Moon Viewing Yoga” (＊) — Now accepting participants🌔🍁 On an autumn evening when summer heat fades, we will hold Moon Viewing Yoga (＊) at a historic temple wrapped in silence🎑 Practice yoga that focuses on the rhythms of the moon and the body, and listen to a talk on the yin-yang and five elements theory from the deputy chief priest, spending a special time feeling the connection between the moon, people, and nature🌙 After yoga, enjoy a hospitality tea ceremony and Japanese sweets🍵 We look forward to your reservations😊🎶 📅 Date: Saturday, October 4 📍 Venue: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanomachi Higashi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City) 🕣 Meeting time: 3:50 PM 💴 Fee: ¥5,000 ・ ¥5,100 with rental mat 💁‍♀️ Instructor: Hiroko Izumi, hive terrace The moon’s phases, such as the new moon and full moon, are deeply connected to the rhythms of nature. By practicing yoga with awareness of the moon’s rhythm, you can gently turn inward and cultivate a sense of harmony with nature. For details, search “Sakai Moon Viewing Yoga” (＊)🔍 ＊The schedule is set to the moonrise time, but visibility of the moon is not guaranteed due to weather conditions. https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/199...

Wisteria at Chofuku Temple Will you enjoy it during G.W.? Held in Festival on Monday, May 5. It is characterized by three colors of wisteria and linania. Please go out. 〒799-1354 655 Hojo, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture About 11 minutes by Car from Iyokomatsu IC, 6.5km. Car parking lot: about 10 cars

Kamikadoji Temple and the Rhododendrons Kamikadoji Temple sits in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The rhododendrons bloom in profusion and look beautiful. Their pale pink petals are especially lovely. Date photographed: April 21, 2025 Location Kamikadoji Temple (Torita, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) ▶ Parking available ▶ Restroom available Kamikadoji Temple Kamikadoji Temple is an ancient temple with over a thousand years of history. It stands on a ridge made of columnar joints of welded tuff formed about 15 million years ago, offering excellent views and historically serving as a strategic stronghold in battles. The temple grounds are planted with many rhododendrons, drawing many visitors during the season. Access to central Bungo Ono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Introducing tourism and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City We share beautiful places around the city on our Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/satonotabiii/...

Rhododendrons at Jinkakuji As of April 21, 2025 The rhododendrons at Jinkakuji in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The rhododendrons are in full bloom and look beautiful. The pale pink petals are especially lovely. Location Jinkakuji (Torida, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) ▶ Parking available ▶ Restrooms available Jinkakuji Jinkakuji is an ancient temple with a history of more than a thousand years. It sits on a ridge of columnar joints formed from welded tuff about 15 million years ago, giving it excellent views and making it a strategic stronghold in past conflicts. The temple grounds are planted with many rhododendrons and attract many visitors during the season. Access to central Bungo Ono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu

Today's rain will completely end the cherry blossoms. This year, the temperature was low, and I was able to enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long time. Okagaki Town has a Famous landmarks There are of many cherry blossoms, especially the approach to the temple of Mt. Narita, where about 500 cherry blossoms are lined up, and they are Light up at night and are very beautiful. Even if you couldn't see it this year, please come to Okagaki Town next Spring to see the cherry blossoms.