【苓北町 町制施行70周年記念ＷＥＢフォトコンテスト結果発表🎊】 「苓北町 町制施行70周年記念ＷＥＢフォトコンテスト」へのたくさんのご応募、誠にありがとうございました。 たくさんの町の風景や魅力を切り取った渾身の一枚を応募いただき、改めて苓北町の良さをアピールする大変素晴らしい機会となりました🙇 合計81点の応募の中でもさらに厳選して以下の受賞者を選定させていただきましたので発表いたします！ 📸【一般の部】高校生以上 グランプリを受賞されたのはニックネーム「2984」さんです！(写真二枚目)タイトルは「玉を追う」、富岡城お城まつりで撮影されたお写真で、「煙を吐きながらの龍踊りは天草独特ではないかと思います。」とエピソードもつけていただきました🎶「2984」さんには後日、賞金1万円と苓北町の特産品5千円相当が贈られます🎁 特選を受賞された方は以下のお二人です👏、賞金3千円と苓北町の特産品5千円相当が贈られます💝 お一人目はニックネーム「そら」さん(写真三枚目）、タイトルは「輝く富岡城」です🏯、お城まつりの際に富岡城で撮影されたお写真で「お城祭りの合間に登ってみました、白壁と青空のコントラストがとてもきれいです。」とエピソードも頂いております！ お二人目はニックネーム「緑と白と紫」さん(写真四枚目）、タイトルは「海の町の子どもたち」です🌊、「力を合わせて頑張る子どもたちとキラキラ光る海、最高の瞬間でした。」とエピソード頂いております🎶 準特選を受賞されたのは以下の4人の方です👏、苓北町の特産品5千円相当が贈られます🎁 お一人目はニックネーム「dスケ」さん(写真五枚目）、タイトルは「富岡城に咲く」です🎆、「夕暮れから夜に変わる碧い空。海面に映る光と、山の上に見える城跡。そこに重なるように打ち上がる大輪の花火。」とエピソードもいただきました👍 お二人目はニックネーム「肘肩頓挫ﾌﾞ郎」さん(写真六枚目）、タイトルは「向月葵」で「毎年見ているじゃっと祭の花火を背景に富岡港にとまる熊本丸を撮りました！」とのことです📸 3人目はニックネーム「まなかん」さん(写真七枚目）、タイトルは「田植え前の水田に写る夕焼け空」で城下で撮られたお写真です。「田んぼに水を張って、田植え前で無風で水面が穏やかで、夕日がキレイな日にしか見られない、何もかもが揃ったときだけに見れる特別な風景です。毎年この風景を見れるのを楽しみにしてます。」とエピソードいただきました🎶 4人目はニックネーム「ありさ」さん(写真八枚目）、タイトルは「ご来光2025」で富岡海域公園展望所で撮影されたお写真です🌅。「毎年この場所で初日の出を拝みます。この光で1年頑張れると言っても過言ではありません。わたしのパワースポットです。」とエピソードいただきました！ 📸【ジュニアの部】小中学生 続いてはジュニアの部の受賞者発表です！ グランプリを受賞されたのはニックネーム「めろんとすいか」さんでタイトルは「賑わうお城まつり」です！(写真九枚目)受賞おめでとうございます🎊 「お城まつり会場で友達と話していた時にふと見た光景」とのことです！受賞された「めろんとすいか」さんには図書カード5千円が贈られます🎁 特選を受賞されたのは以下の2名の方となります👏図書カード3千円が贈られます🎁 お一人目はニックネーム「はる」さん(写真十枚目）、タイトルは「キレイな夕焼け」で国道324号線(坂瀬川)で撮影されたお写真です☀️「塾の帰り、運転してるお母さんの隣に乗ってて、空がきれいだったから撮りました。お母さんから『キレイだね』と言われて嬉しかった。」とエピソードもつけてくれました🎶 お二人目はニックネーム「れお」さん(写真十一枚目）、タイトルは「ゴジラ」で国道324号線(上津深江)で撮影されたお写真です！ 「お母さんの車に乗ってたら、雲が海の方へ向かって歩くゴジラに見えました。」とエピソードも付けてくれました✨ 厳正なる審査の結果、上記皆様の作品が見事入賞となりました。 苓北町の魅力をすばらしい形で表現していただき深く感謝申し上げます！ 今後とも苓北町をよろしくお願いいたします🙇 また「第4回あましんフォトコンテスト」も開催中です！詳細は弊社H Pお知らせ欄をご確認ください📸 🏯【お問い合わせ】苓北じゃっと祭・富岡城お城まつり実行委員会フォトコンテスト係 住所：〒863-2502熊本県天草郡苓北町上津深江4535-2 苓北町商工会内 TEL：0969-37-1244 E-mail：pc@amakusa-kankou.com

The charm of Horyuin Temple lies in its moss and thatched gate. From the approach, the gradation of autumn colors seen beyond the thatched gate looks like a painting framed by the gate.

The highlight of autumn leaves at Daikakuji is undoubtedly the scenery around Osawa Pond. Around Osawa Pond, Japan’s oldest promenade-style garden, about 700 maple and cherry trees have been planted. At the peak of the fall colors, the pond’s surface becomes a beautiful mirror, vividly reflecting the red and yellow foliage and the vermilion Heart Sutra Pagoda floating on the water. This “water mirror” scene is Daikakuji’s most photogenic sight.

Autumn Colors on the Mountain Pass An aerial drone view of Onyu Pass in a sweeping composition. Be moved by the vibrant fall foliage and the winding snake road! Onyu Pass, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

The autumn colors in Mizumoto park in Tokyo looks amazing during sunrise. The early morning view of the metasequoia forest with the soft sunlight looks amazing. Its a Mystic view. I had an amazing experience during my trip to the Mizumoto park.

I went to a scenic spot in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture to see the Geminids; the peak is today but the forecast was cloudy, so I went shooting yesterday. I saw eight meteors in one hour. I used a wide-angle lens to cover a large area, so the meteors appear small in the photos, but I was able to capture them.

Surrounded by mysterious autumn leaves, a tunnel-like world bathed in shafts of light 🍁 It was so beautiful that I stopped in my tracks and took a photo 📷✨ It was a scenery unique to autumn.

Vibrant red, yellow-green, and orange autumn leaves overlap like a heart-shaped symbol of love. This photo was taken at Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori (Forest of Environmental Art) in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. 🍁❤︎☺︎

Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori is located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. A breathtaking view of autumn leaves reflected on a lacquer table 🍁🍁 It’s a moving, beautiful scene. In autumn the leaves turn a vivid red. The Japanese-style garden is beautiful year-round, and the meticulously tended, picture-perfect pond makes this place one of Japan’s most delightful spots.

Hello. This is En'emon Folklore Museum 😃 Winter has finally arrived at Shosenkyo Gorge! In the crisp, clear air, the contrast of the blue sky with Aoyama's green and brown makes the natural beauty stand out even more ✨ Even though it's cold outside, sunlight feels warm and cozy ☀️😊 It's nice to spend the year-end slowly while basking in the sun👍 Right now, En'emon Folklore Museum welcomes visitors with Christmas decorations. We have many gift-perfect items, so it's nice to warm up in the shop while you browse♪ We look forward to greeting you with smiles 😃✨✨

The autumn leaves at Oidaira Park in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture The scene of bright red maples lit by the morning sun, rising into view, was breathtaking From Takamidai along the river, I used an ultra-wide lens to fill the frame with autumn.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Also it is paradise for bird watchers. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

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 tourist resources. This was the final workshop in the series, and once again we exchanged opinions with participants on the draft route and the proposed guide manual created from the feedback and ideas we had received so far. We also had participants read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Sea and Ryotaro Shiba’s Kaido wo Yuku 17—so they could experience how the literature’s content still connects to Reihoku today.👏 Going forward, we will aim to develop this into an actual tourism tour! We will post progress updates on this website, so please look forward to them.♪ ※We are also soliciting ideas and useful information for the walking route from those who could not attend the workshop. Please cooperate with the survey available in the news section of our company website. Contact: Ogata, Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (General Incorporated Association) ☎0969-31-1136 ※This workshop was held as part of the Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant Project for fiscal year Reiwa 7.

Reihoku Sunset Marche — December Announcement📣 Here’s the December announcement for the Reihoku Sunset Marche♪ 👀Highlights of this edition of the Sunset Marche👀 ❣The Reihoku Sunset Marche, featuring agricultural products, processed foods, and prepared dishes from Reihoku Town, marks its first anniversary since launch🎊 To celebrate the anniversary, we will hold a lottery for the first customers who spend 700 yen or more! We will also offer a VegiCheck screening that awards health points, so do stop by❣ We look forward to seeing you😊 Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag🛍✨ Planned produce for sale ・Turnips🫜 ・Pumpkins🎃 ・Cabbage ・Cucumbers🥒 ・Rice (new harvest)🌾 ・Red leaf lettuce ・Potatoes🥔 ・Garland chrysanthemum (shungiku) ・Zucchini ・Daikon radish ・Carrots🥕 ・Chinese cabbage ・Wakame scallion (ichimonji, wakegi) ・Green peppers🫑 ・Beni Haruka sweet potatoes ・Spinach ・Mandarin oranges🍊 ・Mizuna greens ・Cherry tomatoes (Aiko, fruit varieties) ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche Date and Time: Sunday, December 14, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM ※VegiCheck screening from 12:30 PM–3:30 PM Location: Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town product center facility, 4535-1 Kamitsufue, Reihoku Town)

The autumn leaves at Okuni Jinja Shrine in Shizuoka Prefecture. The vermilion bridge blends seamlessly into the fall scenery.

Autumn in Japan is very beautiful but the view of 1st sun kissed metasequoia forest in Mizumoto park looks completely different. To see this view I went there very early in the morning by taking the first train and first bus. The view I got was completely worthy. Location: Mizumoto park, Tokyo

⋆⸜ ⭐️<Daisen Park Japanese Garden> Wa Light Nights ⭐️ ⸝⋆ 【Special Winter Night Opening】💫 On winter nights, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden comes alive, bathed in traditional Japanese light. Leave everyday life behind and spend a warm, glowing moment with someone special ✨😊♡⃛ < Japanese Garden in Daisen Park > 🔶Event Period ・ Saturday, December 20 to Sunday, December 21 ・ Wednesday, December 24 to Thursday, December 25 ・ 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM) 🔍For details, search “Daisen Park Japanese Garden Special Winter Night Opening”! https://www.daisenteien.jp/event/tw2wj5c1lke1...

An aerial composition of the four-season cherry blossoms along the Tashiro River in Obara Village. Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture December 2025

December 7th Azumino greeted a below-freezing morning The sendangusa, known locally in Nagano as "baka", was frosted by the river mist that formed in the early morning The frost will melt as the sun rises In the distance, the landscape of the Northern Alps

December 6th Azumino Cold Moon The full moon sinks behind the Northern Alps A December morning turned bitterly cold.

December 6th Good morning This morning in Azumino the sky is a crisply clear blue The summit of Mount Nagamine is minus 5 degrees… It’s a very cold morning, but the full moon, the alpenglow on the Northern Alps, and the sea of clouds together make an amazing sight!!

“Midwinter!” Yamabiko Falls Viewing Event—Applications open from Monday, December 8th! Experience the winter form of Yamabiko Falls, a sight shaped by nature—see it for yourself. Event dates: Sunday, January 18th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 8th) Sunday, February 8th, 2026 (Application deadline: January 30th) Eligibility: Elementary school students and older (Each day limited to 30 participants; minimum number to hold the event: 5) *Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian* Participation fee: Adults 600 yen; elementary, junior high, and high school students 300 yen How to apply: Use the QR code on the flyer (Applications by email, fax, or phone are also accepted) Inquiries: Engaru Town Board of Education Maruseppu Education Center TEL 0158-47-2456 FAX 0158-47-3817 e-mail m-kyoui@engaru.jp We hope you’ll join us♪

Frost lingering in Obara Village At minus 2 degrees, frost coated the plants, creating a scene I had never seen before. However, the autumn leaves were almost finished, and although I had heard the four-season cherry blossoms were about half in bloom, the recent snowfall seemed to have kept flowering from progressing. I’ll look forward to next year. Date: 2025/12/6 Location: Obara Village, Toyota City Shot on: DJI MAVIC 3 ※Flight application approved by Toyota City Hall ※Unmanned aircraft flight permission obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ※Flight plan reported and flight log created

Just after sunrise, I stood on Mt. Wagakuni as the city below disappeared beneath a quiet sea of clouds. From the soft white surface, hints of autumn gold and crimson treetops—peeked through like floating islands. As the sky shifted from deep blue to pale rose, the clouds began to glow and for a brief moment, everything felt perfectly still between night and morning.

Recently, part of Utonai-ko (Lake Utonai) froze over. A swan standing on the ice flaps its wings✨🦢 Roadside Station Utonai Lake, which posts many stunning photos on social media, is open in winter from 9:00 to 17:00. It offers plenty of delicious local food and goods, so please stop by for a break during winter road trips. (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th! As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨ With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!! Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜! This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄

Autumn leaves at Gifu Park 🍁 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two months in a row 🌼 Event Month details🌿 ◉ Running through January 5! ✴︎ POP UP SHOP ✴︎ WORK SHOP ✴︎ RELAXATION ✴︎ KITCHEN CAR We invited artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of Izu with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead crafts / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Cafe / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Fukaya green onion specialty products from Saitama / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessories and goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small goods / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / moksa coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Limited-time price! Lighthouse tour / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and fruit preserves / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Certified Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma and herbal craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORK SHOP ◉ Brush calligraphy art experience / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make chopsticks using a plane tool / Kurasu Dougu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessories and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog diagnosis dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 KITCHEN CAR ◉ Curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions to each vendor in separate posts, so please check those out too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. WORK SHOP participants receive free parking! Please present your parking ticket at the reception desk✴︎ We will update event news as it comes, so check Instagram for the latest. WORK SHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some artists may accept same-day WORK SHOP reservations! To make a reservation, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

Ichimaiiwa Monolith, a natural monument in Kozagawacho, Wakayama Prefecture, had reached its peak autumn foliage.