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.

December 4th It snowed in Azumino as well A landscape dressed in snow At Hotaka Shrine, the “Azumino Shintake Lanterns” begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM About 10,000 bamboo lanterns in the shrine grounds will cast a gentle glow There will be a time and space that soothes the heart A night market called “Yomichi” runs at the same time, with food trucks and craft stalls Please come and visit♪

A beautiful village surrounded by autumn colors. Looks so stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

The Irohamomiji maple within the precincts of Ryusenji Temple in Kozagawacho, Wakayama Prefecture, is over 200 years old, stands 10 meters tall, and measures 2.9 meters around the trunk. Perhaps I visited at the perfect time for photography, because its coloring was spectacular. It is designated as a Natural Monument by Kozagawacho.

This is the first time I have ever seen Mount Fuji. (This is the first time I have seen Mount Fuji.) Mount Fuji, harmonizing with the autumn leaves, is truly beautiful. (Mount Fuji, in harmony with the autumn foliage, is so magnificent.) Will the day come when we can meet again? (Will the day come when we can see it again?) #Tokyo #Kawaguchiko #maple #Japan trip #trip #Japan travel #Kawaguchiko #autumn-leaf trip #Mount Fuji

(2025-11-22) Evening Stroll at Showa Memorial Park in Autumn Showa Memorial Park is exceptionally large for a park in Tokyo. They hold events there from time to time. This autumn features illuminated autumn foliage. They light up the Japanese-style garden area and the Ginkgo Avenue. So I chose a day with a wind speed of 1 m/sec (almost no wind) and went to see it. After learning from the last “Stargazing Stroll,” where I ended up walking a ton, I entered through Nishi-Tachikawa Gate and took the shortest route to the Japanese-style garden inside. I always think this, but unlike Hitachi Seaside Park, this park keeps the usual night lighting during events and doesn’t prepare any extra temporary lights or signs at all (;'∀'). Groups of people walking together could be heard saying things like, “Is this the right path?” “I have no idea where we’re walking.” “Let’s ask a staff member for directions.” “There aren’t any staff.” Showa Memorial Park, if you run events, could you pay a little more attention? Anyway, I finally managed to reach the garden. Inside the garden, the rule is “only one monopod allowed except in the tripod-permitted area,” so I wandered around shooting with a monopod and then set up in the tripod area to take photos. The garden pond was almost perfectly still, so I could capture reflections, but... every gazebo was packed with people to the brim (;'∀'). You didn’t even need to zoom in to see how the atmosphere was ruined, lol. Still, it was beautiful nonetheless (●´ω｀●)

Autumn in the Enchanted Forest The bright red fall foliage of the bald cypress (rakushou) blazes on the surface of Lake Ejio. The scene feels dreamlike, as if you’ve wandered into a mysterious land. Photo location: Lake Ejio, Sanyoonoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Ukishima in Anegawa Dam in autumn Anegawa Dam Observation Deck, Maibara, Shiga Prefecture November 2025

The endless mountain foliage of Nagano prefecture’s Lake Momiji unfurls in a sweeping colors of red, gold, and ember-orange, the autumn canopy spilling down the slopes until it kisses the mirrored surface of the lake.

Notice: 2026 Wakasagi (Pond Smelt) Fishing Season (Reiwa 8) The wakasagi fishing season is here! The season is planned from Monday, January 5, 2026 to Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (National Holiday). (Although the season usually runs until mid-March, to protect wakasagi stocks, this season will be limited to approximately one month. We appreciate your understanding.) Please note that the opening date may change depending on ice conditions and weather. Please check the association's social media for updates. Fishing hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please follow the posted times and rules. Equipment rental and sales are available at the reception desk, so tourists and first-time anglers can join with confidence 😊 We look forward to welcoming you!