Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District ❚ Held on September 27, 2026 The "Makomo and Bamboo Autumn Festival in Hase District" will take place in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Makomo (the Japanese bulrush) is a perennial grass from the rice family, traditionally used for food, crafts, and rituals. The swollen part of its stem is called Makomodake and is edible. The Makomo displayed at the venue has been cultivated on previously abandoned farmland. Compared to rice cultivation, it requires less maintenance and is expected to purify water during its growth, leading to its adoption as a new crop in the region. On the day of the festival, there will be a harvest experience, as well as a moment to listen to the sounds of bamboo flutes. Local vendors will offer Hase Women's Association's Makomo chirashi sushi set and fermented juices. The harvest experience will start at 1 PM with on-site registration. The harvested Makomo can be taken home for cooking, while the leaves and stems can be dried for tea or bundled for shimenawa (a traditional rice straw rope). Enjoy a leisurely day in autumn Hase. 【Date】 September 27, 2026 (Sunday) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM *Held in light rain; canceled in case of typhoon or severe weather 【Location】 Nagata-ni Promotion Council (former Hase Elementary School Grounds) 1298-3 Kuromatsu, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Experience】 Makomo Harvest Experience 【Food and Drink】 ・Makomo chirashi sushi set with Makomo tea (Hase Women's Association) ・Fermented juices *Nagomi Coffee (Inukai) *Hozuki (Oonomachi) *Haruna Kitchen (Mie Town) *Tao Organic Kitchen (Mie Town) 【Live Performances】 ・Harunayu & Junji Takaishi (Taketa City) ・Bamboo flute live performance (Aman Bamboo Flute Workshop) 【Sales】 ・Freshly harvested Makomo and Makomo tea ・Makomo shimekazari (decorative rice straw) ・Locally harvested vegetables ・Bamboo charcoal, bamboo chip compost, fermented bamboo powder ▶ For inquiries about the event Phone: 097-579-7172 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for sightseeing in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Autumn winds blow at Komu. The display inside the Forest Art Museum "Komu" has been updated! 🍁Limited Time Only🌝Autumn Festival Version🍁 The shrine festival in Nishiokoppe Village has ended, but you can still feel the festive atmosphere at Komu. You can see the lion dance opening and closing its mouth, and carry Setoushi-kun's portable shrine. The food stalls that have been on display since summer are still here, so we hope you enjoy them together. You can also spot some autumn plants like pampas grass and Chinese lanterns on display.👀 ▶ About Next Week's Opening Schedule ◀ Normally, we are closed every Tuesday, but on the 22nd (Tuesday) and 23rd (Wednesday), we will be open due to the holiday! Instead, we will be closed on the 24th (Thursday), so please be careful not to make a mistake. Have a great holiday!👋 #Nishiokoppe Village #Komu #Autumn #Festival #Closed Days

We have openings on Wednesday, October 7th! Would you like to take a stroll through the autumn foothills of Mt. Ishizuchi with a nature guide? We will travel by chartered bus to an elevation of about 1,700 meters and enjoy a walk while observing autumn alpine plants. Along the way, you can also see changes in vegetation due to the elevation difference and enjoy the scenery of the foothills. This is not a summit tour, so feel free to join us. "Bingamori Flower Watching Tour - Autumn" 〇Travel Cost 8,900 yen per person (including tax), guide, chartered bus, and lunch 〇Dates October 7th (Wednesday), 8th (Thursday), and 21st (Wednesday) of 2026 *Fully booked on the 21st (Wednesday) 〇Time 8:35 (Gathering) to 15:30 〇Meeting Place Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 〇Number of Participants 20 people per session (minimum of 15 participants required) 〇Deadline 10 days before each tour date 〇Contact and Reservations Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 by the Ehime Prefectural Governor TEL: 0897-56-2605 For more details, please check the website of the Saijo City Tourism and Products Association.

[Chiheisen Morizumu] Friday, September 4th The cafeteria of GA.KOPPER was overflowing with people, and many were found in the hallway, listening to the relay talk. They gathered in Nishiokoppe Village, a remote area of Hokkaido, from all over the country and even the world to participate in the pre-festival of the Chiheisen Report Meeting "Morizumu." Founded in 1979, the Chiheisen Kaigi is a network of "doers" interested in exploration, adventure, and travel. These are people who place great importance on seeing things firsthand and have been sharing their experiences through monthly report meetings and a booklet called "Chiheisen Tsushin." Although there are no offices, membership fees, or rules, the connections formed over a long time are significant. Reunions with someone met through reports or communications, as well as new encounters, flourished in the village of Nishiokoppe. The gathering on Saturday the 5th began with an opening act by the Chiheisen Proper Conduct Band and the Nishiokoppe Wenshiri Drummers, followed by three report meetings and a venison festival. The traditional "Chiheisen Auction & Relay Talk" was also a great success! On Sunday the 6th, the report meeting was held from 9 AM to around 4 PM, filled with rich discussions. It was three days filled with the energy of those involved in Morizumu. We are truly grateful for choosing Nishiokoppe Village as the venue for such a large-scale gathering and for everyone's efforts to make it happen. We look forward to meeting you again somewhere on our travels!

Would you like to take a stroll with a nature guide in the autumn foothills of Ishizuchi Mountain? We will travel by chartered bus to an elevation of about 1,700 meters and enjoy a walk while observing autumn alpine plants. Along the way, you can also see changes in vegetation due to the elevation difference and enjoy the scenery of the foothills. This is not a summit tour, so please feel free to join us. "Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour - Autumn" 〇Travel Cost 8,900 yen per person (tax included), including guide, chartered bus, and lunch 〇Dates October 7th (Wed), 8th (Thu), and 21st (Wed) in the year 26 〇Time 8:35 AM (Gathering) – 3:30 PM 〇Meeting Place Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 〇Number of Participants 20 people per session (minimum required number is 15) 〇Deadline 10 days before each tour date 〇Contact and Reservations Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 by the Governor of Ehime Prefecture TEL: 0897-56-2605 For more details, please check the website of the Saijo City Tourism and Products Association.

On August 26th, 2019, we held the Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour. We comfortably traveled by chartered bus up to an elevation of 1,700 meters. Participants enjoyed the changes in vegetation, stunning views, and plant explanations by professional guides. In summer, the number of flowers is at its peak, providing a refreshing experience. Next, as follows, we will hold tours in October. On October 7th (Wednesday), 8th (Thursday), and 21st (Wednesday). We are currently accepting applications to enjoy the autumn mountain atmosphere. We hope you will join us! For inquiries and reservations: 0897-56-2605

[Notice of Closure] Thank you for always visiting Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We will be closed on September 3rd (Thursday) at both Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to those who planned to visit, and we appreciate your understanding.

The Flower Path Leading to Mori Yume There is a road that continues from the main entrance of Hotel Rimu to the national highway. In early August, the flower beds along that road were in full bloom. The contrast of the flowers is beautiful, but my favorite is the white leaves 🍃 While looking back at my photos, I found pictures of the flower bed taken at the end of June. Comparing them was surprising 😳 I couldn't believe how different the plants looked from when they were first planted! I realized that the imagination to plant with growth in mind and the daily care help create such a lovely flower bed. It's a road I often drive on, but when you stay at Hotel Rimu, please take a stroll nearby and enjoy the flower beds! #Nishiokoppe Village #Flower Bed #Hotel Rimu #Summer #Plants

The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" will be held! The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12th at the Kawayu Visitor Center! The natural environment of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the nature of this region (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photographs and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" This is a time to reflect on the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for a "rediscovery" that makes the landscapes we always see appear slightly different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12th (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4th (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make sure to apply by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance, and note that the event will be held at Kawayu Visitor Center.

The nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" will be held! At Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center, the nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12 at Kawayu Visitor Center! The nature of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the region's nature (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photos and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" It’s a time to take a fresh look at the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for "rediscovery," where the scenery you always see may look a little different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12 (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4 (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make your application by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance. The event will take place at Kawayu Visitor Center, so please be careful not to get it mixed up.

The Highland Guide Training Session A training session for highland guides was held at Yachiho Highland Nature Park✨ This year's theme was "Plants and Moss" During the training, we walked through the park with the instructor, who provided explanations about the plants and moss found in the nature park. Even in areas we usually walk through, focusing on the plants and moss led to many new discoveries👀

Trekking on Rebun Island, I have immersed myself in various mountainous landscapes representative of Japan, such as Kamikochi and the Tateyama Mountain Range, as a lover of mountain walking. However, the flower fields on the floating hills in the sea offer a unique world that can only be experienced by coming to this place. The vast panorama, scattered with a variety of alpine plants in vibrant colors, makes me think that if there is a heaven, it might look like this. In the northernmost summer of Japan, the breathtaking scenery that can only be encountered in this season and at this location is something I hope everyone can come, see, and feel at least once in their lifetime. It truly is a paradise.

【Gardening Salon Event】 We are excited to announce a gathering where gardening professionals, including Green Advisers, will visit Nishiokoppe Village for an exchange! On August 4th (Tuesday) From 7 PM for about 2 to 3 hours At Koban Ko Ban Ko (Former Kitami Shinkin Bank Nishiokoppe Branch) This will be a casual space to discuss any gardening concerns, share stories about your favorite plants, or talk about your own garden. ▶ Free participation ▶ Open entry ▶ Bring your own drinks and snacks Everyone is welcome to join! If you're curious about what Koban Ko Ban Ko is like but haven't been there yet, please come and check it out!👀 We look forward to seeing you! #Nishiokoppe Village #Gardening Salon #Green Adviser #Exchange #Consultation Meeting

"Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour" Now Accepting Participants Explore the summer trails of Mt. Kamegamori with a natural guide and observe various plants. Travel safely and comfortably by chartered bus on mountain roads. Visit around 1,700 meters above sea level and enjoy the changing vegetation and alpine plants along the way. 〇Tour Fee 8,900 yen (tax included) per person Includes guide, chartered bus, and lunch 〇Dates August 19th (Wednesday) and 20th (Thursday), 2026 〇Time 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Gathering at 8:35 AM) 〇Location Around Mt. Kamegamori *Gathering/Dispersal at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 〇Capacity 20 participants per day, first come first served Minimum number of participants: 15 〇Reservations and Inquiries (General Incorporated Association) Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201, Ehime Prefecture TEL 0897-56-2605

Good morning! As of 10 AM on July 7th, the temperature is 17.6℃. Some people might feel a bit chilly, but in recent years, it's not uncommon for Tomakomai to exceed 30℃. It used to be known for its coolness even in summer, making me feel like I've gone back in time. By the way, did you know there's an area in front of the Tomakomai Chūō Library where plants native to Tomakomai are planted?🌿 You can also see the "Yachiyanagi" used in Tomakomai's craft beer "Kamuy Geiru Retara"!🍺

💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠 This year, we have floated hydrangeas pruned from Shimoda Park in the monument aquarium located in the rotary of Izukyu Shimoda Station.✨ Today (July 3rd), we worked in the morning, creating a vibrant space where colorful hydrangeas decorate the water's surface.🫧💎 This year's exhibition is limited to six days from July 3rd (Friday) to 5th (Sunday) and from July 10th (Friday) to 12th (Sunday)! Although the hydrangea festival has ended, you can still enjoy the hydrangeas of Shimoda for a little longer.😌 If you are using Izukyu Shimoda Station, please take a moment to stop by and see it. *Please note that the content may change or be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. *Pruning and collecting plants in Shimoda Park is only conducted by authorized personnel. You are not allowed to cut or take plants from the park. *There is vehicle traffic in the rotary. Please ensure your safety while taking photos or visiting.

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／ Last year, many people stopped by for the "After the Hydrangea Festival" that we held. This year, it will take place over six days: July 3 (Friday), 4 (Saturday), 5 (Sunday), and July 10 (Friday), 11 (Saturday), 12 (Sunday)! The location is the same as last year, at the monument water tank in front of Izukyu Shimoda Station.🫧 These hydrangeas were pruned from those enjoyed by visitors at the Ajisai-en in Shimoda Park throughout the month of June. Even hydrangeas that have passed their prime this season will look fresh and vibrant when floated in water, making for a stunning sight! If you are nearby, please come and take a look! *Please note that the content may change or be canceled without notice due to weather or other circumstances. We will provide the latest information on this account. *Pruning and collection of plants in Shimoda Park is conducted only by authorized personnel. You are not allowed to cut or take home any plants from the park. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure everyone can enjoy the event comfortably.

Today's Northern Alps, Mt. Tsubakuro The queen of alpine plants, Komakusa, has started to bloom The Hakusan Ichige is also blooming beautifully😍 Today, we coincidentally encountered a family of rock ptarmigans♪ The best access to Mt. Tsubakuro is from Azumino City❗️

Introduction of the tsuba from Wakeido Item Number: T380702 Title: Mouko zu Tsuba Signature: Kingyokudo myochin Hirosada (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Size: Length 72.7mm Width 65.5mm Thickness 4.5mm Period: Late Edo AD 1830–1860 School: Mito kinko Uchikoshi school Description Mito is one of the Tokugawa Gosanke and a castle town with a production of 350,000 koku. Here, a group known as Mito kinko flourished, forming the Mito carving style and producing numerous master craftsmen such as Motosuke, Ichiryu Tomoyoshi, Mikuru Tamagawa, Uchikoshi Hirosada, and Hagiya Katsuhira. Uchikoshi Hirosada is the foremost disciple of Hirosu and is known as Kingyokudo and Shugen-sai. He is skilled in high relief carvings of figures and plants, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. This piece features a magnificent high relief of a fierce tiger on a quarter plate, and the carving of the river on the reverse side also demonstrates remarkable skill.

[A Village Full of Flowers] Our village hosts a beautiful event every June. This year, many villagers contributed, and pansies and marigolds were planted in the flower beds along the roads. 🌸 Villagers divided into groups for planting flowers, mowing grass, and cutting trees. We were fortunate to work under a clear blue sky without any rain showers, sweating a little as we toiled. Staff from the town hall and local construction workers also participated, helping with the preparation of seedlings, collecting finished pots, and cleaning up. I look forward to seeing the planted flowers grow vigorously, bringing vibrant colors to our village. #Flower Planting #A Village Full of Flowers #Early Summer Sunshine #Our Village's Beautiful Event

On June 12th every year, a safety prayer ceremony is held at the shrine located at the summit of Mt. Tarumae. The first image shows Lake Shikotsu as seen from the hiking trail, and the second image features the alpine plant Isotsutsuji. Enjoy the hiking season safely while considering your physical condition.

Umekita Plaza at Grand Green Osaka As you step into Umekita Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the "large roof" designed by the architectural unit SANAA. It envelops the space with three soft curves spanning 120 meters from north to south, beneath which lies a complex facility featuring the information dissemination center "PLAT UMEKITA," along with cafes and large event spaces. Surrounding it is the spiral staircase "Gate Lantern," which serves as a guiding light for people at night. The plants in the park are primarily selected from those native to the Uemachi Plateau in Osaka, evoking the city's history and culture. Trees that change color in autumn, such as cherry blossoms, maple trees, and katsura, along with flowers like azaleas and camellias, showcase the beauty of Japanese nature throughout the seasons. Why not take a leisurely stroll in the park, where the scenery changes with the seasons? You wouldn't believe that this is in the middle of the city There were hydrangeas blooming... It's a nice plaza filled with greenery in Umeda, Osaka... A great place has been created in the city center 😊😊😊.

At the Roadside Station "Hanakumu" Flower Park, the weather has become just right for a stroll while enjoying soft serve ice cream. However, on days when the temperature suddenly rises to 30°C, the heat can be overwhelming.♨ If you stop by the roadside station, be sure to visit the adjacent flower park. Flowers peek out from between the swaying grasses in the gentle breeze. Please take your time to explore both the area cultivated by the caretaker over the past few years and the area currently being redesigned. In summer and autumn, the garden will showcase various beautiful sights.🌼🌿🏵️ Don't forget to grab a soft serve ice cream made from grass-fed milk available at the roadside station's shop as your companion for the stroll.🍦 The caretaker also has an Instagram account where they share daily updates on the garden! Check it out at @kamu_natural_garden https://www.instagram.com/kamu_natural_garden?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==... - Flower Park Entrance Fee: 200 yen for high school students and above *Free for villagers - The window painting created in spring will be on display for about one more month. Visiting Hanakumu after 2 PM, you can see the sunlight illuminating the painting on the floor, which was truly beautiful. I hope everyone visiting Hanakumu has a wonderful time! #Flower Park #Hanakumu #Garden

The large-flowered bellflower at Bansai Fureai no Mori is in full bloom! The large-flowered bellflower is blooming in the "Fureai no Mori" that spreads along the way from Bansai Onsen to Horokayantou. Be sure to visit this natural flower field where you can feel the arrival of spring! For tourist information about Taiki Town, click here! https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

Long time no see. At the end of last month, the potatoes in the field were blooming with lovely flowers. The combination of soft gradient purple and the orange in the center is really beautiful✨️ The season is definitely heading towards early summer.

5/7 and 8, Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour The Akebono azaleas were in full bloom. Next time, enjoy the summer season with a large number of flowers. Would you like to explore with a nature guide at an elevation of 1,700 meters?! Upcoming Schedule August 19 (Wed), 20 (Thu) Summer October 7 (Wed), 8 (Thu), 21 (Wed) Autumn 【Reservations and Inquiries】 Saijo City Tourism and Product Association Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201, Ehime Prefecture TEL: 0897-56-2605

Welcome to the pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden". The mosses, hidden beneath the snow, are starting to reveal themselves, glistening in the sunlight and dew. The pure Japanese garden "Korakuen Garden" is located behind Hotel Rimu. It's about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Once you pass through the gate, the sound of leaves rustling and the distant chirping of birds reach your ears. Inside the garden, there are ponds of various sizes, and you can stroll around them at your leisure. You can also enjoy a quiet moment in the gazebo. Korakuen Garden is scheduled to open in mid-May. Admission is free. 📷️ Photo credits to the creatures 🐿️ Instagram @hirok_kato #Korakuen Garden #Pure Japanese Garden

Spring in Yokohama. The nighttime cherry blossom illumination at Sankeien has become so iconic that it can be called a staple. You can enjoy the reflection of the cherry blossoms on the water's surface, making it a place you want to visit for photography every year. The interplay between cherry blossom blooming forecasts and weather predictions. That’s spring in Yokohama.

Thanks to the trajectory of the petals carried by the wind, it feels as if the invisible wind has become visible. SAKURA - Fubuki. I am confident that one day, people from abroad will understand this word.

The cherry blossoms are still beautiful even after they fall. As a Japanese person, I can proudly say that. I captured the moment when the petals scatter, along with the waxing moon. It became a photo that embodies wabi-sabi.