Last Saturday I went with friends from Tokyo to Sanuki Mannou Park in Kagawa Prefecture to see a breathtaking winter light show. I had expected only a few scattered displays, but as soon as we stepped through the gate we were met by a dazzling sea of LED lights that turned the whole park into a dreamlike scene. They say the installation used as many as 650,000 bulbs, and the scale left us amazed! This hilly area of about 3.2 square kilometers becomes a place of irresistible, camera-clicking beauty after dark. The stunning illumination is beloved by visitors and, thanks to its unique appeal, earned certification in 2024 as a Japan Night View Heritage Site in the Lighting Nightscape category. In the same year it also took fourth place in the Entertainment category at the International Lighting Design Awards. Facing such a striking winter nightscape, I assumed the entrance fee would be steep. To my surprise, this spectacular winter event is very affordable: children under 15 enter free, adult tickets cost just 450 yen, plus a 300 yen parking fee. Such great value made us exclaim with delight! The lights dominate your view no matter where you walk, so it’s no wonder they have been a winter fixture in Kagawa for twenty years. I’m so grateful to my friend for making it possible to experience this unforgettable show. The displays at Mannou Park may not be as varied or complex as those in big cities, but their ability to seize your attention and immerse you in a vast, romantic sea of lights makes the park an excellent winter destination worth a special trip.

As soon as winter arrives, a box of tangerines always appears in a corner of the living room. That five-kilogram box is usually eaten down to the last fruit by my family in less than a week. Datun Mountain in my hometown of Beitou District produces plenty of ponkan. Though the skin is thicker, the flesh is full and the sweet-tart balance makes them an essential offering during Lunar New Year rites. By contrast, Japanese mikan are small and charming, especially the SS size that you can pop into your mouth whole. I often realize, to my surprise, that I’ve already eaten more than ten. But my favorite is Obara Beniwase from Kagawa Prefecture. Its flavor closely resembles Beitou’s ponkan, with a perfectly balanced sweet and tartness that never grows tiresome. Both the peel and flesh of Obara Beniwase are deeper and redder than those of ordinary tangerines, and it is said to be the most vividly red citrus in Japan. The top grade is called Sanuki Beni, with sweetness over 12.5, followed by the excellent Kintoki Beni, with sweetness above 11.5. Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture is the main growing area for Obara Beniwase. Once, when I visited Shiramineji Temple, the 81st site on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, I stopped at an orchard at the foot of the mountain to pick tangerines. Looking at those glossy red-orange fruits in the sunlight awakened my appetite, and I ate several dozen at once, then brought home a large bag to enjoy slowly. Perhaps because of all that, the box of tangerines that inevitably appears in a corner of my home each winter is more than a seasonal symbol; it is a small warmth in my heart that bridges Taiwan and Japan and ties together memories and flavor.

I took this photo at Ritsurin Park during the autumn foliage season. A building appears across the pond, and a maple with red leaves fills the foreground, giving a strong sense of depth, so I pressed the shutter. It was a calming scene that warmed my heart. This fall I hardly got to capture autumn because of university exams and assignments, plus driving school, so Ritsurin Park was the only place I visited. It's an incredibly fun spot, though. I’m hoping to visit many different places next year.

This photo was taken at Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture when the autumn leaves were at their peak. The crimson maple branches spread over the water like a cloak, and I captured the moment a sightseeing boat slowly passed through. Seeing the autumn colors reflected on the calm surface and the peaceful expressions of the passengers, I felt the gentle passage of the changing season. It was my second visit to Ritsurin Garden, and I was surprised to find that the scenery had changed dramatically since my first visit—two hours had passed before I knew it. I enjoyed seeing so many different scenes. Ritsurin Garden, where time drifts by in a tranquil space, felt so comfortable that I wanted to return.

Today I had the fortune to follow in the footsteps of local elders, experiencing a deep Shikoku ohenro pilgrimage by bus and on foot. We walked along several ancient ohenro paths from No. 86 Shido-ji Temple all the way to the final stop, No. 88 Okoji Temple. On this journey through time, the elder recounted, as if naming familiar treasures, the origins and stories behind the guideposts and ohenro graves. His vivid explanations seemed to make the long years layered on these old roads reappear before our eyes, turning the pilgrimage into more than just walking. In the past, when I hiked up the mountain, I used to take the path in front of the Ohenro Koryu Salon. This time, however, the elder first led us onto a little-known ancient trail that runs along the mountainside past the salon. Because few pilgrims use that old path, the ohenro graves along it have been preserved intact, serving as precious witnesses to history. Next, we turned to another ohenro route that winds by the river near a settlement. This stretch shows the clearest traces of changing times— as the settlement grew and new roads were built, some of the directional stone markers were relocated, leaving their inscriptions pointing inexplicably elsewhere. The elder’s on-site explanations linked all those originally puzzling “misplaced” changes together at once, allowing us to keenly feel both the fascination and the frustrations of history. Perhaps because of road construction and environmental changes, some of the ohenro graves that once lay scattered along the roadside and slopes were moved and gathered into one place. This ohenro journey was not only a physical walk but also a deep conversation of the heart with history.

Today I returned to Shōdoshima and visited Kankakei, famous for its magnificent scenery. After taking the ropeway to the summit station, I walked toward the observation deck that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. The maple leaves had mostly withered and begun to fall there, but the real surprise came on the hike down the mountain. Along that winding trail, both sides still displayed layers of brilliantly red maple trees, letting you fully immerse yourself in the autumnal beauty. On the way down, we came across a signature piece from the 2022 art festival — the "Sphere of the Sky." Against the clear blue sky, the delicately perforated sphere stood out and blended perfectly with the surrounding nature, exuding remarkable artistic flair. On the return trip, we paused briefly at Shodoshima Olive Park. I ordered a coffee and watched the Seto Inland Sea sparkle in the distance, enjoying a moment of idle reflection. At that moment, a small detail caught my eye: the mailbox there was painted a fresh olive green. Framed by the sea and sky, that unique color popped, adding a distinct, refreshing touch to the trip. I hadn’t expected that visiting Shōdoshima again would not only let me relive past joys but also bring these unexpected delights and beauties, leaving many new and lasting memories.

The Setouchi Triennale had already ended in early November, but my first visit to the western islands of Awashima, Ibukijima, and Hondo Island still felt refreshingly new. Of the three islands, Ibukijima left the deepest impression on me. Ibukijima is best known for the tiny dried fish that form the soul of Sanuki udon broth. However, more moving than any local specialty are the artworks displayed in the island’s unique Idebeya (communal birthing house) ruins—most notably Tree of Ibuki. The Idebeya once served a function somewhat like Taiwan’s postpartum care centers. It is said that when a woman went into labor and the men of the household were out fishing, no one could stay home to care for her. So the community set up a space where expectant mothers could gather safely and focus on welcoming new life. The theme of Tree of Ibuki symbolizes a mother’s womb and a rebirth, a shedding of the old self. The idea is profound, and standing inside the installation, looking out through kaleidoscopic mirrors, the layered views are intoxicating, as if you have entered another soft, tranquil world.

I snapped 📸 at the college students looking at the red-dyed sunset and posing The sunset reflected in the water and the mountains of Japan are beautiful ✨️ Kagawa Prefecture Chichibugahama Beach shows a different face every time I go home with my parents! The people who have lived here for a long time continue to maintain their beautiful condition. A clean Coast with not a single piece of trash falling on it seems to represent the hospitality of Japan people.

This is a photo I took at the beach with a friend I met there when I went to inn Kagawa Prefecture Kannonji Temple. There is a scenic spot called There are Chichibugahama Beach near Kannonji Temple, but here there was a quiet and beautiful sea that drew you in. It is the best memory of my college life!

The fresh greenery of the Torii (shrine gate) in the sky is beautiful This is Takaya Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture! It is also known as [Torii (shrine gate) in the sky]. The view of the Seto Inland Sea from here is truly spectacular 🤤

This is a photo taken on the mountain trail at the top of the Great Seto Bridge toward Okayama.

Zentsuji Temple, in the Precincts in the early morning. For those who are deeply religious, it is essential to pray every morning.

Yashima, Kagawa Prefecture Collaboration between night view and autumn leaves A view that can only be seen in autumn. Views.

Kagawa Prefecture Autumn foliage 🍁 at Okuboji Temple The udon noodles I ate at a nearby udon shop were also excellent. Experience the autumn of art and the autumn of appetite at once!

Symbol of Shinoshima The camphor tree is said to be 1,200 years old It's a bit of a challenge to get here, but There was ⛩ a very sacred place at the end of the climb In addition to the camphor tree on Shinoshima There is a tsuji in Yokoo and a flower field in the sky❁⃘*.゚ I was able ☺️ to spend time touching various nature and forgetting my daily life

Photographed at Chichibugahama Beach in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture It is 🫧 called the Salar de Uyuni in Japan It's not a picture of a mirror in the sky, Just looking at the sea is very soothing ☺️

Sanagi Island 🏝, a cat island that is irresistible for cat lovers As soon as you arrive on the island, you will be greeted 🐱 by many cats All the cats are familiar to people, The space on the island is really a time ☺️ of healing I think 🐈🪄it's a scenery unique to Japan︎︎

A bridge that can only be crossed for two days a year It is located in Mino Town, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture On the bridge leading to the main shrine of Tsushima Shrine, I watched ☺️ the sun go down The pink evening sky was 🪽 very fantastic

On the 👣 usual road Indescribable gradient It's a sky that can be seen anywhere in the world. I can't 😊 stand the completely different sky depending on where you look at it

At dusk on a 🌅 summer day I was very fascinated by the evening sky, wondering if there was such a beautiful scenery in my casual daily life The sky, sunset and sea were ☺️ very beautiful

Gulf art in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture The bay has become art here, and I was impressed when I came. It was also an Instagrammable spot, and there were quite a few young photographers who were all photographed in fashionable clothes It's not fun to shoot normally, so everyone was laughing at my family's style, so the atmosphere of the place was relaxed and it was 😌 fun

It is Ritsurin Park during the fresh green season. It is highly regarded from overseas and has many foreign tourists.

On the last day of the year, the people of Kagawa Prefecture still don't forget to eat oodon.

"Spring Konpira-san" Shikoku's Konpira-san "Golden Sword Hira Shrine" It is crowded with people who come to see the cherry blossoms every year. When I took this photo, there were not many people, probably because it was a weekday, so I was able to see the cherry blossoms slowly. Location: Kagawa Prefecture Kintohira Shrine

Cherry blossoms in Ritsurin Park. Taken in Ritsurin Park when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This place is a healing point where you can sit on a chair and look at the cherry blossoms and waterfalls in full bloom. When I sat down, I could feel the time and seasons of the garden flowing slowly. Location: Ritsurin Park

Ritsurin Park photographed in March of this year. Photograph of the Japan Garden, a large Nishiki carp, and the newly replaced Engetsu Bridge. Location: Ritsurin Park, Kagawa

Ritsurin Park seen from Feirai Peak, which was taken in Ritsurin Park in March of this year. The sky was a little cloudy on this day, but the weather was very good for walking. You can feel the seasons in the garden where time flows slowly, and the newly rebuilt Engetsu Bridge was very beautiful. Location: Ritsurin Park, Kagawa

Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture is the stage for many movies and dramas It is a scene of sending insects that appears in the movie "Cicada of the Eighth Day", but I had a valuable experience participating with the locals. I would 😌 like this kind of traditional culture to be preserved forever

The 1000-year-old olive in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, is not well known here, and the location and a large 1000-year-old olive standing on the hill were very impressive

Teshima, Kagawa Prefecture Passing through the island with a rental cycle, there is a famous Teshima Museum of Art below this, and there are almost no cars on the island, so the bicycle was 😀 comfortable