The Nobeoka Toka Ebisu Festival takes place on February 10th and 11th!! Held each year on February 10th and 11th, the Nobeoka Toka Ebisu welcomes many worshippers from Miyazaki Prefecture and beyond. On the first day, visitors came to pray for business prosperity and the fulfillment of various wishes under pleasantly mild weather with no chill 😊 Tomorrow features a lucky rice cake toss and a Nobeoka kagura dedication, so bring friends and family and join us for worship!! ⁡ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🗓️Date and time: Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th (national holiday) 📍Address: 3875 Yamashitamachi 1-chome, Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture (Imayama Ebisu Shrine) 📞Contact: 0982-21-4525

🌊 A new guesthouse is opening on Shimaura Island 🌊 On Shimaura Island, Miyazaki Prefecture’s only inhabited remote island, the local community has launched a new initiative, and a new guesthouse, Island Base Shimami, is opening 👏🏻 A guesthouse that closed about 15 years ago has been renovated to make it easier for individuals and groups to stay. Future guests will be able to enjoy island specialties such as sea bream and greater amberjack, as well as ingredients from the newly started oyster farming, at this accommodation. To celebrate the opening, the following event will be held. 📅 Opening Commemoration Event Date and time: Saturday, February 7, 10:15–11:00 Venue: Guesthouse Island Base Shimami next to Island Park (616-1 Shimaura-cho) 🎉 Program ・Greeting by the Mayor of Miura ・Guesthouse tour and explanation of accommodation options ・Mochi-throwing and candy-throwing ・Distribution of original coffee drip bags Anyone may attend, so if you are interested, please come and join us 😊 Also, to cover part of the costs for refurbishing the guesthouse, a crowdfunding campaign is currently underway. Please check the following page for details. https://camp-fire.jp/projects/902085/view...

🌸✨Springtime in Nobeoka✨🌸 “Konohana Walk” is coming! Stroll along the Konohana Road on the Gokase River embankment, where 300 cherry trees and one million rapeseed flowers bloom in a riot of color🚶‍♀️🌼 At the gourmet and souvenir area, savor Nobeoka’s proud seafood and mountain delicacies and experience spring in Nobeoka with all five senses!!😋 🌟There’s plenty more to see and do! ・Hands-on experiences and displays by the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ・About 1,000 pinwheels lovingly made by junior high students ・Authentic matcha enjoyed amid the flowers🍵 ・Giant inflatable play area and craft workshops 🎤On the special stage, enjoy regional performing arts and a lively lineup of performances! Also‼️ 🔥The “Makoto Nagano Athletic Challenge” runs at the same time🔥 Can you clear the obstacles~!?💪 And in March… 🌸Waiwai Flower Tale 2026🌸 Enjoy the magical cherry blossom light-up and reward yourself with treats at the Waiwai Gourmet Fair✨ Everyone— We’re waiting for you in Nobeoka this spring!🌸 -————————— 🌸Konohana Walk & Nobeoka Delicious Food Market 📅Date: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2026 ⏰10:00–16:00 📍Venue: Gokase River embankment ▶ Saturday 21 Children’s performing arts stage & Nobeoka song stage ▶ Sunday 22 Nobeoka traditional performing arts stage ※Photos are from last year’s event ※Start times and performers may change -————————— 📺Presented by Cable Media Waiwai “Waiwai Flower Tale 2026” 📅Date: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Kita-Ote Gate to Honmaru Square) ・Cherry blossom light-up ・Upcycled art exhibition and more Light-up: 18:30–21:30 (held rain or shine) ※Event dates may change depending on cherry blossom conditions -————————— 🍴🌸Waiwai Gourmet Fair🌸🍴 📅Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00–16:00 📍Location: Nobeoka Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park (Ninomaru Plaza) ※Held in light rain / canceled in severe weather ※On the day of the gourmet fair 🚌Free shuttle bus between Aeon Nobeoka and the event area is planned (9:30–16:30) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2025/...

[Sky and Frost-Covered Trees] Last Friday (January 23) I went to Gokase Highland Ski Resort. The sky was clear that day, making it not only perfect for skiing but also ideal for photography. I warmed my freezing hands as best I could and protected my camera from the cold while shooting. I plan to share these images unedited. The Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram photo contest “Winter in Gokase 2026” is still accepting entries, so please consider submitting your work!

We will hold the “Enichibai Plum Viewing Event” at Hontō-ji Temple in Nobeoka City. This springtime event lets you enjoy authentic matcha while admiring a magnificent 240-year-old weeping white plum tree along with other white and red plum blossoms. Wrapped in the gentle scent of plum blossoms, why not take a moment to relax and soothe your heart? ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 📅 Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday (holiday), February 11, 2026 🕙 10:00–16:00 📍 Hontō-ji Temple (1133 Matsuyama-cho, Nobeoka City) 💰 Free admission 🍵 Outdoor tea service (matcha) one bowl 500 yen (with sweets) 🗺️ Historic site guide: free ⁡ 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 Follow the official Nobeoka Flower Story account @nobeokahanamonogatari for bloom updates and the latest event information during the festival. We’d be happy if you follow and check for updates.☑ For inquiries about the Enichibai Plum Viewing Event: Nobeoka Flower Story Executive Committee (0982-29-2155) https://nobeokahanamonogatari.net/home2026/kanbaikai_2026/...

Miyazaki, a land where the gods descend — step into the world of kagura that preserves ancient prayers About 200 kagura traditions are still passed down in Miyazaki Miyazaki Prefecture has long been called the birthplace of myths, home to tales such as Amano Iwato, Tenson Kōrin, and UmisachiYamasachi. The kagura handed down across the prefecture skillfully weave these myths into performances, keeping unique local forms alive. Some 200 kagura still survive here, offered in gratitude to the gods and to pray for bountiful harvests, abundant catches, health, and protection from illness. The drums and flutes that resonate at shrines and in villages enchant visitors. A variety of kagura shaped by each region One of kagura’s charms is that its background and repertory vary by region. Among these, the widely known Takachiho Night Kagura consists of thirty-three pieces, including the descent of the gods and the to-tori (door-taking) rites. Miyazaki is home to four nationally designated kagura traditions—the Mera Kagura, Shiiba Kagura, Highland Divine Dance, and Takachiho Night Kagura—the most in the country. Other local kagura are deeply rooted in their communities and display distinctive features in dance, accompaniment, and masks. Many of these traditions have been preserved for centuries and stand as one of Miyazaki’s representative folk cultures. Kagura dances offering thanks and prayer Kagura movements are filled with gestures to welcome the gods and offer gratitude and prayers. From basic footwork and hand movements to elegant sleeve-rolling and the brave drawing and releasing of a bow in certain pieces, the performances range from powerful to playful. The dances and accompaniment carry the prayers of Miyazaki’s people and their gratitude and hopes for living in harmony with nature. A seasonal highlight from winter to spring — kagura invites you into a special time Kagura reaches its peak from November through around March each year. During this season, the sounds of kagura music echo from shrines and villages across the prefecture, and communities become wrapped in the kagura atmosphere. Most performances are open to visitors, and some are held regularly to welcome tourists. Drawn by kagura’s appeal, many people visit annually to enjoy this seasonal tradition. A journey with kagura — experience Miyazaki more deeply Kagura itself embodies a culture in which people’s lives and feelings are passed down through generations. When kagura brings you to Miyazaki, you can discover not only the performances but also stunning scenery, local ingredients, hot springs, and many other charms of the prefecture. Visit Miyazaki, the place where the gods descend, and experience its attractions. For more details, please check the Official Tourism Website of Miyazaki Prefecture, “Official Tourism Website of Miyazaki Prefecture.” https://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp//

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨ Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄ An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂 The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡 As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊 Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄

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⛄

From the volcanic lake circuit in Kirishima, you can see MtKarakunidake. The autumn foliage and the fluffy, wool‑like slopes were beautiful. Location: Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Whole-House Rental Guesthouse Shoya no Yakata A whole-house rental tucked into the heart of Kuwanoe, surrounded by Gokase’s natural beauty 🌿 At certain seasons you can even see a breathtaking sea of clouds…👀✨ Time flows here at a relaxed pace…⌚ Enjoy a soothing satoyama stay that unwinds the mind ✨ You can make reservations conveniently via LINE ☺ <Contact> Official LINE: lin.ee/4CTokHm Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoya_no_yakata/?hl=ja...

A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁 Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘 The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨ In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨ Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase? With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆

[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 😊

Talents from Gokase Gathered! ✨ The "Yūhi no Sato Sakuhin-ten Exhibition" and the "Small Shimotsuki Festival in Sato," held on November 15 and 16, concluded to great success! Thank you so much to everyone who attended 😊 The venue, filled with impressive works mainly by local residents, shone with warm sensibility✨ Many people joined the hands-on sessions and created pieces that showcased their individuality 😆 It was a heartwarming event that brought together people of all ages, from children to adults 🥰

Rokkanon-Miike Pond is a cobalt-blue volcanic lake in Kirishima, said to be the most beautiful there. The trees reflected on the water looked like they were on fire, creating an indescribable beauty. In the third year of Tentoku, a monk named Seisho (Shoku) visited to train. While reciting the Lotus Sutra by the shore, a white-haired old man appeared and said, "I am Yamato Takeru, and I live on this mountain as a swan." Seisho carved six Kannon statues and built a shrine by the pond to enshrine them. When he turned around, there stood the white-haired old man…!!! Photographed in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁 The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁 The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨ I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡 Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊 ⚠Notice⚠ The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.

Divine glow ✨ On the way back from photographing Shirataki Falls, the pampas grass lit by sunlight looked divine, so I took a picture 📷 You can see gleaming pampas grass around town right now 👀 The temperature swings between morning and evening have deepened the autumn colors 🍁 Peak foliage may still be a little way off, but you can already feel the autumn scenery and breeze beyond the leaves 🌰

Gokase Town Fukushi Festival This year’s Fukushi Festival was once again wrapped in warm energy! 🙌 The theme this year was “Spreading the Circle of Welfare to Tomorrow.” True to its name, the welfare center venue was full of smiles and kindness pointing toward Gokase Town’s future 😊 The bazaar, which began at 10:00, was a huge hit 🔥 Many people gathered hunting for bargains, and lively circles of socializing spread throughout the venue 👚 We even saw lots of children carrying stuffed animals bigger than themselves 👀 A variety of stage performances were fantastic, offering entertainment for all ages and bringing the whole venue together in excitement 🔥 Through displays of welfare activities and the bazaar, this Fukushi Festival naturally fostered a spirit of mutual support 🥰 From the staff who helped run the event to local residents and student volunteers, people of all ages—from children to seniors—had a chance to shine 👏 The Fukushi Festival is a truly lovely event where you can feel Gokase’s circle of kindness spreading into tomorrow and beyond. I already want to join this warm circle again next year ✨

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】 A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025… #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆 Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁 Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town #Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025 on Instagram! Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town! Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!! Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels. [Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use *The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.* 1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025" Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡 Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰 ⚠ Caution ⚠ Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase On Sunday, October 12, the 27th Sunset Village Festa 2025 in Gokase took place under clear skies at Gokase Winery Event Square. 🌞 An opening drum performance instantly raised the festival mood, and the Dange-nana Dance by Kamikumi Elementary School and the Dan-shichi Odori Preservation Group united the crowd. ✨ Dance and hula routines had many people spontaneously joining in. ✨ Kainina’s song choices hit the perfect notes, and they got so into the music they paid little attention to the cameras. 🎶 At the Aju Girls’ stage, fans crowded the front to take photos. 📷 Momashi Five brought their signature presence, involving the whole audience and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. 😆 In the on-site fields visitors enjoyed a sweet potato digging experience; many left with sacks full of piping-hot sweet potatoes. 🍠 The main guests, the Toshiki Abe Life Memory Project, played melodies that perfectly matched the venue’s evening atmosphere as dusk approached. 😍 The finale featured kagura ritual music from Kotono Shrine. 👹 A roaming lion dance through the venue drew screams and laughter from different corners. 😅 Many people also joined the final mochi-throwing. 😊 We were treated to the beautiful sunset that inspired the name Sunset Village, making it another delightful day this year. ✨

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival "Okunchi Festival" On October 9th, the Gion Shrine autumn festival "Okunchi Festival" took place in Kuraoka ⛩ It was held under a clear, slightly warm sky 🌞 Traditional performing arts were presented, including a kagura dedication, the Usu-daiko drum dance, and yamabushi dialogue rituals ✨ The Usu-daiko drum dance welcomed walk-in participants, and many people joined in 😊 Watching participants from inside and outside the prefecture join local residents to form a circle and perform the same dance is moving every time I experience it 😭 And this year saw the revival of the "Negai-kake Kagura" (wish-offering kagura) 👹 The powerful yet solemn dance, carrying on the original custom called the "Festival of Wish Fulfillment," stirred my heart 💖 Having kagura performed to make a wish is such a wonderful tradition ✨ Everyone, please come to Gokase’s autumn festival next year! Walk-in participation is very welcome 🙌

Izayoi 🌕 October 6 was the harvest moon, and October 7 was izayoi (the sixteenth night) 🌕 I just learned that “十六夜” can be read as “izayoi” 😲 It’s my first time knowing that 😅 On both nights the bright moon lit up the sky😍 These photos were taken on the night of the 7th 📷 You can see my trials to capture the moon’s surface in shots four and five 😅 I stitched together moments between clouds and kept adjusting the camera, and somehow managed to take a beautiful shot 😆 Can you see the rabbit? 🐇 Maybe my camera skills have improved just a little bit 😂

Early autumn in Gokase 🌾 Mornings and evenings have turned quite cool — actually almost cold at times 😂 The rice fields are golden and harvest has begun; you can see rice hung out to dry in places 😊 Spider lilies seem past their peak, but cosmos flowers were blooming everywhere 🌸 When I visited the cotton fields in Kuraoka, the fluffy cotton bolls had burst open 😍 I enjoyed the pleasant autumn breeze and felt the season of harvest 😆

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “Ara Odori” Ara Odori was offered on September 28th 🐵 Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this Ara Odori captivates viewers with vivid costumes and powerful dance 👀✨ This year the event took place indoors because of rain, which concentrated the excitement! 🔥 The audience was closer to the performance, creating an even more immersive experience 👍 Supporting this tradition is the future of the community ✨ Alongside local adults, children from Sakamoto Elementary performed with serious expressions as they carry the dance forward, earning big applause 👏

🌏🚴‍♂️ Tour de Kyushu 2025 is coming! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Professional riders from Japan and around the world will race across Kyushu’s natural landscapes and cityscapes. This year’s four-day event runs from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th (national holiday) across Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 Theme "Make Kyushu Sustainable — for a sustainable future for Kyushu" We will showcase Kyushu’s stunning beauty to the world.✨ 🏁 Race schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00 — Sasebo Criterium / 45 km ・10/11 (Sat) 11:00 — Fukuoka / 121 km ・10/12 (Sun) 9:00 — Kumamoto, Aso / 115 km ・10/13 (Mon, national holiday) 10:00 — Miyazaki, Oita / 121 km ※Traffic restrictions will be in place along the course on race days. We ask for your understanding and cooperation. For details, check the official website and social media 👉https://tourdekyushu.asia// https://tourdekyushu.asia/en/...

Moncher × Gokase Grapes 🍇 I visited the Gokase grape collaboration now on sale at Moncher Seasons in Hakata Hankyu.✨ The cakes displayed in the showcase looked as delicious as they sounded… 🍰 A kind staff member showed me the cakes made with Gokase grapes. 👀 They said the collaboration has been widely promoted, and some customers come specifically for the cakes featuring Gokase grapes. 😆 I tried the soft-serve made with Campbell Early grapes. 🍦 The soft-serve wasn’t overly sweet, and the aroma of Campbell Early gently spread through it, making it perfect for this still-warm season. 😍 The cakes using Gokase grapes are scheduled to be sold through the end of September. 💡 Be sure to visit Moncher Seasons on the B1 level of Hakata Hankyu. 😊

[👒 Summer Gokase 2025 Entry Photo Showcase ④ 👒] Thank you for entering the “Summer Gokase 2025” campaign 😆 Thanks to you, we received many submissions ✨ Here are some of the photos submitted to “#Summer Gokase 2025”! @kakigoori2020 @gokase_pan @chika_narita @niidome2110 @tae_gerbera35 @narunaru918 @kokoyukeip There were many other wonderful entries besides the ones shown 😆 We will now begin judging! Please wait a little while for the announcement of the results 😁

[👒 Summer Gokase 2025 Photo Entries Spotlight ③ 👒] Thank you for entering the "Summer Gokase 2025" campaign 😆 Thanks to you, we received many submissions ✨ Here are some of the photos posted to "Summer Gokase 2025"! @kakigoori2020 @machieri9.3 @fouzan_839 @totalrelaxation_salon_spring @gokase_pan We will now begin the selection process! Please wait for the results to be announced 😁

Nukazuke Workshop🥕 A "Nukazuke Workshop" was held to showcase local ingredients and inspire new ideas for processing them.💡 Under the guidance of Rieko Teramoto, who is from Gokase, participants first tasted the nukazuke prepared yesterday.🥢 There were 18 varieties in total!! Familiar vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and daikon sat alongside new flavor discoveries such as dried shiitake, konnyaku, and myoga.👀✨ Next, Teramoto demonstrated how to prepare the nuka bed in front of everyone, teaching about moisture levels and other details.📝 She then shared ready-to-use nuka beds for participants to take home, and everyone immediately began pickling the vegetables they had brought.😊 They said the pickles should be ready in about 12 hours, and everyone left excited to eat their creations, carefully taking their own nuka beds home.🥰 I can’t wait to try the nukazuke made by the participants next time.😍

Gokase Winery's First Pressing of 2025!🍇 A new wine born from the blessings of Gokase is on the way🍷 This year too, winemaking has begun using grapes nurtured by Gokase’s fertile land💡 Every bottle from Gokase Winery uses only grapes carefully grown in Gokasecho😁 These grapes, which endured Gokase’s harsh winters and ripened under the summer sun, each offer a uniquely delicious flavor. This unwavering commitment to 100% locally grown grapes underpins the quality of Gokase Winery’s wines✨ The first-pressed Campbell Early this season features a fruity aroma and refreshing acidity🍇 A sweet, rich scent filled the winery, raising excitement for the new wine🎵 This year’s vintage is another wonderful result, filled with the producers’ love😆 New Niagara and Campbell Early wines are scheduled for sale on Saturday, October 18th🍷