Year-end and New Year Business Hours Notice: With just under three weeks left in 2025, we hope this message finds you well and prospering. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and the many others who have supported us this year. We ask for your continued patronage in the coming year and offer this as our year-end greeting. — Office Year-end and New Year Hours — Tourism Association Office and Tourist Information Center: Closed from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Normal business resumes on January 5. Please note that bicycle rentals at the Tourist Information Center will also be suspended during the period above. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely yours.

【Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest Results Announcement🎊】 Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary of Town Incorporation WEB Photo Contest.” We received many stunning shots that captured the town’s scenery and charm, and this contest became a wonderful opportunity to highlight Reihoku’s appeal.🙇 From a total of 81 submissions, we carefully selected the following winners and are pleased to announce them! 📸【General Category】High school age and above The Grand Prize goes to the nickname “2984”! (second photo) The title is “Chasing the Ball,” taken at the Tomioka Castle Festival. The entrant commented, “The dragon dance that breathes smoke feels unique to Amakusa.”🎶 “2984” will receive a prize of 10,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen at a later date.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive 3,000 yen and Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.💝 First is nickname “Sora” (third photo), titled “Shining Tomioka Castle”🏯. This photo was taken at Tomioka Castle during the castle festival; the entrant wrote, “I climbed up during a break in the festival. The contrast between the white walls and blue sky was very beautiful.” Second is nickname “Green and White and Purple” (fourth photo), titled “Children of the Seaside Town”🌊. The entrant wrote, “Children working together and the glittering sea — it was the perfect moment.”🎶 The following four entrants received Honorable Mentions👏; each will receive Reihoku specialty products worth 5,000 yen.🎁 First is nickname “dSuke” (fifth photo), titled “Blooming at Tomioka Castle”🎆. The entrant described: “The sky shifts from dusk to night in a deep blue. Lights reflect on the sea surface, the castle ruins sit on the hill, and large fireworks bloom overlapping that scene.”👍 Second is nickname “Hijikata Tonza Buro” (sixth photo), titled “Mukaizuki Aoi,” and the entrant wrote, “I photographed the Kumamoto-maru docked at Tomioka Port against the background of the annual Jatto Festival fireworks I watch every year!”📸 Third is nickname “Manakan” (seventh photo), titled “Sunset Reflected in the Rice Fields Before Planting,” taken in the castle town. “Water fills the paddies before planting; with no wind the surface is calm. You only see this special scene on a day with a beautiful sunset when everything lines up. I look forward to seeing this view every year,” the entrant wrote.🎶 Fourth is nickname “Arisa” (eighth photo), titled “First Sunrise 2025,” taken at the Tomioka Marine Park observation area🌅. “I visit this spot every year to see the first sunrise. It’s not an exaggeration to say this light powers me through the year. It’s my power spot,” the entrant shared. 📸【Junior Category】Elementary and junior high school students Next are the winners in the Junior Category! The Grand Prize goes to nickname “Melon and Watermelon” with the title “Bustling Castle Festival”! (ninth photo) Congratulations on your win🎊 The entrant said, “I was chatting with friends at the castle festival venue when I suddenly noticed this scene.” “Melon and Watermelon” will receive a 5,000-yen book gift card.🎁 The following two entrants won Special Awards👏; each will receive a 3,000-yen book gift card.🎁 First is nickname “Haru” (tenth photo), titled “Beautiful Sunset,” taken on National Route 324 (Sakasegawa)☀️. “Riding home from cram school, I sat beside my driving mother and the sky was so beautiful I took a photo. I was happy when my mother said, ‘It’s beautiful,’” the entrant wrote.🎶 Second is nickname “Reo” (eleventh photo), titled “Godzilla,” taken on National Route 324 (Kozufukae). The entrant wrote, “Riding in my mother’s car, I saw clouds heading toward the sea that looked like Godzilla.”✨ After a rigorous screening, the works above were chosen as winners. We deeply thank everyone for so wonderfully expressing Reihoku Town’s charm! We appreciate your continued support of Reihoku Town.🙇 Also, the 4th Amashin Photo Contest is currently open! Please check the Notices section on our website for details.📸 🏯【Contact】Reihoku Jatto Festival & Tomioka Castle Festival Executive Committee, Photo Contest Section Address: 4535-2 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2502, inside the Reihoku Chamber of Commerce TEL: 0969-37-1244 E-mail: pc@amakusa-kankou.com

The best season to visit Yōki-sō is unquestionably autumn. The maple trees in the garden turn vivid red, creating a striking contrast with the historic buildings; you can enjoy a unique autumn scene where the red of Taisho-era romantic architecture and the red of the maples come together.

Horyuin Temple is close to Higashiyama’s famous autumn foliage sites like Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Philosopher's Path, Anrakuji, and Eikando Temple, yet it sees few tourists; in the early morning you can enjoy quiet moments and even have this painterly gradation of autumn colors all to yourself.

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 Hyotan Festival was held on December 7, 2025, in Chitose-cho, Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture. Although the festival is properly called the "Shimotsuki Festival," it is commonly known as the "Hyotan Festival," named after the central ceremonial figure, Hyotan-sama. This festival has been handed down for more than 800 years in the Takahata and Shibayama districts of Chitose-cho around Shibayama Hachiman Shrine in Bungo-Ōno City. Hyotan-sama, wearing a long gourd on the head, a large *miki*-filled (sacred sake) gourd suspended from the shoulder, and large straw sandals (*waraji*), is accompanied by a divine horse and lion dancers. Hyotan-sama parades along the approach to the shrine to the calls of "yoisho, yoisho." Hyotan-sama dispenses *miki* from the shoulder-hung gourd to people along the route, praying for good health, protection from illness, and a bountiful harvest. In addition to the procession, lion dances and *kagura* (Shinto ritual dances) are performed. ■■Access to central Bungo-Ōno City from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, etc.■■ From JR Hakata Station (Fukuoka): about a 3-hour drive. From JR Kumamoto Station (Kumamoto): about a 2-hour drive. From JR Beppu Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive. From JR Yufuin Station (Oita): about a 1-hour 20-minute drive. ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourist information and recommended spots in Bungo-Ōno City, Oita Prefecture (Kyushu) ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri was held On December 6, 2025, the Ogata Sanja Kawagoe Shimatsuri took place around Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The Kawagoe Shimatsuri is an annual festival when the deities of the three Ogata shrines (Ichinomiya, Ninomiya, and Sannomiya) come together. The portable shrine from Ichinomiya Shrine and the portable shrine from Sannomiya Shrine gather at Ninomiya Shrine. The event was shortened from two days to one this year. Despite challenges such as a shortage of people to carry the mikoshi, the organizers’ determination to keep the festival alive has preserved the tradition. At night, young men wearing traditional loincloths carry the Sannomiya mikoshi through the cold river, guided by torchlight. Their calls of “Essa hoisa” echo as they pass through the torii above the falls and wade across the river, creating a breathtaking spectacle. ■■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and other areas to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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 tourism resources. This workshop was the final session. Based on the feedback and ideas we have received so far, we reviewed the proposed route and the draft guide manual again and exchanged opinions with the participants. We also read works related to Reihoku—Fumiko Hayashi’s Amakusa Nada and Ryōtarō Shiba’s Kaidō o Yuku 17—so participants could feel how the literature still connects with Reihoku today. Going forward, we aim to develop this into an actual sightseeing tour. We will post progress updates on our website, so please look forward to them. Note: We are also collecting ideas and useful tips from people who could not attend the workshop to help shape the walking route. Please take part in the survey on our company website’s news section. Contact: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (Incorporated Association), Ogata ☎0969-31-1136 This workshop was held as part of the FY2025 Kumamoto Future Creation Startup Grant project.

This is the great ginkgo at Choraku-ji Temple in the Agi District of Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture. The great ginkgo at Choraku-ji is about 1,100 years old. From roughly 3 meters above ground the trunk splits into four sections, and the thickest part measures about 4 meters around. The tree exceeds 30 meters in height, its entire trunk measures about 9 meters in circumference, and it was designated a Natural Monument of Gifu Prefecture in 1967. The trunk is divided partway into a large, old section and the sections that grew from it. About 250 years ago, when a bridge over the Agi River was washed away, legend says a portion of the trunk was cut off and used for the bridge beams, and the cut surface was reportedly charred with embers to prevent rot. Also, some 450 years ago when Takeda Katsuyori’s forces attacked Iwamura Castle and the Oda army, which had come out to meet them, were routed, Choraku-ji is said to have been burned; scorch marks from that fire still remain. Over its long history, this tree has been carefully tended and protected by the local community. It is so large that its branches spread beyond the temple grounds, making it visible from a distance with a strong presence. The trunk is thick and, when seen up close, the ginkgo is impressively majestic.

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✧

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♪

Nara Palace Site Historical Park Nara Prefecture Nara City Although it has been reconstructed, you can appreciate the vastness of the site. A train runs through the grounds with a level crossing, and the distances between the buildings are impressive. Excavation has finished, and various buildings are currently being rebuilt. The museum exhibits artifacts from the excavations and models showing how the site looked at the time. The parking lot was spacious and free.

Gifu Prefecture Tajimi City "Kokeizan Eihoji Temple" and autumn foliage

[Now accepting applications!] 📸 December 7 Mihama Photowalk in Hayase Let’s find views worth keeping secret. Join a photowalk through Hayase, a small lakeside community, as we explore the town on foot. You’ll discover places that rarely appear in travel guides and spots you usually pass without a second thought. Each participant may encounter a scene that feels uniquely theirs that day. While sensing the deeper atmosphere of alleyways and the village, let’s search together for those views you’ll want to keep to yourself. A great part of the photowalk is sharing perspectives and discoveries with other participants. Bring whatever camera you like and hunt for those little secret scenes. On the day, photographer Tsutomu Ogino, who handles Mihama Town photography, will accompany the group. As winter’s presence begins to show, let’s enjoy a pleasant time together. We warmly look forward to your applications. ■ Date and time: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1:00 PM–4:30 PM ■ Meeting place: Hayase Tourist Information Center (10-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture) ■ Participation fee: Free (reservation required) ■ Capacity: About 10 people (first-come, first-served) ■ Application deadline: Closes when capacity is reached ■ How to apply Applications are accepted via Google Forms. Submitting the form completes your registration. https://forms.gle/TZht18Bmn31oRNPA7... * Smartphones are fine for cameras. * Please wear comfortable, warm clothing for walking. * Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. * Photos taken by participants may be featured on official social media accounts or the website. #viewmihama #Mihama Town #Wakasa Mihama #Wakasa Mihama #Photowalk #photowalk

Mt. Houraijisan Fire Festival in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

It’s the Horaiji-yama Fire Festival in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

The fire festival at Mt. Houraijisan in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture

This is the old highway in Saga, Kyoto City.

📢 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) will feature a Sakai City booth🎉 This Sunday, November 23rd, the Kofun Fest HaniCotto takes place in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and Sakai City will have a booth there!✨ It’s a chance to pick up tourist information about Sakai City! We’ve also prepared a photo spot featuring the city’s new “hot air balloon” attraction, which has been in the news recently♪ Be sure to take a commemorative photo! Admission is free, so please come by— we look forward to seeing you!💕 Kofun Fest HaniCotto (@hanicotto) Date and time: Sunday, November 23rd, 10:00–16:00 ※Held rain or shine (canceled only in severe weather such as official warnings) Location: Imashirozuka Kofun, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture (48-8 Gunge-Shinmachi, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture) 🔍For details, search “Kofun Fest HaniCotto” https://hanicotto.com/category/news/page/3/...

[Applications Open] “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest” is now accepting entries! Thank you for the many submissions to the “Reihoku Town 70th Anniversary Web Photo Contest.” After judging, we will announce the selected works. This is an announcement for the “The 4th Amashin Photo Contest,” which opened for entries on Monday, November 17. The theme is “Amakusa’s Best Spots You’ll Want to Share.” Feel free to photograph Amakusa’s landscapes, streets that evoke its history and culture, festivals, light-ups, and more, and submit as many entries as you like! For details, please see our company announcements page or the attached flyer.👀

Applications Open: Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip! A one-night, two-day bus tour called “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” will run on Saturday and Sunday, December 13–14, and reservations are now open! This bus tour lets you fully enjoy the Amakusa West Coast with spiny lobsters, a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, and the Sakitsu village.🚌 For details and to book, search the tour name “Amakusa West Coast Reihoku Sunset Cruise and Spiny Lobster Trip” or check the News section on our website.👀 Don’t miss this chance to experience the winter charm of the Amakusa West Coast.✨

Ana Kōbō (穴弘法), Toki City, Gifu Prefecture I visited to attend the Autumn Leaves Festival.

Hina dolls are displayed for the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri) at the Ukon residence, the house of a Kitamae shipowner. You might be able to see them if you visit the Ukon residence around March 3rd.

The autumn leaves around Naegi Castle Oyagura Remains are beautiful, and I photographed them looking down from the castle ruins. Naegi Castle Ruins, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture November 2025

Autumn leaves at Hōshōji Temple ❚ Foliage status as of November 11, 2025 The autumn leaves at Hōshōji Temple in Kiyokawacho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. About 70% of the trees have changed color, and it is at its peak viewing time. This spot is not widely known, so you can enjoy the foliage quietly during the day. The light-up runs until November 15. The illuminated leaves and their reflections are beautiful at night. Come to Hōshōji Temple to see the vivid autumn colors. We will provide updates on the foliage status as they become available. Location: Hōshōji Temple (1639 Udae, Kiyokawacho, Bungoono City) Parking: Available Kiyokawa “Sai” Hōshōji Autumn During the event, light-up displays will be held. Event period: Saturday, November 8, 2025 to Saturday, November 15, 2025 Access to Bungoono City center About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Western-style building was built as a villa for the Ukon family. You can see it inside the Ukon House, the former residence of a Kitamae shipowner. The building has a modern feel, and the view is spectacular!

The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum is hosting a Night Museum again this year! From Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 30, the museum will be open from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM with the autumn leaves illuminated. The nighttime view of the illuminated leaves from Kyū-Tanabe Handaifu-ke Zashiki is spectacular. A commemorative castle seal for the event will be sold during the period (300 yen). Please join us. Please note the illumination continues after the Night Museum until December 25, so enjoy an evening stroll. Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Night Museum Period: Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 ※Closed on Monday, November 25 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM ※Last admission by 7:30 PM Admission: Free The historic site and garden illumination runs until Thursday, December 25. Feel free to explore. Location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 25-2 Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Tel: 0770-32-0050

Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival Celebrates Local History Enjoy and learn about the historic Oyama Michi that runs through Futakotamagawa. The 16th Futakotamagawa Oyama Michi Festival will be held. Oyama Michi refers to the routes used by pilgrims visiting Ooyama, with paths centered on the mountain across various regions. The Oyama Michi that passes through Futakotamagawa led from Edo’s Akasaka-mitsuke Gate to Ooyama and served as a back road to the Tokaido, frequently used for transporting goods. This festival offers a close-up opportunity to learn about the history of Oyama Michi. Isehara City will also participate and host a booth. Please join us. ◇ Date and Time Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00–15:00 ◇ Venue Futakotamagawa Elementary School building and gymnasium (Tamagawa 4-6-1, Setagayaku) ◇ Setagaya Ward official site https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/03660/27555.html...

Good morning ☀ This morning in Tsukigase.