The 45th Yusaku Tourism Maple Festival ❚ Held from November 3 to November 23, 2026 The 45th Yusaku Tourism Maple Festival will take place at Yusaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Yusaku Park, the venue, originated as a villa given to a senior retainer by the lord of the Oka domain during the Edo period. It is said that Tanomura Chikuden and Rai San'yō also visited, and over 500 maple and kaede trees will change color around the heart-shaped pond. The trees, dyed in red and yellow, reflect beautifully on the surface of the water. During the festival, rice cakes and other items will be sold, and for five days, the area will be illuminated from sunset until 9 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the night scenery of the autumn leaves wrapped in light. On Saturday, November 14, there will be daytime dance and karaoke, along with an evening performance of Yusaku Night Kagura "Mizukagami." Feel free to visit at your preferred time. 【Period】 From November 3 (Tue, Holiday) to November 23 (Mon, Holiday) 【Schedule】 Illumination: November 7 (Sat), 13 (Fri), 20 (Fri), 21 (Sat), 22 (Sun) *From sunset to 9:00 PM Dance and karaoke: November 14 (Sat) 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (canceled in case of rain) Yusaku Night Kagura "Mizukagami": November 14 (Sat) starts at 3:45 PM (postponed to the next day in case of rain) 【Location】 Yusaku Park (Kameozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) 【Admission】 Free entry 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Contact】 Bungoono City Asaji Branch 0974-72-1111 ■■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 sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Recommended Spot in Taiki Town for Autumn: Keiseki Bridge Here's what Keiseki Bridge looks like on October 15th, an easily accessible spot for viewing autumn leaves along the roadside. Walking down a side road and viewing Keiseki Bridge from the pedestrian bridge allows you to enjoy the orange bridge, the autumn foliage, and the beautiful Nubinai River (a tributary of the Rekifune River) all at once.

Emotional Performances of Children's Kabuki! Maibara Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight of the festival is the "Children's Kabuki" performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. Children dress in authentic costumes and showcase their rehearsed performances. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo Period and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shiga Prefecture. It is a festival that colors the autumn of Maibara, where you can witness the enthusiasm of the people surrounding the hikiyama and the pride and traditions being passed on to the next generation. The photo captures "The Scene of Sodehagi's Festival Oration in Oshu Adachigahara." It shows the blind Sodehagi walking with the support of a cane and a child.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's Kabuki! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

Moved by the passionate performance of children's kabuki! Maibara, Yutani Shrine, and the Hikiyama Festival The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival" is held every year during the three-day weekend in October, including Sports Day, in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The highlight is the children's kabuki performed on the luxurious hikiyama stage. The elementary school actors boldly deliver difficult lines and movements, leaving everyone astonished. The passionate performances of the children in their splendid costumes are truly impressive! The sight of young men energetically pulling the hikiyama and the lively atmosphere of the entire town during the festival are also appealing. It's just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making access very convenient. Luxurious brochures are distributed for free. When opened, the stories of the performances are introduced in comic form. I was impressed by the effort to make traditional performing arts more accessible to children. They are also making efforts to connect traditions to the future, including challenges with crowdfunding. The hikiyama performing arts, passed down since the Edo period. I hope this splendid stage continues to be supported by many and is handed down to the next generation.

On October 8th, we held a flower watching tour at Kamegamori. Under clear skies ☀️, everyone was able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ishizuchi Mountain Range in autumn. This year's final schedule is the 21st, and we are fully booked. Thank you very much. We plan to hold this event again next year. We look forward to your applications.

The 8th year of Reiwa will see the "Teshikaga Tourism School" held! Opening up the future of tourism from Teshikaga, Hokkaido! The 20th Teshikaga Tourism School: "Connecting to the Future, the Vision of Teshikaga" This event will take place over two days, from Saturday, November 7th to Sunday, November 8th, 2026, at Kawayu Onsen! We invite you to join us for this memorable 20th Tourism School. Participants from outside Teshikaga Town are also welcome. https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/kankojuku2026/...

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival 2026 was held at Ono River Riverside Park in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue was lively with food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere as everyone awaited the fireworks. At 7:20 PM, approximately 3,000 fireworks lit up the night sky of Inukai, known as the birthplace of Bungo fireworks. Cheers erupted from the audience as they watched the fireworks up close. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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 tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Standing in the middle of the breathtaking red carpet of Hitachi Seaside Park, this scene felt almost unreal to me. Thousands of vibrant red Kochia bushes stretch across the landscape like a vast crimson ocean, with little touches of green and golden brown creating a beautiful natural texture. What caught my eye most was the single girl walking quietly among the red bushes. Surrounded by such an enormous sea of color, she looked so small and peaceful, almost as if she were part of the landscape itself. Her solitary presence gave the photograph a sense of calm, loneliness, and poetry. I took this photograph myself, and capturing this moment was deeply emotional for me. I remember being completely absorbed by the beauty in front of me—the endless red, the gentle pathways, and that one solitary figure moving through the flowers. For a moment, everything felt still, and I felt incredibly lucky to witness and preserve such a beautiful scene.

The studio of metal sculptor Daido Nakajima in Azumino✨ The presence of the gigantic animals made of stainless steel is astounding…❗️ The sculptural beauty shines in the light, embodying a sense of dynamism within its heaviness. The collaboration of the rich natural scenery of Azumino and the powerful metal art is breathtaking! 😆 *We are visiting and photographing with special permission.

At the National Alps Azumino Park, 130,000 cosmos flowers are in full bloom in the Rural Culture Zone of Horigane and Hotaka District 🌸 Cosmos, a symbol of autumn, can be enjoyed here with popular varieties like "Double Click" and "Seashell" in a 3,300 m² flower bed 😄 ◇Location: Rural Culture Zone, Terraced Fields Flower Bed ◇Scale: 11 varieties, 130,000 flowers, 3,300 m² ◇Best Viewing Period: Late September to Late October

The flower fields blooming at Alps Azumino National Government Park Horigane-Hotaka District😀 The 2026 Autumn Flower Garden is currently being held🌸 Featuring five varieties of flowers, including salvia and gomphrena, in the autumn flower bed❗️ ◇Location: Den'en Bunka Zone Hotaka-guchi Flower Bed ◇Planting scale: 30,000 plants, 2,000㎡ ◇Planting varieties: Salvia, Blue Salvia, Gomphrena, Kochia, Lemon Bright ◇Best viewing period: Late September to mid-October We hope you visit!

I took pictures of the beautiful autumn foliage in the mountains at Hadano Togawa Park in Kanagawa Prefecture.

I took this photo at Mizumoto Park in Tokyo, and for me, it captures much more than just the beauty of autumn. As I walked among the towering metasequoia trees, I was completely drawn to the way the warm sunlight was passing through the forest. The trees were glowing in deep shades of red, orange, and gold, while the morning sun created beautiful, elongated shadows across the ground. I remember feeling a sense of calm as I stood there, surrounded by such incredible colors and silence. But what really caught my attention was that quiet seat beneath the trees. It looked so peaceful, almost as if it was inviting me to stop for a while and forget everything else. I imagined sitting there, feeling the cool autumn breeze, watching the sunlight slowly move between the trees, and simply enjoying the moment. I wanted to capture that feeling—not just the scenery. Sometimes a scene makes you stop before you even think about composition. You just feel something. That is what happened here. I waited for the sunlight to fall perfectly between the trees, revealing the seat and illuminating the autumn leaves around it. When I finally pressed the shutter, I felt that I had captured a small piece of the peacefulness I was experiencing at that moment. Looking at this photo now, I can still remember the feeling of standing there—the warmth of the sunlight, the quietness of the forest, and the overwhelming beauty of autumn at Mizumoto Park. This photograph is not only a picture of a beautiful place; it is a memory of a beautiful moment I was lucky enough to experience.

There are moments when a photographer simply forgets to press the shutter because the view in front of them feels too beautiful to capture. That was exactly how I felt during my visit to Mizumoto Park in Tokyo in autumn. I arrived early in the morning, just as the first rays of sunlight were beginning to touch the horizon. The entire park seemed to be waking up slowly, wrapped in a peaceful silence. Standing in front of the magnificent metasequoia forest, I was completely mesmerized. The tall trees, dressed in their warm autumn colors, stretched endlessly into the distance. Soft golden sunlight filtered gently through the branches, creating delicate patterns of light and shadow along the path. The misty morning atmosphere added an almost dreamlike quality to the scene, making the forest feel less like a place in Tokyo and more like a magical landscape from another world. As a photographer, these are the moments I live for—the moments when nature, light, color, and silence come together perfectly. Every direction I looked felt like a photograph waiting to be captured. The golden leaves glowing under the morning sun, the towering metasequoias disappearing into the distance, and the soft, tranquil atmosphere created a truly mystical view. I stood there for a while, simply taking it all in. No rush, no noise—just me, my camera, and the breathtaking beauty of an autumn morning. My trip to Mizumoto Park became much more than just another visit to a beautiful place. It became a beautiful memory, captured not only through my camera lens but also in my heart.

A grand adventure in nature during your trip to Hokkaido! 🛶🍃 As you slowly paddle down the Kushiro River, it feels just like a jungle cruise. Listen to the sounds of the water and the birds while enjoying the magnificent nature unique to Hokkaido and Michihigashi up close. How about a canoe experience for your autumn trip to Hokkaido? Follow us to check the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel! ✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Lake Utonai in autumn. The blue sky and clouds reflect on the lake's surface, creating a fantastical and beautiful scenery✨ The autumn migratory bird season has finally arrived‼ Enjoy encounters with wild birds at Lake Utonai♪ (Image provided by Roadside Station Utonai Lake)

I went to see the autumn leaves of Mount Kurodake, said to have the earliest fall colors in Japan, early yesterday morning. It was a breathtaking view worthy of the name Kamui Mintara (a garden where the gods play). Since it was a day when Silver Week, autumn leaves, and good weather all came together, over 100 people were already lined up at the first ropeway station, and by 8 a.m., the parking lot at Sounkyo was completely full. It will likely be bustling today and tomorrow as well.

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.

The Golden Tunnel in Nagoya The row of ginkgo trees along Sakuradoori in Naka Ward, Nagoya City, shines in golden hues during autumn, delighting the eyes of passersby. In the background, skyscrapers like the Nagoya Lucent Tower in Ushijimacho, Nishi Ward, create a beautiful contrast between nature and the city, symbolizing autumn in Nagoya. I was moved by the richness of nature right in the heart of the city and pointed my camera.

This photo was taken at the historical site "Odoi mound" of Kitano Tenmangu in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The vibrant red and yellow trees illuminated beautifully, along with the carpet of fallen leaves at my feet, adorn the autumn nights of Kyoto splendidly. Captivated by the beauty of the illuminated tunnel of autumn leaves and the carpet of fallen leaves, I pressed the shutter to capture the enchanting deepening of autumn and its tranquil presence.

This is a photograph of the moss-covered thatched roof of Horyuin Temple, located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. As autumn deepens, the surrounding foliage turns vibrant colors, creating a stunning contrast with the green moss. Combined with the stone-paved path, it presents a breathtaking view that evokes a sense of tranquility and the spirit of wabi-sabi. I was captivated by the heaviness of the moss-covered thatched roof and the vivid autumn leaves enveloping it. I strongly felt the desire to capture this quiet moment where the passage of time and the beauty of nature coexist.

Nisshoin Temple in the colorful autumn, a single golden leaf. Located in Sagano, Kyoto, Nisshoin Temple is known as a famous spot for autumn foliage and is a Tendai sect temple. The maple trees lining both sides of the stone steps leading to the temple are breathtaking. It enshrines Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Buddha. Focusing on the vibrant yellow leaves in the foreground, I wanted to capture the stone steps of red leaves leading deeper into the temple, expressing the tranquility of this historic temple and the fleeting beauty of deepening autumn.

The Brick Bridge Carrying the Autumn of the Ancient Capital This brick arch bridge is the Suirokaku Aqueduct, located within the grounds of Nanzenji Temple in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It was constructed as part of the Biwako Sosui to channel water from Lake Biwa into Kyoto City, and water still flows through it today. It is one of the iconic landscapes of Nanzenji, where retro architecture blends with rich nature. I was captivated by the contrast between the retro Suirokaku, which retains the charm of the Meiji era, and the vividly colored autumn leaves. I wanted to capture the weight of history and the passage of the seasons in a single shot, so I pressed the shutter.

Kyoto Daikaku-ji is the headquarters of the Shingon sect located in Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. The important cultural property, Ōsawa Pond, is said to have been a place where Heian aristocrats enjoyed boating, and its beautiful nature continues to captivate many people. I was captivated by the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of Ōsawa Pond. I strongly desired to capture the fantastical scenery created by its vibrant colors.

【GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training: Learning International Standards for Sustainable Tourism】 "GSTC Certified Training in Teshikaga" By participating in the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP), you can learn the knowledge and methods necessary to practice and improve sustainability in travel and tourism. The training covers the GSTC standards, which are the global benchmarks for sustainable travel and tourism, and introduces best practices in business and communities. Upon completing the three-day training, a certificate of completion will be issued by GSTC. (This will be issued only to those who attend all three days of training.) Those who obtain the certificate will be eligible to take the STTP exam. Upon passing the exam, the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism will be issued by GSTC. About the Certificate and Qualifications ・A certificate of completion will be issued by GSTC upon completing the three-day training. ・After completion, eligibility to take the STTP exam will be granted. ・Passing the exam allows you to obtain the "GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism." "Sustainable Tourism Training: Learning International Standards for Sustainable Tourism" GSTC Certified Training in Teshikaga Dates: October 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026 (3 days) Each day starts at 9:00 AM *The first and second days will be classroom-based, while the third day will involve fieldwork and reflection. Target Audience: Those interested in sustainable tourism community development, management, product creation, etc., who can participate in the training for all three days. Location: Kushiroken Mashu Tourism Culture Center, Audiovisual Room 3-3-1 Mashu, Teshikaga, 015-482-1811 Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 25 people

Inukai Stone Buddha ❚ Oita Bungoono Geopark The Inukai Stone Buddha is located in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This rock-carved statue, etched into a cliff by the Ono River, depicts a Fudo Myoo (Acala) with a height of approximately 3.8 meters. While many may envision Fudo Myoo with a stern expression, this stone Buddha is known for its gentle, rounded face. Flanking it are standing statues of Seitaka Doji and Kongara Doji, carved closely beside it, with the characters "Ryūdenzan" also inscribed on the rock face. Nearby, a Gorintō (five-storied pagoda) stands, creating a tranquil space that evokes a sense of history by the quiet riverbank. The rock on which the statue is carved is believed to be welded tuff formed from the Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years ago, and it is estimated to date back to the Kamakura period based on the style of the statue. 【Location】Tawara Watanose, Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is Kokia at Hitachi Seaside Park. In autumn, the red Kokia spreads across the hills, moving those who see it.

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.

This is a scene from Nasumachi, Tochigi Prefecture. A mother and daughter walk hand in hand along a path surrounded by colorful trees. Leaves are scattered at their feet, and vibrant flowers line both sides of the road. There's nothing particularly special about it, but the time spent walking together will become precious memories when looked back on someday. This captures a day in autumn.