Introduction of Futatokoro from Wakeido Item Number: F381104 Title: Awaho zu Futatokoro Signature: Issai Toumei (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsuhozon Tousougu Dimensions: Kozuka Length 97.5mm Width 15mm Kougai Length 167mm Width 10mm Period: Last of Edo School: Goto Ichijyo School Description: Araki Toumei is a renowned craftsman of the Goto Ichijyo school. He was born in Kyoto in the 14th year of the Bunka era. At the age of thirteen, he became a disciple of Goto Toujō, receiving the character 'Tou' and adopting the name Toumei. Later, he studied under Goto Ichijō, receiving the title of Issai and signing as Issai Toumei, also known as Ginshōtei. Toumei's depiction of millet is his most adept design and has become synonymous with his name. The sharpness of the chiseling beautifully expresses the ripened millet, showcasing a unique worldview in which his carving technique stands unparalleled.

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedo Item Number: K381102 Title: Taketora zu Kozuka Signature: Somin (Kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 96.3mm Width 14.5mm Period: Middle of Edo School: Yokoya school Description Yokoya Somin was a renowned craftsman representing the Edo Period and is considered the founder of a group known as Machibori, which served the Goto family. He produced many branches, including Yanagawa, Ishiguro, and Omori schools, shaping Edo metalwork. Somin was born in the 10th year of the Kanbun era, known as Nagajiro, and later changed his name to Jibei. He initially signed as Souchi but adopted the name Somin around the 7th year of Genroku after his father's death. Somin studied the painting style of the famous Kanō school and incorporated it into his metal engraving techniques. In addition to the traditional high relief style, he established a new realm known as Katakiri-bori. This engraving technique from the Yokoya school received great admiration and had a significant impact on the future of metalwork. This piece is an exquisite example of Katakiri-bori, creating a sensation akin to viewing a hanging scroll. It features Somin's specialty, the Taketora (bamboo tiger) design, characterized by the tiger's charming expression and skillful execution, all depicted through Katakiri-bori. The strength and subtlety of the chiseling are remarkable, truly showcasing a master craftsman.

Weekend Outing Reference✨ Fall Foliage Update Captured on 10/23🍁 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to revisit later!〉 ①Kagami Pond (Togakushi) 【Fall Foliage Status】Peak Season *Captured on 10/23 The fiery autumn leaves are stunningly beautiful. For the best view of the Togakushi mountain range reflected in the pond, morning is recommended! 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】50 cars *Traffic regulations will be enforced during the fall foliage season. *For more details, please check the Togakushi Tourism Association website. ②Obo Pass (Kinasa) 【Fall Foliage Status】Beginning to Color *Captured on 10/23 From the observation deck, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Nishi and the Northern Alps. During the fall foliage season, the mountainside becomes vibrant with red colors, offering breathtaking scenery! 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】About 5 cars ③Okususobana Gorge 【Fall Foliage Status】Peak Season *Captured on 10/23 This beautiful gorge is counted among Japan's top 100 scenic views. Especially in October, the beech, oak, maple, and rowan trees change color to stunning reds and yellows, providing a picturesque landscape. 【Parking】None *There are no designated parking areas along the gorge. When stopping for photography, please park safely in a way that does not obstruct traffic and be cautious of oncoming vehicles. *The road along the gorge is one-way starting from Okususobana Bridge, allowing for a circular route. Additionally, a fee is required to enter the Okususobana Nature Park further in, so please be aware. ④Iizuna Highlands (Daizahoushi Pond) 【Fall Foliage Status】Beginning to Color *Captured on 10/23 Daizahoushi Pond, a landmark at the foot of Mt. Iizuna, which has long been revered as a sacred mountain for ascetic practices, beautifully reflects the autumn leaves of Mt. Iizuna on its surface, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn breeze in the highlands. 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】Available *The "Nagano Tourism Net" webpage provides information on Nagano City's fall foliage! 🍁Please use it as a reference for your outing🍁 *As of 10/23, the site is under maintenance. *There is a link to "Fall Foliage Information" in the highlights. #Fall Foliage #Kagami Pond #Autumn Travel #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

We are looking for vendors for the Narcissus Marche & Flea Market! On January 17th, the "Narcissus Marche & Flea Market" will be held at the Kyonan Town Sukoyaka Parking Lot. We are currently accepting applications from vendors. We welcome not only food vendors and sellers of local vegetables and flowers, but also those selling miscellaneous goods, as well as used tableware, clothing, and books from your home. (Sales of miscellaneous goods and clothing are limited to items that are clean and undamaged). If there are many applications, a lottery will be held. We will notify you of the acceptance status after processing your application. Date: Sunday, January 17th, Reiwa 9 (2027), 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Participation Fee: For members of the Tourist Association, 1,000 yen for one space and 1,500 yen for two spaces. For non-members, 2,000 yen for one space and 3,000 yen for two spaces. [One space (2m x 2m). Food trucks require two spaces.] How to Apply: Please contact the Kyonan Town Tourist Association Yasuda Information Center by phone by Friday, November 20th, or send us a message via Instagram. When applying, please provide: 1. Business Name 2. Business Address and Representative's Name 3. List of Menu Items to be Sold 4. Contact Phone Number Inquiries: Kyonan Town Flower Festival Executive Committee, located within the Kyonan Town Tourist Association Hotta Station Tourist Information Center TEL 0470-55-1683 FAX 0470-55-1645 Notes: - For food vendors, please ensure you complete all necessary procedures for businesses requiring permits under food sanitation laws and regulations. - Lending of names is not permitted. - Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables and chairs for selling products. (The secretariat will provide tables and chairs for customers.) - Vendors must gather at the time specified by the organizer. If using open flames, please prepare a fire extinguisher.

Event Announcement 📣 On Saturday, October 24th, the earliest Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Japan, "Hiroo Santa Land Tree Lighting Ceremony 2026," will take place. 😊 In addition to the "Santa Land Christmas Market," a variety of events will be held, including a sound festival featuring the Hiroo Santa Land Jazz School and the ensemble group "Sogaku." 🎵 During the lighting ceremony, children from Hiroo Nursery School and Toyone Nursery School will perform Christmas songs. At the moment the lights are turned on, approximately 150,000 lights and about 10,000 wooden lanterns will illuminate the venue, creating a romantic Christmas atmosphere. ✨✨ Additionally, fireworks will be launched to conclude the event, and special Christmas gifts will be distributed to children under elementary school age who attend. 😍 Enjoy an early Christmas with your family and friends! 🤗 🔶 Date: October 24, 2026 (Saturday) starting at 14:00 🔶 Venue: Daimaruyama Forest Park *In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Hirocho Children's Welfare Hall. 🔶 The illumination will be on display from 16:00 to 22:00 and can be enjoyed until March 31st. 🔶 Contact: Hirocho Fisheries and Commerce Tourism Division TEL: 01558-2-0177 https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp/santa_land/...

Introducing the Setoushi-kun Ballpoint Pen! A new ballpoint pen featuring the design of Setoushi-kun has been created! This pen writes with black ink🖋 Check out the images to see how it looks on paper. Available for purchase at Hotel Rimu and Roadside Station Kamu. The price is 400 yen, including tax. Perfect as a travel companion, a gift for friends, or just for yourself! #Nishiokoppe Village #New Product #Setoushi-kun #Ballpoint Pen #Hotel Rimu

在日本，菊花象徵著秋天的到來。賞菊文化起源於平安時代宮廷的「重陽菊宴」，人們藉由菊花酒祈求長壽；到了江戶時代，賞菊走入尋常百姓家，也發展出豐富的栽培技法與菊展文化。 這趟香川秋之旅，走進丸龜城時正好趕上了菊花展。其中最令我駐足的，是日本經典的園藝技法「三本仕立て」。這是一株菊開三朵花的極致展現——三根主要花莖呈「前二後一」的三角陣型，每根花莖僅綻放一朵姿態完美的大花。 近距離欣賞，不難發現不論是花朵的高低分明、葉片的伸展角度，還是整體空間的平衡感，都經過精心的微調與呵護。看似俐落簡約，背後全是栽培者傾注的心血與精湛手藝。 以雄偉古樸的丸龜城為背景，漫步在盛開的菊花陣中，秋風拂過，不僅帶來屬於這個季節的雅緻，更讓人深刻體會到日本深厚且優雅的傳統園藝魅力。

Next to Kanzan Park, located on the border between Kiyose and Tokorozawa, there is a Cosmos field that is currently at its best viewing time. The weather was nice, making it a perfect day for a stroll.

Ninpo Station, nestled in the mountains, was a place I visited to capture trains. It exuded the atmosphere of a true "hidden station," surrounded by abundant nature. While waiting for the train, I stepped onto the silent platform, where cosmos flowers swayed gently along the tracks. Although it was just a brief moment waiting for the train, the vivid autumn colors at my feet made me deeply appreciate the essence of autumn in Japan.

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Halloween flower water offering at Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.🎃

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the ai-tai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It's a limited edition for autumn.

The blue sky and flowers are very beautiful! It's a warm day perfect for a walk♪

Taken on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on October 13, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I got a haircut and feel refreshed.

A bustling trip to Osaka led me to choose a solitary escape. After an hour and a half, I arrived at the sparsely populated Hayashisaki-Matsue Coast. The autumn breeze was cool, and the waves gently lapped at the shore. Standing alone in the vastness of nature, I listened to the sound of the sea and watched the sunset paint the surface of the water in endless shades of gold and red. In that moment, loneliness transformed from a sense of isolation into a gentle dialogue with my own soul, bringing immense comfort.

The Kawayu Marche has successfully concluded! 🥔♨️ Here is a photo report of the "6th Kawayu Marche" held in front of EZO HOUSE at Kawayu Onsen on Saturday, October 10, 2026! The event featured gourmet food, drinks, Kawayu Bayashi (local festival music), game tournaments, and handheld fireworks, providing fun for both children and adults. It was a great success! 🪅 See you again next year! Stay tuned.

Taken on October 10, 2014. This is the hanatemari (flower ball) at the chozuya (water basin) of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 10, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

This is a poppy flower I received from my senior, as they are moving to Kyoto. It's wonderfully beautiful and delicate. I've heard it's a handmade artificial flower made by their wife. Just looking at it soothes my heart.

October 11, 2026, Hitachi Seaside Park Red kochia and yellow cosmos against a blue sky. Colorful flower seedlings were planted along the pathways, making the scenery very beautiful.

Taken on October 3, 2026. This is the flower water offering at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

"Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" Participants Wanted Saijo City is actually a "treasure trove of terrain." In this walking tour, we will explore the areas of Furuta, Kusunokigawa, and Teizui with a professional guide. Before us lies a landscape of mountains, rivers, rice fields, and villages. When we focus on the terrain and geology, we start to wonder, "Why did a village form here?" and "How did this landscape come to be?" This leads to new discoveries. Using the terrain as a clue, we will unpack the history of the land, the lives of the people who have lived there, and the culture rooted in the region. When you "walk with knowledge," the scenery of the town becomes much more interesting. Why not come and walk, see, and feel the hidden charms of Saijo? The familiar scenery will start to look a little different. "Journey to Read the Land of Saijo" ◯ Travel Fee 5,000 yen (tax included) per person *Monitor price. We kindly ask for your cooperation in answering a survey after the tour. Includes professional guide, chartered bus, and Setouchi meal for lunch. ◯ Date Wednesday, November 4, 2026 ◯ Time 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM *Gathering and registration at Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center at 8:35 AM. ◯ Capacity 40 people, first come first served. ◯ Itinerary Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (9:00 AM) = Furuta District = (View of Saijo's townscape and fault line cliff from Konsen-ji) Qkamura Setouchi Toyo Seaside Campsite (granite sandy beach and coastal vegetation) = Qkamura Setouchi = (Setouchi meal for lunch) Daimyojin River = (a river with overhead railway tracks) Kusunokigawa District = (spring water from Usui Daishi-dō associated with Kōbō Daishi legend) Teizui District = (Uchinuki from Meisui Hyakusen, Shikoku's Largest Estuarine Tidal Flat, and tidal flat creatures) Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (4:00 PM) ◯ Inquiries and Reservations General Incorporated Association Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefecture Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Registration Number: 1500005007749 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0030 TEL 0897-56-2605 FAX 0897-47-3733

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.

This is a photo I selected from my photo album, inspired by the theme of a photo contest titled "Autumn in Japan." The photo has not been edited. It is a beautiful picture of autumn flowers that I took at Jindaiji in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis. Jindaiji is a wonderful place rich in nature, known for its delicious soba, and it even offers pottery experiences (painting, bisque firing, and items can be taken home the same day). Soba manju and dumplings are also delicious. For someone like me who loves nature, art, and food culture, it is a place full of memories.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for October📣 Hello everyone! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" happening in October!♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes from Reihokumachi. This time, we will have rice, mandarins, and seasonal delicacies like sweet potatoes available! We look forward to seeing you all😊 Don't forget to bring your own bag🛍✨ 【Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Asparagus Chiffon ・Okra ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Oregano ・Water Spinach ・Chestnut Chiffon ・Sweet Potatoes🍠 ・Shishito Peppers ・Zucchini ・Climbing Spinach ・Flowers ・Bread ・Shiso Leaves ・Bell Peppers🫑 ・Bagged Mandarins ・Purple Chili Peppers ・Molokhia ・Boiled Peanuts🥜 ・Lettuce🥬 ・Roselle ・Late Rice (5kg), (10kg) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】Sunday, October 11th, from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center) (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Photographed on October 3, 26. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Taken on October 3, 2026. This is the flower handwashing at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

The higanbana of the tranquil forest. I felt the autumn as I was drawn to his passionate nature.

Taken on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float of Konohanasakuya-hime from Kishimachi 2-chōme visiting Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. The little photographer is adorable. I'm looking forward to this year's Kawagoe Festival.

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. ■■■■■■■■■■■■