On October 31st, at Lake Tambara in Tambara Highlands, Gunma Prefecture, around 3 PM The autumn leaves are nearing their end, and the falling leaves have begun 🍂, but the breathtaking scenery was more than enough. There were relatively few people, allowing for a leisurely stroll. Tambara Highlands is a great area where you can enjoy diverse landscapes with a lake and wetlands adjacent to each other♪ Despite the unfortunate weather, the autumn leaves 🍁 and the ominous sky looked mystical, enhancing the overall satisfaction! I highly recommend it for nature lovers!

The Tale of the Male and Female Boatmen in Autumn In autumn, the Tsuya River is covered with cluster amaryllis. Male and female boatmen float on the river surface, creating a picturesque scene captured in an aerial view. Tsuya River, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture 2026/10

The 39th On Take-ryu Kagura Taikai was held at "Kagura-no-Sato Noh Stage Park" in Kiyokawacho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, on Sunday, October 25, 2026. This year, in addition to On Take Kagura and the Kiyokawacho Children’s Kagura Preservation Society, four other kagura troupes from inside and outside the city gathered to showcase their performances. One of the highlights was the "Encounter Kagura." Three kagura troupes performed the same piece simultaneously on three adjacent stages. The opportunity to compare the different styles and music of each troupe is a unique enjoyment of this event. On the day, many kagura fans visited the venue, making it a day to leisurely enjoy the performances of each kagura troupe. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

A Little Autumn Fairytale As I captured this moment, I was drawn into the warmth and magic of autumn. The golden sunlight, fallen leaves, colorful flowers, and adorable little dogs created a scene straight out of a fairytale. I wanted to preserve not just the beauty of this little picnic, but also the feeling of peace, warmth, and happiness it brought to my heart. For me, this photograph is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest moments hold the most precious emotions. Location: Showa memorial park

Waiting for the aftermath of the typhoon, I head to Mt. Tateyama, which is beginning to show its autumn colors. Under the clear autumn sky, the cool air envelops my skin, and I can feel the refreshing touch of the autumn breeze on my cheeks. The mountainsides are adorned with red, orange, and golden trees. Looking up, the Tateyama Mountain Range appears draped in a tapestry of autumn hues. The entire mountain is enveloped in deepening autumn colors, a breathtaking beauty. Location: Murodo-daira, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture.

The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition ❚ Held from October 18 to November 23, 2026 The 18th Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition will be held at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Among the 275 submitted works from 14 countries and regions, including Japan, 31 selected pieces will be displayed. This exhibition allows visitors to compare expressions from creators of different countries and cultures all at once. At the same venue, the "Oita Children's Sculpture Exhibition" featuring works by elementary and junior high school students from Oita Prefecture, as well as children and students from special support schools, will also be held. All submitted works will be displayed. On the opening day, October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at the Asakura Fumio Memorial Park. Following the opening ceremony and the award ceremony for the children's sculpture exhibition, various activities are planned, including food trucks, a flea market, a light truck sauna experience, a tea ceremony in the open air, and a kagura performance. Admission to the Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum will also be free on this day. Why not find your favorite piece at the sculpture exhibition? 【Date】 From October 18 (Sunday) to November 23 (Monday, National Holiday) *Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, the following weekday will be closed) 【Location】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Cultural Hall (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture; within Asakura Fumio Memorial Park) 【Hours】 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) 【Admission】 Free 【Access】 About 60 minutes by car from Oita Meira IC 【Parking】 Available (free) 【Opening Day Event Schedule】 On October 18 (Sunday), there will be an opening event at Asakura Fumio Memorial Park 10:00 AM - Opening ceremony and children's sculpture exhibition award ceremony 11:00 AM - Food trucks, flea market (Yasuragi Chaya), light truck sauna experience, tea ceremony in the open air 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Kagura performance 【Contact】 Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum 0974-72-1300 ■■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 sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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! 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.

【Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount Eligible】Stay at the suite rooms "Shirokane no Mori" in a forest resort & experience the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism" – Refresh your mind and body in the closest spot to the clear stream. This tour allows you to experience a stay at a hotel in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and visit Kikuchi Gorge, a representative tourist spot of Kikuchi City, all in one go. We have started accepting reservations for a stay at the farm auberge "Shirokane no Mori" and a special plan utilizing the rich natural space of Kikuchi Gorge, the "Kikuchi Gorge Wellness Tourism." This is a luxurious accommodation experience and a morning retreat program that sharpens your senses for those seeking self-improvement and refreshment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 【First Phase】Meditation and Tea Ceremony Experience Plan From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, you will have a meditation and tea ceremony experience led by tea master Matsumura in Kikuchi Gorge (each participant will receive a portable tea set, and tea will be brewed using water from Kikuchi Gorge), along with a rice ball bento breakfast. 【Second Phase】Mindfulness Walking and Medicinal Cuisine Bento Breakfast Plan From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. The morning after your stay, we will provide mindfulness walking in Kikuchi Gorge and a handmade medicinal cuisine bento breakfast that is gentle on the body. Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per session (please apply in pairs of 2 or groups of 3). For more details: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu... To make a reservation: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... Price: 63,000 yen Regular travel fee (per person, including accommodation and breakfast/dinner): 63,000 yen (tax included) After applying the Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Discount (actual payment amount): 43,000 yen (tax included) *Sales assistance amount: A maximum of 20,000 yen per travel contract per person applies. Event Dates: 【First Phase】From Saturday, October 31, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. 【Second Phase】From Saturday, November 7, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, 1 night and 2 days. Reservations: https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan... https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/k-maindofurunesu...

The 20th Teshikaga Tourism School, "Connecting to the Future: The Image of Teshikaga," has reached full capacity due to the many applications received, and registration is now closed. We look forward to welcoming all participants to the school. ---------------------------------------------------- The 8th year of the Reiwa era "Teshikaga Tourism School" will be held! Opening up the future of tourism from Teshikaga, Hokkaido! The 20th Teshikaga Tourism School, "Connecting to the Future: The Image of Teshikaga," will be held at Kawayu Onsen over two days from Saturday, November 7th to Sunday, November 8th, 2026! Please join us for this memorable 20th session. Participants from outside Teshikaga Town are also welcome.

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.

Red spider lilies in Yasuragi no Hayashi Yasuragi no Hayashi, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture September 2026

The summer heat is gradually coming to an end, and in the tropical Miyazaki, the nights are becoming a bit cooler. As October arrives, we can feel the refreshing autumn. Now, in Tsunocho, Miyazaki Prefecture, various events will take place from October until the end of the year. This time, I will briefly introduce these events in a list format. I hope this serves as a reference for outings from autumn to winter. *With autumn sports information* "Event Information for Tsunocho, Miyazaki Prefecture (as of October 2nd)" ▪ October 10th to 14th (Saturday to Wednesday) 2026 All Japan Social Hockey Championship (a preliminary event for the National Sports Festival) Miyachiku Fujimi Park (Tsunocho) ▪ October 25th (Sunday) Starts at 10:00 AM 27th Kyushu Open Arm Wrestling Miyazaki Tournament North lawn area of Roadside Station Tsuno (special venue) ▪ October 25th (Sunday) 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 3rd Ichinomiya City (regular event) In front of the torii gate at Tsuno Shrine (next to the arm wrestling venue) ▪ October 31st (Saturday) Time TBD Halloween Sports Day organized by the Tsuno Town Youth Association Tsuno Winery ▪ October 31st and November 1st (Saturday and Sunday) 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (tentative) Fujimi City (regular event) South plaza of Miyachiku Fujimi Park ▪ November 15th (Sunday) 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tsuno Wine Harvest Festival Tsuno Winery ▪ November 22nd (Sunday) Classic Car Festival Tsuno Winery ▪ November 29th (Sunday) 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tsuno Town Industrial Festival (the largest event in the town with a stage) Tsuno Town Nakamachi Plaza (Google Maps search: Tsuno Bus Stop) ▪ December 4th and 5th (Friday and Saturday) Winter Festival at Tsuno Shrine Tsuno Shrine, Ichinomiya in Hyuga ▪ Scheduled for late December Ichinomiya City Christmas Market There are various events! Among them, Ichinomiya City appears multiple times, but this is actually a regular event that started this year! We are still exploring the direction of the event, but we will create a unique event in the future, so please come and visit us someday.

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

The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono ❚ Held on October 17th and 18th, 2026 The 7th Sauna Expo 2026 in Bungo-Ono will take place at Lodge Kiyokawa in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue will feature around 20 tent saunas, making it a two-day event where sauna enthusiasts gather from all over the country. In addition to saunas, there will be food stalls and music events, allowing for a relaxed experience throughout the day. On the day of the event, programs such as VIP Aufguss, stage performances, food markets, and group whisking will be held. Tickets will be available in various types, including one-day tickets, two-day passes, the Ichiban Sauna ticket that allows entry one hour before opening, and VIP one-day tickets with reserved time. As no additional tickets will be released, please check early if you are interested. A pre-festival without saunas will also be held on Friday, October 16th, featuring cuisine and live performances from Cafe Paramu. For sauna lovers, these two autumn days are not to be missed! 【Date】 October 17th (Saturday) and 18th (Sunday), 2026 *The pre-festival is on October 16th (Friday) 【Location】 Lodge Kiyokawa (158 Udaeda, Kiyokawamachi, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 8:00 AM Doors Open 9:00 AM Ichiban Sauna Starts (Ichiban Sauna ticket required) 10:00 AM VIP and General Saunas Start, All Programs Begin 5:00 PM End *For pre-festival timings, please inquire 【Fees】 One-day ticket: 7,500 yen Two-day pass: 13,500 yen Ichiban Sauna ticket (1 day): 8,500 yen VIP ticket (1 day): 16,000 yen Pre-festival ticket: 6,000 yen (no sauna) *Free for high school students and younger when accompanied by a guardian 【Access】 About 50 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC 【Parking】 Available (free) *Free shuttle service between the parking lot and venue ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita 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.

The Hokusei Line in autumn The white cluster amaryllis contrasts beautifully with the yellow train. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture September 2026

The coral reef Looked like a coral reef when viewed from above the autumn leaves of Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture.

The higanbana blooming beside the stairs is beautiful. Myojorin-ji, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture September 23, 2026

HARAJIRI CYCLE FES 2026 "CLEAN RIDE" ❚ October 4, 2026 The "HARAJIRI CYCLE FES 2026 CLEAN RIDE" will be held at Roadside Station Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The international cycling competition "Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026" will take place from October 9 to 12, with the Oita and Kumamoto stage starting from Bungoono City Hall on October 11 (Sunday). This event allows participants to ride part of the course while cleaning around the roadside station before the race. On the day of the event, registration and the opening ceremony will begin at Roadside Station Harajiri Falls, followed by cleaning and litter picking in the area. After that, participants will cycle from Harajiri Falls to Roadside Station Kiyokawa, which is part of the route that the athletes will take on October 11. Cleaning will also take place around Roadside Station Kiyokawa before returning to Harajiri Falls, making it a half-day event. Light refreshments will be provided at both roadside stations. Pre-registration is required to participate. The event is open to those in junior high school and above, with a limit of 20 participants. The registration deadline is September 25 (Friday) at 17:00, and it will close once the capacity is reached. We look forward to your participation to ensure a pleasant race in October. 【Date】 October 4, 2026 (Sunday) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM *Postponed to October 4 (Sunday) due to bad weather 【Schedule】 8:00 AM Registration begins (Roadside Station Harajiri Falls) 8:30 AM Opening ceremony and cleaning/litter picking begins (Roadside Station Harajiri Falls) 9:30 AM Cycling (Harajiri Falls → Roadside Station Kiyokawa) 10:20 AM Cleaning and litter picking (Roadside Station Kiyokawa) 11:20 AM Cycling (Roadside Station Kiyokawa → Harajiri Falls) 12:00 PM Finish 【Meeting Place】 Roadside Station Harajiri Falls *Near the area with the wall of the Japanese serow 936-1 Harajiri, Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Parking】 Available *Please use the parking lot near the double waterwheel 【Capacity】 First 20 participants *Open to those in junior high school and above 【Registration Deadline】 September 25, 2026 (Friday) at 17:00 (Deadline as soon as capacity is reached) 【Application✍️】 Please use the QR code on the flyer ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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.

Harajiri Falls Boat Tour ❚ September 21-23, 2026 The Harajiri Falls Boat Tour will take place at Harajiri Falls in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Experience the beauty of Harajiri Falls, often referred to as the Niagara of the East, up close on a raft boat. Enjoy a view from near the waterfall’s basin, offering a different perspective and thrilling experience. For those who want to feel the splashes of water, the Adventure Course is recommended, while those who prefer a leisurely view should choose the Scenic Course. Why not enjoy a moment closer to Harajiri Falls this autumn in Bungoono? 【Date】September 21 (Mon, Holiday), 22 (Tue), 23 (Wed, Holiday) ▶10:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day 【Location】Harajiri Falls (410 Harajiri, Ogata Town, Bungoono City) ▶Please arrive at the stairs leading down to the falls 30 minutes before your reservation time. 【Courses】Choose from the following two options ① Adventure Course (about 30 minutes) ¥4,000 per person *You will get wet. Please bring a change of clothes, water-friendly shoes, and a towel. A simple changing room will be provided. ② Scenic Course (about 15 minutes) ¥3,000 per person *You may get slightly wet from the splashes. 【Eligibility】Ages 3 and up (children must be accompanied by a guardian) 【Application】Please apply via the QR code on the flyer ■Additional Information The event may be canceled due to weather or river flooding. If there are openings on the day, we can accommodate without a reservation. Reservations for non-event times are also being accepted (please check the application form above for details). ■Inquiries about the event Moon Bridge Co., Ltd. × SOUTH WAVE (Contact: Ono) TEL 090-6896-5296 ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival ❚ Held on October 25, 2026 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival will take place at "Kagura no Sato Noba Park" in Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The main feature, Ontake Kagura, is said to have begun with the establishment of Ontake Shrine in the first year of Hōtoku (1449). In 2007, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government. On the day of the event, six groups from various locations in the prefecture, including Ontake Kagura, are scheduled to perform. Food and beverage stalls will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing day from morning. Parking near the venue is limited, but on the day of the event, a free shuttle bus will operate back and forth from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station to the Kagura Hall (which has parking) and then to Noba Park. Be sure to witness the traditional dance of Kagura that has been passed down through generations. 【Date】Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:45 AM 【Location】Kagura no Sato Noba Park (Udaeda, Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Performing Groups】 Ichinoya Riraku (Usuki City, Ichinoya) Ogata Sansha Kagura Preservation Society (Ogata-cho, Bungoono City) Jōhara Kagura Preservation Society (Takeda City, Jōhara) Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society (Yufu City, Shonai-cho) Kiyokawa Children’s Kagura Preservation Society (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) Ontake Kagura (Kiyokawa-cho, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】 Please pay at the entrance on the day of the event. ▶ Junior high school students and above: 500 yen (all seats unreserved) *Please refrain from reserving spots before the day of the event. 【Access to the Venue】 Parking near the venue is limited. A shuttle bus will operate from Bungo-Kiyokawa Station on the day, so please use it. 【Shuttle Bus (Free)】Operating back and forth between Bungo-Kiyokawa Station and the venue Bungo-Kiyokawa Station → via Kagura Hall (with parking) → Noba Park 【Inquiries about the Festival】 The 39th Ontake-ryu Kagura Festival Executive Committee (Kiyokawa Branch, Bungoono City Hall) TEL: 0974-35-2111 ■■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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

JAF Kyushu Rally Championship Round 5 "EAST Kyushu 2026" ❚ Held on September 20, 2026 The "JAF Kyushu Rally Championship Round 5 (EAST Kyushu 2026)" will be held in Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This event features a rally competition covering approximately 145 km in the city, starting and finishing in Ogata Town, Bungoono City. It will take place from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20, with gallery seating available at Ontake Mountain Natural Park on the 20th, allowing spectators to watch up close. Experience the thrill as the competition vehicles rush past you. Gallery seating is limited to 100 vehicles and requires advance registration. The participation fee is 1,000 yen per person, while residents of Bungoono City and elementary school students can attend for free. Please bring identification that verifies your address and age on the day of the event. Once you enter the venue, you cannot leave until all competition vehicles have passed. Please prepare your drinks and other necessities in advance. Enjoy the excitement of the rally unfolding in the clear autumn air of Bungoono. *Please note that the service park for competition vehicles has been moved to the vacant lot next to Ogata Kodomoen (formerly Ogata Nursery School) near the Ogata Branch Office in Bungoono City.* *In case of rain, the Ogata Branch Office may serve as the service park.* *For more details, please contact the organizer.* 【Date】 Sunday, September 20, 2026 *Rain or shine* 【Gallery Venue】 Ontake Mountain Natural Park (Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】 1,000 yen per person *Free for residents of Bungoono City and elementary school students* 【Registration】 Advance registration required for 100 vehicles *Please register using the QR code on the flyer.* 【Contact】 Rally Club Oita 090-3602-2343 (Contact: Hayata) ■■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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture (Bungoono City) ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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

【Cancellation Notice】 Due to poor ground conditions, preparations could not be completed by the day before, and the "58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City" scheduled for Sunday, September 20th has been canceled. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 58th Gosenkoku Matsuri in Ogata Town, Bungoono City ❚ Scheduled for September 20, 2026 The Gosenkoku Matsuri will be held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This is a unique annual festival where portable shrines from around Ogata Town gather in one schoolyard. It is held with the aim of connecting traditional culture, which has been passed down in the community, to the next generation, along with prayers for a bountiful harvest. At the venue, Ogata Elementary School grounds, the portable shrines are lined up neatly, and the sounds of drums, lion dances, and kagura (Shinto ritual dance) add color to the festival. Among the highlights, the lion dance and white bear, which are rarely seen up close, are unique attractions for this day. 【Date】Sunday, September 20, 2026 【Location】Ogata Elementary School Grounds (100 Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) The event may be canceled or changed due to weather conditions. 【Event Schedule】 10:00 Lion Dance, White Bear, Portable Shrine Setup 11:30 Mikoshi Matsuri (Procession of the Portable Shrine) 12:00 Ogata Akatsuki Taiko (Drum Performance) 12:15 Okudake Ryū Kamihata Lion Dance Club 12:30 Ogata Three Shrines Kagura, Ogata Children's Kagura 16:00 Return of the Portable Shrine 16:20 Lion Dance, White Bear 17:15 Return of the Portable Shrine *Start times may vary depending on the situation. ▶ Concurrent Event 13:30～ Children's Portable Shrine Procession 【Organizer and Contact】 Gosenkoku Matsuri Executive Committee, Ogata Branch Phone: 0974-42-2111 ■■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 sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

"Wind chimes and mist" The refreshing sound of wind chimes resonates in the summer shrine grounds. The mist drifting through gently eases the hot air. The coolness felt through the ears and the coolness felt on the skin. This moment, unique to summer in Japan, has been captured in a single frame.

Even the shopkeeper cat is down. At Mamada Hachimangu Shrine, there are many "shrine cats." They have cat goshuin stamps and cat's one-grain-manifold protection charms. The shrine grounds are bathed in the summer sun. By the water fortune slips, even the shopkeeper cat seemed unable to withstand the heat. Stretching out on the stone pavement, it takes a moment to rest. This captures a slice of everyday life in Japan, amidst the summer heat.