Gourmet Information ❚ Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store At the Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store in Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, grapes are sold directly from August to the end of October. The varieties available change with the season, and the highlight in October is the Shine Muscat. At this time, the Shine Muscat is perfectly sweet, with firm, plump berries that offer a satisfying taste. You can enjoy them with the skin on; just wash and chill them for an easy treat. They are also easy for little ones to eat, making them a great snack for families. If the timing is right, you might find bagels from Tanaka-machi Coffee Shop available at the store. Sales will continue until the end of October, so if you're interested, it's best to go early. ■■Hirai Farm Direct Sales Store 【Location】 Miemachikawabe, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Business Hours】 Weekdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Open for a limited time from August to the end of October *Please check the latest business days on the farm's Instagram 【Regular Holidays】 Monday, Tuesday 【Access】 About 40 minutes by car from Oita Merah IC 【Parking】 Available 【Contact】 Reach out to Hirai Farm on Instagram (@h0810n) ■■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 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Event Announcement📣 On October 4th (Sunday), a major event celebrating the autumn of Otofuke Town, "Local Produce SHOW & Food Education Minori-mu Festa Otofuke 2026," will be held 😊 This year, it will take place at two venues, featuring sales of delicious local food and agricultural products, and experience corners filled with activities for both children and adults 🎵 There will be a variety of performances, including a town PR by high school students from Otofuke's sister town, Karumai Town in Iwate Prefecture, a music live show by the Otofuke regional revitalization cooperation team, rhythmic gymnastics, a rock-paper-scissors tournament with chances to win "Otofuke Suzuran Wagyu," and a photo session with local mascots‼ Additionally, you can enjoy limited menu items and BBQ featuring Wagyu in preparation for the "National Wagyu Ability Competition Hokkaido Tournament" to be held in Otofuke and Obihiro City next August 😍 Other activities include making American dogs, crafting wool mascots, a traditional festival, and a bouncy dome, ensuring plenty of fun for children. The event will be filled with local gourmet food and agricultural product sales, making it a day full of enjoyment ✨✨ Moreover, there will be a fun lottery where you can win local specialties and Tokachi River hot spring accommodation vouchers 🎵 When you shop at "Roadside Station Otofuke," "Ryugyoku Sweetpea Garden," "Food and Merchandise Corner," or "Experience Corner (paid)," you will receive one lottery ticket for every 1,000 yen spent (one entry per draw)! *Note: Lottery tickets will be distributed until they run out. Please come and experience the charm of Otofuke Town at this event 🤗 [Important Notice] *We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing pets into the venue. 🔶Date and Time: October 4, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM 🔶Venue: Roadside Station Otofuke "Natsuzora no Furusato" / Former Hokuren Tokachi District Livestock Market *A free shuttle bus will operate at the venue. *Those using the free shuttle bus will receive one fun lottery ticket and a pocket tissue as a gift. 🔶Contact: Minori-mu Festa Executive Committee (Otofuke Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division, Industrial Promotion Section) TEL: 0155-42-2111 https://www.town.otofuke.hokkaido.jp/kanko/oshirase/2025minoriimu.html...

Captured on August 17, 26. This is the "Kawagoe Tanabata Musubuomoi Wind Chimes" at Kajimachi Hiroba Square.

Taken on August 5, 2014. This is the wind chime for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, along with the main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property.

The beach season in Minami-Izu Town ended on August 30th. However, there are still places where summer isn't over! One such hidden gem is Hirizo Beach, which is more well-known than its geographical name. It's a spot where you can see numerous fish and corals, and the long-awaited period for snorkeling enthusiasts has begun. If you missed seeing the fish you wanted, please consider purchasing the 2027 Hirizo Beach illustrated calendar. *In case the boat to Hirizo Beach is canceled, please check our tourism association BASE (https://minamiizukan.base.shop/)... or purchase it at our counter. Another spot is Koiji Coast. It is gradually becoming popular. This spot is a hidden gem known to those in the know, offering excellent visibility and opportunities for activities like SUP in addition to snorkeling. Please come visit "not-too-hot Minami-Izu Town," where the highest temperature in August (31.4°C) is lower than in July (32.9°C), this September.

A barbecue for ten thousand people at the foot of Mt. Tarumae! On August 29th (Saturday) and 30th (Sunday), the Tarumae Sun Festival concluded successfully.🍖 The venue was Makiba no Hiroba within the Auto Resort Tomakomai Alten.✨ Large vehicle test drives and experience rides, utilizing the vast space, were also very popular! Thank you to everyone who attended this year.

Taken on August 25, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Prince Hotel.

Photographed on August 25, 2014. These are the Enmusubi wind chimes from Kawagoe Prince Hotel.

ℹ️ As of today, August 31st, the swimming period at Shirahama Ohama Beach and Kujuppama Beach has ended. This marks the end of the swimming period at all beaches in Shimoda City. Thank you to everyone who visited this year! 🌊✨ Starting tomorrow, September 1st, there will be no lifeguards or monitors on duty. When spending time at the beach after September, let's enjoy safely and without taking unnecessary risks.✨

Taken on August 6, 26. This is the matchmaking wind chime from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Ryōfū-sō. Hikawa Ryōfū-sō is open until today (August 31).

Taken on August 29, 2026. This is a photo spot for the "Magical Chiikawa POP UP STORE" being held at Maruhiro Department Store until the 31st.

Taken on August 29, 26. I visited the "Magical Chiikawa POP UP STORE" currently being held at Maruhiro Department Store Kawagoe.

Photographed on August 27, 2014. I took a stroll in Kawagoe for a breather. This is Chillac Soda with grape flavor and a white peach & Earl Grey tart. 🍇🍑

Taken on August 27, 2026. This is the Aitai fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on August 27, 2026. These are the matchmaking wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

The Kawayu Shrine Grand Festival Starting today, August 27th, the 'Kawayu Shrine Grand Festival' kicks off at Kawayu Onsen! Today, we enjoyed the Kawayu Bayashi and a karaoke competition. It will continue until the 29th, so be sure to check it out! ✔️ From tomorrow, there will be plenty of events along with delicious food and drinks, so stay tuned! ☺️🪅

🍺【Wagyūri Night BAR】🍻 📅 Date: August 28 (Friday) and 29 (Saturday), 2026 🕒 Time: 18:00 – 21:00 📍 Venue: South Plaza of Tokachigawa Onsen Guide Center Next year, from August 26 to 30, 2027, the 13th National Wagyū Ability Competition will be held in Otofuke and Obihiro City, featuring the highly popular mascot character "Wagyūri"💓🐃 Let's enjoy the illuminated Tokachigawa Onsen with "Wagyūri" at the night BAR!✨ 【Highlights↓】 🔸 Gourmet food using the local beef brand "Otofuke Town Suzuran Wagyū" will be available!✨ 🔸 Alcoholic and soft drinks will be on sale! 🔸 Bamboo art installation Let's relax and enjoy the night at Tokachigawa Onsen with delicious Wagyū gourmet and drinks! ✅ For more details, check the image! We will keep you updated! We look forward to seeing many of you!😊

Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan at 350 meters, flows with melted snow from the Tateyama Mountain Range even in August. This deep valley allows you to experience the refreshing coolness of summer through your senses—skin, ears, and eyes.

Taken on August 27, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. These are the matchmaking wind chimes. I prayed for good luck on my exam. 🙏

At CAFE ANDON, the limited-time Chinese morning featuring five-grain rice balls is recommended with Taiwanese oolong tea until Saturday, the 29th.

On August 23, 2026, the 33rd Sugaoi Stone Buddha Fire Festival was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. During the festival's signature event, the "Chicken Crowing Contest," participants donned creative costumes and showcased their unique crowing sounds. The venue was filled with warm smiles and applause throughout the event. Additionally, the stage featured powerful performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums by the "Toyokai" and dances from "Okubata Kagura," captivating the audience with a series of impressive acts. In the latter half of the festival, the "Torch Throwing" event took place, where lit torches were thrown at a pillar approximately 3 meters high, with many children eagerly participating. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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 recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is a Chinese morning set featuring Gomoku Okowa rice balls from CAFE ANDON. It is available exclusively until Saturday, the 29th, from 8:00 to 10:00. The set includes Gomoku Okowa, chicken soup, lightly pickled celery, Kyoto-style pickled daikon, boiled eggs topped with chili oil, and lemongrass jelly. It was a great success. 😊

🚢 Notice of Cruise Ship Arrival 🚢 The cruise ship "Asuka II" is coming to Kushiro! Passengers will disembark and enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro. We hope the local residents will warmly welcome them with a friendly atmosphere 😊 As the ship departs, there will be a farewell performance featuring Ainu musical instruments and traditional dance by the Harutori Ainu Ancient Dance Kushiro Rimse Preservation Society 👋 We look forward to your participation! ✨ *General visitor parking available Date: Thursday, August 27, Year R8 Arrival 8:00 Departure 17:00 Location: Kushiro Port West No.4 Pier Local product stalls from around 9:00 to 14:00 (including food trucks and miscellaneous goods for sale 🥪🥤) *Some stalls will open from 8:00 Farewell around 16:40 #Kushiro City #Cruise Ship #Eastern Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Asuka

Photographed on August 6, 2014. These are the matchmaking wind chimes from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and Hikawa Kaikan.

Taken on August 6, 26. Kawagoe Hikawa Kaikan, featuring red and white wind chimes tied with a decorative cord.

It's really hot, isn't it? 🫠 This is a wind chime water.

Photographed on August 16, 2026. The wind chimes on the benches at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine had changed to a love color.

Photographed on August 16, 26. This is the peach parfait from Hikawa Suzukaze-sou. It includes tai monaka, coconut meringue, lychee & raspberry macaron, almond cookie, peach milk sorbet, whipped cream & soufflé cheesecake, almond sable, peach & raspberry, and chewy peach jelly & lychee agar.

📺📢 【STV Dosanko Wide 179 Appearance】 On Monday, August 24, 2026, the staff from the Lake Mashu Tourism Association will promote Teshikagacho for one minute on "Dosanko Wide 179"!! It seems that the appearance time was earlier than scheduled, but I was relieved that it was broadcasted properly. Thank you to everyone who watched. #Dosanko Wide 179

On August 22, 2026, the 8th Bungo Buono Station Front Marche was held in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The venue featured various stalls offering light snacks such as shaved ice and sweets, as well as drinks like juice and coffee. Additionally, there were lottery draws, free tuk-tuk rides, and a light truck sauna, making it a bustling event from evening until night. The stage showcased a variety of performances including children's taiko drumming, ukulele, kagura, hula, and kids' dance, culminating in a lively lottery and mochi throwing that drew cheers from all around the venue. A heartfelt thank you to all the vendors, performers, and attendees. ■■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 minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■