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.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The mirror lion float has returned to Hon-Kawagoe Station. This year, 26 floats will parade, so I’m looking forward to it.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Rokkenmachi and Sanbasō.

Photographed on October 19, 25. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the parade of the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi 1-chome and the Iemitsu Tokugawa float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. These are the floats from Motomachi 2-chome and Sanno.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It’s the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Shintomi-cho 2-chome featuring the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) and the floats from Motomachi 2-chome featuring Sanno are being pulled together.

Azumino is a treasure trove of "Dosojin" Standing as the village's guardian deity, they can be found at the center of the village, along roads, and at crossroads Created with hopes for abundant harvests, good health, prosperity for descendants, and prevention of evil spirits and diseases Why not rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque countryside? 😄

Taken on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Wakitamachi featuring Ieyasu and the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome showcasing the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance).

Photographed on October 19, 25. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Nakaharacho featuring Kawagoe Taro Shigeyori, the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome showcasing Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance), and the float from Wakitamachi representing Ieyasu are parading.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It is the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The floats from Wakitamachi featuring Ieyasu, the float from Otemachi featuring Uzume, and the float from Kishimachi 2-chome featuring Konohanasakuya-hime are being pulled together.

Photographed on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the float from Nakaharacho, featuring Kawagoe Taro Shigeyori, and the float from Shintomi-cho 2-chome, showcasing the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance).

Photographed on October 19, 26. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. This is the Hon-Kawagoe PePe, which has closed, along with the Kagami Shishi (Mirror Lion Dance) float.

Kendama is always fun to try together, and it’s harder than it looks! At first, many school-age children say, “It’s difficult!” and can’t get the ball into the cup. But they keep trying and practicing. And when they finally do it, their faces light up with a big smile. 😊 It’s always fun to watch them keep trying until they get it. This is one of the simple traditional Japanese games families can enjoy at AriHana Kyoto.

Taken on October 19, 2025. This is the evening of the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.

Taken on October 19, 2025. It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival.

There are two weeks left until the Kawagoe Festival.

【Event Participation】We will be exhibiting at "Castle EXPO in Kumamoto 2026"! - Collaborating with the Shimabara Rebellion! - (October 3rd - 4th) We are excited to participate in the festival for castle fans, "Castle EXPO in Kumamoto 2026"! On that day, we will deliver the charm of "Tomioka Castle," a historical symbol of Amakusa and Reihokumachi, along with tourism information and the depth of history and culture to everyone across the nation. Additionally, this time we will implement special projects exclusive to the EXPO, including a joint workshop with castles related to the Shimabara Rebellion (Shimabara-Amakusa Uprising) and a stamp rally visiting related castles! 📍Guide to Our Booth and Highlights - We will provide detailed information about the history and structure of Tomioka Castle, as well as tourism spots and gourmet information in Reihokumachi. - We will have exclusive "Castle Stamps" and local specialties from Reihokumachi available. (Limited quantities) 🤝Special Collaboration Project Announcement A special project in collaboration with surrounding castles will also be held on-site! 1. Joint Workshop of Three Castles Theme: "Exploring the Shimabara Rebellion (Shimabara-Amakusa Uprising) from Three Perspectives - Prosperity, Prohibition and Rebellion, and Seclusion" Participating Castles: Hara Castle Ruins × Shimabara Castle × Tomioka Castle Date and Time: October 4th (Sunday) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Venue: Event Floor Workshop Space *We will deeply explore the truth and charm of history from the perspectives of the three castles that were the stage of the rebellion! 2. Stacking Stamp Rally Theme: "Let's Visit the Booths of 5 Castles Related to the Shimabara Rebellion!" This is a participatory project where you visit the booths of the five target castles within the venue, stack stamps, and complete one artwork. Please be sure to stop by our association's booth as well! 📅Event Overview Event Name: Castle EXPO in Kumamoto 2026 Date: October 3rd (Saturday) - 4th (Sunday), 2026, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Venue: Kumamoto-Jo Hall (3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City) Organizer: Special Edition Castle EXPO in Kumamoto 2026 Executive Committee Admission Fee: Paid (Advance tickets and same-day tickets available) *For ticket purchases and detailed information, please check the official website of "Special Edition Castle EXPO in Kumamoto 2026." We are preparing to thoroughly convey the charm of Tomioka Castle, rich in history and romance, as well as the allure of Amakusa and Reihokumachi. We sincerely look forward to your visit!

Today, September 25th (Friday) from 16:48, it will be broadcasted on FM Karuizawa's "RADIO MAGAZINE SAKUHO." This episode's topic is "Momiji Matsuri." Mr. Sasaki Takafumi, the president of the Sakuhomachi Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, will talk about the Momiji Matsuri. In our pick-up segment, we will introduce the ongoing "Sakuho Town Digital Stamp Rally!" The stamp rally has about one month left. Please tune in! ♪

【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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Gion Festival unfolds in the streets of Kyoto every year from July 1st to 31st, lasting for about a month. Among the festivities, the "Naginata Hoko" stands out with its remarkable presence. The photo shows the Naginata Hoko moving through the streets of Kyoto in the height of summer. Its luxurious decorations, large wheels, and the people pulling the hoko convey the tradition of Kyoto and the excitement of the festival that has been passed down for over a thousand years. Under the blazing sun, the Gion Festival has been preserved despite the sweat and heat. It is a beauty of Japanese traditional culture that can only be felt in the hot summer of Kyoto. Accompanied by the resonating Gion bayashi, the Gion Festival colors the summer in Kyoto. It is one of Japan's representative festivals that we hope will continue to be cherished.

August 22nd was the Tanabata Festival at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Nagano's soul food, "oyaki" is a local dish from Nagano Prefecture made with a dough of wheat or buckwheat flour, wrapped around various fillings such as vegetables, wild plants, mushrooms, and sweet red bean paste. Today, I would like to introduce you to the oyaki from "Azumidō" 😄 They offer over 40 different types of oyaki throughout the year. Inside the shop, there is an irori (traditional sunken hearth) where you can grill and enjoy the oyaki you purchase.♫ Located right by the Azumino Interchange, make sure to stop by Swan Garden when you visit Azumino!

The "Suhōten Festival" at Iminomiya Shrine, known as "the extraordinary festival of the world," boasts a history of over 1,800 years. Men carry bamboo poles that can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh over 100 kilograms! Everyone, be careful not to knock over the bamboo, "Total Concentration: Bamboo Breathing!" Filming location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Tourist Spot Introduction ❚ Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum Located in Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture, the "Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum" was renovated in July 2021. This facility serves as the base for the "Oita Bungo-Ono Geopark," showcasing the landscape of Bungo-Ono, shaped by the massive eruption of Mt. Aso approximately 90,000 years ago, along with the nature, lifestyle, and culture that have developed on it, presented gently through the museum's exhibits. The displays, including drone footage and three-dimensional terrain models, are designed to be enjoyable to watch, making it a perfect place to stop by for a break along your sightseeing route. Both adults and children can discover the charm of Bungo-Ono at their own pace. It is the first spot you want to visit when you feel like learning a little more about the town. ■■Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum 【Location】881 Uchida, Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture About a 40-minute drive from Oita Mera IC 【Opening Hours】9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) 【Closed】Mondays, national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29 - January 4) 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】Available ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ 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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture Recommended spots introduction ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kagura Hall Performances from August to November In Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, there is a facility called Kagura Hall. Regular public performances of Kagura are held here. We would like to inform you of the schedule for public performances from August to November. 【Location】Kagura Hall (810 Sunada, Kiyokawamachi, Bungoono City) 【Admission Fee】General 1,200 yen / 500 yen for junior high school students and younger (Both will increase by 500 yen on the day) *Tickets can be reserved in advance or purchased on the day. 【Contact】Kagura Hall TEL 0974-35-2372 ❚ August Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, August 16, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Asakusa-ryu Matsuo Kagura, Okakura Kagura Society 【Reservation Start Date】From June 16, 2026 ❚ August Independent Performance 【Date】Sunday, August 22, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Taketa High School Gagyu Kagura Aikōkai Club, Yufu High School Local Performing Arts Club 【Reservation Start Date】From June 22, 2026 【Admission Fee】General 800 yen, 500 yen for junior high school students and younger (same price for advance and day of) ❚ September Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, September 20, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Asakusa Inuyama Kagurasha Troupe, Shonai Baru Kagura Preservation Society 【Reservation Start Date】From July 20, 2026 ❚ October Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, October 18, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Shibayama Riraku, an affiliated organization of Shibayama Hachimansha Shrine, Takenaka Kagura Preservation Society 【Reservation Start Date】From August 18, 2026 ❚ November Public Performance 【Date】Sunday, November 15, 2026, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM 【Performing Groups】Ontake Kagura 【Reservation Start Date】From September 15, 2026 For more details, please check the "Kagura Hall" website. ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono 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 Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Yamaguchi Tanabata Chochin Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a fantastical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, gently illuminating the town. Please come to Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Taken on August 6, 26. These are the Tanabata decorations at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It's a Tanabata festival celebrated one month late. 🎋

It seems that the Tanabata Festival will be held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine tonight at 7 PM. 🎋

The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival has been held for about 600 years. Tens of thousands of red lanterns attached to bamboo sway gently, enveloping the streets in a magical light. What’s surprising is that all these countless lanterns are lit by real candle flames! Unlike electric lights, they flicker softly, illuminating the town gently. We warmly invite you to visit Yamaguchi! Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Taken on August 5, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was a month-late summer purification ceremony.