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.

Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

The cosmos at Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden are in full bloom!! Both the mixed native species and the yellow cosmos are "in full bloom"! This weekend and throughout next week, you can enjoy particularly beautiful flowers. We invite you to visit the cosmos garden♪ Address: 70-1 Marudai, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido, 099-0407 Contact: ℡ 0158-42-0488 Entrance Fee: <Individual> Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen <Group> *For groups of 10 or more Adults (high school students and older) 500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 200 yen Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parking: 300 spaces (free)

【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

Announcement from Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden The cosmos season has arrived. Currently, about 70% of the cosmos garden is filled with a mixture of pink, red, and white native varieties, while yellow cosmos are in full bloom and flowering is progressing day by day. On Sunday, September 6th, the "Taiyo-no-Oka Cosmos Festa" will be held. This event features dance teams from within and outside the town in the "Cosmos Dance Festa," stage shows, and inflatable attractions, allowing families to enjoy while appreciating the cosmos. Come and see the beautifully blooming cosmos under the Okhotsk Blue sky! Address: Maru-O, Engaru Town, Monbetsu District, Hokkaido Phone Number: 0158-42-0488 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Admission Fee: <Individual> Adults (high school students and above) 600 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen <Group> *For groups of 10 or more Adults (high school students and above) 500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 200 yen Parking: 300 spaces (free)

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.

Under the golden ginkgo tree, my daughter spread her arms wide. The grounds of Iouin in Okegawa City, Saitama Prefecture, evoke a sense of history, surrounded by ginkgo leaves covering the ground. The beauty of autumn, cherished by the Japanese for generations, intertwines with the innocent figure of a child living in the present. It is a scene of autumn in Japan that I want to cherish forever.

Shosenkyo Gorge, designated as a "Priority Support Area"! In 2020, Shosenkyo Gorge was recognized as a Japan Heritage site, and along with the continuation of this recognition, it has now been selected as a "Priority Support Area" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs! This selection is based on the beautiful gorge, its history as a source of crystals, and the collaborative efforts of local government, communities, and students. We will continue to work together to promote the natural beauty, culture, and historical charm of Shosenkyo both domestically and internationally.

Introducing a newly opened shop in Bungoono, Oita Prefecture ❚ Kakurega Onoya Kakurega Onoya has opened in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. You can enjoy evening dishes and weekend lunches here. This warm establishment values handmade flavors. One of its features is that they prepare everything from demi-glace sauce to ponzu and dressings in-house. The owner, who has gained experience in various restaurants, opened this place with the desire to create an ideal shop. For lunch, we recommend the roast beef bowl made with Oita Prefecture's Wagyu beef. You can enjoy it slowly while changing the flavors with grated daikon and wasabi. Since there is a limited quantity, we recommend coming early. Weekends may fill up with reservations, so please check for seating before you go out. ■ Kakurega Onoya Store Information 【Business Hours】Tuesday to Thursday: 6 PM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM / 6 PM to 10 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM to 2 PM 【Closed】Sunday afternoons, Mondays 【Location】1613-3, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Contact】080-1714-5591 ■■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 sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival will be held at Ono River Riverside Park in Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fireworks festival, said to be the birthplace of Bungo fireworks, attracts many visitors every autumn. This year, about 3,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky. The launch is scheduled for 7:20 PM, allowing attendees to enjoy the fireworks leisurely as the sun sets and the air begins to cool. There will be special paid viewing seats for the fireworks near the venue (2,000 yen per seat). Reservations are not accepted in advance; tickets will only be sold on the day of the event, so please be aware of this. The event is expected to be bustling with many visitors, and parking congestion is anticipated. Since the number of parking spaces is limited, if you plan to come by car, please arrive early. If possible, consider using public transportation as well. Join us for a night of autumn fireworks lighting up the sky in Inukai. 【Date and Time】 Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7:20 PM for the fireworks launch. *Will proceed in light rain, canceled in inclement weather. 【Location】 Ono River Riverside Park (Inukai Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Fee】 Special paid viewing seat 2,000 yen per seat *No reservations; tickets sold only on the day. 【Access】 About a 10-minute walk from Inukai Station on JR; about a 2-minute walk from the Inukai Kuhara bus stop on Oita Bus. 【Parking】 Available *Limited spaces. 【Contact】 Bungo-Ono City Tourism Association TEL: 0974-27-4215 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono 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. ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This photo was taken at Endo Farm in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. It offers a prime spot to overlook the sunflowers blooming all around under the summer sky. From the top of a tall ladder, my daughter points and laughs at something she found. May this vibrant scene, filled with the bright yellow of the sunflowers and the blue sky, become a cherished summer memory for our family someday.

-The Door to Summer- This photo was taken at Ad Maridué in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. On a summer day, the blue sky and green countryside spread out before me. Beyond the yellow door lay a nostalgic landscape of a Japanese summer. I imagined the small back of my daughter, arms wide open as she prepared to run, filled with the anticipation of the summer to come and the desire for the memories of summer to last forever.

This is a view of the flower water basin at Obihiro Shrine in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. On the night of the 14th, LED lights in the water were illuminated, providing visitors with enjoyment as part of the "Evening Flower Water Basin."

Introducing a newly opened store in Bungoono, Oita Prefecture ❚ KEYSTONE Kyushu Located in Mie Town, Bungoono City, "KEYSTONE Kyushu" has opened its doors. This establishment was born from the barbecue restaurant run by the owner’s parents. The interior has been finished with DIY touches from the family, creating a warm atmosphere throughout. For lunch, they offer set meals and ramen, while dinner features an American diner experience, showcasing two different faces in one day. The chicken nanban set is particularly popular for lunch. The tartar sauce is served separately, allowing you to enjoy it in your preferred amount. For dinner, the hormone teppan, crafted with care from the barbecue restaurant’s expertise, is highly praised. The hamburgers are tender and easy to eat for people of all ages. Although it’s a riders' cafe, everyone is welcome, so if you're interested, why not stop by? ■KEYSTONE Kyushu Store Information 【Business Hours】11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM) / 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM) 【Closed】Mondays (If a holiday, closed the following Tuesday) 【Location】1086-288 Hyakue, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Contact】0974-22-7233 ■■Access from Fukuoka and Kumamoto to the center of Bungoono City■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The beautiful seas and mountains of Amakusa await you at the cycling event "Amakusa Loop! Amaichi Gran Fondo 2026," which will take place over two days on December 12 (Saturday) and 13 (Sunday), 2026! This year marks the 70th anniversary of Unzen-Amakusa National Park's designation, and it is a special event celebrating the recognition of "Amaichi" as the first national cycle route in Kyushu. Come and enjoy the bounties of the sea and mountains at this cycling event! ■Event Overview ・Event Name: 70th Anniversary Event of Unzen-Amakusa National Park's Designation - Amakusa Loop! Amaichi Gran Fondo 2026 ・Date: December 12 (Saturday) and 13 (Sunday), 2026 ・Location: Amakusa City, Kamiamakusa City, and surrounding areas of Reihokumachi ■Schedule and Course Details 【DAY 1】 December 12 (Saturday) Amakusa Islands, Shimoshima Area Event 1: 140km (Capacity: 150 participants) / Entry Fee: 13,000 yen Event 2: 80km (Capacity: 200 participants) / Entry Fee: 10,000 yen Event 3: 40km (Capacity: 50 participants) / Entry Fee: 5,000 yen 【DAY 2】 December 13 (Sunday) Amakusa Islands, Kamijima Area Event 4: 140km (Capacity: 150 participants) / Entry Fee: 13,000 yen Event 5: 80km (Capacity: 200 participants) / Entry Fee: 10,000 yen Event 6: 40km (Capacity: 50 participants) / Entry Fee: 5,000 yen *A discount of 2,000 yen will be applied for consecutive entries over two days. *A discount of 2,000 yen will be applied for elementary and junior high school students. ■Participation Qualifications ・Participants must comply with event regulations and traffic safety rules. ・Participants must be in elementary school or older (one guardian per elementary school student must accompany them). ・Participants must be confident in completing the entire course within the time limit without getting lost. ・Participants must be able to adhere to the etiquette of using the national park. ・Participants must have a love for nature. ■Application and Details For more details and entry methods, please check the official event website. (Search for "Amaichi Gran Fondo!") We sincerely look forward to your participation!

The "Goldfish Lantern" lights up on Shirakabe Street in Yanai. This summer, the goldfish that gently illuminated the old street corners during the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" will soon be taking a break. They look a little lonely. Thank you for this summer. See you again next year. Location: Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Gentazakura This is an Edohigan cherry tree estimated to be 300 years old, located on a mountain path known as "Sakura Sanri." There are two trees with diameters of 2.88m and 2.15m. They are designated as a natural monument by the city. The origin of the name "Gentazakura" comes from a story about Matsuyama han-shi Yano Goroemon Genta, who made prisoners plant cherry trees along the Nakayama River road. Unable to endure the harsh labor, one prisoner lamented, "Though the cherry blossoms bloom, it is Genta who punishes, and they will bear no fruit," which inspired the name. On Sundays in late March or early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the "Gentazakura Festival" is held, bustling with events like bazaars and rice cake throwing, attracting many tourists who come to catch a glimpse of the grand Edohigan cherry tree.

At Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin, you can find a wide variety of plums on display! 👏🏻👏🏻 A plum harvest calendar is also posted at the store, which can help you choose the right variety.✨ Enjoy the plums that are unique to this season!

The 4th National Stream Fishing Tournament Under the scorching summer sun, the "National Stream Fishing Tournament" was held 🎣 This time, an impressive total of 242 participants, both adults and children, joined in 💡 While there were many fishing enthusiasts, a lot of children came to participate in the fish-catching event ✨ Watching the children chase after the escaping fish with beaming smiles made me feel the essence of summer in Gokase 😁

🌻Sunflower Field🌻 In Teshikaga, there are spots where you can see many lovely sunflowers blooming beautifully at this time of year❣️ And guess what! Yesterday and today might just be the peak bloom?! You can easily find the location by searching for Taisei Rotec Corporation, Teshikaga Asphalt Plant. Enter the road next to the Teshikaga Town Speed Skating Rink! Please be careful as this place is different from the one posted last year⚠️ There is a parking area in front of the field, so please share the space amicably🅿️ Be sure to enjoy lots of sunflowers this year as well🌻

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Yesterday in Shosenkyo was a day with lots of clouds, making it relatively cool and comfortable. 🌿 During the Obon holiday, many of you visited Shosenkyo. Thank you very much to everyone who came! The hot days are still continuing, so please remember to stay hydrated and take care of your health. ☀️ When you feel like going somewhere a bit cooler, please do visit Shosenkyo. ⛰️ Enjoy the rich greenery and the scenic views of the gorge while taking your time to relax. We look forward to your visit! 😊 Date of photography: August 17th.

【Late Summer!】 This summer, head to the not-too-hot Minami-Izu 🌊☀️ ● About beach activities https://x.gd/Yiubz... ● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero extreme heat days (as of August 17)! https://x.gd/WewOB... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏖️ Beach ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A stunning beach with white sands and blue pines, selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches and top 100 bathing spots! Yumigahama Beach 📅 July 18 - August 30 This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back 🛟 Enjoy water activities and swimming together. Yumigahama Splash Water Park 📅 Until August 23 (Sunday) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤿 Activities ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A hidden beach accessible only by boat 🚤 Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a snorkeling paradise with abundant fish 🐠 📅 Until September 30 (Wednesday) 🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting applications! Departure dates: September 19 - 21 Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen Tour application here https://x.gd/ZH3a4... Yagawahama and Tawara-hama ferry (Mera) July 18 - August 31 * Starts July 25! IZU THE SOUTH 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp// * Summer posters are also on sale! B1 (Iro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen (Free distribution for Minami-Izu residents) 📷 Photo contest is also underway! Winning entries will receive luxurious prizes. Application here https://x.gd/LRM7Q...

On August 14, 2026, the Komatsu Fire Festival was held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fire festival, believed to have originated in the Edo period, is a traditional event dedicated to the memorial of the village headman who fell victim to a rebellion, as well as a prayer for abundant harvests. At 7:30 PM, the flames lit up the wide fields, slowly rising and creating a unique landscape of Ogata Town. It was a night that felt both lively and, in some way, serene. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ 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, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

This is the "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Cute "Kingyo Chochin" lanterns decorate the street corners, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the soft light spilling from the lanterns. On the other hand, during the "Bakusō Neputa" on August 13th, the adorable "Kingyo Neputa" transforms and performs a wild and frenzied run. (laughs)

Summer settled over the village like a green silence. The mountains slept beneath the endless blue sky, while cicadas sang from the trees as if they had been singing there forever. Bright flowers bloomed along an empty roadside, leading somewhere unknown. A lazy afternoon, a gentle breeze, and the delicate sound of wind chimes drifting through Okutama made this summer feel a little more magical.