"The Crimson Bridge Crossing into a New Autumn" Akagi Ohnuma Woodpecker Bridge spans Gunma Prefectural Akagi Park, near Onuma. This bridge, leading to Akagi Shrine, completed its reconstruction on December 16, 2025, welcoming its first autumn in a new form. The vibrant crimson bridge stands against the backdrop of Mt. Akagi, which has begun to turn shades of red and yellow. And the endlessly clear blue sky stretches above. The newly transformed bridge meets the autumn that arrives unchanged every year. I captured this beautiful encounter in a single photograph.

The Shirahama Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in Izu, will host the "Shirahama Shrine Grand Festival" from October 28th to 30th. Prayers will be offered to the islands of the Izu Islands, carried by the waves and wind⛩️✨ Main events over the three days… October 28th (Wednesday) | Hitachisai A festival that signals the beginning of the celebrations to the deities of the Izu Islands, held at Shirahama Beach. October 29th (Thursday) | Grand Festival and Offering of Sanbasou (traditional dance) The Grand Festival is the largest event during the celebrations, praying for peace and prosperity🌿 From 6 AM, the Offering of Sanbasou will be conducted solemnly For general visitors, it will also take place at the gathering place from noon✨ October 30th (Friday) | Onbeinagashi Festival This festival reports to the deities that the celebrations have concluded safely. 📍 Shirahama Shrine (2740 Shirahama, Shimoda City) Event period: October 28th to 30th, 2026 (annually on the same dates) Parking: Available (For worship during the festival period, please use the Shimoda Prince Hotel large parking lot) Access: Bus 🚌 From Shimoda Station, take the bus to Itado Isshiki (Line 9) and get off at "Shirahama Shrine," just a short walk away. ⚠️ Please note that event times and content may change due to weather conditions.

Taken on October 26, 2026. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I stopped by LEC COFFEE. This is a hot sandwich set. It includes a hot sandwich with omelette, bacon, and lettuce, along with a salad and butternut squash potage. Rainy days allow for a relaxed time.

Taken on October 26, 2014. I strolled around Kawagoe in the rain. This is the lucky charm fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Choraku-ji Temple's large ginkgo tree in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture It becomes clear when a person stands next to it that it is an enormous ginkgo.

Rikyū Hachimangū Shrine 21-1 Nishitani, Oyamazakicho, Otokuni District, Kyoto Prefecture Nearest station: Yamazaki Station (Kyoto), a short walk from the exit Rikyū Hachimangū Shrine, located in Oyamazakicho, Kyoto Prefecture, is said to have begun when the Hachiman deity was enshrined during the Heian period. It later became known as "Rikyū Hachimangū" due to its connection to the former palace site associated with Emperor Saga, as introduced in the town's guide.

Hiko Jinja Shrine 44 Yawata Doi, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture The main hall of Hiko Jinja Shrine consists of three altars. In the center of the main hall, the deity of the sky, Nigihayahi no Mikoto, is enshrined. To the left is Yakukō Shrine, dedicated to the great figures of Japanese pharmacy, and to the right is the Ancestral Spirits Shrine, which honors those who lost their lives in aviation accidents and pioneers of the aviation industry. Generally, it is a popular spot for people visiting for the following prayers. Aviation Safety: Prayers for safety before boarding a plane Travel Safety and Traffic Safety: For protection during business trips or long journeys Prayers for success and more.

Minase Shrine 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture This shrine, located in Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture, enshrines three emperors: Emperor Go-Toba, Emperor Tsuchimikado, and Emperor Juntoku. It has a deep connection to the historical events of the Jokyu War, and visitors can feel the atmosphere related to the imperial family in its tranquil grounds.

Nomi Shrine 6-6 Nomi-cho, Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture Nomi Shrine is located in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. It is within walking distance from Takatsuki Station on the Hankyu Railway. Many people visit Nomi Shrine to pray to the deity of victory in martial arts. There were visitors for Shichi-Go-San... The tradition of visiting on November 15 has been passed down for a long time, but many families now visit on convenient days from October to November. The omikuji (fortune slip) is shaped like a sumo wrestler, which is unusual.

Photographed on October 17, 2026. This is the flower water basin at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Against the backdrop of vibrant autumn leaves, the maple quietly emerges. The bokeh created by the light transforms the autumn scenery into a fantastical world. (Location: Kyorinbo)

The moment when the softly translucent maple revealed an unexpected pale pink in the backlight. The delicacy of autumn colors stood out. (Location: Kyorinbo)

Red and golden branches overlap, enveloping the stone steps. Under the vibrant autumn leaves, the silhouette of a person walking slowly down the stone steps creates a picturesque scene. (Location: Ryūon-ji)

Taken on October 21, 2014. After visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we stopped by cafe andon. I had the Andon chicken curry.

Taken on October 21, 2026. This is the love fortune slip from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Taken on October 21, 26. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded with Shichi-Go-San and coming-of-age ceremonies.

The Autumn Festival at Fukuōji Shrine is a festival that features a portable shrine passing through the Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji, showcasing the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. This year, after seven years, the Kenboko (spear-like decoration) was presented within the grounds of Ninna-ji. The highlight is the magnificent procession of the Senkan portable shrine! In front of the Nio Gate at Ninna-ji, there will be performances of taiko drums, lion dances, and the "lifting" and "turning" of the portable shrine, creating a lively atmosphere for the festival. Additionally, the normally closed Imperial Gate of Ninna-ji will be opened, providing a rare opportunity for solemn ceremonies to be held in front of the Shin-den. This year marks the return of the Kenboko presentation after seven years within the grounds of Ninna-ji. 📅Every year on the third Sunday of October 📍Procession of the Portable Shrine Starting from Fukuōji Shrine, it will pass through Narutaki, Yamagoe, Uzumasa, Tokiwa, and Omuro, then return to Fukuōji Shrine via Ninna-ji. 📸 Recommended Viewing Spots Around 14:30｜In front of the mountain gate of Ninna-ji Around 15:30｜Fukuōji Intersection This autumn festival in Kyoto is filled with the enthusiasm and traditions of the local people.

It's the second day of the Kawagoe Festival. The Nasori float is about to depart.

It's the first day of the Kawagoe Festival. Preparations are underway in Minamitoorimachi.

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

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Grand Festival.

Taken on October 14, 2026. This is the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Grand Festival.

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.

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.

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! Yutani Shrine and the Hikiyama Festival in Maibara Yutani Shrine, located in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture. The "Maibara Hikiyama Festival," held every October, is a traditional event that you must see at least once. The highlight is the children's Kabuki performed on the luxurious Hikiyama stage. You will be amazed by the elementary school actors confidently delivering difficult lines and gestures. The energetic performances of the children in their colorful costumes are truly captivating! The sight of young men powerfully pulling the Hikiyama and the atmosphere of the entire town buzzing with the festival's excitement are also appealing. I was also moved by how the local people have cherished this traditional art passed down since the Edo period and are connecting it to the next generation. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Maibara Station to Yutani Shrine, making it easily accessible. For an autumn outing, why not enjoy a visit to this historic shrine and the thrilling Hikiyama Festival? You are sure to remember the children's earnest performances and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

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.

Taken on October 8, 2014. I visited Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was crowded with people celebrating Shichi-Go-San and coming for their first shrine visit.