[Image1]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image2]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image3]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image4]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image5]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image6]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on
[Image7]A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who on

A fire burned at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years. The children who once took part are now parents, passing the tradition to today's kids.
On Sunday, January 18, the "Dondoya"—held at Tomioka Elementary School for the first time in about 20 years—took place.

The familiar crack of bamboo snapping, "Bachi bachi!"
Beyond the height of the flames, the crowd's warmth was overwhelming…!
They grilled mochi over the embers, enjoyed steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and sipped pork miso soup that warmed the body.
Watching children stuffing their cheeks with mochi they had toasted themselves,
I felt reminded of the importance of keeping this tradition alive.
From the lighting at 9 a.m., the happy hours passed in a flash.
Thank you so much to everyone in the community who planned and prepared the event.
Winter in Tomioka is the best.
If you missed it, why not join the circle next year?

If you want to help preserve Reihoku's traditions, please follow us via the icon at the top left to show your support. We’re sharing the charms of Reihoku! ✨

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Kumamoto Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association
Jan. 17, 2026
“Can you believe all of this is handmade?”
A massive pyre has appeared that can withstand the sea breeze of Tomioka.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18th at 9:00 AM, the Dondoyama ceremony will take place at Tomioka Elementary School.

This pyre rises more than five meters high.
Looking up from below, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer presence.
Please come and feel the passion that everyone poured into preparing for this day on site.
A winter tradition wishing for good health and safety.
Let’s watch together the moment a great pillar of flame soars into the Tomioka sky!
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Jan. 27, 2026
Take a little breather from your busy days. The popular market event “Beauty and Healing Yorimichi Marche” is finally celebrating its 7th edition! This time marks the third time it will be held in Reihoku Town👏 Why not spend a special day filled with “beauty, healing, and deliciousness” at the Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center? 🌿 How to enjoy the marche This edition features three delightful sections. [Treatment Corner]💆‍♀️ Warmth therapies, massages, head spas, and other treatments that help you relax both body and mind. [Hands-on & Sales Corner]🛍 Stalls selling handmade goods, fortune-telling, beauty experiences, and other booths perfect for treating yourself. [Food Corner]🍕🥐 From bento boxes and sweets to bread and pizza—there’s a satisfying lineup to fill your stomach. ✨ Highlights this time! Stamp rally! Visit venues around the site and collect stamps for a chance to win great prizes♪ Everyone is welcome! Admission is free. Whether you come with family and friends or drop by on your own for a little “yorimichi,” you’re warmly invited🤍 📅 Event details Date & Time: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (national holiday) 10:00–16:00 Location: Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center (4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihoku, Amakusa District) Admission: Free Organizer: Amakusa Reihoku Tourism Association (general incorporated association) Planning & Management: CROSSLINK On a winter afternoon, our staff look forward to seeing your smiling faces. Please feel free to stop by for a little “yorimichi”🌼