Video introduction of Harunire Terrace "Karuizawa Umbrella Sky" in Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This video, titled "Hoshino area of Karuizawa | Karuizawa Umbrella Sky 2019"(軽井沢星野エリア｜軽井沢アンブレラスカイ2019), was uploaded by "Hoshino Resorts." This video shows the 2019 Karuizawa Umbrella Sky event, held every year during Japan's rainy season at Harunire Terrace in the Hoshino area of Karuizawa. The view of colorful umbrellas floating above the wooden deck connecting the different buildings in the area makes it a popular spot for Japanese Instagrammers. From June to early July, you can see many photos of the event on Instagram. This article provides easy-to-understand information about popular events. Be sure to check out the photogenic event in the video. What is Karuizawa Umbrella Sky? Photo：Karuizawa Umbrella Sky, Harunire Terrace Karuizawa Umbrella Sky is an event held in the Hoshino area of Karuizawa, operated by Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin'etsu region. 2023 will mark the 8th year the event is held. Here, we'll take a look at some things to see during the event. ●Umbrella Arcade The main attraction of the event is the "Umbrella Arcade" which features more than 100 colorful umbrellas floating above the deck of Harunire Terrace. Soap bubbles can be seen floating through the air three times a day, creating an exciting atmosphere for people of all ages. "Rainy Art," a pattern that appears on the wooden deck only on rainy days, and the reflection of umbrellas on the wet wooden deck are two more must-see attractions. [Video] 0:38 - Umbrellas Reflected on the Rainy Wooden Deck ●Bubbles and Umbrella Making Workshops (Held on Weekends) At the plaza next to "Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu" (Hoshino Onsen), bubble blowing workshops and umbrella making workshops are held for children to have fun with their parents. ●Exclusive Seasonal Beverages to Go With Japan's Rainy Season Drinks inspired by the colorful Karuizawa Umbrella Sky are also sold during the event. The Rainbow-colored Lemonade, a limited-quantity drink from Café Hungry Spot, is filled with colorful jelly and is the perfect drink for the event. Consider purchasing one and snapping some photos of the colorful drink with the lush greenery in the surrounding area. Karuizawa Umbrella Sky 2023: Event Schedule & Hours The 2023 Karuizawa Umbrella Sky event schedule is as follows: Event Period: June 2 - July 9 Hours: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Illumination Hours: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Bubbles: 10:00 am, 4:00 pm, 8:00 pm The event will be held at Harunire Terrace, a facility with a variety of restaurants and lifestyle stores in the Hoshino area of Karuizawa. The event is a great way to beat the blues brought on by Japan's rainy season, so definitely consider checking it out. Things to Do at Harunire Terrace at Karuizawa Hoshino Resorts Photo：Karuizawa Umbrella Sky at night Harunire Terrace was named after the more than 100 Harunire (Japanese elm) trees that used to grow in the area. There are restaurants, cafes, sweets, and lifestyle & relaxation stores, all connected via a wooden deck. You can see a video of Harunire Terrace after the sun sets in the video. [Video] 0:47 - Harunire Terrace at Night You can enjoy shopping or even just window shopping at the various shops in the area, all the while enjoying Karuizawa Umbrella Sky, or just relax and enjoy a meal or tea time at a café. Pets are welcome on the terrace as well, so it's not uncommon to see people with their dogs. Before visiting Harunire Terrace, we recommend checking to see if there are any events being held in the area when you're planning on visiting. Harunire Terrace hosts the Umbrella Sky during the rainy season in Japan (early June to mid-July), illuminations around Christmas, and Halloween-related events in autumn. In addition, there are many trendy shops and specialty stores to browse, so you might consider making a list of the shops you want to take a look at before visiting if you have limited time. Restaurants, Cafes, and Souvenir Shops at Harunire Terrace Photo：Chairs at Harunire Terrace, Karuizawa Harunire Terrace features 16 restaurants, cafes, and other eateries, as well as furniture and even souvenir shops. Sawamura is a bakery/restaurant that is popular on Japanese social media. They offer takeout, but many people sit in for lunch. The pasta lunch comes with delicious bread, and the juicy hamburgers are to die for! After grabbing some lunch, you can relax on the terrace and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from Maruyama Coffee. There's also a bookstore attached to the restaurant, so you can relax while reading. Kawakamian is known for its delicious soba noodles as well as shrimp tempura, etc. If you visit the restaurant in the evening, consider indulging in some delicious sake with various dishes, such as grilled duck and their tasty pork tatsuta-age (a marinated, fried pork dish). MORIASOBI is a shop that sells furniture and sundries, but it also serves meals and is open for tea time. We recommend trying the hot chocolate here, a popular drink on Japanese Instagram, which is made with foamed milk and melted chocolate. Izumiya (和泉屋) is a great shop for souvenirs and is popular for its delicious Japanese- and Western-style confections. The cheesecake, called "Hanjuku Cake," has an irresistible soufflé-like texture. The shop also offers a lineup of cute products for sale. Other Things to Do in Karuizawa Here are a few places to check out in the Karuizawa area: Karuizawa Shiraito Falls From Nakakaruizawa Station, the closest station to Harunire Terrace, you can take a train to Karuizawa Station. From there, there are regularly schedules buses that will take you to the Shiraito no Taki Bus Stop (白糸の滝). It's an approximately 25-minute bus ride to the base of the trail, and then a 5-10-minute hike to the waterfall itself. Hours: Open 24 hours. ※Shops at the base of the trail: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Some shops may be closed in the case of inclement weather) Admission Fee: Free Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza An outlet mall at Karuizawa Station with a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants selling everything from brand-name goods like Prada to snowboarding gear, such as Burton. The plaza features a large pond at its center making it feel like a Japanese strolling pond garden. Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Admission Fee: 720 yen (bus fee) Tombo no Yu Located just up the road from Harunire Terrace, Tombo no Yu (Tonbo no Yu) is a hot spring that opened in 1915. It's a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Be aware that there can be long lines to enter during holidays, such as Golden Week. Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 1,350 yen, Children (Ages 3 - Elementary school students): 800 yen Additionally, if you're looking to get some exercise and enjoy the weather on a sunny day, you can rent a bike from a bike rental shop and ride around the Karuizawa area exploring the scenery, visiting shops, etc. The bike rental shops in the area have guidebooks with biking routes of various lengths to help you navigate the area according to your schedule as well. Keep in mind that the bikes can be fully rented out during holiday seasons, so it's a good idea to make a reservation in advance. A Brief Introduction to Karuizawa Karuizawa, located in the mountains of south-eastern Nagano, inside Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, sits at an elevation of 850 to 1,000 meters above sea level and is a popular summer resort in Japan. Karuizawa has long been popular as a vacation home for many famous and wealthy people because of its easy accessibility (approximately 1 hour from central Tokyo). Summary of Karuizawa Harunire Terrace, Umbrella Sky The Hoshino area of Karuizawa also offers accommodations and hot springs, so you can enjoy the upscale Karuizawa lifestyle in a relaxing setting surrounded by nature. Japan's rainy season has a tendency to make people feel gloomy, but Karuizawa's Harunire Terrace will welcome you with colorful umbrellas, lush greenery, and flowers. If you're feeling down this rainy season, consider visiting Harunire Terrace to cheer yourself up. You're sure to feel refreshed! [Official website] Harunire Terrace - The Hoshino Area of Karuizawa [TripAdvisor] Harunire Terrace

ドローンで撮影された絶景の長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインとは こちらの動画は「Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan」が公開した「4K 絶景ドローン「初夏のビーナスライン 霧ヶ峰高原」癒し空撮自然映像 Drone Japan Nature Relaxation Venus line」です。 長野県の霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインをドローンの空撮で捉えた映像になっています。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインとは、八ヶ岳中信高原国定公園 の高原地帯を走るツーリングにはもってこいのドライブルート。 全長76kmにも及び、蓼科高原・白樺湖・車山高原・霧ヶ峰高原・八島高原・美ヶ原高原といった森林地帯や高原地帯の四季を望むことのできる絶景スポットです。 平均の標高は1,400ｍで最高では1,920ｍにもなります。 野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインのおすすめルート 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの中でおすすめのルートは白樺高原から霧ヶ峰のルートです。 これは白樺湖から出発し、車山展望リフトで車山山頂へ。 こちらでは、天気が良ければ八ヶ岳連峰や富士山まで望むことができます。 また紅葉やニッコウキスゲなどの草花も楽しむことができます。 その先には霧ヶ峰富士見台があります。 こちらでは食事処やお土産屋などの売店も充実しています。 最後にはレストラン「チャップリン」でソースカツ丼やカツカレーを楽しめます。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインには人気のドライブインも 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの中心には人気のドライブインである霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインドライブイン霧の駅があります。 ここでは長野県の様々なお土産を買うことができ、駐車場のそばには八島湿原や三峰大展望台・霧ヶ峰自然保護センターもあります。 動画では3:31より美しい自然の景色を見ることができます。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインから諏訪湖へ 新日本三大夜景やサンセットをご覧になることのできる立石公園も霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの見どころです。 映画「君の名は。」のモデルになったと言われるスポットとしても有名です。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインでもお参りを 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインのなかには諏訪大社上社本宮・諏訪大社下社秋宮といった神社にも触れるができます。 諏訪大社上社本宮は国内最古の神社の一つで、八ヶ岳や諏訪平などを望むことができます。 また画家の岡本太郎さんが絶賛した万治の石仏という石像もあります。 こちらは諏訪大社下社春宮から徒歩5分ほどの場所にあるので、諏訪大社下社春宮のお参りを終えたら是非訪れてみましょう。 その他長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの旅行スポット 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインではこれら以外にも様々な施設に楽しむことができます。 国指定重要文化財である片倉館、県下最大級のガラスミュージアムであるSUWAガラスの里、400年の歴史がある高島城、無料で足湯につかれる湖畔公園足湯と豊富な温泉があります。 自然と観光を楽しめる長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスライン紹介まとめ 大自然の景色を楽しみながらドライブできる長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインをみなさまも楽しんでください！

Video introduction of "Chamitsure no Sato" in Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "[4K] A Tree House & Chamomile Flower Garden in Fairy-Tale-Like Place. Kamitsure No Sato (Nagano Prefecture)" ([4K] おとぎの国のツリーハウス＆カモミールのお花畑。カミツレの里（長野県）　Fantasy Tree House in Fairyland,Kamitsure-no-sato,NAGANO.), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The video features scenery of the likes you'd find in a fairy tale, with a treehouse surrounded by beautiful German chamomiles in full bloom. Be sure to check it out. Kamitsure no Sato – A Tourist Attraction in Nagano Prefecture Photo：A field of chamomile Kamitsure no Sato is located in Ikeda, Kitaazumi, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin-etsu Region and is a popular sightseeing spot in Nagano Prefecture. Kamitsure is chamomile in Japanese. Kamitsure no Sato is a tourist attraction rich in nature, with a factory that grows chamomile and manufactures and sells products using said chamomile, as well as a lodging facility, Yasuesou. When the chamomile is in full bloom, the area is filled with the sweet and gentle scent of the flowers. Standing amidst the chamomile garden is a treehouse, a popular sightseeing spot in Kamitsure no Sato. The charm of the treehouse at Kamitsure is that anyone can freely use it. The chamomile fields in full bloom can be viewed from the treehouse as well. The treehouse, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, is great for taking Instagram photos as well. Events at Kamitsure no Sato Various events are also held at Kamitsure no Sato. The "Nature Experience Class" has been held for 16 years, ever since pediatric and dental doctors brought their children with allergies and atopic dermatitis to Kamitsure no Sato. In addition, there's a chamomile harvesting event in early June each year. One of the major events is the "Ikedamachi Hirotsu Kamitsure Matsuri" (いけだまちひろつカミツレ花まつり), a festival held in early June when the chamomiles are in full bloom. The festival includes a walk through chamomile fields, a chamomile harvesting experience, and sales of products manufactured at Kamitsure no Sato. Bloom Dates and the Language of Flowers for Chamomiles in Japanese Culture Chamomile is a type of herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is also known for its harvested flowers and leaves, which are dried and used to make tea and traditional medicines. The flowering season for chamomile is from May to September in Japan. The flowers have small, white petals and a sweet fragrance. According to the language of flowers, the chamomile is associated with the birthdays February 14, March 14, and November 3. The meaning of the chamomile is "perseverance in adversity" and "strength in adversity." Yasuesou Bio Hotel and the Tree House at Kamitsure no Sato Source :YouTube screenshot Kamitsure no Sato has an accommodation facility, Yasuesou, attached to it. This inn offers the aroma and warmth of wood made from local Shinshu timber. Certified by Bio Hotels Japan, guests can enjoy meals made with organic vegetables at Yasuesou. In addition, for lunch during your stay, you can enjoy a boxed lunch with pesticide-free rice and seasonal ingredients. Yasuesou pays extra attention to not just the food, but the bathing facilities as well. "Hanamitsu Koi no Yu" is a bath that uses water from Japan's Northern Alps, which is boiled in a wood-chip boiler, and chamomile extract, extracted through a special process, is added to the water. In addition, visitors can freely use special skin care and hair care items containing chamomile extract. Furthermore, the guest rooms are named after trees used as building materials at Yasuesou, for example, "Sugi" (Cedar) and "Hinoki" (Cypress). Bedding is made of organic cotton and down, and even the detergent used for laundry is carefully selected to create a comfortable environment for guests. Summary of Kamitsure no Sato in Nagano, Japan Azumino, where Kamitsure no Sato is located, is home to many other tourist attractions as well. A two-minute drive from Yasuesou is a 250-year-old tree called Nanairo O-kaede (七色大カエデ). This large tree shows its seven beautiful colors every year from October to early November. Its fresh greenery can also be enjoyed during spring and summer, and it has become a symbol of the town of Ikeda, where Kamitsure no Sato is located. The beauty of the Northern Alps from Azumino is nothing short of breathtaking, attracting the eyes of many tourists. The sweet scent of chamomile and the fairy-tale-like world of the treehouse are just two of the many attractions that visitors can experience. When sightseeing in Nagano, consider stopping by Kamitsure no Sato, a place where you can experience the gentleness of nature!

Sightseeing video introduction of "Shinshu Shibu Onsen" in Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "Walking Around Shibu Onsen Hot Spring" (渋温泉の街並 : Walking Around Shibu Onsen Hot Spring), was uploaded by "Anna Film Production." The video features the streets of Shibu Onsen at night, accompanied by quiet music. Enjoy 9 minutes and 30 seconds of wonderful video that will make you feel as though you've traveled back in time. Features of Shibu Onsen, a Hot Spring in Nagano Prefecture Photo：Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture Shibu Onsen is a hot spring town located in Yamanouchi, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin'etsu region. It is said to have been one of the models for the internationally acclaimed animated film Spirited Away. The world illuminated by streetlights is an otherworldly place with a retro atmosphere. The atmospheric buildings and alleys are also very impressive. Shibu Onsen is a place where there are so many hot springs, that it's said that if you dig into the ground, hot water will start emerging immediately. It's also known as Gensen Oukoku (源泉王国, lit. "Kingdom of Hot Spring Sources") and boasts an abundance of hot springs with excellent quality, a rarity even in Nagano Prefecture. All ryokan and outdoor baths in Shibu feature 100% free-flowing hot-spring water. Each source has a different composition, with brownish, iron-rich water, cloudy water, greenish water, and clear, colorless water, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of colors and hot spring qualities. One of the attractions of Shibu Onsen is that visitors can both stay overnight or stop by during their travels for a one-day bathing experience and enjoy the footbaths. Experience Pure Bliss With a Tour of 9 Popular Hot Springs Photo：Hatsuyu, Shibu Onsen Shibu Onsen has nine outdoor hot springs that are used by the locals. Here are the names and benefits of each. No. 1 [Hatsuyu] Benefits: Good for the stomach No. 2 [Sasa no yu] Benefits: Good for eczema No. 3 [Wata no yu]: Benefits: Good for cuts, pimples, and promotes fertility No. 4 [Take no yu] Benefits: Good for gout No. 5 [Matsu no yu] Benefits: Good for spinal diseases No. 6 [Mearai no yu] Benefits: Good for eye diseases No. 7 [Nanakuri no yu] Benefits: Good for disorders related to emotional trauma No. 8 [Shinmeidaki no yu] Benefits: Good for women's diseases No. 9 [Shibu Oyu] Benefits: Good for childbirth, rheumatism, neuralgia If you stay at an inn in Shibu Onsen, you can borrow a special key that allows you to visit the nine outdoor hot springs for free. (For those visiting on a day-trip, only the 9th outdoor hot spring can be used). You can also collect stamps at each location on a special tenugui towel, and after doing so, if you pay a visit to Shibutaka Yakushi located at the top of 78 stone steps, it's said that your wishes will come true. It's also said to protect you from bad luck, provide blessings of safe child rearing, and bring you eternal youth. Events at Shibu Onsen Some of these events have been cancelled in recent years, but here is a partial list of events held at Shibu Onsen. ● Firefly Appreciation Party (蛍鑑賞会, Hotaru Kanshokai) This event allows visitors to view genji fireflies at Ishinoyu in Shiga Kogen by bus from Shibu Onsen. The fantastic atmosphere is enhanced by the light of the fireflies. ● Shibu Onsen Summer Festival Pedestrian Paradise (渋温泉夏祭り歩行者天国, Shibu Onsen Natsu Matsuri Hokosha Tengoku) This event is held every day from mid to late August. The cobblestone streets are closed to traffic and visitors can walk through the retro Showa-era streets while enjoying a variety of events. ● Charity Lantern Festival (チャリティー万灯会, Charity Manto-kai) A charity event held in May. Visitors light cup candles with their wishes written on them on the stone steps. The long staircase, beautifully illuminated, is a great photo spot and is sure to look good on Instagram as well. Summary of Shibu Onsen Photo：Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture As the model for the film Spirited Away, Shibu Onsen has a fantastic atmosphere. While walking through the streets of Shibu Onsen, visitors can enjoy onsen manju (hot spring buns), onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), and even shooting galleries. If you're tired from sightseeing, you can stop by for a footbath or enjoy the hot springs on a day-trip. If you want to enjoy the hot springs and do some sightseeing in the area, you can also book a relaxing stay at an inn. Experience the historic atmosphere of Shibu Onsen. When sightseeing in Nagano, be sure to stop by and enjoy a visit to the nine wonderful hot springs. 【Official Website】Shibu Onsen 【TripAdvisor】Shibu Onsen

長野県下高井郡山ノ内町が誇る志賀高原を堪能出来る動画をご紹介！ こちらの「【4K】志賀高原・大沼池」は、長野県下高井郡山ノ内町にある志賀高原の景色を4Kで堪能出来る動画です。 貴重な生態系と四季折々の美しい景色から、観光地にとどまらず日本の貴重な自然遺産です。 この記事では、そんな志賀高原において、ハイキングコースとして人気な大沼池について、主にご紹介いたします。 長野県おすすめ観光スポットの志賀高原！ 長野県でも随一の人気を誇る観光スポットの志賀高原では、四季折々の楽しみ方をすることが出来ます。 春は散歩をしながら美しい景色を、夏は数多くある池で釣りや様々なアクティビティを、秋は紅葉を楽しみながらアウトドア、冬は温泉巡りなんていうのも良いでしょう。 四季によって様々な楽しみ方を出来るのが、志賀高原の良いところと言えるでしょう。 志賀高原でのトレッキング観光の見所！ 志賀高原と言えば、大自然の雄大さと綺麗な景色を楽しみながらのトレッキングが人気なアクティビティです。 中でもおすすめなのが池めぐりコース。 ここでは池めぐりコースで堪能することが出来るインスタ映え間違い無しの場所について紹介します。 まずは前山リフトに乗りながら堪能できるのが前山山頂と前山湿原です。 リフトに揺られながら、自然ならではの雄大な絶景を楽しむことができます。 徒歩だと大変という家族連れの方やカップルにもおすすめです。 特に前山湿原では、湿原特有の様々な植物を見ることが出来ることで有名です。 次に長野県の歴史において深いつながりを持つ、様々な池を堪能出来るのがこの志賀山・裏志賀山です。 鬼の相撲場の池や、長野県では有名な黒姫伝説とも繋がっている黒姫池等、由緒正しい池を目で肌で楽しむことが出来ます。 最後に志賀高原に来たからには外せないであろう観光スポットが、この大沼池です。 火山のせき止め湖とされており、周囲5.5㎞が志賀高原に囲まれている、志賀高原では一番大きな湖となっています。 大沼池は、黒姫池と同じく、黒姫伝説と深い繋がりを持っている池で、長野県の歴史とは切っても切り離せない深い関係があります。 歴史的な観点からは勿論のこと、水の美しさ、自然の雄大さ。そして池にポツンと佇む鳥居はインスタ映えすること間違い無し。 本でも有数の景色なので、ぜひ足を運んで頂きたい場所となっています。 この大沼池周辺にはレストハウスも存在しており、無料で提供されているので、疲れた足をそこで休めるのも良いでしょう。 志賀高原の観光の紹介まとめ 志賀高原は日本らしさ溢れる自然いっぱいの絶景を堪能することが出来る観光スポットとなっています。 みなさんも志賀高原の豊かな自然を肌で感じにきてはいかがでしょうか？

National Alps Azumino Park, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This introductory video of the tulip fields in Alps Azumino National Government Park was created by AQUA Geo Graphic. It's titled "[ 4K UltraHD ] 国営アルプスあづみの公園 - Alps Azumino National Government Park in Spring - (shot on Samsung NX1)." The beautiful 4k images of the brilliantly colored tulips that cover the fields of Alps Azumino National Government Park are a sight quite like no other! Did you know Japan had such picturesque scenery? The beauty caught on camera is a sight you can't afford to miss! What is Alps Azumino National Government Park? Photo：The countryside culture zone at Alps Azumino National Government Park, Azumino, Nagano Alps Azumino National Government Park is a park located in the Koshinetsu region that covers an area from Azumino plateau (安曇野高原, Azumino kougen) in Azumino city (安曇野市, Azuminoshi) to Mount Jonen (常念岳, Jounendake). The park covers a vast area of land, approximately 353 hectares, with superb views that change from season to season as a variety of flowers such as tulips and rhododendron bloom. The park is divided into two areas: Horigane, Hotaka district, and Omachi, Matsukawa district. You can access Horigane, Hotaka district by taking a tour bus from JR Hotaka station (穂高駅, Hotakaeki) which takes around 13 minutes. The Omachi, Matsukawa district, is accessible by the Gururin-go bus from Shinano Omachi station (信濃大町駅, Shinano oomachi eki) and takes around 15 minutes to arrive. Alternatively, you can take the Fureai-go bus which should arrive in around 25 minutes. There is also free parking available at the park for those who are travelling by car. As you can see in the video, in spring the fields are covered by approximately 240,000 tulips of 95 different varieties, along with approximately 5,000,000 rapeseed flowers. The Flowers of Alps Azumino National Government Park Photo：Tulips at Alps Azumino National Government Park, Azumino, Nagano Making use of the high and low grounds of the plateau, from early spring to summer you can enjoy viewing flowers such as cherry blossoms, tulips, rhododendron, and more. Alps Azumino National Government Park is one of the leading flower viewing spots in Japan, and the magnificent scenery is something that's sure to look great on Instagram! There are lots of activities and experiences at Alps Azumino National Government Park to keep you entertained; Please make the most of the beautiful landscape and climate of the Shinshu region. Throughout the video, you can see various flowers blossoming with the with the snow-capped Alps (アルプス山脈, Arupusu sanmyaku) in the background. Red, pink, yellow, white, purple, blue... Here you can find a park covered in what looks like a carpet of colorful flowers. When are the "cherry blossoms" and "tulips" in the National Alps Azumino Park at their best? Cherry blossoms in the National Alps Azumino Park are usually at their best from early April to mid-April. Tulips are usually at their best from late April to mid-May. If you want to enjoy the collaboration of cherry blossoms and tulips, why not visit in April? According to the cherry blossom forecast for 2024, Nagano Prefecture will be in bloom six days earlier than usual, and the full bloom is expected five days earlier than usual. Looking at the official Instagram, we saw a post of cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom on April 7, 2023. Please check out our Instagram before you go. Sightseeing Spots at Alps Azumino National Government Park Photo：The countryside culture zone at Alps Azumino National Government Park, Azumino, Nagano Horigane, Hotaka district is divided into two separate zones: a countryside culture zone (田園文化ゾーン, Denenbunka zoon) and a woodland culture zone (里山文化ゾーン, Satoyamabunka zoon). Horigane, Hotaka district was an area designed to conserve and restore the beautiful Azumino countryside so that we may continue to enjoy the scenery for many more years to come. The Countryside Culture Zone recreates the bountiful nature of the Japanese Alps and there are facilities and parks where you can take part in various cultural and nature experiences. On the other hand, the Woodland Culture Zone recreates the traditional woodland scenery of Japan. The area is equipped with facilities where you can experience traditional woodland culture and learn of the natural Azumino environment. The Omachi, Matsukawa district is also divided into several zones: the Center Zone, Conservation Zone (保全ゾーン, Hozen zoon), Forest Recreation Zone (林間レクレーションゾーン, rinkan rekureeshon zoon), Mountain Stream Recreation Zone (渓流レクレーションゾーン, keiryuu rekureeshon zoon) and lastly the Nature Experience Zone (自然体験ゾーン, shizen taiken zoon). Through various hands on experiences you can learn more about the stunning landscape and environment of the area. Alps Azumino National Government Park Area Dining Guide Photo：Kurobe Damn curry Azumino soba and mountain vegetables are foods associated with the Azumino National Park area, and the local delicacy Kurobe Dam curry (黒部ダムカレー, Kurobe damu karee) is especially popular at the moment. In hotel restaurants around the nearby JR Hotaka station (穂高駅, Hotaka eki) and Shinano Omachi station (信濃大町駅, Shinano oomachi eki), you can enjoy regional cuisine packed with locally grown produce typical of the rural Shinshu area. We hope you enjoy the local cuisine on your next trip to Shinshu! Alps Azumino National Government Park Event Information Various events are held throughout the year in the Alps Azumino National Government Park area. The most special of these events is the Summer Alps Adventure (夏のアルプス大冒険, natsunoarupusu daibouken)! There are many family-friendly events and fun experiences planned every year that you can take part in! In the winter months you can enjoy the illuminations at night! For more information, please check the official home page. Alps Azumino National Government Park Summary We highly recommend visiting Alps Azumino National Government Park during spring on your next trip to Shinshu. The traditional Japanese scenery in this vast national park is ever changing due to the different variety of flowers that bloom in each season and with the dramatic Japanese Alps in the background it's a destination you're sure to want to visit again and again. The beautiful tulip fields of Alps Azumino National Government Park are a sight you have to see to believe! Please enjoy the beautiful scenery brought to you in the video. ◆Alps Azumino National Government Park◆ 【Address】33-4 Horiganekarasugawa, Azumino-shi, Nagano Prefecture 399-8295 【Access】20 minutes drive from Nagano Motorway Toyoshina Interchange (長野自動車道豊科IC, Naganojidoushadou toyoshina IC) 【Hours】9.30am - 5pm (Mar 1st – Jun 30th, Sep 1st – October 31st), 9.30am - 6pm (July 1st – Aug 31st), 9.30am - 4pm (Nov 1st – last day in Feb) 【Holidays】Dec 31st, Jan 1st, every Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a public holiday) 【Parking】Available 【Official Website】Alps Azumino National Government Park http://www.azumino-koen.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Azumino City Hall https://www.city.azumino.nagano.jp/site/userguide/foreign.html

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests. This time, we have selected winter-related works from among the many photos submitted to past COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests. From spectacular landscapes created by natural phenomena like snow and ice, to twinkling light art created by human hands, we hope you enjoy the wide variety of works introduced here. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Our photo contests allow you to participate and even win with photos taken via your smartphone! Stick around to learn more! ■Table of Contents - Winter in Past Photo Contests  Daikanyama Observatory  Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village  Kamakura Igloo Village  Kurokawa Onsen's 'Yu Akari' Illumination  Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa  Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse  Lake Onneto, Hokkaido  Jigokudani Monkey Park  The JR Johana Line  A Snow-covered Gujo Hachiman Castle - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - Current Photo Contest - Summary of Winter in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests Winter in Past Photo Contests We have selected wonderful photos of winter in Japan from among the many wonderful entries that convey the charms of Japan. We'll also introduce some popular photo spots as well! COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 01ktk15 Location: Daikanyama Observatory (Ashigarashimo, Shinagawa) Highlights of Daikanyama, a Popular Tourist Attraction Daikanyama was named after the artist Yokoyama Taikan, who was fond of painting Mt. Fuji. It's located at the end of the Hakone Turnpike, and is an automobile-only road. The summit of the 1,011-meter-high mountain is perfect for photographing Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. If the weather is nice, you can also see Hatsushima and Oshima, the Miura Peninsula, and the Boso Peninsula. A Video Article About Narusawa Village, Yamanashi at the foot of Mt. Fuji Video article 2:40 Introducing “Narusawa, Yamanashi,” Home to the Tallest Mountain in Japan. Behold the Jaw Droppingly Beautiful Scenery of Mt. Fuji YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: DAIGO Location: Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Toyama Prefecture) Highlights of Gokayama, a Popular Tourist Attraction Gokayama in Nanto, Toyama, is registered as a World Heritage Site. To raise awareness of fire prevention for Cultural Properties, Gokayama also hosts an illumiantion event. Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village will be open from sunset to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024. The original Japanese landscape "Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village" floating on a snowy field will be on view from sunset to 9:00 pm on February 23rd (Friday) and 24th (Saturday), 2024. Enjoy the spectacular view of the World Heritage Site under the falling snow. A Video Article About the World Heritage Sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Gifu and Toyama Prefectures Video article 9:24 Shirakawa-Go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture: 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Featuring Superb Views of Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses. These Fantastic Snowy Landscapes are Some of Japan's Most Insta-Worthy Spots! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: mihyaru Location: Kamakura Igloo Village (Iiyama, Nagano) Highlights of Kamakura Igloo Village, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Nagano Prefecture Iiyama, Nagano, is home to more than 20 large Igloos on a field of pure white snow. Snow covers the area for roughly four months of the year, and photographers from all over Japan gather here eagerly in the cold winter air awaiting their chance to capture the snowy scenery of one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan. Every year on a weekend in early February, fireworks are set off, illuminating the fields of white snow and igloos, creating a fantastical atmosphere. A Video Article About the Yokote Snow Festival in Yokote, Akita Video article 5:52 Enjoy the Pure White Snowy Landscape at the Traditional "Yokote Snow Festival" in Yokote, Akita Prefecture! Experience Warm Rice Cakes in a Giant Igloo and a Fantastical Silver World! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 野崎 晴美 Location: Kurokawa Onsen's 'Yu Akari' Illumination (Aso, Kumamoto) Highlights of Kurokawa Onsen, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Aso, Kumamoto Kurokawa Onsen's midwinter event, Yu Akari, lights up the hot spring resort. Approximately 300 spherical lanterns called "Mari-toro," as well as 2-meter-tall "Tsutsu-toro" lanterns are arranged to blend in with the natural townscape and are lit from sunset until 10 p.m. The lanterns are truly enchanting. Be sure to bring a camera, as this magical scene is something you'll want to treasure forever! A Video Article About the Yu Akari Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen Video article 3:01 Yu Akari – Experience the Stunning Winter Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen via Video! Discover the Fantastical Atmosphere That Warmly Embraces Visitors, and the Passion of the People of Kurokawa! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Lily0321 Location: Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa (Taito, Tokyo) The Charms of Nakamise Shopping Street, a Popular Tourist Attraction Nakamise Shopping Street is located on the main approach to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The street is approximately 250 meters long, stretching from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, and both sides of the shopping street are lined with approximately a variety of shops selling all sorts of traditional Japanese goods and trinkets. Being one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, it's popular for its delicious eateries and souvenir shops selling traditional Japanese goods. Nakamise Shopping Street is always lively, especially during the year-end and New Year's holidays. It is a place where you'll encounter many smiling faces, whether they're from people expressing gratitude for the past year or excitedly looking forward to the next one. A Video Article About Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo Video article 17:46 Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo - One of the Three Main Festivals in Japan! Don’t Miss One of the Best Japanese Festivals With More Than 100 Portable Shrines and 1.5 Million Visitors in Tokyo! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Abhi Sen Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Yokohama, Kanagawa) Highlights of the Illumination Event at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which has been used as a warehouse for approximately 80 years since the early 1900s, is a tourist attraction that was re-purposed as a commercial facility in 2002. The building is illuminated at night, and the clever use of shading to preserve the color and texture of the bricks makes it a great place for taking photos. The building itself is of course beautiful, but the view of the Yokohama Bay Bridge and Osanbashi Bridge from Akarenga Park (赤レンガパーク) in the back of the building is also worth seeing. Various events are held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, with the Christmas Market held in winter being especially popular. The 10-meter-tall Christmas tree, beautiful illuminations, tasty food, and exciting shopping opportunities, make this an enjoyable experience. A Video Article About Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse's Christmas Market Video article 8:35

日本の人気観光地長野県長和町とは こちらで紹介する動画は「長和町公式チャンネル」が公開した「長和町観光PRビデオ」です。 長野県長和町は美ヶ原・霧ケ峰高原と接し、高原からの絶景だけでなく山岳部から平野部へと流れる二つの川が織りなす景観が必見の観光名所です。 四季折々の大自然が織りなすさまざまな景色を堪能することができるのですが、特に本沢渓谷や不動滝は紅葉の名所として毎年数多くの観光客が訪れます。 江戸時代には中山道の宿場町として栄えた長和町は古き良き日本の景勝が残る美しい里です。 信州の大自然の息吹を感じる美しい動画をお楽しみください。 長野県長和町の観光エリアとイベント情報 ・長久保宿歴史資料館一福処濱屋 ・和田宿歴史の道資料館「かわちや」（国指定史跡） ・和田宿資料館「大黒屋」（国指定史跡） ・和田宿本陣（国指定史跡） ・黒曜の水 など長野県長和町にはおすすめのインスタ映えスポットがいっぱい！ 大自然が織りなす絶景と心癒す景観は動画でもお楽しみいただけます。 こんな自然豊かな長和町には体験型イベントも目白押し！ ・中央分水嶺トレイル ・そば打ち体験 ・立岩和紙の里での紙すき体験 ・大山獅子祭り など季節ごとにいろいろなイベントがあなたを待っています。 日本一長寿と言われる長野県のご当地グルメ情報 長野県は日本一長寿の県としても知られています。 そんな長野県長和町のご当地グルメといえばそばにおやき、そして牧場で取れた新鮮な乳製品を使った料理やスイーツ、川魚や山菜などの山の幸です。 史跡やハイキングコースを巡ったら美味しい長和町ご当地グルメを堪能してください。 国道には道の駅もあり施設内のレストランは連日多くの観光客で賑わっています。 日本のかくれた景観地長野県長和町周辺のホテル・宿泊情報 風光明媚な観光地、また夏でも涼しい気候なので避暑地としても人気の高い長和町周辺にはペンションや民宿がたくさんあります。 長野県は日本でも有数の温泉地でもあるので、旅行の疲れを温泉でゆっくりと癒してくださいね。 長和町のホテルや宿泊施設情報は長和町観光協会の公式ホームページで確認できます。 日本の四季折々の豊かな景色が楽しめる長野県長和町へのアクセス 感動と体験の町、長和町へのアクセスは次の通りです。 -電車利用の場合- ・北陸新幹線上田駅下車→路線バス約50分「長和町（長久保宿）」 ・中央本線茅野駅→路線バス約45分「長和町（長久保宿）」 -車を利用する場合- ・上越自動車道（中部横断自動車道）佐久南ICより約40分 日本の人気観光地！体験と感動の長野県長和町についてのまとめ 長野県長和町の星糞峠周辺は邪馬台国や黒曜石の採掘場、鷹山遺跡など悠久の時を感じる原始のロマンや土器を展示している史跡公園があり、江戸時代には旧中山道の宿場町として栄えた歴史のあるエリアです。 さらに日本アルプスの自然豊かな景観は日本の原風景としていつまでも心に焼きつくことでしょう。 そんな魅力溢れる長和町の四季折々の風景と歴史文化の足跡を辿る旅を紹介する動画をお楽しみください。

長野県木曽郡王滝村エリアの絶景が堪能出来る動画の紹介 こちらの動画は「outakimura」が公開した「2016王滝村観光プロモーションビデオ」です。 こちらは、長野県木曽郡王滝村の自然の景色を堪能出来る動画となっています。 長野県木曽郡王滝村エリアは絶景が溢れるスポットで、インスタ映えもすることから、老若男女問わず観光を楽しむことが出来ます。 こちらの記事では、日本の自然の美しさが溢れる長野県木曽郡王滝村の魅力を動画と共に紹介します。 動画で紹介されている長野県木曽郡王滝村ってどんなところ？ 長野県木曽郡王滝村は日本の長野県南西部、西側が岐阜県に接しており、動画の0:20で紹介されている御嶽山の麓に位置しています。 かつては林業が盛んな地域で知られており、特に「木曽ヒノキ」は日本の三大美林にも数えられていました。 長野県木曽郡王滝村は、動画の0:38で紹介をされている里宮神社を始めとした、八海山神社等の6社殿からなる王滝御嶽神社もあり、日本の歴史と文化的にも深い関わりのある由緒正しいスポットとなっています。 長野県木曽郡王滝村周辺のおすすめ観光スポット！ ①里宮神社 自然と共存した素晴らしい建物で、神社としてのご利益も良く、他にも5つの神社があることから、日本の歴史が好きな人にはたまらない場所となっています。 ②清滝・新滝 里宮神社から御嶽山へ向かう道のりの途中で見ることが出来る有名な絶景スポットです。 清滝は高さ約30mの滝で、御嶽山を信望している行者達が精進潔斎するスポットで、往時から信者が滝行を行った滝と知られています。 新滝は、滝の裏側に小さな岩祠があることで有名で、そこから見る景色は「裏見滝」と呼ばれ、観光スポットとして有名です。 気候によって様々な顔を見せ、特に冬は他の季節とは全く違った絶景を作り出すので、日本の四季と自然を余すことなく堪能することが出来ます。 ③御岳湖・自然湖 御岳湖は、貯水量が名古屋ドーム55杯分を誇る巨大な愛知用水のダムとして1961年に誕生し、現在に至るまで王滝村の人々の生活を守ってきました。 日本ならではの四季折々の美しい景色が魅力のスポットとしても知られています。 自然湖は、1984年に起こった長野県西部地震によってせき止められた王滝川によって生まれた天然の湖です。 どちらもカヌーで堪能することが出来ます。 長野県木曽郡王滝村の観光の紹介まとめ 長野県木曽郡王滝村は多くの自然を残している素晴らしい日本の観光スポットとして知られているので、まずはこちらの動画で堪能してみて下さい。 日本の自然をたっぷり堪能して、温泉で疲れを癒した後はキャンプ場で自然を堪能しながらゆっくり過ごす、そんな贅沢な休日長野県木曽郡王滝村で過ごしてみてはいかがですか。

Legrand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan - Video Introduction This video created by Le Grand Karuizawa introduces Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort, and is titled "Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort, Promotional Video"（ルグラン軽井沢　ホテル＆リゾート　プロモーションムービー). Karuizawa-Cho, in Nagano prefecture, is one of the luxury mountain resorts in Japan, and located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. We are going to introduce “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort,” where you can experience the highest-quality customer service, located at the foot of Mount Asama in Nagano in the Koshinetsu region which is famous for its Onsen (hot springs). In this video, you will see the wedding hall, onsen, and rooms that will make your wedding day unforgettable. Enjoy the video of the place that will be the grounds for the happiest day of your life. What is “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Source :YouTube screenshot “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” is a luxury resort hotel located at the foot of Mount Asama (浅間山,Asama san) in Karuizawa-Cho, Nagano in Shinshu in Japan. Access is 15 minutes from Karuizawa JR station by car. They also provide a shuttle bus service between the station and the hotel. The affiliated hotel "Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa hotel" is located nearby. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Wedding Plans Source :YouTube screenshot The video mainly introduces wedding plans. A wedding is supposed to be the most special day of your life. In this video, the introduction of their wedding plan starts around 2:43. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” has a large premises for a wedding venue. With the chapel, the beautiful garden and terrace tables, they provide the most wonderful experience to everyone at the wedding ceremony. A lot of people may feel Karuizawa is a place for special occasions because it is known as a vacation region. This hotel has highly-rated reviews on its wedding plans compared to other hotels in the region, and a lot of its customers have had a great start to the next chapter in their life here. They regularly hold a bridal fair or event in Ginza Salon in Tokyo so that people can discuss or consult about the wedding plans without actually going to the site. It is also a part of the reason that it has such a good reputation. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort”: Rooms and the Extensive Onsen Area Source :YouTube screenshot “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” has three types of rooms. One in the main building furnished with European Antiques, one in the Villa Suite, and one in the highest-grade luxury "Yamanoue Suite" so customers can choose the room they would like to stay in. They also have multiple bathing facilities for customers to choose from depending on their mood that day. There's the large public bath "Komorebi" which is filled with natural Onsen water, a private bath, a Tembo-buro (a bath with a nice outside view), and Happu Onsen. Because Nagano prefecture is featured for its many onsen, you can enjoy a variety of luxurious onsen here. Happu Onsen is Hydrogen Carbonate Spring which is known as one of three "Hot Springs of Beauty"(the top three springs contain chemicals that benefit health and beauty) in Japan. Happu Onsen has positive effects on wounds and skin conditions. A day trip is also possible. Around 1:37 in the video, you can see the hotel rooms and around 1:02 the onsen are shown. Facilities of “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Source :YouTube screenshot On the hotel's large premises, there are swimming pools, gardens, a spa, and a gym as well. Spend your quality time however you would like. In the mountain area, there is a "Yamanoue sweet terrace/activity deck" located 1000 meters above sea level. In the main building, there is a classical style main entrance, a garden decorated with seasonal flowers, a boutique for gifts and "SPA LA VILLA" where you can enjoy a facial massage in a relaxing room. They also have rooms called "Prive.Lac," "Bell Foret," and "En Chante" for meeting and banquet purposes. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Restaurants and Bars Their French restaurant "Vaas" provides French gourmet with seasonal ingredients produced by Japan. There is also a Grilled restaurant called "Grill Mille "serving Grilled meals with ingredients produced by the Shinshu region, "Karuizawa French," and "ASAMA Café." Enjoy drinking at the bar "Rouge" and the "Poolside Bar" at night. A variety of different cuisines are also served for breakfast. Sightseeing Around “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Photo：Shiraito Falls There are many tourist spots in Karuizawa, in Nagano prefecture where “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” is located at. "Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (軽井沢 プリンス ショッピングプラザ, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza)" the mall with 240 stores, "Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂, Ishinokyoukai Uchimura Kanzo Kinendo)" stone & glass church, "Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito no Taki)" the waterfalls designated as a Japanese natural monument as well as a national scenic spot, "Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa (軽井沢千住博美術館, Karuizawa Senju Hiroshi Bijutsukan)" which has a great ambiance, "Kumoba Pond (雲場池, Kumoba Ike)" also known as "Swan Lake (スワンレイク)", "Karuizawa Hoshino Area (軽井沢星野エリア, Karuizawa Hoshino Area)" which great writers and artists gathered and created their community in Taisho era, "Karuizawa Taliesin (軽井沢タリアセン, Karuizawa Tariasen)" a resort facility where there are many shops and leisure venues, "Old Usui Outlooks (旧碓氷峠見晴台, KyuUsuitouge Miharashidai)" near the top of the Usui, outlook park which is located at an altitude of 1200m, "Karuizawa Lake Garden (軽井沢レイクガーデン, Karuizawa Lake garden)" where there are 8 garden areas and one great lake in the garden, and "Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (旧軽井沢銀座道,Kyu Karuizawa Ginzado) " where several hundreds of tourists visit every year. If you're making a trip to “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” consider checking out some of these spots as well. Recap of “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” As shown in the video, “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” provides the best customer service experience (Omotenashi in Japanese) to its customers and that is one of the reasons it is so popular. We weren't able to show how the staff provides customer service and room service in this video but we're sure that you'll be satisfied with them as well. For more details about the hotel's facilities, room amenities and tourist spots nearby, be sure to visit their website. Accommodation fees differ by season, room, and plan. Please check the rates on their website or other hotel booking websites when you make a reservation. ◆About “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort”◆ 【Address】864-4 Hotchi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano 389-0113 【Access】About 15 minutes from Karuizawa JR station by car 【Parking】Yes. Limited to 45 spots 【Phone】0267-48-0099 【Official Website】Karuizawa hotel / Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa https://www.legrand-karuizawa.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】"Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort" https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g325581-d10384974-Reviews-Le_Grand_Kyukaruizawa-Karuizawa_machi_Kitasaku_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.htmlshinetsu_Chubu.html

The Popular Tourist Destination, Matsumoto This video, titled “Matsumoto Area Sightseeing Excursion” (松本地域観光周遊プラン動画), is a promotional video for Matsumoto produced by the “Matsumoto Region Union” of Matsumoto City Office. The city of Matsumoto, the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, in Japan's Koushin'etsu Region, is a former castle town surrounded by the Japanese Alps, with Japan's national treasure Matsumoto Castle at its center. Its population is 240,415 as of June, 2019. Since the city of Matsumoto was unaffected by the allied bombing in WW2, plenty of valuable landmarks and cultural properties still remain in and around the city today. Movies and TV shows are often set in the city; visiting Matsumoto is a must when traveling around Nagano Prefecture. There are quite a few famous tourist spots in Matsumoto that are also featured in the video. As well as the natural landscape, culture, history, cuisine, and so on. Which one caught your eye? Sightseeing and Instagrammable Locations Around Matsumoto Photo：Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, is undoubtedly the most instagrammable spot around Matsumoto. Matsumoto Castle's towers against a backdrop of nature are shown at 0:15 in the video. Of course, there's much more to see than just the castle; there are a myriad of hidden gems throughout the city where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of Matsumoto as well. Places rich in nature such as Takabocchi Highlands, Sashikirikyo, and Lake Hijiri are famous for their beautiful scenery. For example, Kiritoshi, a road cut through the hilly terrain, leading to Zenko Temple. There's also the mountainous villages of Asahi, Yamagata, Omi, and Ikusaka that pass on the traditions of good old Japan. Kamikochi (0:29) is a popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps with two million visitors each year; it offers one of the most famous mountain views in the country. You can both go on a hike and try mountain climbing here as well. Kamikochi, a prominent mountain resort, has attracted many foreign visitors in recent years as hiking and mountain trails at the foot of Mt. Yakedake (burning mountain) have been well developed. Photo：Kappa Bridge The hiking trail through a virgin forest, starting from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Bridge around Myojin Pond, is another great way to see the natural scenery, and is very popular. The shiny emerald color of the rivers and ponds is incredibly beautiful. Walter Weston, an English missionary, introduced the Japanese Alps to the world for the first time in the early 1900’s. He is called the father of modern mountain climbing; Weston Monument, a relief to honor his memory, is situated on the gigantic rocks facing Mt. Kasumizawa and Mt. Roppyaku. The Weston Festival is held annually in June. In terms of lodging, there's Kamikochi Onsen Hotel, Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, and Kamikochi Taishoike Hotel. For reservations and pricing, please refer to the official website. These tourist hotspots are shown throughout the video, so be sure to check out what Matsumoto has to offer. The local horse race held in Takabocchi Higlands (1:10) is another popular event. Seeing the race horses running before your eyes is an exhilarating experience. If you go up north a bit, Chikuhoku Village (2:25) will welcome you with Shunara Buddha Stone Statues and Mount Kamurigi, also called Ubasuteyama after an old fable. There are many other tourist spots, such as Kiritoshi, in the area. You can also get a taste of art at the Matsumoto Museum of Art in downtown Matsumoto. The History of Matsumoto Photo：Narai-juku Matsumoto is now a part of central Nagano Prefecture, and one of the most famous places in the city is Kaichi School, the oldest elementary school in Japan. It's often featured in the media, and is registered as an important cultural and historical property. There are many other places to visit in Matsumoto, but if you're looking for a place to walk around, Narai-juku is the best place to visit. Narai, located in the middle of Nakasendo, flourished as a prominent post town. It was once referred to as "Narai of a Thousand Houses." It used be at the highest altitude among all the 11 towns of Kiso; the townscape is registered as an "Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings." Dining in Matsumoto Photo：A Watermill at Azumino Daio Wasabi Farm, Nagano Prefecture The area around Matsumoto is known for its deep mountainous villages and harsh weather, yet these very conditions make it possible for you to enjoy the rustic food of the mountains. The countless local products include Shiojiri Grand Wine, Azumino soba noodles, wasabi from Daio Wasabi Farm, Ikusakarat, premium branded grapes of Ikusaka village, and various highland vegetables which are grown utilizing the high altitude. In addittion, Karasawa Soba Village boasts seven soba restaurants on a single street. You should try Takana-meshi (rice), a leading local specialty of Nagano. Takana (mustard leaf) is very popular as a souvenir as well. Furthermore, the Shinshu Region, where Matsumoto is located, is the second largest apple producer in the country ranked second only after Aomori Prefecture. The smell of sweet apples fills the orchards of Misato in the fall. The video shows ripe apples at 1:48. There are 14 major streets in the downtown area around Matsumoto Station. Nakamachi and Nawate Street provide you with a plethora of cafes, sweets parlors, and ramen restaurants; you can pick any of them for lunch or enjoy several as you eat your way through the area. Summary of Matsumoto, Nagano There are numerous fun-filled sightseeing spots around the city where you can take in the magnificent scenery and sweeping views. We can’t cover all the attractions here, but the video, “Matsumoto Area Sightseeing Excursion,” shows everything you need to know about the beautiful city. Once you see the images yourself, you'll be packing your bags in no time! Come check out Matsumoto- It'll be an experience you won't soon forget!

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival of Ueda, Nagano: Video Introduction This video, titled "[4K] An Up-Close & Powerful Display! Sparks Rain From Above! The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 Highlights" ([4K] 激近大迫力！- 火の粉が上から降ってくる - 信州上田大花火大会 2018 ハイライト - Shinshu Ueda Fireworks 2018 Highlights -), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." When is the Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival 2024? Photo：Ueda from the Arato Castle Ruins Ueda, Nagano, located in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, is known as the birthplace of the three generations of Sanada, one of the most influential clans in Japanese history, and is a popular tourist destination with its historical and cultural heritage, magnificent nature, and hot springs that can be enjoyed in Japan's four seasons. The historical atmosphere of the city has led to it being used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. Since it was the setting for the animated movie Summer Wars, some fans go on a tour of the places that served as models in the movie itself. The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 5 on the banks of the Chikuma River (downstream from Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, and usually attracts over 100,000 spectators. About 8,000 fireworks, including starmines, are launched into the air. The dates and times of the 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 are as follows. Date and time: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Street stalls and other vendors are scheduled to open in 2024. Fire sparks falling? What are the attractions and highlights of the "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival"? Photo：Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival consists of a competition among three local fireworks companies. ・Beniya Aoki Fireworks (紅屋青木煙火店) ・Shinohara Fireworks (篠原煙火店) ・Musha Fireworks (武舎煙火工業) The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, which has become a summer tradition in Ueda, Nagano, is made possible by the advanced technology of three local firework companies. Normally, 3,000 stars are packed into a firework shell. If even a few of them are out of alignment, the resulting explosion will be lackluster. It is no exaggeration to say that the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a success due to the incredibly skilled pyrotechnicians. The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival – Up Close and Personal The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a popular fireworks display in Nagano Prefecture because of its diverse program. The night sky is completely lit up as approximately 10,000 fireworks of various sizes are launched, centering on the gorgeous starmine and musical fireworks. In addition, the finale, a series of launches, is a spectacle that captivates the audience. The powerful music and the continuous launching of fireworks herald the arrival of summer in Ueda. One of the reasons why the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is said to be so powerful is that the spectator seats are close to where the fireworks are launched. Because of the proximity, the spectators are sometimes sprayed with sparks from the fireworks. Popular Tourist Spots in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture Here are two popular tourist attractions. Ueda Castle and Ueda Castle Ruins Park In addition to the East Toraguchi Yaguromon gate, North Yagura, and South Yagura, the stone wall with the "Sanada-ishi" stone, which is 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, is a popular photo spot. The "Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival" is held in spring and attracts many visitors. Rice terraces in Inakura This is a spot where you can enjoy the cityscape of Ueda City and the scenery of terraced rice paddies at the same time. The best time to view the terraced rice paddies is from late May to late October. There are several yokoana burial mounds dating back to the 700s along the rice paddies, providing an original Japanese landscape. Summary of "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival" in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Ueda Station, where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, and is also close enough to take a day trip from Tokyo. If you would like to experience not only the beauty of the fireworks seen in this video of the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, but also the power sounds and vibrations, considering seeing the fireworks in person. ◆The 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Place: Chikuma River riverbed (downstream of Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) Access：Public transportation: JR Ueda Station, Shinano Railway Ueda Station, Ueda Electric Railway Ueda Station→5 min. walk Car: 6 km 15 min. from Ueda Sugadaira IC of Joshinetsu Expressway via Route 144 Parking: No parking (please use pay parking lots around the venue)

Video introduction of "Aoki Village" in Ogata-gun, Nagano Prefecture This is a PR video for Aoki Village, in Nagano Prefecture, Koshinetsu, produced by the Aoki Village General Affairs Planning Division. Aoki Village in Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Shinshu, was ranked first on the 2016 list of “Most Desirable Villages to Live in in Japan.” Here, we'll introduce information about Aoki Village, where the countryside scenery of Japan remains. Be sure to follow along with the video to find out why it's rated so highly! Sightseeing in Aoki Village, Nagano Prefecture Aoki Village is a mountain village surrounded by "The Aoki three," a trio of large mountains. Source :YouTube screenshot It's said that "Aoki is the home of peasant revolts and evening showers." This alludes to the frequent revolts that took place throughout the history of Aoki village. In Aoki village, the ancestors who were executed for defending their village are called "gimin" (meaning "righteous people"), and the culture of drumming in honor of their bravery (Gimin Taiko) has been passed down for generations. You can see Gimin Taiko at concerts held by the preservation society and at sightseeing events around the village. You can hear the powerful sound of the taiko drums at 1:50 in the video. The Most Popular Temple for Sightseeing in Japan's Shinshu Region Source :YouTube screenshot Daiho Temple (大法寺, Daihoji), known as one of the best sightseeing temples in the Shinshu region, is a sightseeing spot that represents Aoki Village. The Daiho Temple three-storied pagoda, built in 1333, has been designated as a national treasure. It can be seen at 2:06 in the video. In recent years, Koiwato Shrine (恋渡神社, Koiwato Jinja) has become a popular spot for wedding ceremonies, and other hidden tourist attractions, such as Hiyoshi Shrine (日吉神社, Hiyoshi Jinja) and Sondanrei Shrine (子檀嶺神社, Sondanrei Jinja) are great places to visit. The Keita Goto Memorial Park, named after Keita Goto, a businessman from Aoki Village, is a great place to go for a walk. There are more than 800 stone Buddhas at Shunarara Pass on the border of Chikuhoku Village; you've got to see them! Activities in Aoki Village, Nagano Prefecture At Paragliding Park Aoki, you can experience an exhilarating paragliding experience while enjoying a view of the mountains. This can be seen at 0:35 in the video. It's an awesome activity that allows you to have the most amazing view of nature all to yourself! At Refresh Park Aoki, you can enjoy activities in the great outdoors, such as mountain stream fishing and athletic activities. After sightseeing, we recommend relaxing at Tazawa Hot Spring (田沢温泉, Tazawa Onsen) or Kutsukake Hot Spring (沓掛温泉, Kutsukake Onsen). Enjoy the Local Cuisine of Aoki Village, Nagano Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to grab a bite to eat, nothing beats Nagano Prefecture's locally made soba. If you're going sightseeing in Aoki Village, we recommend trying the Tachiakane soba! In addition, Shinshu's specialty wine and matsutake mushrooms make great souvenirs. These products can be purchased at Roadside Station Aoki. Aoki Village cuisine is introduced at 1:06 in the video. Aokinoko, the mascot of Aoki Village is shown at 1:38 in the video. It's based on the local specialty, mushrooms. Summary of Aoki Village We hope this video has given you a glimpse into the charm of Aoki Village. The number of tourists and immigrants to Aoki Village is increasing every year. If you're thinking about sightseeing in Japan, why not visit the beautiful, natural scenery of Aoki Village in Nagano Prefecture?

Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano, Japan: Video Introduction Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "[4K] Mysteriously Spectacular Views｜Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)" ([4K] 神秘の絶景 天空の湖 白駒池の紅葉 - Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." Shirakoma Pond in Nagano Prefecture is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. The reflection of the colorful trees on the surface of the lake is so beautiful you'd only expect to see it in a painting. Shirakoma Pond is blessed with abundant nature, and is a popular location for hiking as well. The pond is a popular tourist spot that attracts many visitors throughout the year because of its wonderful scenery that changes with the seasons, especially during autumn. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of between the green, yellow, and fiery red autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake in this 2-minute long 4K video. Where is Shirakoma Pond? Location of the Pond in Nagano Famous for Its Autumn Leaves Photo：Shirakoma Pond from Takami-ishi, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, on the border between the towns of Koumi and Sakuho. Located on the Yachiho Highland (Yachiho Kogen) at an elevation of 2,115m (~6,900 ft), Shirakoma Pond is the highest and largest natural lake in Japan. The pond is also known for its extremely high transparency, allowing visitors to see as deep as 5.8 meters below the surface. Shirakoma Pond is easily accessible despite its location on the Yachiho Highland. With a well-maintained promenade, it's becoming a popular tourist attraction. When to See Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond – Best Season and Photo Spots Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture The area surrounding Shirakoma Pond is known as one of Japan's three largest virgin forests, and during autumn, when the leaves change color, the virgin forest, filled with azaleas, birch trees, and maples, changes color to brilliant shades of red and yellow. Every year, the area is crowded with tourists who come to view the autumn foliage. If you're planning to visit Shirakoma Pond, autumn is definitely the best season to come so you can see the beauty of the autumn leaves. In the high elevation areas of Japan's Chubu region, the best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September at the earliest, and from early October on an average year. Since the forecast for autumn leaves at elevations above 2,000m is said to be largely unchanged, the best time to view the autumn foliage at Shirakoma Pond in 2023 is expected to be from late September to mid-October. During autumn, when the leaves are in season, Shirakoma Pond is crowded tourists. If you're looking to take photos, there are two great spots in front of the mountain lodges "Shirakoma-so" (白駒荘) and "Seitai-so" (青苔荘) that overlook the lakeside area. The two lodges, situated on opposite sides of Shirakoma Pond, are well known for their sunrises and sunsets which can be photographed together with the pond in the foreground. Hiking at Shirakoma Pond! Photo：The moss forest around Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture There are several hiking trails around Shirakoma Pond that can be enjoyed even by beginner hikers. We recommend the route from Shirakoma Pond (白駒池) to Takami-ishi (高見石), which has a minimal elevation change and can be easily hiked. The hike takes about 2 hours and departs from the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. The hike proceeds along a trail on which hikers can admire the beautiful mosses growing in the area. Once you reach a fork in the road, head toward Takami-ishi Lodge (高見石小屋). After hiking up behind Takami-ishi Lodge, you'll arrive at Takami-ishi. From Takami-ishi, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Japan's Northern and Central Alps and Shirakoma Pond. After admiring the view, descend from Takami-ishi toward Shirakoma Pond. Follow the boardwalk circling the mystical Shirakoma Pond before returning to the parking lot to end the hike. Although the trail around Shirakoma Pond is well maintained, it becomes slippery when it rains. When visiting Takami-ishi, a series of rock formations, in particular, extreme care should be taken to avoid injury or accidents. Please be prepared to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that are easy to move in, and check the weather before you go out. Additionally, because the area around Shirakoma Pond is mountainous, temperatures can vary greatly. Please bring warm clothes to adjust for the temperature changes. After enjoying hiking in the magnificent nature of Nagano, we recommend taking a breather at one of the hot spring resorts in the area. The Shirakoma Pond area is dotted with facilities where you can enjoy hot springs and take in the beautiful scenery. It's a great way to relax after a nice day of hiking. Camping at Shirakoma Pond Photo：The tent campsite at Takami-ishi Lodge, Nagano Prefecture In addition to hiking and viewing the autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, there are also a few locations where you can enjoy camping. Seitai-so Seitai-so, the mountain lodge mentioned earlier, has a tent site located right next to it where you can set up a tent right by the lake. The tent site is available year-round and you can even enjoy a beautiful starry sky with a view of the pond frozen over in the winter. Keep in mind that the tent site is reservation only and all garbage must be taken with you when you leave. Lodge Hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. ※Hours may vary by season. Fee: The tent site is free of charge. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/person for adults. Takami-ishi Another campsite is the Takami-ishi Tent Site, located beside Takami-ishi Lodge. Unlike the tent site at Seitai-so, Takami-ishi does not accept reservations, and is open to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the owners of the lodge provide commentary about the stars at night on the terrace, and invite guests to join them to listen. While not located directly next to Shirakoma Pond, it's only about 10 minutes from the pond by car. Lodge Hours: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Fee: Tent site: 600 yen/person. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/ person. Both of the above facilities also having standard accommodations as well, so if you want to stay the night and enjoy the starry skies and autumn leaves, but don't want to stay in a tent, you can always book a room in the lodges. Parking and Crowding at Shirakoma Pond During the Autumn Foliage Season Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture To get to Shirakoma Pond, it's best to use the parking lot on Route 299. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the pond on foot from the parking lot. That being said, because it's a famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves, more than 180,000 people visit Shirakoma Pond during the autumn foliage season, and the parking lot becomes incredibly crowded, especially on weekends. At the same time, many cars are entering and exiting the parking lot, resulting in heavy traffic congestion on the surrounding roads. The most crowded hours at Shirakoma Pond are between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekends and holidays. If you visit Shirakoma Pond to see the autumn leaves on a weekday, it may be better to go between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. On weekends and holidays, it might be smoother to go between 6:00 am and 8:00 am. However, in the past, there have been some reports that the parking lots were full as early as 9:00 am, so be sure to check the real-time parking conditions when visiting. For real-time information on congestion around Shirakoma Pond, you'll have the most luck using Twitter. Look up "白駒池" (Shirakoma Pond) in the Twitter search box to check the latest tweets. It's also recommended that you check live cameras installed at the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. Access the official website of the Shirakoma Pond toll parking lot to view the live camera, which is updated every 5 minutes. This is useful for checking the status of the parking lot and the weather in real time. Although it is convenient to drive to Shirakoma Pond during the fall foliage season, you may want to consider using public transportation if you're trying to avoid crowds and traffic jams. Summary of Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond, located in Nagano Prefecture and famous for its autumn foliage, is the highest natural lake in Japan at 2,115 meters above sea level. During the fall foliage season, the azaleas and birch trees change color beautifully, creating a picturesque landscape. The Shirakoma Pond area is also famous for its "moss forest," which is home to 485 species of moss. The best time to see the mosses is from mid-June to the end of July, after Japan's rainy season, and visitors can enjoy the moss forest until early November every year. We invite you to experience the mysterious beauty of Shirakoma Pond as expressed in the video. 【TripAdvisor】Shirakoma Pond

Norikura Kogen" in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Autumn Foliage Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Colors in Japan｜Autumn at Norikura Kogen" (日本の紅葉　Autumn Colors in Japan　乗鞍高原の秋), was uploaded by "beaphoto1. The video introduces the spiritual and ephemeral autumn scenery of Norikura Kogen (Norikura Highlands), a place visited by large numbers of people every year for its legendary autumnal colors. The beauty on display is such that you'll forget all about time for the entirety of the 1-minute video. We're sure that when you're done watching you'll be itching to visit Norikura Kogen! Where is Norikura Kogen? Basic Tips for Sightseers Photo：Autumn leaves at Norikura Kogen, Nagano Prefecture Located in Matsumoto, Nagano in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, and on the eastern side of the Northern Alps' southernmost area, the Norikura Kogen highlands are a popular sightseeing spot, and are lively in all seasons, with visitors making the trip for a variety of reasons. In the summer, you can escape the heat while camping or stay at one of the bed and breakfasts in the area. As summer gives way to fall, mountain climbing becomes a popular pastime, and in the winter, skiing and other winter sports can be enjoyed here. Also, the hot springs bursting forth from several locations in the area can be enjoyed no matter the season. Furthermore, if you're looking to get your fill of the great outdoors, no trip to Japan's Northern Alps would be complete without a visit to Norikura Kogen Holiday Village (休暇村乗鞍高原, Kyuka-mura Norikura Kogen). Situated 1600m above sea-level, it's perfect for stargazing and early morning walks, and there are even activities for enjoying nature with fellow travelers that anyone can participate in at their leisure. The views of the night sky here are truly unforgettable. Take your time and enjoy the boundless nature of Japan's Northern Alps at Norikura Kogen Holiday Village! When Is the Best Time to See the Autumn Foliage at Norikura Kogen? Photo：Ichinose Park, Norikura Kogen Autumn means autumn leaves, and the best time to see those at Norikura Kogen is from mid-late October. During this period, sightseers converge on the area for a glimpse of Norikura Kogen's autumn foliage. At one of the most famous spots, Ichinose Park (一の瀬園地, Ichinose-enchi), the reflection of Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳, Norikura-dake) on the water's surface contrasts with the autumn leaves to create a spiritual atmosphere. [Video] 0:10 - Autumn Leaves and the Reflection of Mt. Norikura Even the more indoorsy people will find themselves enjoying hiking around Ichinose Park. Take a leisurely walk and admire the white birch forests, Zengoro Falls, Organ Bridge (オルガン橋, orugan-bashi) which spans the mountain stream, and the seasonal flowers that can be found in the area. The giant maple tree shown in the video is popular with photographers as a superb photo spot, so don't forget your camera! [Video] 0:31 - Giant Maple Tree Norikura Skyline/Echo Line aka Paradise in the Sky Photo：Norikura Skyline, Korikura Kogen You'll feel like you're coasting through the sky at Norikura Skyline/Echo Line. The word "Skyline" makes it sound like somewhere you'd go by car, but since this is a place to enjoy nature as well as gorgeous views while gliding through the sky, personal vehicles are prohibited in order to protect the environment and prevent traffic. If you're planning to visit by car, you'll need to switch to a bus at some point. For further details, check the Hida-Norikura Tourism Association's (飛騨乗鞍観光協会, Hida Norikura kanko kyokai) home page. Summary of Sightseeing at Norikura Kogen Norikura Kogen is brimming with fantastical views, including autumn leaves and giant maples, and has come to be known as a Paradise in the Sky. It's great for instagrammers and photographers alike, too. Why don't you add Norikura Highland to the candidate sites when you travel to Nagano? Norikura Kogen is also rife with facilities, including day-trip hot spring facilities, but there's so much to see and do that we encourage you to stay the night and take your time enjoying the superb views. So let go of some of that stress and charge your batteries with the help of Mother Nature. [TripAdvisor] Norikura Kogen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298118-d1372942-Reviews-Norikura_Kogen-Matsumoto_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Norikura-dake" in Nagano and Gifu Prefectures, Introduction of mountain climbing video This video, titled “Mt. Norikura in one minute” (乗鞍岳登山を一分でまとめてみました。), was created by “odenkuuuuuuun.” It introduces Mt. Norikura, a part of the Hida Mountains, or Northern Alps. Mt. Norikura is one of "Japan’s Top 100 Famous Mountains," and stretches through Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City to Gifu Prefecture’s Takayama City. The video summarizes "odenkuuuuuuun's" climb of Mt. Norikura in September. Although the video is only 54 seconds long, it’s brimming with the allure of Mt. Norikura. Matsumoto Prefecture・Gifu Prefecture’s Mt. Norikura Photo：Summit of Mt. Norikura Mt. Norikura is a complex volcano encompassing 7 lakes and 8 plains. The highest of its 23 peaks is Kengamine Peak, at a height of 10,000 feet. The mountain was chosen as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Famous Mountains," and its popularity extends to foreign visitors as well. Its most recent eruption is said to be the Mt. Ebisu eruption over 2000 years ago. The mountain lies in the Hida Mountains. At the top of the mountain is the Norikura Shrine (乗鞍神宮, Norikura jingu), which has been a place of worship since long ago. This can be seen from 0:47 in the video. In the Shinshu Province, the mountain is also known as “Asahidake,” due to it being the first mountain touched by the light of the morning sun. (朝日, Asahi "Morning sun," 岳, dake "Mountain/Peak"). The starting point of the trail is Tatami-daira, which is 8,800 feet above sea level, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit, depending on which trail you take, making it an easy climb even for beginners. However, at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the weather can be quite unpredictable, and the temperature is low year round, so you'll need to wear warm clothes. Mt. Norikura’s popular trekking courses include the route from Tatamidaira to Kodamadake to Kengamine (approximately one and a half hours), and the route from the Norikura Kogen highlands to the peak of Mt. Norikura (approximately five hours and forty minutes). There are hiking courses available as well. Behind Tatamidaira is a national park where alpine flora and fauna are blooming, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of the flower gardens while strolling around the lake or through the promenade. Autumn at Mt. Norikura provides stunning views of autumn leaves. The peak viewing period is from mid-September to early October. During the summer season, July to September, buses begin operating early in the morning, enabling visitors to be able to enjoy the sunrise from the 10,000 ft. tall mountain peak. It's great for taking pictures. Be sure to post them on your Instagram! On Mt. Norikura, there are a few mountain huts, so climbs with overnight stays are also possible. Many of these huts are fully-equipped with facilities such as baths, so visitors can feel as if they're resting at a hotel or ryokan. For the sake of nature preservation, access to Mt. Norikura by personal vehicles is limited, so you will need to use a tourist bus, shuttle bus, or taxi to get there. As the entrance of private cars is prohibited, of course, the usage of the Tsurugaike Parking Lot is not permitted. Visitors can head to Mt. Norikura from the Honokidaira Bus Terminal or the Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal. The bus terminals can be found at Hirayu Onsen of the Okuhida Onsen Village. Roads leading to Mt. Norikura include the Norikura Skyline (乗鞍スカイライン, Norikura sukairain) from Gifu Prefecture, as well as the Norikura Eco Line from Nagano Prefecture. Travelling on road bikes or bicycles is also possible. Cycling events are held as well, such as the “Mountain Cycling in Norikura,” and the “Norikura Skyline・Cycling Hill Climb. Sightseeing Around Mt. Norikura Photo：Mt. Norikura Snow Wall Norikura Kogen highland’s Norikura Skyline is open from mid-May to mid-June, visitors can view the snow wall "Yuki no Kairo" (雪の回廊, yuki no kairo) as well. At its highest, the snow wall can reach up to 60 feet, towering over the Norikura Skyline. Visitors can even walk amongst this magnificent sight. As seen from 0:17, snow remains on Mt. Norikura even in September, and summer skiing, where visitors climb the mountain on their own and ski at the peak, is also possible. Of course, in winter, ski resorts are opened as well, and visitors can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Mt. Norikura also boasts the 50-meter “Sanbon Falls (三本滝, Sanbon-daki), which is counted among "Japan’s top 100 waterfalls." It has been a place of worship since olden times, and it is said that ascetics come to practice discipline at this waterfall. The “Starry Sky Observation Event” at Tatamidaira is also popular. Visitors can gaze up at the night sky full of stars while listening to the guide’s explanation of the sights. Summary of Mt. Norikura What'd you think of this article about Mt. Norikura? From the video, you can see the mountain from the view of a mountain climber, but you don't need to be a mountain climber to enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Norikura. Although only 54 seconds long, the video is full of the sights and sounds of Mt. Norikura, so definitely check it out! 【Official Website】Mt. Norikura, Norikura Skyline Official Site https://norikuradake.jp/en.html 【Tripadvisor】Mt. Norikura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298102-d2318270-Reviews-Mt_Norikura-Chubu.html

Introduction of sightseeing video of "Jigokudani Yaen-koen" in Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "SNOW MONKEY JAPAN｜Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park｜Monkeys in Hot Springs," introduces the tourist spot in Nagano prefecture (長野県, Nagano ken) in Koushinetsu region (甲信越地方, Koushinetsu chihou ) of Japan. The monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bathe in the hot springs to fend off the cold in the winter. Enjoy watching the lovely monkeys chilling out in the cold winter weather! What is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Source :YouTube screenshot Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. It's called "Snow Monkey Mountain" in English. The park can be enjoyed in every season, and in the fall, the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and yellow, creating a completely different atmosphere than that of the snowscapes of winter. The video shows how to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by taking the Nagano Electric Railway's Snow Monkey Limited Express (長野電鉄特急スノーモンキー, Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu Snow Monkey) connecting Nagano station and Yudanaka station, at 0:27 in the video. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Kanbayashi hot spring (上林温泉, Kanbayashi Onsen) parking area by bus, and about 30 minutes to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by foot. We recommend stopping at Yokoyugawa Valley (横湯川渓谷, Yokoyugawa Keikoku) on the way. You need to buy a ticket to enter when you arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is shown at 3:36 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can enjoy watching a bunch of monkeys playing around. When they get cold, they hop in the hot springs for a bit to warm up. Unfortunately, if it's hot out, the monkeys won't be getting in the hot springs too frequently. That being said, we recommend visiting on colder days so you can see the adorable sight of them bathing. There are live cameras you can check out before visiting to see what the weather is like as well. Monkeys Bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Snow monkey You can watch monkeys taking a bath in the video at 4:38. A troop of monkeys bathe in the springs, surrounded by white snow. The monkeys enjoy their bath time much like people, and you can even see a mother and her child taking a bath together at 5:06. One monkey can be seen relaxing with its eyes closed at 6:30 in the video. Although there are many tourists around, the monkeys pay no mind and go on enjoying themselves. Sightseeing Around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park The bus tour, which goes around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is great for people who enjoy lively sightseeing trips. We also recommend stopping by Jigokudani Hot Spring Inn (地獄谷温泉後楽館, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan) and Jigokudani Fountain (地獄谷噴泉, Jigokudani Funsen) as well. Shiga Plateau (志賀高原, Shiga Kougen) is another popular tourist spot in Nagano prefecture. There are cafés where you can eat lunch, cool hotels, and an art museum that you can enjoy here. Summary of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Entrance Unfortunately the only way to get to Jidokudani Snow Monkey Park is to walk the promenade from the parking area to the park itself. It takes about 30 minutes, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing. There are some rules that you need to follow as not to scare the monkeys, so be sure to check those out as well. There are many places to stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, so if you're planning on staying over night you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay. Are you ready to see some cute monkeys in person? ◆Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park◆ 【Address】6845 Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano Japan 381-0401 【Access】~30 minutes by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange, or ~15 minutes by bus or taxi from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway limited express line. ~30 minutes on foot from the Kanbayashi hot spring parking area 【Hours】Summer 8:30-17:00 Winter 9:00-16:00 【Admission fee】Adults 500 JPY, children 250 JPY (Coupons available) 【Closures】No regular holidays 【Telephone】0269-33-4379 【Stay time】2 hours 【Official Website】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1117904-d324924-Reviews-Jigokudani_Snow_Monkey_Park

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests. This time, we have selected photos that capture the majestic Mt. Fuji, located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. We'll also introduce the locations where the photos were taken, so be sure to enjoy each one so you don't miss out on some useful information! COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Our photo contests allow you to participate and even win with photos taken via your smartphone! Stick around to learn more! ■Table of Contents - Mt. Fuji in Past Photo Contests  The Aftermath of the Hoei Eruption  Swans at Lake Yamanaka  The Tea Fields of Obuchi Sasaba  Fujiyoshida  Oshino Hakkai  Aka-Fuji  The Daikanzan Observatory  Kawaguchi Asama Shrine  The Fumotoppara Campground  The Takabocchi Highlands - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - Current Photo Contest - Summary of Mt. Fuji in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests Mt. Fuji in Past Photo Contests Let's take a look at some of the wonderful photos taken of Mt. Fuji from the many fantastic works that convey the beauty of Japan. COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 01ktk15 Location: Mizugatsuka Park (Susono, Shizuoka) A Place Where You Can Photograph the Aftermath of the Hoei Eruption Fuji's flanks were blown away by the Hoei Eruption in 1707 during the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), forming the bowl-shaped Hoei Crater. At Mizugatsuka Park, you can photograph the crater in its entirety as it changes from season to season. The crater is located along the Fuji Skyline, near the second station of Mt. Fuji at an elevation of 1,450 meters. You can capture powerful compositions that include the beauty of Mt. Fuji, while reminding you that it's still a mighty volcano. An Article About Mt. Fuji Video article 4:21 Fuji - Japan's Largest Tourist Attraction and the Pride of the Country. Its Mysterious Beauty Fascinates All Who See It YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: タケタロ Location: Lake Yamanaka (Minamitsuru, Yamanashi) When to See Swans at Lake Yamanaka Swans can usually be seen at Lake Yamanaka around December and fly back north around March or April. Some species of swans are don't migrate, and instead lay eggs and raise their young in the grassy knolls along the shores of Lake Yamanaka in spring. Mt. Fuji is located to the southwest of Lake Yamanaka. If you're looking to capture the majestic Mt. Fuji with beautiful swans and snowy winter scenery in one photograph, the northern shore of Lake Yamanaka is your best bet. A Sightseeing Article About Lake Yamanaka Video article 1:53 Go Sightseeing at Lake Yamanaka, Nestled at the Foot of the Sacred Mt. Fuji! The Yamanakako Area, Surrounded by Nature, Is One of the Top Sightseeing Destinations in Japan! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: phantastic420 Location: Obuchi Sasaba (Fuji, Shizuoka) The Tea Fields of Obuchi Sasaba Obuchi Sasaba in the Obuchi district of Fuji City is a photo spot where you can capture Mt. Fuji over vast tea fields with no power lines or buildings to obstruct your view. Many photographers come to capture the verdant tea fields with the towering Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. Located about 10 minutes by car from the Tomei-Fuji and Shin-Tomei Shin-Fuji interchanges, the best time to visit is when the tea leaves are sprouting, particularly from mid-April to mid-May. An Article About Tea Fields and Mt. Fuji Video article 2:09 Obuchi Sasaba - Beautiful Tea Fields and Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka, Japan! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Yuto Yamada Location: Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Fujiyoshida, a Town With an Amazing View of Mt. Fuji Fujiyoshida, in Yamanashi prefecture, is the closest town to Mt. Fuji and features spectacular views of the mountain. In particular, at Arakurayama Sengen Park, it's possible to capture Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the 5-story Chureito Pagoda in one frame. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-story pagoda in the frame. On top of the cherry blossoms in spring, visitors can enjoy the depth and splendor of each season here, including the fresh greenery of summer, the autumn foliage in fall, and the splendid snow landscapes in winter, all of which are sure to delight. An Article on Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida Video article 3:16 Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine - Learn About One of Japan's Most Famous Power Spots, Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Where the Sacred Mt. Fuji Resides, and Information About Popular Amulets and Shuin Stamps for Tourists! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Nguyen Vu Location: Oshino Hakkai (Minamitsuru, Yamanashi) The Beautiful Oshino Hakkai Oshino Hakkai is a sacred spring located at the foot of the natural monument, Mt. Fuji, and is considered a power spot. The pure spring water from Mt. Fuji, a sacred mountain, is said to hold sacred power. This photo conveys the atmosphere and purity of Oshino Hakkai. If you visit Oshino Hakkai, be sure to take a picture, as it will be treasured for a lifetime. An Article on Oshino Hakkai Video article 4:22 Oshino Hakkai - Breathtaking Scenery at the Foot of Mt. Fuji! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Phúc Jindo Location: Oshino, Yamanashi Photographing the Auspicious Aka-Fuji Aka-Fuji (Red Fuji) has long been a symbol of good luck for warding off evil spirits and bringing prosperity to business. It is a sight that photographers all over Japan hope to see. However, the conditions for photographing Aka-Fuji are very specific. Aka-Fuji can only be seen from the eastern side of the mountain from late summer to early autumn, just after sunrise, and on a clear day after rain. If you're a photographer and up for a challenge, we definitely recommend trying to capture this beautiful sight. An Article About Narusawa, Yamanashi, Located at the Foot of Mt. Fuji Video article 2:40 Introducing “Narusawa, Yamanashi,” Home to the Tallest Mountain in Japan. Behold the Jaw Droppingly Beautiful Scenery of Mt. Fuji. YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 01ktk15 Location: Daikanzan Observatory (Ashigarashita, Kanagawa) A Breathtaking View From the Daikanzan Observatory The name "Daikanzan" (lit. "Large Viewing Mountain") comes from the artist Yokoyama Taikan, who liked to paint Mt. Fuji from the Sky Lounge at the summit of the 1,011-meter-tall mountain. The spectacular view makes for an excellent photo and will take up a special place in your heart. It's especially popular in winter when the air is crisp and clear. Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko covered with snow is guaranteed to result in a dignified work of art. An Article on the Best Places to View Mt. Fuji Video article 7:32 The Graceful Sight of the World-Famous Mount Fuji Can Be Enjoyed From All Over Japan. This Article Will Help You Find a Spot to View Mt. Fuji That’s Just Right for You! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Phúc Jindo Location: Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (Minamitsuru, Yamanashi) Kawaguchi Asama Shrine – A Torii in the Sky Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was built to worship Mt. Fuji's god, Sengen-O-no-kami, in order to quell a major volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji. The torii gate is located approximately 30 minutes on foot from the shrine grounds, and the view of Mt. Fuji is beautiful beyond words. It's also called the "Torii in the Sky," and is a recommended spot known for being especially picturesque. An Article on Kawaguchi Chigo no Mai at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Video article 3:15 Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, Now a World Cultural Heritage Site! A Look at the Beautiful Traditional Dance, "Kawaguchi Chigo no Mai"! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: mioka Location: Fumotoppara Campground (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka) Mt Fuji From the Fumotoppara Campground The best part about the Fumotoppara Campground is that you can see Mt. Fuji in its entirety from the summit to the base. It is truly a picturesque view. Located in Fujinomiya, the Asagiri Plateau, known for its foggy appearance, is also in the vicinity. At the Fumotoppara Campground, a place loved by campers, you can experience the outdoors with a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji. An Article on the Yamanakako Fuji Snow Festival Video article 3:10 Enjoy the Beauty of Mt. Fuji to the Fullest at the Yamanakako Fuji Snow Festival! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: HKP Location: Takabocchi Highlands (Shiojiri, Nagano) Mt. Fuji From the Takabocchi Highlands From the summit of the mountain, which offers a 360-degree view of the Takabocchi Highlands, Lake Suwa, the lights of the city by the lake, and the sea of clouds all add to the main attraction of Mt. Fuji. The area is especially spectacular from autumn, when the air is clear and the night views are spectacular, to the time when the access road is closed for the winter. It's hard to take a better picture than Mt. Fuji and a sea of clouds, early in the morning, before the sun rises and when the sky is tinted orange. An Article on the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre Video article 2:32 The Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre Is a New-Age Museum That Fuses Digital and Analog! The Museum, Located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Is Full of Facilities That Convey the Beauty of the World Heritage Site Mt. Fuji! YouTube Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that showcases the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS Anyone can enter COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' photo contests! Below are some of the features of our contests. ・On top of single-lens reflex cameras and digital cameras, photos taken with smartphones and other devices can also be submitted. ・Each person can submit as many photos as they like during the contest period. ・Editing of images, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed! Here you can find all of the past photo contest winners in one place. You can also see the prizes for each contest, as well as the locations where the photos were taken and the judges' critiques. Click here to see past photo contest winners Text only Photo Contest Results - COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Winning Photos - Discover the Charms of Japan! Current Photo Contest The following is information about the current photo contest. [Ongoing From November 2023] The 20th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Theme: The Beauty of Japan Submission period: November 1, 2023 0:00 AM – December 31 2023 11:59 PM(JST) Prizes: ■Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card (1 Winner) ■Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card (5 Winners) The Beauty of Japan Photo Contest Landscape Photography Summary Did you enjoy these landscape photos from past photo contest entries? Some of these landscapes can only be seen in specific conditions. Japan is full of rich nature, historical locations, and seasonal events! Share your photos with the world and help showcase the beauty of Japan through COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! Related Articles Text only Children of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Heartwarming Photos That Will Put a Smile on Your Face! Text only Autumn in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Autumn in Japan Text only Mt. Fuji in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Showcasing the Different Views of Mt. Fuji Text only Hokkaido in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: From Popular Sightseeing Spots to Exotic Animals, Discover the Beauty of Japan's Northernmost Prefecture! Text only Tohoku in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: Hot Springs, Festivals, Snowscapes, and More – 10 Beautiful Photos of Japan's Tohoku Region! Text only Kyoto in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Kyoto, the Ancient Capital of Japan, and Its Most Popular Tourist Attractions! Text only Tokyo in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Featuring the Charms of Tokyo, the Capital of Japan + Popular Tourist Attractions! Text only Winter in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Capturing the Beauty of Winter in Japan. Snowy Landscapes, Glittering Illuminations + More! Text only Kansai in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Spectacular Views of Japan's Kansai Region. From Night Views to Traditional Events, Discover the Best Photo Spots in Kansai! 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Video introduction of activities in Kiso Town, Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture If you're interested in enjoying fun activities in Nagano prefecture, we highly recommend you check out this video! This video, titled "Tons of Fun in Nagano Prefecture! Kiso Edition" (信州でアクティビティを楽しもう！～木曽 編～), created by "Shinshu Furusato Wari Channel" (信州ふるさと割チャンネル), introduces various activities in the Kiso area. Kiso in Nagano prefecture is gaining popularity as a spot to enjoy various outdoor activities, such as canoeing at the beautiful, yet not-well known, Ontake lake (御岳湖), or taking part in a yoga classes at Mt. Ontake (御嶽山). There's plenty of fun activities for you to try in Kiso, all packed into this short 3 minute long video! Make sure you get the most out of your trip to Nagano prefecture by trying out some of the activities featured in this video! Activities to Try Out at Mt. Ontake Source :YouTube screenshot Kiso is a beautiful town in Nagano prefecture, surrounded by nature and situated at the foot of Mt. Ontake. Mt. Ontake is popular among mountain climbers, and thanks to the Ontake Ropeway (御岳ロープウェイ) beginners can also enjoy the scenery from the top of the mountain. It's the perfect spot to take photos. Don't forget to share them on your Instagram! You can take a look at the scenery from 1:51 in the video. There are several mountain retreats situated halfway up the mountain for those who wish to stay overnight. There are many fun tours and activities to take part in as well, including lunch and yoga on the mountain. For those who wish to be one with nature, we highly recommend taking part in one of the outdoor yoga classes. At 2:21 in the video, you can see students practicing yoga on top of Mt. Ontake under the beautiful blue sky. It provides a great opportunity to refresh both your body and mind. Lake Activities in Kiso, Nagano Source :YouTube screenshot At the foot of Mt. Ontake lies Ontake lake and Lake Shizenko (自然湖). In the village of Otaki (王滝), you can take part in the "Ontake Adventure Shizenko Nature Canoe Tour" (おんたけアドベンチャー自然湖ネイチャーカヌーツアー), and at Ontake lake you can try out "Ontake Lake Canoe Touring" (おんたけ湖カヌーツーリング). Even if you're a complete beginner, you can still take part in the canoe tours as there will be instructors to guide you along the way. Canoeing amidst the beautiful scenery of Nagano prefecture is an experience that you can't afford to miss! You can take a look at the canoe tours from 0:13 in the video. As you can tell from the video, the view of Kiso from the canoe is really something special! There are many tours and activities to enjoy in the beautiful town of Kiso! Summary of Kiso, Nagano The town of Kiso suffered a lot of damage due to the eruption of Mt. Ontake in 2014. However the town is recovering and the number of tourists is increasing every year. There are now many facilities where you can enjoy activities such as those featured in this video. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video and take a look at the beautiful scenery Kiso has to offer. After watching the video, you're sure to want to take a trip to Kiso and experience it all for yourself!

Video introduction of a reproduction of the Jomon people's daily life" produced by the "Idojiri Archaeological Museum" in Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture. Many tourists come to Japan to enjoy the beautiful shrines, picturesque scenery, delicious food and other uniquely Japanese characteristics. Even Japanese people love to travel to places like Kyoto and Nara where they can enjoy sightseeing at historical buildings and eating delicious food. However, in this article, we'd like to take a break from the standard approach to enjoying Japan and recommend a few lesser-known spots where you can learn about the life of the Jomon people nearly 3,000 years ago. In this article, we'll introduce the Idojiri Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the life of the Jomon. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Who Were the Jomon People? What Were Their Lives Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Jomon people lived all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, during the Jomon period approximately 16,000 to 3,000 years ago. In world history, this period corresponds to the Mesolithic and Neolithic ages. The Jomon were a people who devised many different ways to survive. They invented tools and objects that were passed down through the Yayoi period and into the modern day to make life easier. For example, it was in the Jomon period that bows were made, making it possible to hunt from a distance. They also invented stone tools and earthenware, which made it possible to cook and store food. It was also during this period that people began to build pit houses and settle in one place, and villages were established. In this way, the Jomon were able to use their wisdom to improve their lives. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The Idojiri Archeological Museum, which can be viewed from 0:27 in the video, is a facility where you can learn about the life and culture of the Jomon people. There are a number of exhibits on display that tell the story of life in the Jomon period, including pottery and other artifacts from the Jomon period. The earthenware and stone tools are arranged according to the age of the Jomon period, and there are also descriptions on the use of each item. There is also a section where you can see what it would have been like to live in a Jomon period dwelling, as well as a reproduction of their diet and clothing. There is also a place where you can learn about the religion and myths of the time, deciphered from the patterns of the earthenware and stone tools. It's a must-see for history buffs! Many stone hoes have been found at the Idojiri ruins as well. They can be seen at 0:38 in the video. About 4,500 years ago, these stone hoes were utilized by the Jomon people. They were a strong agricultural tribe, and used them to plow their fields. In the spring they sowed millet, and in the summer they sowed buckwheat. You can see a reenactment of their agricultural activities at 1:02 in the video. There are also weeding tools on display at the Idojiri Archaeological Museum. Source :YouTube screenshot In the fall, they used stone knives to harvest their grain (2:10). Threshed grains were transferred to a stone mill to remove the shells. The threshed grains would be hulled in a stone mortar and then cooked into porridge using earthenware, and then the whole family would eat together in the pit dwelling. In addition to porridge, the Jomon also ate river fish, wild vegetables, walnuts, and dumplings. You can check out how the tools they used when cooking were made at 4:59 in the video. Jomon pottery was entirely hand made. First, the clay is kneaded and mixed with sand to make a dough, then the dough is piled to create a pattern without any gaps. Each piece was dried for 2-4 weeks before being baked over an open fire. So how were Jomon period tools made? You can see this process at 6:23 in the video. They used oval shaped stones to hit a smaller, flat stone to break of thin pieces that will be used to make the hoes. The hoe and other stone tools of the time are shaped the same way as modern hoes. Women's necklaces and other items were also excavated from various ruins. You can also see how people would have hunted with bows during the Jomon period. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum is an interesting spot to learn about the roots of Japanese people and the lifestyle of the Jomon people. Summary of the Jomon Civilization Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by "IDOJIRIKOKUKOKAN." We recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Japanese history! By implementing reenacted clips in the video, it's easy to understand the lifestyle of the Jomon people and how they made and used tools. Famous Jomon period ruins include Sannai Maruyama (Aomori), Kamegaoka (Aomori), Omori Kaizuka, (Tokyo), Kasori Shellmounds (Chiba), and Nabatake (Saga). If you're interested in the Jomon period, be sure to stop by!

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Japan's Shinshu Region: Video Introduction This video, titled "2020–21 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Promotion Video" (2020-21 野沢温泉スキー場プロモーションビデオ), was uploaded by "nozawaonsen." Blanketed in a veil of silvery white snow, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has something for the whole family, with a variety of courses, ranging from beginner to expert level. In addition to skiing and sledding, facilities include a kids' park and even a day-care center, so visitors with small children can enjoy the slopes too. Once you've had your fun on the powder, at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort you can soothe your tired body in the thermal springs, or enjoy some delicious cuisine. Before we go any further, check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's gorgeous snow-covered scenery and people enjoying winter activities in the video. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort’s Distinctive Features, and Course Difficulty Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is located in northern Nagano prefecture in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, and its slopes — which cover an area the size of 63 Tokyo Domes — set it apart from all other ski resorts. Twinkling prettily, trees decorated with icicles dot the landscape, which, with its 100% natural snow, boasts some of the best powder in Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago) and there are plenty of gorgeous views to be seen as well. The vast slopes play host to a total of 36 runs, divided in a 40/30/30 ratio between beginner, intermediate, and expert difficulties respectively. The resort is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from novices to seasoned experts. What’s more is, there's the Nagasaka Gondola, a large gondola which can ferry 10 people from the Nagasaka area to the Yamabiko area in one go. These gondolas are the first in Japan to have an all-glass structure, which boasts excellent ventilation properties, and allows riders to take in the natural scenery as they travel from one point to the next. Plenty of Courses for Beginners and Families! Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Thanks to its abundance of runs and areas aimed at beginners and children, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is popular among visitors with no skiing experience and families with small children. There's even a rental shop, so there's no need to worry if you don't have your own equipment. The Uenotaira Course (上ノ平ゲレンデ, uenotaira gerende) and Paradise Course (パラダイスゲレンデ, paradaisu gerende) are recommended for beginners or kids who aren't yet familiar with skis or snowboards. These slopes are both gentle and wide, making them the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the snow without worrying about having an accident. Furthermore, thanks to lower temperatures than those at the foot of the mountain, the quality of the snow is great. The lift adjacent to the slopes has a handrail and can take up to four people, meaning you can ride as a group; a boon for those with young children who may struggle with the lifts. Once you've had your fill of skiing about at the summit, you can leave the Paradise Course behind you and head for the Rinkan Course (林間コース, rinkan kosu). This course allows skiers to enjoy some spectacular views as they descend the mountain along a beautiful wooded trail. If you aren't confident in your skiing abilities, you can take the gondola to the bottom, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're new to skiing or snowboarding. The area at the foot of the mountain is also recommended for beginners and kids. There are wide and gentle slopes here too, ideal for kids who are experiencing skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Ziplines, Indoor Playgrounds and More! Check Out the Exciting Activities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Photo：Zip Sky Ride at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan "Zip Sky Ride" is one of the most popular facilities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. This zipline, comprising of a seated harness mounted on a wire rope using a pulley is located above the Hikage Course, and is 652 meters with a total altitude difference of 122 meters. The zipline can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h! This aerial activity lets visitors soar above the slopes like a bird. The ride is accessible to everyone elementary school age and up, so consider flying over the mountains with your kids! In addition, the Kids' Park and Nasky Room are great for those with kids who haven't started elementary school yet. The Kids' Park offers sledding, tubing, and more, and the Nasky Room (ナスキールーム) has educational toys, making these places great for both relaxing and playing. There's a day-care as well! "Yumin," has qualified childcare professionals present, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your kids are in good hands while you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities on the slopes. How to Get the Best Deals at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort! Photo：Friends chatting with smartphones Buying one of the special package tickets from Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's home page will allow you to save a little money. Priced at ¥6,500 for adults and ¥4,300 for kids, the special package tickets include a gondola ticket, which would usually sell for ¥6,000, or ¥3,600 per child, as well as ¥1,000 worth of lunch tickets. Furthermore, a package that includes a 1-day lift ticket, a ¥1,000 lunch ticket, and a Nozawa Onsen Sparena bath ticket is also available for ¥7,000 for adults and ¥4,600 for children. These perks are also available to those visiting one a day trip, so save yourself some money while enjoying Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Additionally, there are a variety of seasonal value passes available to skiers, including a spring skiing service pass, and family-oriented passes, such as the spring break family pack campaign, etc. Enjoy a trip to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort next spring with your little ones and make some unforgettable memories! Check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's homepage for more details. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Roundup: A Ski Resort Recommended for Families and Kids The beautiful slopes covered in powdery snow offer tons of photogenic views that would look great on Instagram. There are a variety of courses tailored for both children and adults, and the views are fantastic. The area surrounding Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has a wide range of hotels, inns, and ryokan (traditional Japanese style inns) as well. A shuttle bus runs between the spa town and the ski resort, so guests can unwind with a dip in the hot springs and some delicious food after a fun-filled day of skiing. We implore you to head to Nagano Prefecture in Japan's Shinshu region and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and memorable winter activities! 【Official Website】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 【TripAdvisor】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Shinshu Matsumoto Utsukushi-ga-hara Onsen "Hotel Shoho" in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Video Introduction Hotel Shoho, introduced in this video, is a famous hot spring hotel in Shinshu (信州, Shinshu) Matsumoto (松本,Matsumoto) in Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-Ken) Here, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with excellent ingredients, and spectacular views of the Northern Alps from the open-air baths using natural hot spring water. Hotel Shoho has received high reviews on review and comparison websites. The hotel has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans" in Japan, as selected by professionals, so we mean it when we say that this hotel is worth the visit. In this article, we will introduce you to the interior facilities of the Japanese modernist (hotel-style ryokan) onsen inn, filled with the rich nature of Shinshu, healing, relaxation, and hospitality. Sit back and enjoy a taste of this luxury hotel style onsen ryokan (Japanese style hot spring inn)! Enjoy Some of the Finest Gourmet Food in Japan at Hotel Shoho Source :YouTube screenshot First, we’ll introduce three restaurants in Hotel Shoho, all of which offer dishes using local ingredients from Shinshu. At ‘Shunsai Dining Shinshu,’ they offer freshly prepared dishes, such as Shinshu beef in an open kitchen, and the guests enjoy the meal in a private room. The second restaurant is the Japanese restaurant ‘Shokusai Kamikochi,’ which boasts a private space that offers freshly cooked Shinshu brand ingredients. We recommend this restaurant for small groups. The third one is the dinner / Izakaya style restaurant ‘Kihachi.’ Here, you can enjoy more than 40 kinds of local Sake. The Japanese cuisine, cooked by the first-class Itamae chef utilizing the bounty of the mountain, served side-by-side with local Shinshu Sake, are beautifully arranged. Be sure to take some pictures for your instagram! The Hotel Spectacular Views of Shoho's Prized Guest Rooms and Splendid Open-Air Baths Source :YouTube screenshot Hotel Shoho has both Japanese-style rooms and western-style rooms, and each room is equipped with an onsen bath. In the VIP room on the top floor, you can enjoy a large panoramic view in the open-air bath. The pride of Hotel Shoho is the open-air bath overlooking the Northern Alps and Matsumoto Castle. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Matsumoto while soaking in a relaxing hot spring. The open-air bath is open from 3 PM to 11 PM for women and from 6 AM to 11 AM for men. You can also walk around the hotel wearing a Yukata. Sightseeing Around Shinshu Matsumoto ©Suganu0405 Modifying The area around Shinshu Matsumoto is a land surrounded by the Northern Alps, with scenic spots such as Azumino, Kamikochi and the national treasure Matsumoto Castle. Kamikochi is one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, and is a popular tourist sight, with 2 million people visiting the location every year to enjoy mountain climbing and hiking. The water of the rivers and ponds is crystal clear and are famous for their shiny emerald color. If you want to enjoy the great outdoors of Shinshu on your sightseeing tour around Hotel Shoho, you've got to check out Utsukushigahara plateau! Utsukushigahara Onsen has footbath and a one-day bath as well, making it a popular spot where guests at Hotel Shoho can spend their time relaxing. Shinshu is known for its harsh climate, but is blessed with colorful natural scenery, such as cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and beautiful snowscapes in winter, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of beautiful scenery no matter when they visit. Summary of Hotel Shoho The Hotel Shoho official website is updated with day trip plans and other various events. Amenities for children are also provided, making it a great place for family trips as well. Rates vary by plan, season, and day of the week. Due to the popularity of this inn, we recommend booking as soon as possible. The video also gives a look at the atmosphere of Hotel Shoho's rooms, restaurants, and hot springs. We hope this article has inspired you to visit Hotel Shoho; It's definitely worth the visit! There's a free shuttle bus available by the police station near JR Matsumoto Station that will take you to Hotel Shohoho. Remember, when booking your trip, the sooner the better! ◆Hotel Shoho Facility Overview◆ 【Address】527 Yamabe, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture 〒390-0221 【Access】20 minutes by taxi from Matsumoto Station on the JR Chuo Line 【Parking】Available 【Tel】+81 263-38-7711 【Official Website 】Hotel Shoho http://www.hotel-shoho.jp/en/