Introducing the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway This video is titled "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" (4K アルプスの絶景　北八ヶ岳ロープウェイ). It was produced by “ibukivideo,” and introduces the spectacular view from the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway. The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in the northern Yatsugatake mountain range, spanning the Suwa and Saku regions of Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. It's a luxurious ride overlooking the three major Alps in Japan. In this video, you can see various views from Sanroku station to the observation deck at the summit station. In this article, we'll introduce the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Be sure to follow along with the video! What Is the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway? Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is a large 100-seat ropeway located between Mt. Yoko (northern Yatsugatake) and Mt. Shimagare. Depart from Sanroku station at an altitude of 1,771m, seen at 0:03 in the video, and climb to the summit station at an altitude of 2,237m, shown at 2:20. Within about 7 minutes of boarding, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yatsugatake mountain range. You'll understand why it's a popular tourist spot. An observation deck is installed at the summit station, and you can see a view of Mt. Ontake, the Central Alps, and the Northern Alps. In addition, there is a garden called Tsubo-niwa at the summit station, where you can enjoy seasonal alpine plants. We recommend viewing the beautiful autumn leaves in the fall. The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is operated by Kita Yatsugatake Resort Co., Ltd. The name has changed several times over the years as well. From 1967 to 1985 it was called "Japan Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," in 1985 it was renamed to "Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," between 2001 and 2012 it went by "Pilatus Tadeka Ropeway," and from 2012 to the present it has gone by "Kita Yatsugatake ropeway." Sightseeing on the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway By car, access to the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is about 25 km (40 to 50 minutes) from the Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway. By bus, get off at Chino Station on the JR East Japan Chuo Line. At the Alpico Kotsu Bus Stop at the west exit, take the "Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway" to the hotel. It takes around 1 hour to arrive. The cost of the ropeway is 2,100 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 1,050 yen for children. At Yatsugatake, you can climb from the summit of the ropeway. There are a variety of trails to choose from, including day hikes and overnight hikes using a mountain lodges. Keep in mind that the temperature and weather in the mountains can change easily, especially in summer when there are many evening showers. Rain gear is a must in case it starts to rain. The Yatsugatake Ropeway also offers delicious meals. "Sky Restaurant Komakusatei" is a popular restaurant that offers handmade dishes using Ingredients from Shinshu, Nagano. At the BBQ Garden, you can enjoy a group barbecue. Enjoying a barbecue while staying in a log cabin-style cottage in the great outdoors is something special. Near the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, there are plenty of lodging facilities where you can enjoy hot springs as well. Summary of Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Source :YouTube screenshot "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" released by "ibukivideo," introduces the superb views of the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Besides the scenery on the ropeway, you can also enjoy beauty of nature from the top of the mountain. If you're interested in the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and delicious food, be sure to check out the video! 【Tripadvisor】Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303145-d1991109-Reviews-Kitayatsugatake_Rope_Way-Chino_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park! 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

A Look at Ueda Castle This video, titled "[Aerial Footage] A Travelogue of Ueda Castle [Drone]" (【空撮】空撮上田城紀行　【ドローン】), was produced by "HEXaMedia." Ueda Castle, introduced in the video, is a castle that was built by Sanada Masayuki, the father of the famous warlord Sanada Yukimura. Currently, it is a proud historical tourist destination in Ueda city, Nagano prefecture, and is included in "Japan's Top 100 Castles" and is also a "Night View Heritage of Japan." The castle was constructed during the Tensho period (1568-1600) in the Warring States period (1467-1615). Ueda Castle is also famous for being an impregnable castle, having survived 2 fierce attacks by the Tokugawa Family. The depiction of the Tokugawa Family attacking the castle at the battle of Ueda Castle has been used for many TV dramas and movies. In recent years, it has become widely talked about as the stage of the first of the Ueda Battles in the NHK TV Taiga Drama "Sanadamaru." This time, we introduce a beautiful aerial view of Ueda Castle ruins, shot by a drone. Present-Day Ueda Castle Photo：Nagano prefecture, Ueda Castle The present-day Ueda Castle ruins are a restoration that was done in 1994. It consists of a pillar stone on the right side of the inner citadel which was made by Sanada Masayuki, and a tower gate that was demolished in the Meiji era (1868-1912). It was also called Amagabuchi Castle due to the fact that it was located on the north side of the Ueda Basin and adjacent to Amagabuchi, a distributary of the Chikuma River. Surrounded by the Chikuma River in the south, the Amagabuchi distributary in the north, the Yadezawa River to the west, and the Hiruzawa River in the east; the Ueda Castle was a natural fortress that survived the fierce attacks of the Tokugawa army twice. However, during the reign of the 7th castle lord, Matsudaira Tadachika, the stone walls that were damaged by the flood of Kyoho were restored. As you can see from 1:59 in the video, the present-day ruins of the inner citadel of Ueda Castle have become Sanada Shrine and the old well that is there is called the Sanada well, which is said to have been a secret passage that led to the Taro Mountain Foothills located north of the castle. The History of Ueda Castle Photo：Nagano prefecture, Ueda Castle Ueda Castle which was said to have been impregnable, was used by many castle lords even after the Sanada clan was placed under house arrest (a punishment of being confined in one room). After the Battle of Sekigahara, Sengoku Tadamasa became the lord of the castle. Originally, Ueda Castle was located in the province of Shinano, sandwiched between the eastern and western armies, and was designed and built to specialize in defense rather than as a base for attack. Traditionally, it was standard practice to build a castle tower on the roof of the inner citadel, but no such records of a castle tower at Ueda Castle exist. Ueda Castle reigned in the Shinano Province for approximately 300 years from the year it was built to the era of Tadafusa Matsudaira, the last lord of the castle, and the Ueda Castle Town is said to have prospered as a key transportation hub. Highlights of Ueda Castle Source :YouTube screenshot At present, Ueda Castle is without an inner citadel or castle tower; however, there are still a lot of places to see due to its unique structure. These include the Southern watchtower, Northern watchtower, and the Higashi Koguchi Watchtower Gate (0:24 in the video). In the spring, there's the Senbon Zakura Festival (Festival of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms) and in the fall, Ueda Castle Keyaki Tree Autumnal Color Festival is held. The Sanada Festival is held every year at the Ueda Castle castle-town. During this time, you can enjoy the illuminated Ueda Castle ruins. Also, at the Higashi Koguchi main gates, there's the Sanada stone, which is said to be a remnant of the Sanada Family. The West watchtower (0:34- of the video) was built by Sengoku Tadamasa in the Warring States period and it is the only historical building still around from the Edo period (1603-1868). ・Ishidoi This is a stone canal that leads from Ninomaru in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture to the track and field stadium at the site of the Hyakenbori Ruins. ・Sumiotoshi The unique shape of the sumiotoshi in the inner citadel was created by cutting off a corner of the earthen mound to ward off evil spirits with feng shui. ・Ueda City Museum A museum located in the Ueda Castle Ruins Park. Summary of Ueda Castle Photo：Ema of Ueda Castle Ruins Park Ueda Castle Site Park, the centerpiece of Ueda City's tourism, offers a variety of hospitality in addition to events to welcome visitors. The red seal of Sanada Shrine and the castle seal of Ueda Castle are great ways to remember your visit. For more information on parking, transportation, and event guides to the castle, please visit the Ueda Castle official website. Ueda Castle was once an unbeatable castle that not even the famous Tokugawa Ieyasu or Toyotomi Hideyoshi could conquer. Visit Ueda Castle and learn about the fierce warriors, such as Sanada Juyushi led by Yukimura, and the warrior Sanada Nobushige that was said to be the strongest in Japan! 【Tripadvisor】Ueda Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021326-d1412214-Reviews-Ueda_Castle-Ueda_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Mt. Norikura 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

5,000 Fireflies in Matsuo Gorge, Nagano Prefecture This is a 4K sightseeing video of fireflies frolicking in nature in the Matsuo Gorge in Tatsuno, Nagano, in Japan's Koshinetsu Region. With the gradual loss of nature in recent years, the number of places where you can see natural fireflies has been decreasing. In this video, you can watch a swarm of fireflies lighting up the Matsuo Gorge, located in a town in the mountains. Enjoy the light of the fireflies as they light up your screen in 4K quality. Tatsuno, a Firefly Haven Surrounded by Nature Source :YouTube screenshot Tatsuno, located in the Kamiina District of Nagano Prefecture, is a mountain town that retains the atmosphere of good old Japan. Tatsuno is known as the "firefly town," and in the early summer, you can observe a group of natural fireflies around Matsuo Gorge. Tatsuno Hotarudoyo Park, adjacent to Matsuo Gorge, is also home to many fireflies, creating beautiful natural scenery. The Firefly Festival at Matsuo Gorge Is Perfect for Sightseeing! At Matsuo Gorge, the popular "Tatsuno Firefly Festival" is held in June every year. In the evening hours, food stalls are lined up in front of the station, and events are also held. It’s considered proper etiquette for onlookers to be quiet when watching the fireflies. Enjoy a wonderful sightseeing trip to see the fantastic fireflies! If you go to Matsuo Gorge for sightseeing by car, you can use the parking lot at the Tatsuno Hotarudoyo Park. You can also park your car in front of Tatsuno Station and use the "park and ride." Be sure to check out the event schedule and parking information before going sightseeing. Matsuo Gorge Is Overflowing With Nature Photo：Tatsuno Hotarudoyo Park Matsuo Gorge was designated a prefectural natural monument in the Taisho Period (1912-1926 AD). The fireflies of Matsuo Gorge are nurtured by the clear waters of the Tenryu River that flows from Lake Suwa. The number of fireflies in Matsuo Gorge can reach 10,000 or more on a good year. We recommend watching the fireflies dance across the riverside from the Matsuo Gorge observation deck. Firefly Village Tatsuno has been selected as one of Japan's "Top 100 Villages of Natural life" (ふるさといきものの里100選, Furusato Ikimono-no-Sato) Summary of Fireflies at Matsuo Gorge, Nagano The Matsuo Gorge is one of the best places in Japan to see fireflies in the Shinshu area. No matter who you are, the amazing scene created by these beautiful creatures is something that everyone should see at least once in their life. Check out Matsuo Gorge, a little-known tourist spot where the original scenery of Japan still remains. ◆ Matsuo Gorge (Tatsuno Hotarudoyo Park) Introduction of Overview Information ◆ 【Address】〒399-0400 1006-1 Kamihiraide, Tatsuno machi, Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 【Access】A 15-minute walk from Tatsuno Station on the JR Chuo Main Line 【Admission fee】500 yen as a contribution for firefly conservation and education. 【Hours】24 hour 【Parking】Available. Approx. 700 cars ¥300 - ¥1000 (regular car) 【Phone number】 0266-41-025 【Official website】Sightseeing Tatsuno http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://kankou.town.tatsuno.nagano.jp

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 Life of the Jomon People 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. The Jomon are the people who lived in Japan all the way from Hokkaido to Okinawa. 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!

PR Video of Mountain Climbing at the Northern Alps' Hakuba Mountain Range- "The Backbone of Japan" This official PR video of Hakuba village, titled “Hakuba village [Dramatic Nature Days – Mountain]"（白馬村公式ムービー【Dramatic Nature Days - Mountain】）” is a time-lapse video produced by the Hakuba tourist office. The Northern Alps' Hakuba Mountain Range is located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Its structure, which lies between the Japanese sea and the Pacific Ocean, creates dynamic scenery. This two minutes video features the beautiful views of the Hakuba mountain range and recommended tourist spots in Hakuba village. Events in Hakuba, Nagano Photo：Hakuba Village in the Spring Hakuba village in Nagano prefecture is a popular tourist spot in Japan. Tourists can enjoy various activities throughout the year, such as hot springs, mountain climbing, skiing, cycling, and camping. It is also famous as a summer resort where many tourists visit due to it's comfortable climate. The Northern Alps is a great location where people can enjoy various outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain climbing while seeing fabulous natural views including flowers, snow, wildlife, and more. The Northern Alps - The Mountaineer Mecca Photo：The Northern Alps The rugged mountains shown in the video are the Northern Alps. Hakuba Village is one of Japan's most famous mountaineering spots thanks to the Hakuba mountain range. The Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji are two of the world's most sacred mountaineering destinations and attract many climbers every year, but the Hakuba mountain range has more than 17 of the most famous peaks. “Shirouma-dake,” “Shakushi-dake,” and “Yariga-dake” are well-known as “The Three Peaks of Hakuba.” Some of the peaks are: ・Goryu-dake (9,232 ft.) (~0:44) ・Karamatu-dake (8,845 ft.) (~0:49) ・Yariga-dake (9524 ft.) (~1:22) ・Shakushi-dake (9,225 ft.) (~1:26) ・Shirouma-dake (9,619 ft.) (~1:42) If you enjoy climbing, be sure to carry rain gear and a map, even if you're enjoying a beginner's trekking trail, as the weather in the mountains can change easily. In the Hakuba mountain range, you can see rare alpine flowers and animals that cannot be found in the plains. Taking a commemorative photo with the Hakuba mountain range in the background is a great way to remember your trip. Be sure to share it on Instagram! The Hot Springs of Hakuba Village Source :YouTube screenshot Hakuba village is very popular as a hot springs area. The most recommended spot is "Hakuba Yari Onsen" (白馬鑓温泉) in the middle of Yariga-dake. You can see this hot spring in this video at 0:33. The view of the rising sun and star sprinkled sky from the open air bath are remarkable! 100 people can stay at the Hakuba Yari Onsen lodge and about 15 people can stay in a tent. The Yari Onsen lodge is a great spot where visitors can enjoy both hot springs and nature. If you would like more information about other accommodations in Hakuba village as well as access information, please see the official website of Yariga Onsen or the Hakuba village tourist office's website. The Nagano Olympics in Hakuba Village Be sure to check out the following facilities used as competition venues during the Nagano Olympics: ・HAPPO ONE SNOW RESORT ・Hakuba Ski Slope ・Hakuba Cross Country Stadium "Snow Harp" Hakuba village is in a snowy area of Japan. Visitors can enjoy skiing or snow boarding in fresh powdery snow. You'll be amazed at the amazing snowscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Summary of Hakuba Village Photo：Hakuba mountain and Oide Park in spring Hakuba village is a great tourist spot with fierce weather and rich natural surroundings. There are other attractive places that weren't shown in the video as well. For example, you can remnants of the Jomon period at Aoni in Hakuba village. Also there are other experienced based activities where you can feel the history and culture of Japan, such as making Tonbo dama (glass beads), watching fireflies, or making soba (Japanese noodles). You can enjoy the magnificent views of Hakuba mountain range in this video. The vast sea of clouds extending to the horizon (0:06) and the star sprinkled skies (1:08) will take your breath away. 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Official Tourist Website https://www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/english/ 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Office Official Website https://www.vill.hakuba.lg.jp/

Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort 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

Aoki Village, Nagano Prefecture: The Most Desirable Place to Live in Japan 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?

Introducing the Tourist Attractions of Nagiso, Nagano! This video, titled "Nagiso Tourism Promotion Video (Long version)" (南木曽町観光ＰＲ動画　長編), was created by "Nagiso Tourism Information" (南木曽町観光情報). Nagiso is a town located in the mountains of Minami-Shinshu, on the border with Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, Gifu-Ken). Nagiso, with its Japanese-style traditional landscape, has many historical attractions. Walking "Kisoji" in Nagiso, Nagano Photo：Tsumago-juku, Nagano Prefecture As you can see from 8:43 in the video, Nagiso flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo since old times. Tsumago-juku where the Tsumago Castle Ruins are located, and the stone pavement on the Nakasendo leading from Otsumago to Magome-juku are the perfect touring routes to enjoy the quaint scenery. Since Kisoji had a snowy climate in winter, a detour called Yogawa-michi was also built around the Nakasendo. Tourist Sites Rich in Nature in Nagiso, Nagano Photo：Tadachi Falls, Nagano Prefecture There is a stunning scenic spot called "Kiso Hakkei" (Eight Views of Kiso) in Kiso County (木曽郡, Kiso-Gun), located at the foot of Mt. Ontake (御嶽山, Ontake-San). Among the eight sights, there is a romantic one called "Harvest Moon of Yogawa" in Nagiso. In Nagiso, you should also view the stunning scenic waterfalls. Tadachi Falls (田立の滝, Tadachi no taki), located at the end of a hike up the rural landscape of Tadachi, which can be seen at 3:57 of the video, is a scenic spot with a gorgeous view, selected as one of the Top 100 waterfalls of Japan. In addition, Ushiga Falls (牛ヶ滝, Ushiga-Taki) around Kakizore Gorge (柿其渓谷, Kakizore-Keikoku) and Odaki Falls (男滝, O-Daki) at the foot of Mt. Nagiso (南木曽岳, Nagiso-Dake), as seen from 5:33 in the video, are also popular tourist destinations overflowing with charm. Hidden Gems in Nagiso Photo：Nagiso SL Park Also make sure to stop by Ichikokutochi Tateba-Chaya (Tea House) and Waki-Honjin Okuya (House of ancestor), where you can catch a glimpse of good old Japan. You will also find large weeping plum trees at the Midono-juku Honjin Ruins in Kisoji and in The Milestone of Uwakubo. SL Park which can be seen at 1:14 in the video, displays the steam locomotive D51, and is the perfect destination for kids. You can see and purchase the traditional crafts of Nagiso, such as Rokuro (wood turning) and other woodcraft products, at Kijishi no Sato Yamaichi and Hinogasa no Ie. Events Held in Nagiso, Nagano Photo：Momosuke Bridge in Nagiso, Nagano Tenpaku Park in Nagiso shows a large group of about 400 Mitsuba-Tsutsuji (Azaleas) of six species in bloom in the spring. At this time of the year, the Nagiso Mitsuba-Tsutsuji (Azalea) Festival offers local gourmet food and specialty products. The town gets very lively. The Momosukebashi Bridge (桃介橋, Momosuke-Bashi), which you can see at 1:28 in the video, leading to Tenpaku Park, has a spectacular view and is perfect for Instagram! In Nagiso, a tourist event called the Bunka-Bunsei Customs Parade is held in November. The Hanauma Festival in October and the Ice Candle Festival in February are also exciting and highly recommended. Summary of Introducing Nagiso, Nagano Photo：Nagiso, Nagano Prefecture The Nagiso area in Nagano Prefecture is known as a tourist site with beautiful water and rich nature in Japan. The video introduces plenty more attractive tourist spots. Why not take a trip to Nagiso, Nagano? 【Official Website】Nagiso, Nagano Prefecture Official Homepage http://www.town.nagiso.nagano.jp/foreign/en/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Nagiso https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g321545-Nagiso_machi_Kiso_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu-Vacations.html

Nagano Prefecture’s Famous Cherry Blossom Wonderland, Rokudo Bank! This video, titled "[ 4K UltraHD ] 六道堤の桜 - Cherry Blossoms at Rokudo Bank - (shot on Samsung NX1)," was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." This three-minute video captures a stunning view of the sea of cherry blossoms at Rokudo Bank Normally, when thinking of the Koshinetsu region or the Nanshin region of Nagano Prefecture (甲信越地方・長野県南信地方, koshinetsu chiho・nagano-ken nanshin chiho), the area best known for cherry blossoms would be Takato Castle Ruins Park (高遠城址公園, takato joshi koen). This park is one of the three great cherry blossom spots in Japan, known for having "the best cherry blossoms under heaven." However, another special spot, known only to locals, exists in Ina City (伊那市, ina-shi). Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots of Nagano Prefecture in the video. Rokudo Bank, Nagano Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Rokudo Bank is just 10 minutes from Takato Castle Park by car. Though a hidden spot, it's known to have cherry blossoms every bit as beautiful as those in the main park. The snow-tipped peaks of the Kiso Mountains can be seen from 0:36 to 1:55 in the video. As Ina City is located at a high altitude surrounded by mountains, the cherry blossoms bloom slightly later than most other regions. The Cherry Blossoms of Rokudo Bank Source :YouTube screenshot The reservoir is surrounded by approximately 120 takato-okuhigan cherry trees. The sight of the sea of cherry blossoms in full bloom stretching as far as the eye can see is nothing short of breathtaking. On days when the weather is nice, the cherry blossoms are reflected on the surfaces of the water, creating a dream-like scenery. Definitely take some pictures to post on your Instagram! You can see this beautiful scenery in the video as well. As seen at the beginning of the video, there is a little island of red pines in the middle of the reservoir. This adds to the Japan-esque scenery. You can also see two cute ducks swimming peacefully through the cherry blossoms at 1:23 in the video. In addition to the full bloom period, another great time to visit is when the cherry blossoms began to scatter with the wind as the season begins to end. Summary of Rokudo Bank Photo：Cherry blossoms at Rokudo Bank In this article, we introduced Nagano prefecture’s hidden gem- the cherry blossoms of Rokudo Bank. This place is loved dearly by locals for its beautiful scenery. Of course, the historical Takato Castle Park is known for its stunning cherry blossoms as well. If you have the chance to visit Ina City in Nagano Prefecture, we definitely recommend checking out the blooming forecast before going. ◆Rokudo Bank◆ 【Address】Misuzu, Ina City, Nagano Prefecture 【Access】A 15-minute drive from Ina-Kita Station on the Central Japan Railway Iida Line 【Parking】Available（Free・5 Spaces） 【Official Website】Welcome to "Takato Ishiku" – Ina City Tourism Association Official Homepage https://inashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/contents/archives/34795

Alps Azumino National Government Park, the City of Flowers, in Nagano Prefecture 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? 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 Source :YouTube screenshot 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. Sightseeing Spots at Alps Azumino National Government Park Source :YouTube screenshot 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 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 Source :YouTube screenshot 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】Karasugawa (烏川）33-4, Horigane, Azumino city, Nagano prefecture (長野県, Naganoken) 399-8211 【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

HOSHINOYA Karuizawa: A Must-Stay Hotel in Karuizawa This video, titled "HOSHINOYA Karuizawa: Our Guiding Principles" (星のや 軽井沢【コンセプト紹介】), produced by Jin Takano, introduces HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, a hotel in Karuizawa, Nagano. HOSHINOYA Karuizawa offers a precious opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture while enjoying a luxurious time. The hotel is a popular destination for sightseeing as well as resort weddings. The hotel is easily accessible from Karuizawa Station and parking is also available. Indulge in the supreme luxury of HOSHINOYA. If you are planning a sightseeing trip to Karuizawa or looking to stay at an onsen ryokan (Japanese hot spring inn), we recommend booking the longed-for HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. The video starts off with the words "Through the adoption of Western culture, Japan has been able to modernize. What kind of scenery might we have seen had Japan had stayed true to what made it unique? Perhaps an entirely different Japan." Enjoy the traditional beauty of Japan, which has been well received by travelers on review and comparison sites, at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. A Splendid Stay Surrounded by Nature Source :YouTube screenshot HOSHINOYA Karuizawa itself is a magnificent resort town complete with a spacious pond and a wooded walkway where you can relax and enjoy the natural flowers. On the way to the park, there are many places of interest, such as teahouses and terraced rice fields, that offer visitors a chance to relax and unwind. You can also enjoy nature watching tours offered at Karuizawa National Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest near HOSHINOYA. The video offers you a glimpse at the natural scenery that can be enjoyed at the hotel. Information on Facilities: Three Different Room Types Source :YouTube screenshot Hotel HOSHINOYA Karuizawa's Japanese-style room, "Valley Village," is built around a vast waterfront area where guests can relax and enjoy the natural scenery of the four seasons. The most extravagant pavilion "Mizunami" is a wonderful room where you can spend time listening to the sound of flowing water and feeling the beauty of nature from the terrace. Other rooms include "Yamaroji" which has a Japanese-style hinoki bath, and "Niwaroji," which offers a tranquil Japanese garden view. Feel free to choose which one suits your taste. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities that will make your stay unforgettable. Fine Dining and Relaxing Baths Source :YouTube screenshot The open-air baths, a distinctive feature of luxury ryokan, are one of the attractions of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. There are two facilities at Hoshinoya Karuizawa: Tombo no Yu and the Meditation Bath. There are also in-room baths as well. You can see the onsen at 2:05 in the video. You can also see the seasonally available "apple bath" in the video. The fragrant aroma of apples helps you feel at ease. After bathing in the large bathhouse, change into a yukata and enjoy a delicious Japanese meal. Now it is time to enjoy Japanese dinner. The restaurant "Japanese Cuisine Kisuke" at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa serves Japanese cuisine that uses local ingredients for both breakfast and dinner. You can see the cuisine at 1:45 in the video. Summary of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa As you can see in the video, Hoshinoya Karuizawa is a hotel where you can spend time relaxing in harmony with nature. The sound of the water in the Japanese garden, the sound of the hot spring, and the natural breeze provide the perfect background music for this video as well, giving it a sense of luxury. Enjoy visiting Shiraito Falls, Mt. Asama, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, and Old Karuizawa Ginza Shopping Street in the area. Enjoy the natural beauty of Japan, hospitality, and leisurely sightseeing at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, as well as exquisite meals and relaxing baths. ◆Information on HOSHINOYA Karuizawa Hotel◆ 【Address】2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, 389-0111 【Access】15 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station of JR East Shinano Railway 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】+81-267-45-6000 【Official Website】HOSHINOYA Karuizawa Hotel https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/en/ 【Tripadvisor】HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g325581-d1167308-Reviews-HOSHINOYA_Karuizawa-Karuizawa_machi_Kitasaku_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

長野県の美しき景観「阿寺渓谷」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「haruyuki onoue」が公開した「新緑とエメラルドグリーンの阿寺渓谷・4K」です。 長野県木曽郡大桑村には現代日本で失われつつある雄大な景色・自然が楽しめる地があります。 こちらの動画で紹介する阿寺渓谷です。 こちらの記事では阿寺渓谷の魅力からその周辺情報に至るまでチェックしておくべき情報をまとめました。 長野県木曽郡大桑村の阿寺渓谷とは 阿寺渓谷は厳密に言うと、長野県と岐阜県にまたがっている阿寺山地を源流とし　それを皮切りに支流の阿寺川は長野県が誇る一級河川の木曽川に流れ着くまでのほぼ全域を指します。 源流から木曽川に流れ着く過程で吉報の滝や犬帰りの淵などの名所・絶景スポットが点在しています。 またこの流域には学術面から文化的な一面を覗かせており、日本でもココ一帯だけにしか存在しないような希少種の生物や植物があるのです。 全長約20kmの阿寺渓谷のうち管理区間が約2/3となっています。 管理区間のうち阿寺渓谷入口からキャンプ場までをウォーキングで景色を見ながら散策することが一般的となっています。 さらに釣りの名所として阿寺渓谷は知られています。 阿寺渓谷へのアクセスおよび周辺情報 マイカーで向かう場合は阿寺渓谷入口付近に駐車場があります。 阿寺渓谷入口からすでにヒノキや岩などが見え、そこからでも雄大な自然を感じ取ることができます。 特に夏季は観光客が増加するシーズンですので、交通規制がかかってしまい不便な思いをしてしまうかもしれません。 鉄道を利用する人はJR野尻駅で降りて、そこからシャトルバスを利用しましょう。 長野県の美しき景観「阿寺渓谷」の楽しみ方 阿寺渓谷と言えばやっぱりエメラルドグリーンの清流とその周りにある新緑のヒノキ美林でしょう。 川のせせらぎと水しぶきがマイナスイオンを与え、癒されますね。 さすが長野県の信州が誇る人気スポット！ さらに上流へ行くと『美顔水』という湧き水が流れていてそこで顔を洗うと色白美人になると噂されているので、それを求めてやってくる人もいます。 また自然を満喫する目的と合わせハイキングにもなります。 気候が変わる秋に訪れるとエメラルドグリーンの清流はそのままに周りの美林が紅葉へ姿を変えているので、夏とは違う景色が楽しめます。 長野県の美しき景観「阿寺渓谷」紹介まとめ 長野県が全国に誇る新緑とエメラルドグリーンが特徴的な阿寺渓谷について紹介しました。 長野県に訪れるなら阿寺渓谷は外せません！ 美しい絶景を写真に収めてあなたの歴史の1ページに！

The Rock Ptarmigan - An Endangered Species This video, titled "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜A Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)" (絶滅危惧種 雷鳥　登山で出会った貴重なニホンライチョウ動画 特集 【4K】), was created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel). It contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, a protected species in Japan, as well as the Crested ibis and Red-crowned crane. Due to the effects of global warming, the number of rock ptarmigan in Japan has dwindled to around 1,500 and it is now recognized as an endangered species. This video contains a compilation of footage of the adorable rock ptarmigan, which was spotted whilst mountain climbing. In this article, we'll introduce the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species! More About the Rock Ptarmigan, an Endangered Species Photo：Tateyama ptarmigan Said to have survived the ice age, the rock ptarmigan is now an endangered species belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae and genus Lagopus (キジ目キジ科ライチョウ属, kijimokukijikaraichouzoku). The subspecies of rock ptarmigan which inhabits Japan is a very adorable and friendly bird, making it a favorite among mountain climbers. It has a characteristic call that sounds similar to that of a frog. From 0:14 in the video you can see the rock ptarmigan at Mt. Senjo (仙丈ヶ岳, senjogatake), and at Mt. Tsubakuro (燕岳, tsubakurodake) from 1:38, Mt. Chogatake (蝶ヶ岳, chougatake) from 2:09, and Mt. Jonen (常念岳, jounendake) at 2:04. Rock ptarmigan chicks average 6 cm in height. A fully grown adult rock ptarmigan measures 37 cm in height and weighs approximately 400-600g. They lay their eggs in early summer from the beginning to the middle of June. The color of their feathers also changes depending on the season. In summer, their feathers are a dark brown color, and in winter they change to a snowy white. Furthermore, the rock ptarmigan is a symbol of Toyama Prefecture (富山県 toyamaken), Nagano Prefecture (長野県, naganoken) and Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, gifuken). Photo：Northern Alps The rock ptarmigan lives in a harsh environment at an altitude of 2,400 m. In the warmer summer months they live in the alpine zone, moving to the subalpine zone in the cooler winter months. In 1980, there were an estimated 3,000-4,000 rock ptarmigans living in Japan. However that number has dropped to around 1,500. The effects of global warming are considered to have been the direct cause of this decrease in numbers. It is thought that the decrease in creeping pine (ハイマツ, haimatsu) numbers, a main food source for the rock ptarmigan, due to global warming is one of the main causes of the decline in rock ptarmigan numbers. Several measures are being taken in order to conserve the rock ptarmigan, such as protecting the species from predators and breeding in zoos. Incidentally, rock ptarmigans have been kept in Ueno zoo (上野動物園, uenodoubutsuen) since 2019. The Habitat of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Photo：Tateyama mountain range and a ptarmigan There are 6 genera and 17 species of rock ptarmigan found across the world. They can be found in North America, the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Eurasia, Europe, and the alpine zone in Asia. In Japan, they inhabit the central area of Honshu (Japan's main island) (本州中部地方, honshuuchuubuchihou). In this video, you can see footage of the rock ptarmigan spotted whilst climbing Mt. Senjo, Mt. Chogatake, Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Jonen. Snacks shaped like rock ptarmigan are sold in Nagano prefecture, the home of the Northern Alps. A similar bird, the Hazel grouse (エゾライチョウ, ezoraichou), of the genus Tetrastes (エゾライチョウ属, ezoraichouzoku), inhabits Hokkaido (北海道), Japan's northernmost Island. Summary of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Source :YouTube screenshot This video "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜a Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)," created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel), contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species. We highly recommend the video to animal lovers as it has footage of the rock ptarmigan from different places all over Japan! This video of the adorable rock ptarmigan is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

About the Idojiri Ruins' Pit-House Video This video, titled "Idojiri ruins・ Pit-house（井戸尻遺跡　竪穴式住居）," was created by "Solar Kanki." It was filmed via drone to give viewers a bird's eye view of a pit-house at the Idojiri ruins located in Fujimi, Suwa county, Nagano. In this video, you can see the historical Japanese landmark in high definition. The contrast of color in the thatched roof and the green of nature is very beautiful. It is a must-see video for those who love history and nature. In this article, we'll talk about the beauty of the Idojiri ruins' pit-house. What Is the Idojiri Ruins? Photo：Idojiri ruins The Idojiri ruins is located in Fujimi, Suwa county, Nagano in Japan's Koshinetsu region. They are the ruins of a settlement from the Edo period and it is a must-see spot for people who love history. It was registered as a national historic site in 1966. There is also a stone monument in the park from when it was designated as a historic site. Many archaeological sites were created due to the need for spring water from Yatsugatake, around Idojiri ruins. It had been said that people in the Jomon period (14000 BCE to 300 BCE) hunted and gathered. An archeologist from Suwa, Nagano protested the theory that people hunted and gathered in the Jomon era, and a study of Idojiri ruins as well as Jomon ruins in the central highland have led to a new theory that people in the Jomon era farmed. What Is a Pit House? Source :YouTube screenshot Construction of a pit house begins by excavating a pit in a circle or square. Add several poles to make the framework of the house, and finally, use soil and reeds to make the roof and walls. Seeing the quaint pit house video will make you feel at peace. Please take a look at the the video at 0:06 to see this. In Europe, pit house-like buildings started being built around the Mesolithic era. In the Neolithic era, pit houses had become common globally. In Japan, it has been said that pit houses started being built around the late Paleolithic era. Highlights of Idojiri Ruins' Pit Houses Source :【Official Website】Fujimi town The Idojiri Archaeological museum and Museum of Folklore, where several important cultural properties are exhibited, are located near Idojiri ruins. Approximately 2,000 unearthed goods of cultural properties are on dispaly. The pit houses were relocated from a residential site discovered in Idojiri ruins and fully had their appearances fully reproduced. You can look inside the pit house and see the ancient fireplace which was a must-have item back then. There are also houses, food, clothing, and earthen figures from the Jomon period that you can check out. It's fun to imagine what life was like in the Jomon period by watching these items. There used to be fun events such as bow and arrow making, as well as making goods of ancient times. Around the ruins is a great place surrounded by nature. Rice fields, lotus flowers, lilies and irises are all in the vicinity. It is a perfect place if you are looking for a view that is distinct to Japan. The view of the pit house in Idojiri ruins is surrounded by lots of beautiful trees and makes for a great Instagram location! Take a look at 0:06 to see the outstanding view. Overview of the Idojiri Ruins' Pit House Photo：A Water Wheel at Idojiri Ruins The video "Idojiri ruins・ Pit-house" created by "Soloar Kanki," has a bird’s eye view filmed by a drone. The beautiful scene of Idojiri ruins park will take your breath away with the peaceful view such as the rice field and a watermill. Be sure to check out the video if you're interested in the Idojiri ruins. ◆Overview of Idojiri ruins and Idojiri Archaeological Hall◆ 【Address】7053 Sakai Fujimi cho Suwa county, Nagano 【Access】15 minutes walk from Shinano Sakai Station on JR Chuo line 【Admission】300 yen for an adult and 150 yen for a child (As of April, 2020) 【Opening Hours】 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 【Closures】Mondays, a day after a national holiday and new year’s holiday 【Parking】40 regular parking spots are available 【Phone number】0266-64-2044 【Official Website】Idojiri Archaeological Hall https://userweb.alles.or.jp/fujimi/idojiri.html 【Tripadvisor】Idojiri ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120579-d12572092-Reviews-Idojiri_Archeological_Site-Fujimi_machi_Suwa_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_C.html

Odairajuku in Nagano The video in this article is titled "[Odairajuku] Nagano Prefecture, Where the Streets of the Edo Period Remain" (江戸時代の町並みが残る長野県「大平宿」). It was produced by "Hirokun kiko." The video will have you feeling as though you've been transported back to the Edo period. Odairajuku is located in Iida (飯田市：Iida shi ), Nagano. Let’s take a look at what Odairajuku is! Why Odairajuku Was Made in Nagano Source :YouTube screenshot Odairajuku was a post town in the middle of Odaira road (大平街道: Odaira kaido) that connects between Nakasendo (中山道：Nakasendo) and Sanshu road (三州街道：Sanshu kaido). The history of this area began when Okura Goheiji, a woodworker who processed and manufactured bowls and trays, and Yamadaya Shinshichi, a grain merchant, moved here in 1754. As you can see in the video, many old buildings from the late edo and Meiji periods still exist in this area. The Kiso Range (木曽山脈：Kiso sanmyaku) is located between Ina Valley (伊那谷: Inadani) and Kiso Valley (木曽谷: Kisodani), and the only way to get to Naraijuku used to be via the Gonbei Route (権兵衛街道：Gonbei kaido). The Odaira Kaido was reclaimed at the permission of the Iida Domain in the mid-Edo period in order to connect Tsumago-juku to Nakasendo. The Decline of Odairajuku Source :YouTube screenshot After the opening of Odaira Kaido, Odairajuku it flourished as tea town where worshippers of Motozenkoji temple (元善光寺：Motozenkoji) stopped by to pay their respects. In the Meiji period, Odaira No.3 Elementary school and the Odaira Post Office were established. At the end of the Meiji Period, it became a key distribution center after the opening of the Chuo Main Line. (中央本線：Chuo Honsen). However, the number of people using Odairajuku declined with the opening of Route 265 over Seinaiji pass (清内路峠: Seinaiji touge) in Seinaiji Village, and the decline of the forestry industry during the Showa Period. In the Heisei period, Maezawa-so and other buildings were also destroyed by a large fire. Odairajuku Today Source :Odairajuku｜Stay at an old folk house in the Edo period As shown in the video at 1:47, the residents of Odairajuku decided to emigrate en masse in 1970. After the village was abandoned, Odairajuku was reborn as "Irori no Sato," a place where tourists can experience the natural scenery of Japan. Today, thanks to the management of the NPO Odairajuku Preservation Society and Minami Shinshu Tourism, Odairajuku's Marusanso is still used as an accommodation facility. The purpose of using the village as an accommodation facility is to reclaim and preserve this valuable property. This is different from the general accommodation. Unlike a typical lodging facility, residents prepare their own meals using wood and charcoal from the irori fireplace, and clean up when they leave. Fishing and nature experience events are also occasionally held at Odairajuku. There is also a hot spring and a hotel for tourists in the area. The video shows a variety of old houses that are partly dilapidated, but offer a glimpse at life in Japan at the time. Summary of Odairajuku Source :YouTube screenshot The area around Odairajuku is a popular tourist destination, cool and refreshing in the summer and snowy in the winter. You may be able to take some awesome Instagram pictures in the area, so don't forget to bring your camera with you! If you want enjoy some traditional mountain village atmosphere, then look no further than Odairajuku! ◆Odairajuku General Information◆ 【Address】7929 KamiIida Iida-shi Nagano 395-0045 【Access】60 minutes by car from the Iida Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. There is no public transportation to the facility. 【Admission fee】2,300 yen per person 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】Minami Shinshu Tourism　0265-28-1747 【Tripadvisor】Odairajuku https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021319-d7037774-Reviews-Odairajuku-Iida_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Exploring Togakushi Shrine in Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha" (戸隠神社・奥社 Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha), was created by "sirousaghi." Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社, Togakushi Jinja), located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, has an upper shrine and a middle shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi (戸隠山,Togakushiyama), which is said to have taken its present form from"Amano-Iwato," when the gods still walked the earth. At the end of the 270 stone steps is a shrine with a history of more than 2000 years, made up of five shrines, including Hoko-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Hinomiko-sha, and more. In the days of Shinbutsu-shugo, a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, it was called Togakushiyama Kenkoji and was a sacred site for Shugendo, and was widely worshipped until the separation of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The upper shrine is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao, who opened Amano-Iwato with his divine power. As the head shrine of Togakushi Shrine, the upper shrine is said to have the power to bring good luck, fulfill wishes, bring bountiful harvest, and bring victory in sports. The video starts from the Ikkan Ryuoshi, which can be seen at 0:43, and Zuishinmon Gate can be seen in the middle of the 2km long approach. This is followed by a line of around 150 Japanese cedar trees on the right and 130 on the left. Beyond that, there is Iizuna Shrine (飯縄社, Iizuna Jinja), which is shown from 1:39 in the video. In front of the upper shrine, there is Kuzuryu Shrine dedicated to Kuzuryu. The exact date is unknown, but it has been dedicated and worshipped as a Jinushigami since before Ame-no-Tajikarao was enshrined. The History of Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine shrine approach, Nagano Prefecture Togakushi Shrine is made up of five shrines around Mt. Togakushi, in northwestern Nagano. It is registered as a "Kokuhei Shosha" (a Shinto shrine that receives money from the national government or prefectural governments). There are many theories about the origin of the shrine, and one of them is that current upper shrine was built in 210 B.C., but Kuzuryu Shrine is said to be even older than the upper shrine. There is also a legend that Ame-no-Tajikarao was welcomed by Kuzuryu, the Jinushigami of the area. The name of Mt. Togakushi, which is also an object of worship of Togakushi Shrine, comes from the legend that Amaterasu-Ookami was angry with her brother Susano-o-Mikoto, who was hiding in Amano-Iwato, so, Ame-no-Tajikarao threw it with all his might, and a part of it flew away and became a mountain. There are two important cultural properties stored at Togakushi Shrine: the incomplete remains of "Hokekyo" volume 4 by Fujiwara no Sadanobu and |"Geshaku" which is one of the five ivory shaku existing in Japan. Access to Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine, Nagano Prefecture Access to Togakushi Shrine is as follows. 【Access via car】 If you're going via highway, get off at the Nagano Interchange or the Shinanomachi Interchange. We recommend getting off at the Shinanomachi Interchange. There is little traffic this way and getting to the shrine is easy. Take Route 18 towards downtown Nagano, turn right at the "Issa Memorial Museum Entrance" (一茶記念館入口) intersection, and pass through the foot of Mt. Kurohime (about 30 minutes). It's possible to drive to Togakushi Shrine, but you'll have to walk to the upper shrine, so please be aware that the parking lot can get quite crowded. 【Access via walking】 if you're coming on foot, you can take the train, bus, taxi, or use a car rental service. There is a local bus from JR Nagano Station to Togakushi Shrine, which takes about 70 minutes (Bus stop No.7 at Nagano Station). Sightseeing Information for Togakushi Shrine Photo：Zaru Soba There are a lot of sightseeing destinations around Togakushi Shrine: ・Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden ・Togakushi Folk Museum ・Togakushi Ninja Museum ・Ninja Trick Mansion ・Kagami Ike Pond ・Togakushi Campground ・Chibikko Ninja Village These are just a few famous sightseeing sites in Nagano. You can also enjoy specialties of Nagano, such as soba. Summary of Togakushi Shrine Photo：A row of cedar trees at upper Togakushi shrine, Nagano Prefecture While you can of course enjoy the history of Togakushi Shrine, it's also popular sightseeing spot for couples because of the two Japanese cedar trees, which are believed to bring good fortunate to couples. There's also "Togakushi Shrine Daidai Kagura," an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano. Togakushi Shrine is also one of the most famous power spots in Nagano. You can visit to collect shuin or buy good luck charms as well. There are many other amazing sightseeing locations, so be sure to explore the area during your visit to Nagano! 【Tripadvisor】Togakushi Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298565-d1371708-Reviews-Togakushi_Shrine_Okusha-Nagano_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

PR Video for the Private Getaway Tokisumika! This video titled "2019 Full ver” is a promotional video for the private getaway in the Chuo Alps- Tokisumika. Kiso range (木曽山脈：Kiso mountain range) in Nagano(長野県：Nagano prefecture), Hida mountain range, and Akashi mountain range are collectively called the Japan Alps. The Chuo Alps, located in the center of the Japan Alps, is a popular tourist spot where people can enjoy different sceneries from all 4 seasons. Tokisumika, in the Chuo Alps, is a popular accommodation on travel and review sites. If you want to escape from daily life and feel the beauty of Nagano Prefecture's Chuo Alps, be sure to watch the video and take in all of the gorgeous views. What Kind of Place Is Tokisumika Source :YouTube screenshot When you arrive at the lobby, you'll hear the beautiful singing of an erhu (a two-stringed Chinese violin). The recommended guest rooms are the scenic Garden View Twin and the Japanese Garden Semi Suite Twin. There are other luxurious rooms such as the Garden Corner Twin, Riverside Corner Twin, and Garden Semi Suite Twin, and all of the rooms are comfortable and attractive. It is also recommended that you relax in the guest room with a semi-open-air bath. Unfortunately, there is no large public bath, but every room has a semi-open air bath equipped with various amenities. How to Spend Your Time at Tokisumika Source :YouTube screenshot At the restaurant "Aoi," You can enjoy original kaiseki meals (traditional Japanese meal brought in courses) prepared with ingredients from the local mountains in the southern part of Shinshu. With carefully selected ingredients and a motto of hospitality, the Japanese cuisine, prepared with local ingredients, is truly exquisite. The Ayurveda Indian massage service inside the hotel is also a great way to relax. There is also a wedding plan at "Kisumi Ka," a hidden inn tucked away in the Central Alps Grove. If you have a wedding ceremony here, the amazing views are sure to make for an unforgettable experience. Summary of Tokisumika! ©Suganu0405 Modifying Tokisumika is a hotel that offers a magnificent view of the Japan Alps. If you're staying here, it's recommended that you take the Komagatake Ropeway and walk around the different tourist spots of the Chuo Alps, such as the instagrammable "Senjojiki Cirque," "Kozenji Temple”, "Komakusa bridge," or the "Komagane Local Museum." You can enjoy one day hot spring facilities at "Komakusa no yu" as well. We recommend taking a walk around Komagane Kogen ( 駒ヶ根高原：Komagane highland) to enjoy the overflowing nature. Accommodation fees vary by season and room type. Please see the official web-site or travel web sites. If you haven't yet, be sure to watch the video about Tokisumika to get a better idea of what it's like. ◆Information about Tokisumika◆ 【Address】4-172 Akaho Komagane-shi Nagano 【Access】3 minutes by car from Komagane IC in Chuodo. A free shuttle bus is available from JR Komagane station (Reservation required) 【Parking】Available (Free) 【Telephone Number】0265-95-2446 【Official Website】The Private Getaway Tokisumika https://www.tokisumika.com/ 【Tripadvisor】The Private Getaway Tokisumika https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1021315-d12687372-Reviews-Chuo_Alps_Mori_no_Kakureyado_Tokisumika-Komagane_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

This video, titled "From Deep in Mt. Hotaka to Gendarmes｜Changing Gears After Witnessing a Rockslide｜Uma No Se Round Trip Video" (奥穂高からジャンダルム 滑落みて馬の背ピストンへ変更 馬の背詳細往復動画), was released by "Biryu Jr." Mt. Hotaka is a 3,190m tall mountain in Chubusangaku National Park, which is centered on the Hida Mountains and straddles Nagano, Gifu, Toyama, and Niigata Prefectures. It is the third highest peak in Japan and one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan. There is a route called "Uma no Se" (Horses Back) on Mt. Hotaka, and it is a very dangerous place to go through, there's only loose stones and not enough space to walk. The videos shows a view deep in Mt. Hotaka, so if you enjoy mountain climbing, be sure to check it out.

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？

About Grand Seiko This video is "Inside Grand Seiko, Episode One: The Master Craftsman" produced by "Hodinkee". It is a valuable video that shows us the state and production process of the workshop that makes the world-class precision watches "Grand Seiko." The commitment of these Watchmaker's cannot be overlooked! The Japanese Micro-Artist Studio Behind Grand Seiko Watches Source :YouTube screenshot Seiko Epson's Shiojiri office in the Koshinetsu region and the Suwa region of Nagano prefecture, introduced in this video, was established with the aim of inheriting the techniques of the watchmaker "Micro Artist Studio." "Every one must be beautiful," says watchmaker Yoshifusa Nakazawa, a watch assembler who continues to produce watches in this studio (0:50 in the video). Mr. Nakazawa has been active as a watch assembler since joining the company in 1978, and in 1981 won the World Skills Competition in Japan. In this workshop, the assembly of the movement (the part that controls the driving of the wristwatch), the installation of the dial, and the case insertion are all performed consistently, so that steps such as maintenance and overhaul can be easily performed. From 1:06 of the video, you can see how precisely each watch is assembled, sometimes using a microscope. From 3:23 in the video, he says, "Mr. Nakazawa inherits 100% of the technology of assembling watches, and the best watches are assembled neatly." What Is Grand Seiko's Original Mechanism the "Spring Drive"!? Source :YouTube screenshot The mechanism “spring drive” mounted on Grand Seiko, which can be seen from 2:51 in the video, is said to be a third engine that combines machinery and quartz. It has a history of 20 years as a model symbolizing the Grand Seiko brand. The model called "44GS" established the design of Seiko style in 1967. It lists three policies, which are as follows: 1. Design consisting of a plane and quadratic surface, with a plane as the main body. Cubic surfaces are not used in principle. 2. Increase the area of the flat surface as much as possible over all cases, dials and hands. 3. In principle, each surface is a mirror surface, and distortion from each mirror surface is minimized as much as possible. Based on this policy, the 44GS was designed with nine features. This Seiko style is designed to spice up the beauty of Japan. It considers the "light" of Japanese people, and those who hold it can feel the beauty of the Japanese in its undistorted, flat planes. Grand Seiko can be called a work packed with the aesthetic sense of Japan. Master Shops Where You Can Buy Limited Items From Grand Seiko Photo：SEIKO The Grand Seiko Master Shops refer to about 140 shops in Japan that have signed a contract with Seiko, and there are several types of limited models sold only to that master shop. Not only men models, but valuable diver models and ladies' models are popular as well. For a list of watches, see the official website. In addition, you can apply for battery replacement from the official website, so please check it out. Of course, Grand Seiko can also be purchased online. Summary of the Popular Japanese Watch Grand Seiko Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's proud Grand Seiko watches have a high reputation in Japan and around the world as watches with a history and ideology. At the end of the video, Nakazawa says, "I imagine that those who use Grand Seiko watches will hand them over to the next generation and pass them on." Why not get your own watch? One that has been created as a work of art that inherits Japanese technology. 【Official Website】Grand Seiko Official Site https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en

A Look at Hotel Shoho, One of the Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans in Japan 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/