■Cycling Guide Tour■ – Fruit Sweets Plan – Pick your own fruit for the sweets!? ~A smart two-hour plan~ [ Cycling × Fruit Picking × Sweets ] Cycle through the seasons and harvest fresh fruit, then savor a one-of-a-kind taste made just for that day. The fruit you pick will be turned into desserts by the chef at the village eatery cafe and dining en! Riding is easy even on hills because we use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). If you’re not used to cycling, a guide certified by the Japan Cycling Guide Association will support you. We set the course to match each group’s level for your peace of mind! [ Plan Details ] ■Season and Available Fruit (Spring) Mid-March to Early May (Summer) Early June to End of August (Autumn) October to December (Winter) December to February – Fruit Grown in Toyooka Village – Strawberries: Early March to Early May Cherries: Early June to Late June Peaches: Mid-July to Mid-August (varieties vary by time) Grapes: Late August to Late September (varieties vary by time) Pears: Late August to Early October (varieties vary by time) Apples: Mid-August to Early December (varieties vary by time) Sweet persimmons: Late October to Late November Ichida persimmons: Late December to Late February (winter only; dried persimmons provided by local farmers) ■Duration, Distance, Start Time • Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours • Riding distance: Under 10 km • Start time: From 13:00 If you prefer a morning start, please consult with us. Please arrive at toyooka travel time 10 minutes before the start. ■Group Size 2 to 5 people. For single participants or groups larger than five, please consult with us. ■Price (tax included) Ages 3 and up: 5,000 yen per person and up. Ages 0–2: Free. Prices may vary depending on the fruit. Please note in advance. We cannot accept bookings when cafe and dining en is closed (closed every Monday and Tuesday). ■Course Details & Schedule 1. Meet at toyooka travel time and depart 13:00 (payment) 2. Cycle to the orchard 13:00–around 13:30 3. Arrive at the orchard and pick fruit around 13:30–14:00 4. Move to cafe and dining en around 14:15 5. Enjoy sweets around 14:30–15:00 6. Return to toyooka travel time and finish around 15:15 This plan normally starts in the afternoon; for a morning start, please consult with us. ■About the Plan [ Fruit ] Experience and enjoy the fruit of the season. If two or more fruits are available at the same time, please tell us which fruit you prefer. [ Course ] This course is designed for beginners. Even those who don’t usually ride a bike will be accompanied by a guide. The plan generally follows the schedule above. If you wish to extend the cycling portion, you can do so by paying an additional rental fee for the bicycles. [ Bicycles ] We use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (There are no electric-assist bikes for children.) Small children who cannot ride can use a rented carrier bike. (Weight limits and other restrictions apply.) Rental bike list: • E-BIKE • Kids bike and carrier bike [Provided Equipment] • Helmet, gloves, saddle cover, trouser band, locker • Shower (additional fee) [Clothing] • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement ■Inquiries toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆Vegetable Harvest Experience◆ Enjoy filling a bag with seasonal vegetables throughout the year. You may eat the vegetables you harvest in the field. This value-packed plan lets you taste vegetables at their freshest. 【 Details 】 ※Reservations are currently being accepted※ Reservations are prioritized. Same-day reservations are also possible. Please contact us by phone. ■Period ● Early July to late January (held in light rain) ■Reception time and duration ● Reception: 10:00–14:00 ● Duration: About 1 hour ＝Notes＝ ・Please complete reception at least 10 minutes before your reservation time. ・If you are late for your reservation time, we may be unable to accommodate you. ■Fees (tax included) Admission + Vegetable Harvest Experience Fee ① Admission Fee Adults (15 years and older) 300 yen per person ※Free for junior high school students and younger ② Vegetable Harvest Experience Fee For regular cars (up to 10 passengers) and kei cars (up to 4 passengers), please use from one bag per vehicle. ● Small bag 500 yen ● Medium bag 1,000 yen ● Large bag 1,500 yen (Bag size reference: plastic bag S, M, LL) See “About the Vegetables” for the vegetables you can harvest. ＝Notes＝ ・We prepare 2–3 kinds of vegetables for harvesting, but harvest times may shift due to weather and other conditions. ・You cannot specify which vegetables you will harvest. Thank you for your understanding. ・Harvestable vegetables will be announced at reception on the day. ■Large vegetables (additional charge) Large vegetables that do not fit in a bag will incur an additional charge. Prices will be provided at reception on the day. Extra-charge vegetables must be paid for separately at the farm, so please prepare small change. Large vegetables = Chinese cabbage, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, watermelon The above large vegetables are priced at market value. ■Vegetable Grilling Kit (tax included) You can sample the vegetables you harvest in the field. (Usage time: about 1 hour per group) One set 1,000 yen ＝Contents＝ Outdoor gas stove / cutting board / knife / seasonings such as salt and pepper / chopsticks and plates for each person / garbage bags ＝Notes＝ ・This kit is for grilling vegetables for tasting. Bringing other food is not permitted. ・No drinking water is available at the farm. (Please bring your own.) ・Water for handwashing is provided. ・Please take any brought garbage home with you. ・Alcohol consumption and other brought food at the farm are strictly prohibited. ■Flow on the day ① Reception (Toyotabi Time) / Payment (prepayment) ② Move to the farm ③ Vegetable harvest experience (vegetable grilling available for those who wish) ④ Disband on site ＝Notes＝ ・All transfers are by private car. ・If you wish to purchase additional items at the farm, only cash payments are accepted on site. ■What to bring ・Shoes that can get dirty or rain boots ・Gloves for harvesting (work gloves, etc.) ・Towel ・Drinks ・Rain gear (in case of rain) ※Harvesting requires both hands. You cannot harvest while holding an umbrella. ■Other ・There are no restrooms at the farm. Please be aware in advance. ・Please park at the farm following staff instructions. ・If farm management determines that the harvest experience is difficult for any reason, we may, regrettably, cancel the activity. ■Meeting place & Contact Toyotabi Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@nagano-toyooka.jp 【 About the Vegetables 】 List of vegetables available by season No vegetables can be harvested from January to May, so the experience is not available then. Because cultivated varieties change with that year’s weather and other factors, you cannot specify which vegetables will be harvested. Please contact Toyotabi Time directly for the actual cultivation status. ■Summer (June–August) Lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, okra Eggplant, corn, potatoes, onions, daikon radish, carrots, parsley, shiso, watermelon ■Autumn (September–November) Cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, okra, eggplant, pumpkin, spinach, komatsuna, bok choy Lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, daikon radish, Chinese cabbage, long green onion ■Winter (December) Chinese cabbage, long green onion, carrots, Gensuke turnip greens, spinach, komatsuna, bok choy (Gensuke turnip greens are a pickling green popular in Minami Shinshu.) 【 How to Reserve 】 Same-day guidance is possible, but reservations are prioritized. We recommend booking in advance as we may not be able to accommodate you on the day. ■By phone 0265-49-3395 Reception hours 9:00–18:00 ■Online reservation Vegetable picking web reservation page ■Cancellation fee There is no cancellation fee. Please be sure to contact us by the reserved time on the day.

◆Sport Bike Rental◆ Rent a sport bike with ease! Why not explore the nature-rich Toyooka Village by bicycle? We offer a wide range of models so even those who have never ridden a sport bike can easily try one. Guided courses are also available, so please inquire. ■Special campaign: enjoy both a rental bike and a harvest-picking experience!! If you book a rental bike together with either vegetable picking or peach picking, the rental fee is 50% off. Please check the detailed pages on the Toyooka Travel Time website for harvest-picking contents. Reservations are also possible from the website. When booking a rental bike, write in the “Comments” field that you also reserved a harvest-picking experience. Available rental bikes Cross Bike ■Recommended height: 150–180 cm (three sizes available) ■From the famous Italian brand Colnago ■Stylish design with a premium feel *Number of units available for reservation: 3 (first come, first served) Road Bike ■Recommended height: 155–175 cm (M size) ■Equipped with disc brakes ■Frame designed to reassure beginners *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Mountain Bike ■Recommended height: 130–145 cm ■Wider tires provide stability on rough roads ■Equipped with disc brakes; sized for easy use by women as well *Number of units available for reservation: 2 (first come, first served) Cyclocross Bike ■Recommended height: 155–175 cm (M size) ■Authentic cyclocross bike ■Feel free to ask if you’d like a test ride *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Gravel Bike ■Recommended height: 145–170 cm (S size) ■Wider tires provide stability on rough roads ■High-end Shimano components for gears and brakes *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Reservations are accepted via the Toyooka Travel Time website or by phone. Bicycles may be unavailable due to prior reservations or event participation. Please check the Rental Bike Calendar for details. Contact 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 Toyooka Village Tourism Association, Toyooka Travel Time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆E-BIKE Rental Bicycle◆ Rent an E-BIKE and enjoy cycling. E-bikes offer a more natural pedaling feel than conventional electric bicycles and make hills effortless! With an E-BIKE, you can fully enjoy the scenery in the open air. We also offer guided courses, so please inquire. ■ Special campaign: enjoy rental bicycles plus fruit and vegetable picking!! If you reserve a rental bicycle together with vegetable picking or peach picking, the rental bicycle fee will be 50% off. Please check the detailed pages on the Toyooka Travel Time website for the contents of the harvest experiences. You can also make reservations from the website. When reserving a rental bicycle, please write in the “comments” field that you are also reserving a harvest experience. eBIG.SEVEN Size M ■ Recommended height: 155–175 cm ■ Vehicle weight: approx. 20 kg ■ Equipped with a powerful motor that makes the weight barely noticeable *Available for reservation: 5 units ePASSPORT CC 400 EQ Size S ■ Recommended height: 160–175 cm ■ You can place a basket or bag on the rear rack ■ This is a city-style model that makes mounting and dismounting easy *Available for reservation: 2 units ePASSPORT CC 400 EQ Size XS ■ Recommended height: 150–165 cm ■ A smaller size recommended for women ■ A stylish bike that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photos *Available for reservation: 3 units Reservations are accepted via the Toyooka Travel Time website or by phone. Bicycles may be unavailable due to reservation status or event participation. Please check the Rental Bicycle Calendar for details. Contact 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 Toyooka Travel Time, Toyooka Village Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆2024 Bamboo Shoot Harvesting◆ You can harvest bamboo shoots that herald the arrival of spring. Beginners welcome! Farmers will patiently teach you how to dig from the very beginning. The well-maintained, spacious bamboo grove makes it safe and enjoyable even with children. The bamboo shoots come from moso bamboo, a species that grows only in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture. Fine bamboo shoots! Aim at the base and swing once! If you wish, we can prepare grilled bamboo shoots from what you harvest. Toyo Terrace parking lot serves as the grilled bamboo shoot venue. Plunge freshly harvested bamboo shoots, still in their husks, into bamboo charcoal! We use bamboo charcoal—made by burning bamboo—as the heat source for the footbath! They finish grilling in 15–20 minutes!! They steam to a delightful doneness. A sweet aroma, like grilled corn, fills the air! A portion of the shoot tip becomes especially delicious! [ Details ] Participation is by advance reservation only. Depending on reservation status, same-day registration may be possible. Please call to inquire. ■Reservation start April 6 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM ※Please note the reservation period may change depending on bamboo shoot emergence. Rising fertilizer costs and the aging of the grove owners have made it difficult to maintain the groves. Therefore, to cover labor and maintenance costs, we introduced an admission fee starting in fiscal 2023. For details, see the section “Admission Fee + Bamboo Shoot Harvesting Fee.” ■Period April 17 (Wednesday) – May 6 (Monday) Rain or shine ※The schedule above may change depending on bamboo shoot growth. ■Reservation times Four sessions per day ① 9:00 AM ② 10:30 AM ③ 1:00 PM ④ 2:30 PM =Notes= The grove owner will meet you at each reservation time. (Follow the owner’s car in your private vehicle to the grove.) Please complete check-in at least 10 minutes before your reservation time. If you are late for your reservation, we may be unable to accommodate you. ■Admission Fee + Bamboo Shoot Harvesting Fee (tax included) ●Admission fee: 300 yen per person (junior high school students and older) The amount you harvest per standard automobile (including kei cars) affects the fee as follows. ・Harvest 10 kg or more → Admission fee waived ・Harvest 5–10 kg → Admission fee 100 yen For details, see the Admission Fee Quick Reference. ●Bamboo shoots: 450 yen per kg We will provide one harvest bag per standard automobile (including kei cars) at reception. ■About harvest bags One harvest bag is issued per group. If a bag becomes full at the grove and cannot hold all your bamboo shoots, we will provide an additional bag on site. If you want to split your bamboo shoots into separate bags to take home, please inform reception at payment. Additional bags are sold for 50 yen each. ■About rice bran One bag of rice bran is provided per harvest bag. (One bag of rice bran is enough to remove bitterness from about 15 kg of bamboo shoots.) If your measured total exceeds 15 kg, we will provide additional rice bran bags (one per 15 kg). If you split your bamboo shoots and need more than one rice bran bag, please request them at payment. Additional bags are sold for 50 yen each. ■Domestic travel accident insurance You may opt to enroll in domestic travel accident insurance. If you wish to use it, please request it at reception. 500 yen per person (tax included) ■For parties arriving in two or more private cars We will settle fees per group based on one standard automobile (up to 10 seats) or one kei car (up to 4 seats). Do not use extra cars; please leave them in the Toyo Terrace parking lot. Please check here for payment instructions. ■What to bring / Wear ・Work gloves ・Boots or other shoes that can get dirty ・Clothes that are easy to move in ・Rain gear (in case of rain) ・Bags to divide bamboo shoots (only if needed) ■Grilled bamboo shoots (optional) We offer a service to turn your harvested bamboo shoots into grilled bamboo shoots at Toyo Terrace. If you wish, please harvest a separate, smaller bamboo shoot specifically for grilling, apart from the ones you take home. Toyo Terrace provides bamboo charcoal; toss husked bamboo shoots boldly into the charcoal, steam for 15–20 minutes, and they’re ready. Freshly harvested shoots have less bitterness at the tip and can be eaten as-is without blanching if grilled. The bamboo charcoal grill is free to use, so give it a try. Bamboo shoots become noticeably more bitter about an hour after harvesting. Even if you take them home and try to grill them, the bitterness may be too strong to enjoy. Please savor the freshly harvested grilled bamboo shoots available only here. ■Meeting place / Contact Toyo Terrace (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 ■How to reserve Reservation start: April 6 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM Please wait a little longer until reservations open. ●Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (Reception hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Ladies and gentlemen~Hello Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in many places. The cherry blossoms in Shinshu Suzaka are about to bloom, but from today 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots Garyu Park The Sakura Festival has begun. During the peak viewing period, the cherry blossoms will be lit up at night. Please 💕 also enjoy the famous "Makuro Oden" Garyu Park Sakura Festival 🌸 Period: Monday, April 1, 2024 ~ Sunday, April 21, 2024 🌸 Fee for parking cooperation fee will be collected from the day after the declaration of flowering. Regular car, etc. 700 yen, Bus, etc. 3,000 yen 🌸 Cherry blossom illumination at night April 4 Thu ~ 21 Sun * It is expected to bloom around April 7 Sunday Contact: Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association ☎026-215-2225

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association! Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, home to a population of about 50,000, is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, about 90 minutes by car from Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Suzaka City has a long history, flourishing in the Silk industry from the Meiji era to the early Showa period, and in the city you can see storehouses and merchant houses with big wall construction that retain the remnants of that time. We will send out recommended information full of the natural beauty of Suzaka City and the charm of historical buildings on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so please look forward to it. ==Must see tourist spots in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Here are some recommended sightseeing spots in Suzaka City. Please use it as a reference for sightseeing in Suzaka City! ・Garyu Park In Garyu Park, you can enjoy about 600 cherry blossom trees that have been selected as "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". Other flowers such as iris, wisteria, azaleas, and hydrangeas also decorate the park, and you can feel the beauty of nature throughout the year. ・Suzaka City Zoo The zoo in Garyu Park has about 50 species and 230 animals. There are events that can only be experienced here, such as "Capybara Onsen" and "Night Zoo Expedition", and "Digital Animal Park for Everyone" established by Sudaka Cable TV, where you can watch several kinds of animal videos live-streamed 24 hours a day. ・ 100 selections of waterfalls in Japan "Yonago Great Falls" The road collapsed due to a typhoon in the first year of Reiwa and was closed, but the road was opened in May 2023. Located in the southeastern part of Suzaka City, Yonago Falls is one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, with two waterfalls Fudo Falls and Gongen Falls that fall in a straight line down the caldera cliffs of Mt. Hyakumei and Mt. azumayasan straddling the border with Gunma Prefecture. ・Kura townscape In the Edo period, Suzaka City, where the domain office of the Suzaka clan "Hori clan" was located, flourished as a jinya town. It flourished in the Silk industry after the Meiji era, and there are many warehouse-making buildings that show the prosperity of that time. Why don't you go around the townscape with the Kura townscape walking map? ・Minenohara Plateau It is a plateau with an altitude of about 1,500 meters ~ 1,600 meters overlooking the Northern Alps and Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. In the summer, you can enjoy highland sports such as tennis, golf, and trekking as a summer resort, and in the winter, it is a ski resort that entertains many people. ・Suzaka Art Park This facility is located on the south side of Garyu Park. It is a general term for three facilities: the World Folk Doll Museum, the Suzaka Print Museum, the Hiratsuka Unichi Print Museum, and the Historical Building Park, where you can experience history, culture, and art. During the Hinamatsuri season, the World Folk Doll Museum also hosts popular events such as "30-tiered decorations" and "Thousand Dolls Festival", and the Suzaka Print Museum exhibits "Tiered and Hanging Hina Decorations". ・Sekiya Onsen Yukku LAND It is a hot spring facility with a panoramic view of Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu and the night view of Suzaka City and Nagano City. There are 9 bathhouses, 4 saunas, restaurants, freshly baked bread factories, and other substantial facilities. ==Beloved events and festivals in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Garyu Park Sakura Festival It is a cherry blossom festival held in Garyu Park, and in 2024 it will be held between April 1 Mon ~ 21 Sun, 2024. You can also enjoy the fantastic scenery by lighting up the cherry blossoms at night. ・Kattakata Festival It is a historic festival that will be held for the 46th time in 2023 and is a summer tradition in Suzaka City. Giant "Ryu Mikoshi" and dancers exhaling white smoke parade through the streets of Suzaka City. ==Specialty Products of Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City is rich in delicious specialty products loved by the locals, such as fresh fruit, miso, soba noodles, and oyaki. In particular, Shine Muscat, apples, grapes, etc. are cultivation, and their sweetness and freshness leave the name of the fruit kingdom "Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture" wanted. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ==Enjoy the best trip in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture welcomes you with its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Spending time in Suzaka City will be an irreplaceable memory for everyone. We will send out recommended information about Suzaka City, so thank you!

Hello😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store. As April arrives, the weather has felt like winter at times, with cold and rainy days continuing. It looks like the weekend will bring back more spring-like weather, so that’s a relief☺️ While a fine day is nicer for a walk, there are some unusual sights you can only see when it rains☔️ For example, rainwater streaming from a crack in the rock directly opposite Senga Falls can look like a small waterfall👀 You might think, “I came all the way to Shosenkyo and it’s raining,” but rain can reveal scenes and little discoveries you wouldn’t see otherwise. We hope you enjoy the many faces of Shosenkyo😊 We also have a recommended rosé that pairs beautifully with the spring season and its colors. Why not try Japan Wine Sakura, with petals of gold leaf drifting in the glass, or an aromatic Merlot rosé? As it becomes easier to stroll around, please come visit Shosenkyo and enjoy your time here😄

【Open to the public once every 33 years】Hattasan Choukokuji Temple 3 days from March 16 ~ 18, 2024. Once every 33 years, the secret Buddha, the eleven-sided Kannon statue, was opened to the public. Harashichigo Kanseon Bodhisattva, which was called the guardian Kannon of Hara Nanago, has been worshipped by people since ancient times. During the three days of the open to the public, many people crowded with prayers. In addition, the main hall has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan as a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period. This year also marks the 500th anniversary of the reconstruction of the main hall.

Hello! This is En'emon Folklore Museum. Just when we thought it had warmed up, snow fell on Wednesday and winter suddenly came back! Still, the weeping plum at the shop burst into cheerful bloom! Attracted by the plum scent, the little birds are happily singing. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a stone that gently soothes the heart. Would you like to come and feel gently healed by the warm spring breeze and the plum fragrance? Our whole staff is preparing a relaxing welcome and waiting for you♪

Handmade cloth products have arrived ✨ Hello, this is 💁 ♀️ the Otsuki Station Tourist Information Center Today, I received 🙌 a bag and a business card holder from a local textile artist There are various types of business card cases, mainly the pattern of Mt. Fuji unique to Yamanashi ... ❗️ The bag is well made and can be used for a long time. In addition, we also recommend the Japanese-style eco-bag "Azuma Bag". Not only those made of gorgeous cloth like those used in kimonos, Some ☂️ are water-resistant using materials used in umbrellas. Please put it in your bag and use 🎶 it for shopping In front of the station, Crepe Kitchen Car Popolo is opening a store 🍓 You can ❗️ eat crepes for a whopping 250 yen There are 🫢 many other green onions in stock Vegetables such as yacon and carrots are also included. How about ❓ dinner tonight? We look forward to seeing you ✌️

It's ♪ been a warm spring day I can't wait for the cherry blossoms to bloom 🌸 these days ♫ Information on new products unique to this season. From 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Otsuki Station Tourist Information Center, the "2024 version cherry blossom version" of Mt. Mt. Iwadono's castle seal will be on sale. It will be a seasonal castle seal, so please ♫ purchase it

[Let's 🌸 get Sakura Festival original goods] In commemoration of the Otsuki Sakura Festival, From 3/23 to 4/14, photos taken to cherry blossom spots in Otsuki City If you show it at the tourist information center in front of Otsuki Station or Saruhashi Daikokuya, Sakura Festival Original Clear File Present 🎁 Please come and ✨✨ visit us in the spring Otsuki

[Speaking of Koshu, it's Inden, right ❗️] Hello, this is 💁 ♀️ the Otsuki Station Tourist Information Center Inden is perfect for Yamanashi souvenirs. Since it was also used as a decoration for the armor of warlords, Classic patterns can also 🔍 have wishes For example, dragonflies only move forward and look back, so the meaning of victory is 👀 There is also a legend that the pattern that combines small cherry blossoms and irises is used to ward off evil spirits and eliminate evil diseases. It may be 😁 fun to choose a pattern while thinking about the meaning. Otsuki Station is sunny ☀️ Spring is approaching, and the number of vegetables arriving is increasing ✨✨ It's getting warmer and climbing season is just around the corner ⛰ Please come to 😁 Otsuki, which is rich in nature

Hello 😊 This is Waraji, a Koshu regional cuisine restaurant. In March, sunlight in Shosenkyo Gorge grows warmer, and you can gradually feel the arrival of spring. Waraji’s traditional house has been renovated from a historic building dating back to the Edo period (about 150 years ago). The pillars and tables are made from fine timber, so while you enjoy the warmth of the wood, please savor our signature dishes, starting with hoto. In particular, the eel skillfully prepared by our veteran chefs is thick and tender; when coated with the sweet-and-savory secret sauce, it will surely keep you reaching for your chopsticks. We look forward to welcoming you and serving you a warm meal from the bottom of our hearts 😃

Toyama Prefectural Central Botanical Garden Early blooming cherry blossoms were blooming It's so beautiful

This is the Toyooka Village Tourism Association. Hello to everyone watching the Cool Japan Video! Toyooka Village, in Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, is located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, in a region known as Minami Shinshu (Southern Shinshu). The village has a population of approximately 6,500. Compared to much of Nagano Prefecture, Toyooka Village enjoys a relatively mild climate with little snowfall, making it a thriving agricultural community for fruits and vegetables. On Cool Japan Video, we will be sharing recommended information about Minami Shinshu Toyooka Village, so please enjoy our content. In this first post, we will briefly introduce some special experience plans and sightseeing spots you can enjoy within Toyooka Village. ■□ Cycling Guided Tours to Fully Enjoy Toyooka Village’s Nature □■ The Toyooka Village Tourism Association offers the following cycling guided tours to allow visitors to experience the village’s natural blessings. Our cycling tours use E-BIKEs (electric-assist bicycles), making it easy to navigate even uphill slopes♪ Even if you are not used to cycling, our Japan Cycling Guide Association–certified guides will provide support, so you can feel at ease. ◇ Fruit Sweets Plan ◇ This beginner-friendly course takes about two to two and a half hours to complete♪ Harvest seasonal fruit and then enjoy a dessert prepared on the spot by the chef at the local restaurant Cafe & Dining en—an experience you can enjoy year-round. Taste sweets made from freshly picked Toyooka Village fruit♪ ◇ Forest Road Activity Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late May through the end of August♪ This roughly three- to four-hour course offers thrills and excitement as you ride over bumpy paths you wouldn’t normally take. After working up a sweat in the midsummer heat, the natural water slide will create an unforgettable memory! After enjoying playing in the river, relax with a takeaway lunch from Toyooka Village. ◇ Exquisite Course Lunch Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through early December♪ This roughly four- to four-and-a-half-hour plan lets you experience harvesting Toyooka Village’s seasonal vegetables. After harvesting with a local farmer, savor a superb multi-course lunch prepared by a dedicated chef using freshly picked vegetables while enjoying the spectacular view of the Ina Valley below. ◇ Night Tour Overnight Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through mid-October♪ This evening-start plan lets you enjoy sunset cycling and vegetable harvesting in Toyooka Village, followed by a luxurious BBQ dinner prepared by a dedicated chef with a panoramic view of the Ina Valley below. Afterward, you can soak in a ceramic bath and spend the night at Toyo Terrace for a relaxing, indulgent stay. ■□ Must-See Sightseeing Spots in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Roadside Station "Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche" ◇ A must-see spot showcasing fresh local produce and specialty items. Serving as the regional food market of southern Shinshu, it offers a wide selection of locally grown vegetables and fruits—perfect souvenirs for your Toyooka Village visit. ◇ Fukushima Teppen Park ◇ From the park’s observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Maeda rice terraces in Fukushima Honmura and the Ina Valley. During winter, seasonal illuminations are also displayed. ◇ Mibusawa Fudo Falls ◇ This waterfall has a 15-meter drop. It is about a five-minute walk from the prefectural road, so you can visit easily. (You can also reach it by rental bicycle.) ◇ Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Sasamidaira ◇ This weeping cherry tree reaches about 15 meters in height and is estimated to be over 400 years old. It is designated as a Toyooka Village natural monument. ■□ Popular Events Loved in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Toyooka Festival ◇ Held each year in November at the Toyooka Village Hall venue, the Toyooka Festival attracts roughly 12,000 attendees in total and is one of the village’s most popular events. Many food stalls line the venue, and stage events and musical fireworks take place. ■□ Specialty Products of Toyooka Village □■ Toyooka Village produces delicious fresh fruits nurtured by its rich nature, including peaches, apples, Shine Muscat grapes, Ichida persimmons, and pears. The village is also known for matsutake mushrooms, often called the king of mushrooms. These specialty products are carefully cultivated by local people, and their flavors have impressed many visitors. In Toyooka Village, you can also enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences such as the apple tree owner system and peach picking. These activities are especially recommended for families, giving children a valuable chance to enjoy nature while learning the importance of food. Also, at the Vegetable Garden Buffet Restaurant Vegful Kitchen, you can enjoy superb dishes made with fresh vegetables from Toyooka Village in a buffet style. When visiting Toyooka Village, be sure to fully indulge in the local cuisine! ■□ Enjoy Toyooka Village Tourism □■ Toyooka Village also runs the Toyooka Village Working Holiday program, which offers countryside living experiences and agricultural experiences for those considering relocating to the countryside or starting farming. Surrounded by Toyooka Village’s great natural beauty, why not escape the daily hustle and find true relaxation? Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended and up-to-date information about Toyooka Village, Nagano Prefecture, so please follow us!

Damn, I thought it was getting warmer.

Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. March 4th. The snow is still going on. Thanks to you, the Shinto ceremony has a fantastic atmosphere.

Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. March 1. It was a warm day, but it snowed heavily that day. I hope this will be the last snow.

"Under the flowers" Children playing in Sakura Park In the suburbs of Kanazawa

"Spring Romance" While the scarlet cherry blossoms and Somei Yoshino overlapped and competed, bulbuls were flying around in a hurry. Photographed at Daikakuji Temple on Noto Nakajima.

Hello 👋😃 This is Crystal Sound. As March arrives, it’s gradually getting warmer 🎵 The skies over Shosenkyo are clear and the river’s water is pristine. At the Crystal Sound Crystal and Gem Museum, a beautiful amethyst dragon welcomes you at the entrance ✨ We’ve also just received new pearl items 🎵 Please come and see the stones while enjoying the scenery ✨ All our staff look forward to welcoming you 😇

Today's Doshi Village It's cold, it's cold Snow is forecast for the afternoon If it rains until tomorrow morning It's going to pile up again The snow before this is finally over Even though it was almost melted Therefore Let's take measures against snow

This is Senga Falls at Shosenkyo Gorge. The photo was taken at about 1:00 PM, and when sunlight hits around noon a rainbow appears, creating a beautiful sight. The drop is about 30 meters. The day after rain brings an even more powerful flow of water to enjoy. Come and visit Shosenkyo Gorge during spring break. The gorge's walking trails should be at their best for mitsuba azalea blooms. We will post updates on social media. Look forward to it 🙂 Date photographed: 2024/3/4

This view is from Nagatoro Bridge at Shosenkyo Gorge. Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association. From the "oldest concrete bridge in Yamanashi" you can look out over the ravine of Shosenkyo. Crossing this bridge at the entrance to Shosenkyo might make your heart race with the thought, “At last, Shosenkyo!” 😊 Please come and visit Shosenkyo during spring break. The Mitsuba azaleas along the gorge’s promenade should be in full bloom. We will announce updates via social media. Look forward to it 🙂 Date photographed: 2024/3/4

The majestic Mt. Red Mount and a 🗻 330-year-old Ipponzakura tree Nirasaki City, Yamanashi

The charm of Mt. Fuji and fresh greenery on a spring morning is beautiful Yamanashi Prefecture Fujikawaguchiko Town Kawaguchiko Shore

春の朝に绮丽な藤士山と青空と新緑 Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji Kawaguchiko Town, Oishi Park

Mt. Fuji and azalea flowers seen from Lake Shoji Lake Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi