"Railways Across the Sea: Miracles of the Tracks Connecting to the World" The railway linking Nagahama, Tsuruga, and Minami-Echizen Town, along with the railway-related culture, has been registered as a Japan Heritage. List of Japan Heritage cultural properties in Minami-Echizen Town ・Yamanaka Tunnel ・Dead End Tunnel ・Yamanaka Signal Station Remains ・Yamanaka Rock Jet ・Oto Station Remains ・Yuoo Tunnel ・Imajo Soba ・Imajo Station Water Tower and Coal Supply Facility ・Imajo-shuku Post Town What is Japan Heritage? Japan Heritage is a designation by the Agency for Cultural Affairs that recognizes stories conveying Japan's culture and traditions through the historical attractions and distinctive features of a region. (Excerpted from the Japan Heritage portable site)

Hello. This is Ryusuido. Winter is slowly deepening at Shosenkyo Gorge. In the clear air, the rock face of Senga Falls sometimes catches the sunlight and glows a golden color. The cliffs reveal expressions you won’t see in other seasons, offering dramatic sights unique to this time of year. December’s birthstones are four color gemstones that evoke a pristine winter sky. [Tanzanite] Named by Tiffany, this beautiful blue-violet gem is prized for its mysterious pleochroism, said to sharpen the mind and consciousness and guide one toward success. [Lapis Lazuli] Considered one of the oldest power stones in the world, it brings luck and success. It was also used as a pigment in paintings and is known as Vermeer blue. [Turquoise] Known for its vivid turquoise blue that recalls sky and sea, it delights with color variations and natural patterns that differ by source. [Zircon] A gem with brilliance rivaling diamond and a beautiful rainbow fire, zircon is also called the “stone of peace,” said to soothe the heart and unlock latent potential. We also offer a wide variety of other natural stones and accessories. Please stop by and enjoy the healing space woven by stones and the sound of the waterfall. The area above the falls has many spots where you can forget everyday life and simply enjoy yourself. Do visit! We sincerely look forward to the day we can meet your lovely smiles.

What are you praying for? Hakusan Shrine in the Seto area of Minami-Echizen Town. It’s a place where you can feel a nostalgic atmosphere.

Have you ever seen the many white flowers you spot around town? They are soba flowers! A field of soba blooms looks charming, a sea of white and green.

Minami-Echizen Town Hot Spring Information ★Imajo 365 Onsen Yasuragi Hours: 11:00 AM–9:30 PM (last admission 8:30 PM) Closed: Tuesday . ★Hanahasu Onsen Somayama Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (last admission 9:00 PM) Closed: Tuesday . ★Kono Seaside Onsen Yubae Hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM) Closed: Wednesday

MtAriake, known as Shinano Fuji a trapezoidal mountain you can spot easily from Azumino a scene from a clear, frosty morning♪

When Azumino is under high pressure, the temperature drops, but you can see stunning views of the Northern Alps through the clear air!! You can enjoy such beautiful scenery in Azumino in winter too This is a straight road known as Ohisama Road In the distance, the symbol MtJonen rises majestically!

Along the coast there are days so warm it feels as if winter has ended. The sea can be so calm that not a single wave stirs. When there are no waves, the deep blue of the Sea of Japan becomes even more striking. I love the contrast between this intense blue and the paler, greenish-blue. Even the Kitamaebune captains' ships look more lively.

Winter has finally arrived. This photo shows the snowy scenery at Hirono Dam. Heavy snow can be troublesome, but seeing a snowy landscape always makes me feel, “Ah—this season has come.”

We’ve decorated the tanks with Christmas trees again this year 🎄 Keeping adding more Is it just me, or do they seem more and more gorgeous each year?! 🧑‍🎄On weekends and holidays through December 25, Santa will appear between 12:00 and 12:30🧑‍🎄 Also, on December 24 and 25 at 12:00 there will be an “Underwater Santa Raffle”🐟 You can get a good deal with a digital ticket♪ *Before normal admission, buy the “Sightseeing Digital Ticket” and let’s go🙌 📍Echizen Matsushima Aquarium ◾ Address: 74-2-3 Saki, Mikuni Town, Sakai City ◾ Phone: 0776-81-2700 ◾ Hours: 9:00–16:30 (winter season)

Special exhibition until Sunday, December 14th "Mago Nagasaka Exhibition" Mago Nagasaka’s solo show, his first museum exhibition in the Hokuriku region. From paintings to three-dimensional works, this rare opportunity presents the trajectory of Nagasaka’s creative practice on an unprecedented scale that uses the natural setting of Kanazu Forest of Creation. To support Nagasaka’s global efforts driven by his strong belief that art exists to save people and promote world peace, the museum will attempt artwork sales second only to the Ueno Royal Museum. Through this exhibition, we aim to convey the future roles and possibilities of art and foster a sustainable cultural environment. 📌Hours 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 📌Venue Kanazu Forest of Creation Museum Artcore and open-air museum 57-2-19 Miyanoyatsu, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture 919-0806 📌Admission General 300 yen (200 yen), 65 and over / people with disabilities 150 yen, Free for high school students and younger, and one caregiver per visitor with a disability Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ★Part of the admission fees will be used to support activities in Ghana.

Toyamago Frost Month Festival Yudate kagura performed in the 11th month of the lunar calendar (Frost Month). It is thought to be a ritual that invites the gods from across the country around the winter solstice, when daytime is shortest and life force weakens, to welcome them with hot water and pray for the revival of the sun and life. ◆Schedule and details for the Frost Month Festival Toyamago Tourism Association Tel: 0260-34-1071 *Please also check the official website.

2026 Ice and Snow Lantern Festival This enchanting event fills winter nights along Kiso Road with the warm glow of ice candles and bamboo lanterns handcrafted by local residents. Held at post towns and other venues across the Kiso area, it usually runs from late January through mid-February each year. A photo contest will also be held. We look forward to many entries! For details, please see the Kiso Tourism Federation website.

December 7th Azumino greeted a below-freezing morning The sendangusa, known locally in Nagano as "baka", was frosted by the river mist that formed in the early morning The frost will melt as the sun rises In the distance, the landscape of the Northern Alps

December 6th Azumino Cold Moon The full moon sinks behind the Northern Alps A December morning turned bitterly cold.

December 6th Good morning This morning in Azumino the sky is a crisply clear blue The summit of Mount Nagamine is minus 5 degrees… It’s a very cold morning, but the full moon, the alpenglow on the Northern Alps, and the sea of clouds together make an amazing sight!!

Enjoy gourmet treats with the value Zenkoji Temple Omotesando Food Walk Ticket ✨ This time we also introduce shops where you can buy souvenirs with the ticket! 1. “Tenugui Towel” Takei Craft Shop The tenugui towels available with the ticket come in a wide variety of colors and patterns! They make perfect souvenirs or small gifts. Phone: 026-232-4111 Hours: 9:00–18:30 Closed: None 2. “Vegetable Fresh Bread” Cafe Restaurant Iris Matsuriya A dairy- and egg-free “happiest bread in the world.” Available in four varieties: tomato, spinach, pumpkin, and purple. Phone: 026-291-7061 Hours: 8:00–20:00 Closed: Open daily 3. “Chef’s Choice Tempura” Imamura Soba Honten Seasonal ingredients are served hot and freshly fried! Founded in 1890 (Meiji 23). Try their 90% buckwheat “Kuichi Soba,” made using traditional family methods. Phone: 026-232-3518 Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Weekends and holidays 11:00–16:00) Closed: Tuesday Note: This item is not available for takeout. <Zenkoji Food Walk Ticket> This value ticket lets you choose and purchase items from 19 shops offering Nagano specialties and sweets! ✨How to use✨ 1. Purchase a ticket (¥700 per ticket, tax included) 2. At participating shops listed in the brochure, exchange the stickers on the ticket (five ¥100 stickers and four ¥50 stickers) for products 3. Redeem used tickets for a prize (receive an original bag!) It’s cheaper than buying items individually and perfect for sampling a variety of shops while you stroll and eat ✨ #Food Walk #Souvenirs #Gourmet #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Sightseeing #Nagano Trip #nagano #naganocity

December 4th It snowed in Azumino as well A landscape dressed in snow At Hotaka Shrine, the “Azumino Shintake Lanterns” begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM About 10,000 bamboo lanterns in the shrine grounds will cast a gentle glow There will be a time and space that soothes the heart A night market called “Yomichi” runs at the same time, with food trucks and craft stalls Please come and visit♪

A beautiful village surrounded by autumn colors. Looks so stunning. Location: Lake momiji, Nagano prefecture

The endless mountain foliage of Nagano prefecture’s Lake Momiji unfurls in a sweeping colors of red, gold, and ember-orange, the autumn canopy spilling down the slopes until it kisses the mirrored surface of the lake.

Daio Wasabi Farm’s wasabi fields, a pride of Azumino One of Japan’s largest wasabi farms using spring water from the Northern Alps Open every day year-round with free admission♪

December 1st Azumino enjoyed gentle sunshine today The view of the Northern Alps from Ohisama Road is lovely!!

Lake Momiji in Nagano prefecture is one of the best autumn spots in Japan. It looks specifically beautiful during sunset.

[Now accepting applications!] 📸 December 7 Mihama Photowalk in Hayase Let’s find views worth keeping secret. Join a photowalk through Hayase, a small lakeside community, as we explore the town on foot. You’ll discover places that rarely appear in travel guides and spots you usually pass without a second thought. Each participant may encounter a scene that feels uniquely theirs that day. While sensing the deeper atmosphere of alleyways and the village, let’s search together for those views you’ll want to keep to yourself. A great part of the photowalk is sharing perspectives and discoveries with other participants. Bring whatever camera you like and hunt for those little secret scenes. On the day, photographer Tsutomu Ogino, who handles Mihama Town photography, will accompany the group. As winter’s presence begins to show, let’s enjoy a pleasant time together. We warmly look forward to your applications. ■ Date and time: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1:00 PM–4:30 PM ■ Meeting place: Hayase Tourist Information Center (10-1 Hayase, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture) ■ Participation fee: Free (reservation required) ■ Capacity: About 10 people (first-come, first-served) ■ Application deadline: Closes when capacity is reached ■ How to apply Applications are accepted via Google Forms. Submitting the form completes your registration. https://forms.gle/TZht18Bmn31oRNPA7... * Smartphones are fine for cameras. * Please wear comfortable, warm clothing for walking. * Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. * Photos taken by participants may be featured on official social media accounts or the website. #viewmihama #Mihama Town #Wakasa Mihama #Wakasa Mihama #Photowalk #photowalk

Hello from the Shosenkyo Tourist Association 😊 The autumn colors at Shosenkyo are gradually giving way to signs of winter. Rain and wind have started to strip leaves from the trees, but you can still enjoy autumn foliage around Kakuen Peak to Senga Falls for a little while longer 🍁✨ Golden leaves glowing in the sunlight, a carpet of soft fallen leaves underfoot, and the sound of the waterfall echoing through the quiet gorge… As in the photo, what you see now is the unique beauty of late autumn. A walk while listening to the rustle of falling leaves is a special experience available only in this season. Please come and enjoy the remaining autumn colors 🍂🌈

Autumn is one of the most beautiful season in Japan. This year we visited lake momiji in Nagano prefecture to enjoy the beauty of autumn and We were really stunned to see this beautiful lake.

Hello, this is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association 😊 The mountains are starting to prepare for winter, but you can still enjoy beautiful autumn foliage 🍁 This seasonal gradation is a rare, indulgent sight available only now ✨ At Senga Falls today, many visitors were taking photos as well 📸 In the clear air, you can hear the waterfall powerfully plunging down. When sunlight breaks through, a faint rainbow may appear if you're lucky… 🌈 Catching that moment feels like receiving a gift from nature 🎁 From now on, Shosenkyo will gradually take on its winter attire Leaves will fall, and the dynamic sculpted cliffs and the waterfall’s force will stand out even more. Come experience the one-of-a-kind expressions nature creates, visible only at this time ✨ We sincerely look forward to your visit 🥾🌿 *The photos were taken on November 24.*

[Stargazing Photography Workshop Held on November 24] Aiming to introduce the beauty of Minamimaki Village’s night sky to local residents, we held a village-residents-only stargazing photography workshop on Monday, November 24 at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan NOBEYAMA. Thanks to photographer Teruyasu Kitayama’s instruction on shooting techniques and the generous loan of a high-performance camera from OM Digital Solutions Corporation, even an amateur like me was able to take beautiful night-sky photos. The air is clear and it’s a perfect season for astrophotography, but Minamimaki Village’s cold is in a league of its own—please come warmly dressed.

November 24th The western sky over Azumino is turning red The Northern Alps suddenly lit up with sunset colors The weather is expected to worsen from tomorrow

November 23rd On the middle day of the three-day holiday in Azumino It looks like we'll be blessed with wonderful weather!! You can clearly see the Northern Alps