✨Introducing recommended gourmet dishes from Michi-no-Eki Nakajo staff✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to revisit this later!〉 ‘Hiyashi Obukko’ This summer limited menu, ‘Hiyashi Obukko,’ which was popular last year, now features two varieties: ‘Pumpkin Soup’ and ‘Soy Milk Soup’! ＜What is Obukko＞ ‘Obukko’ is a local dish from the Nakajo region of Nagano City. It is a specialty dish made by simmering thick, chewy flat noodles with plenty of vegetables such as daikon, carrots, and mushrooms, all based on Shinshu miso. ‘Takeout Sanzoku-yaki’ Shinshu's famous ‘Sanzoku-yaki’ is also available for takeout! Enjoy juicy Sanzoku-yaki that you can eat with one hand. ‘Deer Meat Croquettes’ are also available and popular. ‘Deer Curry’ We are selling luxurious retort curry made with 100% deer meat from Nagano Prefecture, slowly simmered with onions and spices, at our shop. 【Recommended Information】 ‘Obukko Insulated Bag Giveaway’ When you purchase three items: spicy miso, Obukko's miso sauce, and frozen Obukko noodles, you will receive an original ‘Obukko Insulated Bag’! *Limited quantity available ・Basic Information ‘Michi-no-Eki Nakajo’ @michinoeki_nakajo 【Address】1704 Sumiyaki, Nakajo, Nagano City 【Phone Number】026-267-2188 【Business Hours】 ・Shop 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ・Dining Place Mamettai 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Light meals will be served between 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM.) ・Direct Sales Office April – November / 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM December – March / 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM *Closed every Wednesday from December to March #Michi-no-Eki #Michi-no-Eki Gourmet #Michi-no-Eki Nakajo #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Dripping Deer Soy Sauce There is a team working hard towards the launch of a certain product. That "certain product" is deer soy sauce. Nishiokoppe Village is an area where Yezo sika deer are abundant. To prevent damage to crops and forests, as well as traffic accidents, hunters capture deer and process the meat at the village's wildlife processing center. By fermenting the protein contained in the meat, soy sauce can be made. If it can be made from pork, then it should also be possible to make soy sauce from the meat of Yezo sika deer and brown bears. Villagers who agreed with the idea of the proposer began making soy sauce in December 2024, with the help of experts. The part used was the neck meat of the Yezo sika deer. This part, which is tough and fatty, was often discarded as it was difficult to handle as meat. In the work I participated in, we were in the process of squeezing and filtering the meat that had been aged for three months. The liquid extracted under pressure from the juicer was repeatedly filtered using cloth, coffee filters, and filter paper, taking time to remove excess fat and protein. Initially, the liquid flowed smoothly down, but gradually it began to drip more slowly. With each round of filtering, the dripping droplets became clearer and sparkled. It feels like you can sense the vitality of the Yezo sika deer that lived in the nature of Nishiokoppe Village. - Alongside production, preparations for sales such as choosing packaging are underway. We are sharing information about deer soy sauce and bear soy sauce on Instagram @sanganosizuku, so please check it out. We hope you look forward to the launch.

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

At this time, the cherry blossoms were about 80% in bloom, but the morning sunlight was perfect. If the timing is right, the rays of light here are outstanding. Be cautious of deer at night.

【Nishiokoppe Campground OPEN】 Thank you for your patience!🙌 The campground located in Nishiokoppe Forest Park will open on Saturday, May 23rd!🎉 Usage fee: 500 yen per tent per night Reception hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM *Reception will be available the following day after 4:30 PM Please check in at the administration building located before the batting center. The administration building also sells garbage bags. For more details, please visit our website. https://www.vill.nishiokoppe.lg.jp/feeuub0000001a7a.html... We look forward to your visit! #Campground #Open #Free site

[Winter Wildlife Class] A wildlife class for elementary school students in the village. Adults knowledgeable about hunting and the mountains served as staff and provided opportunities for the children to connect with the nature around them. This time there were two activities: making candles from Ezo deer fat and a winter forest walk. The staff had simmered the Ezo deer fat in advance. We examined materials to see how it had cooled and solidified into white and what it had looked like before that change. While reheating the fat, the children decorated small jars with stickers. After finishing the outer decorations, they shaved crayons into small pieces and put them into the jars to color the candles. The warmed, clear Ezo deer fat gave off its distinctive scent as it returned to the classroom. They poured the fat into jars with a hanging cotton string, stirred so the crayon bits would melt, and left them to set. 🦌 🦌 🦌 After a restroom break, we set off for Miyanomori. The road snow had melted and frozen into a slick surface, but the children, who walk this route to and from school every day, moved along with ease. When we reached the torii gate, we did thorough warm-ups and put on snowshoes. Following the footprints of the staff who had walked the trail the day before, we lifted our snowshod feet high and climbed step by step. The snowshoes, the heavy snow, and the sunlight worked up a good sweat. Along the way we observed animal tracks and the buds on branch tips. When we reached a more open area, we took a break and then began a game of hide-and-seek in the snow. We tried hiding in the shade of trees and behind mounds of piled snow. Two university student staff members did their best to search for us. 🦌 🦌 🦌 Back in the classroom after taking off our snowshoes, the candles had cooled and solidified nicely. Their colors had shifted slightly from when they were hot, and that was beautiful too. It will be fun to try them at home. This concludes this year’s wildlife class. Thank you to the children who participated and to all the staff! #Wildlife Class #Candles #Snowshoes

Nara is a mainstay of Japanese domestic travel, and along with Kyoto is part of the classic school trip itinerary for millions of students every year. Kyoto is justly famous and inundated with visitors from around the world, but Nara, while still a bustling center of tourist activity, retains a more peaceful atmosphere. The city has a great deal of greenery and, of course, its famous deer, which together work to create a relaxed atmosphere. In spite of its soothing natural ambience, it is still a proper city, with all the comforts and attractions you would expect, so you can really enjoy the best of both worlds. The ubiquitous deer have been accustomed to human interaction for centuries, and will fearlessly approach you seeking deer crackers if you buy any. Despite being herbivores who are accustomed to people, they can be a bit insistent, especially the males. You will see some flabbergasted tourists backing away from the deer they'd notionally like to feed. Benefit from their example and only have one cracker out at a time, and hold it out calmly! While for many visitors the main attraction will justly be the unique chance to interact with lots of deer, Nara is steeped in history. (Japanese history has a "Nara Period" for a reason!). Of especial note is the Todai-ji temple, an ambitious early project of Japanese Buddhism that houses an enormous bronze Buddha statue that is worth a visit even for those who otherwise are not interested in history. Finally, if you are visiting Nara in the winter months, be sure to try Asuka Nabe! There are many hotpot dishes around the country, but a milk and chicken broth make this one very distinct. Its warming gentle flavor perfectly suits the soothing atmosphere of Nara!

Reflections on the sunset A scene at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. A deer is staring at the sunset over Nara Downtown. In such a scene, do deer also indulge in thought?

Mt. Wakakusa At the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Avec in a kimono is holding a Japanese umbrella and standing in the background with the sunset in the background. Specialties deer are around it. This is the site of a wedding tree photo shoot, and the deer play a role.

The “Welcome Shintoku Illumination” lighting began today in front of Shintoku Station. On the opening day, about 40 people, including kindergarten and nursery children from the town and their guardians, attended the lighting ceremony; when the children counted down and the lights came on together, cheers of “Wow!” broke out. The event started in 1987 (Showa 62) and was held every year until last June, when redevelopment work around Shintoku Station began and forced a cancellation last year. With the sidewalk area in front of the station now complete, the event can be held again this year. The scale is smaller than before, but we plan to expand the displays in future years as surrounding facilities are completed. As the first new addition this year, a new illuminated Ezo deer sculpture has been installed. The stag measures about 2 meters in body length and stands 2 meters tall; up close it has an impressive presence. Nearby, a doe is depicted grazing, nestled beside him. Visitors to Shintoku, please be sure to see the refreshed “Welcome Shintoku Illumination.” #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #illumination #Welcome #Shintoku Illumination #Ezo deer #japan #hokkaido #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #illumination #shintokustation

Nara Park 2022.11.03 The Morning Sun was shining brightly. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, a shrine located in Nara Park, is the headquarters of about 3,000 Kasuga-Taisha Shrines throughout Japan and is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main God of worship enshrined at Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, was originally the god of Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. In the second year of Jingo Kageun Jingoken (768), Taketsuchi came from Kashima Jingu to Mount Spring on a white deer. At this time, it is said that the white deer on which Taketsuchi was riding gave birth to a child in Nara, which is the Roux of Nara's deer.

Kemono Night On the night of the mid‑autumn full moon (or so we thought—turns out it was actually the next day) Kemono Night returned after several years. Centered on the Minami family, dairy farmers in Nishiokoppe, and the guesthouse GA.KOPPER, a handful of Nishiokoppe locals and visiting chefs from nearby areas, with the cooperation of musicians, came together for a feast. Eating what was once alive and so carrying on life itself Around a firelit banquet we spent an evening giving thanks for life and the producers. Before we knew it, what had been just a sheet of plywood was adorned with deer and bear, providing warmth. Chilly but wrapped in clear air, the warm, richly flavored soup was superb. Deer, bear, sheep, cattle, plus vegetables and cheese We savored the gratitude of tasting locally harvested ingredients and the luxury of those ingredients becoming truly delicious dishes through the chefs’ wisdom and skill. Food that brings people together. Will the people who gathered that night meet again somewhere down the road? Thanks to the producers and everyone who came together that night. #Nishiokoppe Village #Kemono Night #GA.KOPPER #Ohtakoji #Yukiya Taneishi #RIDE #DJKATSU #Jomon Taiko #Yoshito Yamamoto #Kiichi Ninomiya #Megumi Takatsuka #mikachup #moor #Quite Hot #Makiya‑to Minaga #Higuma Taiko

Light Census Experience On a weeknight, 17 elementary school students gathered at the community center. It wasn’t a secret meeting for the kids but a gathering to take part in the first session of this year’s Wildlife Classroom *'▽' There was a reason we met at night. This mission was to experience a “light census”! The light census, one method for counting animal numbers, was conducted together with the Hunting Area Management Association that carries it out in practice, and we searched for and observed wild animals, including deer. After a short lecture about deer characteristics and other topics, we boarded the bus and set off into the forest 🚌 Some participants looked a little frightened as the forest grew darker, but whenever they spotted an animal they shouted loudly, “There it is!” to report the sighting. Everyone diligently recorded the numbers in their own booklets. Many first graders joined, and some could not yet write tally marks correctly, but they noted their sightings in ways that worked for them. Unexpectedly, we even saw that other animal, but everyone returned safely together ○ Back indoors, we compared the numbers we had found, and the first Wildlife Classroom session came to an end. Although it was within the village, traveling by bus through the night forest was an exciting time! The second session is planned as a camp during the summer break. Look forward to the next report! #Wildlife Classroom #Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps #Hunting Area Management Association #Nishiokoppe Village #Elementary School Students #Wild Animals #Deer #Population Count #Light Census #We even encountered a bear

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Miyajima 👈 One piece 📸 with a deer enjoying cherry blossom viewing I 🦌🌸 was able to take a picture of a deer looking up at the cherry blossoms It became one 😊 of my favorites I was so happy that I thanked the deer and went home 😊

Deer Stew and Bread Making On a certain holiday, I heard that a dozen or so elementary school students had gathered. When I peeked in, some children were measuring flour and butter and mixing, while others were simmering something in pots. They were making a stew with venison and baking croissants! The stew started from scratch with a homemade brown sauce. The bread used a recipe said to be for advanced bakers, so they kneaded the dough carefully. In the spare moments, they played games like Old Maid with a deck of cards. I forgot to take a photo of the finished dishes, but everyone enjoyed the meal together.

📍 Nara / Nara Park It was adorable to see the two deer facing each other. It was quite difficult to photograph animals, and they didn't move as expected, so I waited patiently and waited for a photo opportunity.

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Miyajima @miyajima_tourist_association I forgot 🤭 to post the butt 🤍 of the deer's heart The deer are also often photographed, and the pose is also used 📸

"Deer-hunter, waste not your arrow on the hare." - Chinese proverbs Most innocent eye I ever saw. The beauty of Japanese deer from Miyajima, Hiroshima.

"How can a deer tell when a leaf falls silent in the forest? She hears it breathing differently." - Richard Bacha I saw a group of deer relaxing in the autumn forest. It seems they are tried to hear the sound of autumn leaves falling from the frees. They might want to answer the question in the quotes by themselves. Very beautiful and eye soothing experience.

Lovely and friendly deer and vibrant colorful leaves together looks very nice. It was taken from Miyajima, Hiroshima.

There is a common saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but here I found beauty in the eyes of that meek deer who curiously observing the hand of that girl. They both enjoyed each others company for a while. The sight was also seems very soothing and beautiful.

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Miyajima #miyajima One piece 📸 with a deer on a 🦌 hill 🦌 "Hey, what are you doing in my garden without permission?!" 🦌 "What about the conger eel lunch you promised the other day?" 😅 "I'm 💦 deer-de

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Miyajima #Momijidani Park #miyajima One piece 📸 at the deer 🦌 in the Red Leaves Valley He posed coolly! I enjoyed 😊 taking pictures of a lot of deer on this day Let me 🙏✨✨ post again Momijidani is a recommended spot in Miyajima 😊👍 You can enjoy the autumn leaves this season 🍁 Miyajima is home to many deer. Friendly deer are waiting for you. 🦌

Animals can teach us the purest form of love. Anyone who sincerely tries to understand the nature of these meek and gentle creatures can understand my thoughts . Deers are peaceful creatures and their eyes reflect the purity of their heart. Their care for each other reminds us of the unconditional love that is so rare in our human society. Such unconditional love for one's work, and one's family, is always what I treasured in my life reflect in this frame. This photo was taken from Nara deer park. It represents the real beauty of Japan.

First post!! Representative scenery of Nara Prefecture Since it is Nara Park, anyone can see it just by going!

This souvenir shop is located near Shika Park in Nara City. It seems that they are particular because it is an evening time when there are almost no customers.

Deer Park in Nara City where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Along with cherry blossoms, you can see cute deer everywhere in Nara City.

Deer Park in Nara City where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Along with cherry blossoms, you can see cute deer everywhere in Nara City.

Deer Park in Nara City where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Along with cherry blossoms, you can see cute deer everywhere in Nara City.

Deer Park in Nara City where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Along with cherry blossoms, you can see cute deer everywhere in Nara City.