Introducing recommended autumn foliage spots for 2026🍁

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1. Kagami Pond (Togakushi)
【Best Viewing Period】Mid-October to Late October
【Entrance Fee】Free
【Parking】50 cars
*Traffic regulations may be enforced during the autumn foliage season.
*For details, please check the Togakushi Tourism Association website.


2. Kiyomizudera (Wakaho)
【Best Viewing Period】Early November to Late November
【Entrance Fee】Free for the precinct
【Parking】30 cars
Many maple trees are planted along the approach, creating a vibrant display of colorful foliage.


3. Zenkoji Temple East Garden
【Best Viewing Period】Late October to Mid-November
【Entrance Fee】Free for the East Garden
【Parking】Paid parking available around Zenkoji Temple


4. Okususobana Nature Garden (Kinasa)
【Best Viewing Period】Late October to Early November
【Entrance Fee】200 yen for middle school students and older
【Parking】Available (300 cars, 25 large buses)
Walking paths are also well-maintained.
<Example Walking Course>
●Tourist Center ~ Rest House ~ Benten Island ~ Kichi Pond ~ Komihira Wetlands / About 2 hours
*For details, please visit the Kinasa Tourism Promotion Association website.


5. Obo Pass (Kinasa)
【Best Viewing Period】Mid-October to Mid-November
【Entrance Fee】Free
【Parking】About 5 cars
You can enjoy views of the Northern Alps and the legendary foliage of Ichiya Mountain, said to have been created by demons in a single night, along with the natural beauty of the hidden gem, Kinasa.


6. Lake Iizuna (Iizuna Highlands)
【Best Viewing Period】Mid-October to Early November
【Entrance Fee】Free
You can enjoy the reflection of the autumn foliage of Mt. Iizuna on the water's surface.


7. Kumeji Gorge (Shinshu Shinmachi)
【Best Viewing Period】Late October to Early November
【Entrance Fee】Free
【Parking】About 5 cars
The beautiful red colors of the foliage reflect on the water's surface, creating a picturesque scene.


8. Jozan Yamadera Historic Residence (Matsushiro)
【Best Viewing Period】Late October to Mid-November
【Entrance Fee】Free
【Parking】Zozan East Parking Lot (5-minute walk to Jozan Yamadera)
7 passenger cars and 7 large buses
The foliage visible through the round window is very beautiful.


The Nagano Tourism Convention Bureau website summarizes the autumn foliage conditions in Nagano City.

Introducing recommended events in Nagano City for October!✨

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①Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Festival
Experience the history and traditions of the Sanada family over a special two days. The highlight is the impressive parade of about 200 warriors, known as the "Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Procession," taking place on the 11th (Sunday)!
【Date】10/10 (Sat) to 10/11 (Sun)
*The "Matsushiro Domain Sanada 100,000 Stones Procession" will be held on 10/11 (Sun).
【Venue】Around Matsushiro Castle Ruins
*Please check the official website for details.


②Kawanakajima Battlefield Festival Fireworks Display
At the Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park, there will be many stalls selling alcohol, snacks, and sweets, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks up close!
【Date】10/10 (Sat)
【Time】Stage events from 15:00, Fireworks Display from 18:00
【Venue】Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park
*For details, please visit the official website.


③Togakushi Soba Festival New Soba Offering Ceremony
This is a traditional festival that conveys the history of Togakushi soba to the present day.
You can enjoy the "Offering Soba" made from sacred buckwheat flour blessed during the ceremony, available in limited quantities!
【Date】10/30 (Fri)
【Time】9:00～
【Venue】Togakushi Shrine Chusha Special Stage in the Chusha Garden
*The offering soba will be sold after the ceremony on 10/30 (Fri) (around 12:30 and onwards) at participating soba shops and affiliated accommodations (limited to 15 servings per shop).
*Please check the official website or account for details.


④Kinasa and Togakushi Kijo Momiji Legend Photo Quiz 2026
This is a tour-style event where you can explore the sites related to the Kijo Momiji legend while taking photos and participating in quizzes. Experience the legendary world that spreads from Kinasa, adorned with autumn leaves, to Togakushi.
【Event Period】10/10 (Sat) to 11/15 (Sun)
【Location】Kinasa area
*For details, please check the official website or account.


⑤Togakushi and Iizuna Highlands "All-Inclusive Experience! Stamp Rally"
Participate in designated experience content to get stamps!
Enjoy the refreshing green season of the highlands to the fullest!
【Event Period】8/1 (Sat) to 10/31 (Sat)
【Location】Togakushi and Iizuna area
【Participation Method and Prize Details】
(1) Participate in designated experience content (camping stays, e-bike rentals, nature experiences, soba making experiences, etc.).
(2) Collect two stamps → Receive an original sticker!
(3) Collect three stamps → In addition to receiving a badge set designed with Togakushi Mountain and Iizuna Mountain, you can enter a lottery for a chance to win luxurious prizes!
【Stamp Collection Locations】
Togakushi Campground
Iizuna Nagano Forest Village
Togakushi Tourism Association
Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association
Nagano City Tourist Information Center, etc.


⑥Zenkoji Temple Binzuru Market
Held as a handmade market inspired by the Buddha's beloved disciple "Binzuru-san"! Various food and craft stalls will gather, creating a market where everyone, including makers, buyers, locals, and tourists, can enjoy.
【Date】10/10 (Sat) *Regularly held on the second Saturday of each month from April to December
【Time】10:00～16:00
【Venue】Around Zenkoji Temple


#Event Information #Nagano City Events #Sanada 100,000 Stones Festival #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Introducing September Event Information in Nagano City✨

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1. Togakushi Soba Festival: Half-Soba Walking Tour
This year, 21 soba shops are participating, and by purchasing the half-soba walking ticket book "Soba Goyomi" (2,000 yen including tax), you can enjoy a half serving of zaru soba (approximately three pieces) at three different shops.
【Event Period】September 1 (Tue) – October 4 (Sun) *Excluding September 19 – 25
【Price】Half-soba walking ticket book "Soba Goyomi" includes three tickets for 2,000 yen (including tax)
【How to Purchase】Make a reservation on the official website and pay in cash at the pickup location
*Limited to 57 copies per day
*For more details, please check the official website.


2. Sanada House Garden Light Up "Gensou"
The Sanada House Garden in Matsushiro will be illuminated with enchanting lights!
Additionally, there will be a concert by Ecole de Matsushiro Club and special guests! A projection mapping on the storehouse of the Sanada House Garden, which was well received last year, will also take place as a special project.
【Event Dates】September 19 (Sat), September 20 (Sun)
【Time】18:00 – 20:30 (Doors open at 17:30, last entry at 20:00)
【Venue】Matsushiro Sanada House
【Price】General 400 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen
*Free for Elementary and Junior High School Students on September 19 (Sat)
*For more details, please check the official website.


3. Togakushi and Iizuna Highlands "All-Inclusive Experience! Stamp Rally"
Participate in the target experience content to get stamps!
Enjoy the refreshing green season in the highlands!
【Event Period】August 1 (Sat) – October 31 (Sat)
【Event Location】Togakushi and Iizuna Area
【How to Participate and Prize Details】
(1) Participate in target experience content (various activities such as camping, E-bike rentals, nature experiences, soba making, etc.).
(2) Collect two stamps → Receive an original sticker!
(3) Collect three stamps → In addition to receiving a badge set designed with Togakushi Mountain and Iizuna Mountain, you can also enter a lottery for a luxurious prize!
【Stamp Collection Locations】
Togakushi Campground
Iizuna Nagano Forest Village
Togakushi Tourism Association
Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association
Nagano City Tourist Information Center, etc.


4. Zenkoji Binzuru Market
Held as a handmade market inspired by the beloved disciple of Buddha, "Binzuru-san"! Various food and craft shops gather, creating a market enjoyable for makers, buyers, locals, and tourists alike.
【Event Date】September 12 (Sat) *Regularly held on the second Saturday from April to December
【Time】10:00 – 16:00
【Venue】Around Zenkoji


5. Shinshu Ramen Expo 2026
Famous ramen shops from all over the country gather! Enjoy ramen that is hard to find in Nagano!
Take this opportunity to enjoy your favorite ramen!
【Event Dates】
First Act: September 11 (Fri) – September 15 (Tue)
*Closed on September 16 (Wed) and September 17 (Thu) for replacements
Second Act: September 18 (Fri) – September 23 (Wed, Holiday)
【Time】10:00 – 20:00 *Until 19:00 on September 15 and September 23
【Venue】Nagano Omotesando Central Square
【Price】Free admission, 1 bowl for 1,000 yen (including tax)
Tickets will be sold at the venue ticket machine *Cash only
*For more details, please check the official website.
*"Miso Kin" is fully reservation-based online.


6. Nagano Craft Beer & Food Festival 2026
This year, it will be held at "Nagano Omotesando Central Square"! Eighteen breweries from Nagano Prefecture will participate, including three breweries from Nagano City. It's an event for a wide range of people to enjoy beer and food.
【Event Dates】September 4 (Fri) 15:00 – 20:30
September 5 (Sat) 11:00 – 20:30, September 6 (Sun) 11:00 – 16:00
*Last order is 30 minutes before closing
【Venue】Nagano Omotesando Central Square


7. Night Pool at Sun Marine Nagano
Spend a summer night in a fantastical illuminated pool that is different from usual!
Photography is allowed in the normally prohibited pool area! Enjoy unlimited rides on the slides♪
You can enjoy it at a great price with all-you-can-drink and light meals included!
【Event Dates】September 5 (Sat) 21:30 – 23:30
【Price】
Advance ticket 3,500 yen
Same-day ticket 4,000 yen
*Includes all-you-can-drink and light meals
*No entry for those under 20 years old
*For more details, please check the official website or account


#Event Information #Light Up #Gourmet Events #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

At the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin,
there are plenty of apples on display✨

The red, ripe apples are lined up in the store👀🍎
As the season progresses, it's exciting to see various fruits appearing on the shelves!

When you stop by, be sure to take a look♩

At Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen's Bloomin,
you can find a wide variety of plums on display! 👏🏻👏🏻

A plum harvest calendar is also posted at the store,
which can help you choose the right variety.✨

Enjoy the plums that are unique to this season!

[Notice of Closure]

Thank you for always visiting Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden.
We will be closed on September 3rd (Thursday) at both Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to those who planned to visit, and we appreciate your understanding.

The Highland Guide Training Session

A training session for highland guides was held at Yachiho Highland Nature Park✨

This year's theme was "Plants and Moss"

During the training, we walked through the park with the instructor, who provided explanations about the plants and moss found in the nature park.

Even in areas we usually walk through, focusing on the plants and moss led to many new discoveries👀

Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden

You can now see the beautiful sight of Asagimadara and Swallowtail butterflies at Yachiho Highland Nature Park and Flowering Tree Garden.

It's perfect for nature walks, butterfly watching, and photography!✨

We look forward to your visit!😸👒

Enjoy summer in Nagano! Here’s the information about the summer festivals in August✨

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① Iizuna Fire Festival @iizunakougen_kankou
This annual event features around 1,000 fireworks launched over Daizahoushi Pond in Iizuna Highlands.
You can enjoy dynamic drum performances and a dazzling array of fireworks over the lake!
【Date】August 10 (Monday) 17:30–21:00 (Fireworks scheduled from 20:00 to 20:50)
【Venue】Around Daizahoushi Pond, Iizuna Highlands *Paid seating available
【Parking】Available (Old Iizuna Highland Ski Resort, etc. Parking fee 2,000 yen per vehicle)
*Shuttle buses (free) will operate from some parking areas to the venue
*For more details, please check the Iizuna Highlands Tourism Association website.


② Shinshu Shinmachi Rokaku Lake Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival @shinshushinmachi_kanko
This is the town's biggest event, featuring about 4,000 fireworks and lanterns illuminating Rokaku Lake.
You can watch the fireworks up close, and the booming sounds echoing through the mountains add to the excitement!
Watching the fireworks while enjoying the local specialty, Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), is exceptional!
【Date】August 15 (Saturday) 19:00–21:00
【Venue】Nagano City, Shinshu Shinmachi, along the Saigawa River
【Parking】Available *Reservation required and fees apply. Please be cautious.
*For more details, please check the Shinshu Shinmachi Summer Festival website.

③ Nagano Binzuru
This is a citizen festival that brings together the community in a vibrant celebration of summer in Shinshu Nagano.
Local volunteer groups, schools, and businesses form teams called “ren” to showcase dances and performances while clapping wooden rice scoops. Various events are held from the afternoon, making it a festival enjoyable for locals, children, and tourists alike!
【Date】August 1 (Saturday) Day session starts at 10:00, Night session starts at 16:30
【Venue】Zenkoji Omotesando, Showa Street
【Parking】None
*For more details, please check the Nagano Binzuru website.

④ Zenkoji Obon En-nichi
A special stage will be set up in front of the main hall of Zenkoji, where monks in robes will dance with worshippers! You can feel closer to “Zenkoji-san,” the beloved temple of the people.
【Date】August 10 (Monday) to August 11 (Tuesday, holiday) 17:00–21:00
【Venue】Zenkoji Temple grounds
【Parking】Available *Paid parking nearby

⑤ Nagano Tanabata Festival
The arcade stretching 440 meters will be adorned with vibrant Tanabata decorations.
The traditional shopping street matches the thoughtfully designed decorations, making it perfect for photos!
【Dates】July 18 (Saturday) to August 7 (Friday)
【Venue】Gondō Arcade Street


#Summer Festivals #Nagano Binzuru #Fireworks Festival #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026 Oita-Kumamoto Stage
❚ Taking place on October 11, 2026
On October 11, Bungo-Ono will serve as the starting point for the international road race! The athletes will sprint along the roads leading to Harajiri Falls and Kuju Highland. Why not join us on-site to watch the exciting day unfold?

The international cycling road race "Mynavi Tour de Kyushu 2026" will be held in Kyushu
On October 11 (Sunday), STAGE 2 Oita-Kumamoto Stage will start in front of Bungo-Ono City Hall. The Oita-Kumamoto Stage covers approximately 128 km, departing from Bungo-Ono City and passing through Taketa City, Minamiogunimachi, Ubuyama, Aso City, and Takamori Town before heading to Minamiasomura.

The route will pass by tourist attractions such as Harajiri Falls and Kuju Highland, then head south along Yamanami Highway. Athletes will race through scenic views of the Aso Outer Rim Mountains and vast grasslands.

We invite you to come and witness the athletes in action on-site.

■ What is Tour de Kyushu
Tour de Kyushu is a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) sanctioned cycling road race.
It has been decided to be held as an event symbolizing the legacy of the Rugby World Cup, the promotion of cycling tourism in Kyushu
, and the recovery from recent natural disasters.
Not only is it an exciting competition, but it also serves as a platform to widely promote the natural beauty, landscapes, and local attractions of Kyushu.

Enjoy the coolness of summer in the great outdoors! Here are some highland activities to try!

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1. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) in Shinshu Shinmachi
If you want to fully experience the nature of Nagano City, SUP in Shinshu Shinmachi is highly recommended! Enjoy a leisurely walk on the water while taking in the beautiful seasonal scenery and refreshing atmosphere. With guided tours available, even beginners can feel at ease!


2. Forest Adventure Nagano
Let's soar into the sky over Nagano! A thrilling glide 150m above the lake!
Breathe in the refreshing winds of Nagano City and embrace the great outdoors!✨
With attentive support from instructors, everyone can enjoy themselves safely!


3. Togakushi Campground
A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm.
It's perfect for outdoor schools and family camping in the midst of nature. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it's one of the largest in Japan!
Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flushing toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the stream flowing through the site.
【Operating Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4, 2026 (tentative)
From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use)
【Reservations】Available by phone or through the official website
【Closed】Winter break
【Parking】Available (free)


#Experience #Activities #Highland #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

At the Akagi Kogen Service Area on the downbound side of the Kanetsu Expressway, there is a park behind the shops. In spring, there are spots where tulips and other flowers are planted.
On clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mt. Komagatake and Mt. Hotaka.
While walking in the park, I spotted the snow-covered Mt. Komagatake between the red and white cherry blossoms.

Introducing Rental Bicycles🚲🚲

How about exploring the town with rental bicycles "ShinKuru" from Shintoku Station?

Shintoku Town is one of Hokkaido's top "soba towns"! The town is dotted with unique soba restaurants, and you can easily stop by local cafes run by local cheese factories while enjoying a soba tour by bicycle 🎵

For those confident in their stamina, extend your ride a bit further to cycle to the "railway ruins" or "Karikatsu Highland" 🚴
Feel the pleasant speed unique to cycling, and enjoy the refreshing breeze and beautiful scenery of Shintoku up close 🎶
We offer four types of rental bicycles to suit your purpose and fitness level 🤗

🔶Location
2F Shintoku Station Front Community Center 'Toku Toku', Shintoku Town Tourism Association Counter
🔶Operating Period: From April to the end of October
🔶Rental and Return Hours: From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

🔷Contact: Shintoku Town Tourism Association (2F Shintoku Station Front Community Center 'Toku Toku')
TEL: 0156-67-7567

https://shintoku-town.net/

[Mt. Kiritou]

Mt. Kiritou rises to 1,305 meters and is a popular destination for day hikes.
It sits near the middle of the Central Divide that runs east to west across Nagano Prefecture. From the summit you can take in wide views of Matsumoto, Ina, and the Suwa area, as well as the Northern and Southern Alps, MtOntake, Yatsugatake, and even MtMyoko on the far horizon.
From late April into May, delicate reddish-purple okinagusa flowers greet hikers.

[Hiking Routes]
Mt. Kiritou has three main hiking routes, each with its own appeal. Choose the route that suits you and give Mt. Kiritou a try!

1. Shimotonishijo Course
2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course)
3. Central Divide Course
Note: In winter, crampons and other cold‑weather mountaineering gear are essential.

1. Shimotonishijo Course
Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway
Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station
Parking: about 40 spaces
Toilets: one men’s and one women’s toilet at Yamanokami Nature Garden
Related: Yamanokami Nature Garden, okinagusa
This route starts at Shimonishijo to the north of Mt. Kiritou. From the Yamanokami Nature Garden parking area it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From the parking area you walk along forest paths through the Nature Garden and past Tamarazu no Ike toward the trailhead, warming up your legs before the climb.

2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course)
Access by car: about 20 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway
Access by train: nearest station JR Ono Station
Parking: about 10 spaces
Toilets: temporary toilets available (closed in winter)
Related: Mt. Kiritou winter sample itinerary
This route starts from Ono to the south of Mt. Kiritou. The trail passes historic spots such as the Kattori Castle Ruins and a stone monument to Ontake Daigongen. It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from the parking area, and it is the steepest of the three courses.

3. Central Divide Course
Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway
Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station
Parking: about 10 spaces
Toilets: none
Related: Oshibayama, nirinso (two‑leaf anemone)
The trailhead lies slightly toward Shiojiri from the watershed park at Utou Pass. The route climbs via Oshibayama to Mt. Kiritou and takes about 2.5 hours. The scenery and terrain change rapidly on the way to the summit, offering a varied mountain trail.

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Requests for a safe and enjoyable climb of Mt. Kiritou
Please protect plants for nature conservation.
Take your trash home to help protect the environment.
The Mt. Kiritou area experiences frequent lightning, so monitor the weather carefully.
Do not enter any prohibited areas.
Never start a wildfire.
Be aware of dangerous wildlife such as bears, hornets, and poison‑sumac species.

【Today's Nobeyama Highlands】
Although the country is experiencing a nationwide heatwave today, the usually cool Nobeyama Highlands has reached 28°C by noon. With the sun exceptionally strong, please take thorough measures against heat and sunburn before you come.

Clouds rose in the high-rise Wetlands, and a gradation of light appeared in the Grassland.
Shinshu Yunomaru Highlands "Pond Wetland is Elevation 2000m!"
A boardwalk stretches "in a vein".
It's like a Suspension Bridge over a paradise in the sky. Favorite scenery

Horizon at the foothills of Mount Yatsugatake
May is a beautiful season Spot photographing twin trees where you can see the fresh greenery meadows of Mt. Yatsugatake foothills Nobeyama Highlands and the Southern Alps of the remaining snow in the distance beyond the horizon.

Warning: A southern low-pressure system is approaching!
The lowest temperature in the Nobeyama Highlands today was −13.3°C🌡️ It ranked first nationwide for the first time in a while, but I hardly noticed the cold—I only realized when a reporter called and asked, "Wasn’t it cold this morning?" 😅
On Sunday, Nobeyama is forecast to see snowfall due to the southern low-pressure system☃️ If you plan to visit, please take extra care for snow accumulation, icy roads, and slipping hazards⚡

Snowy Morning
Morning of the snowy scenery of Takizawa Farm at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Nobeyama Highlands
The silver Yatsugatake and fresh snow-covered meadows are beautiful

The Koumi Line at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake
The JR Koumi Line is a Highlands line car that runs at the highest elevation point in Japan.
On the line connecting Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line to Komoro Station on the Shinano Railway
The section from Kobuchizawa Station to Shinano Kawakami Station goes at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake
The view from the Car window is also beautiful in the Highlands row Car section
Between Kiyosato Station and Nobeyama Station on the way Elevation there is a 1375m JR Railway Highest point crossing and
Nobeyama Station is the railway station at 1345.67m, the highest elevation in Japan.
The photo is in Goshodaira between Nobeyama Station and Shinano Kawakami Station
I took a picture of the small sea line going at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.

This is the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Yatsugatake Higashiyama
It is a highlands where the silver Yatsugatake spreads out in front of you

With winter approaching, in preparation for the cherry blossoms and rape blossoms of Spring, the Shirakimine Highlands is now quietly resting.
Across the Ariake Sea, hazy in the distance is Mt. Unzen.
I have an empty Highlands all to myself.
Welcome to the special seats!

The 3rd Hosono Highlands Yamayaki Experience

🏔 What Hosono Highlands Is Like 🏔
Hosono Highlands spreads across the slopes of Mt. Amagi, which erupted between 800,000 and 200,000 years ago. The plateau covers about 125 hectares—roughly the size of 26 Tokyo Domes—and offers a majestic expanse of grassland. It is said to be a treasure trove of flora and fauna nurtured by volcanic terrain.
In spring, you can forage for mountain vegetables such as bracken amid fresh greenery. In autumn, vast stands of golden susuki (silver grass) create a spectacular display. From the summit you can see Sagami Bay and the Izu Islands, where meadow and seascape combine into a unique panorama.

Inatori Hosono Highlands has been recognized among the 100 Grassland Villages We Want to Preserve for the Future for the value of local knowledge, awareness, and skills accumulated through long interaction between people and nature.
Hosono Highlands conducts an annual yamayaki (controlled burn) to maintain the grassland. During walks you can observe grass-cutting work performed in preparation for the burn.
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🔥⛰ What “Yamayaki” Means ⛰🔥

Yamayaki is an essential annual practice to keep Hosono Highlands as open grassland.
By burning overgrown grasses and shrubs, the area is prevented from turning into forest, and the burned vegetation returns nutrients to the soil to sustain a rich grassland.

This yamayaki has continued every year at Hosono Highlands since the Edo period.

Because the plateau borders neighboring Kawazu Town, preventing fire from spreading across boundaries is critical, and the work must address elevation changes and steep slopes, so seasoned experience and

advanced fire-management know-how are required.
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● Event Overview

Yamayaki is an activity necessary to keep Hosono Highlands as grassland and has continued annually since the Edo period.
As a first trial in February 2023, we opened the yamayaki on a very limited basis and offered it as a guided tour for observation.
To help more people learn about this tradition in greater depth, we will hold the Yamayaki Experience again in 2025.
Please come and witness the overwhelming sight of the landscape ablaze.

● Event Schedule — Saturday, February 8, 2025
Date and time: Saturday, 2/8, 10:30–15:30 (scheduled)
10:30: Assemble and register at Inatori Hosono Highlands Parking Lot No. 2
11:00: Yamayaki viewing (guided yamayaki explanation, lunch provided)
14:00: Post-yamayaki walk (guided)
15:30: End of program and dismissal (Program order may change depending on yamayaki progress; please understand in advance.)
Meeting/registration location: Inatori Hosono Highlands Parking Lot No. 2 (parking spaces available)
➡ On the day of the yamayaki, general vehicles are not allowed into Parking Lot No. 1. Please park at the foothill Parking Lot No. 2.
There is no public transportation to the venue. Please use your own means of transport to access the site.

Participation Conditions
・Capacity is limited to 30 participants.
・Participants who are junior high school age or younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
・Please apply only if you fully understand the safety notes and on-site hazards.

Participation Fee
3,500 yen per person. Includes admission, consumption tax, local guide, lunch, insurance, and grassland management fee (1,000 yen).
※The participation fee is payable on site on the day of the event.
※We will contact you by email in advance and on the day about the event. Please note you cannot apply without an email address.

How to Apply
Please apply by entering the required information on the Higashiizu Town Tourist Association event page.
https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=568220&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot
Or call the Higashiizu Tourist Association (TEL: 0557-95-0700) to register by phone.

● Notes and Precautions
About Participation in Work
This event is for observing the yamayaki. You may not take part in fire-starting or other operational tasks.
Cancellation Decisions
Yamayaki may be canceled on the morning of the event due to weather conditions (wind, humidity, rain, etc.). If yamayaki is canceled, this event will also be canceled. There are no substitute events. Please register only if you accept these cancellation conditions.
What to Wear on the Day
Yamayaki is a very dangerous operation, and flying embers or smoldering debris may be present.
Please wear flame-resistant clothing with minimal exposed skin.
All activities at the site are outdoors, so please prepare for cold weather.
Guide Language
Guidance is provided in Japanese only. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancellation Policy
If the event is canceled or you cancel, we will charge cancellation fees as follows.

If yamayaki itself is canceled due to severe weather (strong wind, dry conditions, rain, etc.), no payment will be charged.
If you cancel for personal reasons:
・Cancellation on the day or the day before → 100% of the event fee will be charged.
・Cancellation two days or more before → 0% cancellation fee.
・No-show without notice → 100% of the event fee will be charged.
*We may also claim actual communication costs or other damages where applicable.
For cancellations due to unavoidable events such as disasters, please contact the organizer.

If the organizer cancels for reasons other than weather, we will consult with participants and refund an appropriate amount.


Items to Bring
・Flame-resistant (fire-retardant) and warm clothing
・Clothes you don’t mind getting stained by sparks or soot
・Well-broken-in shoes
https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=568220&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot

【Star Photography Workshop Held on November 30】
We held a star photography workshop again this year to introduce the villagers to the beautiful night sky of Minamimaki Village, one of Japan’s three top stargazing spots.📋✏️
We photographed the stars at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, a facility that is usually closed at night.📡📷 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 could capture beautiful images.😚
The air has turned clear and it’s the perfect season for star photography, but Minamimaki Village’s cold is on another level.🥶 Please dress warmly when you come.🧣🧤

Larch leaves are at their peak golden color.
In Minamimaki Village, larches and other trees are reaching their peak autumn color. The slopes along the Chikuma River (Hirose to Kaijiri) are especially beautiful, and you can enjoy the view from your car while driving along Route 141. The area around JR Saku-Hirose Station, known as a remote, secluded station, is also nicely turned golden. However, the peak of the fall color is surprisingly brief, and the leaves look likely to drop all at once soon.

October 13: Early autumn, walking on the Highlands of the Asama Mountain Range
This is the view from the middle of the routes from Yunomaru Highlands to Takamine Highlands.
The colors of the trees had just begun, but I was fascinated by the changing appearance of the clouds rising from the mountain opposite.

Nagano Prefecture, Yunomaru Highlands, Ikenohira Marsh Walk
I was able to see the clouds rising up close during a walk on the Highlands in early autumn.
It was as powerful as if there was and fire.
Yellow-colored trees, white clouds, and a refreshing blue sky!
I think ♪ the Highlands are amazing

Autumn feeds the horses and the sky runs high ☀️🐴 This morning the Nobeyama Highlands felt exactly like that 📡

It is located at an elevation of about 2000m at the foothills of Mt. Asama
A photographic trip to the pond flats in search of coolness
When you pass through the ski resort of Yunomaru Highlands
The Highlands is a different world where you can feel the signs of autumn.
The towns at the foothills are over 36°C! The Highlands is 24°C! comfortable♪
Around the Kagami Pond in the marshland, the grass Autumn leaves have begun.
I was able to enjoy summer and early autumn at the same time.
The clouds that occasionally stream into the marshland created a fantastic view reflected in the pond.

Yamada Ranch Ezo Hydrangea

Ezo hydrangeas, which grow naturally in the snowy mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and Honshu, are also Best time to visit at Yamada Ranch at Elevation 1500m.
Ezo hydrangeas are not as flashy as ornamental hydrangeas, but their appearance in clusters in a grove is full of a refreshing feeling that makes you forget about the summer heat.
It's been unusually hot this summer, but it's Squid to visit Yamada Ranch in search of Ezo hydrangeas.