Photo from my father.
2025.11.01

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Savoring the River! Ayu, Unagi, River Shrimp, Gori! Traditional Fishing Methods That Live Alongside the Shimanto River

Introducing the traditional river fishing methods passed down by river fishers on the Shimanto River. This highlights the important local culture of living close to the river and gratefully receiving its bounty.

〇Traditional Fishing Methods of the Shimanto River
The Shimanto River’s traditional fishing methods have been carefully preserved by local river fishers. While their form has gradually changed with environmental shifts, they still remain part of daily life. The river’s abundant gifts—ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), tenaga-ebi (long-arm shrimp), and aosa nori (green seaweed)—brighten family meals with the seasons. Skilled chefs in Shimanto City also prepare them into delicious dishes for visitors, and various processed forms are enjoyed as souvenirs.

〇See the River, Taste the River
A slow walk along the Shimanto River reveals traps for catching eels and long-arm shrimp seen from chinkabashi bridges, partly submerged in the water. Depending on the season, you may encounter people fishing for ayu or working from traditional river boats. Along the banks you might spot stone-lined devices for catching gori, and at the river mouth workers harvesting green seaweed. If you look closely at the Shimanto River, you’ll discover human lives intertwined with the river. In the evening, taste the very ingredients caught with the traps you saw, slowly savored at a local restaurant. It’s a distinctive, insider way to enjoy the Shimanto River.

〇Introduction to Traditional Fishing Methods
・Ayu Fire-Swinging Fishing
Nets are set across the river in advance, and at night a boat swings torches from the deck. Startled by the dancing bands of flame, ayu panic and are driven into the nets. Today this practice often uses LED lights, but the principle remains the same as the traditional method. Ayu are also caught by cast nets, angling, and other methods.

・Long-Arm Shrimp Fishing
From a chinkabashi bridge looking toward the water’s edge, you can see PVC pipes spaced at regular intervals. These are korobashi, traps for catching long-arm shrimp. Once made of wood, they have changed to more convenient materials over time. Long-arm shrimp are commonly enjoyed deep-fried whole, producing vibrant colors, and are treasured as a local flavor—some grow large enough to resemble cucumbers.

・Unagi (Eel) Fishing
You may see pieces of styrofoam or PET bottles floating in the river without drifting away; they can mark korobashi used to catch eels. Sensitive to smell, eels avoid resin traps, so wooden korobashi are still widely used.

・Gori Fishing
If stones are lined along the riverbank to dam the water, they may form the setup for gori’s noborio-toshi-ue fishing. In the Shimanto River, juvenile Numachichibu fish are called gori and are enjoyed as a spring to early-summer delicacy. They are typically eaten deep-fried or simmered in soy-based preserves.

〇Important Notices
Fishing on the Shimanto River is subject to fishing rights. Purchasing an angling permit is required when you fish.
Also, closed seasons are established to protect resources.
Please be aware of these regulations.

A very yellowtail Limited Time Hokusei Line.

At this time of year, the cosmos field in front of the railroad tracks
It colors the Hokusei Line.

Morning at Biwashima Shrine (Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Autumn of the Sangi Railway

Along the Sangi Railway line in Inabe City, red spider lililies bloom in autumn.

Autumn sky.
A photo of my father's LINE confirmation of survival.

2025.10.30

November is almost here 🍂✨
This time, we introduce six autumn foliage spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! 🍁
Be sure to dress warmly and come to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 💛🎶

🍁🍁🍁Here are the highlights of the six autumn leaves spots🔽🍁🍁🍁

1. The Nursing-Rooting Giant Ginkgo of Mt. Kamitakano 🍁
[Address] Takano-cho, Shinichi, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] This giant ginkgo stands in the precincts of Tenman Shrine, with a trunk circumference at chest height of 9.6 meters, ranking first in the prefecture. It is said to have been planted as a sacred tree when Takemikazuchi-no-kami was enshrined here in the first year of Tenpyo (729). Aerial roots called "breasts" hang down from the main trunk, and it is designated as a prefectural natural monument. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About an 8-minute drive from Takano IC on the Onomichi–Matsue Expressway or from Roadside Station Takano
[Typical viewing period] Early to mid-November

2. Mt. Azuma 🍁
[Address] Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] Mt. Azuma belongs to Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and lies about 35 km north of Shobara City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture. The Azuma Lodge of Kyukamura closed in 2020. Restroom facilities are available at the former campsite public toilets. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

3. Hiba Mountain Range 🍁
[Address] Yuki, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Shimane Prefecture
[Highlights] A series of mountains around 1,200 meters high, with the area near Hiba-san Goryo covered by a nationally designated natural monument of pure beech forest. Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] To Hiroshima Prefectural Citizens’ Forest Park Center
About 40 minutes from Shobara IC
About 40 minutes from Tojo IC
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

4. Dogo Mountain Range 🍁
[Address] Misaka, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Tottori Prefecture
[Highlights] One of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains and featured in Sumie Tanaka’s New 100 Famous Flowers of the Mountains. Enjoy 360-degree views from the summit, stone embankments from former ranches, and the large pond built as a water source for tatara ironmaking. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 45-minute drive from Shobara IC to Tsukimigaoka
About a 30-minute drive from Tojo IC to Tsukimigaoka
[Typical viewing period] From early November

5. Taishakyo Gorge 🍁
[Address] Tojo-cho, Shobara City to Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] A gorge spanning Tojo-cho in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town. Designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and listed among Japan’s Top 100 Landscapes. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 15-minute drive from Tojo IC on the Chugoku Expressway
[Typical viewing period] Late October to early November

6. The Iroha Maple Group of Kamichi 🍁
[Address] Inakusa, Soryo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Highlights] The Iroha maple group of Kamichi includes remarkably large trees, the largest having a trunk circumference at chest height of 3.25 m, and nine others exceeding 2 m in circumference—an unusually large cluster even on a national scale. ※Please note that conditions may vary depending on the weather.
[Access] About a 15-minute drive from Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway
[Typical viewing period] Early to mid-November

For autumn foliage information for 2025, see🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/special/4758

For an article summarizing the highlights, see🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5312

The Tsuya River in the Sunset

Aerial photograph of red spider lililies blooming on the embankment of the Tsuya River in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture.
October 2025

I will never forget the shock of seeing the scenery of Kamikochi live even now
It's a memory that will last a lifetime.

Memories of Summer Enbara River 2025.08.16

The cold water of the underground water warms up with the warmth of summer, and river fog is generated, and the sun shines on it, creating a beam of light.

Information on fireworks, illuminations, and other events in ✨ November

(1) The 119th Nagano Ebisu Smoke and Fire Festival @ebisukouenkataikai
The fireworks that launches into the clear cold sky of the Shinshu on November 23 is a beauty that is a little different from the summer fireworks There are.
In addition to the gorgeous fireworks, the large rings of shakudama will also color the dignified and clear late autumn night sky!

【Held in】11/23 (Sun)
【Held in time】Launch starts at 18:00
【Held in Place】West side of Nagano Ohashi Bridge Rhino River No. 2 Green Area
Number of launches: Approx. 10,000
*Please see @ebisukouenkataikai for details.
* Highlights ( @nagano_cvb ) have a link to the official website.

(2) Zenko Temple Table approach to the temple illumination
The front approach to the temple of Zenko Temple and the front of Nagano Station are fantastically colored ✨ with the light of the illumination

【Event period】11/15(Sat)~2/23/2026(Mon)
【Held in】17:00~22:00
【Venue】Zenkoji Temple Omote approach to the temple (Nagano Station Crossing ~ Zenkoji Temple Crossing)

(3) Shinshu Mukuramatsuri @michinoeki_nakajo
Township, local food, obukko, Oyaki, and full of delicious gourmet food!
A lot of such as natural mushroom sales, craft experiences, and gorgeous stage events!

【Held in】11/3 (Mon)
【Time】9:30~14:45
【Venue】Roadside Station Nakajo Hometown Square
* Free Shuttle Bus is also available.
* For details, please see the official website or official Account.

(4) Shiroyama Zoo Night ZOO @johyamazoo
Held in the last Night Zoo of the year in November!
Events such as the Popular "Night Morumoru Line" and fun Ennichi booths such as ring throwing and shooting will be open!
Enjoy Shiroyama Zoo at night, which is different from the daytime!

【Event period】
11/2 (Sun)
【Opening Hours】9:00~20:30
【Fee】Free of charge
* There are some paid events.
*For details, please see the official website or official Account.

(5) Zenko Temple Binzuru City @binzuru_ichi
Held in as a handmade market named after Buddha's beloved disciple "Binzuru-san"! It is a marketed where various food and craft stores are gathered, and anyone can enjoy it, such as makers, buyers, Local people, and tourists.

[Held in Sunday] 11/8 (Sat) *Regular on the second Saturday of April to December Held in
【Time】10:00~15:00
【Venue】Around Zenko Temple
* For details, please see the official website or official Account.

#Nagano City Events #Nagano Events #Events Information #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #Nagano #naganocity

🍁Autumn foliage updates for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture are being posted from October!🍁
There are six maple-viewing spots in Shobara City in total!✨

In autumn, Shobara City fills with colorful leaves. The foliage in Hiroshima Prefecture starts changing early here, so you can enjoy the colors for a long time. This time, we introduce six autumn-leaf viewing spots within Shobara City.

1. The Great Ginkgo of Chichisagari on Mt. Kamitakano
2. Mt. Azuma
3. The Hiba Mountain Range
4. The Dogo Mountain Range
5. Taishaku Gorge
6. The Iroha Maple Cluster in Kamichi

Find features and highlights here 👇
https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5312

This year’s autumn foliage information is here 🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/4758

It's getting cooler, isn't it?
Photograph of 📸 my father's confirmation of his survival LINE
2025.10.27

Thank you for waiting!
We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2026 Atami Fireworks by the Sea.

2026 (Reiwa 8) Atami Fireworks by the Sea Dates
April 26 (Sunday)
May 24 (Sunday)
July 20 (Monday, public holiday) · July 26 (Sunday)
August 5 (Wednesday) · August 9 (Sunday) · August 18 (Tuesday) · August 24 (Monday)
September 13 (Sunday)
October 12 (Monday, public holiday) · October 25 (Sunday)
November 8 (Sunday) · November 23 (Monday, public holiday)
December 6 (Sunday) · December 25 (Friday)

Time: 20:20–20:40
(Only in July and August: 20:15–20:40)
Venue: Atami Bay
※The event will be held rain or shine.
※The above dates and times are accurate as of October 27, 2025.
Please check the page below for the latest information.
https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8

Gokase Town Fukushi Festival

This year’s Fukushi Festival was once again wrapped in warm energy! 🙌
The theme this year was “Spreading the Circle of Welfare to Tomorrow.”
True to its name, the welfare center venue was full of smiles and kindness pointing toward Gokase Town’s future 😊

The bazaar, which began at 10:00, was a huge hit 🔥
Many people gathered hunting for bargains, and lively circles of socializing spread throughout the venue 👚
We even saw lots of children carrying stuffed animals bigger than themselves 👀

A variety of stage performances were fantastic, offering entertainment for all ages and bringing the whole venue together in excitement 🔥

Through displays of welfare activities and the bazaar, this Fukushi Festival naturally fostered a spirit of mutual support 🥰
From the staff who helped run the event to local residents and student volunteers, people of all ages—from children to seniors—had a chance to shine 👏

The Fukushi Festival is a truly lovely event where you can feel Gokase’s circle of kindness spreading into tomorrow and beyond.
I already want to join this warm circle again next year ✨

Kiunkaku Limited-Time “Wagakari no Niwa” and “Dark Green BAR 1919”

Kiunkaku, built in 1919 as a villa in Atami and now a tangible cultural property of Atami City, preserves the area’s changing history and culture.
The venue normally closes at 5:00 PM, but to let visitors see the Japanese garden and interior illuminated at night, Kiunkaku will offer two special evening openings on Saturday and Sunday, November 1–2, 2025. Enjoy a serene atmosphere unlike the bustling streets of Atami, with lush gardens, the sound of water, and a traditional Japanese light display created with wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrellas) and hand lanterns.
[Wagakari no Niwa]
Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM)
Special evening admission: 1,000 yen (tax included); no reservation required
*Because wagasa are used, the outdoor garden display will be moved indoors in case of rain.
*Entry may be restricted depending on crowding.
*Some garden areas will be closed for the special nighttime program.
*The number of lanterns is limited.

In addition, “Kissa Yasuragi,” which served as a bar when Kiunkaku operated as a ryokan, will reopen as a non-alcoholic bar for two days only. Relax in a classical atmosphere created by dark green sofas and mood lighting.
[Dark Green BAR 1919]
Date and Time: Saturday–Sunday, November 1–2, 2025; 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM sessions (each 90 minutes, rotating)
Price: BAR set ticket 2,500 yen (tax included)
*This is a combined ticket for the light-up and the BAR (one drink plus unlimited Shizuoka green tea).
*Advance reservation only (please check the reservation link below).
https://kiunkaku.jp/article/qPC6zRS0
*Because wagasa are used, the light-up will be held indoors in case of rain.

On Monday, November 3, 2025 (holiday), a special nighttime photography session will be held by private booking, allowing participants to photograph the interior and the illuminated garden. The Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival takes place that day; guests can photograph and view the fireworks from Kiunkaku’s second floor.
[Nighttime Photography Session]
Date and Time: Monday (holiday), November 3, 2025, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM)
Fee: 3,000 yen (includes admission)
*If it rains, only the usual garden light-up will take place.

Inquiries: Kiunkaku 0557-86-3101
Please check Kiunkaku’s official website below for details of each event.
https://kiunkaku.jp/

I Outbound to the Flower and Bird Garden in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture

Title: Comparison of the Spine

I Outbound to the Flower and Bird Garden in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture

Title:Where's the bait

I Outbound to the Flower and Bird Garden in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture

The style of the eagle

I Outbound to the Flower and Bird Garden in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture
Title: The Style of the Pelican

I Outbound to the Flower and Bird Garden in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture
Title: It's delicious!

【✨Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign✨】

A little over a week has passed since we announced the winners of Summer Gokase 2025…
#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2025 Campaign is now open 😆
Mornings and evenings have turned noticeably colder, and the autumn leaves are beginning to color 🍁

Please post photos of autumn scenery and fall foliage taken in Gokase Town
#Include the shooting date (for example: #November 1) and #GokaseAutumnLeaves2025
on Instagram!
Each day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokase Town!
Outstanding entries will receive a Gokase Town specialty gift set!!
Submitted photos may be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media and other channels.

[Period] From Friday, October 24, 2025 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025
*The period may change depending on circumstances.*

[Eligibility] Those who agree to the terms of use
*The terms are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website.*

1. Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko)
2. Post autumn photos taken in Gokase Town on Instagram with the hashtags "#shooting date (for example: #November 1)" and "#GokaseAutumnLeaves2025"

Autumn foliage updates are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website as they become available 💡
Please come and enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves of Gokase Town 🥰

⚠ Caution ⚠
Some locations may be difficult to access by car. If you are not confident driving, do not push yourself. Exercise care and prioritize safety when traveling.

Expo Commemorative Park Rose Garden

1-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita-shi, Osaka
Location: Rose Garden of Peace
flowering season
Mid-May ~ Mid-June, Early October ~ Mid-November

Maintenance of the park is filled with many flowers and trees in each season.
It is easy to understand because there is a plate with the name.
It's very spacious, so you can take your time and take a leisurely stroll.

Expo Commemorative Park
Senri Expo Park, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture

At the "Flower Hill" in the Nature Cultural Garden, about 120,000 cosmos trees bloom all over the hill from early to late October every year, including popular varieties of Sensation Mix, pure white Sensation White that shines in the autumn sky, and vivid yellow cosmos.

Like dandelion fluff.

The charm of Fujikawa Town nationwide
It spreads 🌼 softly

It's been a long time since yellowtail sunny.
From my father's survival confirmation LINE.

2025/10/23

[Limited to 500 copies] Tomioka Castle “Gojoin” 70th Anniversary Edition Now on Sale!

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Reihoku’s municipal status, established on January 1, 1955 (Showa 30). To commemorate the anniversary, a special Tomioka Castle Gojoin 70th Anniversary Edition will be sold in a separate limited release of 500 copies, apart from the regular Gojoin on sale now.🎊
During the Shimabara–Amakusa Uprising, Tomioka Castle served as a government stronghold and withstood two major assaults by the rebel forces led by Amakusa Shirō Tokisada. Through a desperate defense, the castle avoided capture. The Gojoin of the impregnable Tomioka Castle is said to bring the blessing of “not falling.”👀 Please purchase yours at the Reihoku Town History Museum.✨

Price: 500 yen per sheet (set of two: regular edition plus 70th anniversary edition — 700 yen)
Number available: First 500 copies (sales end when sold out)
Sale starts: Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM — the day of the Castle Festival!
Sales location: Reihoku Town History Museum
Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed: Every Thursday (if a holiday, closed the following weekday)
Phone: 0969-35-0712
Please note: mail-order sales are not available.

For inquiries, contact Reihoku Town History Museum (☎0969-35-0712) or Reihoku Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division (☎0969-35-3332). The same notice is also available on the official Reihoku Town Hall website.

The annual grand festival of Imamiya Shrine in the western district was held on both Sunday, October 19 and Monday, October 20.
On the first day’s procession, this year’s yakudoshi supporters’ group, Imamiya Reiwa Inoko-kai, carried the portable shrine from Wadayama to Imamiya Shrine in the morning, distributing lucky rice cakes and sacred sake along the route for warding off misfortune.
In the afternoon, following the Atami Fue-Rei Kai flute ensemble and accompanied by the palace mikoshi, the procession toured the route from Imamiya Shrine through Tenjincho, Wadamachi, Nagisa Elementary Park, and back to Tenjincho before entering the shrine. With officials in attendance, the eve shrine ceremony was conducted at Imamiya Shrine.
After the ritual, the shrine’s traditional kagura, a children’s dancer performance, and miko dances were offered, drawing a large crowd.
On the second day, the festival’s main shrine ritual took place, followed by a dedication performance by wadaiko drummer Ichitaro and the hocho-shiki knife ceremony led by Takashi Kishimoto, head instructor of the Shijo Shinryu headquarters.
On both days, food stalls lined the shrine and its surroundings, and not only adults but also children enjoyed the festival.

From Friday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, the music event titled “Atami Art Fringe: Winds of Asia” will take place over three days at the Moon Terrace in the waterside park and Dragon Bridge on the Itokawa Promenade.
At the softly lit, atmospheric venues, you can enjoy dances and musical performances from countries across Asia.
It’s about a 10-minute walk between the two sites. Admission to all performances is free, so please feel free to drop by.

Date and time / Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, 6:30 PM–8:40 PM

Moon Terrace, Waterside Park
Friday, October 24
6:30 PM–6:50 PM Korea: Dance
7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM Korea: Dance
8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance
Saturday, October 25
6:30 PM–6:50 PM Thailand: Dance
7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM Thailand: Dance
8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance
Sunday, October 26
6:30 PM–6:50 PM India: Kathak (North Indian classical dance)
7:00 PM–7:20 PM Japan: Fire performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM India: Kathak (North Indian classical dance)
8:20 PM–8:40 PM Japan: Fire performance

Dragon Bridge, Itokawa Promenade
Friday, October 24
6:30 PM–6:50 PM China: Face-changing performance
7:00 PM–7:20 PM Mongolia: Morin khuur performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM China: Face-changing performance
8:20 PM–8:40 PM Mongolia: Morin khuur performance
Saturday, October 25
6:30 PM–6:50 PM Vietnam: Trống (drum) performance
7:00 PM–7:20 PM China: Erhu and pipa performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM Vietnam: Trống (drum) performance
8:20 PM–8:40 PM China: Erhu and pipa performance
Sunday, October 26
6:30 PM–6:50 PM China: Face-changing performance
7:00 PM–7:20 PM India: Sitar and tabla performance
7:50 PM–8:10 PM China: Face-changing performance
8:20 PM–8:40 PM India: Sitar and tabla performance

The event will proceed in light rain and will be canceled in severe weather. The program may change due to weather or other circumstances.
Decisions will be made by 3:00 PM on each day; information will be provided via the contact number below.

Inquiries / Opera Kisekan Phone 090-4606-1059

[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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.