📍Yokawa District

Photos 1 and 2 show Yokawa this morning (12.24) ☀
Last night’s snow left a light dusting on the roads and the Yokawa trail!
If you plan to walk, please wear winter gear.

Photos 3–5 are from Tsumago in the morning yesterday ❄

There is no snow on Route 19. This morning it was −1°C ❄
If you are coming from or heading to the Achi or Iida areas, watch for snow and ice on the Seinaiji Pass 🚗⚠

It looks like we’ll have good weather today and tomorrow ✨

Here is tourist information for Nagiso town!

Momosuke Bridge [Important Cultural Property of Japan]

Momosuke Bridge (Momosukebashi) is one of Japan’s largest wooden suspension bridges spanning the Kiso River, with a total length of 247 meters and a width of 2.7 meters, and you can still walk across it.
In Taisho 11 (1922), Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son‑in‑law of Yukichi Fukuzawa), known as a power magnate, built the bridge as a transport route for materials during the Kiso River hydroelectric development 🌲🚃
From Showa 25 (1950) the bridge served as a village road, greatly helping local transportation between the communities on both banks and the commuting of high school and middle school students. However, by around Showa 53 (1978) deterioration advanced and full repairs were not possible, leaving the bridge close to being lost. Because many people advocated for its preservation and use, it was restored as a modern heritage asset (a tangible cultural property of Nagiso town) together with the development of the surrounding Tenpaku Park.
In Heisei 6 (1994) it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Highlights✅
- A thrilling suspension bridge built at the widest part of the Kiso River!
- At the time, rails for a trolley used to transport materials ran along the center of the bridge; the restoration preserves traces of those rails so you can see them. Be sure to take a look ✨
- In spring you can also enjoy the cherry trees (Somei Yoshino) that bloom on the Nagiso Station side. On the hill of Tenpaku Park, where Momosuke Bridge stands, there is a azalea garden. Around early April about 400 azalea shrubs of six varieties, including the town flower mitsuba azalea, burst into bloom!
- From the observation deck opposite the azalea garden you can view Momosuke Bridge from above.
- You can go down from around the middle of Momosuke Bridge to the riverside park.
- The bridge is recommended in every season. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms, mitsuba azalea, and flowering peach trees bloom together 🌸
- The bridge is lit up, so you can walk it at night. It’s also a good spot for photographing with the stars. Please take care around your feet.

Access
- By car: Just off Route 19, free parking in Tenpaku Park (30 spaces); 3‑minute walk from the parking lot
- By JR: About a 5‑minute walk from JR Nagiso Station

Note: The carp streamer (koinobori) display shown in spring photos is not currently being held.

2024.12.03 Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store

Once again, Kasai — a self-confessed foodie — was lured by the sweet aroma and paid a visit to Maruyasu Tanakaya's main store.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the company's Managing Director, kindly spoke with us.
The main store sits near Lake Suwa, and they also operate a Kamisuwa Ekimae store near Kami-Suwa Station, giving them two locations in Suwa City. Maruyasu Tanakaya began in 1929 in front of Kami-Suwa Station. This year marks their 95th anniversary, making them a confectionery and cake shop with a proud history.
When you think of Maruyasu Tanakaya, the Cheesecake Entremet, available by mail order, comes to mind! Beauty advisor Chizu Saeki helped bring it wider recognition. The Cheesecake Entremet itself has been a beloved flagship product for 40 years. They offer nationwide shipping, so people across Japan can enjoy it.

Although Maruyasu Tanakaya is strongly associated with Western-style confections, they originally made Japanese sweets. The yokan (sweet bean jelly) preserves recipes from those early days. Because they previously supplied azuki beans and rice, they make yokan from carefully selected azuki beans—please enjoy it as well!
Mr. Tsuchihashi's top recommendation is "Shinano no Kuni" — a butter castella sponge cake studded with chopped chestnuts and coated in a refreshing lemon cream. Named after the prefectural song "Shinano no Kuni," it has been loved for about 50 years. On the side of the wrapping paper you can even see the old provincial name 'Jūshū' (literally 'Ten Provinces'), a reference to the line 'Shinano no kuni wa jūshū ni…' from the prefectural song. I love that packaging so much that I even use the previous design as teaching material (laughs).

Maruyasu Tanakaya offers many sweets and has a seating area. Come and enjoy tea time with friends and savor their treats.

★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Store
📍 3-1421-1 Takashima,
Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-52-0126
◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00
◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays
◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list
◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/

They have another branch close to Kami-Suwa Station. They started in 1929, so this year is their 95th anniversary. Many Japanese traditional sweets shops have long histories. On this day, Mr. Tsuchihashi, the Managing Director, talked with me.
Their shop’s famous product is Cheesecake Entremet. It has been loved for 40 years. Numerous media and magazines have spotlighted the Cheesecake Entremet. They operate an online shop and offer nationwide shipping, so please enjoy it at home.

I had pictured Maruyasu Tanakaya making Western-style sweets like the Cheesecake Entremet, but I was mistaken. At the beginning, the shop produced Japanese traditional sweets. The yokan remains as it was back then.
Mr. Tsuchihashi’s recommendation is Shinano no Kuni. It is a butter sponge cake with finely chopped chestnuts inside, finished with lemon cream on the outside. Sounds delicious, right? Absolutely!

They offer many kinds of sweets. If you visit Suwa City, please try them—I’m sure you’ll like them!

★ Maruyasu Tanakaya Main Branch
3-1421-1 Takashima,
Suwa-shi, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-52-0126
◎ Business hours: 10:00 – 19:00
◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays
◎ Online shop: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list
◎ Homepage: https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/

https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/products/list
https://www.suwa-tanakaya.jp/

Takaibashi (タカイバシ takaibashi)

Entrance to Yamada Hot Spring in Takayama Village Takai Bridge is located at the gateway to the Matsukawa Valleys.
In the colors of the Valleys that change in the four seasons, it is always dignified with its unchanging appearance.

Nagano Prefecture is said to have a clear color of the four seasons. Takaibashi is a place where you can feel the four seasons at a fixed point.
Valleys, budding in Spring, deep green in summer, Autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
A red bridge that snuggles up to the four seasons of the Valleys.

The scenery of Takai Bridge in winter is just cool!　It is the world view of ink painting.

Powder snow in the middle of winter does not stick to the branches, and it is a view that can be seen during this Period when there is a lot of wet snow, such as snow from rain.
Also, the day when the sun shines on the pure white Valleys, the snow sparkles, and the sky turns bright blue is also "beautiful". This is also one of the scenes of Takaibashi that I want to show.
The scenery that can be seen when the conditions are right is also the charm of Nature.

Cool scenery in a cool season I would love to see it.

Omachi City character Omapyoun desktop calendar
The New Year is about ten days away✨ How about placing an Omachi City character Omapyoun desktop calendar on the corner of your desk for 2025?
Sales are at Iezura Omachi Specialty Shop (until January 7) and Okumura Printing📆
It comes with a bonus running through March 2026✨
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/90521/

One shot from December 19, 2024

Jōnen-dake, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains
This photo was taken near the Jōnen Dōsojin
The winter blue sky and snow-capped ridgeline make a beautiful scene
The cold, dry air has settled over Azumino for the season.

[Northern Alps from Omachi Park 🏔️]
Today in Omachi City, the sky has been clear since morning ☀️ From Omachi Park, located in front of the Mountain Museum, the snow-capped Northern Alps could be seen beautifully 🏔️ Visitors taking photos cheered with delight ✨
For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below 🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town!

Tenpaku Azalea Colony (Town Natural Monument)

A vast colony of mitsuba azalea blooms in Tenpaku Park.
About six varieties and roughly 400 azalea shrubs grow in the garden, and among them the Nagiso mitsuba azalea is a rare species found mainly around Nagiso town as its name suggests.
Bloom times shift slightly each year depending on the weather, but the best viewing period is generally from early to mid-April.
Perched on a hill in Tenpaku Park, the site offers excellent views of Momosuke Bridge and Mt. Kiso-Komagatake.

At the Nagiso Station side entrance to the wooden suspension bridge over the Kiso River, Momosuke Bridge, cherry blossoms also come into full bloom around early April, making it a recommended time to visit!

► Access
- By car: Immediately off National Route 19. Tenpaku Park has free parking (about 30 spaces).
- By train: About a 10-minute walk from JR Nagiso Station (closer if you cross Momosuke Bridge).

► Other information
- It is a five-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the azalea garden. Please avoid parking in front of the garden as it blocks residents’ passage. Visitors with mobility difficulties may be dropped off near the garden, but please park the vehicle in the parking lot.
- The parking area has restrooms and vending machines.
- The park includes the Momosuke Fukuzawa Memorial Museum and the Mountain History Museum, where you can learn about the history of Momosuke Bridge and its builder, Momosuke Fukuzawa.
- For current blooming conditions, please refer to the Nagiso Town Tourism Association website.

Enjoy the vivid purple blossoms carpeting the garden!

Climbed Yatsugatake’s Mount Yokodake
This morning in Nobeyama the temperature was −14°C 🥶. It was bitterly cold, but I used my day off to inspect the trail and climbed Yokodake via the Somazoe Ridge 🚶. I was the only climber today, and since it snowed last night there were no tracks, so I had to break trail (posthole) the whole way 😱. I removed several fallen trees as I gained altitude, and just beyond the 2,600 m viewing platform I began breaking trail as expected 💪. In the drifts I sank up to my waist, and the steep section just below the Trident Peak was especially exhausting to slog through 😵‍💫
There was no wind today, so conditions were relatively good, but the Yatsugatake range is simply a windy, bitterly cold area 🌀❄️. A climbing buddy told me they recently escorted a lightly equipped climber off the ridge who had become immobile due to cold and inadequate gear 🥺. Winter mountaineering carries dangers very different from summer hiking ❗ Make sure you have sufficient knowledge and experience before attempting it 🥾

#Minamimaki Village #Nobeyama #Yatsugatake #Snow Mountain #Breaking Trail

A heavy snow warning was issued in Shinanomachi today, and we have been busy with snow removal since the morning.

Starting tomorrow, the Kurohime Highland cross-country ski course will have a temporary OPEN.
From December 15th to 20th, you can use it for a cooperation fee of 200 yen, so please take this opportunity to visit!
The official OPEN will begin on December 21st, so please check that as well.

When you come, please take great care of your safety on the way. We look forward to seeing you!
https://www.shinano-machi.com/news/5273

Limited seats still available! Shinano‑Omachi Hidden Gem Tour — Learn Camera Techniques
We’re pleased to announce the date: Thursday, January 9, 2025 (backup date Friday, January 10, 2025).
The subject is Omachi’s specialty, koori-mochi (frozen rice cake).
This guided tour lets you enter the processing site for koori-mochi, observe the workers, feel the texture of the ingredients, and capture the atmosphere with your own camera while learning photography techniques.
Thanks to the continued cooperation of the Katakuri Koori‑Mochi Section of Nōsanbutsu chokubaijo Katakuri, this event is possible again this year.
Registration has just opened, but only a few spots remain.
If you’re interested, please consider applying soon.

⭐︎ View participants’ photos here
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88323/
⭐︎ To apply, use this link or call 0261-22-0190!
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90392/

[Ski resorts in Omachi City are open!]
Jiigatake Ski Resort opens on Friday, December 13, and Kashimayari Ski Resort starts the season on Saturday, December 14. Omachi’s winter season has finally arrived ✨ Powder snow awaits you all ⛄ For details, please see the official website ☺

Actually, on December 1st, Kamisuwa Shizune from the “Onsen Musume” project suddenly appeared at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside JR Kami‑Suwa Station!!! Her voice actress is Nanaka Suwa!

◆What Onsen Musume Is
Onsen Musume is a regional revitalization project created to promote the attractions of hot spring towns and tourist spots across Japan to domestic and international audiences through various content such as anime, manga, characters, and voice actors.

Previously, Shimosuwa Watanon lived in Shimosuwa Town, but Kamisuwa had not yet appeared. With yesterday’s appearance in Kamisuwa, the twins—Kamisuwa Shizune (older sister) and Shimosuwa Watanon (younger sister)—finally managed to be together yesterday! Thank you for waiting.

At the information center, we sell one can badge per person (up to two) and acrylic keychains (one per person). Customers who purchase a total of 1,500 yen or more will receive an original sticker!

Please come safely! We look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts!

Notice of Winter Closure for Some Public Toilets in Town

To prevent freezing, some public toilets and drinking fountains in town were closed from Wednesday, December 11th. Please check the closure status of toilets at your destination in advance.

Closure period: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 – late March

*Toilets available during winter*
・Within Tsumago-juku, Tsumago-juku parking lot toilets
・Nakasendo Ishikochi Tachiba Teahouse, O-Tsumago, Kudaridani / Kurashina Soreisha toilets
・Mitomuno-juku toilets
・Kakitsubata Gorge parking lot toilets (on the Koiji Suspension Bridge side)

About sightseeing information during the New Year holidays

Here is an announcement about sightseeing information for the New Year holidays!
Have a wonderful New Year🐍✨

► Information centers and tourist facilities
Nagiso Town Tourism Association, Tsumago tourist information center, Nagiso Station tourist information center
Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3

Nagiso Town Museum (Wakihonjin Okuya, Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) main inn, History Museum)
Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3

► Buses
From Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3, community buses (Magome Line and Hoshin Line) will operate reduced services. Some trips will run at different times than usual, so please be careful. Also, because tourist information centers will be closed from December 29 through January 3, tickets will not be sold during that period. Please pay the driver in cash when getting off the bus.

► Taxis
Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi (in the Tsumago No.1 parking lot)
Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3: 8:00–17:00
Closed on Wednesday, January 1

Contact
Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi Co., Ltd.
TEL. (+81)-264-57-3133

► Tsumago-juku
For shop opening hours, please check the official Tsumago website.

*The photo shows the New Year’s first smoke signal ceremony on January 4 at the site of Tsumago Castle*

About road closure at Koiji Pass

Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Okua Village), will be closed during the winter due to expected snowfall and icy conditions. We ask for your cooperation.

Location: Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Nojiri, Okuwa Village)
Period: Friday, December 13, 2024 – mid-April

December 10th
Jiigatake Ski Resort Pre-Opens!! 2024☃
A heavy snowfall has hit Omachi City over the past few days, and the Jiigatake Ski Resort pre-opens tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.! ⛷
To celebrate the opening, day lift tickets are offered at a special price,
2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children. ⛷✨
(Season passes are valid / regular prices resume from the 13th)
Please come and join us😉

📍Wakihonjin Okuya (Tsumago inn)

A magical phenomenon called “slanting light,” visible only on clear winter days, is shining beautifully today!
Beams through the latticed windows draw white, elegant lines in the irori smoke 🪄

The slanting light begins to appear around 10:00, from the right side of the irori,
and now, at about 12:30, the light falls straight onto the irori. (Photographed today at 12:15)
When it centers on the middle is the best moment for a photo opportunity 📷

Around the winter solstice,
the light that now reaches about halfway across the irori moves forward, stretching nearly to the tatami.
The sun’s angle changes how the light falls ✨

Tomorrow’s forecast is clear, so you might catch the slanting light again ☀

Wakihonjin Okuya / Historical Museum (Nagiso Town Museum)
📍Within Tsumago-juku (Azuma, Nagiso town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture 399-5302)
⏰9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:45)
🎌Closed on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays
💰600 yen

Nobeyama Highlands Today
This morning at Nobeyama Highlands. The temperature dropped to a season-low of -12.3°C, ranking fifth nationwide🌡️🥶
Snow fell all day yesterday and a light dusting covered cars this morning❄️🏔️Major roads are mostly dry, but some sections remain damp, so please stay cautious tonight and afterward❗Travel safely🦉

📍Iseyama

This morning everything was white with frost, and the sky was a clear deep blue!
At 8:30 a.m., Route 19 registered −1°C ❄️

The photo is of Iseyama this morning 🏔️
It looks like a perfect day for photographing the snow-dusted Alps ☀️

Miyamaso
Welcome to the beautiful Shinano Road, a relaxing healing inn.
Shinshu Matsumoto Sengen Hot Spring has long been popular as the inner courtyard of Shinshu Matsumoto.

The scenery overlooking the majestic Northern Alps and the relaxing Hot Spring promise a relaxing time.

A healing inn "Miyamaso" surrounded by the beautiful nature of Shinshu. We look forward to your Use.

Number of guest rooms: 36 rooms, group acceptance: up to 80 people
Western-style room, Japanese-Western room, Western-style room (tripril), Western-style room (Barrier-free), Japanese-style room
Founded: 1955
Other Free Wi-fi / Barrier-free
Address 浅間Hot Spring 3-28-6
Car parking space for up to 60 cars, Bus / Large vehicles allowed
Nearest bus stop Asama Hot Spring
TEL: 0263-46-1547 FAX:0263-46-7442
Cashless payment credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB),
Smartphone payment (PayPay)

・ 20 minutes by bus to Asama Hot Spring from JR Matsumoto Station, 3 minutes walk from "Asama Hot Spring Bus Stop"
・30 minutes by Car from Matsumoto IC on Nagano Road
・20 minutes by Car from Azusagawa SA (Smart IC)
Free Car parking right next to the building! Both RV Car and Car with 3 numbers are OK Car park!

Nov. 27th in 2024
Today, the gluttonous Kasai went to a Japanese sweets shop for research again!!! It's Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch! But, everyone, do you notice anything in the pictures? Look! Look!!! I was so excited to go to Engetsu-dou that I forgot to take a picture of the shop's exterior... I'm really driven by my appetite... I'm ashamed... I'll make sure to do it next time!

I spoke with Mrs. Katagiri, the proprietress of Engetsu-dou Hompo! It seems that they started with a different shop name 78 years ago (Showa 21), before it became Engetsu-dou. At first, it was in front of Kamisuwa Station! Four years later, they expanded to Kowada, and eight years after that, to Shimizu. Now, they have the Shimizu store and this Fukushima store, which opened in 1992, offering Japanese sweets at two stores in the city!!!

The proprietress's recommendations are the revived "Kojou Monaka" and "Kabuto Monaka"!!! There are about four types of Monaka, and there are many different kinds. According to the proprietress, "Each Japanese sweets shop has a different red bean paste, so it's fun to try and find your favorite!" Also, she said "Recently, the number of foreign customers has been increasing little by little, and I think they may be paying attention to red bean paste because it is lower in calories than Western-style cream."

◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch
📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1
Suwa city, Nagano Pref.
☎ 0266-58-1547
◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00
◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday

◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch
📍Shimizu 1-2-12
Suwa city, Nagano Pref.
☎ 0266-52-1543
◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

Nov. 27th in 2024
Today I went to Engetsu-dou Hompo which is Japanese traditional sweets (Wagashi) shop in Suwa city! “Wa” means Japan. “Gashi” means sweets. So, Japanese traditional sweets call Wagashi? They have two shops in Suwa, Shimizu-machi area and Fukujima area. I went to Fukujima location. Don’t you notice about pictures??? Did you? I was focus for Wagashi… That’s why I forgot to take a picture about Engetsu-dou’s exterior… That’s big mistake! Horrible!!! I’m so sorry about that. I’m gluttony. Wagashi was right front of me, I lost from Wagashi’s temptation. So, I forgot took the shop’s exterior photo…

Ms. Katagiri (landlady) introduce her shop and Wagashi. They founded in 1946. About 78 years. The shop was front of Kamisuwa station. They started with the different name of the shop. It became Engetsu-dou in 1950. Shimizu-machi branch opened in 1958. Fukujima branch opened in 1992.

I asked her, “what is your recommendation Wagashi?” She told me Kojou Monaka and Kabuto Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet that is bean‐jam‐filled wafers. Also, she said “You can enjoy Wagashi every season, and each shop has original sweetened red bean paste. So, you can enjoy to find your favorite shop. Now, gradually increasing foreign customers. I think they realized Wagashi is less than calories compare to cake.”

★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch
📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1
Suwa city, Nagano Pref.
☎ 0266-58-1547
◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00
◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday

★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch
📍Shimizu 1-2-12
Suwa city, Nagano Pref.
☎ 0266-52-1543
◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

December 7th to December 21st
"Fukushima Teppen Park Illumination 2024" will take place.

The illumination at Fukushima Teppen Park, perched 805 meters above sea level, features a Christmas theme.
Enjoy the collaboration with the night view!

■ Dates and times: Saturday, December 7th to Saturday, December 21st — lights on from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
■ Location: Fukushima Teppen Park

Organizer: Fukushima Teppen Park Event Executive Committee

Making nozawana pickles in the hot springs ♨️
Nozawana pickles are a sign of early winter in Shinshu 😊 I joined the NPO Gurutta Network Omachi’s “Nozawana Pickling Hot Spring Vegetable Washing” event 😌 I posted about it on the staff blog ✨ I’d be happy if you could view it on the official website ☺️

Kiso Area Ski Resort Information 2024-2025

We will inform you of the scheduled opening dates of each ski resort this season.
* There are subject to change due to weather, etc., so please check each Home page for details.
A unique ski and snowboard area awaits you!

Scheduled opening date of the ski resort
★12/14 (Sat) Kaida Highlands Maia Ski Resort (Kiso Town)
Address: Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Kaida Highlands Nishino 5346-1
℡：0264-44-1111

★12/20 (Fri) Ontake Ski Resort (Otaki village)
Address: 3162 Otaki village, Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture
℡：0264-48-2240

★12/20 (Fri) Nogi Pass Ski Resort (Nagawa, Matsumoto City)
Address: Nagano, Matsumoto City, Nagawa 1173-13
℡：0263-79-2246
[Open period only]

★12/21 (Sat) Yabuhara Highlands Ski Resort (Kiso village)
Address: 2857-16 Kiso Village, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Kiso Village, Nagano Prefecture
℡：0264-36-1622

★12/21 (Sat) Kiso Fukushima Ski Resort (Kiso Town)
Address: Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture Shinkai 10034
℡：0264-27-6021

The 13th Azumino Kamiakari Bamboo Lantern Festival

Friday–Sunday, December 6–8, 2024
About 10,000 bamboo lanterns will be lit one by one, warming and brightening the cold winter nights
The gentle glow of candles will warm your heart as well

Lighting hours: 16:00–around 20:00
Venue: Hotaka Shrine
Open lighting ceremony for everyone
(Participants are asked to bring a lighter for lighting by 16:00.)
*Lighters for lighting will be sold on site.*

● Kagura Hall Live Performance
A lively live show will be held to energize the event

● Special Hotaka Ningyo Kamiakari Display
A special stage unique to this year’s kamiakari will be exhibited in the Kita Shrine Garden

● Kamiakari Goshuin (Kamiakari commemorative seal)
During the kamiakari event, from 16:00 to around 20:00, a special goshuin will be available only at this time. A customary offering of 500 yen is required.

Concurrent Event / Azumino Terrace
Dec 6–8 “Rice and Sake MARKET”
15:00–20:00
Food trucks and delicious-treat tents gather in one place!
A warm rest tent with a stove will also be available.

【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.🧣🧤

Diamond dust Kirigamine seen for the first time

The view seen in the temperature of -15 degrees Celsius.
In Kirigamine, if the conditions are good, you can see "fog ice", "diamond dust" and "sun pillar".
"Frost" refers to ice that appears white when supercooled fog or water vapor adheres to tree branches.
"Diamond dust" is a phenomenon in which ice crystals formed by the sublimation of water vapor in the atmosphere fall.

It is a view that can only be seen in the cold Squid.

I’ve been feeling winter in Nagawacho for a little while now🧣
This time I visited Utsukushi-no-ike😊
There were frost pillars and some thin ice forming❄️.*˚

Please be careful when driving, as nearby roads may be frozen⚠️

When it comes to pickles from Shinshu, nozawana is well known, but in southern Shinshu, gensuke kabuna pickles are cherished.

Gensuke kabuna becomes sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost.
As the cold grows harsher at this time of year, Toyooka Village has entered the ideal harvesting season for gensuke kabuna.

Toyooka Tabi Jikan offers hands-on harvesting experiences for gensuke kabuna.
We also provide pickling recipes.

For details about the experience, please visit the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.
The program is scheduled to run from around November 25th to December 20th, ending once supplies run out.