📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)

People made small New Year decorations called mayudama and mochibana!
They decorated the vinka tree with mayudama and kumquat, and attached mochibana to bamboo.

A large decoration was also placed in front of the Tsumago Tourist Information Center ♩

The decorations will remain until Setsubun on February 2.
Enjoy the seasonal scenery unique to Tsumago inn ✨

[💧Icefalls are beginning to form❄️]
I went to see whether icefalls might be forming at Yasaka Great Falls in the Yasaka area of Omachi and at Heno Falls, also called Kumaso Falls, in the Miasa area after several cold days in Omachi City 😌 Both falls were still developing, but I was able to see them❄️ Late January through early February is the coldest time of year in Omachi City❄️ They look likely to grow even more from now on 😊
⭐️For sightseeing in Omachi City🔽🔽🔽
https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

Azumino, with its inland climate, does not see as much snowfall as the Sea of Japan side.

Protected by the Northern Alps, it is said to be less affected by typhoons and snow clouds.

In winter, the Northern Alps create a beautiful skyline where blue skies meet snow, a scenery unique to the season.

Senninzuka Park Campsite
＼Campsite information for Iijimamachi, Nagano Prefecture／
This quiet campsite offers stunning, ever-changing views of the Central Alps reflected on the lake surface.

Senninzuka Park is a nature park located in the Shichikubo district of Iijimamachi.
In the Sengoku period there was a mountain castle called Kitayama Castle nearby. A legend says the castle fell to an Oda clan invasion and the soldiers who died there, along with their arms, were buried at this site.
That is why the place came to be called Senninzuka, meaning "Thousand-Person Mound."

Today you can enjoy cherry blossoms around Jōga Pond, an auto campsite, a mallet golf course, and different activities by season. Winter camping is also possible.

Address: 3017-124 Shichikubo, Iijimamachi, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture
Phone: 0265-86-6764
Closed: Tuesdays
Website: https://www.senninzuka.site/

[Welcomed by 3,000 Hina Dolls 🎎]
Right now, at Omachi Onsenkyo’s Tateyama Prince Hotel, the Tate-Pri Theater Series No. 5 “Tateyama Hina Display of Crimson Lotus” is on show 🎎✨ It is open for anyone to visit until Thursday, April 3rd 😌 Also, Tateyama Prince Hotel offers a dinner plan for guests staying in Hakuba, timed to the circular bus that connects the Hakuba area with accommodations and restaurants in Omachi City 🚌🍽
For details, see below 🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/90613/

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

The Odaya Festival, the annual celebration of Toyouke Daijingu located in Furumachi, Nagawacho, will take place over two days from Tuesday, January 14, 2025, to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Each year visitors can enjoy elaborately designed floats and other attractions.
(The photo shows scenes from last year.)

For the Odaya Festival, traffic restrictions will be in effect in parts of the Furumachi district.
Visitors arriving by car are asked to use the temporary parking lots.

For more details, please see the Nagawacho town office website below.
https://www.town.nagawa.nagano.jp/kanko_bunka_sports/kankojoho/matsuri/2199.html

[Winter at Aoki Lake and Nakatsuna Lake ❄️✨]
On the middle day of a three-day holiday, Omachi City is sunny again today☀️ From the morning the Northern Alps were clearly visible, so I headed to Aoki Lake hoping to see the three Hakuba peaks across the water😊 The lake surface was slightly rippled, but the blue sky and the snow-capped Hakuba peaks were reflected on it🏔✨ At ao LAKESIDE CAFE, which just opened in 2024, you can enjoy meals and coffee time while taking in the lakeside view😌 Next door, Nakatsuna Lake is a spot for wakasagi (pond smelt) ice fishing🎣 In recent years warm winters have prevented the season from opening, but what about this year?
Activities in Omachi City 🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/spot_cat/cat02/

Nagawacho was formed in 2005 by the merger of Nagato Town and Wada Village.

This year marks its 20th anniversary.
History remains on the fire hydrants...

Next week, on January 14th and 15th,
the Furu-machi Toyouke Daijingu annual festival, the Otaya Festival, takes place in Nagawacho.
On the 14th at 19:00, fireworks are scheduled.
Winter fireworks are quite rare!
Hope for good weather 🌞

Winter Triathlon Entries Open! ❄️
In March 2025, Shinanomachi will host a winter triathlon! Sign up now! 🏃‍♂️🏂🎿
This time, we introduce the appeal of cross-country skiing! ⛷️
Cross-country skiing trains your whole body in balance, boosting stamina and endurance✨ It also improves cardiovascular fitness and benefits other sports💪
Because smooth, coordinated movements are required, flexibility increases too! Greater flexibility helps prevent injuries👟
And since the sport takes place under harsh conditions, it builds mental strength as well! You develop focus and perseverance, making you more resilient to pressure during competition🔥
Check the photos for details! Whether you’re ready to take on the challenge or still undecided, why not dive into a new sporting world? ✨

Enter here↓
https://www.shinano-machi.com/news/5289

Mt. Gakidake Capped in Snow🏔
On the first day of the three-day weekend, Omachi City enjoyed clear skies☀️ From the Tokiwa area of Omachi, Mt. Gakidake was beautifully visible🏔 Footprints appeared across the snowy rice fields 🐾🐾🐾 — whose could they be?
It’s a perfect day for the slopes ⛷🏂

Local ski area information is below🔽🔽🔽
⭐️ HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari Ski Resort ⭐️
https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/
⭐️ Gadjigatake (Gadagake) Ski Resort ⭐️
https://jiigatake.com/
⭐️ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

＼Accommodation information for Iijimamachi, Nagano Prefecture／

[Lodging × Hair Salon] muir (Mūa)

A 40-year-old, sturdy vacant house with a pronounced gable-roof style.
Its nostalgic yet reassuring Showa-era charm is
too precious to tear down.

A travel-loving husband-and-wife hairdresser team who moved here
poured in every value they learned while living abroad,
and gradually carried out a self-renovation.

They turned the wish “If only a place like this existed” into reality.
Get a cut and head spa during a drive or touring trip.

Use it as a reunion base for meeting friends after a long time.
Or stay as a relaxed place to catch your breath.

Perfect for those looking for a salon with natural-focused menus

Address: 843-1 Shichikubo, Iijimamachi, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture
Website: https://www.muirjapan.com/

＼Accommodation Information for Iijimamachi, Nagano Prefecture／
・Private rental renovated kominka (traditional house) "nagare"

Nagare is a renovated 100-year-old kominka,
a privately rented traditional house available to only one group per day.

"nagare" sits quietly in a small lodging surrounded by vast, beautiful nature and satoyama life that follows the seasons.

Enjoy the gentle passage of time in this unique space in the Inadani Valley.

Location: 2445-1 Tagiri, Iijimamachi, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture
Phone: 050-3576-2440
Website: https://nagare.cc/

Wakamasu Bakery 🥖 @wakamasu_bakery (Instagram)

A beloved shop frequented by regulars, I visited Wakamasu Bakery. The bakery has run for three generations from the founder to the current owner, moving from the original Ina shop to Suwa, and has continued for 99 years!
Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together 🍞 Wakamasu began in Ina in the great-grandfather’s time, and the shop is linked to Nagano’s soul food, the gyūnyū pan (milk bread)!!!
Pop-up signs in the shop explain the products and highlight their commitment to domestic wheat and sudakito (sudaki sugar), a mineral-rich sugar made from 100% cane. Their beloved “Milk Ball” is famous, and many regulars come just for it 🥖
・A long-time favorite, the soft French-style roll filled with milk cream: the Milk Ball
・Owner’s pick: Cream Bread filled generously with homemade custard cream
・A recent hit: Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of savory baked breads are available.

◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/

Regular customers are hooked on Wakamasu Bakery’s Milk Ball! The owner’s great-grandfather started Wakamasu Bakery in Ina. Wakamasu Bakery has been in business for 99 years. Later, the owner’s father moved the shop to its current location in Suwa. Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together.
Between you and me, Wakamasu Bread is connected to gyūnyū pan (milk cream bread).
Nowadays the owner uses domestic wheat and sudaki sugar (a Japanese sugar rich in minerals). She is particular about ingredients.
These are the regular offerings:
・Regular customers come for the Milk Ball.
・The owner’s recommendation is Cream Bread with homemade custard cream.
・A recent trend is the croque monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese.
・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of cooked breads.

◎ Wakamasu Bakery
📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-3488
◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00
◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday
◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/

📍Nakasendo

This is the state of the Nakasendo (Magome Pass to Tsumago) on January 8, 2025 ❄

1–3: Magome Pass
4: Isseki Tochi Teahouse
5: Pass Entrance
6–10: Male Falls and Female Falls
11: In front of Kooshinduka

There is snow cover ❄
If you plan to walk the Nakasendo, please come prepared with full winter gear such as snow boots, gloves, a knit hat, and spare socks.
In particular, take care on the pass and around Male Falls and Female Falls, where snow and ice are likely ⚠

📍Momosuke Bridge and the shopping street in front of the station

Momosuke Bridge serves as a symbolic bridge of Nagiso, regularly used by local students from Sonan High School and neighborhood residents ✨
The snow-covered Momosuke Bridge looks powerful and striking.

After continuous snowfall since last night, the whole town has turned into a silver world!
You can enjoy the winter scenery ❄

Stickers and magnets are also popular 💖
As I briefly introduced in Stories before, there are other tourism bureau original goods besides long sleeves and washcloths!
The first and second photos are stickers! And the third one is a magnet!
There are people who have conquered all types, those who have arranged each theme, and those who are chosen by their favorite colors and patterns, and it is fun to choose from several types. 🐒🍎♨️⛷
Perfect not only for yourself but also for small Souvenirs! ！
https://www.info-yamanouchi.net/2024/12/04/%e8%a6%b3%e5%85%89%e5%b1%80%e3%81%ae%e3%82%aa%e3%83%aa%e3%82%b8%e3%83%8a%e3%83%ab%e3%82%b0%e3%83%83%e3%82%ba%e3%81%8c%e5%ae%8c%e6%88%90%e3%81%97%e3%81%be%e3%81%97%e3%81%9f/

Entries are open for the Winter Triathlon taking place in March 2025 in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture! ⛷️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️
Today we’ll introduce what to wear for the cross-country skiing leg of the Winter Triathlon. Many people who want to compete wonder what to wear. You might be curious how it differs from what you’d wear at an alpine ski resort.
For cross-country skiing, lighter clothing than typical downhill ski wear is best. Choose garments that allow free movement and are easy to take off and put on. When I first competed, I wore downhill ski clothing and got hot while moving, which left me sweating and my clothes soaked… For that reason, wearing quick-drying base layers to prevent chill from sweat is essential! ✨ (The third photo shows me in downhill ski wear—funny, I know.)
Details are also shown in the photos, so please use them as a reference. Prepare well before the race and enjoy it comfortably. 🏅💪
Whether you want to try it or are still undecided, come experience the appeal of the Winter Triathlon and dive into a new world of sport! 🏅
Enter here:
https://www.shinano-machi.com/news/5289

Happy New Year. I look forward to your continued support this year 🎍
Many New Year’s cards arrived from all over the country addressed to Minafuku, the mascot of Minamimaki Village 📮 Thank you all so much 🤗 Minafuku is very happy ♪
Minafuku will appear from time to time, so please cheer them on 🫡

The highway bus "Snow Story" connecting Shiga Highlands and Tokyo Station started operation on 🚍 December 20

Independent 3-row Reclining seats 🐑💤 in the Car for a good night's sleep

Shiga Highlands ~ Tokyo Station is 8,000 yen, Yudanaka Station ~ Tokyo Station is 7,000 yen, and reservations are limited to "Highway Bus Net" operated by JR Bus.

The operation period is from December 20, 2024 (Friday) ~ March 16, 2025 (Sunday), depending on 🐒 the operation date calendar

For details, please visit the Nagano Electric Railway website.

Did you know that you can reserve a seat on the Nagano Electric Railway Limited Express Yukemuri? 🚃
Enjoy your trip safely and securely with 🌏 plenty of time

For inquiries, please contact Nagano Electric Railway Customer Support Center: 📞026-248-6000

Ryuo's free shuttle bus ⇔ Yudanaka Station will operate 🚍 from Saturday, December 21, 2024
The bus stop is in front 🚌❄🏂🎿❄ of the Yudanaka Station Information Center

In Navitime Japan Co., Ltd.'s "Analysis Results of Popular Hot Spring Destinations Visited by Foreign Tourists to Japan" released last month, Yamanouchi Town Yudanaka Shibu Hot Spring Village ranked second in the "Top 5 Popular Hot Spring Destinations by Market for Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan: Europe and Rice Australia"! !️🐒

In addition, "Hot Spring Resorts where many tourists from Australia are staying" in the "Top 5 Ranking of Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan by Country" was also ranked second 🐨

Yamanouchi Town is popular with Sightseeing spots from all over the world, including Hot spring ♨️, ski slopes, ⛷ Jigokudani Yaen-koen 🐵, and more! !️
We look 🙇 ♀️🙈forward to seeing you there.✨️

The Tourism Bureau's original goods are now 🥳👏 on sale
We did design production + product development ✨️ with the four themes of Hot Spring, Skiing, Agricultural Products, and Monkeys that Yamanouchi Town is proud of

The concept is "Yamanouchi Retro" 🕰🎥🎞
It's a nostalgic but cute design with a retro theme!
In addition to long sleeves and washcloths, there are also magnets, stickers, sacoche and Ballpoint pens!

I would be very happy 🥰 if many people could pick it up for everyday wear and memories of your trip
It is only sold at the Yamanouchi Information Center opposite Yudanaka Station!

【Roadside Station Kita Shinshu Yamauchi Regular holiday notice 🍎】

Roadside Station Kita Shinshu Yamauchi We have decided to set a regular holiday during the following period.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank 🙇🏻 ♀️ you for your understanding and cooperation

●Regular holiday: Every Thursday
●Period: December 2024 to March 2025
●Subjects: The entire building including shops, Shokudo, and Agricultural products direct sales shops

* We will be open as usual on December 26th, January 6th, and March 20th.

A view from Enzansou
The first sunrise of the year with Mt. Fuji and the alpenglow on Mt. Tsubakuro
Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead

Snow-dusted city with the Northern Alps beyond the skyline🏔
From the end of the year through New Year’s Day, snow fell and cleared repeatedly❄️ In Omachi, not only the mountains but the city streets wore a dusting of snow⛄️ This afternoon the clouds over the Northern Alps cleared, so I went to Omachi Park to take photos🏔 Snow is forecast again starting tomorrow; please take care with footing on cold mornings and evenings when you visit😌
Discover Omachi tourism🔽🔽🔽
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

Happy New Year!
This year, too, we will share and publish tourism information about Nagiso town, so we appreciate your continued support ✨

Today, New Year smoke signals were raised across many parts of Kiso.
A smoke signal, or noroshi, is smoke produced by burning firewood or gunpowder and raised high; long ago it served as a signal or landmark during wartime or emergencies. In other words, noroshi was a means of communication.

The New Year noroshi event held every January 4 in Kiso began in 2007 at the call of the nonprofit organization Tsumago Ai Suru Kai to strengthen solidarity across the Kiso Valley and energize the region.

The photos show the scene at the site of Tsumago Castle in Nagiso town, where leaves of Kiso’s five treasured trees—hinoki cypress and koyamaki—are burned to create the smoke 🌲
This year, too, the noroshi rose vigorously under clear skies.

May 2025 be a year filled with smiles and many blessings... 🐍✨