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... 🐍✨

Kirigamine Highlands in Nagano Prefecture

I was able to meet a beautiful frost in -5°C.

📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) (December 28th, 1:30 PM)

It has started to accumulate⛄❄
JR and buses are operating as usual for the time being.

Entries are now open for the Winter Triathlon to be held in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture in March 2025! ⛷️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️
You might wonder what a Winter Triathlon is, so here’s a brief introduction 😊 Winter triathlon offers a fresh challenge set in a snowy environment! ✨
In a Winter Triathlon, you can enjoy the following events:
1️⃣ Snow Run: a run across the snow! 2️⃣ Cross-country skiing: glide through the snow on cross-country skis! ⛷️ 3️⃣ Mountain biking: tackle snowy trails on a mountain bike! 🚵‍♂️
We also include photos showing recommended clothing and gear for cross-country skiing, so be sure to check them out! ❄️
Whether you’re ready to take on the challenge or still deciding, come experience the appeal of Winter Triathlon and dive into a new world of sport! 🏅
https://www.shinano-machi.com/news/5289

Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign

Believe it or not, this is the ninth year! The Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign is back! Twelve ryokan and hotels belonging to the inn association offer carefully selected premium plans at great savings!!!

★ Great deals on stays
1. As a return gift for Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) from Suwa City, accommodation vouchers usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ryokan and hotels (from ¥10,000) have been set up, so please make a smart tax donation via your preferred travel site this winter and enjoy the savings.

2. A drive plan from NEXCO Central Japan called Hayatabi bundles a ¥10,000 universal accommodation voucher with roughly 50% off highway tolls. You can apply via the NEXCO Central Japan website.
Product name: Kami‑Suwa Onsen Drive Plan with Universal Accommodation Voucher

★ Guests who stay during the campaign period will be entered into a prize draw
Prize A: Accommodation subsidy voucher worth ¥10,000 usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen【50 winners】
*Delivered as two ¥5,000 vouchers Valid through January 31, 2026 (planned)

Prize B: Admission tickets to the Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival on August 15, 2025【15 pairs, 30 people】
*Seating planned in front of the Suwa Lake Geyser Center

We hope this campaign encourages you to favor Kami‑Suwa Onsen! The onsen’s warm feeling after bathing really lasts!!! (A foodie, Kasai, speaking personally...) Refresh yourself in Suwa to shake off the fatigue of 2024 and start 2025 happily and energetically♨

Kasai the Foodie’s Recommended Winter Sightseeing Course
・Taste tour of the five Suwa breweries ⇒ Stay at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ⇒ New Year’s visit to Suwa Taisha ⇒ Suwa region’s midwinter eel tradition

★ Official Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign Website

https://kamisuwa-onsen.com

More details are available there, so please check it out!

The road connecting Wada in Nagawacho to Utsukushigahara along Japan National Route 178 (Dec. 20, 2024)
It snowed again this morning. More snow has accumulated on the road and it appears to be frozen.
Be sure to put on chains!!

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town!

📍 Kakizore Valley (Kakizore Keikoku)

Among the many gorges along the Kiso Road, this one is said to be especially beautiful. Massive granite boulders that fill the deep valley create stunning waterfalls, rapids, and pools.
The water’s beautiful emerald green never becomes muddy, even after rain.
In spring you can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant colors.✨

Generally, visitors start from JR Junikane Station and follow a nature trail for 4.5 km to Ushigataki Falls, then continue farther along a forest road. For a short walk, the roughly 300 m promenade from Koiji Suspension Bridge to Ushigataki is recommended. The view of Ushigataki, where the main flow of the Kakizore River plunges through carved granite, is spectacular.
A 40-minute walk along the forest road brings you to viewpoints with refreshing views of Kirigataki, and you can also see Nijiga Falls and Kaminari Falls.

We ask for your cooperation with a maintenance contribution.
Please deposit it in the brown post box located at the entrance to Kakizore Valley.

Access
- By car: about 10 minutes from National Route 19 at the "Kakizore Valley Entrance" signal. Two free parking lots available.
- By JR: Get off at JR Nagiso Station and take a taxi for about 25 minutes.
Get off at JR Junikane Station and walk about 1 hour (taxis are not regularly available).

Other information
- Flush toilets are available at each parking area.
- Vending machines are located near the parking areas.
- You can download a brochure (map) from the Nagiso Town Tourism Association official website "Burari Nagiso."

Requests
- Camping, barbecues, and similar activities are prohibited within Kakizore Valley.
- Please take your trash home with you.
- Do not approach the river during rain or when water levels are high.
- If you play in the river, please take every safety precaution and enjoy responsibly.

Nagawacho, photographed on December 20

A tengu suddenly appears along Route 178 heading from Wada in Nagawacho toward Utsukushigahara Highlands.
A tengu mask is enshrined at the Sekison Shrine in the mountains beyond.

It looks like it snowed again this morning, so it may be covered with a bit more snow now.

Spectacular winter views you can only see in winter
The Limited Express Azusa that ran from Tokyo and the Northern Alps
Heading north from Hotaka Station toward the snowy country
A panoramic view of the Hakuba mountains seen from Azumino!

It's a nearby traffic light!

Hello everyone ⛄️
Christmas is over, and the year-end and New Year season has finally arrived 🎍
In Shinanomachi, snow is forecast from tomorrow onward, and snow removal has become daily exercise ⛄️💦
Now, here is an announcement about business hours during the year-end and New Year holidays!
⛄️ Shinanomachi Tourist Information Center · Roadside Station Information Center
We will be closed from December 30th to January 3rd 🙇‍♀️
(For taxi vouchers, please speak to the station staff at Kurohime Station)
🍜 Near Kurohime Station
We will be closed from December 31st to January 2nd 🙇‍♀️
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
We wish you a wonderful year-end and New Year! 🎍

Azumino chilled to minus 6 degrees
The sun quietly hits the Northern Alps
The snowy ridgelines turn red
This is the view from Azumino Ohisama Road

Nobeyama Highlands Today
This morning the temperature at Nobeyama Highlands was −13.4°C🌡️It felt colder than the number suggested🥶 The observatory’s 45 m antenna was unusually pointing toward the Yatsugatake Mountains📡🏔️
Snow has mostly melted from main roads, but shaded stretches like Ichibazaka remain damp on the surface even during the day❄️ Please take extra care when driving🚙🎅

About a 3-minute walk from JR Oito Line Hotaka Station

Snow has begun to fall at Hotaka Shrine, bringing a true winter feeling

Come visit for New Year’s Eve shrine visits or Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)

Visit Hotaka Shrine’s official website here
https://www.hotakajinja.com/

Visit Hotaka Shrine’s Instagram here
https://www.instagram.com/hotakajinja/

⛄️ It turned into a white Christmas 🎄
On the morning of Christmas Eve, Omachi experienced snowfall from night into morning ⛄️
The city’s conifers wore a snowy makeup, and many Christmas trees appeared 🎄
Some places have packed snow ❄️ Please take care with your footing when you come 😌
Official website “Shinano-Omachi Navi”
https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/

📍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