◆Origin of the Otegata Suwa Shrine and the Otegata Stone◆ The origin of the Otegata Stone lies in the large handprint found on a huge rock enshrined at Suwa Shrine. Long ago, a messenger came from Takamagahara, the heavenly plain where the eight million gods gather, to Izumo to urge Okuninushi to submit. Okuninushi immediately agreed and surrendered, but his young son, Takeminakata, refused, breaking off negotiations and eventually fighting with Takemikazuchi from Takamagahara. Takeminakata was defeated and fled, but Takemikazuchi pursued him relentlessly and finally caught up with him in the area of Sahara. Takeminakata surrendered, pressed his hand onto a nearby stone as a pledge of submission, and peace was made between the two deities. This place came to be called "Ooinokubo" (the Chase Hollow). The stone is said to have been formed because Takemikazuchi chased Takeminakata here.

Shinshu Kankōchi Suwa!!! Around Suwa lies the Kirigamine Highlands, where gentle rolling terrain stretches from Kurumayama to Washigamine. In late June, alpine plants such as azaleas (Renge tsutsuji), daylilies (Nikkō kisuge), and scabious (Matsumushi-sō) paint the green meadows in vibrant colors. You can also enjoy sweeping views of Japan’s famous peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Range. The area generates strong updrafts favorable for glider flight, and Kirigamine is known as the birthplace of gliding in Japan. Kirigamine contains the “Three Great Kirigamine Wetlands.” Together, Kurumayama, Yashimagahara Wetland, and Ikeno Kurumi Odoriba Wetland host more than 400 subalpine plant species year-round. They are designated a National Natural Monument and are wetlands rare even on a global scale. In early summer you can see the renge azaleas in bloom, their vivid orange flowers at their most beautiful. In summer, as in the photo, the Nikkō kisuge daylilies come into full bloom 🌼. Most of the photos were kindly provided by staff at our Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center. This year the blossoms may appear a little earlier than usual. Thanks to local Kirigamine caretakers, deer damage seems reduced, so this could be an exceptional season. Why not breathe in the clear, nature-filled highland air of Suwa and visit to refresh your body and mind? ※ The photos are from 2023.

[Nakasendo Narai-juku] Located beneath Torii Pass — one of the Nakasendo’s most notorious difficult stretches — Narai was known as 'Narai Senken' ('a thousand houses of Narai') and was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post towns of Kiso. The townscape has been designated by the national government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the past. The roughly 1‑km stretch of buildings along the Narai River forms the longest post‑town streetscape in Japan. More than a preserved site, Narai‑juku’s charm lies in the fact that people still live there today. This award‑winning post town was also used as the setting for the 2011 NHK morning drama 'Ohisama'. As a place where visitors can experience Japan's unspoiled beauty, it attracts many people from Japan and abroad every year, who are captivated by this historic post town. ◇Basic Information ・ Parking: Please use the nearest Roadside Station 'Kiso-no-Ohashi' parking lot (free), or the Gonbei Parking Lot (paid). ・Inquiries: Narai-juku Tourist Information Center TEL 0264-34-3160

A 1 km stretch of Edo-period streets! A feature on the charms of Narai-juku Let me introduce Narai-juku, located at the northernmost edge of the Kiso Road! Narai-juku was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1978, and in 2016 the Kiso Road including Narai-juku was registered as a Japan Heritage site, making it a place of great historical value. Narai-juku preserves about 1 km of Edo-period streets. Just strolling along the streetscape is an enjoyable way to sightsee. With completely different looks in each season, you can visit several times a year without ever getting bored! In Narai-juku you can enjoy Nagano Prefecture specialties such as soba noodles, gohei-mochi rice cakes, oyaki stuffed dumplings, and local sake. You can also buy regional crafts unique to the area, such as Kiso lacquerware and bentwoodware, as souvenirs! By the way, the production center for Kiso lacquerware is right next door in Kisohirasawa, and Kisohirasawa is also designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings! It’s fun to drop by Kisohirasawa while you’re visiting Narai-juku!! Some shops offer kimono and yukata dressing services, so you can dress up and walk the Edo streets for a true time‑slip experience! In the past, Narai-juku was used as a filming location for the morning drama Ohisama, and it is cherished as a pilgrimage site by fans. Please come and visit Narai-juku!

Mibusawa Fudo Falls A beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 17 meters that plunges in a straight line. Revered as sacred water since ancient times, it has long served as a place for ascetic training and ritual purification. The Fudo Myoo statue standing to the left of the falls is said to have been invited from Naritasan in Shimousa Province in Kyōhō 18 (1733). Along with the waterfall, it drew the devotion of many people, and festivals once attracted large numbers of worshippers from nearby villages. A rainmaking legend is also associated with the site. The two stone Buddhist figures standing in front of the Fudo Myoo statue are Kongara Doji (left) and Seitaka Doji (right). They were erected in Shōwa 9 (1934) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the statue’s enshrinement. At the same time, a silkworm-dedication deity (Kintama-hime), a stone monument inscribed with a poem by Matsuo Taseko, and a commemorative monument engraved by Chizan Kitahara were also installed. A gift of Senior Fifth Rank: a poem by Matsuo Taseko Manse mo taenu nagare ya Mibusawa no Taki no shiraito kurikaeshitsu (The river’s flow goes on through the ages; the white threads of Mibusawa Falls repeat themselves) Details for Mibusawa Fudo Falls Parking A few cars can park on the roadside shoulder Toilets None Other It is about a five-minute walk along a footpath from the parking area. Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Shiojiri’s top pick for sightseeing! A feature on the charms of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Located east of Shiojiri City between the city and the Suwa area at an altitude of 1,655 m, here are the attractions of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is famous for taking stunning photos—so much so that it’s called “Japan’s number-one photo spot”! You can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, the Central Alps, Norikura, and Mt. Myoko, Japan’s representative peaks. Add in Lake Suwa, the sea of clouds, azaleas known as rengetsuzutsuji, and grazing cows, and you’re guaranteed picture-perfect shots if you bring a camera! Sunset, sunrise, and night each reveal completely different faces of the highland, which is part of its appeal! In particular, Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is the only place where you can capture the sea of clouds, Lake Suwa, and Mount Fuji in a single frame! A campground is also available! Camping while gazing at the mountains is simply unbeatable! For details and reservations, search for “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Campground”! It’s also great for moderate hikes! There are trails around the ranch and a promenade to the summit, offering a pleasant distance you can enjoy while breathing the fresh highland air! Along the way you might meet cows and rengetsuzutsuji in bloom! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is also famous as a sacred site featured in Yuri Camp△ and Your Name. Enjoy the same scenery that appears with the characters in those stories! It’s about a 30‑minute drive from Shiojiri IC, so please come and visit!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Shiojiri City Tourism Association. Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the heart of Nagano with a population of about 65,000. The city is known for its historic streets and abundant local specialties, which draw many visitors. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy it! ◆What is Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture?◆ Shiojiri City is surrounded by the Northern Alps, the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mt. Takabochi, and the Central Alps, and it stretches across broad agricultural landscapes. Grapes are a specialty here, and wines made from those grapes have gained renown worldwide. At Narai inn (Narai-juku), once a post town on the Nakasendo, visitors are still greeted by streets that vividly retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. ◆Shiojiri City sightseeing information◆ [History & Culture] ◇Narai inn Located below Torii Pass, a difficult section of the Nakasendo, Narai inn prospered as one of the eleven post towns of Kiso. It still preserves the look of the Edo period, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, and serves as a setting for films and dramas. The town remains full of attractions and local cuisine that continue to charm visitors. ◇Kisohirasawa Kisohirasawa, known as a lacquerware town, was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2006. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, medals that fused metal and Kiso lacquerware were adopted. ◇Historic roads and post towns Shiojiri City, crossed by several historic roads including the Nakasendo that links Edo and Kyoto, long flourished as a transportation hub. Explore the distinct charm and hidden stories of each post town. ◇Hiraide Ruins This site contains dwelling remains from the Jomon period over 5,000 years ago through the Heian period, showing where people lived. Many valuable artifacts have been unearthed. ◇Shiojiri Tanka Museum (Registered Tangible Cultural Property) The museum exhibits materials from poets connected to Shiojiri, such as Shimaki Akahiko. The main building is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. [Nature] ◇Mt. Takabocchi Highlands (Mt. Takabocchi Highlands) Part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park, the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sit at 1,665 meters and offer beautiful highland scenery. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes here, especially summer rhododendrons and alpine plants, and autumn sea-of-clouds views. From the highlands you can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, and Lake Suwa, a beauty that captivates visitors. ◇Wine and grapes Shiojiri is one of Japan’s leading wine regions, with a winemaking history spanning 130 years. Tour the wineries and savor the products that reflect the skill and spirit of the makers. ◇Grapes Kikyogahara, the home of grapes, produces exquisite varieties you can taste only here. ◆Shiojiri City festivals and events◆ ◇Shiojiri Winery Festa This event lets visitors taste Shiojiri wines and enjoy conversations with local winemakers. Many wine fans visit from inside and outside the prefecture. ◇Kiso Lacquerware Festival and Narai Shukuba Festival The once-a-year great lacquerware market features prized items and cellar finds displayed at shop fronts. The popular “Ochatsubo Dochu” procession in Narai inn is also a highlight. ◆Summary of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, offers rich nature and history to enjoy. Warm hospitality, beautiful nature, and culture await you. Cool Japan Video will continue to share great sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

"100 best waterfalls in Japan" Yonakodaibakufu in the Suzaka City of Nagano Prefecture The Autumn leaves season is Famous、、、 Fresh greenery is dazzling, and this period of early summer is also recommended. I especially recommend the location. Yonakodaibakufu can be seen in front of it, and it is one of the view spots It is the "former site of the Rice Mine". In the meadow where Renge azalea blooms, you can eat lunch while leisurely looking at the waterfall, It is a healing plateau where you can drink coffee and relax. 【[Former Rice Mine Site] Restrooms available used to be a Rice mine producing sulfur and other substances on this plateau. Restrooms available in the vicinity with about 1,500 people living in the vicinity. At that time, there was also a cableway for transporting Supplies from the Rice Mine to the current Suzaka Station. 【Around with parents and children Yonakodaibakufu Illustration Map】 　On May 23, 2023, the 2019 East Japan Yonakodaibakufu Typhoon The access road collapsed and could not be entered, Yonakodaibakufu It was opened to the public for the first time in three and a half yellowtails. Illustrator "Nire Shobo" Mr./Ms. goes to see the long-awaited waterfall, Scene trekking with family was illustrated. 　The sight of the family walking excitedly on the promenade in early summer It is a heartwarming illustration map that floats in the eye. When you come to Yonakodaibakufu, please take it in your hands. Enjoy your early summer trek with excitement and excitement. * The illustration map is Yonakodaibakufu entrance, Suzaka City "Tourism exchange center "Kuratto", Restrooms available at the Suzaka Station Tourist Information Center. You can also download the illustration map from Shinshu Suzaka Tourist Association Home page. It is hot 🥵 every day, so please be careful. * There are no vending machines around Yonakodaibakufu, and you cannot drink river water 💦. Please be sure to prepare drinks and action meals in advance.

[Recommended Spot &Activities Special Feature for summer] In the Kiso, you can Spot There are a beautiful Valleys and canoe that will take your breath away. Here are some of them! Kiso in the mountains also introduces recommended forest bathing spots. Please spend this summer in Kiso! !! -------------------------------------- 【Atera Canyon】 Restrooms available in Okuwa Village, an emerald green valley known for its Atera Blue. After sightseeing in Atera Canyon, why don't you have a delicious coffee and cake at "Coffee Katana" in Nojiri, Okuwa Village?! Please see the trip ideas on the Kiso Tourism Federation's Home page "Kiso Valley Rippu"! * Atera Canyon will be subject to traffic restrictions during the summer. July 13, 2024 ~ September 1, 2024. Shuttle buses and e-bikes are also available for rent. For details, please see the Home page of Okuwa Village. 【Kakizore Canyon】 Kakizore Canyon in Nagiso Town. A beautiful emerald green Valleys that is as beautiful as Atera Canyon. After enjoying a hike in the Kakizore Canyon, we also recommend Affoguard, which is popular at Tsumago juku's "Good Day Coffee". It takes about 25 minutes by car from Kakizore Canyon to Tsumago juku 【Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest】 A natural Cypress tree forest in Agematsu town with an average age of more than 300 years. Fun on the forest railway for forest bathing and forest therapy. *The park is scheduled to be open until November 7, 2024. 【Shizenko Nature Lake】 Shizenko Nature Lake in Otaki village. A natural lake formed during the earthquake in western Nagano Prefecture. You can fully feel the beauty created by nature. Here, you can experience canoeing from April ~ mid-November every year. You can also Fun canoe touring at Lake Ontake. *Reservation required TEL: 070-9119-6262　 【Lake OkuKiso】 At Lake Oku Kiso in Kiso village, you can experience SUP and canoeing. Activities in Nature while experiencing the beauty of the water of the Minamoto are the best! * Lake Oku Kiso canoeing, SUP experience until around October. Reservation required TEL: 0264-36-2777 ♦ If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Kiso Tourism Federation!

At the Gomiike Gable Highlands Nature Park in Joshinetsu Highlands National Park, a large communities of Renge azalea, the largest in Nagano Prefecture, is in full bloom. The best time to visit is around mid-June every year Scenes of dyeing the earth crimson are stunning, and the view of the Northern Alps, Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu, and Zenkojidaira Spectacular. Gomi Pond is a general term for Oike, Bitter Pond, West Gomi Pond, Yoshigawara Pond, and East Gomi Pond which disappeared due to landfall. Each of them has a different taste, which is why it is named Gomiike. In the past, the only way to get there was to walk up the old road leading from Toyooka Haino to Gomiike, or walk down from the entrance of the Ogushi Mine in Gunma Prefecture. In 1964~1966, with the cooperation of the Self-Defense Forces and the Forestry Department, a forest road was opened from Toyooka to Milky Mountain Ranch, and now it is possible to go up to this Highlands in about one hour by car from Suzaka City. And on this Highlands, 300 cows were grazing at most. Renge azalea, which is in best time to visit in mid-June, is because cows hate it and do not eat it. It became a large stock and a large communities. Renge azalea in full bloom from the petting plaza You can see it in the vicinity of Azumaya, Oike, and Ohira. Rare in Gomi Pond, Renge azalea yellow Renge azalea is also You can see it. In the administration building Azalea House, you can also eat the Specialties Genghis Khan. *22km from Suzaka Nagano Higashi Interchange to Gomiike Gables Highlands 1st Parking Lot About 60 minutes by car * Car navigation settings TEL 026-245-0491 　Please enter Suzaka City Toyooka Elementary School. * It is difficult for large vehicles of microbus or larger to pass. *Restrooms available is not available for direct public transportation from Nagano Electric Railway Suzaka Station. Use a taxi. Taxi company Tsubame Nagaden Taxi TEL 026-245-0351 　　　　　　　Hokushin Taxi TEL 026-245-5353

【Magome juku】Magome juku in Nakatsugawa City is very popular with overseas tourists. In a Shukuba full of atmosphere, you can enjoy time travel as if you were transported back in time to the Edo period while walking along the cobblestone slope! Restrooms available in several places in the Shukuba, and the pleasant sound of water streams by. It is also the birthplace of Shimazaki Fujimura, who is known for "Before Dawn" and "Destruction", which was also made into a movie. The Fujimura Memorial Museum has a collection of about 6,000 works, including manuscripts of Fujimura's works and his belongings. The photo was taken around this time last year 2023. Period, hydrangeas bloom in the Shukuba. The hydrangea Shukuba is a sight that can only be seen at this period! !! Other, there are restaurants and shops, and you can Fun eating and shopping. It is a Spot that cannot be missed in Kisoji sightseeing! !!

Here is an introduction to Takabocchi Plateau, located on the border between Okaya City and Shiojiri City next to Suwa in the Kankōchi Suwa area. Takabocchi Plateau spreads across gentle slopes and offers a 360° panorama amid vast nature. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, Mt. Ontake, and Mt. Norikura. The alpine plant rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron) was blooming bright red. Note: The Takabocchi Skyline is closed for winter from early December through late April.

Peach Picking [2024] Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 Reservations open on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00. Please apply via the Toyooka Travel Time website. We offer a value-packed Peach Feast plan that combines peaches to take home with an all-you-can-eat peach option, and a plan for all-you-can-eat only. Peach picking is a perennial favorite! Come with family or friends to create summer memories this year. Reservations are required during the period. Please book at least three days before your chosen experience date. Be sure to read the Details carefully before proceeding to the web reservation page. For group reservations (via travel agencies), please contact Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche at 0265-48-8061. ※If you do not book through a travel agency, groups arriving by bus will be treated as individual visitors. [ Details ] Period Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 ※Reservations may not be possible depending on weather and peach growing conditions. Reception times 13 sessions per day (7 in the morning / 6 in the afternoon) 9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 / 11:30 12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 14:30 = Notes = Bookings and guidance are generally not accepted for reservations at or after 14:30. Please reserve with time to spare. Please arrive at the reception location (Toyooka Travel Time) so you are not late for your reserved time. If you are late for your reservation, you may not be able to participate, so please take care. Prices (tax included) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] Please reserve at least three days in advance in principle. = Individual Plans = Pick 2 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,100 yen Pick 3 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,300 yen = Family Plans = Up to 4 people: Pick 6 peaches + All-you-can-eat 7,000 yen Up to 6 people: Pick 10 peaches + All-you-can-eat 10,500 yen [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] No reservation required. 20 minutes all-you-can-eat 1,500 yen Reception hours 9:00–15:00 ※Peach picking includes admission to the orchard and the experience fee. ※Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan may not enter the orchard. ※All plans above charge the same rate for ages 4 and older. Children age 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may join the all-you-can-eat for free. Flow of the day (approximate duration: about 1 hour) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] 1. Reception and payment (Toyooka Travel Time) ↓ 2. Peach picking experience (move to the orchard) ※Please travel by private car. ↓ 3. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎All transfers are by private car. A map of the orchard will be given at reception. ◎Depending on congestion, steps 2 and 3 may be reversed. ◎After reception, you will proceed immediately to the orchard or the all-you-can-eat area. (※Please refrain from traveling to other sightseeing spots after reception.) ◎Depending on weather and orchard conditions, picking may be replaced by a take-home arrangement (the orchard owner will pre-pick peaches and provide them) — please understand in advance. ◎From the picking experience to the end of the all-you-can-eat, please allow about 60 minutes. [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] ※No reservation required. 1. Reception and payment (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche tourist information desk, or Toyooka Travel Time, Toyooka Village Tourism Association) ↓ 2. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan cannot enter the peach picking orchard. ◎The all-you-can-eat only plan does not require reservations. Please complete reception and payment at the Toyooka Marche tourist information desk. ◎The all-you-can-eat ends when the peaches for that day run out. Request Peaches are delicate. Whether on the tree or for all-you-can-eat, please do not press them hard. Meeting place & contact Toyooka Travel Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association, general incorporated association) Business hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp If you use car navigation, the address above may direct you to a different location because this is a new facility. For car navigation, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School or Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche. On Google Maps, search for Toyooka Travel Time. How to reserve Same-day guidance is possible, but reservations take priority. We recommend booking in advance as same-day service may be unavailable. Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (reception hours 9:00–18:00) Web reservations ※Reservations start at 10:00 on Saturday, June 22, 2024※ Peach Picking web reservation page [About cancellations] No cancellation fee will be charged on the day, but please be sure to contact us if you cancel.

Kankōchi Suwa!!! Introducing the Takashima Castle Festival! May 26, 2024 — held every year on the fourth Sunday of May. We held the 55th Takashima Castle Festival. This year, 19 acts performed on stage. There were hip-hop dance routines, traditional Japanese dance, taiko drumming, singers, cheerleading, and the Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps. The matchlock team left a powerful impression. Even in Japan, this is something you rarely see. The matchlock firearms date back about 430 years, and few groups still maintain and use functioning examples. The Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps preserves these guns and passes on the tradition. As a result, you can see matchlock demonstrations at events like those at Matsumoto Castle. The team brought several types of matchlocks. To an amateur eye, I saw two kinds: first a bantsutsu infantry gun, then a chūtutsu medium cannon. They fired blank shots in several formations. The blast was tremendous! At the end, a shooter from Suwa fired the chūtutsu. The sound ripped through the space where we stood. It was truly loud and spectacular!! There were taiko performances and children’s hip-hop dances, with families coming to watch. At the festival you could also buy food stalls and specialties from sister and friendship cities, and try tree climbing!!! Blessed with good weather, many citizens attended. If you have the chance to come to the Takashima Castle Festival, be sure to come and enjoy it!

◆Myojin Stone◆ The Myojin Stone is a giant boulder shaped like an ellipsoid, about 2.5 meters in its long axis, 1.8 meters in its short axis, and 1.2 meters tall. No one knows exactly how long it has rested here, but it is thought to have come from the Ina Mountain Range during an ancient flood of the Mibuzawa River. This rock has long been revered by local people as a mysterious stone that, while easily moved by a child’s strength, does not budge even in major floods. At some unknown point in time it became enclosed by a tamagaki fence and has been regarded as a sacred spot serving as a place for worship of Suwa Taisha from a distance. The origin of the name is unclear, but it is said to have begun when the deity Suwa Daimyojin was invited from Suwa Taisha and, until the shrine building (Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine) was completed, the sacred object was enshrined on this rock and rituals were performed. Since then, whenever the shrine has been rebuilt or renovated, it has become customary to use this rock as a temporary resting place for the sacred object. ●Details of Myojin Stone ・A request to visitors Local residents cherish this stone. When entering among the stones and pushing them, please take care not to break the shimenawa ropes or sakaki decorations. ・Facilities There are stairs with handrails. ・Toilet None. ・Parking None (please use the parking lot in front of nearby Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine). ・Contact Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)

Nice to meet you! Shinshu Shinano Town Tourist Association. Shinanomachi, Kamisuunai-gun, Nagano Prefecture is a town in northern Nagano Prefecture that borders Niigata Prefecture. Its population is about 7,000. Surrounded by mountains such as Myoko, Kurohime, Togakushi, Iizuna, and Madarao, the town also boasts many popular attractions like Lake Nojiri and Kurohime Plateau. On Cool Japan Video, we will share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, known as the hometown of Kobayashi Issa. Thank you for your support. ◆What is Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture? ◆ In winter, Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture welcomes visitors with superb powder snow. Popular ski areas such as Kurohime Kogen Ski Resort, Myoko, and Madarao Kogen make this region ideal for winter sports. It is also popular with international visitors from countries including Australia and Taiwan. Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture is broadly divided into four areas. ◎ Kurohime Highland area ◎ Tangram Madarao Area ◎ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ◎ Lake Nojiri area ◆Recommended sightseeing spots in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, by area◆ ~~~ Kurohime Highland area ~~~ Kurohime Highland lets you fully enjoy nature typical of Nagano Prefecture: dahlias and cosmos in summer, and powder-snow skiing in winter. ◎ Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum & Fairy Tale Forest Gallery The Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum blends literature, art, and nature. It houses and exhibits valuable materials by Michael Ende and Miyoko Matsutani, beloved across generations, as well as fairy tales and picture books from around the world and local folktales. ◎ Kurohime Highland Dog Run This expansive all-grass dog run covers about 3,000 square meters. Built to take advantage of the natural hills, it is enjoyable for dogs from small to large breeds. ◎ Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden The Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden is filled with beautiful cosmos flowers from summer into autumn. The colorful fields of cosmos spread across the vast plateau like a painting. The garden offers an observation deck and walking paths, so you can relax and enjoy the flowers at your own pace. ◎ MtKurohime MtKurohime is a symbolic mountain of Shinanomachi, with an elevation of 2,053 meters. Trails are well maintained, offering enjoyment for beginners through advanced hikers. From the summit, a 360-degree panorama opens up, and on clear days you can see distant mountain ranges. MtKurohime showcases seasonal nature and is an attractive spot for hikers and mountain enthusiasts. ◎ Naena Falls Naena Falls is one of Shinanomachi’s representative scenic spots. With a dramatic drop of 55 meters, the waterfall’s majestic scenery captivates visitors. Walking paths are developed around the area, allowing you to stroll while listening to the roar of the falls. In particular, the autumn foliage season creates a spectacular contrast between colorful leaves and the waterfall. ~~~ Tangram Madarao Area ~~~ This area is popular as a resort area. It offers many amenities such as golf courses and hot spring facilities. ◎ Mt. Madarao (Madarao-yama / Madarao-san) A volcano with an elevation of 1,382 meters, it is one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu (MtMyoko, Mt. Madarao, MtKurohime, MtTogakushi, Mt. Iizuna). At the summit there is a shrine housing 13 statues of Nyorai. ~~~ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ~~~ This is the hometown of haiku poet Kobayashi Issa. Within the area are the Issa Memorial Hall and Issa’s former residence, where you can learn about his life and history. ◎ Issa Memorial Hall A museum built to commemorate the haiku poet Kobayashi Issa, who was born in Kashiwabara, Shinanomachi. It presents many of his works and portrays Issa’s life and the Kashiwabara of his era. ◎ Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan provides tourist information and local products from Shinanomachi. In addition to local specialties and souvenirs from Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy fresh local produce and handmade goods. ~~~ Lake Nojiri area ~~~ In summer on Lake Nojiri you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, SUP, and cruises. ◎ Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum This museum showcases fossils of Naumann elephants discovered at Lake Nojiri and life-size models, offering many attractions. Centered on the results of the more than 40-year-long Lake Nojiri excavations, it researches and exhibits the natural environment around the lake from about 50,000 years ago to the present. ◎ Lake Nojiri At the lakeside you can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. In summer, swimming and camping are popular, making it a recommended spot for families and couples. The lake is also historically significant for the Naumann elephant fossils recovered from its bed, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and history together. ◎ Shomyoji Temple Located quietly in the mountain valley, its precincts are surrounded by seasonal nature. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, attracting many visitors. ◆Recommended activities in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Rental bicycles in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture During the green season when the ski resorts are closed, sightseeing by relaxed cycling while feeling the breeze of Shinanomachi is recommended. The town offers rental bicycles at three locations: the information center in front of Kurohime Station (Shinano Town Tourist Association), LAMP Lake Nojiri, and Nojiri Lake Resort. ◎ Minpaku and farm stays in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture About 3,000 elementary and junior high school students visit annually to experience farm and rural life through homestays and farm stays. The local government and residents have established a solid reception system. ◆Local specialties of Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Crops such as corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and soba are local specialties of Shinanomachi. Shinanomachi is one of the leading paddy monoculture areas in the northern Nagano region, and locally grown Akita Komachi and Koshihikari rice are also popular. ◆Festivals and events in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival About 2,000 fireworks are launched from Lake Nojiri. In 2024 this beloved local event will celebrate its landmark 100th edition. ◆Tourist information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shinanomachi is a town blessed with rich nature, history, and warm people. With seasonal landscapes and outdoor activities, Shinanomachi is an ideal destination for families and couples. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, so we appreciate your support.

Enjoy the best breakfast on a highland in Shinshu. Would you like to experience breakfast on a breezy plateau at 1,600 meters above sea level? Relax and savor a luxurious moment while gazing at the vast grasslands before you. ●Period July 1, 2024 (Monday) – September 30, 2024 (Monday) (Excluded dates / closed days: July: 4, 13–15 ｜ August: 10–18, 29 ｜ September: 5, 12, 14–16, 19, 21–23, 26 (as of June 13, 2024)) Limited to 20 people per day Reservation required ●Price 1,800 JPY (tax included) ●Hours 9:00 – 11:00 Booking & Venue Korobokkuru Hutte – A stylish café attached to a mountain hut – ●Address Nagano Prefecture, Suwa City, Kirigamine, Kurumayama-Kata TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please make reservations by phone directly. ※ Calls may be difficult to get through between 11:00 and 14:00. “Breakfast at Kirigamine: My Car Plan” Enjoy an elegant breakfast on the mountain hut terrace while looking out over the sweeping grasslands. This individual plan includes benefits such as a Kirigamine summer lift ticket and an original pin badge. ●How to Apply Korobokkuru Hutte TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please reserve by phone. ●Access ‣ About 30 minutes by car from Suwa lakeside, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ‣ About 40 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Suwa Interchange via Prefectural Route 40 (Kirigamine–Shirakabako Line) ※ Parking spaces are limited and you may not be able to park. Please note weekends and the season are very busy. ●Other ▷ Reservations accepted until noon the day before ▷ Same-day cancellations will be charged 1,800 JPY per person. ▷ Limited to 20 people per day ▷ Weekends and the season are very busy; reservations may fill up relatively early. ▷ Parking and breakfast service are on a first-come, first-served basis. ▷ Operations may be suspended due to severe weather. Special perks included! ★Perk 1: Round-trip Kirigamine summer lift ticket Perk period: July 13, 2024 – August 25, 2024 Lift operating hours: 9:00 – 16:00 ※ Lift may not operate in severe weather. Address: 13338-41 Kamisuwa, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Parking available (Kirigamine Ski Area parking, approx. 200 spaces) Access: About 5 minutes by car from Kurumayama-Kata, about 2 minutes by car from the Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center parking lot ★Perk 2: Kirigamine Plateau “Original Pin Badge” gift! Perk period: July 1, 2024 – July 12, 2024 and August 26, 2024 – September 30, 2024 ※ The badge shown in the photo is from 2022.

How do you do. This is the Minami-Shinshu Tourism Public Corporation! We will send out recommended Tourist Information in the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you. ---- What is the Minami Shinshu area in Nagano Prefecture? The Minami Shinshu area is located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture and is the southern gateway to the prefecture. It is a beautiful region where you can feel the rich nature of the four seasons created by the Tenryu River, which streams from north to south through the center of Minami Shinshu, the Central Alps, and the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps. The Minami Shinshu area consists of 14 cities and towns in Iida City and Shimoina-gun. ⚪︎ Iida City ⚪︎ Matsukawa Town ⚪︎ Takamori Town ⚪︎ Anan Town ⚪︎ Achi Village ⚪︎ Hiraya Village ⚪︎ Neba Village ⚪︎ Shimojo Village ⚪︎ Sellaki Village ⚪︎ Tenryu Village ⚪︎ Yasuoka Village ⚪︎ Takagi Kimura ⚪︎ Toyooka Village ⚪︎ Ōshika Village History of ---- Minami Shinshu area From the Shiojiri Inn of Nakasendo, the Sanshu Highway Ina Highway, which goes south along the Minami Shinshu area along the Tenryu River, Restrooms available a history of prosperity as a Highway important places connecting Edo and Kyoto. Among them, Iida City, which is also the center of Minami Shinshu, currently boasts the fifth largest population in Nagano Prefecture, flourished as a post town on the Sanshu Highway in the Edo period, and developed as a castle town of the Iida Domain during the Sengoku period. Iida City, with its beautiful Towns Maintenance in a Go board shape and its culture inherited from ancient times, is called "Shinshu's Little Kyoto". Traditional culture and traditional crafts inherited in ---- Minami Shinshu area In the Minami Shinshu area, many traditional cultures such as kagura, puppets, Bon Odori, and festivals are still passed down, and it is said to be a treasure trove of folk performing arts. In addition, Minami Shinshu is a production area of Mizuhiki crafts, which accounts for 70% of the nation's production. Mizuhiki is a culture that has been in Minami Shinshu for more than 300 years, and is a decorative string used for the front of gift bags. Fruits of ---- Minami Shinshu area Specialty Products The Minami Shinshu area is a "treasure trove of fruits" where you can enjoy various fruit picking throughout the four seasons. We will introduce the Representative Fruit Picking and its charm of Minami-Shinshu, a fruit kingdom that boasts the one of the most production volume in Japan, with terrain suitable for fruit production, such as abundant sunshine hours and temperature differences between day and night. ・Cherry picking Cherry picking in Minami Shinshu can be enjoyed in early summer. You can pick and taste the red ripe high-grade fruit cherries on the spot, and their sweetness and juiciness are exceptional. ・Pear picking Pear picking can be enjoyed from late summer to autumn. Fresh pears can be picked on the spot and enjoy the fresh taste. Minami Shinshu pears have a strong sweet taste and a crunchy texture. ・Apple picking Minami Shinshu is one of the one of the most apple cultivation areas in Japan. During the autumn harvest season, many people from all over the country visit in search of apples from Minami Shinshu. You can pick and taste the bright red ripe apples yourself, and their mellow aroma and sweetness are attractive. In addition, you can enjoy "Strawberry picking", "Grape picking", "Blueberry picking", and "Peach picking", and you can enjoy taste hunting such as "bamboo shoot picking" and "chestnut picking" other than fruits. ----Summary The Minami Shinshu area is a place where nature and history are in harmony. Hiking and camping in the great Nature are also recommended! There is also a night tour to see the starry sky in Achi Village, which is said to be the best starry sky in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy the Minami Shinshu area, such as enjoying the food culture of Local agricultural products and Local cuisine, the spectacular scenery of the four seasons, and various activities! Visit the Minami Shinshu area, where nature and history are in harmony, and experience its charm. Beautiful nature and culture await you. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Tourist Information for the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture, so thank you!

[View from Omachi Park] Omachi Park is a scenic lookout easily reached in about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from JR Shinano-Omachi station, offering spectacular views. There are benches where you can relax and take in the scenery. The Northern Alps still wear traces of snow that stand out against the blue sky. From the wooded slopes behind you can hear the pleasing song of a Japanese bush warbler.

◆Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road◆ The peach blossoms of Hikokudaira began when fifteen original saplings were purchased from Senaiji in Achi Village in 1997 and planted around a private residence. (The peach blossoms of Senaiji are said to have originated when Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son-in-law of Yukichi Fukuzawa) brought saplings back from Munich, Germany, in 1922.) Moved by the beautiful red, white, and pink blooms, and wishing to match the local landscape, they decided to plant extensively. They planted on privately cultivated land and along roadsides, borrowing village-owned strips beside the roads to plant as well. In 2000 they received a grant under the "Community-Built Regional Development Project," and with the cooperation of neighboring residents for planting and underbrush clearing, now more than about 200 peach trees have been planted. Each year the area has become popular for its scenery surrounded by the beautiful peach blossoms. The name Hikokudaira comes from the trade name of the project initiator, Mr. Masaru Kubota. Manager: Masaru Kubota ●Details for Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road ・Best time to visit Mid April to late April ・Admission fee None ・Parking None ・Toilets Temporary toilets available ・Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Kankouji Suwa!!! Kirigamine Highlands in Suwa city, Nagano Prefecture. Suwa proudly boasts this scenic spot where alpine plants bloom through the seasons. It is also known as Japan’s glider mecca 🛩️ At Kirigamine you’ll find one of the country’s top daylily (nikko-kisuge) colonies. This lily-family flower represents the highland in July, painting the green slopes with orange-leaning yellow blooms 🌼 Every July Kirigamine’s popularity causes traffic jams. In the hot season, enjoy a leisurely, elegant respite in this cool highland.

◆Toyooka Iris Garden◆ The Iris Garden sits on a terrace mid-slope with a high vantage point offering panoramic views of the Central Alps. Around 1938, various flowers were grown as a hobby, but after visiting Lowrys Garden in Aoki Village and seeing the wide range of iris colors, sizes, and shapes there, I became captivated by irises and began buying bulbs. As the number of cultivated varieties exceeded one hundred and space grew tight, the garden was relocated to its current 30-are (3,000 m²) plot of farmland. At the village’s request to open the site to visitors as a tourist garden, I acquired a landscape coordinator qualification in 2002 and opened the iris garden to the public in 2003. Iris cultivation dislikes high heat and humidity, which leads to frequent diseases, and the plants need replanting and soil replacement about once every three years, so maintenance is demanding. Still, we continue to cultivate them in the hope that visitors will find comfort in the sight of the flowers in full bloom. Today the garden features more than 200 iris varieties totaling about 5,000 plants, and over 300 other flower varieties, making it an impressive flower garden in full bloom. Manager: Hideko Tado ● Toyooka Iris Garden Details ・Open season Late April–mid May: Iris Late May–early June: Roses ・Opening hours 8:00–17:00 (open daily during the season) ・Admission 300 yen (high school students and older) ・Parking, restrooms Available ・Other Seedlings available for sale ・Contact Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)

Kamisuwa Onsen stretches along the shores of Lake Suwa, and when you get off the train you can enjoy that very hot spring as a footbath without even exiting the ticket gate. On Track 1 of JR Kamisuwa Station there is a sturdy rock-style ashiyu (footbath). This footbath originated from gender-separated open-air baths built in 1986 as part of the "One Station, One Specialty" campaign, and it took its present form after renovations in 2002. It’s perfect for a brief soak while waiting for a train. In summer it soothes tired, overheated feet, and in winter it warms chilled feet—try soaking in Kamisuwa Onsen’s restorative footbath. While soaking in the Kamisuwa Station footbath, making and eating an onsen tamago (hot-spring egg) is highly recommended! At NewDays Mini Kamisuwa on the station premises you can buy the "Kamisuwa Station Onsen Tamago Set" (raw egg, sauce, spoon, cup) for 100 yen (tax included). Please note that entering the platform requires a platform ticket (150 yen) or a valid train ticket. Simply submerge the egg in the hot spring and, while enjoying the footbath, in about 20 minutes you’ll have a delicious onsen tamago. Footbath hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM NewDays Mini Kamisuwa hours: 6:45 AM–8:30 PM Please enjoy it!

I visited Wada-juku Main Camp! It was almost hot outside, but the interior of the main camp felt cool. There was a quiet, meditative atmosphere that made me want to sit and reflect...

Gyoi-kō (Gyoikō) is a plant in the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family. It is a Japanese-origin cultivated variety of satoyama cherry (satozakura) that originated from the Oshima cherry. The name has been seen since the mid-Edo period and comes from a color close to the light green of aristocratic robes. It is apparently also called “Misogi (purification).” The Gyoi-kō shown in this photo is the one at Akiba Shrine in Shimizu-cho, Suwa City. This shrine features several large zelkova trees and three small shrines at their roots, creating a very otherworldly atmosphere that seems like it could appear in a Ghibli film. Entering Akiba Shrine and going to the left rear, you will find this Gyoi-kō. This cherry blooms about two weeks later than Somei Yoshino and generally flowers around Golden Week. The timing is similar to that of yaezakura (double-flowered cherry). When the flowers first open, the petals are pale green even inside, and as they near the end of blooming faint pink streaks appear toward the center. Although the tree’s vigor has declined compared with the past, the sign says the average tree age is about 20 years. If you look closely, it was planted on May 25, 1975 (Showa 50), so it is 49 years old this year. Amazing, isn’t it! Unlike the famous pink cherries, its pale yellow-green color gives off a lovely hue. Every year I enjoy seeing yaezakura and this Gyoi-kō after the Somei Yoshino finish blooming. Answer! The phrase “light green colored cherry blossom,” which I posted in English on Instagram on January 18 of this year, referred to this Gyoi-kō at Akiba Shrine. Please take a look at the English post as well. Also, as far as I know, there is a green cherry that appears to be Gyoi-kō on the grounds of the former Suwa City Cleaning Center, now a Suwa City facility for recycling pruned branches. Because this is a Suwa City facility, if you go to recycle pruned branches in early spring and have a chance, please take a look. If you miss the Somei Yoshino bloom around April in future years, please consider adding Gyoi-kō to your list of blossoms to see. In particular, if you know of any unusual cherry trees in Suwa City or the six neighboring municipalities, or if you have other local information to share, please leave a comment. I will visit as many as possible! Suwa Tourism Association Instagram → @suwa_nagano Please follow us!

“Hidden Spots of Shinano-Omachi” Photography Workshop — Learn Camera Techniques on Omachi Shopping Street Join a tour to learn camera techniques on Omachi Shopping Street. The event is finally approaching on June 8. We will walk and practice photography at historic locations: Matsubaya Ryokan (Matsubaya Guest House), built in the Taisho era; Takara Shokudo, built in the Meiji era; and Omachi Meitengai, built in the 1960s (Showa 40s). For this shooting tour, we have special permission to enter these buildings, and participants will have the chance to hear from an instructor who knows Omachi inside and out. The instructor is Kiyoshi Kashiwabara, a photo instructor certified by the Japan Association of Photography Instructors, a native of Omachi who shares the charm of Omachi’s landscapes and people through his photography.

Nice to meet you! This is the Omachi City Tourism Association. Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture sits in the northwest of Nagano. Surrounded by Northern Alps peaks over 3,000 meters, lakes and ski resorts, Omachi City offers plenty of nature-based activities. Here are our recommended travel tips from Omachi City! ■■■ What is Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture? ■■■ Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture faces the majestic Northern Alps to the west, including MtKashimayarigatake and MtJiigatake, and draws many climbers as a mountain tourism city. It is also known as the Nagano-side gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Visitors enjoy attractions year-round, from the towering snow corridor called Yuki no Otani in spring to the Kurobe Dam water releases from summer into autumn. ■■■ Tourist spots in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Lake Kizaki Three lakes lie in the north of the city, known collectively as the Nishina Three Lakes. At Lake Kizaki, you can enjoy SUP, canoeing, boating and wakasagi smelt fishing. The water tends to be relatively warm and shallow in places, so swimming in the lake is possible. This is a rare lake where wakasagi fishing can be enjoyed year-round. There are hot spring facilities along the shore, perfect for soothing tired muscles. ◇ Lake Aoki The northernmost of the Nishina Three Lakes, Lake Aoki is the third largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. Water springs from the lakebed, giving the water exceptional clarity, and fireflies appear in early summer. A campground on the shore offers a peaceful place to relax. ◇ Lake Nakatsuna Lake Nakatsuna is a beautiful lake surrounded by quiet woodland. In spring, many photographers come to capture the deep cherry-pink of oyamazakura reflecting on the surface. Anglers also enjoy bream fishing and wakasagi hole fishing, making it a popular fishing spot. ◇ Takase Valley Takase Valley features Takase Dam, the tallest rock-fill dam in Japan, and the remote Kuzu Onsen, famed as a secret hot spring. In autumn it is renowned for colorful fall foliage. Beyond Takase Dam lies the nationally designated natural monument Funto-kyū, a place where you can feel nature’s mystery. ◇ National Treasure Nishina Shinmei Shrine One of only five national treasure shrines in Nagano Prefecture, this shrine dates back to the Heian period and is the oldest example of shinmei-zukuri style architecture in Japan. Traditional rituals such as archaic opening ceremonies and kagura dance during the autumn grand festival have been carefully preserved and are a must-see. ◇ Omachi Alpine Museum / Omachi City Mountain Museum Japan’s first museum devoted to mountains, it showcases the nature and mountaineering history centered on the Northern Alps. From the third floor you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps. The attached zoo and botanical garden let you see species such as the rock ptarmigan and serow. ◇ Omachi Park About a five-minute drive from JR Shinano-Omachi station, Omachi Park sits in front of the Omachi Alpine Museum and offers panoramic views of the Northern Alps. The trailhead for Mt. Takagari, a popular short-mountain trekking course, is nearby. ◇ Nakasayama Kogen Nakasayama Kogen is a highland area with sweeping scenic views and seasonal flowers in bloom. In early autumn, fields of soba blossoms create white carpets, and in late October local soba restaurants serve the new-season buckwheat noodles. ◇ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam and Yuki no Otani Opened in 1971, the approximately 90-kilometer-long Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route links Nagano Prefecture with Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture. From Ōgizawa Station in Omachi City, the Nagano-side starting point, it takes about 16 minutes by electric bus to reach Kurobe Dam. The Kurobe Dam’s spectacular tourist water releases run from June 26 to October 15. The Alpine Route is packed with attractions, from the famous snow corridor Yuki no Otani to the TateyamaRopeway, where you can admire carpets of autumn color. ◇ Hot springs in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Hot spring facilities dot Omachi City, making it easy to relax in an onsen after activities like climbing or skiing. Omachi Onsenkyo, convenient for Kurobe Dam sightseeing, offers a dozen or so ryokan and hotels as well as day-use onsen facilities. ◇ Water tour At the foot of the Northern Alps, Omachi City is a town rich in water. Walking the shopping street that continues from JR Shinano-Omachi station, you’ll find water-drawing spots offering men’s spring water Otokomizu from the Northern Alps and women’s spring water Onnamizu from the satoyama countryside, letting you taste and compare both. ◇ Shoryudo Route The Shoryudo Route is a sightseeing route that imagines the Chubu and Hokuriku regions (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, and Shiga) as a dragon rising to the sky. Omachi City is included in the Shoryudo Route as an access point for the Alpine Route and nearby ski resorts. ■■■ Local specialties of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Soba noodles Omachi City is famous as a producer of delicious soba. Its cool climate and pure water help grow flavorful buckwheat. Local soba restaurants serve hand-cut soba that many visitors come to enjoy. ◇ Kurobe Dam Curry Kurobe Dam Curry is a local specialty of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Designed to resemble Kurobe Dam, with rice as the dam and curry sauce as the water, it is popular for both its striking appearance and great taste. ◇ Local sake Omachi City is also known for excellent local sake. The pure water rising from the Northern Alps produces high-quality brews. At the three breweries Hokuan Daikoku, Usui Shoten (Hakuba Nishiki) and Ichinoya (Kinran Kurobe), you can enjoy uniquely flavored local sake. ■■■ Festivals and events in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Wakaoji Festival The Wakaoji Festival is a traditional Omachi event held every July. One of its attractions is yabusame horseback archery, considered one of Japan’s three major yabusame events, and it also features a rare children’s yabusame performance. ■■■ Tourist information for Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, invites you to experience the beauty of nature. Every visit brings new discoveries and moving moments—enjoy a wonderful trip in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Cool Japan Video will continue to share more recommended information we couldn’t cover this time. Look forward to it!

The Azumino City Tourism Association, a public interest incorporated association, shares the present charm of Azumino, a garden city spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps. Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture sits near the center of Nagano, nestled between Matsumoto to the south and Hakubamura to the north. Home to Japan’s largest wasabi fields and blessed with clear water and air, Azumino promotes its appeal through Cool Japan videos. [What is Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture?] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a city surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps and blessed with beautiful nature. Its population is about 92,000 (April 2024), and it is a place where history and culture live alongside a rich natural environment. The city’s seasonal scenery enchants visitors, especially cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. Since around the Meiji era, wasabi cultivation has flourished here. That tradition continues today, and Azumino is known as one of Japan’s leading wasabi-producing regions. [Notable sightseeing spots in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Daio Wasabi Farm Daio Wasabi Farm is one of Azumino’s signature tourist attractions. Spanning an area equivalent to more than ten Tokyo Domes, it is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, and its picturesque waterways are spectacular. Visitors can tour the wasabi fields and enjoy a variety of wasabi-based gourmet offerings. ・Hotaka Shrine Hotaka Shrine is said to be a power spot in Azumino. Historically worshipped as a guardian of the Japanese Alps, it is widely revered for traffic safety and industrial safety. ・National Alps Azumino Park (Horikane Hotaka area) This park is one of six national parks in the Kanto Koshinetsu region. It is a vast natural park popular with families and couples. The park features seasonal flower beds, playground equipment for children, barbecue areas, and day-camping zones. ・Azumino Chihiro Art Museum The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum exhibits the works of picture book artist Chihiro Iwasaki. Set in a quiet environment surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers a warm and comforting picture-book world. It is a soothing destination for families and art lovers. ・Roadside Station Alps Azumino Horigane no Sato Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, this roadside station offers a wide selection of fresh, safe, and carefully made farm products. Local Azumino souvenirs focused on fresh vegetables and fruits are recommended. ・Outdoor activities To fully enjoy Azumino, try activities such as clear stream boat rides, rafting, and clear-bottom boats. There are mountain-biking courses where you can ride while gazing up at the Northern Alps. Other options include horseback riding and F1, offering a variety of ways to have fun. ・Hands-on and indoor experiences A rich variety of hands-on programs is available, including soba noodle making, glassblowing, glass stamp making, pottery, and traditional chopstick crafting. Choose according to your interests and give them a try. ・Northern Alps mountaineering The Northern Alps comprise some of Japan’s premier mountain ranges, with peaks around 3,000 meters. Azumino City, located at the foothills of the Northern Alps, also serves as a recommended base for alpine climbing. It is known as a gateway to popular peaks featured among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains such as MtJonen, Mt. Tsubakuro, MtYarigatake, and as a viewing point for the Hotaka Mountain Range from Mount Chō. [Specialties of Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Wasabi Azumino City is renowned as one of Japan’s top wasabi-producing areas. Clear water and a cool climate suit wasabi cultivation, and its quality is highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Enjoy wasabi-based dishes and processed products when you visit. ・Rainbow trout Rainbow trout farmed in Azumino’s pristine waters is another local specialty. In recent years, “Shinshu Salmon,” bred from rainbow trout and brown trout, has become popular. [Festivals and events in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Ofune Festival The Ofune Festival, held every September, is a traditional event centered at Hotaka Shrine. Boat-shaped floats parade through the town as locals unite to enliven the festival. [Azumino City sightseeing recap] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a region full of charm, surrounded by beautiful nature and rich history. Please visit Azumino City and experience its attractions for yourself. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information and the latest updates so that Azumino can become a memorable page in your travel diary.

Heart-shaped Teppei Stone East of Kamisuwa Station toward the Kirigamine side stands Arc Suwa. In front of it, a sidewalk paved with Suwa’s specialty, teppei stone, contains a small heart-shaped piece of teppei stone. Four of those heart-shaped teppei stones are also arranged together to form a four-leaf clover. In Japan, the four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck, so look out for it🍀 Nearby you can also find a manhole cover depicting the Suwa Lake fireworks and Suwa’s floating castle, Takashima Castle. Try to find that one too! Teppei stone (teppeiseki) is a pyroxene andesite with well-developed tabular jointing that is widely distributed in the Suwa and Saku regions of Nagano Prefecture. It splits easily into plates, and teppei stone peeled into slabs about 2–3 cm thick is widely used as interior and exterior building stone.

Katakura-kan, nationally designated Important Cultural Property This day-use bathing facility lies about a seven-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. One of Suwa’s most famous baths, it served as a filming location for the movie Thermae Romae II. The deep 1.1 m bath called the “Sen-nin-buro” (Thousand-Person Bath) is meant for standing while you soak, which often surprises visitors. Smooth river pebbles cover the floor of the large bath, pleasantly stimulating the soles of your feet. It’s an ideal bath for tired bodies and is refreshing even in the height of summer—recommended for visitors to Kamisuwa Onsen♨ Day-use bathing is available here, so please enjoy the historic architecture along with the bath! Search keywords → Katakura-kan Sen-nin-buro