Beginner-friendly! Hike Mt. Kuradake from the 9th station Mt. Kuradake sits in Kyokushi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its appeal is that you can drive up to the 9th station and reach the summit in about a 30-minute walk, making it an easy outing. The mountain takes its name from the saddle-like shape you see from the foothills. There are several routes to suit different abilities, including the Forest Course, the Panorama Course, and the East Trailhead Course (9th station). Hikers from beginners to advanced enjoy this mountain. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama. You can take in sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso, the Kuju Mountains in Oita, and Unzen in Nagasaki. Wildflowers bloom along the way, offering seasonal variety. Signposts and markers make the route relatively easy to follow. Relax at the summit with a packed lunch or a cup of coffee. It’s also a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kuratake...

I climbed Yatsugatake's main peak, MtAkadake (2,899 m), via Kenkai Ridge while also inspecting the trail. It was my first time on Kenkai Ridge at this season. From around Daitengu, the path turned snowy and shaded sections were icy and very slippery. I put on chain spikes for the descent. The weather was perfect, but strong west winds made the summit cold. It already felt like winter up there, and the mountain hut is closed at this time of year. Hikers should take care. Climbing Kenkai Ridge in the deep winter is extremely dangerous; there have been recent fatal accidents. If you plan to climb, do so in the snow-free season.

Trail to the summit of Mount Nagamine The satoyama hills of Azumino are at the height of their autumn colors now!! Just behind Eboshimine, which sits between Mount Kojo and Mount Nagamine

On October 25, 202, Okusuzuhana Nature Garden in Kinasa, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture A valley stretched from the far end of the park toward Myoko and Kurohime. The entire forest was painted in autumn colors and it was breathtaking. I enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage again this year. This place is a hidden gem!

Panoramic view from the summit of Mount Nagamine The chilly Azumino valley lies under a sea of clouds, with the Northern Alps towering beyond You can only see a scene like this on an Azumino morning!

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

[Torii Pass - toriitoge-] Overview A roughly 6 km mountain trail linking Narai inn on the Kiso Kaido with Yabuhara inn. In the Edo period it was famous as one of the Nakasendo’s toughest stretches, a place that made straw-sandalled travelers limp with pain. Today it is a popular, atmospheric trekking route. Hikers from Japan and abroad walk this pass in large numbers. From the summit you can look west to Mitakesan and east to Kiso Komagatake. Along the old road you will find numerous haiku and waka monuments and stone Buddhas, including those honoring Matsuo Bashō. The pass saw battles between the Kiso clan and the Takeda clan in the Sengoku era, and in the late Edo period Princess Kazunomiya passed through here on her marriage procession. Free loan of hinoki conical hats and bear bells! This service lets walkers experience the look of Edo-period travelers, especially those walking between Yabuhara and Narai on the Nakasendo. The traditional original hinoki (cypress) hats, hand-painted with kanji, make perfect travel companions and evoke the spirit of Edo travelers. They’re great for the experience and for photo opportunities. What is a hinoki hat? A hinoki hat is one of Kiso region’s traditional crafts. It remains popular with locals and visitors as a practical fashion item and as a sunshade that traces its roots to the Edo period. How to try them You can try them at the tourist information centers listed below. We refund the full deposit when you return the items. ⚠ The deposit will not be refunded if the item is lost or damaged. (Items may be wet without issue.) Loan locations: ① Narai-juku Tourist Information Center ② Yabuhara-juku Nigiwai Hiroba Enkan ③ Kiso Village Tourist Information Center Addresses: ① 497-3 Narai, Shiojiri City ② 1019-1 Yabuhara, Kiso village ③ Lot 196, Yabuhara, Kiso village TEL: ① 0264-34-3160 ② 0264-36-3020 ③ 0264-36-2543 Opening hours: ① 9:00–17:00 ② 8:30–17:00 ③ 9:00–17:00 Closed: ① During the New Year holidays ② Every Tuesday ③ Every Monday Refundable deposit: 2,000 yen per item Payment method: Cash only

Gohbara-juku (Gohbara-juku) Location: Gohbara, Hirooka, Shiojiri City Gohbara-juku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it branched from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokuriku side route) to connect Nakasendo’s Seba-juku with the Hokkokukaido. Rather than an existing settlement becoming the post town, Gohbara’s original village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in the Ueno land division. When the post station was laid out, the settlement was moved around Genna 5 (circa 1619) to its present site together with the Kataishi hamlet, which had been on the west bank, to create the new post town. Highlights of Gohbara-juku Houses were laid out with wide frontages of five to six ken, featuring main gabled roofs with the short side facing the street and sparrow deterrents on the ridges. Each house has a forecourt with planted trees, creating an attractive streetscape, and shop names are displayed at every residence. Sōetsu Yanagi, called the father of the mingei (folk craft) movement, praised Gohbara-juku in his essays, saying the entire post town was “a single splendid work of art.” On the north side of the post town stands Gofuku-ji, which served as a resting place for Emperor Meiji during his imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). Read more about the Nakasendo and the five post towns in the city here↓

Motoyama-juku (Motoyama-juku) Location: Shiojiri City, Soga Honzan Motoyama prospered as the gateway to Kiso Road and the exit from the Matsumoto Plain. Two-story houses with latticework fronts line the streets, preserving a strong sense of the past. The town is also introduced as the birthplace of sobakiri (cut buckwheat noodles). In Keicho 19 (1614), Shiojiri, Seba, and Motoyama were designated as new post towns on the Nakasendo. Unlike Shiojiri and Seba, which were formed by relocating people from neighboring villages, Motoyama developed from a medieval settlement. It was the 32nd station counting from Edo, situated 30 cho from Seba Post Town and 2 ri from Niegawa Inn (Niegawa-juku). The post town divided into Kamimachi to the south and Shimomachi to the north, with the honjin, wakimotonjin, and dispatch office at its center. South of the town stood Hachiman Shrine, Choukyuuji, and Joukouji; to the north was Suwa Shrine, and across the Narai River lay Ikeo Shrine, though some temples were later abandoned. Because Motoyama bordered the Owari Domain in Kiso, a checkpoint was located south of the town to inspect women and timber. In Tenpo 14 (1843) the town had 117 households and 34 inns. Compared with Seba Post Town’s three-ken frontage, many houses in Motoyama had four- to five-ken facades. The town suffered several great fires, but surviving buildings date from the late Edo to Meiji periods. Facing the street, they feature hirairi degekata construction and second-floor rooms with senbon-koshi lattices, retaining much of the post town atmosphere. Notably, three residences built around the Meiji era—the Akiyama Family (Wakamatsuya), the Tanaka Family (Ikeda family), and the Kobayashi Family (Kawaguchi Family)—are registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. The honjin, Kobayashi residence, hosted Princess Kazunomiya, daughter of Emperor Ninkō, when she married Tokugawa Iemochi in Bunkyū 1 (1861), and it later accommodated the Meiji Emperor during his tour in Meiji 13. Each house still carries its traditional shop name, offering a glimpse into the past. The town’s specialty is soba. A note by Unrin in Hōei 3 (1706) in the miscellany Fūzoku Bunsen records Motoyama as the birthplace of sobakiri. Historic sites include the Motoyama Castle Ruins on a small hill behind the town, said to have been guarded by the Motoyama Minbu branch of the Kiso clan; Ike no Gongen (Ikeo Shrine), known for votive plaques for rain rituals, sericulture, and eye disease cures, whose shrine grove is a Shiojiri City natural monument; and the Shitamachi Stone Figure Group, featuring Dosojin, Koshin stone monuments, and inscribed tablets. For articles on the Nakasendo and the city’s five post towns, click here↓

*The photo was taken during a spring mountain-climbing event.* [Now Accepting Participants] The 20th Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb will be held! This mountain-climbing event takes you to Tenjiku, one of Reihoku’s landmarks and the highest peak on Amakusa Shimoshima. The 20th “Tenjiku Saiyuki Mountain Climb” will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025⛰. The roughly 11 km round trip offers panoramic views from the summit and refreshing forest bathing, and a local product sale will also be held, so please sign up for an autumn outing. Participants can also earn 20 Kumamoto Health Points✨ Register via the QR code or from the News section of our website! ▶ Schedule: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 9:30–14:00 09:30 Departure ceremony 10:10 Start 14:30 Goal (estimated) ▶ Meeting place: Amakusa Koba-no-Mori Nature School (former Koba Elementary School), 6118-2 Tororo, Reihoku ▶ Parking: Please use the Koba-no-Mori Nature School parking area (around the lodging building). ▶ Course: Approximately 11 km round trip ▶ Eligibility: People who are healthy on the day and can follow the event rules. Children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. ▶ What to bring: Drinks, trash bags, towel, change of clothes, etc. ▶ Fee: Adults (high school students and older) ¥1,500; elementary and junior high students ¥500; preschool children free Fees will be collected at registration on the day. Please bring exact change if possible. ▶ Other: Rice ball bento (¥500) will be prepared for those who need it. If you would like one, please fill in the field at the end of the application form. This event accepts pre-registration only; there will be no on-site registration. Please provide information for every participant. The event may be canceled due to weather. In that case we will notify the email address you provided (if multiple people register together, we will contact the representative’s email address). Application deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 5:00 PM

The Nakasendo and Five Post Towns within Shiojiri City Along the Nakasendo, there were 69 post towns stretching from Nihombashi in Edo to Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. Although the Shiojiri area had more hills and slopes than the Tokaido, travelers could keep to their planned schedules because prolonged delays caused by river closures were rare. Within Shiojiri, the Nakasendo included five post towns: Shiojiri-juku, Seba-juku, Motoyama-juku, Niekawa-juku, and Narai-juku. 1. Shiojiri-juku (the 30th station from Nihombashi) Shiojiri-juku stood on the border between the Matsumoto and Suwa domains. A checkpoint called the kuchidome-bansho, which inspected rice and prohibited goods, was established there. Honjin and waki-honjin served officials on sankin-kotai, and by the late shogunate period the number of inns ranked second on the Nakasendo and first in Shinano. 2. Seba-juku (the 31st station from Nihombashi) Seba-juku lies at the fork between the Nakasendo and the Zenkoji Kaido. It hosted one of the Nakasendo’s three kanmearisho, offices that measured grain. A great fire in the early Showa era destroyed much of the post town’s appearance, but a stone lantern marking the old fork remains. 3. Motoyama-juku (the 32nd station from Nihombashi) Said to be the birthplace of soba-kiri noodles, Motoyama-juku prospered as the gateway to Kiso and the exit of the Matsumoto Basin. Its honjin accommodated Princess Kazunomiya when she married Tokugawa Iemochi, and later served as lodgings during Emperor Meiji’s imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). 4. Niekawa-juku (the 33rd station from Nihombashi) Niekawa-juku marks the entrance to the eleven post towns of the Kiso Road. Niekawa Sekisho checkpoint guarded this key transport chokepoint on the Nakasendo, and the town developed through lodging services and long-distance trade. 5. Narai-juku (the 34th station from Nihombashi) Famed as “Narai Senken” with a thousand bustling shops in its heyday, Narai-juku still preserves much of its historical atmosphere and today draws many visitors as a popular tourist destination.

Yashagaike sits on the border between Minami-Echizen, Fukui Prefecture and Ibigawa, Gifu Prefecture. From a little higher up, doesn’t it look like some kind of shape? 💕 The view of Yashagaike from a short climb above the pond gives you a slightly special feeling. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/...

Hello, this is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom 🍷 Now that it is mid-October, trees in sunny spots and places that cool off in the mornings and evenings are starting to change color. The unstable weather makes the progress of autumn foliage a little worrisome, but the feel of fall is certainly drawing near. And this season’s new wine has come out delicious as well! Please enjoy the fresh flavors crafted with great care. Mornings and evenings are getting chilly. When you visit, please dress warmly. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you ✨

Japan view of Mt. Yarigatake from Okuho Takadake, the world-famous Northern Alps. The sun was rising, and the pitch-black world was illuminated with red. We climbed to the top of the mountain in the middle of the night and waited patiently in the freezing temperature of 1 degree Celsius. It was worth waiting while shivering in the cold, and we were able to welcome the best sunrise.

The ridgeline of the Northern Alps as seen from Azumino Sky Path — 'Panorama Ginza' Traverse Hike the ridgeline from Mt. Tsubakuro to Mt. Ōtenjō, enjoying views of Mt. Yari!

A paragliding launch platform at the summit of Mt. Nagamine This is Azumino’s only panoramic terrace You can clearly see the terrain of Azumino!!

Early morning view from Mt. Nagamine The Northern Alps are bright and clear again today

🍁Autumn Leaves in Teshikaga🍁 The peak season for autumn colors in Teshikaga generally runs from early October through late October. It is the most comfortable time of year, with relatively stable weather. It’s also perfect for outdoor activities, so come and visit Teshikaga!! 📸🍁🚣🗔️🤩 https://www.masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mountain-climbing-teshikaga-2/...

This is one of the photos when I went to Kamikochi. Maintenance, fascinated by the unspoiled nature on the other side of the road, I pressed the shutter. I deliberately took a dark shot so that I could convey a quiet space.

Jonen Peak, the symbol of Azumino Its pyramid-like silhouette stands out clearly from the village Today, many climbers set their sights on this summit! To savor Jonen Peak fully, stay at Jonen Hut — it’s the best choice!! From the hut’s terrace, enjoy the blissful view of the Hotaka range, including Mt. Yari Find information about Jonen Hut here https://www.mt-jonen.com//

11th Akaezomatsu Summit 🌲 Starting tomorrow and continuing for two days (September 6–7), the Akaezomatsu Summit will take place at Kawayu Onsen ✨ Day one will be held at Kawayu Furusato-kan, and day two at Kawayu Visitor Center, where participants will dive into the theme “Forest × Food.” At CAFE SOFTWOOD on the second floor of Kawayu Visitor Center, we will offer Akaezomatsu herbal tea (limited quantity, ¥690)! You can enjoy a special Akaezomatsu herbal tea that you don’t usually get the chance to taste ☕️✨ Talk, learn, inhale the scent, and savor… Come experience the deep charm of Akaezomatsu 🌲 ❣️

Snapped at sunrise on August 18, 2023, this photo captures me on Mt. Fuji’s crater, glowing in the morning light. I’ve hiked many of Japan’s famous hundred mountains, but Fuji’s sunrise hits different—sacred, breathtaking, and utterly unforgettable.

There are many scenic spots on the way up to Yashagaike. As you climb, enjoy the sound of the river and the birdsong!

Yashagaike shows different faces depending on the season. The deep greens of spring and summer are lovely, but how about the fiery autumn foliage? From the trailhead on the Fukui Prefecture side, it takes about two hours to reach Yashagaike. Try climbing at various times of the year!

Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Vehicles are prohibited from passing through from 10:00 to 16:00 🚗⚠ Recently, the number of cars entering the post town during the restricted hours has been increasing. This restriction is in place to protect pedestrians and the historic streetscape, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please park in the No.2 parking lot or the central parking lot along National Route 256. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Product Sales Notice📢 It has been two months since we moved into the Tokutoku Community Center. We are always grateful for your support and the lively atmosphere you bring. We are pleased to offer for sale at the counter both “Shizuku, Meguru,” a product popular in hometown tax donations, and a mountain map focusing solely on Mt. Tomuraushi. "Shizuku, Meguru" This natural mineral water comes from Shintoku, a water-source town surrounded by the Hidaka Range and the Daisetsuzan mountain system. It is exceptionally pure and of the highest quality. ◼︎Nutritional information (per 100 ml) Energy 0 kcal Protein 0 g Fat 0 g Carbohydrate 0 g Sodium 0.69 mg (Equivalent salt 0 g) Calcium 0.64 mg Magnesium 0.1 mg Potassium 0.1 mg Hardness: 1.70 mg/L (soft water) pH 8.7 It pairs well not only with coffee and black tea but also with cold-brewed tea. We offer chilled, cold (partially frozen/slushy if desired), and room-temperature bottles💁‍♀️ If you like it, you can also purchase it through the hometown tax program, so please give it a try. 1 bottle ¥100 "Mt. Tomuraushi Climbing Map" Mt. Tomuraushi rises to 2,141 m on the border between Omote Daisetsu and Higashi Daisetsu and is known as the "hidden inner retreat of the Daisetsu Mountains." This map focuses on access from Shintoku and includes local information such as lodging, guides, and places to buy portable toilets. It is only available for purchase within the town. Please use it as a memento of your trip or for planning your climb. 1 map ¥300 We look forward to your visit💁‍♀️ #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku #shintoku #naturalmineralwater #ShizukuMeguru #water #mountainmap #MtTomuraushi #OmoteDaisetsu #HigashiDaisetsu #HidakaRange #Daisetsuzan #ShintokuTourismAssociation #ShintokuStation #TokutokuStation #tuktuk #tokutoku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Event and Call for Participants📣 On Saturday, September 20th, we will hold the “Mt. Memuro Climb” to celebrate the first anniversary of the designation of the Hidaka Mountain Range, Erimo, and Tokachi as a national park 😊 This climb takes place on Mt. Memuro, which spans Shimizu and Hidaka towns🎵🎵 Why not take this opportunity to challenge one of Hokkaido’s 100 Famous Mountains, Mt. Memuro⛰ Enjoy nature, relieve daily fatigue, and refresh both body and mind!! We look forward to your participation 🤗 📌Schedule 6:00 Gather at Shimizu Town Hall Mikage Branch (transfer to the trailhead by microbus) 7:30 Planned start of climb 📍Who can join: Physically fit hikers (if we judge that a participant cannot reach checkpoints in time, they may be asked to stop partway) 📍Capacity: 30 people (lottery if applications exceed capacity) 📍Attire: Standard hiking gear (including rainwear) 📌How to apply: By Tuesday, August 26, 2025, please call the contact below and submit the application form. 📍Contact Mt. Memuro Climb Executive Committee Office (Shimizu Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) Phone: 0156-62-1156 https://www.town.shimizu.hokkaido.jp/section/08/details/post_72.html...

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟 From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪 Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨ About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡 From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊 The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨ At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍 The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰 It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

A mysterious, legendary pond lies tucked in the mountains, reached by a trekking course rich in nature. Sitting at about 1,100 meters above sea level, the pond is remarkably clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage both shine here, offering a different face each season. The hiking path is well maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer sweeping views of the Echizen mountain range. https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/...

Hello. I'm Minamoto ☺️ The hot days continue, but Shosenkyo Gorge feels cool with its abundant greenery. It's a great season to soothe yourself with forest bathing while listening to birdsong and enjoying the green 🌳🍃. As the babble of the mountain stream and the powerful rush of Senga Falls fill the air, walk the well-maintained path that threads between the rocks and feel the strength and gentleness of nature all around you. Enjoy the thrill of passing beneath a large overhanging rock face and the beauty of the greenery reflected on the water ✨ The entire Shosenkyo area is a power spot that cleanses the mind and body ♪ After your walk, please enjoy shopping and dining in the Takiue Area, the Crystal Road. 😊 All our staff look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.