[Announcement] Taking place in 2023! Introducing the "Zenkoji Gokaicho"✨ "Zenkoji Front Deity Gokaicho" 【Event Period】From April 4, 2023 (Sunday) to June 19, 2023 (Saturday) *This is a special opportunity that occurs once every seven years in the traditional calendar. ✨It tends to get crowded after Golden Week, so April, when it is relatively less busy, is recommended.✨ 【What is Zenkoji Gokaicho】 The main deity of Zenkoji cannot be viewed directly (it is a secret Buddha). The "Gokaicho" is the event where the front deity, which has the same appearance as the main deity, is publicly displayed once every seven years. 【What is the Eko Pillar】 The golden thread tied to the right hand of the central Amida Buddha of the front deity is tied to the Eko Pillar. Touching this pillar connects you to the front deity, and it is said to bring merit. 【Main Event Schedule】*2023 March 28 (Sunday) "Eko Pillar Acceptance Ceremony" April 3 (Saturday) "Front Deity Transfer Ceremony" April 4 (Sunday) "Opening Grand Ceremony" April 24 (Saturday) "Midway Garden Ritual (Tendai Sect)" May 8 (Saturday) "Midway Garden Ritual (Pure Land Sect)" May 16 (Sunday) "Shinonoi Great Lion Offering" June 19 (Saturday) "Conclusion Grand Ceremony" June 20 (Sunday) "Front Deity Return Ceremony" #Zenkoji #Zenkoji Gokaicho #Event #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

The rice planting season is in full swing in Azumino. You can encounter the beautiful scenery of water mirrors reflecting the Northern Alps throughout the town. By the time autumn arrives, delicious rice will be waiting for you.😄 The Azumino Tourism Association is currently recruiting "rice paddy owners." Why not spend some time in Azumino growing your own rice with water from the Northern Alps?😆

On May 7th, the weather forecast suggests a summer-like day in Azumino. The air is clear, and you can see the Northern Alps in full view in the morning. The scenery of Azumino reflected in the water mirror is simply mesmerizing! 😆

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】Announcement for May📣 Hello everyone! Here’s the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" taking place in May♪ 👀Highlights of this Sunset Marche👀 ❣The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes, with the popular "Ninoya" selling their famous "Ikinari Dango" as well! We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Items for Sale】 ・Asparagus ・Rice🌾 ・Side Dishes ・Cabbage ・Chiffon Cake ・Potatoes ・Zucchini ・Broad Beans ・Onions🧅 (bulk purchase of irregular items) ・Dekopon ・Bankan (Kiyomi, Amakusa) 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】May 10th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

The vibrant red sunset in Azumino signals the end of Golden Week. Many visitors enjoyed their time in Azumino. 😊 We look forward to welcoming you back in a different season! 😆

It is the season when fresh greenery is dazzling.

In the Misato District of Azumino, the white flowers of the apple orchards are blooming. 😃 According to the farmers, they bloomed about ten days earlier than usual this year. Although they should be at their peak during the Golden Week, the thinning process has already begun, so there are fewer flowers. However, delicious apples 🍎 will be ready in the fall! 😆

Karasugawa Keikoku Ryokuchi Prefectural Park (waterfront area) is also enveloped in fresh greenery! The Karasukawa flows from the surface of Mt. Jonen and Mt. Chogatake in the Northern Alps. In the valley, where the snowmelt water gathers and flows, birds come and go. It's perfect for birdwatching! 😆

The "Kane no Naruoka (Bell Hill) Community Center" is surrounded by fresh greenery. It is one of the settings for the NHK radio drama "Kane no Naruoka" that has been broadcast since 1947. Located along the foothills, it offers a very quiet atmosphere. The adjacent park features wisteria trellises and peonies, which are just beginning to bloom. 😄

I walked along the abandoned railway track in Akashina District, Azumino City. The cloudy sky and fresh greenery create a nostalgic atmosphere.😊 At the nearby Ushio Shinmei Shrine, preparations for the "Shibafune" are underway. The grand festival will be held on May 4th and 5th.

Enjoy the great nature of Togakushi and Iizuna! Special feature on highland drives✨ 〈Don't forget to tap the "save mark" if you want to look back later!〉 ① Togakushi Shrine Okusha This is the shrine located at the innermost part of Togakushi Shrine. The cedar tree path, which is over 400 years old and located halfway along the 2 km approach, is famous for its enchanting scenery, making it a popular spot for many visitors from both Japan and abroad in recent years. It is said to have divine virtues for good fortune, fulfilling wishes, abundant harvests, and sports victories. 【Time Required】<To Okusha> About 40 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance <To Suijinmon> About 20 minutes on foot from the Okusha entrance. *It is recommended to take photos near Suijinmon. 【Parking】About 100 cars (large buses allowed) near the entrance (paid) ② Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi Kagamiike Pond in Togakushi is famous for its autumn leaves, but the greenery is stunning in this season! Nearby, there is a café known for its delicious galettes made from buckwheat flour! 【Parking】50 cars *During the autumn foliage season, traffic restrictions may apply (please check the Togakushi Tourism Association's website for information). ③ Togakushi Campground A refreshing campground surrounded by white birch forests, adjacent to Togakushi Farm. It is ideal for outdoor schools and family camping in the great outdoors. With over 350 auto camping sites (free sites), it is one of the largest in Japan! Facilities include cooking areas, outdoor stoves, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. You can also enjoy river play in the river flowing through the site. 【Business Hours】April 25, 2026 - November 4 (planned) From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (for day camp use) 【Reservations】Available by phone or on the official website 【Closed】Winter break 【Parking】Available (free) ④ Togakushi Soba Togakushi soba, one of Japan's three great soba, has been passed down as a portable food for ascetic monks, and its flavor stands out due to the refreshing climate and environment! There are many soba shops in Togakushi, so be sure to stop by. ⑤ Nagano Forest Village About 30 minutes by car from Nagano City. Surrounded by rich nature, you can enjoy a moment away from daily life at "Nagano Forest Village." Inside the facility, "Mori no Eki Daizahoushi" features a market with local vegetables and specialties, a café restaurant using plenty of local ingredients sold at the market, and an indoor activity area equipped with tree houses and ample monitoring space. 【Business Hours】 Indoor activities, market 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Café restaurant 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (LO 8:00 PM) 【Parking】180 cars (free) *For details, please check the official website and social media. ⑥ Forest Adventure Nagano The four zip slides over 150 meters long that glide above Ozahōshi Pond provide an exhilarating experience! Group training for companies and use by local schools and organizations are also possible. 【Business Hours】9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (varies by season) 【Parking】180 cars (free) #Togakushi #Iizuna Highland #Drive #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

On April 25th, while strolling through the bicycle park, the pink phlox subulata was beautiful.

【Announcement】Taramaru Square 2026 will be held♪ From May 2nd (Saturday) to May 6th (Wednesday) at the Michi-no-Eki-mae Event Plaza "Taramaru Square 2026" will take place!! ☆About the Vendors ○Little Kingdom Tapioca drinks, churros, shaved ice, and alcohol ○Uosansakaba ○RmiRmi Ground meat curry, Hideko's Sanpei soup, beef tongue skewers, grilled chicken ○Shiokaze Restaurant by Raiden Resort & Spa Cocktail mojitos, champagne Hot chocolate, coffee (hot and iced) Coffee will be hand-dripped ○8"achi (debut) Various grilled chicken, tonjiru (pork soup), cotton candy, fried mochi frank, QQ balls ○Shunsai Salt ramen, okonomiyaki, pizza, various alcohol Handmade crafts ○Xingfu Korean fried chicken, long potatoes, fried takoyaki ○Honma Seika Taramaru-yaki, yakisoba, french fries, various wagashi (Japanese sweets) ○Kisui (debut) Various takoyaki (green onion, cheese, plum salt kelp, mentaiko) *The items for sale may change We look forward to seeing everyone♪

Azumino: A Floral Trio "Nemophila Edition" The nemophila fields in National Alps Azumino Park, located in Horikane and Hotaka District, are at their peak blooming 😄 With 32,000 nemophila plants ♫ They have appeared in the Den'en Bunka Zōn at Hotaka-guchi 😆 A beautiful blue carpet is spreading out!❗️

Azumino: A Floral Trio 'Canola Flower Edition' The canola flower fields in the Horigane and Hotaka areas of National Alps Azumino Park are in full bloom! 😄 Five million canola flowers are spreading across the fields! ♪ A yellow carpet stretches as far as the eye can see! 😆

The scenery of Azumino, with its beautiful fresh greenery.

The fresh green sprouts have begun to emerge in Azumino. The clear water flows from wasabi fields and trout farms that utilize spring water.

This is the illumination of the Neodani Usuzumi Zakura located in Gifu Prefecture. I felt the strength of this ancient tree, said to be over 1,500 years old.

【Announcement】Night Sakura Illumination 2026🌸 This is an announcement from the Iwanai Tourism Association📢 Starting from April 20 (Monday)🌸 ・Event period: April 20 (Monday) to May 9 (Saturday) *Dates may change depending on the cherry blossom conditions ・Illumination hours: 18:00 to 21:00 ・Illumination area From Iwanai Town Hall to the stairs of Iwanai Shrine ・Parking Please use the parking lot in front of Iwanai Town Hall ⚠️Please refrain from street parking⚠️ ・Requests and precautions🙇🏻‍♀️ Please do not touch the lighting equipment. Please avoid looking directly at the lights. This year, the illumination area will be expanded from the side of the town hall to the vicinity of Gonsuien, and lanterns will also be lit at the bottom of the shrine stairs🏮 *The installation period for the lanterns may differ from the illumination period. Please enjoy the enchanting night sakura in Iwanai Town this spring♪ We look forward to your visit🌸 Contact information⇩ 0135-63-1155 Iwanai Tourism Association Office

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Introducing the spring staple event "Zenkoji Flower Corridor"✨ "Zenkoji Flower Corridor Overview" 【Event Period】May 3rd (Sunday, National Holiday) to May 5th (Tuesday, National Holiday) Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pedestrian Paradise) <Venue> Zenkoji Omotesando, Nagano Omotesando Central Square, TOiGO Plaza, etc. "Implemented Events" 【Tapestry Garden】 Using around 10,000 flower pots of petunias, marigolds, and coleus, geometric patterns will be created on the streets. Students from the Sarashina Agricultural High School in Nagano City are responsible for the design and production. <Venue> Nagano Ginza (in front of TOiGO) 【Floating Flower Canvas】 Water will be filled in pots and basins, with colorful flowers floating to create ground art known as "Floating Flower Canvas." This year, some pots will include petunias to decorate the Omotesando. <Venue> Nishigocho (in front of Nagano Omotesando Central Square) 【Flower Garden】 The garden creations by horticulturists are truly impressive. <Venue> In front of Hachijuni Nagano Bank Daimoncho Branch, in front of Hotel JAL City Nagano 【Flower Contest】 A contest popular among gardening enthusiasts featuring hanging baskets and container plants (standard). <Venue> Nagano Omotesando Building Pocket Park 【Flower Marche and Flower Corridor Market】 Booths will sell craft items themed around "flowers" and local specialties. Additionally, gourmet foods certified as "100-Year Foods" by the Cultural Affairs Agency, including "Nagano City's flour products," will gather in one place. <Venue> Tōzai Ushiromachi and Nagano Omotesando Central Square #Zenkoji Flower Corridor #Flower #Event #Nagano City #Nagano Tourism

[Activity Report] We held a rice planting monitoring tour at the Sky Terraced Rice Fields in Reihoku on April 19th.🧑‍🌾 Hello everyone, this is the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association. On Sunday, April 19th, we conducted the "Reihoku Sky Terraced Rice Fields Rice Planting Monitoring Tour." Although it was a light rain on the day, working in the fog-shrouded, magical rice terraces provided a deep and tranquil experience, different from sunny days. ■Experience the abundant "daily life of farmers" During this tour, participants not only planted rice but also harvested fresh asparagus and experienced shiitake mushroom inoculation. 🌾Rice Planting: Enjoying the feel of the cold mud, step by step. Planting seedlings in the fog allowed for a pleasant concentration. Asparagus Harvest: Picking the fresh asparagus on-site. The joy of harvesting blew away the fatigue of work. 🍄‍🟫Shiitake Inoculation: The sound of tapping on the wood echoed in the rainy rice terraces. We also experienced this long-lasting job while thinking about the harvest. ■Lunch time accompanied by the "sound of rain" We enjoyed our lunch under the roof, with the sound of rain as our background music. We will take the feedback from this monitoring tour to gradually implement various experience menus. Thank you very much to everyone who participated, especially in the rain!

April 14th This morning, Azumino is beautifully clear According to the forecast, the weather seems to deteriorate in the evening, so if you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms, today is the day Have fun in the countryside of Azumino!!

On April 13th the cherry blossom trees along the Hotaka River, where the early spring song monument is located, have started to shed their petals... You can enjoy the picturesque scenery of Azumino, featuring cherry blossoms, wasabi fields, and the Northern Alps.

Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, opens on April 1st, showcasing vibrant fresh greenery. A beautiful natural landscape of streams and forests. With deep greens and clear flowing waters, it offers healing to visitors and represents a prominent tourist spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. This place allows you to feel the mysteries of nature throughout the four seasons. The average water temperature is 13 degrees year-round. In spring, enjoy fresh greenery; in summer, a cool retreat; and in autumn, the beautiful foliage. It has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Forest Bathing Areas, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls, among others. Covered with natural broadleaf trees, you can enjoy seasonal wildflowers. Breathtaking views of waterfalls, cobalt blue streams, and primeval forests await. The fresh greenery in spring is stunning, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The walking paths are well-maintained, allowing you to feel the clear streams up close. There is also a glass-enclosed rest area where you can enjoy the view from the terrace, and light snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase. As of April 1, 2026, parking will be free. On weekends and holidays, a sightseeing shared taxi is available, making it a convenient and economical option. Kikuchi Gorge, filled with the charm of beautiful nature and clear streams, is perfect for hiking and walking, providing a refreshing experience for both body and mind. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kikuchikeikoku...

April 12 Azumino Cherry Blossom Blooming Information The cherry blossom trees along Kurosawagawa are in full bloom!! The cherry blossom path extends for about 1 km Although the riverbank is a bit rough, it's a pleasant stroll along the trees.

On April 12th The warmth lately has made the flowering peach bloom... Usually, it happens after the cherry blossoms... Right now, Azumino is truly a riot of flowers This area is near Daio Wasabi Farm.

Cherry blossoms can be seen all over the country, but... wasabi flowers can be enjoyed in Azumino! You can encounter the delicate white flowers in the wasabi fields of Azumino!

Azumino Cherry Blossom Blooming Information The cherry blossoms at the bicycle square are in full bloom. Today, Mt. Jonen was beautifully visible, allowing us to enjoy a quartet of cherry blossoms, shibazakura (moss phlox), fresh greenery, and the Northern Alps. For those coming by car, the area on the east side of the shooting spot tends to get crowded, so it might be better to use the parking lot on the west side.

【Reihoku Sunset Marche】 Announcement for April 📣 Hello everyone! We are continuing this year! Here is the announcement for the "Reihoku Sunset Marche" in April!♪ 👀 Highlights of this Sunset Marche 👀 ❣ The "Reihoku Sunset Marche" will feature local agricultural products, processed goods, and side dishes. In addition to Dekopon, we plan to sell Amakusa Bankan this time as well! 🍊❣ We look forward to seeing you all 😊 Don't forget to bring your own bags! 🛍✨ 【Scheduled Agricultural Products】 ・Asparagus ・Amakusa Bankan ・Cucumbers 🥒 ・Cabbage ・Pumpkin 🎃 ・Green Peas ・Rice 🌾 ・Sunny Lettuce ・Dekopon ・Onions 🧅 ・Peppers 🫑 ・Fruit Tomatoes ・Mini Tomatoes ・Lettuce 🥦🍅🥕🍠🥬🧅🫑🌽🌶🫛🍆🫚🥔 Reihoku Sunset Marche 【Date】April 12th (Sunday) from 1 PM to 3 PM 【Location】Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association (Reihoku Town Tourist Information Center, 4535-1 Kamitsufukae, Reihokumachi)

Azumino Cherry Blossom Update Jikkasegi Irrigation Canal running through Azumino The cherry trees blooming along its riverbank are in full bloom The Yamabiko Bicycle Path runs right beside it, so you can enjoy a walk while viewing the blossoms 🚶‍♀️ or a leisurely bike ride 🚴!! This spot is near Toyoshina Nanbu General Park♪