【🌸This year’s cherry blossom viewing in Shinano Omachi🌸】 Although Omachi City still sees chilly days below freezing, it’s starting to warm up a little✨ It may be a bit early, but I’m sharing some cherry blossom photos😌 We plan to post blooming updates on our social media and website again this year, so please keep an eye out☑️🎶 Please come and enjoy spring in Shinano Omachi🌈 🔽🔽Last year’s blooming information (for reference)🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88891/... 🔹Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (opens April 15) https://www.alpen-route.com/index.php... 🔹68th Harinokidake Shintaro Festival (June 1) — now accepting participants❗️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90816/...

[Scenic Views within a 10-Minute Walk from Shinano-Ōmachi Station 🏔] Today, February 27th, Omachi City enjoys clear skies ☀️ The Omachi City Tourist Association is located inside JR Ōito Line’s Shinano-Ōmachi Station 😌 So sometimes visitors ask for spots where they can see the Northern Alps during the wait for their next train. Here are the spots we guide people to🏔✨ The first is from the pedestrian walkway over the small overpass ahead after turning left at the “Asahi-cho” intersection on National Route 147 🏔 The second is from the “Asahi-cho” pedestrian bridge 🏔 When you stop by Omachi City, why not take a short walk around Shinano-Ōmachi Station? 😊 ⭐️Explore Omachi City⭐️ https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

🏔 I visited photo spots in the Northern Alps📷💨 On February 25th, Omachi City was clear and sunny from morning☀️ Thanks to radiational cooling, the temperature fell to nearly -10°C, making for a very cold morning❄️ I bundled up every part of my neck🧣🧤 and went around the photo spots📷 The snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky🏔 I hope this helps when you visit Omachi City☺ ⭐️ Omachi City Tourism Association Official Website ⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

How many snow patterns can you see from Shinano-Omachi? Today's quiz! We had an enormous amount of snow this winter. On mornings when I have to dig my car out before commuting, I feel completely drained from the start of the day. This morning the snow glittered, each flake shining like a crystal. The temperature dropped sharply and the air itself seemed to sparkle. When spring comes and the mountain snow begins to melt, snow patterns appear on the slopes. In Hakuba, where I grew up, there are patterns like the rice-transplanting horse and the Takeda crest on Goryu, but I learned that Azumino has many other snow patterns too! How many do you know? How many snow patterns can be seen from Omachi City? As always, find the answer on our blog! Please come visit us. We also introduce station-to-hike courses that start in April. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... The Omachi City Tourism Association's Instagram logo has been refreshed! We mainly introduce activities in Shinano-Omachi. Please follow and like our page! Likes make us very happy and encourage us a lot. https://www.instagram.com/omachi_activitybook/... Thank you for always reading!

A special morning moment, a special morning gradient, the colors of Azumino

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! Ikeda Town Tourist Association. Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture Ikeda Town is a Town located in the northwestern part of Nagano Prefecture with a population of about 8,800. It is a Town rich in nature surrounded by the mountains and beautiful Rural Scenery of the Northern Alps, To the south Matsumoto City, Kamikochi, and Hakuba on the north side, and Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture. Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, the beauty and serene atmosphere of the Nature Fascination those who visit for sightseeing. Best regards for watching COOL JAPAN VIDEOS as we will deliver the charm of Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town to everyone! 【Access to Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town】 ◆Tokyo - Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town Access by Automobile: From Chuo Expressway, enter the Nagano Automobile Expressway, get off at Azumino IC, and Use the Olympic Road route for about 3 hours. Access by train: Boarding the Hokuriku Shinkansen and get off at Nagano Station, then Use a taxi after getting off at Akashina station on the JR Oito Line. It takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes to Akashina station. 【Sightseeing spots in Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town】 ◆North Alps Viewing Museum As the name suggests, the North Alps Viewing Museum is an art museum that offers spectacular views of the Northern Alps. Inside the Museum exhibits works by artists related to the region and works of art on the theme of Nature. ◆Yamazakura in Rikugo Cherry Blossom Senkyo Thousands of cherry trees growing wild all over the mountainside bloom in the Spring season, making it a true cherry blossom paradise. While walking through the beautiful cherry blossom tunnel, you can spend a quiet and peaceful time. Autumn leaves are beautiful in autumn, and you can enjoy different landscapes in each season. ◆Roadside Station Ikeda Ikeda Town Herb Center It is a Roadside Station located along Prefectural Road 51, where tourists can take a break and Fresh vegetables, fruits, and Local crafts are sold, bringing the charm of Ikeda Town to visit people. ◆Omine Plateau seven-color big maple Omine Plateau seven-color big maple is a huge maple tree that is over 250 years old. This maple tree shows a beautiful Autumn leaves in autumn, and its fantastic sight fascinates those who visit. It is a place where you can spend a relaxing time in quiet nature. ◆ Azumino Rose Garden It is a located on a hill rose garden overlooking the mountains of the Northern Alps and the Rural Scenery of the Ikeda Town. You can enjoy 300 roses of about 200 species. 【Specialty products of Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town】 ◆Kuga tea, Mulberry jam In Ikeda Town, Mulberry Cultivation is thriving, and Specialty Products using its leaves There are popular. Kuga tea is a drink that is said to be good for health and has a high relaxing effect. ◆ Wine Cultivation of European varieties of wine grapes has been cultivated for more than 30 years, and it has been certified as a "Northern Alps Azumino Wine Valley Special Zone". These Specialty Products are also popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payments. 【Festivals and events in Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town】 ◆Yawata Shrine Annual Grand Festival Ikeda The Annual Grand Festival of Ikeda Yawata Shrine, held every September at Ikeda Yawata Shrine, is a popular festival that attracts the entire town of Ikeda Town, which has a history of 360 years. Stages and boat-shaped festival floats Parade through the Towns, and Locals and tourists Unite and get excited! together. You can also enjoy traditional dance and music, and it is a valuable opportunity to experience the culture of Ikeda Town. ◆Takasegawa Grand Summer Fireworks Festival Held in in August every year, Takasegawa Grand Summer Fireworks Festival is an event that Fascination many tourists. About 2,000 fireworks of the colorful fireworks blooming in the Ikeda Town night sky create a fantastic sight. You can also see the very impressive "hand-held fireworks" in which fireworks craftsmen launch fireworks held in their hands. ◆ Shinshu Ikeda Town wine Festival At the "Shinshu Ikeda Town Wine Festival" Held in at Azumino Ikeda Craft Park, you can drink all-you-can-drink wines such as the Sapporo-Grand Polaire series and the Chateau Mercian series made from grapes Cultivation in Local if you pay an admission ticket. "Beverage Corner", "Taste Corner", and "Roasted Ikeda Roast Beef" are also available, and it is a popular event where you can enjoy local gourmet food in Ikeda Town with a glass of wine in hand. Held in in October 2023. 【Disseminating Tourist Information of Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town】 The beautiful nature of Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town, has a unique charm that can only be experienced here. It is easily accessible about 1 hour from Nagano City, so please stop by when sightseeing in Nagano. We will send out Recommendations for Ikeda Town, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town, which will deeply impression those who visit, so please follow us.

The Mountain Name 🏔 Omachi City has enjoyed several sunny days recently, and daytime temperatures have been relatively warm for this season☀️ The mountains look striking against the blue sky🏔 The mountain range visible from Omachi City is officially the Hida Mountains, commonly called the Northern Alps. From the Toyama Prefecture side it lies behind the Tateyama Range, so it is also referred to as the Ushered Tateyama Range (Ushiro-Tateyama Range)😌 Personally, it seems that the informal name "Northern Alps" has gained popular acceptance among residents on the Omachi side😊 ⭐️Official website "Shinano Omachi Navi"⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

A cold morning so chilly even the Takase River froze ☀️ This morning Omachi City woke to a bitter cold that neared double-digit negatives ❄️ A thin layer of ice lined the banks of the Takase River 🧊 The Northern Alps, once hidden by clouds, gradually came into view 🏔 The sky cleared to blue, making it a perfect day for winter fun like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding ⛷🏂🛷 Omachi City activities are below 🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/spot/spot_cat/cat02/...

Azumino, with its inland climate, does not see as much snowfall as the Sea of Japan side. Protected by the Northern Alps, it is said to be less affected by typhoons and snow clouds. In winter, the Northern Alps create a beautiful skyline where blue skies meet snow, a scenery unique to the season.

Mt. Gakidake Capped in Snow🏔 On the first day of the three-day weekend, Omachi City enjoyed clear skies☀️ From the Tokiwa area of Omachi, Mt. Gakidake was beautifully visible🏔 Footprints appeared across the snowy rice fields 🐾🐾🐾 — whose could they be? It’s a perfect day for the slopes ⛷🏂 Local ski area information is below🔽🔽🔽 ⭐️ HAKUBA VALLEY Kashimayari Ski Resort ⭐️ https://www.kashimayari.net/snow/... ⭐️ Gadjigatake (Gadagake) Ski Resort ⭐️ https://jiigatake.com// ⭐️ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

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

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

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

One shot from December 19, 2024 Jōnen-dake, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains This photo was taken near the Jōnen Dōsojin The winter blue sky and snow-capped ridgeline make a beautiful scene The cold, dry air has settled over Azumino for the season.

[Northern Alps from Omachi Park 🏔️] Today in Omachi City, the sky has been clear since morning ☀️ From Omachi Park, located in front of the Mountain Museum, the snow-capped Northern Alps could be seen beautifully 🏔️ Visitors taking photos cheered with delight ✨ For sightseeing in Omachi City, see below 🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

[Ski resorts in Omachi City are open!] Jiigatake Ski Resort opens on Friday, December 13, and Kashimayari Ski Resort starts the season on Saturday, December 14. Omachi’s winter season has finally arrived ✨ Powder snow awaits you all ⛄ For details, please see the official website ☺

✨ The Northern Alps are dusted with snow 🏔 Today, November 25th, just after noon, Omachi City cleared to bright sunshine ☀️ and the snow-dusted Northern Alps appeared 🏔 I took photos from Omachi Park to the east of Omachi City and from the observation deck at the summit of Mt. Takagari ✨ Visitors from Japan and abroad were enjoying the view. For more details, we posted on the staff blog. Please see the official Omachi City Tourism Association website 😌

Around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the summit of Mount Nagamine A sea of clouds and the Northern Alps rising to around 3,000 meters We enjoyed another clear view of the Northern Alps today In November the sunrise comes later, and from the summit you can also see the alpenglow of the Northern Alps as they turn red in the morning light Please take in the breathtaking, ever-changing views of the Northern Alps [Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour] The Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour, where you stay in Azumino and enjoy the summit vistas, runs through December 8, 2024! Stay in Azumino and join us! <Information about the Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour> This panoramic view of the Northern Alps from Mount Nagamine at 933 meters is a sight only early risers can see! Below you spreads the Azumidaira plain, and the 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Alps towering before you create a view you can see nowhere else. You can also take in MtJonen, Azumino’s symbol, and, in the distance, the Hakuba Mountain Range. At the summit of Mount Nagamine, enjoy coffee time as you watch the spectacular morning view in the crisp early air. Each cup is carefully hand-dripped. Alongside the majestic scenery, the fresh morning air and a freshly brewed, delicious coffee will slowly awaken your body and satisfy your heart. Please enjoy this blissful moment. [Price] Per person / JPY 3,500 (same price for adults and children) * Tour reservations are limited to guests staying at designated accommodations. Please check the accommodation’s stay plans or inquire at check-in. * The tour requires advance reservation. Reservations can be made at the designated accommodation up to 8:00 p.m. the day before use. * Please pay the participation fee at the front desk by the day before use. [Price includes] Bus fare, coffee and snacks [Minimum number of participants] 2 people [Notes] * The tour will be canceled in case of rain or bad weather. (Decision will be made around 4:00 p.m. on the day before the tour) ・Because it is early morning, you may feel cold. Please bring something warm to wear as a layer. For details and a list of participating accommodations, please search for "Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour"

A refreshing morning in Azumino Most of the rice has already been harvested, but some paddies still bear ears of rice, perhaps because of the variety In the distance, Mt. Jii-ga-take and Mt. Kashimayari rise tall

The National Alps Azumino Park is a national park spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps in central Nagano Prefecture. The park has two areas: Omachi-Matsukawa in the north and Horikane-Hotaka in the south. The Horikane-Hotaka area lies about a 20-minute drive from Azumino Interchange on the Nagano Expressway. In the Horikane-Hotaka area, the yellow cosmos are now in full bloom. Eight hundred thousand yellow cosmos flowers cover 2.5 hectares of terraced rice fields in a spectacular display. The National Alps Azumino Park is broadly divided into two zones, and the yellow cosmos appear in the Satoyama Culture Zone, so please be careful not to use the wrong entrance. They should be enjoyable through late September. After that, in the Rural Culture Zone, you can see 180,000 cosmos of 12 different varieties. These are expected to peak from late September through mid-October. There are photo spots, and on clear days you can see Mt. Jonen. *Two pink cosmos photos are from last year.*

Azumino, spreading out at the foot of the Northern Alps Mountain Range with peaks around 3,000 meters, has long been enriched by abundant water that sustains the land and people. Meltwater from the Northern Alps becomes underground flow and eventually nourishes the villages of Azumino. Its clarity moves all who see it.

Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Overview Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sits in the eastern part of Shiojiri City on gently sloping terrain. From the summit’s 360-degree viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps, Lake Suwa, the Southern Alps, and Mount Fuji. Seasonal Highlights <Spring–Summer> The highland is popular for easy observation of diverse alpine plants such as rhododendron (Renge tsutsuji) and geranium (Hakusan fuuro). From early summer to autumn, grazing dairy cows create a pastoral, otherworldly landscape. <Autumn–Winter> From mid-October, you can often see majestic sea-of-clouds formations. Camping and Outdoor Activities Since 2021, responding to the recent outdoor boom, growing workation demand, and increased interest in environmental protection, outdoor initiatives have begun, including development of camping areas so visitors can enjoy the highland in many ways. Visitor Notes for Mt. Takabocchi Highlands There are no water facilities such as cooking water taps, so please bring your own water. Toilets are available, and vending machines sell drinks including water. Basic Information Recommended Seasons June (rhododendron), June–October (cow pasturing), late October–December (sea of clouds) Address Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Access Access to Mt. Takabocchi Highlands 13 km from Shiojiri IC *Closed for winter roughly early December through late April For car navigation *Gake no Yu Route Search for Gunjo-kaku (〒399-0071 6114-235 Kataoka, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Tel: 0263-58-2140). It is about 7 km and a 15-minute drive from Gunjo-kaku. *Higashiyama Route If “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands” is not registered, use Higashiyama Community Center (Tel: 0263-56-2485) as a landmark for the Takabocchi entrance from Japan National Route 20. Address: 869-4 Former Shiojiri Higashiyama, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Parking First Parking Lot (adjacent to Kusakazuba racing field, free) Second Parking Area (Toppouguchi, free) Toilets Available at the First Parking Lot and the Second Parking Area Contact 0263-88-8722 (Shiojiri City Tourist Information Center)

Mt. Tsubakuro in the Northern Alps is ablaze with the beautiful blooms of komakusa, the queen of alpine flowers.

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.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Nakagawa Village Tourism Association. Nakagawa Village is a village in the southernmost part of Kamiina County in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture that has been recognized as the "most beautiful village in Japan". Although it is a small village with a population of about 4,600, it is surrounded by the lush greenery of Minami Shinshu, with clear air, clear water stream from the majestic mountains, and beautiful natural scenery. Best regards for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, as we will deliver the charm of Nakagawa Village. ■Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Nakagawa Village Nakagawa Village has a number of popular tourist attractions. Here, we will introduce sightseeing spots recommended by the Nakagawa Village Tourism Association. ・Jinmagata Mountain Jinmagata Mountain, with an elevation of 1,445 meters, is a popular spot visited by more than 10,000 people a year. From the top of Jinmagata Mountain, you can see the mountains of the Northern, Central Alps and Southern Alps. ・Okusa Castle Ruins Park It is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with more than 200 cherry blossoms of more than 10 types blooming in the spring season. The contrast between the remaining snow of the Central Alps and the pink cherry blossoms is beautiful, and it is also popular as a photo spot. ・ Ginkgo trees in Doba The rows of Ginkgo trees, which are managed by local volunteers, attract people visit glow golden in autumn. ・Kosibu Dam Kosibu Dam, built in the Kosibu Gorge, is a spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. During the autumn foliage season, the trees all around change color. ・Sakado Bridge It is a reinforced concrete single-arch bridge with a total length of 77.9 meters built in Showa 7, and cherry blossoms and azaleas are planted on both banks, making it one of the famous places in spring. It has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan. ■A big event in Nakagawa Village! Nakagawa Don-chan Festival ・Nakagawa Don-chan Festival Nakagawa Don-chan Festival, a popular event in Nakagawa Village's summer, is a festivals that all participants can enjoy, including performances such as kids dancing on stage and Jin Drums, as well as bingo tournaments. Approximately 2,000 fireworks at the Finale of the festival will brightly color the night sky of Nakagawa Village. ■Specialty products of Nakagawa Village Specialty products such as fresh vegetables, apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, honey, Ichida persimmons, and dried sweet potatoes grown in the blessed natural environment of Nakagawa Village are abundant. These Specialty products are painstakingly grown by the locals, and their taste makes many people's palates growl. Specialty products of Nakagawa Village are also prepared as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ■Nakagawa Village Enjoy sightseeing! Nakagawa Village is called a "sacred place for campsites", and there are many Popular campsites that are attractive. Fun a time to heal your daily fatigue in Nature. A quiet time spent in the beautiful scenery of Nakagawa Village will surely be one of your memories! We will send out such recommended Information of Nakagawa Village on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS!

Damn, I thought it was getting warmer.

Last weekend of October I was wondering where to go, so I went to Kamikochi. This view was waiting for me when I arrived at 5 am by express bus on Friday night. Unfortunately, we couldn't see the sunrise, but in the fantastic fog, the Hotaka mountain range gave us a glimpse of our faces.

It is the Northern Alps covered with snow in late autumn. It is a sight seen from a mountain trail called the Shimono Corridor that straddles Toyama and Nagano prefectures. This mountain trail is made by carving out a precipitous cliff, and the mountains seen from it are steep and beautiful. It is a scenery where you can feel winter and autumn at the same time.

Autumn leaves from the mine road, which is a mountain trail to Mt. Sekikuradake in the Northern Alps. The autumn leaves of the Northern Alps are famous, but I personally think that Mt. Yukikura is more beautiful in color! The autumn leaves that glow in the backlight are my favorite natural color.