◆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.

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)

◆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)

◆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)

◆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)

*Cycling Guide Tour* ~Fruit Sweets Plan~ Guided cycling 🚲 and strawberry picking 🍓 We enjoyed freshly made sweets using the strawberries at the village eatery Cafe & Dining en!

■Cycling Guide Tour■ – Fruit Sweets Plan – Pick your own fruit for the sweets!? ~A smart two-hour plan~ [ Cycling × Fruit Picking × Sweets ] Cycle through the seasons and harvest fresh fruit, then savor a one-of-a-kind taste made just for that day. The fruit you pick will be turned into desserts by the chef at the village eatery cafe and dining en! Riding is easy even on hills because we use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). If you’re not used to cycling, a guide certified by the Japan Cycling Guide Association will support you. We set the course to match each group’s level for your peace of mind! [ Plan Details ] ■Season and Available Fruit (Spring) Mid-March to Early May (Summer) Early June to End of August (Autumn) October to December (Winter) December to February – Fruit Grown in Toyooka Village – Strawberries: Early March to Early May Cherries: Early June to Late June Peaches: Mid-July to Mid-August (varieties vary by time) Grapes: Late August to Late September (varieties vary by time) Pears: Late August to Early October (varieties vary by time) Apples: Mid-August to Early December (varieties vary by time) Sweet persimmons: Late October to Late November Ichida persimmons: Late December to Late February (winter only; dried persimmons provided by local farmers) ■Duration, Distance, Start Time • Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours • Riding distance: Under 10 km • Start time: From 13:00 If you prefer a morning start, please consult with us. Please arrive at toyooka travel time 10 minutes before the start. ■Group Size 2 to 5 people. For single participants or groups larger than five, please consult with us. ■Price (tax included) Ages 3 and up: 5,000 yen per person and up. Ages 0–2: Free. Prices may vary depending on the fruit. Please note in advance. We cannot accept bookings when cafe and dining en is closed (closed every Monday and Tuesday). ■Course Details & Schedule 1. Meet at toyooka travel time and depart 13:00 (payment) 2. Cycle to the orchard 13:00–around 13:30 3. Arrive at the orchard and pick fruit around 13:30–14:00 4. Move to cafe and dining en around 14:15 5. Enjoy sweets around 14:30–15:00 6. Return to toyooka travel time and finish around 15:15 This plan normally starts in the afternoon; for a morning start, please consult with us. ■About the Plan [ Fruit ] Experience and enjoy the fruit of the season. If two or more fruits are available at the same time, please tell us which fruit you prefer. [ Course ] This course is designed for beginners. Even those who don’t usually ride a bike will be accompanied by a guide. The plan generally follows the schedule above. If you wish to extend the cycling portion, you can do so by paying an additional rental fee for the bicycles. [ Bicycles ] We use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (There are no electric-assist bikes for children.) Small children who cannot ride can use a rented carrier bike. (Weight limits and other restrictions apply.) Rental bike list: • E-BIKE • Kids bike and carrier bike [Provided Equipment] • Helmet, gloves, saddle cover, trouser band, locker • Shower (additional fee) [Clothing] • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement ■Inquiries toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)