Nouvelle Bairindo Suwa Store (Confectionery House Nouvelle) On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Nouvelle Bairindo Suwa Store (Confectionery House Nouvelle). It’s such a famous shop that virtually everyone in the Suwa area knows it! The exterior is stylish and, true to its name, evokes a charming confectionery house. Among Nouvelle’s offerings, the flagship item “Kurumi Yamabiko” is one of Kawanishi’s personal favourites. It uses fresh milk from the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains in Shinshu to make a slowly cooked special walnut caramel, which is wrapped in a crisp cookie. The cookie shell is not sweet, the walnut caramel inside is pleasantly sweet, and the balance between them is perfect!!! This treat is so addictive that you really can’t stop. Apart from my eldest son and second daughter, who have nut allergies, my whole family—including my parents—are huge, huge, huge fans www The company’s current president is said to be the creator of this hit product! Thank you so much for the supremely delicious Kurumi Yamabiko! It was released in 1985, so this year marks its 39th anniversary!!! The person who assisted us that day was Yudasaka, section chief of the administration department. According to him, Bairindo strongly values using local ingredients. Did you know each store also has shop-limited sweets? Here they are ↓ ・Suwa Store → Cream puffs ・Okaya Main Store → Waffles ・Shimosuwa Store → Shaved ice and pies (custard pie available at all stores plus a Shimosuwa-only original flavor) ・Chino Store → Soft serve ice cream (also sold at Okaya; Yamabiko soft is Chino-only) ・Cheesecake appears to be another store-limited sweet, so please do visit the stores! Hot on the heels of “Kurumi Yamabiko” is “Suwa no Tsuki.” The walnut caramel inside is the same as Kurumi Yamabiko, but here it’s mixed with white bean paste, making it extremely popular with elderly people who find Kurumi Yamabiko hard to swallow. Mixing in white bean paste improves the texture and throat feel, making it easier to eat than Kurumi Yamabiko — that’s why it’s so popular! It’s an impressive innovation. This conversation gave a glimpse of why it appeals to so many people. Ranking in the top three is Suwa Kurumi Caramel!!! It started with four designs representing nearby locations: Suwa → Karin, Shimosuwa → Manji stone Buddha, Okaya → Silk-rearing deity, Chino → Jomon Venus. The president was so eager to have representations for Hara Village and Fujimi that Hara Village’s celery and Fujimi’s tomato were created, completing characters for six neighboring municipalities. There’s actually a backstory behind Fujimi’s highland red ruby. A tomato grown by students in the horticulture department at Fujimi High School had been selected for judging at the Tokyo Olympics, but as everyone knows the Games were postponed by one year. When the president learned about the students’ tomatoes left without an outlet, he simply said, “Let’s use them as ingredients for the Highland Ruby!” That kind of manly decisiveness is electrifying. Those tomatoes continue to be sourced to this day. It made me think that the president’s commitment to local produce has produced these big hit items. Finally, Yudasaka’s top recommendation that day was the “Asaichi Cocco Sable.” The eggs come from chickens raised at Yatsugatake Central Agricultural Practical School in Hara Village. It’s a simple sable that remains soft while retaining a solid buttery flavour. Foodie Kawanishi’s personal top pick is the exquisite Kurumi Yamabiko!!! I learned for the first time that they also sell whole uncut loaves in their original shape, with wooden boxes or special knives included… it’s a dream product 🌟 If no one was watching, I’d probably bite straight into it www These appear only a few times a year!!! Maybe I’ll buy one as a birthday present 🎶 It’s an irresistible item for Kurumi Yamabiko lovers! Nouvelle Bairindo’s products also make wonderful souvenirs. Many sweets are inspired by or made with ingredients from the Suwa area. When my family brings souvenirs, Nouvelle Bairindo is our one and only choice w When people think of popular sweet souvenirs from the Suwa region, they think of Nouvelle Bairindo. If you visit the Suwa area or find their products at a retailer, please do buy and enjoy them!!! ◎ Nouvelle Bairindo Suwa Store (Confectionery House Nouvelle) 📍 1-2556-7 Jonan, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture 〒 ☎ 0266-54-7971 Hours & Closed days: 10:00–19:00 Closed only on New Year’s Day

August 15, 2024 Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks On this day, Suwa City held its major event, the Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks. Despite the emergency Nankai Trough earthquake bulletin warning of a major quake, the event went ahead thanks to the many precautions taken by the Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee. This fireworks festival began on August 15, 1949, when citizens, amid the postwar confusion, wanted to hold a summer evening fireworks display at Lake Suwa to bring hope and help the city recover as quickly as possible. This year marks the 76th edition. It is a very historic fireworks festival. 🎇 At Suwa, the fireworks are launched from an island called Hatsu-shima, and the show is a true lake display. Because Lake Suwa sits at the center of the Suwa Basin and is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the sound of the bursting fireworks echoes off the lake and surrounding peaks, turning the landscape into a gigantic natural speaker that vibrates to your very core. The result is an overwhelmingly powerful fireworks experience. This is a rare geographic setting for a fireworks festival. The event website even describes the sound as “Don! Zun! Ban!” and that onomatopoeia is the most accurate description. A local Lake Suwa fireworks quirk is that when a very large firework explodes, the volume and shock often trigger car security buzzers. Locals just laugh and say, “Again, huh?” On the day, it rained twice in the afternoon, but the rain stopped before the opening and we enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. Before guests left, many gave us warm words like “Thank you!” and “Good job!”—those kind messages blew away the day’s fatigue. Thank you very much! We look forward to seeing you next year, so please come and join us!!! ※ Filming assistance: Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee August 15, 2024 At Lake Suwa 76th Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival!!! This fireworks festival began in 1949. After World War II, many Japanese people were worn out by the war and needed hope and a way to recover. The festival started for that reason and has been held since 1949. This year was the 76th. How amazing it is!!! Recently, however, we received Nankai Trough earthquake warnings, so we had to be extremely careful about safety. Our fireworks are launched from the lake. The unique feature of Lake Suwa is that the lake is surrounded by mountains. That is the key. Because of this, the sound of the fireworks is exceptionally loud—you feel it in your whole body. If you compare fireworks of the same size at Lake Suwa and elsewhere, you will say the Lake Suwa fireworks are much louder. I promise!!! The surrounding landscape acts like a huge speaker, so you can both hear and feel the sound intensely. This phenomenon is unique to Lake Suwa and is truly exceptional. The morning was sunny, but it rained twice in the afternoon. Just before the festival, the weather cleared and we were able to hold a wonderful event. Thank you so much!!! There are no same-day tickets, so please buy advance tickets online before coming to Suwa next year. We will be waiting for you!!!

A smash-hit event is now underway!!! Suwa Lake Summer Night Fireworks 2024🎆 Friday, July 26th – Sunday, August 25th *Except August 15th* Starts at 8:30 PM (about 10 minutes) Every evening throughout the period, fireworks launch from the lake. Nowhere else in Japan features a nightly ten-minute display like Suwa Lake!!! The true pleasure of the Summer Night Fireworks is watching the show unhurriedly from the lakeside lawn without the crowds🎇 Enjoy dazzling fireworks choreographed to music on the night breeze.

"Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally" ★Collect smartphone stamps at sightseeing spots and earn rewards! The Venus Line is a 75.2 km scenic road stretching from Chino to Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. It winds through the highland area of Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, located near the geographic center of Honshu, and ranks among Japan’s premier driving routes. The average elevation is about 1,400 meters, and the highest point, the Utsukushigahara Highlands, reaches about 2,000 meters. Would you like to take your time enjoying this beautiful drive, stopping at various spots along the way? There are hot springs, delicious local dishes, Shinshu souvenirs, and breathtaking scenery!!! We look forward to seeing you! ■ Period From Thursday, August 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024 ■ Area Chino, Suwa, Shimosuwa, Tateshina, Nagawa, Ueda ● Stamp spots: 30 locations 【Tateshina Area】2 spots 【Suwa Area】9 spots 【Kirigamine, Yashima, Kurumayama Area】3 spots 【Shirakaba Lake, Megami Lake Area】7 spots 【Wada, Takayama Area】4 spots 【Ueda, Takeshi Area】5 spots For details → Search for "Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally"!

‘Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll’ Confirmed!! ■Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM This event invites you to walk along about 500 meters of Koshu Kaido and visit five sake breweries lined up there, enjoying a town stroll and fine local sake. Following last year, the main venue will again be set up as a pedestrian zone. We warmly look forward to your participation. ※Please note that on October 5, individual paid tastings at each of the five breweries and the five‑brewery tour will be suspended all day. About the Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll Along Koshu Kaido near JR Kami‑Suwa Station, five sake brewers stand side by side. Locally known as the Suwa Five Breweries, they work with residents who cherish the town’s history and culture to preserve regional food traditions. This event began in 1998 when residents organized a simultaneous opening of the five breweries so everyone could enjoy local sake. This year marks the 40th occasion. In addition to local sake and cuisine, the whole area around JR Kami‑Suwa Station becomes a day for residents and visitors from inside and outside Nagano Prefecture and abroad to enjoy together: the Suwa Five Breweries simultaneous brewery opening day. You can walk among the five breweries, choose each brewery’s proud offerings, and enjoy comparing their tastes. Each brewery will offer at least five types of local sake for visitors to try. Enjoy Shinshu’s food culture at snack stalls run by local residents. Please relax and enjoy your sake and snacks at the rest areas within the venue. ★Event Details Date and Time Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM Held rain or shine Participation Ticket Price 4,000 yen (tax included) Number of Tickets 3,000 How to Purchase Tickets eplus (e‑plus) Sales start Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM Reception Desk ■Location Suwappea Station Front Exchange Terrace (Suwacchao) Ark Suwa 3F, 1‑6‑1 Suwa, Suwa, Nagano ■Reception Hours 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Exchange for the original participation hinoki masu (cedar sake box) Main Venue Suwa Five Breweries Street, Motomachi, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture About 600 meters toward Tokyo from JR Kami‑Suwa Station. Route 20 running through the venue will be reserved for pedestrians. Please see the link below for details. ※Please use public transportation to reach the venue. ※There is no parking available. ※Do not park without permission around the venue. Inquiries Suwa Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) Phone: 0266‑52‑2111 (Reception hours Weekdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) Requests for Visitors at the Venue Residents also live in the streets that become the venue. Please follow the rules below. ・Please be careful not to drink too much Excessive drinking can cause acute alcohol poisoning or other health problems. ・Tasting just enough to feel pleasantly tipsy is the best way to enjoy the event. ・Please use the toilets. ・The venue is in a residential area. Do not urinate or defecate outside restroom facilities. ・Please eat and drink at the designated rest areas. ・Eating and drinking outside the venue inconveniences residents greatly. Consuming food or drink outside the rest areas provided by the executive committee is prohibited. ・Drunk driving is strictly prohibited. ・It is illegal to drive cars, bicycles, or other vehicles after drinking. ・Please check your health on the morning of the event. ・Those with a body temperature of 37.5°C or higher on the day cannot participate. ・Please confirm your health before coming; if you feel unwell, refrain from attending. ・Tickets will not be refunded for nonattendance due to poor health. ※For more details, search the web for “上諏訪街道 まちあるき 吞みあるき”!!! We look forward to seeing you🎶

Summer tradition About 300 glass wind chimes were displayed in the concourse in front of the ticket gates at JR Kami‑Suwa Station. The wind chimes 🎐 are painted with fireworks 🎇, sunflowers 🌻 and morning glory flowers, and their cool, soothing tones delight visitors to Suwa and local residents. The wind chimes will remain on display through early August. Please do come to Suwa!

Kamisuwa Onsen Morning Market The annual Kamisuwa Onsen Morning Market invites you to wake up early on Sunday mornings and join us. Fresh vegetables, sweets, local farm produce, and many more. Dates: July 14, 2024 – September 22, 2024 Held every Sunday for a total of 11 times Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Location: Around the Katakura-kan parking area ※ The market may be canceled in the event of unavoidable rain.

Right now in Suwa City, nikko kisuge are in bloom on Kirigamine. Hydrangeas are in full bloom around the city. There are hydrangea viewing spots throughout the city. In Suwa City, Shoganji Temple is even nicknamed Hydrangea Temple. During this rainy season, why not head out with an umbrella to enjoy the hydrangeas as they change their beautiful sevenfold colors? Even in the rainy season, you can savor the unique charm of Japan during this time of year 🎶

The fireworks festival, with a history dating back to 1949, has been loved not only by the people of Suwa but also by fireworks fans from Japan and abroad. Amid the postwar turmoil, citizens sought bright hope and a swift recovery. On August 15, the first Noryo Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival was held at Lake Suwa. Now in its 76th year, the ticket sales deadline for the 2024 76th Suwa Lake Festival On-the-Lake Fireworks is approaching: Sunday, July 7 at 23:59. Have you all applied yet? The application deadline is this weekend! If you haven’t applied, hurry up! To apply for tickets, search for “Suwa Lake fireworks”! This is one of Japan’s premier fireworks festivals, the Suwa Lake Festival On-the-Lake Fireworks!!!!! Since last year, parking can be reserved in advance using Akippa, so you can arrive with ease by car🚗! Enjoy an impressive fireworks show of about an hour and a half🎇 We look forward to seeing you in Suwa🎶

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

Doll Memorial Service Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Onsenji Temple, Rinzai Myoshinji School On March 17, 2014, I visited Onsenji Temple. It is about a ten-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. This temple performs memorial services for dolls and stuffed animals. It felt much like a funeral for dolls and stuffed toys. Onsenji holds a doll memorial service every March. In Japan, Boys’ Day falls on May 5 and Girls’ Day on March 3. Most grandparents give dolls to their grandchildren to pray for the child’s healthy growth. These are traditional Japanese dolls unique to Japan. As a result, many Japanese households own Japanese dolls. I believe dolls also have a spirit, like animism suggests. When your child owns a doll, the child plays with it. As the child grows up, they tend to move away from the doll. Most Japanese people do not simply throw away the dolls that watched over their children’s growth. That is because the dolls spent time with the child. Most Japanese think dolls have a soul. That is why they hold memorial services for dolls. That day, over 1,000 dolls were gathered. The chief priest chanted sutras for the dolls and stuffed animals for about 30 minutes. The priest offered thanks to the dolls with purifying salt. We prayed with the same feeling. It was a very mysterious experience. It was my first time seeing so many dolls and stuffed animals. Still, it was a deeply heartfelt Buddhist memorial for the dolls. I felt I could sense a little of Buddhist sentiment. That is why I love Japan!! Also, Onsenji is famous as a spot for autumn leaves. If you want to see beautiful foliage, please come and see the autumn colors at Onsenji.

We’ll share the charms of Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture!!! ⇒ YouTube “Suwa City Official Channel” @TheCityofSuwa First, we start with “What kind of place is Suwa?!” — we hope this sparks your interest. Also, we’ve made an amazing promotional video!!! Suwa offers seasonal delights year-round. In spring, enjoy cherry blossom viewing and hikes amid fresh green mountains; Kirigamine offers spectacular views from Nagikama Shrine, and in summer you can admire daylilies (nikkokisuge). At the heart of the Suwa Basin lies the symbol, Lake Suwa. In summer you can kayak on Lake Suwa, take a sightseeing boat, or ride the new cycling road that even children can enjoy 🚵. Best of all is the Suwa Lake Festival’s lakeside fireworks display, one of Japan’s top events 🎆. In autumn, savor Suwa’s fermented gastronomy—miso—plus the local specialty, Shinshu Suwa miso tempura rice bowl. Enjoy sake from Suwa’s five breweries, made with Kirigamine’s exceptional spring water 🍶. In winter, experience the ice ridges called Omiwatari and try wakasagi smelt fishing 🎣. Warm up and soothe your tired body at Kami-suwa Onsen♨ Suwa truly offers the best all year round♪ In times of need, people turn to “Osuwa-sama.” There are over 10,000 branch shrines across Japan, and the head shrine, Suwa Taisha, is here ⛩. A roughly six-minute introduction video can’t cover everything... Suwa is more than just the Onbashira Festival!!! Come visit and experience Suwa for yourself♪ We look forward to seeing you!