Notice of the 100th Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival Is the rainy season not coming—or has it already come? Before we knew it, it’s July. A Shinano Town summer tradition returns: the Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival is on again this year! Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024 Fireworks start: 7:30 PM (scheduled) Event will proceed even in rain Venue: Lake Nojiri Traffic restrictions will begin around the venue from 6:30 PM on the day. Please see the venue map for details on traffic restrictions. This year, the organizing committee will not provide free parking around the venue. Paid shuttle buses will run from Kurohime Station and Kurohime Highland; please use them. Paid Shuttle Bus Information 1. Kurohime Station 2. Town-operated Kurohime Highland Parking Lot Buses will depart from 4:00 PM onward as needed. (Last departure from Lake Nojiri is 9:30 PM) Fee: Round-trip 500 yen (adults and junior high school students and older); elementary school students and younger free Please pay when boarding. Temporary Parking Lots 1. For those using the shuttle from Kurohime Station Please use the Town-operated Kurohime Station West Exit Parking Lot. 2. For those using the shuttle from Kurohime Highland Please use the Town-operated Kurohime Highland Parking Lot No. 1. A milestone 100th edition! What kind of fireworks will light the sky? Look forward to the surprise♪

The night at Mt. Takabocchi Highlands — famously known as "Japan's top photo spot" — feels different in a whole new way! Look at this photo!! What an utterly beautiful view You'd be missing out if you don't see it in person! Whether you go with family, friends, or a partner, an unforgettable moment awaits everyone! You just have to go now~

Although the rainy season makes the outdoors dark, the hydrangeas stand out brilliantly! This is Jokoji Temple in Kaminishijo, Shiojiri City, also famous as the rhododendron temple.

[July 2024 Kiso Festival] Kiso will be the festival Information of July, which will be held in various places. Starting with the famous Mikoshi portable shrine roll in Fukushima, Kiso Town, you can enjoy colorful festivals in various places. Please come and visit us! ♦July 12 Fri, 13 Sat Yabuhara Shrine Annual Grand Festival Kiso Village Yabuhara A powerful festival in which two lions, male and female, perform a dance of two lions, male and female, on the stalls of making << total Cypress trees. >> ♦July 13 Sat, 14 Sun Higashiyama Shrine Summer Annual Grand Festival Nagiso Town Midono <portable shrine parade carrying a portable shrine while singing a song. > ♦July 14 Sun, 15 Mon Susao Shrine Festival Okuwa Village Nojiri << they carry their portable shrine and Parade Town, and at the end, they are led by the flame of torches to enter the mountain. >> ♦July 22 Tue, 23 Wed Mizunashi Shrine Festival Mikoshi portable shrine roll Kiso Town Fukushima << "Sosuke! Kiso's strange festival that excitingly sprees Mikoshi horizontally and vertically with a shout. fireworks will also Gari on the 22nd. >> ♦July 23 Wed, 24 Thu Wachipo Shrine Summer Annual Grand Festival Tsumago juku <<, with a shout of "goodbye to Gemo", the portable shrine parade the Shukuba. >> ♦July 26 Fri, 27 Sat Deer Shrine Festival Okuwa Village Suhara <<, the fierce pushing of the portable shrine with the shout of "Let's give it to you, let's put it back" is a sight to behold. >> ♦July 27 Sat Cypress trees summer festival Agematsu town << in preparation for next year's Sacred Tree Festival, we will hold a fireworks festival with Mikihiki. >> ♦July 27 Sat, 28 Sun Ontake Shrine Annual Grand Festival Otaki village << "Three Swords Dance" and dances by priestesses are Dedication. >> Information about the Festival is also Publication on the Home Page "Kiso Valley Torippu"!

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🎶

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

The evening Festival of Fujiyama Inari Shrine, which heralds the beginning of the summer Festival in the southern Shinshu of Nagano Prefecture, will be Held in. Dedication of fireworks wishing for a bountiful harvest of five grains, prosperous business, disease-free life, prosperity of happiness, and good luck are offered, and about 700 fireworks are launched. Red and white lanterns are Dedication on the approach to the temple, and the approach to the temple is crowded with the night shops lined up. time 19:20~20:45 rain or shine meeting place Fujiyama Inari Shrine 3435-2 Hamai Towns, Iida-shi, Nagano * Use public transportation when visiting because the surrounding area is crowded. inquiry Machinaka Information Center TEL：０２６５-２２-４８５１ Business hours:8:30~17:00

Wakaichioji Shrine Summer Purification Ritual and Mantō Festival🏮 Today, June 30 and July 1, the Summer Purification Ritual and Mantō Festival took place at Wakaichioji Shrine. The summer purification ritual cleanses the impurities accumulated over the past six months and prays for safety in the coming six months. Lanterns donated by local businesses lit up, creating a magical atmosphere in the shrine grounds at night🏮

The Silence of Early Summer Nagano Prefecture Yachiho Highlands Yachiho Lake Along the pass of the fairy tale highway from Sakuho Towns to Tateshina, There is one of the largest birch growing area in the Japan, and this pond There are a little below it. I came here on a holiday, but it was a quiet space with only a few Mr./Ms. fishermen coming This view! I've had ♪ a blissful time The wind was almost windless, so I was very satisfied to take a picture of the reflection of the majestic Highlands ♪ Shinshu in summer is full of ♪ charm

【Kiso Town, Otaki Village】Mt. Kiso Ontake has opened! On Monday, July 1, the opening ceremony of Mt. Kiso Ontake was held at the Ontake Ropeway in Mitake, Kiso Town, in the 6th year of Reiwa 2024 Reiwa 6. Although it was raining heavily on the day, Local officials gathered at the Ropeway Center House to pray for the safety of the mountain this season. As a result, the entry restrictions around Kengamine have been relaxed, and it is now possible to climb the summit until 10/16 Wednesday. * Regarding Otaki Exit, the Mountain trail from Tanohara Haruka Worship Hall will be deregulated from 7/10 Wednesday. This year marks 10 years since the 2014 Eruption disaster. Let's not forget the disaster, keep in mind that Mt. Ontake is an active volcano, and climb safely and happily. Don't forget to report your climbing. ♦ For more information about Kurosawaguchi, please visit the official website of Kiso town ♦ For more information about Otaki Exit, please visit the official website of Otaki village. Please check.

Would you like to join a white corn harvesting experience in Azumino this summer? The kernels gleam pure white like pearls and are so tender they can be eaten raw! Their juice bursts with sweetness over 15 degrees Brix, and the plump texture is addictive. The farm owner will give a full lesson on harvesting tips. While interacting with local farmers, you can see vegetables being grown firsthand, enjoy the pleasure of harvesting yourself, and savor the taste of freshly picked produce! For details, please see the Azumino City Tourism Association website!

Did you know Shiojiri is one of Japan’s top wine regions? Japan has about 400 to 500 wineries, and roughly 80 of them are in Nagano Prefecture. Shiojiri City has the most wineries in the prefecture, with 15 operating producers. Some of these wineries have operated for more than a century since the Meiji era, while others are brand new, founded in the Reiwa era; each of the 15 crafts wines with its own distinct character. There is even a high school in Shiojiri that makes wine, giving students the chance to learn winemaking while still in school. What makes the wine industry so vibrant here is the ideal growing environment: at about 700 meters elevation the large day–night temperature swings and long hours of sunlight, combined with gravelly and volcanic-ash soils, create perfect conditions for growing grapes. High-quality grapes from this land produce high-quality wines. Among the wines made in Shiojiri, merlot earns especially high praise. In 1989 a merlot from the area won a major gold award at a prestigious international competition. The annual Shiojiri Winery Festa draws visitors from across Japan who sample wines from all over Shiojiri, often drinking to their heart’s content. Please try Shiojiri wine.

The daylilies on Mt. Meshimori are at their best♪ On a clear break in the rainy season, I wondered how the daylilies on Mt. Meshimori were doing and went to take a look🤔 — they were almost in full bloom✨🙌 From past years it looks like the next two weeks will be the peak viewing period😚 Today was lively with a school hiking group as well🦉 #Minamimaki Village #Nobeyama Highlands #Mt. Meshimori #daylilies (nikko-kisuge) #alpine plants #spectacular views #flower fields #hiking

◆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.

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.

[Nakasendo Narai-juku] Located beneath Torii Pass — one of the Nakasendo’s most notorious difficult stretches — Narai was known as 'Narai Senken' ('a thousand houses of Narai') and was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post towns of Kiso. The townscape has been designated by the national government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the past. The roughly 1‑km stretch of buildings along the Narai River forms the longest post‑town streetscape in Japan. More than a preserved site, Narai‑juku’s charm lies in the fact that people still live there today. This award‑winning post town was also used as the setting for the 2011 NHK morning drama 'Ohisama'. As a place where visitors can experience Japan's unspoiled beauty, it attracts many people from Japan and abroad every year, who are captivated by this historic post town. ◇Basic Information ・ Parking: Please use the nearest Roadside Station 'Kiso-no-Ohashi' parking lot (free), or the Gonbei Parking Lot (paid). ・Inquiries: Narai-juku Tourist Information Center TEL 0264-34-3160

A 1 km stretch of Edo-period streets! A feature on the charms of Narai-juku Let me introduce Narai-juku, located at the northernmost edge of the Kiso Road! Narai-juku was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1978, and in 2016 the Kiso Road including Narai-juku was registered as a Japan Heritage site, making it a place of great historical value. Narai-juku preserves about 1 km of Edo-period streets. Just strolling along the streetscape is an enjoyable way to sightsee. With completely different looks in each season, you can visit several times a year without ever getting bored! In Narai-juku you can enjoy Nagano Prefecture specialties such as soba noodles, gohei-mochi rice cakes, oyaki stuffed dumplings, and local sake. You can also buy regional crafts unique to the area, such as Kiso lacquerware and bentwoodware, as souvenirs! By the way, the production center for Kiso lacquerware is right next door in Kisohirasawa, and Kisohirasawa is also designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings! It’s fun to drop by Kisohirasawa while you’re visiting Narai-juku!! Some shops offer kimono and yukata dressing services, so you can dress up and walk the Edo streets for a true time‑slip experience! In the past, Narai-juku was used as a filming location for the morning drama Ohisama, and it is cherished as a pilgrimage site by fans. Please come and visit Narai-juku!

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)

Shiojiri’s top pick for sightseeing! A feature on the charms of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Located east of Shiojiri City between the city and the Suwa area at an altitude of 1,655 m, here are the attractions of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is famous for taking stunning photos—so much so that it’s called “Japan’s number-one photo spot”! You can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, the Central Alps, Norikura, and Mt. Myoko, Japan’s representative peaks. Add in Lake Suwa, the sea of clouds, azaleas known as rengetsuzutsuji, and grazing cows, and you’re guaranteed picture-perfect shots if you bring a camera! Sunset, sunrise, and night each reveal completely different faces of the highland, which is part of its appeal! In particular, Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is the only place where you can capture the sea of clouds, Lake Suwa, and Mount Fuji in a single frame! A campground is also available! Camping while gazing at the mountains is simply unbeatable! For details and reservations, search for “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Campground”! It’s also great for moderate hikes! There are trails around the ranch and a promenade to the summit, offering a pleasant distance you can enjoy while breathing the fresh highland air! Along the way you might meet cows and rengetsuzutsuji in bloom! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is also famous as a sacred site featured in Yuri Camp△ and Your Name. Enjoy the same scenery that appears with the characters in those stories! It’s about a 30‑minute drive from Shiojiri IC, so please come and visit!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Shiojiri City Tourism Association. Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the heart of Nagano with a population of about 65,000. The city is known for its historic streets and abundant local specialties, which draw many visitors. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy it! ◆What is Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture?◆ Shiojiri City is surrounded by the Northern Alps, the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mt. Takabochi, and the Central Alps, and it stretches across broad agricultural landscapes. Grapes are a specialty here, and wines made from those grapes have gained renown worldwide. At Narai inn (Narai-juku), once a post town on the Nakasendo, visitors are still greeted by streets that vividly retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. ◆Shiojiri City sightseeing information◆ [History & Culture] ◇Narai inn Located below Torii Pass, a difficult section of the Nakasendo, Narai inn prospered as one of the eleven post towns of Kiso. It still preserves the look of the Edo period, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, and serves as a setting for films and dramas. The town remains full of attractions and local cuisine that continue to charm visitors. ◇Kisohirasawa Kisohirasawa, known as a lacquerware town, was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2006. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, medals that fused metal and Kiso lacquerware were adopted. ◇Historic roads and post towns Shiojiri City, crossed by several historic roads including the Nakasendo that links Edo and Kyoto, long flourished as a transportation hub. Explore the distinct charm and hidden stories of each post town. ◇Hiraide Ruins This site contains dwelling remains from the Jomon period over 5,000 years ago through the Heian period, showing where people lived. Many valuable artifacts have been unearthed. ◇Shiojiri Tanka Museum (Registered Tangible Cultural Property) The museum exhibits materials from poets connected to Shiojiri, such as Shimaki Akahiko. The main building is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. [Nature] ◇Mt. Takabocchi Highlands (Mt. Takabocchi Highlands) Part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park, the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sit at 1,665 meters and offer beautiful highland scenery. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes here, especially summer rhododendrons and alpine plants, and autumn sea-of-clouds views. From the highlands you can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, and Lake Suwa, a beauty that captivates visitors. ◇Wine and grapes Shiojiri is one of Japan’s leading wine regions, with a winemaking history spanning 130 years. Tour the wineries and savor the products that reflect the skill and spirit of the makers. ◇Grapes Kikyogahara, the home of grapes, produces exquisite varieties you can taste only here. ◆Shiojiri City festivals and events◆ ◇Shiojiri Winery Festa This event lets visitors taste Shiojiri wines and enjoy conversations with local winemakers. Many wine fans visit from inside and outside the prefecture. ◇Kiso Lacquerware Festival and Narai Shukuba Festival The once-a-year great lacquerware market features prized items and cellar finds displayed at shop fronts. The popular “Ochatsubo Dochu” procession in Narai inn is also a highlight. ◆Summary of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, offers rich nature and history to enjoy. Warm hospitality, beautiful nature, and culture await you. Cool Japan Video will continue to share great sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

"100 best waterfalls in Japan" Yonakodaibakufu in the Suzaka City of Nagano Prefecture The Autumn leaves season is Famous、、、 Fresh greenery is dazzling, and this period of early summer is also recommended. I especially recommend the location. Yonakodaibakufu can be seen in front of it, and it is one of the view spots It is the "former site of the Rice Mine". In the meadow where Renge azalea blooms, you can eat lunch while leisurely looking at the waterfall, It is a healing plateau where you can drink coffee and relax. 【[Former Rice Mine Site] Restrooms available used to be a Rice mine producing sulfur and other substances on this plateau. Restrooms available in the vicinity with about 1,500 people living in the vicinity. At that time, there was also a cableway for transporting Supplies from the Rice Mine to the current Suzaka Station. 【Around with parents and children Yonakodaibakufu Illustration Map】 　On May 23, 2023, the 2019 East Japan Yonakodaibakufu Typhoon The access road collapsed and could not be entered, Yonakodaibakufu It was opened to the public for the first time in three and a half yellowtails. Illustrator "Nire Shobo" Mr./Ms. goes to see the long-awaited waterfall, Scene trekking with family was illustrated. 　The sight of the family walking excitedly on the promenade in early summer It is a heartwarming illustration map that floats in the eye. When you come to Yonakodaibakufu, please take it in your hands. Enjoy your early summer trek with excitement and excitement. * The illustration map is Yonakodaibakufu entrance, Suzaka City "Tourism exchange center "Kuratto", Restrooms available at the Suzaka Station Tourist Information Center. You can also download the illustration map from Shinshu Suzaka Tourist Association Home page. It is hot 🥵 every day, so please be careful. * There are no vending machines around Yonakodaibakufu, and you cannot drink river water 💦. Please be sure to prepare drinks and action meals in advance.

[Recommended Spot &Activities Special Feature for summer] In the Kiso, you can Spot There are a beautiful Valleys and canoe that will take your breath away. Here are some of them! Kiso in the mountains also introduces recommended forest bathing spots. Please spend this summer in Kiso! !! -------------------------------------- 【Atera Canyon】 Restrooms available in Okuwa Village, an emerald green valley known for its Atera Blue. After sightseeing in Atera Canyon, why don't you have a delicious coffee and cake at "Coffee Katana" in Nojiri, Okuwa Village?! Please see the trip ideas on the Kiso Tourism Federation's Home page "Kiso Valley Rippu"! * Atera Canyon will be subject to traffic restrictions during the summer. July 13, 2024 ~ September 1, 2024. Shuttle buses and e-bikes are also available for rent. For details, please see the Home page of Okuwa Village. 【Kakizore Canyon】 Kakizore Canyon in Nagiso Town. A beautiful emerald green Valleys that is as beautiful as Atera Canyon. After enjoying a hike in the Kakizore Canyon, we also recommend Affoguard, which is popular at Tsumago juku's "Good Day Coffee". It takes about 25 minutes by car from Kakizore Canyon to Tsumago juku 【Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest】 A natural Cypress tree forest in Agematsu town with an average age of more than 300 years. Fun on the forest railway for forest bathing and forest therapy. *The park is scheduled to be open until November 7, 2024. 【Shizenko Nature Lake】 Shizenko Nature Lake in Otaki village. A natural lake formed during the earthquake in western Nagano Prefecture. You can fully feel the beauty created by nature. Here, you can experience canoeing from April ~ mid-November every year. You can also Fun canoe touring at Lake Ontake. *Reservation required TEL: 070-9119-6262　 【Lake OkuKiso】 At Lake Oku Kiso in Kiso village, you can experience SUP and canoeing. Activities in Nature while experiencing the beauty of the water of the Minamoto are the best! * Lake Oku Kiso canoeing, SUP experience until around October. Reservation required TEL: 0264-36-2777 ♦ If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Kiso Tourism Federation!

At the Gomiike Gable Highlands Nature Park in Joshinetsu Highlands National Park, a large communities of Renge azalea, the largest in Nagano Prefecture, is in full bloom. The best time to visit is around mid-June every year Scenes of dyeing the earth crimson are stunning, and the view of the Northern Alps, Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu, and Zenkojidaira Spectacular. Gomi Pond is a general term for Oike, Bitter Pond, West Gomi Pond, Yoshigawara Pond, and East Gomi Pond which disappeared due to landfall. Each of them has a different taste, which is why it is named Gomiike. In the past, the only way to get there was to walk up the old road leading from Toyooka Haino to Gomiike, or walk down from the entrance of the Ogushi Mine in Gunma Prefecture. In 1964~1966, with the cooperation of the Self-Defense Forces and the Forestry Department, a forest road was opened from Toyooka to Milky Mountain Ranch, and now it is possible to go up to this Highlands in about one hour by car from Suzaka City. And on this Highlands, 300 cows were grazing at most. Renge azalea, which is in best time to visit in mid-June, is because cows hate it and do not eat it. It became a large stock and a large communities. Renge azalea in full bloom from the petting plaza You can see it in the vicinity of Azumaya, Oike, and Ohira. Rare in Gomi Pond, Renge azalea yellow Renge azalea is also You can see it. In the administration building Azalea House, you can also eat the Specialties Genghis Khan. *22km from Suzaka Nagano Higashi Interchange to Gomiike Gables Highlands 1st Parking Lot About 60 minutes by car * Car navigation settings TEL 026-245-0491 　Please enter Suzaka City Toyooka Elementary School. * It is difficult for large vehicles of microbus or larger to pass. *Restrooms available is not available for direct public transportation from Nagano Electric Railway Suzaka Station. Use a taxi. Taxi company Tsubame Nagaden Taxi TEL 026-245-0351 　　　　　　　Hokushin Taxi TEL 026-245-5353

Nobeyama Highlands today Highland vegetables against the Yatsugatake range—this is the quintessential Nobeyama Highlands landscape. Around Mt. Meshimori, daylilies (nikko-kisuge) have begun to bloom.

【Magome juku】Magome juku in Nakatsugawa City is very popular with overseas tourists. In a Shukuba full of atmosphere, you can enjoy time travel as if you were transported back in time to the Edo period while walking along the cobblestone slope! Restrooms available in several places in the Shukuba, and the pleasant sound of water streams by. It is also the birthplace of Shimazaki Fujimura, who is known for "Before Dawn" and "Destruction", which was also made into a movie. The Fujimura Memorial Museum has a collection of about 6,000 works, including manuscripts of Fujimura's works and his belongings. The photo was taken around this time last year 2023. Period, hydrangeas bloom in the Shukuba. The hydrangea Shukuba is a sight that can only be seen at this period! !! Other, there are restaurants and shops, and you can Fun eating and shopping. It is a Spot that cannot be missed in Kisoji sightseeing! !!

Here is an introduction to Takabocchi Plateau, located on the border between Okaya City and Shiojiri City next to Suwa in the Kankōchi Suwa area. Takabocchi Plateau spreads across gentle slopes and offers a 360° panorama amid vast nature. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, Mt. Ontake, and Mt. Norikura. The alpine plant rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron) was blooming bright red. Note: The Takabocchi Skyline is closed for winter from early December through late April.

Peach Picking [2024] Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 Reservations open on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00. Please apply via the Toyooka Travel Time website. We offer a value-packed Peach Feast plan that combines peaches to take home with an all-you-can-eat peach option, and a plan for all-you-can-eat only. Peach picking is a perennial favorite! Come with family or friends to create summer memories this year. Reservations are required during the period. Please book at least three days before your chosen experience date. Be sure to read the Details carefully before proceeding to the web reservation page. For group reservations (via travel agencies), please contact Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche at 0265-48-8061. ※If you do not book through a travel agency, groups arriving by bus will be treated as individual visitors. [ Details ] Period Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 ※Reservations may not be possible depending on weather and peach growing conditions. Reception times 13 sessions per day (7 in the morning / 6 in the afternoon) 9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 / 11:30 12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 14:30 = Notes = Bookings and guidance are generally not accepted for reservations at or after 14:30. Please reserve with time to spare. Please arrive at the reception location (Toyooka Travel Time) so you are not late for your reserved time. If you are late for your reservation, you may not be able to participate, so please take care. Prices (tax included) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] Please reserve at least three days in advance in principle. = Individual Plans = Pick 2 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,100 yen Pick 3 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,300 yen = Family Plans = Up to 4 people: Pick 6 peaches + All-you-can-eat 7,000 yen Up to 6 people: Pick 10 peaches + All-you-can-eat 10,500 yen [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] No reservation required. 20 minutes all-you-can-eat 1,500 yen Reception hours 9:00–15:00 ※Peach picking includes admission to the orchard and the experience fee. ※Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan may not enter the orchard. ※All plans above charge the same rate for ages 4 and older. Children age 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may join the all-you-can-eat for free. Flow of the day (approximate duration: about 1 hour) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] 1. Reception and payment (Toyooka Travel Time) ↓ 2. Peach picking experience (move to the orchard) ※Please travel by private car. ↓ 3. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎All transfers are by private car. A map of the orchard will be given at reception. ◎Depending on congestion, steps 2 and 3 may be reversed. ◎After reception, you will proceed immediately to the orchard or the all-you-can-eat area. (※Please refrain from traveling to other sightseeing spots after reception.) ◎Depending on weather and orchard conditions, picking may be replaced by a take-home arrangement (the orchard owner will pre-pick peaches and provide them) — please understand in advance. ◎From the picking experience to the end of the all-you-can-eat, please allow about 60 minutes. [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] ※No reservation required. 1. Reception and payment (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche tourist information desk, or Toyooka Travel Time, Toyooka Village Tourism Association) ↓ 2. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan cannot enter the peach picking orchard. ◎The all-you-can-eat only plan does not require reservations. Please complete reception and payment at the Toyooka Marche tourist information desk. ◎The all-you-can-eat ends when the peaches for that day run out. Request Peaches are delicate. Whether on the tree or for all-you-can-eat, please do not press them hard. Meeting place & contact Toyooka Travel Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association, general incorporated association) Business hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp If you use car navigation, the address above may direct you to a different location because this is a new facility. For car navigation, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School or Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche. On Google Maps, search for Toyooka Travel Time. How to reserve Same-day guidance is possible, but reservations take priority. We recommend booking in advance as same-day service may be unavailable. Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (reception hours 9:00–18:00) Web reservations ※Reservations start at 10:00 on Saturday, June 22, 2024※ Peach Picking web reservation page [About cancellations] No cancellation fee will be charged on the day, but please be sure to contact us if you cancel.

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!

◆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)

Nice to meet you! Shinshu Shinano Town Tourist Association. Shinanomachi, Kamisuunai-gun, Nagano Prefecture is a town in northern Nagano Prefecture that borders Niigata Prefecture. Its population is about 7,000. Surrounded by mountains such as Myoko, Kurohime, Togakushi, Iizuna, and Madarao, the town also boasts many popular attractions like Lake Nojiri and Kurohime Plateau. On Cool Japan Video, we will share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, known as the hometown of Kobayashi Issa. Thank you for your support. ◆What is Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture? ◆ In winter, Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture welcomes visitors with superb powder snow. Popular ski areas such as Kurohime Kogen Ski Resort, Myoko, and Madarao Kogen make this region ideal for winter sports. It is also popular with international visitors from countries including Australia and Taiwan. Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture is broadly divided into four areas. ◎ Kurohime Highland area ◎ Tangram Madarao Area ◎ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ◎ Lake Nojiri area ◆Recommended sightseeing spots in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, by area◆ ~~~ Kurohime Highland area ~~~ Kurohime Highland lets you fully enjoy nature typical of Nagano Prefecture: dahlias and cosmos in summer, and powder-snow skiing in winter. ◎ Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum & Fairy Tale Forest Gallery The Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum blends literature, art, and nature. It houses and exhibits valuable materials by Michael Ende and Miyoko Matsutani, beloved across generations, as well as fairy tales and picture books from around the world and local folktales. ◎ Kurohime Highland Dog Run This expansive all-grass dog run covers about 3,000 square meters. Built to take advantage of the natural hills, it is enjoyable for dogs from small to large breeds. ◎ Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden The Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden is filled with beautiful cosmos flowers from summer into autumn. The colorful fields of cosmos spread across the vast plateau like a painting. The garden offers an observation deck and walking paths, so you can relax and enjoy the flowers at your own pace. ◎ MtKurohime MtKurohime is a symbolic mountain of Shinanomachi, with an elevation of 2,053 meters. Trails are well maintained, offering enjoyment for beginners through advanced hikers. From the summit, a 360-degree panorama opens up, and on clear days you can see distant mountain ranges. MtKurohime showcases seasonal nature and is an attractive spot for hikers and mountain enthusiasts. ◎ Naena Falls Naena Falls is one of Shinanomachi’s representative scenic spots. With a dramatic drop of 55 meters, the waterfall’s majestic scenery captivates visitors. Walking paths are developed around the area, allowing you to stroll while listening to the roar of the falls. In particular, the autumn foliage season creates a spectacular contrast between colorful leaves and the waterfall. ~~~ Tangram Madarao Area ~~~ This area is popular as a resort area. It offers many amenities such as golf courses and hot spring facilities. ◎ Mt. Madarao (Madarao-yama / Madarao-san) A volcano with an elevation of 1,382 meters, it is one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu (MtMyoko, Mt. Madarao, MtKurohime, MtTogakushi, Mt. Iizuna). At the summit there is a shrine housing 13 statues of Nyorai. ~~~ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ~~~ This is the hometown of haiku poet Kobayashi Issa. Within the area are the Issa Memorial Hall and Issa’s former residence, where you can learn about his life and history. ◎ Issa Memorial Hall A museum built to commemorate the haiku poet Kobayashi Issa, who was born in Kashiwabara, Shinanomachi. It presents many of his works and portrays Issa’s life and the Kashiwabara of his era. ◎ Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan provides tourist information and local products from Shinanomachi. In addition to local specialties and souvenirs from Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy fresh local produce and handmade goods. ~~~ Lake Nojiri area ~~~ In summer on Lake Nojiri you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, SUP, and cruises. ◎ Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum This museum showcases fossils of Naumann elephants discovered at Lake Nojiri and life-size models, offering many attractions. Centered on the results of the more than 40-year-long Lake Nojiri excavations, it researches and exhibits the natural environment around the lake from about 50,000 years ago to the present. ◎ Lake Nojiri At the lakeside you can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. In summer, swimming and camping are popular, making it a recommended spot for families and couples. The lake is also historically significant for the Naumann elephant fossils recovered from its bed, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and history together. ◎ Shomyoji Temple Located quietly in the mountain valley, its precincts are surrounded by seasonal nature. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, attracting many visitors. ◆Recommended activities in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Rental bicycles in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture During the green season when the ski resorts are closed, sightseeing by relaxed cycling while feeling the breeze of Shinanomachi is recommended. The town offers rental bicycles at three locations: the information center in front of Kurohime Station (Shinano Town Tourist Association), LAMP Lake Nojiri, and Nojiri Lake Resort. ◎ Minpaku and farm stays in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture About 3,000 elementary and junior high school students visit annually to experience farm and rural life through homestays and farm stays. The local government and residents have established a solid reception system. ◆Local specialties of Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Crops such as corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and soba are local specialties of Shinanomachi. Shinanomachi is one of the leading paddy monoculture areas in the northern Nagano region, and locally grown Akita Komachi and Koshihikari rice are also popular. ◆Festivals and events in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival About 2,000 fireworks are launched from Lake Nojiri. In 2024 this beloved local event will celebrate its landmark 100th edition. ◆Tourist information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shinanomachi is a town blessed with rich nature, history, and warm people. With seasonal landscapes and outdoor activities, Shinanomachi is an ideal destination for families and couples. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, so we appreciate your support.