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.

How do you do. This is the Minami-Shinshu Tourism Public Corporation! We will send out recommended Tourist Information in the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you. ---- What is the Minami Shinshu area in Nagano Prefecture? The Minami Shinshu area is located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture and is the southern gateway to the prefecture. It is a beautiful region where you can feel the rich nature of the four seasons created by the Tenryu River, which streams from north to south through the center of Minami Shinshu, the Central Alps, and the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps. The Minami Shinshu area consists of 14 cities and towns in Iida City and Shimoina-gun. ⚪︎ Iida City ⚪︎ Matsukawa Town ⚪︎ Takamori Town ⚪︎ Anan Town ⚪︎ Achi Village ⚪︎ Hiraya Village ⚪︎ Neba Village ⚪︎ Shimojo Village ⚪︎ Sellaki Village ⚪︎ Tenryu Village ⚪︎ Yasuoka Village ⚪︎ Takagi Kimura ⚪︎ Toyooka Village ⚪︎ Ōshika Village History of ---- Minami Shinshu area From the Shiojiri Inn of Nakasendo, the Sanshu Highway Ina Highway, which goes south along the Minami Shinshu area along the Tenryu River, Restrooms available a history of prosperity as a Highway important places connecting Edo and Kyoto. Among them, Iida City, which is also the center of Minami Shinshu, currently boasts the fifth largest population in Nagano Prefecture, flourished as a post town on the Sanshu Highway in the Edo period, and developed as a castle town of the Iida Domain during the Sengoku period. Iida City, with its beautiful Towns Maintenance in a Go board shape and its culture inherited from ancient times, is called "Shinshu's Little Kyoto". Traditional culture and traditional crafts inherited in ---- Minami Shinshu area In the Minami Shinshu area, many traditional cultures such as kagura, puppets, Bon Odori, and festivals are still passed down, and it is said to be a treasure trove of folk performing arts. In addition, Minami Shinshu is a production area of Mizuhiki crafts, which accounts for 70% of the nation's production. Mizuhiki is a culture that has been in Minami Shinshu for more than 300 years, and is a decorative string used for the front of gift bags. Fruits of ---- Minami Shinshu area Specialty Products The Minami Shinshu area is a "treasure trove of fruits" where you can enjoy various fruit picking throughout the four seasons. We will introduce the Representative Fruit Picking and its charm of Minami-Shinshu, a fruit kingdom that boasts the one of the most production volume in Japan, with terrain suitable for fruit production, such as abundant sunshine hours and temperature differences between day and night. ・Cherry picking Cherry picking in Minami Shinshu can be enjoyed in early summer. You can pick and taste the red ripe high-grade fruit cherries on the spot, and their sweetness and juiciness are exceptional. ・Pear picking Pear picking can be enjoyed from late summer to autumn. Fresh pears can be picked on the spot and enjoy the fresh taste. Minami Shinshu pears have a strong sweet taste and a crunchy texture. ・Apple picking Minami Shinshu is one of the one of the most apple cultivation areas in Japan. During the autumn harvest season, many people from all over the country visit in search of apples from Minami Shinshu. You can pick and taste the bright red ripe apples yourself, and their mellow aroma and sweetness are attractive. In addition, you can enjoy "Strawberry picking", "Grape picking", "Blueberry picking", and "Peach picking", and you can enjoy taste hunting such as "bamboo shoot picking" and "chestnut picking" other than fruits. ----Summary The Minami Shinshu area is a place where nature and history are in harmony. Hiking and camping in the great Nature are also recommended! There is also a night tour to see the starry sky in Achi Village, which is said to be the best starry sky in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy the Minami Shinshu area, such as enjoying the food culture of Local agricultural products and Local cuisine, the spectacular scenery of the four seasons, and various activities! Visit the Minami Shinshu area, where nature and history are in harmony, and experience its charm. Beautiful nature and culture await you. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Tourist Information for the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture, so thank you!

Narai juku "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" It is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Narai Juku is the 34th post town in the Nakasendo Highway, counting from Itabashi Inn on the Edo side and Moriyama Inn on the Kyoto side, just in the middle of the Nakasendo Highway. The Town has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and retains a strong appearance of the past. On the day I visited, half of the road was off-limits due to road construction tears. The construction had not started yet early in the morning, so I asked to take a picture. "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" I don't know if the two people in the photo were talking. Restrooms available.

[View from Omachi Park] Omachi Park is a scenic lookout easily reached in about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from JR Shinano-Omachi station, offering spectacular views. There are benches where you can relax and take in the scenery. The Northern Alps still wear traces of snow that stand out against the blue sky. From the wooded slopes behind you can hear the pleasing song of a Japanese bush warbler.

◆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)

Kankouji Suwa!!! Kirigamine Highlands in Suwa city, Nagano Prefecture. Suwa proudly boasts this scenic spot where alpine plants bloom through the seasons. It is also known as Japan’s glider mecca 🛩️ At Kirigamine you’ll find one of the country’s top daylily (nikko-kisuge) colonies. This lily-family flower represents the highland in July, painting the green slopes with orange-leaning yellow blooms 🌼 Every July Kirigamine’s popularity causes traffic jams. In the hot season, enjoy a leisurely, elegant respite in this cool highland.

◆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)

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!

I visited Wada-juku Main Camp! It was almost hot outside, but the interior of the main camp felt cool. There was a quiet, meditative atmosphere that made me want to sit and reflect...

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!

“Hidden Spots of Shinano-Omachi” Photography Workshop — Learn Camera Techniques on Omachi Shopping Street Join a tour to learn camera techniques on Omachi Shopping Street. The event is finally approaching on June 8. We will walk and practice photography at historic locations: Matsubaya Ryokan (Matsubaya Guest House), built in the Taisho era; Takara Shokudo, built in the Meiji era; and Omachi Meitengai, built in the 1960s (Showa 40s). For this shooting tour, we have special permission to enter these buildings, and participants will have the chance to hear from an instructor who knows Omachi inside and out. The instructor is Kiyoshi Kashiwabara, a photo instructor certified by the Japan Association of Photography Instructors, a native of Omachi who shares the charm of Omachi’s landscapes and people through his photography.

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.

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.

【Okuwa Village】Atera Canyon Atera Canyon, which has been recognized as a Japan Heritage Site, is a lush scenic spot surrounded by clear streams of emerald green and dense national forests. Surrounded by a beautiful river called "Atera Blue" and deep greenery, it is one of the One of the largest scenic spots in Kiso. Kiso Goki grows on both banks of the Adera River, and Spots such as waterfalls and pools are scattered. There is also a campsite, and inside the campsite there is a famous water of Shinshu called "Bigao Water". During the summer July ~ August, vehicle regulations are required. If you want to move around Atera Canyon easily, you can also rent an e-bike electrically assisted bicycle. [E-bike rental location] Atera Canyon 2nd Parking Lot [Fee] 1,000 yen / 1 hour [Contact Us] 090-6173-9467 Atera Blue Co., Ltd.

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.

【Limited to 500 people】Highway Bus Kiso Meguri Ticket A very affordable highway bus ticket to Basta Shinjuku⇒Kiso Fukushima Station! "Even if you can take a bus from Tokyo, you will have trouble with secondary transportation." Boarding tickets come with a 4,000 yen Kiso bus and taxi ticket. Round-trip 9,600 yen Boarding ticket + 4,000 yen transportation ticket in Kiso = 13,600 yen! Sold for 9000 yen! Even a one-way ticket worth 4,000 yen is 5,500 yen. It is also possible to go by bus and return by train. This ticket will be available for purchase at Highway Bus.com and is limited to 500 tickets. The bus usually runs Traditional Japanese straw raincoat on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but it runs every day during the Obon period from 8/10~18 and from 12/28~1/5 during the year-end and New Year holidays. Transportation tickets can be exchanged for Kiso buses, taxis, and Ontake Ropeway Boarding tickets! Why don't you come and visit Kiso at a great price!? For inquiries, please contact the Kiso Tourism Federation TEL: 0264-23-1122

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

Matsumoto Castle on a heavy snowy day The Chuo Expressway was closed to traffic, so I took a big detour on the Kanetsu Road and entered Matsumoto on the lower road from Azumino. It took me 6 hours to get there in 3 hours laughs.

Matsumoto doesn't snow as much as Tokyo The day after the heavy snowfall was a blue sky. It was the first time I saw Matsumoto Castle with a frozen moat.

【Kiso village】Ōhira Iris Park Pond Iris At the Odaira Iris Park Pond in Kiso village, irises that grow in clusters bloom from late May to early June. As of May 25th, about two-thirds of the flowers have bloomed, and they are in Best time to visit! From the National Route 19 "Suge" traffic light in Kiso village, it is about 10 minutes by car in the direction of Kodama Forest and Yabuhara Ski Resort.

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!

Today I attended the opening festival of Kirigamine. The weather was fine and surprisingly warm. In the second photo, majestic Mt. Fuji also peeked out to welcome us. Even so, just climbing up to the Kirishōtō bell tower made me sweat profusely.💦 For the first time in three years, the opening ceremony returned outdoors.🏔 Many people attended, and we were able to hold the festival. At the opening, members of the Kirigamine Glider Association launched a glider right at 9:00.🛩 It climbed to about 1,900 meters shortly after takeoff. Because it was a glider, it lifted off very quietly.🛫 If there were no weight limits, I would love to try it at least once!!! At the ceremony, the head priest of Tenaga Shrine prayed for the safety of visitors, everyone who passes through Kirigamine, and all those connected to Kirigamine. Please be sure to visit the Kirigamine Nagikama Shrine, one of Suwa’s hidden scenic spots I introduced before! When you come to Kirigamine or Suwa, please drive safely.🚙=3

【Otaki village】Shizenko Nature Lake September 14, 1984 Nagano Prefecture Western Earthquake A mountain collapsed in the Halfway up of Mt. Ontake, and a large amount of debris flowed was dammed by the Otaki River, creating a deep forest and a natural lake where the Valleys submerged. Natural heritage site "Shizenko Nature Lake". It's a photogenic place, but when you actually see it, it's a beautiful scenery that takes your breath away. It is an unexplored area that you should visit at least once. By the way, it is also a place that has been used as a filming location. ） Nature canoeing is held here. Period: April 20 to mid-November Not opens Time: Morning session 9:30~12:00 / Afternoon session 13:30~16:00 Fee Adult 6,500 yen junior high school students and older / 4,000 yen for elementary school students / 3,000 yen for infants 4 years old and older, including equipment and accident insurance. Cash payment only on the day. Apply from the Home page. Please search for "Shizenko Nature Lake Nature Canoe Tour"!!

When I visited Takashima Castle around Golden Week, local junior high students were there sketching the castle. Approaching the wisteria, a wonderfully sweet scent filled the air. Before I knew it, honeybees and carpenter bees had come to gather nectar🐝—even I, as a person, was drawn in by that lovely fragrance!!! I don’t understand why the demons in Demon Slayer would be afraid of such beautiful flowers, haha. I think they’re gorgeous. I recommend taking shots from beneath the wisteria trellis!!! Surprisingly, I didn’t know—despite being a local—that wisteria blooms were even in the pond... Takashima Castle, I’m sorry... Looking at the whole display of wisteria that day, to my amateur eye it seemed about 70% in bloom. On the grounds stands a rare Gokoku Shrine⛩ whose architecture resembles that of Suwa Taisha. It seems to have some unusual carvings. I think Golden Week is generally the best time to visit every year, when you can see them at their most beautiful. The castle, the park, and the wisteria—please come and visit next year; we’ll be waiting for you!

Jizoin in Shiga, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture. Jizoin, the 16th temple of the Suwa 33 Kannon. Jizoin is famous for its katsura tree, a natural monument designated by Suwa City, and is also well known as a peony temple. Its large, vivid flowers are a sight to behold. *Karin-chan Community Bus Yamato–Shiga Line🚌 From Kami-suwa Station Kirigamine Exit, get off at Ichiritsuka, then walk 2 minutes.

📍Nakasendo Odaki-Onnadaki Due to restoration work after heavy rain damage, the Nakasendo above Odaki-Onnadaki had been closed for a long time, but it will reopen today, Tuesday, April 23, 2024! Thank you to everyone who waited. Please continue to watch your step while passing through 🥾✨ #Nagiso town#Nakasendo#Hiking#Odaki-Onnadaki#Kiso Road#Kiso#Nagano tourism#Nagano travel#Trekking#Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)#Magome inn (Magome-juku)

Tsumago inn "Visitor Certificate" Has Been Renewed! An English version has been added to the commemorative visitor certificate for those who visit Nakasendo – Tsumago inn, and it has been refreshed ✨ Made of hinoki cypress and postcard-sized, it is sold for 300 yen each at the Tsumago Tourist Information Center. Nagiso town Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Nakasendo

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is Nagiso Tourism Association. Nagiso town in Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture, is a town of about 3,600 people located in the southwest of Nagano Prefecture. Ninety-four percent of the town is forest, and about 70 percent of that is national forest. The town is made up of seven areas: Yogawa, northern Kakizore, Midono, Tsumago, Araragi, Hirose, and Tadachi. In Cool Japan Video we will introduce Nagiso town’s charms in depth, so please look forward to it! ◆History of Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture◆ Nagiso prospered during the Edo period as a post town on the Nakasendo, the route connecting Kyoto and Edo. Tsumago inn and Midono inn still preserve the old streetscapes where travelers once met and culture flourished. ◆Tourist attractions in Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture◆ Tenpaku azalea colony Located in Tenpaku Park, this massive colony of mitsuba azaleas is designated a town natural monument. At peak season in spring, some 400 azalea plants paint the park in beautiful pinks and whites. From the park’s hill you can also get views of Mount Kiso-Komagatake and the surrounding landscape. Tsumago Yado Preservation District Maintained as the 42nd post town from Edo on the Nakasendo, Tsumago still strongly reflects the atmosphere of the Edo period. In 1976 it was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. At Wakihonjin Okuya you can experience traditional life around an irori hearth. Strolling the old streets lets you feel the timeless romance of travel. Kakizore Canyon Considered one of the most beautiful gorges along the Kiso Road. In spring you’ll see azaleas and rhododendrons, and in autumn the canyon’s foliage is stunning, making it a year-round scenic spot. Using the nature trails and riverside walkways, you can view granite-carved falls such as Ushigataki Waterfall and Kiriga Falls. Tadachi Falls The name Tadachi Falls collectively refers to waterfalls in the Otaki River gorge, including Uru Falls, Rasen Falls, Senshin Falls, Kiriga Falls, Amakawa Falls, Fudo Falls, and Somen Waterfall. In 1990 Tadachi Falls was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, and in 2020 it became part of Central Alps National Park. Yogawa Michi Yogawa Michi arose as a detour route when the Nakasendo became impassable due to flooding of the Kiso River. The moss-covered roadside stones and bamboo thickets along the forest road make it an excellent hiking course. Momosuke Bridge Completed in 1922 more than 100 years ago, this 247-meter wooden bridge is the largest wooden bridge in Japan. In 1994 it was designated a National Important Cultural Property. MtNagiso At 1,677 meters, MtNagiso was historically a mountain for Shugendo ascetic practice. The climbing routes offer steep and gentle slopes as well as chain sections. It is popular as a mountain that is accessible for day hikes. ◆Local specialties of Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture◆ Surrounded by forests, Nagiso has long preserved woodcraft traditions. ‘Nagiso rokuro zaiku,’ a traditional technique in which boards and logs are turned on a lathe and planed with a kanna, is carefully crafted by artisans one piece at a time. The delicate beauty created by generations of skilled craftsmen captivates many people. ◆Festivals and events in Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture◆ Tadachi Hanauma Festival Held each October to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, this festival features three Kiso horses adorned with saddles slowly parading through town. In 1993 it was designated a Nagano Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property. ◆Tourist information for Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture◆ Nagiso town, Nagano Prefecture, offers magnificent natural scenery and a rich history that make it an appealing destination. Please come and spend memorable moments surrounded by Nagiso’s beautiful nature and history. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended and up-to-date information about Nagiso town, so thank you for your support.