【Star Photography Workshop Held on November 30】 We held a star photography workshop again this year to introduce the villagers to the beautiful night sky of Minamimaki Village, one of Japan’s three top stargazing spots.📋✏️ We photographed the stars at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, a facility that is usually closed at night.📡📷 Thanks to photographer Teruyasu Kitayama’s instruction on shooting techniques and the generous loan of a high-performance camera from OM Digital Solutions Corporation, even an amateur like me could capture beautiful images.😚 The air has turned clear and it’s the perfect season for star photography, but Minamimaki Village’s cold is on another level.🥶 Please dress warmly when you come.🧣🧤

Diamond dust Kirigamine seen for the first time The view seen in the temperature of -15 degrees Celsius. In Kirigamine, if the conditions are good, you can see "fog ice", "diamond dust" and "sun pillar". "Frost" refers to ice that appears white when supercooled fog or water vapor adheres to tree branches. "Diamond dust" is a phenomenon in which ice crystals formed by the sublimation of water vapor in the atmosphere fall. It is a view that can only be seen in the cold Squid.

I’ve been feeling winter in Nagawacho for a little while now🧣 This time I visited Utsukushi-no-ike😊 There were frost pillars and some thin ice forming❄️.*˚ Please be careful when driving, as nearby roads may be frozen⚠️

When it comes to pickles from Shinshu, nozawana is well known, but in southern Shinshu, gensuke kabuna pickles are cherished. Gensuke kabuna becomes sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost. As the cold grows harsher at this time of year, Toyooka Village has entered the ideal harvesting season for gensuke kabuna. Toyooka Tabi Jikan offers hands-on harvesting experiences for gensuke kabuna. We also provide pickling recipes. For details about the experience, please visit the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. The program is scheduled to run from around November 25th to December 20th, ending once supplies run out.

Have you all been feeling tired lately??? It may be a little early, but why not plan an evening with friends, partners, or family to see a nationally designated Important Cultural Property lit up? In December, we will illuminate Katakura-kan in Suwa for six days across three weekends (Dec. 7–8, 14–15, and 21–22, 2024)! Katakura-kan is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and served as a filming location for the famous hot spring film *Thermae Ro◯e* (title partially obscured in the original). Wild eel is actually in season right now, and there is a traditional cold 'doyō' period in January (寒の土用), which locals note. Here’s a suggested plan: 1. Enjoy eel in the Suwa–Okaya area 2. See Katakura-kan illuminated 3. Unwind and refresh from everyday fatigue and stress at Kamisuwa Onsen. Oh—don’t forget to book your accommodation! ・Period: December 7–8 (Sat–Sun), December 14–15 (Sat–Sun), and December 21–22 (Sat–Sun), 2024. ・Time: 17:00–20:00 * Bathing hours at Katakura-kan end at 20:00. Last admission is at 19:30.

【Fujikawa Town Komuro Yuzu and Fuji 🥰】 This year, Komuro's yuzu harvest is low because it is a back year. Komuro's yuzu is characterized by a strong Aroma. I recommend the yuzu pepper and yuzu ponzu sauce set using the yuzu.

Toyooka Tabi Jikan has installed a persimmon noren under its eaves! Please relax and enjoy it along with the foot bath♪

【Diamond Fuji from Fujikawa Town Toya】 At exactly 7 o'clock, I took a picture of Diamond Fuji with a sea of clouds. You can see it one month earlier than Diamond Fuji in the lower heights.

— Nakasendo: Tsumago-juku Bunka-Bunsei Parade ③ — Thank you to everyone who came! May the event take place safely again on November 23 next year...✨

—Nakasendo Tsumago Inn Bunka-Bunsei Parade②— November 23rd is the busiest day of the year in Tsumago inn✨ At lunch break, people enjoy rice balls wrapped in bamboo bark🍙 Catching a shot of someone eating one makes a great photo! I wonder if people used to carry and eat rice balls like this on the road back then💭 Someone is handing out large sheets of paper called Kawaraban, which were like newspapers in the Edo period. They were sold and distributed to inform ordinary people of urgent news at the time💭

— Bunka-Bunsei Procession ① — On Saturday, November 23, the 57th Bunka-Bunsei Procession took place, hosted by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Association That Loves Tsumago. Under clear skies, residents and visitors recreated the people who likely walked this Nakasendo during the Bunka-Bunsei era and the atmosphere of the post town, bringing lively activity to Nakasendo and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku).✨ Thank you to everyone who attended and for cooperating with photography etiquette and other manners. We hope the event is held safely again next year.

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

[Autumn leaves are in full bloom! ] 11/19 Minami-Alps City This morning, the temperature is Traditional Japanese straw raincoat nationwide, and winter has arrived in the Minami-Alps City! It was so cold that it reminded me of. The Autumn leaves in Minami-Alps City today (11/19) also seem to be progressing at once due to this cold. Mt. Mt. Kushigata is covered with a carpet of warm colors, and Inagako and other places in the city are in full bloom.

Suginoya sits at the foot of Wada Pass on the Nakasendo. The menu ranges from katsudon and set meals to pizza and pasta. 🍕✨ Address ▶︎ 3389 Wada, Nagawacho Phone ▶︎ 0268-88-2005 Hours Weekdays ▶ 11:00–21:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays ▶ 11:00–20:00 Closed every Thursday

Notice of public toilet closures for winter To prevent freezing, some public toilets in Minamimaki Village will be closed from Monday, November 25, 2024 until mid-April 2025 (scheduled). We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Please note that the public toilet in front of nobeyama station remains available 24 hours during winter. The restroom inside the Minamimaki Village Rural Culture and Information Exchange Center (Vegitable With) is also available during the center’s opening hours.

[Notice of Reopening of Road Closure] The entrance to Tsumago inn (on the Magome side, opposite the No. 3 parking lot) had been closed to vehicles for road improvement work for a while, but the closure was lifted today, Friday, November 22. Thank you for your cooperation during the long closure! —Notice— Vehicles and pedestrians may now pass as usual, but vehicle entry into the post town is one-way from Omata Bridge, so entry from the No. 3 parking lot side is prohibited. Also, within Tsumago inn, vehicles are always prohibited from 10:00 to 16:00 to protect the scenery.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, the Nakasendo Tsumago inn will host a Bunka-Bunsei era procession! This annual event has taken place on November 23 since 1968 to commemorate the start of preservation efforts at Tsumago Yado. Local residents dress as samurai, courier runners, komuso (mendicant monks), and other figures to recreate the post town atmosphere of the Bunka-Bunsei period. As in past years, the procession will march along the Nakasendo from 10:30 at Watashima General Ground to 11:20 at Tsumago inn (lunch break), then resume at 13:25 and walk the Nakasendo between O-Tsumago and Tsumago. Imagine the travelers who once walked this road in the Bunka-Bunsei era and enjoy the procession. Details about the schedule and other information for the day are available on the Tsumago inn official website✅ There is no reserved space for media or photography. Please avoid blocking others and watch the procession without standing in the way. Non-participants must not join the procession. Tsumago inn remains a living community while preserving its streetscape. Please refrain from entering private property or causing disturbance. The photo shows last year’s event. It is forecast to be cold tomorrow, so please come warmly dressed 😊❄

Today's Nobeyama Highlands This morning's low was -3.8°C🌡️ Yesterday Yatsugatake finally got a dusting of snow, and it really feels like winter now🏔️ Temperatures are forecast to drop further from the weekend🥶 Please dress warmly when you visit🧣🧤

Autumn is my favorite season in Japan. This is because of this aesthetic view. Enjoying the autumn from ropeway is very good but the view of autumn with the ropeway is amazing. The autumn valey in Yuzawa kogen ski resort is one of the best place to enjoy the autumn. Over the valley there is a ropeway service which looks like this image.

Notice of Stone-Roasted Sweet Potato Sales Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. On both days, stone-roasted sweet potatoes will be sold from around 11:00 AM! We will also offer roasted Anno sweet potatoes, known as the “king of sweet potatoes.” Please give them a try♪ Prices - Roasted sweet potato (Beniharuka, Beni Azuma): small 200 yen · large 300 yen - Roasted sweet potato (Anno sweet potato): small 300 yen · large 400 yen - Roasted baked potato: 200 yen *Get 50 yen off the total bill for every two items purchased.

Winter Opening Hours for the Nobeyama Tourist Information Center The opening hours of the Nobeyama Tourist Information Center in front of JR Nobeyama Station will be as follows during the winter period. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding. Winter Schedule ・Period: November 25, 2024 (Monday)–mid-March 2025 ・Hours: 10:00–16:00 ・Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday, closed the following Tuesday), and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Contact for closed-day inquiries Minamimaki Village Promotion Corporation TEL: 0267-91-1771 (closed December 29–January 3)

Akasawa has finished this season, but the Autumn leaves on the Nezame-no-Toko floor are still in Best time to visit The coloring of the maples is beautiful!

Tadachi Washi Papermaking Experience 2024! The tradition of washi papermaking has long been passed down in the Tadachi area of Nagiso town. At one time it was an important winter side industry for farming families. Although Tadachi washi vanished for a while with the spread of Western paper, the town restored the house of Tadachi Washi in 1985 to preserve the traditional techniques and share them with many people. At the Washi House, artisans still carry on the papermaking craft today.✨ The Washi House now offers a winter-only papermaking experience! Because it uses natural materials and cold water, this is a precious experience available only in winter.👀 There are two workshop options: a postcard and a koban (oval coin) size. Why not make your own one-of-a-kind original washi paper? Period: December–March Location: Tadachi Washi House (234-2 Tadachi, Nagiso town) Inquiries: 0573-75-4910 (Washi House) ※Reservation required For details, please check the Nagiso Tourism Association website "Burari Nagiso."✨

[Winter Driving] Check snow road information! Nagiso town is a region that typically sees snowfall each year. If heavy snow is forecast, road closures may occur. Please review the importance of winter equipment and snow driving precautions before you head out. You can get real-time road conditions, road-closure updates, and winter equipment information from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s live cameras, social media, and websites. We ask for your cooperation to prevent winter traffic accidents and troubles. MLIT Winter Drive Navi Chubu Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Iida National Highway Office Snow Road Information for the South Shinshu and Kiso Region (map available) Tsumago Tourist Information Center TEL: 0264-57-3123 (Business hours 8:30–17:00, closed during the New Year holidays)

Partial road closures on the Nakasendo Currently, some sections of the Nakasendo are closed or have restricted access. Signs, ropes, and detours are in place, so please watch your step when passing through. 1. Between Magome and Magome Pass — Bridge collapse If you walk from Magome to Tsumago, go past the Jinbajō Observation Deck in Magome and follow Prefectural Route 7. Turn right at the sign for the old Nakasendo. At the Y-shaped junction ahead, turn left onto the stone path; a wooden bridge there is half-collapsed. The Nakatsugawa City Tourism Division has set up ropes and barriers, but please be careful of your footing when passing. 2. Kudaritani (see map above) A detour around Kudaritani runs behind nearby houses. If walking from the Tsumago direction 3. From the entrance to Tsumago inn (near Parking Lot 3) to Tsumago Power Station Note: Closed to vehicles. Pedestrians may pass.

Towns with a view of Diamond Fuji Yuzu no Sato Rogaining in Fujikawa Town Application deadline is Friday, November 22 Date & Time: 12/1 (Sun) 　　　Start 10 o'clock ~ Location: Roadside Station Fujikawa Shooting at checkpoints such as Sightseeing spots It's a sport where you have fun and compete for points. All you can eat and hospitality Local cuisine Mimi, Yuzu hot water, etc.

The autumn leaves along the Mikata Goko Rainbow Line have begun to change color. The foliage around Mikata Goko typically peaks in late November, so the best viewing period is approaching. The summit park sits atop a 400 m mountain, so it is somewhat cooler than ground level. Please bring an extra layer when viewing the autumn colors from the Rainbow Line. Mikata Goko Rainbow Line Summit Park Address: 75-2-6 Hyuga, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture 919-1126 Phone: 0770-47-1170 Summit park admission: Adults 1,000 yen each, Children 500 yen each Parking fee: Standard car 500 yen per vehicle By car: About 20 minutes from Wakasa-Mikata IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway, through the Hyuga Gate Note: The Rainbow Line prefectural road is a motor-vehicle-only road; pedestrians and bicycles are not permitted. Note: The Rainbow Line prefectural road is open from 8:00 to 18:00. By train: Get off at JR Mihama Station and take a taxi for about 20 minutes.

That day, greedy Kawanishi visited a wagashi shop he had long been curious about! It was Koshido, located in Suehiro, Suwa. I spoke with President Kurita. To my surprise, this long-established wagashi shop has been in business for 99 years since Taisho 14 (1925). The current president appears to be the third generation. By chance, five days before my visit, a local newspaper ran a story saying students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School had designed the shop’s classic packaging and stickers. Even amid such history, I was charmed by this flexible approach and arranged an appointment. According to the president, the Suwa Confectioners’ Association once included 60–70 shops, and many were in the city, but now only 17 remain. I want to cherish the wagashi culture left by earlier generations and pass it on. I personally love anko (sweet red bean paste), so I’ve always liked wagashi. That day I learned that wagashi can be enjoyed in every season, and I gained new insights!!! In spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi; for the equinoctial week there are botamochi and ohagi; in autumn there are inoko-mochi and tsutsugayu, and more. I hope to introduce these delicate and delicious wagashi to everyone! ◎ Koshido 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/ That day, I went to Koshido, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Suwa. Mr. Kurita is the shop’s president and craftsman. The shop has been open for 99 years, and he is the third generation. On November 9th, I saw a newspaper article about the shop: students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School designed stickers for the product. He told me that long ago there were 60–70 wagashi shops in Suwa city, but now only 17 remain. I feel it’s important to preserve this great tradition for future generations. I didn’t know wagashi could be enjoyed across the four seasons! It’s true. In autumn there are dango, inoko-mochi, and tsutsugayu; in spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi, among others. I still have much to learn about traditional Japanese sweets, and I will continue to write about seasonal wagashi from now on! ◎ KOSHIDO 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan ◎ Tel: 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/

At Shinshu Togakushi, Kagami Pond. The reflection of the scenery on the water was beautiful.

I may not know the name of the hill, but witnessing the Naeba Plateau in the fall is truly a breathtaking experience. It transforms into a stunning tapestry of autumn colors, as if it were aflame with beauty. The national highway that traverses the area adds to the scene, leading one through a charming tunnel that highlights nature's grandeur. It's a wonderful reminder of how harmoniously the landscape and human elements coexist.