Omachi City character Omapyoun desktop calendar The New Year is about ten days away✨ How about placing an Omachi City character Omapyoun desktop calendar on the corner of your desk for 2025? Sales are at Iezura Omachi Specialty Shop (until January 7) and Okumura Printing📆 It comes with a bonus running through March 2026✨ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/90521/...

Actually, on December 1st, Kamisuwa Shizune from the “Onsen Musume” project suddenly appeared at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside JR Kami‑Suwa Station!!! Her voice actress is Nanaka Suwa! ◆What Onsen Musume Is Onsen Musume is a regional revitalization project created to promote the attractions of hot spring towns and tourist spots across Japan to domestic and international audiences through various content such as anime, manga, characters, and voice actors. Previously, Shimosuwa Watanon lived in Shimosuwa Town, but Kamisuwa had not yet appeared. With yesterday’s appearance in Kamisuwa, the twins—Kamisuwa Shizune (older sister) and Shimosuwa Watanon (younger sister)—finally managed to be together yesterday! Thank you for waiting. At the information center, we sell one can badge per person (up to two) and acrylic keychains (one per person). Customers who purchase a total of 1,500 yen or more will receive an original sticker! Please come safely! We look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts!

UMIKARA Takahama District Traveling with fish market "UMIKARA" Freshly caught seafood from the fishing port is lined up at "UMIKARA Market" Shop "UMIKARA select" where original Specialty Products are lined up that are perfect for Souvenirs "Umikara Shokudo" where you can enjoy menu using Fresh seafood and Local vegetables The rooftop open terrace "UMIKARA TERRACE" where you can enjoy fish snacks while enjoying a great location. It is a combined fish and food market specializing in sea feasts. 〇Basic Information〇 【Address】 5-1 Shiodo, Takahama Town, Oi-gun, Fukui 【Inquiry】 TEL：0770-72-3528　/　FAX：0770-72-3538 business hours 【UMIKARA Market】9:00～20:00 【UMIKARA select】9:00～16:00 【Umikara Shokudo】10:00~15:00(LO14:30)/ 18:00〜22:00(LO21:30)*Dinner only on Saturdays and Sundays 【Umikara Terrace】10:00~16:30 (Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and the day before holidays from May ~ September) Regular holiday Year-end and New Year holidays Free Car Parking: Approx. 70 cars

Souvenirs from Taiki Town ~Winter Seafood Souvenirs~ Facing the Pacific Ocean, Taiki Town offers a bounty of delicious seafood. This season is perfect for salmon roe, whelks, and shishamo smelt! You can buy them at Roadside Station Kosumoru Taiki. Also on sale is a frozen product of the “legendary giant clams,” which are caught only once a year when the fishery opens. Be sure to pick some up as souvenirs from Taiki Town!

Nov. 27th in 2024 Today, the gluttonous Kasai went to a Japanese sweets shop for research again!!! It's Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch! But, everyone, do you notice anything in the pictures? Look! Look!!! I was so excited to go to Engetsu-dou that I forgot to take a picture of the shop's exterior... I'm really driven by my appetite... I'm ashamed... I'll make sure to do it next time! I spoke with Mrs. Katagiri, the proprietress of Engetsu-dou Hompo! It seems that they started with a different shop name 78 years ago (Showa 21), before it became Engetsu-dou. At first, it was in front of Kamisuwa Station! Four years later, they expanded to Kowada, and eight years after that, to Shimizu. Now, they have the Shimizu store and this Fukushima store, which opened in 1992, offering Japanese sweets at two stores in the city!!! The proprietress's recommendations are the revived "Kojou Monaka" and "Kabuto Monaka"!!! There are about four types of Monaka, and there are many different kinds. According to the proprietress, "Each Japanese sweets shop has a different red bean paste, so it's fun to try and find your favorite!" Also, she said "Recently, the number of foreign customers has been increasing little by little, and I think they may be paying attention to red bean paste because it is lower in calories than Western-style cream." ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 Nov. 27th in 2024 Today I went to Engetsu-dou Hompo which is Japanese traditional sweets (Wagashi) shop in Suwa city! “Wa” means Japan. “Gashi” means sweets. So, Japanese traditional sweets call Wagashi? They have two shops in Suwa, Shimizu-machi area and Fukujima area. I went to Fukujima location. Don’t you notice about pictures??? Did you? I was focus for Wagashi… That’s why I forgot to take a picture about Engetsu-dou’s exterior… That’s big mistake! Horrible!!! I’m so sorry about that. I’m gluttony. Wagashi was right front of me, I lost from Wagashi’s temptation. So, I forgot took the shop’s exterior photo… Ms. Katagiri (landlady) introduce her shop and Wagashi. They founded in 1946. About 78 years. The shop was front of Kamisuwa station. They started with the different name of the shop. It became Engetsu-dou in 1950. Shimizu-machi branch opened in 1958. Fukujima branch opened in 1992. I asked her, “what is your recommendation Wagashi?” She told me Kojou Monaka and Kabuto Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet that is bean‐jam‐filled wafers. Also, she said “You can enjoy Wagashi every season, and each shop has original sweetened red bean paste. So, you can enjoy to find your favorite shop. Now, gradually increasing foreign customers. I think they realized Wagashi is less than calories compare to cake.” ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

Anata Terasu: Tea, Healing, Fortune-telling, and Goods Today, Saturday, November 30, Anata Terasu took place at Miyazaki Sabo’s Barber House ☺️🍀 This event, which was also held in summer, is now at Volume 5 🖐️💡 A wood-burning stove warmed the shop, giving a gentle, happy warmth 😌💕 A wide range of fortune-telling and healing services were available 🫶 I asked Hikari Therapy for a guardian reading and a channeled message this time 🤗 I was surprised by some unexpected results 😳 but they might indeed be true 🤭 I felt encouraged to keep the messages in my heart and live joyfully 💪✨ While others waited for healing services, they relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed delicious tea, chiffon cake, and bread 🍵 Healing goods like warm items and other soothing accessories were on display, making for a lovely event where time flowed slowly ☺️✨ Actually, I’m typing this post while eating the hojicha chiffon cake I bought… and it’s unbelievably delicious 🥹💕 The rich hojicha flavor and moist chiffon texture are perfect… If you get the chance, please try it ✨ This was a rewarding event recommended for anyone who’s always busy and feeling a bit short on mental space 🥰

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/

[Notice] Akindo Market♪ Today (15th) and tomorrow (16th) — two days only!! At Roadside Station Iwanai, Japan Asparagus Co., Ltd.'s new products: two vegetable powders ★ Pumpkin powder ★ Burdock powder Both are 1,080 yen (tax included)! Manufactured using superheated steam. They concentrate the natural flavors of the ingredients and deliver the full umami of the vegetables! Additive-free and safe! They can also be used for baby food, which is usually time-consuming to prepare #👶 Plus, they are great for baking and soups — many uses♪ We hope you'll give them a try🙏 *Please note: Ramen Houryu listed on the flyer is closed unexpectedly due to store circumstances.* It's a once-a-month event where you can shop for bargains at stores throughout Iwanai-cho〜

Yama no Ocha Sakamotoen Autumn Warehouse Sale Today, Sunday, November 10th, the “Autumn Warehouse Sale” took place on the grounds of Sakamotoen 🍵✨ Sakamotoen’s booth offered discounted teas, and shoppers who spent over ¥2,000 could enter a raffle—what a deal 😳👏 There were also light food stalls, food trucks, and booths selling crafts and relaxation services, creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere 😌💕 A fill-a-bag of mandarins for ¥500 drew challengers who expertly piled the bags full—watching their skill made me laugh out loud 🤣🤣🤣 The festival’s highlights, the hojicha latte and matcha latte, were truly delicious and ordered by many 🤤 I couldn’t stop at the hojicha latte I bought first and ended up enjoying a matcha latte too 🤭 Simply perfect ✨ Inside the building, beautiful kyusus and Sakamotoen’s tea products lined the shelves 😳💡It was pure luxury to imagine brewing tea with a favorite kyusu while browsing the many tea varieties 🥹… Although it rained, everyone relaxed and smiled as they enjoyed their tea, making it a lovely festival 😌💕

Gokase Junior High School Product! Dried Shiitake Mushrooms On Wednesday, November 6th, we observed a class of second-year students at Gokase Junior High School🍄‍🟫✨ The students handled every step themselves, from sorting and bagging the dried shiitake to setting the price🤗 The shiitake were grown as part of the school's curriculum. The current third-year students inoculated the logs last year, and the second-year students carried out the sorting and packaging this time👏 This year’s yield was lower than usual, so selecting good mushrooms was a tough task💦 However, the students enjoyed the work, consulting with each other—"Is this one okay?" "Maybe not…"—as they made their choices🤗 They weighed and bagged the mushrooms with sales in mind, aiming for balanced portions and an attractive appearance🤔 After sealing the packs neatly with a vacuum sealer, the students set the prices themselves, referring to current market rates👏 Those shiitake were actually sold at the Gokase Specialty Center at the prices the students decided😳✨ Finally, the students learned about log management and precautions, deepening their understanding of Gokase’s specialty product, log-grown shiitake😌✍️ We hope students continue to encounter and cherish the town’s specialties and culture from a young age and carry them forward into the future✨

At Ashoro’s cider brewery, Brunk Hard Cider Works, the production of next year’s hard cider has begun! The apples picked at Hidamari Farm have already been processed, and today we are pressing apples from Kitami. Sounds exciting. Brunk Hard Cider※ is available at the Roadside Station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21 shop, the official online store, and other outlets. Be sure to give it a try! ※A sparkling alcoholic drink made from apples.

Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024 Yesterday, Sunday, October 20, following last week’s events, Gokase Winery held the "Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024" to celebrate the release on Saturday, October 19 of the 2024 vintage new wines 🍷🎉 Although the rain from the day before was gone and the sky cleared, it turned sharply cold from the morning, and as the name suggests the Wind Hall felt chilled by strong, cold breezes today 🥶💦 Still, the crowd warmed up with a lineup of lively, exciting stage programs 🤩✨ Taiko drumming, hula dance, singing, and a raffle… and the familiar Hikari hosted the event 💡 Her light, bright hosting energized the audience greatly 🥳 She was so busy she kept appearing on stage again and again 🤣🤣🤣 Food stalls offering pizza, sausages, Kitaura scallops (hiougi kai), and various sweets that paired well with the new wine filled the venue and kept everyone happy 🤤💕 The highlights were the sashimi servings of sakuramai kampachi and tuna 🐟🍴✨ Fresh sakuramai kampachi, alive that very morning, were filleted on site and served to attendees 😍 Sakuramai kampachi raised on nutrient-rich pomace—the leftover pressed grapes from winemaking at Gokase Winery—have no fishy odor and less of the greasy taste typical of farmed fish, making them especially delicious 🤤💡 Lines snaked through the venue for the kampachi and tuna 😳 I managed to grab some myself; it had no off-putting smell, a smooth, mellow texture, and was truly delicious 🥰 The finale featured the main guest, Reiwa’s Showa-era pop song young star Kokoro Umetani, on stage 🎤✨ Kokoro appeared in an outfit that matched the wine-themed atmosphere 🤩🍷 Despite her cute appearance, her powerful, glamorous voice stunned the audience 😳✨ Fans had come from afar, including from Saitama Prefecture, to support her 👏 With fans and townspeople together, the stage reached a spectacular peak of excitement 🎉🎉🎉 At last, the newly released Gokase wines are now available. Although the summer heat had raised concerns about the harvest, the tireless efforts of local grape growers paid off. They harvested higher-than-usual sugar levels and aroma, producing exceptionally fine grapes and very tasty wine 🥹👏 I haven’t had a chance to drink it yet, so I can’t wait to taste it 🍷✨ Everyone, please enjoy the season’s wines.

October 5, 2024 Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll On that day, a major event took over the town of Suwa: the “Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along a one‑kilometer walking radius from JR Kami‑Suwa Station along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2‑chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sakes🍶. This year, a cypress masu (wooden sake box) doubled as a passport, letting visitors enjoy the aroma of hinoki wood while sipping fine sake. The 3,000 tickets sold out by September 30, showing just how popular the event was!!! Compared with last year, more local restaurants offered snack stalls, and additional stalls were run by neighborhood groups!!! Although the weather was a little worrying that day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Swatchao was lively, and the city began to buzz toward the pedestrian zone start at 12:00. By the official start at 13:00, lines had formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their preferred labels!!! After opening remarks by Suwa’s mayor and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, the stroll kicked off with Suwa’s customary kiyari work song, and the sake stroll began. The kiyari performers then walked along the kaido, responding to requests and singing until around 17:00🎶 From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Many guests joined in the dancing, and the sight of everyone enjoying themselves was memorable. The food stalls drew long queues: yakitori, grilled eel, karaage and sanzokuyaki (mountain warrior‑style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, kushiyaki, candied apples, bento sellers, french fries, yakisoba, and more… The snack stalls were as busy as the sake booths! Good sake paired with delicious local dishes and snacks naturally brought smiles to people’s faces🎶 We met many smiling visitors—thank you very much. What surprised us most was how little trash there was. From the organizer’s perspective, we picked up litter from JR Kami‑Suwa Station to the far end of the venue just before the event ended, and there seemed to be very little trash on the streets. I believe that resulted from attendees properly sorting and disposing of their waste. As I walked around holding a bag and saying, “If you have any trash, please put it in this bag!” several visitors responded, “Wow, amazing! You even collect trash? Thank you so much.” Those words wiped away my fatigue! I was deeply moved😢 For the next event, our staff will continue striving to ensure guests are satisfied and have a great time, while gaining the understanding and cooperation of local residents so that Suwa’s town can become even more vibrant and lively.

Sano-kaze Shinshu Teyaki Senbei Honpo On this day, food lover Kasai visited Shinshu Teyaki Senbei Honpo. This hand-baked senbei shop has been at this location for about 35 years. On the day, President Hiroko Kitahara, who also bakes the senbei, showed us around. Stepping inside, the first thing that struck me was the wide variety. For a true senbei fan like Kasai, the selection was almost bewildering 🍘. Among them were many kinds, including shimi senbei and lacquered senbei. Popular No.1 is nori No.2 is twice-dipped No.3 is apple senbei Next is nozawana wasabi Nozawana wasabi is quite unusual, isn’t it? You often see nozawana in prefectural souvenir shops, but “nozawana wasabi” is rare. Apple, nozawana, and wasabi are all Nagano specialties. Quince is a specialty of Suwa. Apricot, matcha, white sugar, brown sugar, shichimi, ichimi, miso, negi miso, walnut miso, garlic, and more… There may be more varieties here than anywhere else in Nagano Prefecture. Kasai’s recommendations are “garlic” and “twice-dipped.” The garlic offers a subtle garlic aroma, while the twice-dipped has a rich, well-infused flavor that lets you enjoy the savory depth of soy sauce. Because they are hand-baked, the texture is superb—this shop is recommended for those who like firm senbei. Among the standout items is “Fukutoku”!!! Some of you may recognize the name “Fukutoku.” It was made by President Kitahara’s grandfather. Unlike fortune cookies, Fukutoku contains a lucky charm inside!!! President Kitahara has apparently succeeded in reviving it in her generation, wanting to restore it somehow. And above all, Shinshu Teyaki Senbei Honpo is hand-baked and right in front of the Grand Shrine!!! They sell by hand, and the shop sits very close to the torii of the Main Shrine ⛩. When visiting Suwa Grand Shrine’s Main Shrine, be sure to look for your favorite flavor or souvenirs at Shinshu Teyaki Senbei Honpo, and take a stroll along the North Approach. ◎ Shinshu Teyaki Senbei Honpo 📍 201 Nakasu, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture 392-0015 (Suwa Grand Shrine North Approach) ☎ 0266-58-1235 Hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (may vary) : Sat, Sun, and holidays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ◎ Closed: Open year-round

Thursday, October 3 — G Class: Tea Pan-Frying Experience at Miyazaki Sabou🍵 Today, third graders from four elementary schools across Gokase Town gathered at Miyazaki Sabou for a G class✍️💡…so I was able to observe their visit👀✨ We had considered skipping the tea-picking experience because of light rain, but the kids’ energy cleared the sky enough for a short session, so we did a little picking👏👏👏 Chanting “one bud, two leaves!” everyone happily hand-picked tea leaves🌿 After that, the group split into three teams to do 1) a factory tour, 2) a pan-frying experience, and 3) a tasting session✍️✨ 1) The factory was full of first-time sights! Different tea aromas drifted through the air, and just watching the tour felt soothing🤤💕 When told that a single tea leaf can become green tea, oolong tea, or black tea, the kids gasped “Whaaaat!?” with perfect reactions😳💮💮💮 lol 2) The pan-frying experience stemmed from what they heard on the tour: machines roast leaves at 200–300°C, so the kids nervously asked, “Is it hot!?”🤣 But trying it turned out to be fun🤩 They watched, fascinated, as the leaves dried and released a pleasant aroma, commenting “I like this smell!” and “But it’s tiring~💦” while learning the pan-fried tea production process😊 3) They learned about types of tea utensils and how to use them, the ideal water temperature for brewing, and other tips for making tasty tea, then each brewed and tasted pan-fried tea themselves🍵✨ One child said it smelled like corn soup, which surprised me, but apparently pan-fried tea is often said to have a corn-like flavor😮💡 The children’s sensitivities never cease to amaze me👏 They compared four teas by taste and tried to identify which was pan-fried tea, oolong, hojicha, or black tea. Many struggled, confused by the familiar colors and aromas🤣 Did you know? Taiwanese and Gokase oolong teas are closer in color to green tea rather than brown😏✏️ At the end, during the Q&A, the children asked sharp questions to the producers and summarized what they had learned✍️💫 The kids experienced the full charm of Gokase’s pan-fried tea and felt the producers’ passion😌 I hope they take pride in this local specialty and help weave the future of Gokase Town✨

On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Tokoro Terrace in Shiga Akanuma, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture. This stylish spot, known in Suwa for selling kanten, also houses a cafe and dining area.☕ Tokoro Terrace promotes making kanten part of everyday life with the motto “bringing kanten closer to you.” The person who introduced the shop that day was manager Kurane. Next to the shop and cafe is a factory specializing in tokoroten, so the tokoroten served here comes fresh from the adjacent factory!!! I dislike vinegar-and-soy dressing, and since I learned about kuromitsu I’ve been hooked♪ It’s virtually zero calories (excluding the kuromitsu lol)!!! Kanten comes in many forms—block kanten (bō kanten), string kanten, and powdered kanten—and it’s a versatile ingredient you can add to rice, miso soup, or salads. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the school lunch day with mandarin orange milk kanten and used to pace around the serving area... Kanten provides dietary fiber and doesn’t overpower other ingredients, so it shines in main dishes, appetizers, and desserts alike—truly the Shohei Ohtani of the ingredient world!!! That day I found a pack of 100 sticks of kanten; some customers buy that size a few times a year!!! The quantity and enormity were astounding lol At the cafe, they use that kanten in tokoroten, cream anmitsu (their most popular item), soft serve, and even the hugely popular pudding. They serve lunch (11:00–14:00), where a salad with added kanten enhances the flavors of the main dish. The place is welcoming to men and has counter seating, so you can easily enjoy a casual cafe visit or lunch.🍴 You can also enjoy coffee made from beans by Yuhigahama Coffee of Matsumoto alongside the sweets, so try them together.☕ The entire shop is barrier-free, so customers in wheelchairs can enter with confidence. Many visitors come in three generations—grandmother, mother, and grandchild—and enjoy the cafe together. Why not consider this as a souvenir from Suwa? ◎ Tokoro Terrace 📍 1545-1 Shiga, Suwa (5-minute drive from Suwa I.C. toward Lake Suwa; parking for 40 cars) ☎ 0266-52-1056 ◎ Hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Shop hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Cafe hours: 10:00–17:00 (Lunch 11:00–14:30) ◎ Closed: Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2) ◎ Online shop available.

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

August 11 (Sun) Tenohira Gion Market ⛩️👜✨ Today, August 11 (Sun) from 9:00 to 15:00, the Tenohira Gion Market was held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka area.🙌 Products from Kyoto, Nara, and shops and craftsmen from Gokasecho and nearby gathered at Gion Shrine.😯👏 Everything was very charming, and each item showed clear dedication and passion.😌✨ A visitor said just looking at them was restorative and soothing, and that was exactly right.🥹 Some items were priced beyond what many could usually spend 😂, but after hearing the creators’ stories, it made sense… each product overflowed with care and love.👏 In the food area, the cool older gentlemen from Kuraoka were grilling yakitori and corn on the cob, which were popular, and while I was filming they kindly shared some with me. 🤤🍗 Thank you for the treat.🥰 There were also fish sushi, takoyaki, karaage, fries, udon, and other kid-pleasing menu items, and the lunch hour was bustling.🥳 Since it was just before Obon, locals and returning visitors called out “Long time no see!” here and there, creating a warm, smiling atmosphere.😆💕 I splurged a bit, so from tomorrow I’ll live frugally while enjoying the things I bought today.🤣🤣🤣

Friday, August 2 — The grapes of Gokase Wine🍇✨ Today, while I was out, I visited a local vineyard in town and had a look at the grapes🍇📸! The variety in the photos is Niagara🍷 Large clusters of plump berries hung everywhere, and they looked so beautiful🥹👏 In the fifth photo, the sunlight shines through the grapes so they look translucent😲—they have a jewel-like beauty👏 Though these berries aren’t fully ripe yet, their fresh green color feels cool, and the vineyard somehow looked stylish to me😳✨ They’ll grow riper and the fragrance will start to float through the air…😌💕 I was told that the earliest varieties will begin to be harvested starting this month… I’m already looking forward to the grapes and the wine🤤🍇✨

Irozaki Original Sticker Is Here🎉 The Irozaki Ocean Park original sticker is now available!! Get one as a souvenir of your visit to Minami-Izu Town or to show your love for Minami-Izu Town and Irozaki. It's waterproof, so it’s durable! By the way... we also have magnets🤫 They are sold at Irozaki Ocean Park, and we look forward to welcoming you.

A new package featuring Irozaki Lighthouse-kun debuts on the hugely popular Irozaki Ocean Park souvenir, the Salt Rusk❣ It's been on limited sale since August 2nd 😆

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Accommodation: Enoha no Ie Enoha no Ie is a mountain home-style restaurant located at 700 meters above sea level along Nagirikawa River, the source of the Gokase River. In Kyushu, yamame trout used to be called “enoha.” An irori hearth sits on the wooden floor beside the entrance and serves as the restaurant area. You can also enjoy a wide variety of yamame dishes here. Rates 1) One night with two meals: 7,000 yen 2) One night with breakfast only: 4,500 yen 3) Kiridatake Pass trekking, one night with three meals, guided with pick-up and drop-off: 9,000 yen Contact Phone: 0982-83-2321

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Accommodation: Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya Gokasecho’s only ryokan with a hot spring, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya Enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The hot spring’s water is well regarded and is even called a “beauty spring.” Located within the Gokasecho General Sports Facility, it’s ideal for sports training camps. Check-in: 15:00–24:00 Check-out: until 10:00 Day-trip bathing hours: 10:00–21:00 (Every Tuesday maintenance hours: 15:00–21:00) Guest bathing hours: 6:00–9:00 / 15:00–22:00 ※From October to March mornings start at 6:30 Contact 9223 Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1115 Fax: 0982-82-1145

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Accommodation: Hotel Forestpia Hotel Forestpia sits along a gorge at the headwaters of the Gokase River in the Kyushu Mountains This hotel features authentic cottage-style log houses Here you can enjoy yamame trout dishes raised in the clear waters of the Gokase River When it gets cold, the lobby fireplace is lit, creating a luxurious moment to relax <Base Rates> ●Room Charge ・Suite (price for 2 people) 16,000 yen ・Twin room (price for 2 people) 12,000 yen ・Maisonette (price for 4 people) 20,000 yen ●Rate with Breakfast (per night) ・Room for 3–4 people: 6,000 yen per person ・Room for 2 people: 7,000 yen per person ・Suite: 9,000 yen per person *Meals at "Enoha no Ie" range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen (tax excluded) <Contact> 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, 882-1201 ・Phone: 0982-82-2321 ・FAX: 982-83-2324

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Pizza-Making Workshop At Villa corasita (Villa Corasita), you can take a cooking class while looking straight down at the Italian tomato fields (greenhouses) completed in March 2022. Set in a stylish villa reminiscent of rural towns in France and Italy, you can make pizza using a wood-fired stove. Hours Day session 11:00–14:00 Evening session 17:00–19:00 Duration About 90 minutes (one lesson: from 4 to 8 guests) *If more than 8 guests participate, a rotation system will be used. Price Adults (junior high school students and older) ¥3,850 Children ¥1,650 *Reservation required (at least 5 days before your preferred date). Groups of 4 to 8 guests. Reservation: Villa corasita 1473-18 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishi-usuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2017 (weekdays 9:00–17:00)

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience] Cast-Iron Kettle Pan-Frying Tea Experience Pan-fried tea, now produced in only small quantities nationwide. It pours a clear golden color, offers a fragrant aroma, and tends to be less astringent and bitter than steamed green tea. You can try making this pan-fried tea yourself. <Price> Pan-frying experience: 2,000 yen ※Reservation required / varies by season <Booking> Miyazaki Chabo Co., Ltd. 4966 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 ・Hours: 9:00–16:00 ・Phone: 0982-82-0211 ・Fax: 0982-82-0316

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience] Tea Tasting Experience Miyazaki (Tatsu Saki) Sabou produces the rare kamairicha (pan-fried tea) Here you can enjoy a tasting experience featuring several kinds of tea. Even among kamairicha, different tea leaf varieties produce distinct aromas and flavors. If you find a tea you like, you can buy it on the spot. Price: Tea tasting experience from ¥1,000 (reservation required) Booking: Miyazaki Sabou Co., Ltd. 4966 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 Hours: 9:00–16:00 Telephone: 0982-82-0211 Fax: 0982-82-0316

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Yamame Natural Fishing Pond Yamame Natural Fishing Pond centers on a wild, hands-on experience: catch creatures with your own hands, kill them, prepare them yourself, and cook and eat them. The pond is deep and designed with many fishing points spread across the whole pond to avoid crowding. No concrete or other man-made structures are used; the fishing area remains in its natural state. Admission Fee 1,500 yen per person (tax included; includes fishing rod, bait, keep-net, and fishing permit set). You may take home caught fish up to 500 g free of charge. For fish over 500 g, please purchase at 250 yen per 100 g. Fish you catch can be gutted at the BBQ garden and taken home (free). The reception desk is at the ryokan Enohanoya. Reservations: Enohanoya (9:00–17:00; closed in stormy weather) Postal code 882-1201 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-83-2326 Fax: 0982-83-2324 Yamame BBQ Self Garden We expanded the eaves of Enohanoya across from the fishing pond to create a BBQ garden. It includes a cooking area, a charcoal hearth, and wooden tables for free use. Facility Use Fee 500 yen per person (tax included; includes charcoal, burner for lighting the fire, various cooking utensils, seasonings, bamboo skewers, etc.). At the BBQ garden, you can enjoy your caught fish grilled with salt, pan-fried with butter, smoked, or prepared in other ways. The reception desk is at the ryokan Enohanoya.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs — Blessings of 400 Million Years These tomatoes and their processed products are harvested carefully one by one at the perfect moment of full ripeness on the vine, and can be collected only for four months each year, roughly from July through November. • Blessings of 400 Million Years “Red Jewel” Tomato Sauce This sauce is made from fully vine-ripened Italian tomatoes grown with care on our own farm and sun-soaked, simmered slowly for two days without adding water. You can enjoy a fresh flavor that feels like eating the tomato itself. *No chemical seasonings, colorings, or preservatives are used.* • Blessings of 400 Million Years “Black Jewel” Game Sauce We slowly simmer lean domestic wild boar meat—healthy and high in protein—with plenty of locally grown vegetables and fully vine-ripened Italian tomatoes in abundant Gokase wine and local red wine for two days. Just toss with boiled pasta for an exquisite Bolognese. It’s a dish the whole family, including children, can enjoy. *No chemical seasonings, colorings, or preservatives are used.* • Beloved Tomatini Beloved Tomatini is a convenient take-home tomato sauce. Made without any additives to preserve the tomato’s flavor, it is prepared slowly and carefully over time. The cute packaging also makes it a perfect souvenir. Available for purchase at CORASITA or through CORASITA’s online store.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Product & Souvenir: Ginger Syrup This organic ginger syrup uses plenty of fresh ginger and features the spice’s natural fresh aroma and sharp taste. Diluted with soda it becomes ginger ale, and adding vodka turns it into a Moscow Mule. It pairs well with shochu, red wine, beer, milk, tea, and many other drinks, so the possibilities for mixing are endless. You can buy it at Bar ELCAMPO and the Gokase Specialty Center.