Have you seen the Minamimaki Village logo?
When I first saw it, I thought, "What is this?", but this logo actually has a meaningful design.
Against a backdrop featuring Yatsugatake (Mt. Akadake, Mt. Yokodake, and Mt. Ioudake), the symbol of Minamimaki Village, and a star motif representing the beautiful night sky of Nobeyama Highlands—one of Japan’s three best stargazing spots—the village name "minamimakimura" is expressed as "mmm." I find it to be a very well-crafted logo.
We would be delighted if you used this mark in various situations to help promote Minamimaki Village!
Anyone may freely use it as long as they follow the usage rules. However, prior approval is required for commercial sales.
For details, please see below.
https://www.minamimakimura.jp/main/mmmlogo.html

The clear air and gentle breeze make for a pleasant autumn day
Morning walk in Azumino
In the distance you can see Mt. Fuji of Shinano

October 18th
It’s a clear autumn day in Azumino
A straight sunlit road stretches toward Mt. Jōnen

The ridgeline of the Northern Alps as seen from Azumino
Sky Path — 'Panorama Ginza' Traverse
Hike the ridgeline from Mt. Tsubakuro to Mt. Ōtenjō, enjoying views of Mt. Yari!

Most of the rice in Azumino’s rice fields has already been harvested.
A few patches still remain!!
The landscape evokes the feeling of autumn.
May it become delicious new rice!!

This morning’s Azumino white carpet
the white buckwheat flowers nearby were blooming beautifully
I’m looking forward to the day I can try them as new soba!!

"ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Shinshu Oyster-Fermentation and Sweets Achieve Balance Autumn Town Walk-" Held in!

First Held in in Sakaki Town!
While touring the Course in the Sakaki Town of about 9 km, you can taste all the food unique to Sakaki Town at the gastronomy point along the way, and aim for the goal of Bingushiyu-sankan, which is a fascinating experience Events 🎵
In Shinshu Sakaki Town, please enjoy 🌱 a time of healing that slowly relaxes your body and mind

Date: Saturday, October 18
Start time: 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (25 people start every 15 minutes)
Number of participants: 150
Participation fee: 5,000 yen

This is one of the photos when I went to Kamikochi. Maintenance, fascinated by the unspoiled nature on the other side of the road, I pressed the shutter.
I deliberately took a dark shot so that I could convey a quiet space.

Jonen Peak, the symbol of Azumino
Its pyramid-like silhouette stands out clearly from the village
Today, many climbers set their sights on this summit!
To savor Jonen Peak fully, stay at Jonen Hut — it’s the best choice!!
From the hut’s terrace, enjoy the blissful view of the Hotaka range, including Mt. Yari
Find information about Jonen Hut here
https://www.mt-jonen.com/

Chōwa Town rice fields

The weather is nice again today. The sun is out, but the breeze feels like autumn. This is a lovely season as the landscape begins to change with the coming autumn foliage.

The rice paddies are gradually turning golden. I wonder if this year's harvest will come a little earlier...

Isemiya Shrine sits quietly amid the rice fields of Azumino.
Behind it, you can see Mt. Ariake, the sacred body of Ariakeyama Shrine.
The old pine standing at the shrine has a pleasing presence.

Autumn in Azumino, when the sky runs high and the horses grow fat…
But the sun still blazes, and it looks like daytime will be a sweltering hot day…
The relief is that mornings and evenings are cool, so nights aren’t restless!

White buckwheat flowers blooming in Azumino
Can’t wait for the new soba season!
Azumino’s soba is said to have firm kernels and excellent flavor, so be sure to try it when you stop by.♪
Buckwheat fields bloom here and there near HAMA Flower Park

Rice ears have turned golden in Azumino.
They have become so heavy and full that the harvest looks like it could start any day!!
Beyond the Hii-sama Road, Mount Jōnen rises tall.
I love the scenery of Azumino.

The Northern Alps as seen from Azumino
The town’s symbol, Mt. Jonen, was clearly visible
I took this photo near the tourist spot Jitensha Hiroba
Here, a cycling road called the Azumino Yamabiko Bicycle Path runs along the Jukkasegi irrigation canal
It’s great to admire the view while riding a rental bike!!

August 8, 2025
Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan

On a recent tour, we cycled out to a peach orchard🚴
Guests also enjoyed peach picking and peach shaved ice!

This year’s peaches were especially sweet and juicy compared with the past few years!
We were delighted to hear how much everyone enjoyed the shaved ice made with peaches from Toyooka Village.

Sweets are served at the local eatery Cafe & Dining en in Toyooka Village.
It features a kids’ play area, so families can relax and enjoy their time.

Tour details below
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

【Today's Nobeyama Highlands】
Although the country is experiencing a nationwide heatwave today, the usually cool Nobeyama Highlands has reached 28°C by noon. With the sun exceptionally strong, please take thorough measures against heat and sunburn before you come.

July 25, 2025
Pothole Tour

Although the weather threatened to cancel the event, a clear blue sky appeared by the time the tour began.

The sight of children repeatedly diving into the sunlit, sparkling plunge pool was especially memorable.

We would be very happy if this became a wonderful summer memory for your family.
Thank you very much for joining us.

✴︎About the Pothole Tour✴︎
This plan takes you deep into Toyooka Village to enjoy stream hiking and river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.
A guide with professional outdoor first-aid qualifications will support your experience.

The tour is scheduled to run through early September. We are still accepting reservations, so please feel free to contact us.
You can find tour details on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

Azumino was hit by heavy rain.
By evening the rain had stopped, and a beautiful sunset appeared.

Here you will find a world of black, gold, and dreamlike lacquer art
It is called the Azumino Takahashi Setsuro Memorial Museum
Setsuro Takahashi is a lacquer artist who represents the contemporary craft art scene
Building on the traditional chinkin (gold inlay) technique, he created a unique lacquer art style using a method called yarigane
On the grounds you can also see the former Takahashi family house from the mid-Edo period
You can also enjoy a chinkin hands-on experience 😀

For details, please visit the official website
http://azumino-bunka.com/facility/setsuro-museum/

The hot days keep coming…
Azumino is topping 30 degrees…
On days like this, you might want to relax while gazing at a cool, clear mountain stream
on the riverbed of the Nakabusa River flowing from the Northern Alps
with a book you’ve been meaning to read and a cup of coffee…
At the tourist information center in front of JR Oito Line Hotaka Station, borrow a cafe BOX and enjoy an Azumino picnic 😄
https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/850669

"Noh Prayer and Japan Sword Culture◆The 5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Pre-Workshop"

We will Held in a Workshop to enjoy the "5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Funa Benkei" scheduled to be Held in at the Sakaki Town Cultural Center on Saturday, August 23rd!
It is a two-hour event filled with various things such as Japan swords and Noh, Buddhism and Noh, Kanze-ryu Noh play master Chitoshi Matsumoto's explanation of the highlights of "Funabenkei" and the experience of the work of the sword.

Held in ∶ 7/20 (Sun)

Place: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon

Participation fee: 1,000 yen (including admission fee)

🐻🤎 Montbell Club Friend Fair Yokohama 2025 🐻

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Sakuhomachi and Koumi booths!

We showcased the high-altitude Lake Shirakoma, the mysterious moss forests carpeted with moss, and Yachiho Kogen, where you can enjoy nature through all four seasons—offering a full taste of Shinshu’s great outdoors.🌲✨

We were delighted that you picked up delicious local specialties and tourism brochures.😊🤍
Sakuhomachi and Koumi in Shinshu are perfect spots for a summer cooling getaway.
We hope to meet you again amid Shinshu’s natural beauty.🌲🍁

Iron Exhibition Hall Events Information ★
[Gallery session of swordsmith Yozo Ueyama and kenshi Soichiro Abe]

This is a session by Teruhei Ueyama, a swordsmith who won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in the sword category, and Soichiro Abe, who won the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Award in the Grinding category!

Date: Sunday, July 6
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Participation fee∶ 500 yen (admission fee not included)

Please come and visit us ♪

Peach picking for 2025 has begun!

We offer the following two plans.
■Set plan: Pick two peaches + all-you-can-eat peaches (20 minutes) 2,500 yen per person
■All-you-can-eat only plan (20 minutes) 1,500 yen per person
*All plans above have a flat rate for ages 4 and up.
Children aged 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may enjoy the all-you-can-eat option free of charge.

Reservations are still being accepted!
For details, please see the following page.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/9784/

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿
\A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/

Event Date: Sunday, August 3

Highlights
✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳
✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶
✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢
✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️

Departure and Return Locations
・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit
・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center
➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient!

Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear
Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people)

Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧
This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱

How to Apply / Inquiries
Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales
Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00)
※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays

Please join us with your family and friends.

A morning view of Azumino with the Northern Alps in sight
Mount Jonen stands clearly visible
I imagine many climbers are pushing on toward the summit today as well
This is the view from Ohisama Road 😄

Good morning.
This is Azumino, greeting a wonderfully refreshing morning.
The Northern Alps are clearly visible.

■Paella Cooking Experience■

This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation.

The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River.

Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere!

[Plan Details]
■Season
Late April through October

■Meeting Point
Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)

= For those using car navigation =
toyooka travel time
Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395
If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination
and come to that location.
Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
10 people (minimum operating number: 5)
If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people,
please contact us to discuss arrangements.

■Price (tax included)
For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person
If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us.

[Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)]
・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours)
1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment)

2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately
※Please travel by private car.

3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45

4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately

6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00

■About the Plan
[About Notanohira CampGround]
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur.
Please travel to the campsite by private car.

[About the Paella Cooking Experience]
Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation.
Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience.

[Combining with Other Activities]
It is possible to combine this plan with other activities.
We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.

[Clothing]
・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement
※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility.
(300 yen)

■How to Inquire and Apply
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website.
Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date.
Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■

Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes.

Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax.

Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream.

Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children.

We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground!

【Plan Details 】
■Season
Around July to early September
※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us.

■Meeting place
General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)

＝ For those using car navigation ＝
《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》
Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL 0265-49-3395
※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location.
《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people)
※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us.

■Price (tax included)
Per person: 5,000 yen
※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required.

■Course details and schedule
① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan
9:30 (payment)

② Travel to Nodaira Campground
Around 9:30–10:10
※Please travel by private car.

③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground
Around 10:10

④ Walk to the pothole area
Around 10:15–10:45

⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole
Around 10:45–12:15

⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site
Around 12:45

■About the plan
【About Nodaira Campground】
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river.
Please travel to the campground by private car.

【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】
In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter.
A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years.

【Can be combined with other activities】
You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details.

【Clothing and items to bring】
● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard
● Change of clothes
● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes
※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen).
※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen).

■Inquiries and reservations
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.

Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/