The Northern Alps taken from inside a car. The cars don't stop, and I can't get this view out of my head when I pass the tracks.

NEW Orahomap The refreshed Orahomap, now packed with the charms of Sakuhomachi, has arrived with extra features 😼💫💫 Check out the adorable hand-drawn illustrations that make you want to go out just by looking 👀🎨 "I didn’t know a place like this existed!" "I’d love to visit here~" You might make discoveries like these...🤍💭 Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a look 😸

6/16 Held in Ishizuchi Kechromoji Essential Oil Extraction / Plant Dyeing Experience. I enjoyed a part of the high-grade Japanese essential oil extraction work and the experience of dyeing a silk scarf using Kuromoji. During the work, you can learn about the forests of the Mt. Ishizuchi range from the instructor. This year's trial session will be held in September. Thereare a few slots left. Why don't you relax at the foothills of Mt. Ishizuchi? Souvenirs of essential oils, distilled water and scarves are included! 9/15 (Mon) 10:00~13:30 Location: Ishizuchi Fureai no Sato 〒793-0214 25-1 Nakaoku, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture Experience fee: 6,000 yen (tax included) / person Lecturer, lunch, etc. Capacity: 8 people *First-come, first-served basis Reservations and inquiries: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association 0897-56-2605

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉 Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year. Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭 Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi. Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋

Photographed on June 13. Along the roughly 400-meter Jacaranda Promenade to the left and right of the famous “Omiya no Matsu,” the jacaranda trees remain in full bloom. These beautiful bluish-purple flowers reach their peak during the rainy season. They are fragile in rain and wind, and petals have already begun to fall, so please visit soon. https://ataminews.gr.jp/event/338...

We present the official tourism association website that packs together the charms of Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture—tourist information, access details, dining spots and more♩ It's convenient for checking before your trip! Be sure to take a look☺ ▶Visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association website here https://yachiho-kogen.jp//

In Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture, the noble prince azalea (Tougoku mitsuba azalea) is reaching its peak bloom. Against the soft fresh greenery, the vivid pink stands out, and just walking through it lifts your spirits in this season. Come see this fleeting scenery while it lasts ☺

[Hanakien Opens] Hanakien on Yachiho Kogen opens today, Saturday, May 10. 🌸 The garden is filled with blooming pink azaleas (rengetsu tsutsuji), Enkianthus (dodantsutsuji), and three-leaf azaleas (mitsuba tsutsuji), and in June the park will be dyed red with flowers. 💐💐 Come and visit us. 🌳🥰 Opening period: Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:20 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

Japan’s Most Beautiful Stand of Silver Birches✨ Slender silver birches reach up toward the blue sky🌳✨ The sky’s blue, the birches’ white, and the green sasa grass underfoot… Everything is so beautiful you’ll want to stare forever😌🌱 The atmosphere changes with each season, so you’ll want to return again and again! Come and visit Yachiho Kogen😸♡

Yachiho Kogen Natural Garden A nature garden that captures the natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen...😌🩷 At the garden, you can enjoy three walking courses suited to your available time♬ White Trail: 1 km, about 30 minutes Blue Trail: 1.5 km, about 50 minutes Green Trail: 2.5 km, about 80 minutes In spring and summer, the highland flowers bloom, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant—there’s plenty to see!🍁 We hope you’ll come and visit😸✨✨

Yachiho Lake Yachiho Lake is a managed fishery where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing 🐟🫧 Families can have fun together, and there is a Fishing Kids Land where baited rods are available for rent 😸 You can enjoy it surrounded by abundant nature 🌸 We hope you will come and visit ✨

Kochi Yawata Shrine Azalea Hill (Gunsei) City Designated Natural Monument. Azaleas in the shade still remain. If you go up the stone steps of more than 200 steps, you will find the worship hall and the Main Shrine There are. 〒791-0507 Saijo-shi, Tanbara-cho, Kochi 729-1 About 15 minutes by Car from Iyo Komatsu IC

On April 26th I visited the Atami Pudding Kinomiya Station shop that opened the day before. The retro atmosphere of Kinomiya Station fits it perfectly. The first photo shows the Kinomiya-only “Mugikogashi Pudding.” I recommend it. ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/atami_kankou/...

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

Komadeike Campground is OPEN 👏 Komadeike Campground, nestled in the sublime natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen, opened for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18th, 2025! Komadeike Campground is a site embraced by what is said to be Japan’s finest birch forest, where people of all ages can enjoy truly comfortable, memorable moments. Choose from five free-site settings around the pond or along the stream, or relax in the spacious auto sites that offer sunny or shaded options. We also offer bungalows and cottages, plus a full lineup of day-trip activities. "We want you to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life with the people who matter most." This is the concept and heartfelt wish of Komadeike Campground. Come and visit us!

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

From today (April 21), we are also open on Mondays❕ We will remain open every day until October 31. We look forward to welcoming you☺️ We have also installed benches and chairs in the plaza in front of the Roadside Station, so please feel free to rest there♪ *There are no trash bins.

Merhen Kaido Opening Ceremony Thank you for waiting! The Mugi-kusa Pass is now open ✨ Merhen Kaido is now passable starting today. 👀✨ Come feel the scenery, the air, and the breeze at 2,127 meters above sea level—see you soon by car 🚗

Tour de Yatsugatake 2025 Concluded Two days have passed since the conclusion of Tour de Yatsugatake 2025. Despite course changes due to the weather, many riders gave their all, and thanks to the supporters and the staff who backed the event, we were able to finish the race safely. Going forward, the organizing committee will continue working to create an event that inspires people to take on a challenge and that draws them back again. See you again in Yatsugatake! 🚴‍♂️

"Saijo Uchibuki Water Tour" Famous Water "Uchibuki" There are in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. There is a Spot where you can Tasting Famous water in the parent Water area, and from the Walking trail, you can also see the highest peak of the West Japan, "Ishizuchi", which is Water source on a clear day. Get a MAP at the sightseeing exchange center just Soba JR Iyo Saijo Station and walk a few minutes to the Water area. Experience Saijo's Uchibuki culture. If you Use a rental bicycle, it will be easier to visit a wider range of Spot. In addition, reservations are required, but there is also a guided tour for 500 yen / person. Please give it a try. For details and inquiries, please contact the Saijo City Tourism Products Association (Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center).

◤Ushinokuchi Circular Diversion◢ One of Sakuhomachi’s hidden cultural treasures in Nagano Prefecture🕌 It was built to divide water equally so that disputes would not arise in the area. Before the circular diversion was created, locals used a custom called “vines diversion,” in which they cut vine tendrils and used them to decide each share of the water—a practice that seems to have been rare across Japan💭

Notice of Jikkokutoge Pass Reopening We are pleased to announce the reopening of Japan National Route 299. It reopened today, Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Highlights include the viewing platform and Otome Falls. Please enjoy your visit!

Notice about parking The snow has melted and spring is finally arriving🌸 Here is a notice about parking at Roadside Station Iwanai Please take note🚗 Parking at Roadside Station Iwanai is divided into several areas 1. Parking in front of the Kida Kanjirou Art Museum 2. Taramaru Market parking lot 3. Parking in front of the police box 4. Parking behind the Roadside Station Please be aware that the event plaza in front of the station is a no-parking zone Each year some visitors mistakenly park there We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation <(_ _)>

2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest Announcement! We are holding the "2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest" again this year! 🌳 We are accepting photos that can be used for tourism posters, pamphlets, and similar materials. The application period is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025. We look forward to your submissions! For details and the entry form, please visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association official website or see the second image. The forms are also available at the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center, so feel free to stop by ✨

🚴‍♂️Tour de Yatsugatake 2025🚴‍♂️ Thank you very much for all your entries🙇🏻‍♀️ The entry deadline for Tour de Yatsugatake is tomorrow, the 16th❗️ We are still accepting entries, so if you haven't signed up yet, please hurry🚴‍♂️💨 The secretariat is based at Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen. *Entries are accepted via the QR code on the second page!*

Notice: The Grand Sumo March Tournament The tournament began on Sunday, March 9th! Ichiyamamoto Seki is ranked West Maegashira 4 in the March banzuke!! His current record is 1 win and 1 loss! Let’s all cheer for Ichiyamamoto Seki together again this tournament! Thank you for your support 🙏

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Commemorative towels celebrating the 100th anniversary of atami station are on sale now! A vending machine has been installed next to the ticket gates at atami station.

Photo taken on March 5: The Okanzakura (Okan cherry blossoms) in the Waterside Park have come into full bloom They are now at their best 🌸

Announcement: Reservations Open for Komadeike Campground The cold days continue, but spring is just around the corner. Today reservations opened for Komadeike Campground, a campsite in Sakuhomachi. Reservations are currently accepted through the end of May, a brilliant time to see azaleas, fresh green birch and larch, and other highland plants. Information for the 2025 season is now posted on the Komadeike Campground website—please take a look. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸 Reservation Start March 5 at 10:00 AM (Reservations accepted for stays through May 31) Please note that phone reservations are not available until April 18. ⁡ Operating Period April 18–November 24 Some plans, such as cottages and bungalows, have shorter operating periods. Open dates: Friday, April 18, 2025 – Monday, November 24, 2025 (national holiday) The final day is for check-out only. Cottages and bungalows: April 21 – November 10 Showers (Green Tree / Auto Sanitary building): April 18 – November 3 The central shower building remains open through the final day. Reservation Windows March 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through May 31 April 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through June 30 May 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through July 31 June 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through August 31 July 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through September 30 August 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through October 31 September 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through November 23 Please refrain from tentative bookings. We will confirm with anyone booking two consecutive weeks or five nights or more. If we judge a reservation to be malicious, we may cancel it. Thank you for your understanding. Important Changes for the 2025 Season ☑️ Kayak events around Komadeike on weekends from July through September These events, which proved popular at last year’s KOMATSURI, will be held regularly. They offer a rare chance to leisurely tour Komadeike, which normally prohibits all activities. ☑️ Same-day check-in plan dedicated to solo campers introduced ☑️ Two-room tents added to rental tent lineup We will offer a limited number of Snow Peak Elfield tents. Try the now-common two-room tents at an affordable price. ☑️ Plans to build a walking trail that circles Komadeike (planned) ☑️ “Trip ’til You Get Home” service available at Yachi Cafe inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen We will offer Yachi coffee, an original Yatsugatake blend, at half price to one driver. Enjoy a good coffee before you hit the expressway and drive home safely. Other minor changes apply. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸