【Notice of Kiso Tour】June 7 Fri and 8 Sat, 2024 A tour with Tomoko Suzuki, a Popular manga artist known for "Zukudase TV" and "Zukudase TV" if you are a Shinshu person, will be held in Kiso! This time, he will liven up Kiso as the new leader of the Kiso support team. A tour where you can enjoy Kaida Highlands and Kiso town for 2 days and 1 night. The inn is a guest house with a view of the starry sky. Served at Kiso's Specialties, which can only be tasted at this time. On this tour, you can also visit Tomoko Suzuki's favorite Spot. Reservations are now being accepted, with a capacity of 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis! Visiting the site of Nagano Prefecture Pharmaceuticals, chartering a Pension, Visiting the sites, and other things that can only be done on this tour are packed! Reservations are accepted from the Home page of "Kiso Valley Trail".

【Nagiso Town】Momosuke Bridge With a total length of 247m, it is one of the largest wooden bridges in Japan. It is a suspension bridge built by Momosuke Fukuzawa for the development of hydroelectric power generation. It has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan as a modernization heritage. A powerful bridge that looked very good in the blue sky on this day. Not only the retro feeling, but also the view from the bridge is the best and recommended photo Spot!

【Nagiso Town】May dolls on display At the free rest area "Fureaikan" in Tsumago juku, May dolls are on display. Visiting the site is free and will last until Wednesday, June 5. Please come and visit us! For details, please visit the official website of Tsumago juku. Inquiries: Tsumagoro Tourist Information Center TEL: 0264-57-3123

The 55th Kiso Lacquerware Festival Narai Juku Festival On Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, the 55th Kiso Lacquerware Festival Narai Juku Festival will be held. 【Kiso Lacquerware Festival】A large lacquerware market held once a year in Kiso Hirasawa. There are about 100 shops lined up in the townscape, and in addition to masterpieces and gastronomical delicacies that are filled with the spirit of craftsmen, products that only appear on this day and storefronts are lined up. 【Narai Juku Festival】The main event of the Shukuba-juku Festival is "Ocha Pot Dochu". This is a reproduction of the procession that carried tea for the Tokugawa shogun family in the Edo period from Uji, Kyoto, to Edo every year via the Nakasendo and Koshu-kaido roads. Scheduled to be held on the 9th Sun 12:00~. ♦ Event Details ・June 8 and 9: Kiso Lacquerware and Great Lacquerware Market held throughout the area ・June 8 and 9: Exhibition and sale of the Traditional Craftsmen's Association and Producers' Association Kiso Hirasawa ・June 8 Sat Naraniko Cafe Naragawa Elementary and Junior High School Lunch Room ・June 8 Sat Kimono Town Walk & Photo Contest Narai juku ・June 8 Sat Ochatsubo Dochu 12:00 ~ at Narai juku Other, Kitchen Car is also coming! There will be a traffic restriction on the day of the event, and a free shuttle bus will run between Narai Gonbeibashi ⇔Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan. Contact: Kiso Lacquerware Festival / Narai Juku Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0263-52-0280

Nezame Area Nakasendo Guided Tour Join our Nakasendo guided tour in Agematsu Town! Walk with a local guide who knows the area well and enjoy the seasonal natural scenery. The tour includes the limited revival soba set at Echizenya, a long-established soba shop celebrating its 400th anniversary. Seasonal local snacks will also be served. Nezame-no-toko in the Central Alps Quasi-National Park is one of the Nakasendo’s most scenic spots, beloved by writers and artists. In the Nezame area, a historical roadside teahouse from the old Nakasendo still evokes the atmosphere of the Edo period. Follow a tour tracing the history and culture unique to Agematsu, the home of Kiso hinoki. Scheduled Dates 2024: Wednesday, May 8; Wednesday, June 26; Wednesday, October 9; Wednesday, November 13. 2025: Wednesday, January 15 Meeting Place In front of JR Agematsu Station at 9:30 AM Time 9:30 AM–around 3:00 PM What to Wear Comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes; bring drinks, rain gear, and a towel Participation Fee 4,000 yen (monitor price 3,000 yen only for the first session on May 8) Capacity About 10 participants per session, first come, first served How to Apply Agematsu Tourism Association TEL: 0264-52-1133

How do you do! This is the Kiso Tourism Federation! Kiso, Nagano Prefecture is a region in the Kiso River basin of Nagano Prefecture and consists of eight cities and towns: Nakatsugawa City, Nagiso Town, Okuwa Village, Agematsu Town, Kiso Town, Otaki Village, Kiso Village, and Shiojiri City. Located in a valley surrounded by 3,000-meter-high mountains that have been selected as a 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, it is an area where delicious air, water, and Healing space brought by Nature spread. The historic Shukuba-juku town still remains along the old Along the road and is visited by many travelers. In this article, we will introduce you to the history and highlights of the Kiso, as well as Information local Specialty Products and events. ◆History of Kiso, Nagano Kiso The Nakasendo Highway, which connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period, was an important highway with many people coming and going. Kiso, which is part of the Nakasendo Highway, has prospered as a transportation hub since ancient times, with many travelers and supplies coming and going. Many Shukuba-juku towns have developed and retain their faces even today, and Kisoji was designated as the first Japanese heritage site in Nagano Prefecture. At that time, 69 Shukuba were placed in the Nakasendo 540-kilometer process, of which 11 Shukuba are located in Kisoji. Nakasendo Kisoji 11 Shukuba ・Niekawa Juku ・Narai juku ・Yauhara juku ・Miyanokoshi juku ・Fukushima juku ・Agematsu juku ・Suhara-juku ・Nojiri juku ・Midono juku ・Tsumago juku ・Magome juku Even now, the cityscape of the Edo period Unfolds on Kisoji, and you can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. ◆Introduction of tourist spots in Kiso, Nagano Kiso ◇Kiso Kaida Highlands Elevation Kaida Highlands overlooking Mt. Ontake, which stretches for 1,100 to 1,400 meters, is Unfolds with rural scenery. There are sports facilities and Hot spring facilities, and it is crowded with many tourists. At the "Kiso Horse Village" in the Highlands, you can also enjoy horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage experiences. ◇Nezame-no-Toko On the floor of Nezame-no-Toko in Agematsu town, you can see a strangely shaped granite rock that looks like a row of large boxes. It was designated as a national scenic spot in 1923 and became a Central Alps National Park in 2020. ◇Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest It is one of Japan's three most beautiful forests in Agematsu town, and there is a forest of natural Kiso Hinoki trees that are more than 300 years old. It is also the birthplace of forest bathing, where Japan's first forest bathing competition was held in 1982. ◇Ontake Lake, Shizenko Nature Lake The beautiful lake in Otaki village also offers ontake lake canoe touring and Shizenko Nature Lake nature canoe tours. Since you can see the beautiful appearance of the four seasons, it is a popular photo Spot and is visited by many tourists throughout the year. ◇Atera Canyon The emerald green clear streams of Atera Canyon in Okuwa Village are called "Atera Blue" and are a popular healing spot for girls' trips. ◆Introduction of Roadside Station in Kiso, Nagano Kiso At the Roadside Station, fresh vegetables and specialty products from the local Kiso are lined up, and you can enjoy Kiso's gourmet food. Souvenirs are also recommended! ・Roadside Station Kiso Fukushima Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ・Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso Koma Kogen Hinoyoshi, Kiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano ・Roadside Station Kiso River Headwaters Village Kisomura Kiso Village, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ◆Introduction of Specialty products and crafts of Kiso, Nagano Kiso Kiso is also known for its rich specialty products nurtured by its natural environment. Matsutake mushrooms in Kiso town are famous for their high aroma and are popular as a taste of autumn. Sunki, pickled red turnip, and Maki of magnolia leaves are traditional gourmet foods in Kiso where you can enjoy their unique flavors. In addition, Kiso lacquerware is an Ancient tradition that has been handed down in the Kiso area for a long time, and the longer it is used, the warmer and luster it becomes, and the more beautiful it shines. ◆Introduction of local events and festivals in Kiso, Nagano Kiso ◇Mizunashi Shrine Festival Mikoshi portable shrine roll This festival, held every July, is a rare festivals in Japan where about 100 kan about 400 kg Mikoshi portable shrines are rolled or dropped and destroyed overnight, and is also called "One of the world's strangest festivals". ◇Kiso Yoshinaka Flag Raising Festival It is a festival registered as a Component Cultural Assets, and mourns Lord Yoshinaka, lights a fire character in the shape of a "tree" on Mt. Yamabuki, and a warrior procession parades through the town. ◆Introduction of Kiso, Nagano Prefecture Kiso, Nagano Kiso is a fascinating region for its magnificent nature and rich history. While walking along the old highways that have remained since the Edo period, you can feel the unchanging scenery that travelers must have felt at that time. We will continue to send out Information that will convey the charm of Kiso to everyone who sees COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so Best regards!

This is the Shinshu Chowa Town Tourism Association. Nice to meet you all! Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture is a town rich in nature and history in the center of Nagano Prefecture. ◇History of Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture In Chowa Town, where the Nakasendo Highway, which connected Edo and Kyoto, passed during the Edo period, there are two Shukuba-juku, Nagakubo-juku and Wada-juku, and it is a tourist spot that still retains the remnants of that time. ・Nakasendo No.28 Wada-juku The Shukuba-juku is located at the foot of Mt. of the difficult "Wada Pass", which is about 800 meters Elevation the Nakasendo, and many travelers I nourished my energy here. The nationally designated historic sites "Wada-juku Main Camp", "Rekishi no Michi Shiryokan Kawachiya", and "Daikokuya" are lined up and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period. ・Nakasendo No.27 Nagakubo-juku In the Edo period, there were as many as 43 Shukuya inns, the second largest of the 26 Shukuba-juku inns in Shinano. In addition, Hoshidan Pass in Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture, has been a production area of Obsidian stone since Long time ago, and many people have lived there. Obsidian, which is sharp and easy to process, was used as a material for Stoneware for 30,000 years. ◇Introduction of sightseeing spots in Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture◇ ・Utsukushigahara Highlands It is a Lava plateau that spreads around a Oogashira of 2,034 meters Elevation, and offers spectacular views of mountains such as Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, Gari and the Northern Alps. You can also see the idyllic scene of cows grazing on the Utsukushigahara Highlands. The evacuation tower "Tower of Beauty", which is installed in the center of the plateau to protect climbers by ringing a bell when fog occurs, is also a symbol of the Utsukushigahara Highlands. ・Roadside Station Marumero Station Nagato Fresh local vegetables and Specialty products are also a great spot to buy Souvenirs. In June 2020, we opened Markets Kokuyo, a direct sales shop with an exterior where you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. ・Kokuyo Water In the Toll road toll station of the Wada Pass, the not far from Famous Water Plaza is spring with water filtered by Obsidian bedrock. It has been selected as a "One of the 37 best waters in Shinshu". ・Nagato Hot Spring Yasuragi no Yu It is a facility where you can enjoy a day-trip hot spring adjacent to the Roadside Station "Marmelo no Eki Nagato", and the spring quality is sodium sulfate Hot spring, which is one of the "three most beautiful spring qualities in Japan". There is also an open-air bath and a Minamoto hot spring "Hagama bath". ・ Wada-juku Hot spring Fureai no Yu A day-trip Hot spring facility located in a corner of the vast sports park "Yuyu Park". The quality of the spring quality is "calcium sodium sulfate Hot spring. You can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons from the open-air bath. ・Obsidian Experience Museum You can learn the results of excavations in an easy-to-understand manner from actual Stoneware, anime, models, etc. ・Hoshikusokan You can learn about the state of Obsidian mining in the Jomon period, which was revealed by excavations, in an easy-to-understand manner through projection mapping, which directly projects onto the strata. * Those who enter the museum need to register at the Obsidian Experience Museum. ・Blanche Takayama Ski Resort Slope for skiers only, boasting 80% clear skies. There are various mountain trails and it is a ski resort that parents and children can enjoy. *The 2023-2024 season ended on March 31. ◇Event Information of Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture◇ ・Otaya Festival It is an annual festival held every year in January at Furumachi Toyoke Grand Shrine. Five festival float decorations are dedicated in the town. ・Wada-juku Shukuba Festival It is an event that reproduction the history and culture of Wada-juku during the Lunar Bon Festival period, and is visited by many tourists. At night, lanterns illuminate the Shukuba town. ◇Specialty products and specialties of Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture Chowa Town's Specialty Products include Dattan-soba noodles and fried rainbow trout. Specialty products nurtured by the rich nature of Chowa Town delight many tourists with their fresh taste. ◇Enjoy your trip to Chowa Town, Nagano Prefecture Chowa Town is a cityscape where you can enjoy the rich nature and atmosphere of the Edo period. We will send out recommended information so that you can enjoy your trip to Chowa Town in Nagano Prefecture, so please follow us. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Hello! This is Agematsu Tourism Association. Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the southwest of Nagano, at the heart of the Kiso Valley along the upper reaches of the Kiso River. The town boasts rich history and beautiful nature that continue to charm visitors. ◆◆History of Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ During the Edo period, Agematsu Town was the 38th post town on the Nakasendo, which linked Edo and Kyoto. The stretch from Koumatsu-juku to Suhara-juku is the longest on the Kiso Road, and the area thrived as a rest stop for many travelers. You can still feel that history at sites such as the Kiso Plank and Nezame-no-toko Gorge. Guided Nakasendo walking tours led by veteran guides are available to help you create lasting travel memories. Agematsu Town has long prospered as a forestry town producing high-quality timber, notably Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress), and is known as the “village of hinoki.” ◆◆Popular sights in Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ ◇Nezame-no-toko Gorge The Kiso River has carved the granite into squared formations that look like large boxes lined up. A local legend says Urashima Taro opened his tamatebako (treasure box) here. ◇Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest This recreation forest features natural Kiso hinoki trees over 300 years old and was an early site of forest protection measures some 400 years ago. Seven walking trails wind through the forest, and paid experiences such as forest therapy are available. Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is regarded as the birthplace of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The term “forest bathing” was coined in 1982, and that year the first national forest bathing event was held here at Akasawa. ◇Akasawa Forest Railway A 2.2-kilometer round-trip tourist trolley runs through Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest; it was once used to transport timber. You can enjoy forest bathing while riding the railway. The Forest Railway Memorial Museum displays a steam locomotive from the railway’s opening era. ◇Kiso Komagatake The highest peak of the Central Alps, Kiso Komagatake rises to 2,956 meters. A ropeway climbs to 2,612 meters, offering Japan’s greatest elevation gain by ropeway. ◇Kiso Old Road, a natural trail This route linked the north and south of Kiso before the Nakasendo was developed. A hiking course on the Kiso plateau at about 1,000 meters elevation offers expansive natural views. ◆◆Events and festivals loved in Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ ◇Komagatake Shrine Annual Festival Held every year on May 3, the festival features the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property performance “Daidai Kagura 13 Seats.” You can see pieces such as the four tengu dance “Shijin Gokae-hai” and the sword dance “Sanken no Mai.” ◆◆Local specialties of Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Local specialties include gohei-mochi, sunkki (fermented turnip), and hooba-maki (hoja leaf-wrapped dishes). These regional foods offer rich, distinctive flavors you can enjoy only here. ◆◆Why visit Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Agematsu Town charms visitors with its abundant nature and deep history. From the dramatic landscapes of Nezame-no-toko Gorge and Kiso Komagatake to the extraordinary forest bathing at Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest and the sense of history you feel walking the Nakasendo, Agematsu offers many attractions. Leave everyday life behind and enjoy a restorative trip filled with nature, history, and culture in Agematsu Town. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Agematsu Town. Thank you for your support.

A nostalgic hearth that is hard to see now At the Wakihonjin Okutani of Tsumagojuku, you can see the nostalgic fireplace. Moreover, it is only in winter, and on a sunny day, you can see the fantastic light shining into the hearth. I went from Tokyo by highway bus to see only this scenery, but it was quite an emotional scenery. It is a view that I want to keep forever.