2025/4/19〜21 A solo trip to Shiraho on Ishigaki Island for 3 days and 2 nights. I found ♡ a cute Squid Fe near the inn Red and yellow flowers shine against the blue sky. On the second day, we took a ferry to Kuroshima. Stared at by a cow, I'm not a bad person. Send telepathy. Today, the Shiraho Coast is beautiful Thanks for the 1 beach cleanup a month. It's full of sparkle and vitality. The sea, the sky, the greenery, with warm and kind people I want to cherish it together for a long time. If you were thinking about such a thing, By the time I left, I missed Osaka. To everyone who has met and been involved, Thank you very much. I want to go see the blue sea again someday.

The other day, the organizing committee for the Autumn Fireworks (formerly called the National New Fireworks Competition) met and adopted the name “National New Fireworks Challenge Cup 2025.” And the launch times have now been decided‼️ Please note that the start times for the launches will differ, so be careful when you come! Thank you‼️ https://suwako-hanabi.com/shinsaku/...

It’s gradually getting warmer! Two weeks ago, surprisingly, glutton Kasai was laid up with the flu. My temperature reached nearly 39°C, but somehow my appetite stayed strong (´～｀)! Please take care, everyone... Since I took time off two weeks ago, I’ll be back this week as energetic and hungry as ever! Everyone, the cherry blossom season is approaching 🌸 Aren’t you starting to want to see some cherry blossom photos? These photos are from past years, but Suwa City has many great cherry blossom viewing spots. If you have any recommended cherry blossom viewpoints, I would be very grateful if you could share them!!! Glutton Kasai prefers dumplings to flowers, but www I’ll still post plenty about Suwa City’s cherry blossom viewing spots! Looking back at last year’s posts, it was around mid-April! Hi there! This is glutton Kasai! I caught the flu last week… It was awful! I had a high fever… BUT I still had a voracious appetite!!! Can you believe it? It’s true… Everyone, please take care!!! These days, Suwa City is gradually warming up. The o-hanami season is coming! O-hanami is a traditional Japanese spring event. We enjoy a feast while watching the cherry blossoms bloom. These pictures were taken earlier. This year, I’ll keep researching the best cherry blossom viewing spots and the best times to see them!!! I checked last year’s post; it was in mid-April! Please take a look!!!

Introducing experience tours you can take in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region 😄 ~A journey to glimpse the second life of pharmaceutical scientists~ An experiential tour titled “Visiting the medicinal herb fields of Rikubetsu, Japan’s coldest town”!! Rikubetsu is known as Japan’s coldest town. In a place where winter temperatures can drop below minus 20°C, a couple tends their own medicinal herb fields and develops products gentle on people’s everyday lives. The couple, Mr. Yu Hinata and Ms. Mikie Hinata, originally worked for a major pharmaceutical company in the Kansai region. Mr. Hinata also holds a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences. With abundant knowledge and experience, the Hinatas moved to Rikubetsu in 2017. Living in the remote, mountainous Rikubetsu area, they visit the herb fields every day and pursue cultivation methods suited to cold climates while developing products at the same time. This retreat program invites you into the Hinatas’ daily life in Rikubetsu to learn about life there, the herb fields, and medicinal herbs. You will touch herbs and plants and enjoy a relaxing program for the mind and body. After working in the fields, you will try blending an original herbal tea using the herbs the Hinatas cultivate. Beside the fields, sip your own herbal tea and enjoy herb-based sweets while sharing a quiet, peaceful time with the Hinatas. Tour Schedule 13:00 Gather at Jotoma Exchange Center and travel to the herb field In the fields surrounded by rich nature, about 20 kinds of medicinal herbs are cultivated. 13:15 Farm work and herb harvesting experience Surrounded by fragrant plants, you will harvest herbs and try weeding and other farm tasks. 14:00 Move to the seed-growing research facility 14:20 Original herbal tea blending experience Using dried herbs, you will blend your own original herbal tea. 14:50 Tea time with the herbal tea you made Finally, relax with the herbal tea you made and herb-based sweets made by the Hinatas. 15:30 Tour ends Operated: June to September Time: 13:00–15:30 (about 2 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 2–12 people Price: For 2 people: 13,200 yen per person For 3 or more people: 11,000 yen per person *With English interpretation, prices are as follows. For 2 people: 24,200 yen per person For 3 or more people: 18,700 yen per person ■Please make your reservation at least three days before your desired date. ■Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your requested date due to guide availability or other circumstances. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet producers through hands-on experiences and learn about their lives, medicinal herbs, and the behind-the-scenes of farming and food production!! Why not make a Tokachi experience part of a page in your travel memories? We would be delighted if you did 😄 If you are interested, please visit the official website of our federation and see “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – A journey connecting to Tokachi, the source of food.” Contact KUNAUPublishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email address: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

★Lake Suwa / Kami-Suwa Onsen — A Ryokan with Delicious Food: Hama no Yu ※Kami-Suwa Onsen: The Yutama Legend At Kami-Suwa Onsen there is a “Yutama” legend that says the goddess of Suwa Taisha was carrying bathwater for her makeup on cotton as she moved from the Upper Shrine (Kamisha) to the Lower Shrine (Shimosha). Some of that water fell along the way and formed the hot spring known as Yutama. Now, in this cold season don’t we all want to soak in a warm onsen? Food lover Kasai turns into “steam-emitting Kasai” when he sweats in winter, with steam rising from his head, haha. Lately I’ve actually gotten hooked on onsens! First, I’d like to introduce the local Kami-Suwa Onsen!!! For the first feature, we received cooperation from Hama no Yu!!! Above all, Hama no Yu’s baths let you enjoy the garden view, and their baths are made from the now-rare black granite. And the ultimate feature is their heat retention!!! This heat retention is one of their strongest points in the whole country!!! Please stay with them and enjoy their baths, which are available 24 hours a day!!! • Men’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a herbal bath. Men can relax and recover from fatigue in the herbal bath♨. A dry sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath is open 24 hours! • Women’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a lavender bath. In the women’s bath you can especially enjoy the lavender bath♨, with its delightful fragrance and excellent relaxing effect. A mist sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath and the lavender bath are open 24 hours! ☆ Private Bath “Asa no Yu” A private bath is available where families can soak together in private, so if you have small children you can enjoy the onsen without worry, just like at home♨. Fee: 45 minutes / 2,200 yen (tax included) • Source: Nanatsugama Source (a mixed spring of Shin-Mitsugama No.1 source, Shin-Mitsugama No.2 source, Ayame source, and Yanaginami source) • Water Quality: Simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline, hypotonic, high-temperature spring) • Indications: Neuralgia / Muscle pain / Joint pain / Frozen shoulder / Motor paralysis / Joint stiffness / Bruises / Sprains / Chronic digestive diseases / Hemorrhoids / Sensitivity to cold / Convalescence / Recovery from fatigue / Health promotion Everyone, please consider staying at Hama no Yu to enjoy this proud onsen and the ryokan’s pride—its delicious meals!!! https://www.hamanoyu.co.jp//

※ Emergency Bulletin!!! The National New Fireworks Competition will be relaunched!!! As currently planned, 1) Staggered event schedule ⇒ September 6, 13, 20, 27 (planned) · Held rain or shine (postponed for typhoons or disasters) 2) Tournament format: after preliminary rounds, the final championship will be decided (planned for October 26)！ 3) No paid box seats The exact launch times and other details will be decided in April by the newly formed executive committee. After that, we expect to provide everyone with more detailed information. Stay tuned!!! Be sure to make your plans and book your accommodation!!! ★ Breaking NEWS!!! The Zenkoku Shinsaku Fireworks Competition Tournament is coming back this autumn!!! For now, this is all the information we can share. 1. Staggered event schedule (instead of a single-day event) 2. Tournament style ⇒ Preliminary rounds on each Saturday in September: Sep 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (plan) 3. No paid seats! You can watch for free!!! An executive committee will form in April. After that committee meets, we will provide more detailed information. Please look forward to it!!!

Rear-end collision caution ⚠️😆 Bizen jellyfish 🪼 Go to Shizuura in Nishi-Izu for a diving Sense course! !️ 📍 Shizuoka, Numazu City, Shizuura The diving Spot, which is about an hour from the shop in Hiratsuka, is extremely interesting 🎵 This photo is of the sea 🌊 in Shizuura taken in October The sea conditions are calm and the weather is sunny ☀️ The transparency is good and there is nothing to 👍 say. The sparkling water is the best healing space 😁✨ From autumn to winter, a large number of bizen jellyfish occur 🪼🪼🪼 at this time of year If you're crazy, you'll be rear-ended by a jellyfish, so be careful. 🤗 However, there is no 📸 doubt that this underwater photo is Instagrammable There was 🐠 a pair of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat and a child in a bleached sea anemone I'm looking forward to the revival of sea anemones next year! Sense was successfully acquired, and a new diver was born 🎉 Thank you for 😄 your participation There are many life-changing diving experiences waiting for you! !️

This event began with the hope of using the cold climate and nature of the Suwa region to purify Lake Suwa and revitalize the community. It now marks its 31st year. With participation from residents of six cities and towns, the motto is “Let’s create it together! Let’s light it together! Let’s connect with the town!” as we aim to build towns and people who love their local area. While showcasing and sharing the charms of the Suwa region, about 20,000 lights will connect towns and people to convey the spirit of the Suwa Country Winter Thanksgiving. Let’s create it together! Let’s light it together! Let’s connect with the town! Come spend an evening in the magical Suwa region for one night only. Event date: Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM (17:00) Location: Lights will be lit at various sites across the six Suwa municipalities *Event details will be updated on the official website as they are decided.* Ice Candle official site http://www.ice-candle.jp// ★Locations where ice candles will be lit ・Around Kamisuwa Station shopping street ・Yanaginami Park ・Komeikan-dori ・Namiki-dori ・Shimazaki 1 Sannomaru-dori ・Takashima Castle ・Tenaga Shrine ・Suwa Taisha Kamisha Miyamachi-dori, Shanonokaze and North Approach ・Around the entrance to Sazanami Road near Kamikawa Ohashi Bridge ・Starbucks Coffee Suwa Jonan store ・Starbucks Coffee Suwa Lake SA (upbound) store ・Starbucks Coffee Nakaoki store ・Sake Brewery Street to Motomachi area ・Viole Hall ・Yukouji Ikiiki Genkikan ・Kamisuwa Onsen ryokan district ・Suwakko Land ・Okaya City Museum of Art and Archaeology ・Yotsukado Yukemuri Hiroba ・Shimosuwa-juku Tatemachi-dori ・Chino City Hall (in front of the building) ・Public Suwa Tokyo University of Science ・Deli & Cafe "K" (inside Yatsugatake Nature and Culture Park) ・Fujimi Kogen Pension Village (in no particular order)

Wakamasu Bakery 🥖 @wakamasu_bakery (Instagram) A beloved shop frequented by regulars, I visited Wakamasu Bakery. The bakery has run for three generations from the founder to the current owner, moving from the original Ina shop to Suwa, and has continued for 99 years! Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together 🍞 Wakamasu began in Ina in the great-grandfather’s time, and the shop is linked to Nagano’s soul food, the gyūnyū pan (milk bread)!!! Pop-up signs in the shop explain the products and highlight their commitment to domestic wheat and sudakito (sudaki sugar), a mineral-rich sugar made from 100% cane. Their beloved “Milk Ball” is famous, and many regulars come just for it 🥖 ・A long-time favorite, the soft French-style roll filled with milk cream: the Milk Ball ・Owner’s pick: Cream Bread filled generously with homemade custard cream ・A recent hit: Croque Monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese ・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of savory baked breads are available. ◎ Wakamasu Bakery 📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-3488 ◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00 ◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday ◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/... Regular customers are hooked on Wakamasu Bakery’s Milk Ball! The owner’s great-grandfather started Wakamasu Bakery in Ina. Wakamasu Bakery has been in business for 99 years. Later, the owner’s father moved the shop to its current location in Suwa. Today, the owner and her father bake the bread together. Between you and me, Wakamasu Bread is connected to gyūnyū pan (milk cream bread). Nowadays the owner uses domestic wheat and sudaki sugar (a Japanese sugar rich in minerals). She is particular about ingredients. These are the regular offerings: ・Regular customers come for the Milk Ball. ・The owner’s recommendation is Cream Bread with homemade custard cream. ・A recent trend is the croque monsieur with homemade béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese. ・Four kinds of sandwiches and two kinds of cooked breads. ◎ Wakamasu Bakery 📍 4-11-10 Kogan Street, Suwa City ☎ 0266-52-3488 ◎ Business hours: 8:00 – 16:00 ◎ Business days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday ◎ Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/wakamasu_bakery/...

Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign Believe it or not, this is the ninth year! The Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign is back! Twelve ryokan and hotels belonging to the inn association offer carefully selected premium plans at great savings!!! ★ Great deals on stays 1. As a return gift for Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) from Suwa City, accommodation vouchers usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ryokan and hotels (from ¥10,000) have been set up, so please make a smart tax donation via your preferred travel site this winter and enjoy the savings. 2. A drive plan from NEXCO Central Japan called Hayatabi bundles a ¥10,000 universal accommodation voucher with roughly 50% off highway tolls. You can apply via the NEXCO Central Japan website. Product name: Kami‑Suwa Onsen Drive Plan with Universal Accommodation Voucher ★ Guests who stay during the campaign period will be entered into a prize draw Prize A: Accommodation subsidy voucher worth ¥10,000 usable at Kami‑Suwa Onsen【50 winners】 *Delivered as two ¥5,000 vouchers Valid through January 31, 2026 (planned) Prize B: Admission tickets to the Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival on August 15, 2025【15 pairs, 30 people】 *Seating planned in front of the Suwa Lake Geyser Center We hope this campaign encourages you to favor Kami‑Suwa Onsen! The onsen’s warm feeling after bathing really lasts!!! (A foodie, Kasai, speaking personally...) Refresh yourself in Suwa to shake off the fatigue of 2024 and start 2025 happily and energetically♨ Kasai the Foodie’s Recommended Winter Sightseeing Course ・Taste tour of the five Suwa breweries ⇒ Stay at Kami‑Suwa Onsen ⇒ New Year’s visit to Suwa Taisha ⇒ Suwa region’s midwinter eel tradition ★ Official Kami‑Suwa Onsen Winter Stay Campaign Website https://kamisuwa-onsen.com... More details are available there, so please check it out!

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!

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 🥰

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.

Shikinzan (紫金山) — Comet ATLAS Did you know that between October 13 and October 26, the comet was visible to the naked eye even in Japan? I, Kawanishi (河西) — a real foodie — was so focused on food that I completely forgot. I'm so sorry. F. N. kindly provided these photos. They are truly lovely🌠 I wish I could take pictures this beautiful! I feel lucky to have been born in a city where scenes like this can be seen. I think it’s a city to be proud of!!! Does that famous scene from that movie come to mind — the lake and the comet falling? Yes, the film 'Kimi no ◯ wa' (an intentionally obscured reference to 'Your Name'). It's even rumored that this place inspired Lake Itomori, and the site has become a pilgrimage spot for foreign visitors. We received photos of Shikinzan (紫金山) — Comet ATLAS taken from Tateishi Park, so we’re sharing them with you. The comet appears in every picture, so please try to find it! ※ Brightness has been adjusted. It seems that many skilled photographers gathered at Tateishi Park that day! Some camera lenses cost as much as a small car!!!!! Photography runs deep... My wife scolds me that I hardly use my DSLR, but I will keep working every day to bring you attractive photos of Suwa📷 ※ Personally, I use a Nikon D-series (D7100, an older camera but one I love). I would be grateful for any guidance on camera operation, such as how to photograph fireworks or comets... ・Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Did you know you could see Tsuchinshan-ATLAS from October 13 to October 26 with the naked eye? A friend kindly shared this photo, taken by F. N. It’s beautiful, moving, and fantastic. I’m so proud of my city and truly happy to have been born in Suwa!!! Lake and comet—does that famous animated movie come to mind? I know it does: Your Name. She shared these pictures with us, and I want to pass them on. Every photo shows Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, so please try to spot it!!! That day, so many photographers were at Tateishi Park. One of them told her that a camera lens cost over $6,500!!! Amazing!!! Photography is deeper than it seems. I own a Nikon camera (not very expensive but I love it). I need to study how to take better pictures. I must improve my technique before my wife gets mad at me… I haven’t used my camera recently. I know I need to practice over and over, right?

Shinyu Onsen L.P. has released “Suwa Taisha Navi,” an app for foreign visitors and domestic tourists. This in-shrine interactive app supports English, French, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, and highlights the attractions of the four shrines of Suwa Taisha. The navigator is Suwahime, Suwa City’s official character, who introduces 84 monuments and buildings across the four shrines. Download the app and launch it on site to hear the explanations; locations you’ve heard are marked with a folding-fan icon. It makes a great travel memory. Shinyu Onsen L.P. launched the Suwa Taisha Navi app for foreign visitors and domestic tourists. The app supports Japanese, Traditional Chinese, French, and English and introduces the four shrines (Honmiya, Maemiya, Harumiya, Akimiya). The navigator is Suwahime, Suwa City’s official character, who explains 84 monuments and buildings across the four shrines. First, download the app and visit any of the four Suwa Taisha shrines. Enable GPS and go to a spot; Suwahime will begin the explanation. After a spot’s explanation, it is marked with a Japanese folding-fan stamp. It’s a lovely way to remember your trip to Suwa and Suwa Taisha—please give it a try!

That day, Kawanishi, known for his love of food, restrained his appetite and visited PMOA Co., Ltd., headquartered in Suwa. PMOA is the well-known company that created Suwa City’s official character, Suwa-hime. Yamaoka gave us a tour of the factory and offices. PMOA, headquartered in Suwa City, is the only hobby manufacturer in Nagano Prefecture. They had been manufacturing plastic molds and parts for automobiles and cameras, but when orders declined during the Lehman shock (the 2008 global financial crisis), the president began to consider whether the company's existing technology could be applied to other businesses. At the same time, the hobby boom—part of Akihabara culture (plastic models, figures, etc.)—was taking off. They created a plastic model of Takashima Castle, beloved by Suwa residents — this marked the beginning of PMOA's production of building plastic models. With about 40 employees, the company primarily uses plastic molding to manufacture items such as figures, fishing lures and plastic parts for a maker known for bicycle lights. In addition to molding, they also provide services such as signboard printing and vehicle wrapping. They have even wrapped Suwa City municipal vehicles, including one featuring Suwa-hime; some readers may have seen it. They also accept private car-wrap orders, so anyone wanting a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle should consider it. The company now has its own factory adjacent to the Chino facility, which makes production-stage feedback much smoother and enables rapid response—this is a key strength. The company's motto is 'Making Japanese towns cute and lively!' Expect them to keep producing many adorable figures and striking plastic models. ※ Factory tour Date & time: Every Friday at 13:30 Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Group size: 2–20 people Elementary school children and younger: Free Junior high school students and older: 1,000 yen ◎ Please call at least one week in advance: 0266-78-6481 (Harada or Arai)

まだまだ、残暑が残る異常な感じですが。。。 僕が幼少の頃は、諏訪湖の花火(8/15)が過ぎるともう寒くもなり秋を感じる諏訪でしたが、今日も何故か最高気温３０℃。。。🥵 暑い日が続きます。 少し早いですが、食いしん坊河西の“食欲の秋”を我慢して、皆さんに諏訪の紅葉をご紹介させて頂こうと思います。 諏訪は、盆地もあり諏訪湖は山々に囲まれている都市です。 紅葉も、色んな種類の木々があり、同じ赤でも違った色を魅せてくれるのでが、紅葉の醍醐味ですね!!! イチョウも多く、“黄葉”なんて呼ばれてもおります。 諏訪湖の近く、千人風呂で有名な片倉館には、イチョウがあり、とても美しく黄葉が楽しめます。 霧ヶ峰では、ススキが皆様を迎えてくれます。 また、霧ヶ峰高原などの高原地帯も涼しくなると空気が澄んできますので、南アルプスや、北アルプス、中央アルプス、富士山、八ヶ岳など、名だたる山々が望めるのが霧ヶ峰の霧鐘塔や、薙鎌神社がオススメです🏔 是非皆さん、紅葉を観に諏訪にお越し下さい！ 是非、皆さんのオススメの諏訪の紅葉スポットを教えて下さい！ Instagramで #visitsuwaautumn で投稿して頂けると嬉しいです!!! It’s still hot in here Suwa city. It is abnormal!!! When I was child, after Lake Suwa’s firework festival gradually to change to autumn. But, today is still 30 Celsius… Hopefully, autumn should come soon!!! I’ll introduce to Suwa’s autumn leaves. The Suwa city is basin surrounded by mountains. We have so many kinds of trees. So, you can see many kinds of autumn leaves red color. Do you know what color will be change ginkgo leaf? It will be change to green to yellow. You can see ginkgo trees autumn leaves! It is also beautiful!!! Near the Lake Suwa, we have Katakura-kan(they are famous for building and hot spring) they have gingko tree and maple. You’ll see red(maple) and yellow(ginkgo) color harmony with historical building. How awesome spot it is!!! At the Kirigamine, you’ll see Japanese pampas grass all over the place. That’s seasonal tradition. At the Mushou tower or Nagikama shrine, you are going to see fantastic view. You may see Northern alps, Central alps, Southern alps, Yatsugatake peaks and Mt, Fuji!!! Can you believe that??? Trust me! “Seeing is Believing” If it is sunny, you’ll see all these mountains 360-degree view!!! I recommend to Mushou tower or Nagikama Shrine. Please come to see autumn leaves in Suwa. And tell me your favorite autumn leaves spot in Suwa. Then put #visitsuwaautumn to post to Instagram!!!

August 15, 2024 Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks On this day, Suwa City held its major event, the Lake Suwa Festival Lake Fireworks. Despite the emergency Nankai Trough earthquake bulletin warning of a major quake, the event went ahead thanks to the many precautions taken by the Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee. This fireworks festival began on August 15, 1949, when citizens, amid the postwar confusion, wanted to hold a summer evening fireworks display at Lake Suwa to bring hope and help the city recover as quickly as possible. This year marks the 76th edition. It is a very historic fireworks festival. 🎇 At Suwa, the fireworks are launched from an island called Hatsu-shima, and the show is a true lake display. Because Lake Suwa sits at the center of the Suwa Basin and is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the sound of the bursting fireworks echoes off the lake and surrounding peaks, turning the landscape into a gigantic natural speaker that vibrates to your very core. The result is an overwhelmingly powerful fireworks experience. This is a rare geographic setting for a fireworks festival. The event website even describes the sound as “Don! Zun! Ban!” and that onomatopoeia is the most accurate description. A local Lake Suwa fireworks quirk is that when a very large firework explodes, the volume and shock often trigger car security buzzers. Locals just laugh and say, “Again, huh?” On the day, it rained twice in the afternoon, but the rain stopped before the opening and we enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. Before guests left, many gave us warm words like “Thank you!” and “Good job!”—those kind messages blew away the day’s fatigue. Thank you very much! We look forward to seeing you next year, so please come and join us!!! ※ Filming assistance: Lake Suwa Festival Executive Committee August 15, 2024 At Lake Suwa 76th Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival!!! This fireworks festival began in 1949. After World War II, many Japanese people were worn out by the war and needed hope and a way to recover. The festival started for that reason and has been held since 1949. This year was the 76th. How amazing it is!!! Recently, however, we received Nankai Trough earthquake warnings, so we had to be extremely careful about safety. Our fireworks are launched from the lake. The unique feature of Lake Suwa is that the lake is surrounded by mountains. That is the key. Because of this, the sound of the fireworks is exceptionally loud—you feel it in your whole body. If you compare fireworks of the same size at Lake Suwa and elsewhere, you will say the Lake Suwa fireworks are much louder. I promise!!! The surrounding landscape acts like a huge speaker, so you can both hear and feel the sound intensely. This phenomenon is unique to Lake Suwa and is truly exceptional. The morning was sunny, but it rained twice in the afternoon. Just before the festival, the weather cleared and we were able to hold a wonderful event. Thank you so much!!! There are no same-day tickets, so please buy advance tickets online before coming to Suwa next year. We will be waiting for you!!!

A smash-hit event is now underway!!! Suwa Lake Summer Night Fireworks 2024🎆 Friday, July 26th – Sunday, August 25th *Except August 15th* Starts at 8:30 PM (about 10 minutes) Every evening throughout the period, fireworks launch from the lake. Nowhere else in Japan features a nightly ten-minute display like Suwa Lake!!! The true pleasure of the Summer Night Fireworks is watching the show unhurriedly from the lakeside lawn without the crowds🎇 Enjoy dazzling fireworks choreographed to music on the night breeze.

"Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally" ★Collect smartphone stamps at sightseeing spots and earn rewards! The Venus Line is a 75.2 km scenic road stretching from Chino to Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. It winds through the highland area of Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, located near the geographic center of Honshu, and ranks among Japan’s premier driving routes. The average elevation is about 1,400 meters, and the highest point, the Utsukushigahara Highlands, reaches about 2,000 meters. Would you like to take your time enjoying this beautiful drive, stopping at various spots along the way? There are hot springs, delicious local dishes, Shinshu souvenirs, and breathtaking scenery!!! We look forward to seeing you! ■ Period From Thursday, August 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024 ■ Area Chino, Suwa, Shimosuwa, Tateshina, Nagawa, Ueda ● Stamp spots: 30 locations 【Tateshina Area】2 spots 【Suwa Area】9 spots 【Kirigamine, Yashima, Kurumayama Area】3 spots 【Shirakaba Lake, Megami Lake Area】7 spots 【Wada, Takayama Area】4 spots 【Ueda, Takeshi Area】5 spots For details → Search for "Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally"!

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Cotton Cafe Cotton Cafe meets on the third Saturday of every month. Here you can try spinning yarn from organic cotton grown in Gokasecho. The homemade cakes are also very popular. Relax and chat while trying your hand at spinning yarn. No prior registration required. Opening days: Every third Saturday of the month Hours: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Location: 5929 Kuraoka, Kuraoka Kurara Staff Room, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1201

Summer tradition About 300 glass wind chimes were displayed in the concourse in front of the ticket gates at JR Kami‑Suwa Station. The wind chimes 🎐 are painted with fireworks 🎇, sunflowers 🌻 and morning glory flowers, and their cool, soothing tones delight visitors to Suwa and local residents. The wind chimes will remain on display through early August. Please do come to Suwa!

【Inage Seaside Park】 Inage Seaside Park is a comprehensive park with a length of about 3 km and an area of about 83 hectares, located on the coast of Tokyo Bay, in front of Kaihin New Town. In the park, you can enjoy Japan's first artificial beach "Inage-no-hama", Chiba City flower museum, swimming pool, sports facilities, yacht harbor, and all four seasons. 〇Inage-no-hama It is the first artificial beach built in Japan to recover the sandy beach of Inage Coast that was lost due to land reclamation. Today, this sandy beach has been renovated into a white sand beach and is popular as a place of relaxation for citizens. In addition, a new "wooden deck extending to the sea" with a length of 90 meters and a width of 10 meters has appeared, so everyone can easily enjoy a walk on the Ocean. Chairs and tables are set up at the end of the wooden deck, and if you bring in drinks and snacks purchased from the Kitchen Car, you can feel like a Ocean café. It is lit up at night and you can enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. 〇Inage Seaside Pool INAPOO A new complex pool with a retro-modern concept that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. The concept is retro-modern, which is a fusion of nostalgia and newness. In addition to the conventional pool content, we offer a variety of Activities such as large playground equipment, paid seating where you can relax more slowly, and a restaurant. In 2024, it will open on Saturday, July 13! 〇Inage Yacht Harbor A yacht harbor where you can enjoy the sea breeze with the new Central Tokyo in the background. Held in various events such as yacht experience sessions that beginners and parents and children can participate in, purse seine fishing visiting the sites, and standup paddleboarding classes. 〇Flower Museum We are currently in the process of renewing it. The atrium building and greenhouse building, which will be the center of the museum, will be renovated as Facilities where you can Fun the fusion of conventional flower and plant exhibitions and digital technology. Currently, the surrounding garden and rest building are open to the public free of charge. As of July 1 〇small planet CAMP＆GRILL You can enjoy sustainable glamping facilities that coexist with the Nature environment. It is equipped with safe facilities that are great for women and children who are new to the outdoors, so you can spend your time comfortably. We also offer BBQ using freshly picked ingredients from Chiba. There is also a Day trip plan that allows you to stop by casually, Restrooms available customers who come to the beach or pool can easily enjoy it as if they were stopping by a café. 〇The Surf Ocean Terrace A seaside restaurant with a view of the sea and sky. A superb view of Tokyo Bay spreads out in front of you. Fun on the seaside terrace with spacious sofas for food and drinks. You can also overlook the sea from the calm atmosphere of the store, which uses plenty of wood.

Meditation Time in Nishiokoppe On Saturday, June 8, a yoga and aroma instructor from Mombetsu visited Burari Café! Burari Café has a calming interior and the sunlight coming through the windows felt soft. Because it was hot that day, the breeze flowing in was especially pleasant! In that lovely space, we received a lecture on mindfulness meditation and actually tried meditating. Just closing my eyes and focusing on my breath reminded me again that this is an important time for calming the mind. In the workshop, we also learned how to make an aroma spray! The ingredients aren’t many, and it seems easy to make at home *^^* For the workshop, the essential oils provided were hinoki and yuzu. Both have relaxing effects, and hinoki is said to have deodorizing and insect-repellent properties as well. To close the event, we had a handmade lunch. There was a fluffy omelet baked in the oven and rice mixed with butterbur, along with a lineup of side dishes. The soup contained new onions and ume (Japanese plum)! The tartness of the ume was striking, and I was surprised how well it suited a broth. Thank you for a soothing time! #Nishiokoppe Village #Mindfulness Meditation #Yoga #Aroma #Meditation #Handmade Lunch #Mugwort Cookie #Burari Café

Here is an introduction to Takabocchi Plateau, located on the border between Okaya City and Shiojiri City next to Suwa in the Kankōchi Suwa area. Takabocchi Plateau spreads across gentle slopes and offers a 360° panorama amid vast nature. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, Mt. Ontake, and Mt. Norikura. The alpine plant rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron) was blooming bright red. Note: The Takabocchi Skyline is closed for winter from early December through late April.

Enjoy the best breakfast on a highland in Shinshu. Would you like to experience breakfast on a breezy plateau at 1,600 meters above sea level? Relax and savor a luxurious moment while gazing at the vast grasslands before you. ●Period July 1, 2024 (Monday) – September 30, 2024 (Monday) (Excluded dates / closed days: July: 4, 13–15 ｜ August: 10–18, 29 ｜ September: 5, 12, 14–16, 19, 21–23, 26 (as of June 13, 2024)) Limited to 20 people per day Reservation required ●Price 1,800 JPY (tax included) ●Hours 9:00 – 11:00 Booking & Venue Korobokkuru Hutte – A stylish café attached to a mountain hut – ●Address Nagano Prefecture, Suwa City, Kirigamine, Kurumayama-Kata TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please make reservations by phone directly. ※ Calls may be difficult to get through between 11:00 and 14:00. “Breakfast at Kirigamine: My Car Plan” Enjoy an elegant breakfast on the mountain hut terrace while looking out over the sweeping grasslands. This individual plan includes benefits such as a Kirigamine summer lift ticket and an original pin badge. ●How to Apply Korobokkuru Hutte TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please reserve by phone. ●Access ‣ About 30 minutes by car from Suwa lakeside, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ‣ About 40 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Suwa Interchange via Prefectural Route 40 (Kirigamine–Shirakabako Line) ※ Parking spaces are limited and you may not be able to park. Please note weekends and the season are very busy. ●Other ▷ Reservations accepted until noon the day before ▷ Same-day cancellations will be charged 1,800 JPY per person. ▷ Limited to 20 people per day ▷ Weekends and the season are very busy; reservations may fill up relatively early. ▷ Parking and breakfast service are on a first-come, first-served basis. ▷ Operations may be suspended due to severe weather. Special perks included! ★Perk 1: Round-trip Kirigamine summer lift ticket Perk period: July 13, 2024 – August 25, 2024 Lift operating hours: 9:00 – 16:00 ※ Lift may not operate in severe weather. Address: 13338-41 Kamisuwa, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Parking available (Kirigamine Ski Area parking, approx. 200 spaces) Access: About 5 minutes by car from Kurumayama-Kata, about 2 minutes by car from the Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center parking lot ★Perk 2: Kirigamine Plateau “Original Pin Badge” gift! Perk period: July 1, 2024 – July 12, 2024 and August 26, 2024 – September 30, 2024 ※ The badge shown in the photo is from 2022.

Kamisuwa Onsen stretches along the shores of Lake Suwa, and when you get off the train you can enjoy that very hot spring as a footbath without even exiting the ticket gate. On Track 1 of JR Kamisuwa Station there is a sturdy rock-style ashiyu (footbath). This footbath originated from gender-separated open-air baths built in 1986 as part of the "One Station, One Specialty" campaign, and it took its present form after renovations in 2002. It’s perfect for a brief soak while waiting for a train. In summer it soothes tired, overheated feet, and in winter it warms chilled feet—try soaking in Kamisuwa Onsen’s restorative footbath. While soaking in the Kamisuwa Station footbath, making and eating an onsen tamago (hot-spring egg) is highly recommended! At NewDays Mini Kamisuwa on the station premises you can buy the "Kamisuwa Station Onsen Tamago Set" (raw egg, sauce, spoon, cup) for 100 yen (tax included). Please note that entering the platform requires a platform ticket (150 yen) or a valid train ticket. Simply submerge the egg in the hot spring and, while enjoying the footbath, in about 20 minutes you’ll have a delicious onsen tamago. Footbath hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM NewDays Mini Kamisuwa hours: 6:45 AM–8:30 PM Please enjoy it!

【Tomita Satiniwa Farm Tomita Urban Agricultural Exchange Center】 Tomita Satiniwa Farm is known for its 120,000 Shibazakura trees and small blue flowers Nemophila in Spring, and the Cosmos blooming in autumn. A farm surrounded by beautiful nature, it provides healing and fun to those who visit. This farm is characterized by a rich landscape of seasonal Flowers, fruits and vegetables. Visitors say they can feel the joy of being in contact with nature through the experience of harvesting fresh produce. In addition, at Tomita Satiniwa Farm, you can directly buy Fresh vegetables and eggs from the Local area. Souvenirs are also great because you can get different produce in different seasons. If you want to refresh yourself in nature and have a good time, please come to Tomita Satiwa Garden. The blessings of nature and warm hospitality await you. ■ Access: [Use by train or bus] From Chiba Monorail "Senjodai" Station ・Take the Omago Bus and get off at "Tomita-cho Harada Pond" and walk for 1 minute ・Take the Sarashina bus to Tomitacho 1 and walk for 13 minutes. [Use] From the Miyata intersection Highway on Route 126, turn right at the Tomita-cho entrance intersection, turn right at the Tomita-cho entrance intersection, go about 900 meters and turn left. ■Address: 711-1 Tomita-cho, Wakaba-ku, Chiba City ■ Parking: Free 200 cars ■Business hours: 9:00~17:00 ■ Regular holiday: Monday the next day if it is a holiday ■ Fee: Free admission

We did a test setup of “Hammocks Among the Birch Trees,” planned for this summer. Despite struggling with more sagging than expected, we finally created a soothing time. If you are planning a summer trip along the Obihiro–Asahikawa–Furano route, why not relax among the birch and hammocks at Karikachi Kogen Park? Details will be posted later on the tourism association’s website and social media. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku #Shintoku Tourism Association #Route 38 #Hokkaido Garden Path #Karikachi Kogen Park #birch #hammock #relaxation