[View from Omachi Park] Omachi Park is a scenic lookout easily reached in about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from JR Shinano-Omachi station, offering spectacular views. There are benches where you can relax and take in the scenery. The Northern Alps still wear traces of snow that stand out against the blue sky. From the wooded slopes behind you can hear the pleasing song of a Japanese bush warbler.

◆Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road◆ The peach blossoms of Hikokudaira began when fifteen original saplings were purchased from Senaiji in Achi Village in 1997 and planted around a private residence. (The peach blossoms of Senaiji are said to have originated when Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son-in-law of Yukichi Fukuzawa) brought saplings back from Munich, Germany, in 1922.) Moved by the beautiful red, white, and pink blooms, and wishing to match the local landscape, they decided to plant extensively. They planted on privately cultivated land and along roadsides, borrowing village-owned strips beside the roads to plant as well. In 2000 they received a grant under the "Community-Built Regional Development Project," and with the cooperation of neighboring residents for planting and underbrush clearing, now more than about 200 peach trees have been planted. Each year the area has become popular for its scenery surrounded by the beautiful peach blossoms. The name Hikokudaira comes from the trade name of the project initiator, Mr. Masaru Kubota. Manager: Masaru Kubota ●Details for Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road ・Best time to visit Mid April to late April ・Admission fee None ・Parking None ・Toilets Temporary toilets available ・Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Kankouji Suwa!!! Kirigamine Highlands in Suwa city, Nagano Prefecture. Suwa proudly boasts this scenic spot where alpine plants bloom through the seasons. It is also known as Japan’s glider mecca 🛩️ At Kirigamine you’ll find one of the country’s top daylily (nikko-kisuge) colonies. This lily-family flower represents the highland in July, painting the green slopes with orange-leaning yellow blooms 🌼 Every July Kirigamine’s popularity causes traffic jams. In the hot season, enjoy a leisurely, elegant respite in this cool highland.

◆Toyooka Iris Garden◆ The Iris Garden sits on a terrace mid-slope with a high vantage point offering panoramic views of the Central Alps. Around 1938, various flowers were grown as a hobby, but after visiting Lowrys Garden in Aoki Village and seeing the wide range of iris colors, sizes, and shapes there, I became captivated by irises and began buying bulbs. As the number of cultivated varieties exceeded one hundred and space grew tight, the garden was relocated to its current 30-are (3,000 m²) plot of farmland. At the village’s request to open the site to visitors as a tourist garden, I acquired a landscape coordinator qualification in 2002 and opened the iris garden to the public in 2003. Iris cultivation dislikes high heat and humidity, which leads to frequent diseases, and the plants need replanting and soil replacement about once every three years, so maintenance is demanding. Still, we continue to cultivate them in the hope that visitors will find comfort in the sight of the flowers in full bloom. Today the garden features more than 200 iris varieties totaling about 5,000 plants, and over 300 other flower varieties, making it an impressive flower garden in full bloom. Manager: Hideko Tado ● Toyooka Iris Garden Details ・Open season Late April–mid May: Iris Late May–early June: Roses ・Opening hours 8:00–17:00 (open daily during the season) ・Admission 300 yen (high school students and older) ・Parking, restrooms Available ・Other Seedlings available for sale ・Contact Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)

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!

The Katsura River streams through the area of Yamanashi Prefecture. This river is Famous for sweetfish anglers as a fishing Spot one of the most the Kanto region. On the other hand, the current situation is that it is not known to the general public. I want more people to know about the Katsura River and sweetfish, which are local tourist resources. And I want to revitalize and promote the region. Squid, we have developed Specialty Products. In particular, this sweetfish sandwich is a rare product that you should try at least once. Sweet and spicy honeydew stew, confit with olive oil and garlic, It is a set of 3 types of fried foods that are fried and entwined with sauce.

I visited Wada-juku Main Camp! It was almost hot outside, but the interior of the main camp felt cool. There was a quiet, meditative atmosphere that made me want to sit and reflect...

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store! June has arrived and the weather is humid, but Shosenkyo Gorge is full of fresh green leaves and a refreshing breeze blows through the area 🍃 Near the falls you can feel the spray and find a cool spot. You can also see the rare view directly above the falls from the wooden deck 👀 Please be sure to take a look! A new wine has arrived at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom next to that wooden deck ☀️ This unusual Yamanashi wine is made from Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s a crisp, dry wine recommended for hot summers, so please give it a try. When you visit Shosenkyo, please stop by ☺️

Gyoi-kō (Gyoikō) is a plant in the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family. It is a Japanese-origin cultivated variety of satoyama cherry (satozakura) that originated from the Oshima cherry. The name has been seen since the mid-Edo period and comes from a color close to the light green of aristocratic robes. It is apparently also called “Misogi (purification).” The Gyoi-kō shown in this photo is the one at Akiba Shrine in Shimizu-cho, Suwa City. This shrine features several large zelkova trees and three small shrines at their roots, creating a very otherworldly atmosphere that seems like it could appear in a Ghibli film. Entering Akiba Shrine and going to the left rear, you will find this Gyoi-kō. This cherry blooms about two weeks later than Somei Yoshino and generally flowers around Golden Week. The timing is similar to that of yaezakura (double-flowered cherry). When the flowers first open, the petals are pale green even inside, and as they near the end of blooming faint pink streaks appear toward the center. Although the tree’s vigor has declined compared with the past, the sign says the average tree age is about 20 years. If you look closely, it was planted on May 25, 1975 (Showa 50), so it is 49 years old this year. Amazing, isn’t it! Unlike the famous pink cherries, its pale yellow-green color gives off a lovely hue. Every year I enjoy seeing yaezakura and this Gyoi-kō after the Somei Yoshino finish blooming. Answer! The phrase “light green colored cherry blossom,” which I posted in English on Instagram on January 18 of this year, referred to this Gyoi-kō at Akiba Shrine. Please take a look at the English post as well. Also, as far as I know, there is a green cherry that appears to be Gyoi-kō on the grounds of the former Suwa City Cleaning Center, now a Suwa City facility for recycling pruned branches. Because this is a Suwa City facility, if you go to recycle pruned branches in early spring and have a chance, please take a look. If you miss the Somei Yoshino bloom around April in future years, please consider adding Gyoi-kō to your list of blossoms to see. In particular, if you know of any unusual cherry trees in Suwa City or the six neighboring municipalities, or if you have other local information to share, please leave a comment. I will visit as many as possible! Suwa Tourism Association Instagram → @suwa_nagano Please follow us!

“Hidden Spots of Shinano-Omachi” Photography Workshop — Learn Camera Techniques on Omachi Shopping Street Join a tour to learn camera techniques on Omachi Shopping Street. The event is finally approaching on June 8. We will walk and practice photography at historic locations: Matsubaya Ryokan (Matsubaya Guest House), built in the Taisho era; Takara Shokudo, built in the Meiji era; and Omachi Meitengai, built in the 1960s (Showa 40s). For this shooting tour, we have special permission to enter these buildings, and participants will have the chance to hear from an instructor who knows Omachi inside and out. The instructor is Kiyoshi Kashiwabara, a photo instructor certified by the Japan Association of Photography Instructors, a native of Omachi who shares the charm of Omachi’s landscapes and people through his photography.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Echizen Tourism Federation. Echizen Town, Niu-gun, Towns, Towns, Fukui Prefecture, faces the Sea of Japan and has a population of about 19,000. In March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen will be extended to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture, making access to the Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture more convenient. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce you to the recommended sightseeing Spot in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture! Best regards! [What is Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture?] 】 Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is a beautiful Town facing the Sea of Japan, and is a fascinating area of rich nature and history. Echizen Snow Crab is famous for its seafood and Echizen pottery, and is Visited by many tourists throughout the year. In 2005, the four Town/Village of Nyū District Asahi Town, Echizen Town, Miyazaki Village, and Oda Town merged to form "Echizen Town", which Restrooms available history. [Introduction of recommended Sightseeing spot in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture] ・Echizen Ninomiya Tsurugi Shrine Tsurugi Shrine Echizen Town Oda was the ancestral hometown of Oda Nobunaga, and Oda Nobunaga deeply revered Tsurugi Shrine as a Ujigami（clan deity）. The Main Shrine is designated as a prefectural cultural property, and the Bonshō bell is the third oldest in Japan and one of the six national treasures in Fukui Prefecture. ・Cape Echizen Cape Echizen is a cape with a series of 130 meters high cliffs jutting out into the Sea of Japan, where you can Unfolds a magnificent panorama of the sea. From the Observation decks, you can overlook Tojinbo and the Tsuruga Peninsula. It has also been selected as a "100 best sunsets in Japan". ・Roadside Station Echizen Located on the Echizen-Kaga Coast, it sells Fresh Local seafood and agricultural products, and is popular with tourists. Restrooms available are also restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with Local ingredients, so you can enjoy the taste of Echizen. There is also a one-day hot spring facility that boasts an open-air bath, "Echizen Onsen Open-air Bath Fishermen's Fire" and the "Echizen Snow Crab Museum" where you can learn about the ecology of Echizen Snow Crab and nearby fish. ・Kocho Gate It is a cave about 15 meters high and about 30 meters wide with a hole gaping in the rock due to wave erosion on the Echizen Coast. The promenade is well maintained, so you can see the Kocho Gate up close. ・Nagasuhama Beaches It is the largest beaches in In the town and is crowded with many Beachgoers in summer. In the crystal clear waters, you can also enjoy marine sports such as Scuba Diving. [Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Specialty Products] ・Echizen pottery Echizen pottery is a traditional pottery from Echizen Town that dates back to the Heian period about 850 years ago. Echizen Pottery's Workshop also Held in Visiting the site and Hands-on workshops, and you can even create your own original creations. ・Echizen daffodils Echizen daffodils are a general term for Japanese daffodils that bloom on the Echizen Coast and are known as a Winter tradition in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture, Echizen Town. Chiba Prefecture Boso Peninsula one of the Japan's Three Great Crowds along with Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and the largest area in Japan. ・Echizen Snow Crab "Echizen Snow Crab" is a Snow Crab that is Unload to the fishing port of Fukui Prefecture, and the Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture boasts the highest Unload in Fukui Prefecture. Famous nationwide as a Taste of Winter, it is characterized by its sweetness and delicious taste, and is known as the finest variety of the top brand among snow crabs. Local traditional Japanese restaurants and restaurants serve dishes made with Fresh Echizen Snow Crab, which makes many gourmets Tantalize your taste buds!. ・Echizen Flounder Echizen Flounder is also known as a Specialty Product of Echizen Town. Exquisite sashimi, Cooked fish, grilled fish, and any other dish can be eaten deliciously. ・Other seafood In addition to Echizen Snow Crab and Echizen Flounder, Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is known for its abundant Fresh seafood such as "Echizen shrimp," "sweet shrimp," "Squid," and "Turbo sazae." In Echizen Town, lively Kaisen Donburi is called "Hama no seikatsu donburi" and can be eaten at many restaurants in In the town. These Specialty Products also Restrooms available popular in Furusato Nozei thank-you gift. [Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture event introduction] ・Echizen Pottery Festival The Echizen Pottery Festival is the largest pottery market in Fukui Prefecture with the theme of Echizen pottery, bringing together Echizen pottery kilns in Fukui Prefecture. There are also shops selling traditional crafts and restaurants and bazaars. ・Echizen Port Fireworks Display Impressive fireworks such as Underwater fireworks will color the night sky of Echizen Town at the Echizen Fishing Port. It is the first fireworks to be Held in in Fukui Prefecture every year, and it tells Fukui Prefecture the visit of summer. ・Asahi Festival Paper-covered lantern floats parade through the towns. It is a historic festival that will celebrate its 49th anniversary in 2024. [Introducing the Tourist Information of Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture! ] 】 Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is a Sightseeing spot surrounded by beautiful nature and rich history. In Echizen-cho, Echizen-cho, Fukui, Echizen-cho, Enjoy Enjoying Recommendations so that you can have a wonderful trip!

Noto Peninsula Mitsuke Island and the Milky Way 2023.04.23 Mitsuke Island before the earthquake It seems to have collapsed a little due to the earthquake.

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! This is the Tsuruga Tourism Association. Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture is a city with a population of about 60,000 as of April 2024 located in the Reinan Region of Fukui Prefecture. Kehi Pine Grove, one of Japan's three largest pine groves, and Kehi Jingu Shrine, one of Japan's three largest wooden Otorii gates, are attracting attention due to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2024. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will continue to provide recommended Tourist Information and Latest Information on Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. [What is Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture?] 】 Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture is a beautiful port city facing the Sea of Japan. It takes about 1 hour by JR from Kyoto and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka and Nagoya, easily accessible. In addition, in March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Tsuruga was opened, and the fastest connection between Tokyo and Tsuruga was Gari in 3 hours and 8 minutes. It has a long history of flourishing as a gateway to the continent, and you can see foreign container ships at the port of Tsuruga City, even now. [Introduction of recommended sightseeing spots in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture] ・Kehi Pine Grove The Hakushaseishou scenic spot "Kehi Pine Grove", which stretches about 1 Kilometers long in Tsuruga Bay, is one of the three major pine grove in Japan, along with Thee scenic pine groves of Japan Shizuoka Prefecture and Niji-no-Matsubara Saga Prefecture, and is also designated as a national scenic spot. In the summer, it is open as a beaches and is overflowing with many Beachgoers. There are also promenades are maintained in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy walking throughout the year. ・ Leiji Matsumoto's manga character statues In 1999, as a commemorative project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tsuruga Port, a monument statue of "Galaxy Railway 999 Three Nine" and "Space Battleship Yamato" by manga artist "Leiji Leiji Matsumoto" was created in the Symbol Road shopping street in Tsuruga City. There are 28 statues installed in the section from Tsuruga Station to Kehi Jingu Shrine. ・Tsuruga Museum Road Tsuruga Museum Road is a street where you can feel the history and culture of Tsuruga City. Historic buildings such as the Tsuruga City Museum former Owada Bank Head Office and sake breweries still remain, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of Tsuruga City at that time. ・Tsuruga City Museum The Tsuruga City Museum is a Museum built in 1927 using the Owada Bank head office, which was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2017. Inside the Museum, there are many valuable documents and exhibits that tell the history of Tsuruga from ancient times to the present day. ・Nakaikemi Wetlands Nakaikemi Wetlands is a valuable wetland where you can see about 3,000 species of flora and fauna, including more than 60 endangered species, and was registered as a Ramsar Convention Wetlands in 2012. Throughout the year, you can enjoy nature observation and bird watching. ・Mizu Island Mizu Island is a small island floating in Tsuruga Bay with beautiful transparent water quality and white sand. In summer, you can take a daily ferry to the island, where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. ・Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse in Tsuruga Port is a historic building built in the Meiji era. In 2009, it was registered as a national registered tangible cultural property. Today, it is a popular Spot for tourists where you can enjoy history, culture and food, with restaurants, railway and port dioramas. ・Kehi Jingu Shrine Kehi Jingu Shrine is nicknamed "Keisan" by the citizens of Tsuruga. The 11 meters high Otorii Gate, which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property, is one of the Japan's three largest wooden Otorii gates along with Kasuga-taisha Shrine Nara Prefecture and Itsukushima Shrine Hiroshima. ・Te no Ura Beaches Teura Beach is a popular beach in Tsuruga City. It is characterized by the most transparent sea and white sand beach in Tsuruga City, and is designated as Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park.. In summer, the beach is crowded with many Beachgoers, and you can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball and Barbecue, making it recommended for families. There are many other popular beaches in Tsuruga City, such as "Era Beach", "Akasaki Beaches", "Kehi no Matsubara Beach", "Tagui Beaches", "Itsuhata / Kakinoh Beaches", and "Nago Beaches", which are visited by many tourists during the summer season. ・Old Tsuruga Port Station Ramp Hut The Old Tsuruga Port Station Ramp Hut is an oil depot built around 1882 to store fuel for portable oil lamps used for train lighting. It is characterized by carefully stacked red bricks and opening arches, and is currently Open to the public as a tourist Spot. ・Kuroko Valley The Black River streams in a valley south of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. You can experience the Nature of Tsuruga City, such as Onigataki Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Tsuruga City, and Ikenohara Marsh, where rare animals and plants live. ・Mt. Nosaka It is a mountain with an elevation of 941 meters, and from the top you can overlook Lake Biwa in the distance. The Mountain trail is Well maintained, so beginners can easily enjoy climbing. 【Specialty products and gourmet foods of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 ・Tsuruga Fugu Tsuruga fugu is one of the seafood of Tsuruga City. The season is from October to March, and it is popular as a Taste of Winter, and you can enjoy fugu sashimi and fugu nabe at Local ryotei and restaurants. ・Tsuruga sea bream Tsuruga sea bream farmed in the rough waters of the Sea of Japan has a firm body and the best Fatty ride. Whether it's sashimi, grilled with salt, or shabu-shabu, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Tsuruga sea bream in any cooking method. ・Echizen Crab Echizen crab Unloaded at Tsuruga Port and Mikuni Port is a Specialty Product that Representatives the Taste of Winter in Tsuruga City. Fresh crab has a sweet taste and can be enjoyed with boiled crab or crab sashimi. ・Sauce katsu-don pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice A sauce based on the Local Gourmet "Sauce katsu-don pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice" House sauce that Representative Fukui Prefecture is poured over the tonkatsu. It is a popular gourmet that has been loved by the people of Fukui Prefecture since the Taisho era. ・Heshiko Heshiko is a traditional preserved food in Tsuruga City made by Pickled in salt mackerel and then pickled in Rice malt. It has a unique flavor and is ideal as an accompaniment to freshly cooked rice or Ochazuke. It is a Gastronomical delicacies where you can feel the Local food culture of Tsuruga City. These specialty products are also very popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payment. 【Introduction of festivals and events in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 ・Floating paper lantern ceremony and fireworks festival Held in every August, it is a major event in Tsuruga City, and with the Sea of Japan in the background, beautiful paper lanterns are swept away and magnificent fireworks are launched in the night sky. Fascination many tourists and colors the summer nights of Tsuruga City. ・Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival Tsuruga Festival The Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival-Tsuruga Festival is the most traditional festival in the Hokuriku region, which is Held in every September. Mikoshi portable shrines and six festival floats from Kehi Jingu Shrine parade through the town, and the sound of Drums and flutes echoes throughout the city. In addition, various stalls are lined up in the Precincts, stage events are held, and it is crowded with many tourists. 【Disseminating Tourist Information of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture has many tourist Spot that Fascination people who visit beautiful nature and rich history. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access to Tsuruga City has improved. Enjoy a wonderful time in Tsuruga City, where new discoveries and impressions await. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Tourist Information and the latest Information deals in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, so please follow us!

Nice to meet you! This is the Omachi City Tourism Association. Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture sits in the northwest of Nagano. Surrounded by Northern Alps peaks over 3,000 meters, lakes and ski resorts, Omachi City offers plenty of nature-based activities. Here are our recommended travel tips from Omachi City! ■■■ What is Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture? ■■■ Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture faces the majestic Northern Alps to the west, including MtKashimayarigatake and MtJiigatake, and draws many climbers as a mountain tourism city. It is also known as the Nagano-side gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Visitors enjoy attractions year-round, from the towering snow corridor called Yuki no Otani in spring to the Kurobe Dam water releases from summer into autumn. ■■■ Tourist spots in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Lake Kizaki Three lakes lie in the north of the city, known collectively as the Nishina Three Lakes. At Lake Kizaki, you can enjoy SUP, canoeing, boating and wakasagi smelt fishing. The water tends to be relatively warm and shallow in places, so swimming in the lake is possible. This is a rare lake where wakasagi fishing can be enjoyed year-round. There are hot spring facilities along the shore, perfect for soothing tired muscles. ◇ Lake Aoki The northernmost of the Nishina Three Lakes, Lake Aoki is the third largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. Water springs from the lakebed, giving the water exceptional clarity, and fireflies appear in early summer. A campground on the shore offers a peaceful place to relax. ◇ Lake Nakatsuna Lake Nakatsuna is a beautiful lake surrounded by quiet woodland. In spring, many photographers come to capture the deep cherry-pink of oyamazakura reflecting on the surface. Anglers also enjoy bream fishing and wakasagi hole fishing, making it a popular fishing spot. ◇ Takase Valley Takase Valley features Takase Dam, the tallest rock-fill dam in Japan, and the remote Kuzu Onsen, famed as a secret hot spring. In autumn it is renowned for colorful fall foliage. Beyond Takase Dam lies the nationally designated natural monument Funto-kyū, a place where you can feel nature’s mystery. ◇ National Treasure Nishina Shinmei Shrine One of only five national treasure shrines in Nagano Prefecture, this shrine dates back to the Heian period and is the oldest example of shinmei-zukuri style architecture in Japan. Traditional rituals such as archaic opening ceremonies and kagura dance during the autumn grand festival have been carefully preserved and are a must-see. ◇ Omachi Alpine Museum / Omachi City Mountain Museum Japan’s first museum devoted to mountains, it showcases the nature and mountaineering history centered on the Northern Alps. From the third floor you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps. The attached zoo and botanical garden let you see species such as the rock ptarmigan and serow. ◇ Omachi Park About a five-minute drive from JR Shinano-Omachi station, Omachi Park sits in front of the Omachi Alpine Museum and offers panoramic views of the Northern Alps. The trailhead for Mt. Takagari, a popular short-mountain trekking course, is nearby. ◇ Nakasayama Kogen Nakasayama Kogen is a highland area with sweeping scenic views and seasonal flowers in bloom. In early autumn, fields of soba blossoms create white carpets, and in late October local soba restaurants serve the new-season buckwheat noodles. ◇ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam and Yuki no Otani Opened in 1971, the approximately 90-kilometer-long Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route links Nagano Prefecture with Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture. From Ōgizawa Station in Omachi City, the Nagano-side starting point, it takes about 16 minutes by electric bus to reach Kurobe Dam. The Kurobe Dam’s spectacular tourist water releases run from June 26 to October 15. The Alpine Route is packed with attractions, from the famous snow corridor Yuki no Otani to the TateyamaRopeway, where you can admire carpets of autumn color. ◇ Hot springs in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Hot spring facilities dot Omachi City, making it easy to relax in an onsen after activities like climbing or skiing. Omachi Onsenkyo, convenient for Kurobe Dam sightseeing, offers a dozen or so ryokan and hotels as well as day-use onsen facilities. ◇ Water tour At the foot of the Northern Alps, Omachi City is a town rich in water. Walking the shopping street that continues from JR Shinano-Omachi station, you’ll find water-drawing spots offering men’s spring water Otokomizu from the Northern Alps and women’s spring water Onnamizu from the satoyama countryside, letting you taste and compare both. ◇ Shoryudo Route The Shoryudo Route is a sightseeing route that imagines the Chubu and Hokuriku regions (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, and Shiga) as a dragon rising to the sky. Omachi City is included in the Shoryudo Route as an access point for the Alpine Route and nearby ski resorts. ■■■ Local specialties of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Soba noodles Omachi City is famous as a producer of delicious soba. Its cool climate and pure water help grow flavorful buckwheat. Local soba restaurants serve hand-cut soba that many visitors come to enjoy. ◇ Kurobe Dam Curry Kurobe Dam Curry is a local specialty of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Designed to resemble Kurobe Dam, with rice as the dam and curry sauce as the water, it is popular for both its striking appearance and great taste. ◇ Local sake Omachi City is also known for excellent local sake. The pure water rising from the Northern Alps produces high-quality brews. At the three breweries Hokuan Daikoku, Usui Shoten (Hakuba Nishiki) and Ichinoya (Kinran Kurobe), you can enjoy uniquely flavored local sake. ■■■ Festivals and events in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Wakaoji Festival The Wakaoji Festival is a traditional Omachi event held every July. One of its attractions is yabusame horseback archery, considered one of Japan’s three major yabusame events, and it also features a rare children’s yabusame performance. ■■■ Tourist information for Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, invites you to experience the beauty of nature. Every visit brings new discoveries and moving moments—enjoy a wonderful trip in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Cool Japan Video will continue to share more recommended information we couldn’t cover this time. Look forward to it!

Koshu Katsuragawa sweetfish stewed with honeydew and confit. The Katsura River starts at At the foot of Mt. and stream the county area of Yamanashi Prefecture. In particular, the Katsura River, which stream through Uenohara City, is an important Tourist Resources that can be proud of both inside and outside the city, stream the sight of the spectacular scenery that you see is magnificent. In addition, since the Edo period, sweetfish from the Katsura River has gained popularity among people traveling along the Koshu-kaido as a Specialties of Uenohara. This sweetfish, which was once lost due to the construction of the Sagami Dam, has been revived in modern times thanks to the hard work of the Local Katsura River Fisheries Cooperative. Even now, many anglers visit the Katsura River during the season, bringing liveliness to the city. Using the wonderful scenery of the Katsura River and Uenohara's Specialties of Sweetfish as an opportunity, we would like to deliver the charm of the city to even more people. I want to liven up the community. Specialty products have been developed from such thoughts.

The Azumino City Tourism Association, a public interest incorporated association, shares the present charm of Azumino, a garden city spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps. Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture sits near the center of Nagano, nestled between Matsumoto to the south and Hakubamura to the north. Home to Japan’s largest wasabi fields and blessed with clear water and air, Azumino promotes its appeal through Cool Japan videos. [What is Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture?] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a city surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps and blessed with beautiful nature. Its population is about 92,000 (April 2024), and it is a place where history and culture live alongside a rich natural environment. The city’s seasonal scenery enchants visitors, especially cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. Since around the Meiji era, wasabi cultivation has flourished here. That tradition continues today, and Azumino is known as one of Japan’s leading wasabi-producing regions. [Notable sightseeing spots in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Daio Wasabi Farm Daio Wasabi Farm is one of Azumino’s signature tourist attractions. Spanning an area equivalent to more than ten Tokyo Domes, it is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, and its picturesque waterways are spectacular. Visitors can tour the wasabi fields and enjoy a variety of wasabi-based gourmet offerings. ・Hotaka Shrine Hotaka Shrine is said to be a power spot in Azumino. Historically worshipped as a guardian of the Japanese Alps, it is widely revered for traffic safety and industrial safety. ・National Alps Azumino Park (Horikane Hotaka area) This park is one of six national parks in the Kanto Koshinetsu region. It is a vast natural park popular with families and couples. The park features seasonal flower beds, playground equipment for children, barbecue areas, and day-camping zones. ・Azumino Chihiro Art Museum The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum exhibits the works of picture book artist Chihiro Iwasaki. Set in a quiet environment surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers a warm and comforting picture-book world. It is a soothing destination for families and art lovers. ・Roadside Station Alps Azumino Horigane no Sato Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, this roadside station offers a wide selection of fresh, safe, and carefully made farm products. Local Azumino souvenirs focused on fresh vegetables and fruits are recommended. ・Outdoor activities To fully enjoy Azumino, try activities such as clear stream boat rides, rafting, and clear-bottom boats. There are mountain-biking courses where you can ride while gazing up at the Northern Alps. Other options include horseback riding and F1, offering a variety of ways to have fun. ・Hands-on and indoor experiences A rich variety of hands-on programs is available, including soba noodle making, glassblowing, glass stamp making, pottery, and traditional chopstick crafting. Choose according to your interests and give them a try. ・Northern Alps mountaineering The Northern Alps comprise some of Japan’s premier mountain ranges, with peaks around 3,000 meters. Azumino City, located at the foothills of the Northern Alps, also serves as a recommended base for alpine climbing. It is known as a gateway to popular peaks featured among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains such as MtJonen, Mt. Tsubakuro, MtYarigatake, and as a viewing point for the Hotaka Mountain Range from Mount Chō. [Specialties of Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Wasabi Azumino City is renowned as one of Japan’s top wasabi-producing areas. Clear water and a cool climate suit wasabi cultivation, and its quality is highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Enjoy wasabi-based dishes and processed products when you visit. ・Rainbow trout Rainbow trout farmed in Azumino’s pristine waters is another local specialty. In recent years, “Shinshu Salmon,” bred from rainbow trout and brown trout, has become popular. [Festivals and events in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Ofune Festival The Ofune Festival, held every September, is a traditional event centered at Hotaka Shrine. Boat-shaped floats parade through the town as locals unite to enliven the festival. [Azumino City sightseeing recap] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a region full of charm, surrounded by beautiful nature and rich history. Please visit Azumino City and experience its attractions for yourself. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information and the latest updates so that Azumino can become a memorable page in your travel diary.

Heart-shaped Teppei Stone East of Kamisuwa Station toward the Kirigamine side stands Arc Suwa. In front of it, a sidewalk paved with Suwa’s specialty, teppei stone, contains a small heart-shaped piece of teppei stone. Four of those heart-shaped teppei stones are also arranged together to form a four-leaf clover. In Japan, the four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck, so look out for it🍀 Nearby you can also find a manhole cover depicting the Suwa Lake fireworks and Suwa’s floating castle, Takashima Castle. Try to find that one too! Teppei stone (teppeiseki) is a pyroxene andesite with well-developed tabular jointing that is widely distributed in the Suwa and Saku regions of Nagano Prefecture. It splits easily into plates, and teppei stone peeled into slabs about 2–3 cm thick is widely used as interior and exterior building stone.

Hello 😃 This is Ryusuido at Shosenkyo Crystal Valley. The greenery 🌿 has deepened and grown more vivid, making this a perfect season for a walk. The rainy season ☔️ is coming, but on rainy days the gorge looks like an ink painting—mysterious and enchanting—and offers a different side of Shosenkyo to enjoy‼️ Ryusuido reopened after renovations on May 1. Reborn with the concept of “healing,” the space has been refreshed! We hope good fortune ✨ visits everyone who comes. Inside the shop, the symbols of ascending and descending dragons create a soothing atmosphere where you can hear the sound of Senga Falls and feel the warmth of natural wood☺️ There are many spots above the falls where you can forget your daily life and simply enjoy yourself, so please come visit Shosenkyo‼️ We look forward to the day we can see your wonderful smiles.

【Okuwa Village】Atera Canyon Atera Canyon, which has been recognized as a Japan Heritage Site, is a lush scenic spot surrounded by clear streams of emerald green and dense national forests. Surrounded by a beautiful river called "Atera Blue" and deep greenery, it is one of the One of the largest scenic spots in Kiso. Kiso Goki grows on both banks of the Adera River, and Spots such as waterfalls and pools are scattered. There is also a campsite, and inside the campsite there is a famous water of Shinshu called "Bigao Water". During the summer July ~ August, vehicle regulations are required. If you want to move around Atera Canyon easily, you can also rent an e-bike electrically assisted bicycle. [E-bike rental location] Atera Canyon 2nd Parking Lot [Fee] 1,000 yen / 1 hour [Contact Us] 090-6173-9467 Atera Blue Co., Ltd.

Katakura-kan, nationally designated Important Cultural Property This day-use bathing facility lies about a seven-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. One of Suwa’s most famous baths, it served as a filming location for the movie Thermae Romae II. The deep 1.1 m bath called the “Sen-nin-buro” (Thousand-Person Bath) is meant for standing while you soak, which often surprises visitors. Smooth river pebbles cover the floor of the large bath, pleasantly stimulating the soles of your feet. It’s an ideal bath for tired bodies and is refreshing even in the height of summer—recommended for visitors to Kamisuwa Onsen♨ Day-use bathing is available here, so please enjoy the historic architecture along with the bath! Search keywords → Katakura-kan Sen-nin-buro

Hayakawa Tourism Association 【The 7th Specified Alien Species Monarch Extermination Activity】Call for Participants! This year marks the 7th anniversary of the extermination activities that began in 2018. The number of monarchs seen in the In the town has decreased, but it has not yet been eradicated. Implementation activities will be carried out again this year on Friday, June 14. Implementation of this year's seminar on the impact of alien species and control activities. [Schedule] 2024 Reiwa 6 Friday, June 14 Meeting: Narada District Community Center ◎ 9 a.m.: Workshop Place.Narada District Community Center ◎ 10 o'clock: Extermination starts Location: Lake Narada / Hayakawa Village * Dismissal around 12 o'clock Therefore, we are looking for people who can participate in the workshop / extermination activities! Traditional Japanese straw raincoat is also possible. If you can participate, until 6/10 Monday, the Hayakawa Tourism Association Secretariat Phone: 0556-48-8633 We look forward to your participation. 1st photo: 140 combustible garbage bags → the 1st Narada Lakeside Extermination in 2018 2nd photo: 23 combustible garbage bags → the 6th Narada Lakeside / Hayakawa village extermination in 2023

Doll Memorial Service Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Onsenji Temple, Rinzai Myoshinji School On March 17, 2014, I visited Onsenji Temple. It is about a ten-minute walk from Kamisuwa Station. This temple performs memorial services for dolls and stuffed animals. It felt much like a funeral for dolls and stuffed toys. Onsenji holds a doll memorial service every March. In Japan, Boys’ Day falls on May 5 and Girls’ Day on March 3. Most grandparents give dolls to their grandchildren to pray for the child’s healthy growth. These are traditional Japanese dolls unique to Japan. As a result, many Japanese households own Japanese dolls. I believe dolls also have a spirit, like animism suggests. When your child owns a doll, the child plays with it. As the child grows up, they tend to move away from the doll. Most Japanese people do not simply throw away the dolls that watched over their children’s growth. That is because the dolls spent time with the child. Most Japanese think dolls have a soul. That is why they hold memorial services for dolls. That day, over 1,000 dolls were gathered. The chief priest chanted sutras for the dolls and stuffed animals for about 30 minutes. The priest offered thanks to the dolls with purifying salt. We prayed with the same feeling. It was a very mysterious experience. It was my first time seeing so many dolls and stuffed animals. Still, it was a deeply heartfelt Buddhist memorial for the dolls. I felt I could sense a little of Buddhist sentiment. That is why I love Japan!! Also, Onsenji is famous as a spot for autumn leaves. If you want to see beautiful foliage, please come and see the autumn colors at Onsenji.

【Limited to 500 people】Highway Bus Kiso Meguri Ticket A very affordable highway bus ticket to Basta Shinjuku⇒Kiso Fukushima Station! "Even if you can take a bus from Tokyo, you will have trouble with secondary transportation." Boarding tickets come with a 4,000 yen Kiso bus and taxi ticket. Round-trip 9,600 yen Boarding ticket + 4,000 yen transportation ticket in Kiso = 13,600 yen! Sold for 9000 yen! Even a one-way ticket worth 4,000 yen is 5,500 yen. It is also possible to go by bus and return by train. This ticket will be available for purchase at Highway Bus.com and is limited to 500 tickets. The bus usually runs Traditional Japanese straw raincoat on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but it runs every day during the Obon period from 8/10~18 and from 12/28~1/5 during the year-end and New Year holidays. Transportation tickets can be exchanged for Kiso buses, taxis, and Ontake Ropeway Boarding tickets! Why don't you come and visit Kiso at a great price!? For inquiries, please contact the Kiso Tourism Federation TEL: 0264-23-1122

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

Matsumoto Castle on a heavy snowy day The Chuo Expressway was closed to traffic, so I took a big detour on the Kanetsu Road and entered Matsumoto on the lower road from Azumino. It took me 6 hours to get there in 3 hours laughs.

Matsumoto doesn't snow as much as Tokyo The day after the heavy snowfall was a blue sky. It was the first time I saw Matsumoto Castle with a frozen moat.

【Kiso village】Ōhira Iris Park Pond Iris At the Odaira Iris Park Pond in Kiso village, irises that grow in clusters bloom from late May to early June. As of May 25th, about two-thirds of the flowers have bloomed, and they are in Best time to visit! From the National Route 19 "Suge" traffic light in Kiso village, it is about 10 minutes by car in the direction of Kodama Forest and Yabuhara Ski Resort.

Hello, this is the Tsuru City Tourism Association in Yamanashi Prefecture. First of all, I would like to introduce Tsuru City. It is the state of the largest festivals in Tsuru City, the "Hometown Era Festival". The daimyo procession consisted of a total of more than 100 people. A prince on horseback, a samurai with a dignified appearance, A red bear shows the virtuosity of throwing a spear, and a princess dressed in a beautiful costume and her waist. You can experience a page of history. In addition, the sight of the four food stalls festival floats in the city going around the town while playing the festival is gorgeous. There is also a video, so please take a look at that as well. Please search for "Tsuru City Tourism Association Hometown Era Festival" on YouTube.

We’ll share the charms of Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture!!! ⇒ YouTube “Suwa City Official Channel” @TheCityofSuwa First, we start with “What kind of place is Suwa?!” — we hope this sparks your interest. Also, we’ve made an amazing promotional video!!! Suwa offers seasonal delights year-round. In spring, enjoy cherry blossom viewing and hikes amid fresh green mountains; Kirigamine offers spectacular views from Nagikama Shrine, and in summer you can admire daylilies (nikkokisuge). At the heart of the Suwa Basin lies the symbol, Lake Suwa. In summer you can kayak on Lake Suwa, take a sightseeing boat, or ride the new cycling road that even children can enjoy 🚵. Best of all is the Suwa Lake Festival’s lakeside fireworks display, one of Japan’s top events 🎆. In autumn, savor Suwa’s fermented gastronomy—miso—plus the local specialty, Shinshu Suwa miso tempura rice bowl. Enjoy sake from Suwa’s five breweries, made with Kirigamine’s exceptional spring water 🍶. In winter, experience the ice ridges called Omiwatari and try wakasagi smelt fishing 🎣. Warm up and soothe your tired body at Kami-suwa Onsen♨ Suwa truly offers the best all year round♪ In times of need, people turn to “Osuwa-sama.” There are over 10,000 branch shrines across Japan, and the head shrine, Suwa Taisha, is here ⛩. A roughly six-minute introduction video can’t cover everything... Suwa is more than just the Onbashira Festival!!! Come visit and experience Suwa for yourself♪ We look forward to seeing you!

Today I attended the opening festival of Kirigamine. The weather was fine and surprisingly warm. In the second photo, majestic Mt. Fuji also peeked out to welcome us. Even so, just climbing up to the Kirishōtō bell tower made me sweat profusely.💦 For the first time in three years, the opening ceremony returned outdoors.🏔 Many people attended, and we were able to hold the festival. At the opening, members of the Kirigamine Glider Association launched a glider right at 9:00.🛩 It climbed to about 1,900 meters shortly after takeoff. Because it was a glider, it lifted off very quietly.🛫 If there were no weight limits, I would love to try it at least once!!! At the ceremony, the head priest of Tenaga Shrine prayed for the safety of visitors, everyone who passes through Kirigamine, and all those connected to Kirigamine. Please be sure to visit the Kirigamine Nagikama Shrine, one of Suwa’s hidden scenic spots I introduced before! When you come to Kirigamine or Suwa, please drive safely.🚙=3