The old JNR Shinonoi Line track bed in fresh greenery Lush zelkova trees along the abandoned line and a brick tunnel dating from the Meiji era This is an excellent route for hiking

A water‑welcoming ritual took place on the Saigawa River flowing through Azumino. At the confluence of the Saigawa, Takasegawa, and Hotakagawa rivers, a Shinto ceremony was held to pray for a bountiful harvest for the year, the prevention of water disasters, and the development of tourism. We give thanks for the blessings of water that flow down from the Northern Alps.

Mount Jōnen as seen from Azumino under a stretch of clear weather If you look closely, you can spot the snow pattern called “Jōnenbō” on the mountain’s slope Can you make out the figure of a monk wearing a kasaya robe and carrying a sake flask? People long ago used this snow pattern as a seasonal cue for tasks such as sowing seeds and planting rice seedlings, weaving it into their daily lives Azumino is now just entering the rice-planting season

National Government Park Alps Azumino Horigane-Hotaka area is reaching peak bloom for tulips and rapeseed flowers! A tulip field of 117 varieties totaling 320,000 bulbs and a five-million-strong carpet of yellow in the satoyama terraced-rice-field zone stretch as far as the eye can see. For details, visit the official website of National Government Park Alps Azumino https://www.azumino-koen.jp/horigane_hotaka/...

This morning, Azumino chilled down to 3 degrees. Under a high-pressure system, the blue sky spread above a breathtaking scene. The white peaks of the Northern Alps reflected in a mirror-like sheet of water. Azumino is now entering its most beautiful season.

We would like to inform you about bus services on Prefectural Road Yarigatake-Yamura Line (commonly called Nakabusa Line), which leads to the Nakabusa Trailhead. Due to a shoulder collapse that occurred on Monday, April 14, 2025, bus operations to Nakabusa Onsen will change; please be aware of this change. Beyond the Miyagi Gate, the Nakabusa Line is closed to all vehicles except those with permits. The collapsed section is closed to vehicle traffic, so passage will be on foot; please walk with great care. Details about regular bus operations are posted on the Azumino City Tourism Association’s official website; please check there for more information. https://azumino-e-tabi.net/archives/2474... Please check the latest information.

Ricefield tilling has begun here and there across Azumino, and the rice-planting season has arrived. Next, after the fields are flooded and leveled, the seedlings will be planted. During this rice-planting period you can see Azumino’s miraculous spectacle, the “water mirror”.

The cherry blossom front is approaching Azumino these days The blossoms are starting to open little by little Here are five cherry spots in Azumino you should definitely see when you visit 1. Cherry trees on Mt. Mitsushiro🌸 Cherry trees line the mountain trail all the way to the summit, and the site is also nicknamed the "Ascending Dragon." From the top you can enjoy views of the Northern Alps 2. Hyakuraku Cherry at the Yukio Tabuchi Memorial Museum🌸 This red weeping Edohigan cherry is named from mountain photographer and insect researcher Yukio Tabuchi’s phrase "One mountain, a hundred joys." It blooms early in Azumino 3. Riversides near the Early Spring Song Monument🌸 The area around the Early Spring Song monument on the right bank of the Hotaka River offers a scenic panorama of wasabi fields, the Hotaka River, the Northern Alps, and cherry trees—an unforgettable hometown view in spring 4. Weeping cherry of Iwahara🌸 The great weeping cherry of Iwahara stands quietly beyond the Horikane Entrance parking area of the national Alps Azumino Park 5. Cherry trees at Jitensha Hiroba (Bicycle Plaza)🌸 The park along the Jukkasegi irrigation channel features cherry trees, moss phlox, the irrigation channel, and the Northern Alps in the background—a beautiful four-part harmony Why not hop on a bicycle and enjoy a cherry blossom tour of Azumino!

The "Azumino Share Cycle" has started! You can easily rent a bike at stations set up at 17 major sightseeing spots and around stations across the city, and go for a leisurely ride around Azumino. Enjoy Azumino’s rich nature and beautiful scenery by bicycle. https://azumino-e-tabi.net/cycling...

Would you like to share the appeal of Azumino through outdoor activities set in this landscape? Azumino City trains all-around outdoor guides to meet visitors’ needs as it seeks to become a mecca for outdoor sports. Learn the fundamental skills and knowledge of an outdoor guide and make your mark as an Azumino Outdoor Guide. For details, please visit the official Azumino City Tourism Association website. https://azumino-e-tabi.net/outdoorguide...

Kurokawa, a tributary in the upper reaches of the Nakabusa River flowing through Azumino It flows down from Mt. Ariake Melting snow gathers to form a clear stream.

＊＊＊Handmade Miso Experience 2025＊＊＊ ～Mixing Koji and Salt, Crushing Beans, and Preparation～ We offer a Shinshu-style, country miso-making experience using 100% locally produced soybeans grown in Azumino. The taste of miso you make yourself is exceptional! Why not take this opportunity to enjoy a handmade miso experience? Around late autumn, 3 kg will be delivered by courier. The work will take about 2 hours. 【Date】 February 22, 2025 (Saturday), limited to one day 【Time】 13:00 Meet at Village Azumino (scheduled to end around 16:00) *The end time may vary depending on the progress of the work. 【Fee】 4,500 yen (same for adults and children, per person/tax included) (Includes experience fee, insurance, 3kg of miso & delivery fee) *Includes a free day-trip bathing privilege (limited to the day of the experience) 【Target】 Anyone (children of elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a guardian) 【Capacity】 10 people, reservations accepted from 1 person *Reservations will be closed as soon as the capacity is reached. 【What to bring】 Clothes that can get dirty and are suitable for work, kitchen gloves, sneakers, apron, bandana or other item to cover hair 【Reservation】 Advance reservation required, online payment 【Other】 ■Additional miso orders can be placed for 700 yen (tax included) per 1kg. Please apply on-site on the day. ■The experience will be a joint activity with customers who have applied for the "Miso Making Experience Included Accommodation Plan" at the experience location, Village Azumino. ■The free day-trip bathing privilege is limited to the day of the experience. Please speak to a staff member when bathing. Click here to make a reservation ↓ https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/688415...

A special morning moment, a special morning gradient, the colors of Azumino

Azumino, with its inland climate, does not see as much snowfall as the Sea of Japan side. Protected by the Northern Alps, it is said to be less affected by typhoons and snow clouds. In winter, the Northern Alps create a beautiful skyline where blue skies meet snow, a scenery unique to the season.

A view from Enzansou The first sunrise of the year with Mt. Fuji and the alpenglow on Mt. Tsubakuro Wishing everyone a wonderful year ahead

Spectacular winter views you can only see in winter The Limited Express Azusa that ran from Tokyo and the Northern Alps Heading north from Hotaka Station toward the snowy country A panoramic view of the Hakuba mountains seen from Azumino!

Azumino chilled to minus 6 degrees The sun quietly hits the Northern Alps The snowy ridgelines turn red This is the view from Azumino Ohisama Road

About a 3-minute walk from JR Oito Line Hotaka Station Snow has begun to fall at Hotaka Shrine, bringing a true winter feeling Come visit for New Year’s Eve shrine visits or Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) Visit Hotaka Shrine’s official website here https://www.hotakajinja.com// Visit Hotaka Shrine’s Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/hotakajinja/...

One shot from December 19, 2024 Jōnen-dake, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains This photo was taken near the Jōnen Dōsojin The winter blue sky and snow-capped ridgeline make a beautiful scene The cold, dry air has settled over Azumino for the season.

The 13th Azumino Kamiakari Bamboo Lantern Festival Friday–Sunday, December 6–8, 2024 About 10,000 bamboo lanterns will be lit one by one, warming and brightening the cold winter nights The gentle glow of candles will warm your heart as well Lighting hours: 16:00–around 20:00 Venue: Hotaka Shrine Open lighting ceremony for everyone (Participants are asked to bring a lighter for lighting by 16:00.) *Lighters for lighting will be sold on site.* ● Kagura Hall Live Performance A lively live show will be held to energize the event ● Special Hotaka Ningyo Kamiakari Display A special stage unique to this year’s kamiakari will be exhibited in the Kita Shrine Garden ● Kamiakari Goshuin (Kamiakari commemorative seal) During the kamiakari event, from 16:00 to around 20:00, a special goshuin will be available only at this time. A customary offering of 500 yen is required. Concurrent Event / Azumino Terrace Dec 6–8 “Rice and Sake MARKET” 15:00–20:00 Food trucks and delicious-treat tents gather in one place! A warm rest tent with a stove will also be available.

Around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the summit of Mount Nagamine A sea of clouds and the Northern Alps rising to around 3,000 meters We enjoyed another clear view of the Northern Alps today In November the sunrise comes later, and from the summit you can also see the alpenglow of the Northern Alps as they turn red in the morning light Please take in the breathtaking, ever-changing views of the Northern Alps [Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour] The Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour, where you stay in Azumino and enjoy the summit vistas, runs through December 8, 2024! Stay in Azumino and join us! <Information about the Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour> This panoramic view of the Northern Alps from Mount Nagamine at 933 meters is a sight only early risers can see! Below you spreads the Azumidaira plain, and the 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Alps towering before you create a view you can see nowhere else. You can also take in MtJonen, Azumino’s symbol, and, in the distance, the Hakuba Mountain Range. At the summit of Mount Nagamine, enjoy coffee time as you watch the spectacular morning view in the crisp early air. Each cup is carefully hand-dripped. Alongside the majestic scenery, the fresh morning air and a freshly brewed, delicious coffee will slowly awaken your body and satisfy your heart. Please enjoy this blissful moment. [Price] Per person / JPY 3,500 (same price for adults and children) * Tour reservations are limited to guests staying at designated accommodations. Please check the accommodation’s stay plans or inquire at check-in. * The tour requires advance reservation. Reservations can be made at the designated accommodation up to 8:00 p.m. the day before use. * Please pay the participation fee at the front desk by the day before use. [Price includes] Bus fare, coffee and snacks [Minimum number of participants] 2 people [Notes] * The tour will be canceled in case of rain or bad weather. (Decision will be made around 4:00 p.m. on the day before the tour) ・Because it is early morning, you may feel cold. Please bring something warm to wear as a layer. For details and a list of participating accommodations, please search for "Mount Nagamine Spectacular View Tour"

Saturday, November 23, 2024 — One-day-only tour “A Winter Tradition: Nozawana Pickling Experience — From Harvest to Brine” Meeting place: Public lodging facility Village Azumino Time: Gather at 1:00 PM, dismiss at 3:30 PM (planned) Fee: ¥5,000 per person (tax included) Fee includes: the Nozawana pickling experience; delivery fee for 5 kg of Nozawana per person; light refreshments and tea; insurance; and a complimentary day‑use bath on the day of the experience only Who can join: Open to everyone; reservations accepted from one person (children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian) *Reservations will close once capacity is reached The complimentary day‑use bath is valid only on the day of the experience. Please speak to a staff member. For details, visit the Azumino City Tourism Association website under “Experience Tour Reservations”

The 13th Azumino Kamiakari Bamboo Lantern Festival 2024 — Held over 6 days Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1 Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 Around 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day Hotaka Shrine (about a 5-minute walk from Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line) Enjoy the gentle atmosphere of Hotaka Shrine, illuminated by about 10,000 bamboo lanterns Anyone may join the 4:00 p.m. lighting. Those who will light lanterns should bring a long-handled lighter Live performances take place at the Kagura Hall, and Azumino Terrace in the South Garden features food trucks and booths. In the North Garden, a special stage presents the traditional Hotaka dolls * Admission is free * Parking is limited; please use public transportation when possible

On October 1, 2024, the cosmos at the National Alps Azumino Park Horikiné-Hotaka Area are at their best. A field of 180,000 cosmos plants featuring 12 varieties. You can enjoy the colorful blooms of cosmos through mid-October.

A refreshing morning in Azumino Most of the rice has already been harvested, but some paddies still bear ears of rice, perhaps because of the variety In the distance, Mt. Jii-ga-take and Mt. Kashimayari rise tall

The National Alps Azumino Park is a national park spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps in central Nagano Prefecture. The park has two areas: Omachi-Matsukawa in the north and Horikane-Hotaka in the south. The Horikane-Hotaka area lies about a 20-minute drive from Azumino Interchange on the Nagano Expressway. In the Horikane-Hotaka area, the yellow cosmos are now in full bloom. Eight hundred thousand yellow cosmos flowers cover 2.5 hectares of terraced rice fields in a spectacular display. The National Alps Azumino Park is broadly divided into two zones, and the yellow cosmos appear in the Satoyama Culture Zone, so please be careful not to use the wrong entrance. They should be enjoyable through late September. After that, in the Rural Culture Zone, you can see 180,000 cosmos of 12 different varieties. These are expected to peak from late September through mid-October. There are photo spots, and on clear days you can see Mt. Jonen. *Two pink cosmos photos are from last year.*

Limited to October and November “A Taste of Autumn in Azumino! Harvest Seasonal Apples, Enjoy an Exciting Bike Ride, and Try Making Apple Pie in the Orchard” [AM 3-hour Course] When the bright red apples hang heavy on the trees, spend a special time in the vast apple orchards A limited-time tour lets you savor apples at their peak♪ We look forward to your participation♪ For details and reservations, visit the Azumino City Tourism Association website

Limited to this summer! “Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry” An original curry made with fresh, delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants This project aims to introduce the summer vegetables grown locally to many people from both inside and outside the city Each restaurant adds its own twist—lightly frying or simmering pumpkins, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, and more You’ll find a wide variety of dishes, from curry rice to pasta and curry ramen A rich lineup of menu options awaits! Serving period: Until Monday, September 30, 2024 *Please note that this may change depending on each restaurant’s circumstances

The name for the summer–autumn strawberry born in Azumino has been decided! And the name is... “amaazumi”!! We received 1,255 entries from across the country, and this name was chosen from among them. Thank you very much to everyone who submitted name suggestions. Amaazumi is a variety that changes the image of summer–autumn strawberries as sweet-and-sour; it is characterized by its sweetness and rich aroma. Please give it a try!

Azumino, spreading out at the foot of the Northern Alps Mountain Range with peaks around 3,000 meters, has long been enriched by abundant water that sustains the land and people. Meltwater from the Northern Alps becomes underground flow and eventually nourishes the villages of Azumino. Its clarity moves all who see it.