The Nakasendo and Five Post Towns within Shiojiri City Along the Nakasendo, there were 69 post towns stretching from Nihombashi in Edo to Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. Although the Shiojiri area had more hills and slopes than the Tokaido, travelers could keep to their planned schedules because prolonged delays caused by river closures were rare. Within Shiojiri, the Nakasendo included five post towns: Shiojiri-juku, Seba-juku, Motoyama-juku, Niekawa-juku, and Narai-juku. 1. Shiojiri-juku (the 30th station from Nihombashi) Shiojiri-juku stood on the border between the Matsumoto and Suwa domains. A checkpoint called the kuchidome-bansho, which inspected rice and prohibited goods, was established there. Honjin and waki-honjin served officials on sankin-kotai, and by the late shogunate period the number of inns ranked second on the Nakasendo and first in Shinano. 2. Seba-juku (the 31st station from Nihombashi) Seba-juku lies at the fork between the Nakasendo and the Zenkoji Kaido. It hosted one of the Nakasendo’s three kanmearisho, offices that measured grain. A great fire in the early Showa era destroyed much of the post town’s appearance, but a stone lantern marking the old fork remains. 3. Motoyama-juku (the 32nd station from Nihombashi) Said to be the birthplace of soba-kiri noodles, Motoyama-juku prospered as the gateway to Kiso and the exit of the Matsumoto Basin. Its honjin accommodated Princess Kazunomiya when she married Tokugawa Iemochi, and later served as lodgings during Emperor Meiji’s imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). 4. Niekawa-juku (the 33rd station from Nihombashi) Niekawa-juku marks the entrance to the eleven post towns of the Kiso Road. Niekawa Sekisho checkpoint guarded this key transport chokepoint on the Nakasendo, and the town developed through lodging services and long-distance trade. 5. Narai-juku (the 34th station from Nihombashi) Famed as “Narai Senken” with a thousand bustling shops in its heyday, Narai-juku still preserves much of its historical atmosphere and today draws many visitors as a popular tourist destination.

Cosmos blooming in a fallow rice field The Northern Alps are turning color, and Azumino has grown chilly in the mornings and evenings.

[Mt. Kiritou] Mt. Kiritou rises to 1,305 meters and is a popular destination for day hikes. It sits near the middle of the Central Divide that runs east to west across Nagano Prefecture. From the summit you can take in wide views of Matsumoto, Ina, and the Suwa area, as well as the Northern and Southern Alps, MtOntake, Yatsugatake, and even MtMyoko on the far horizon. From late April into May, delicate reddish-purple okinagusa flowers greet hikers. [Hiking Routes] Mt. Kiritou has three main hiking routes, each with its own appeal. Choose the route that suits you and give Mt. Kiritou a try! 1. Shimotonishijo Course 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) 3. Central Divide Course Note: In winter, crampons and other cold‑weather mountaineering gear are essential. 1. Shimotonishijo Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 40 spaces Toilets: one men’s and one women’s toilet at Yamanokami Nature Garden Related: Yamanokami Nature Garden, okinagusa This route starts at Shimonishijo to the north of Mt. Kiritou. From the Yamanokami Nature Garden parking area it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. From the parking area you walk along forest paths through the Nature Garden and past Tamarazu no Ike toward the trailhead, warming up your legs before the climb. 2. Ono Course (commonly called the Kattori Course) Access by car: about 20 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Ono Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: temporary toilets available (closed in winter) Related: Mt. Kiritou winter sample itinerary This route starts from Ono to the south of Mt. Kiritou. The trail passes historic spots such as the Kattori Castle Ruins and a stone monument to Ontake Daigongen. It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from the parking area, and it is the steepest of the three courses. 3. Central Divide Course Access by car: about 15 minutes from Shiojiri IC on the Nagano Expressway Access by train: nearest station JR Midoriko Station Parking: about 10 spaces Toilets: none Related: Oshibayama, nirinso (two‑leaf anemone) The trailhead lies slightly toward Shiojiri from the watershed park at Utou Pass. The route climbs via Oshibayama to Mt. Kiritou and takes about 2.5 hours. The scenery and terrain change rapidly on the way to the summit, offering a varied mountain trail. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Requests for a safe and enjoyable climb of Mt. Kiritou Please protect plants for nature conservation. Take your trash home to help protect the environment. The Mt. Kiritou area experiences frequent lightning, so monitor the weather carefully. Do not enter any prohibited areas. Never start a wildfire. Be aware of dangerous wildlife such as bears, hornets, and poison‑sumac species.

The clear air and gentle breeze make for a pleasant autumn day Morning walk in Azumino In the distance you can see Mt. Fuji of Shinano

October 18th It’s a clear autumn day in Azumino A straight sunlit road stretches toward Mt. Jōnen

October 4, 2025 Kami-Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll 2025 On that day, a major event took place in Suwa: “Kami-Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along the route from Kami-Suwa Station, within about 1 km along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2-chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sake. This year, a hinoki masu (cypress sake cup) and a participant sticker worn on the left chest functioned as the festival passport, creating an event where guests could enjoy the aroma of hinoki along with fine sake. Tickets were limited to 3,000, and popularity was so high that they sold out by September 14—half a month earlier than last year. This time, foodie Kasai couldn’t make it to the site… but a staff member from the same association kindly provided photos! Local restaurants once again showcased their skills with snack stalls, and neighborhood groups offered their own stalls as well!!! Although it rained on the day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Suwachao was bustling. The town began to liven up ahead of the pedestrian zone opening at 12:00, and by the official start at 13:00 lines formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their favorite labels. The opening featured greetings from the mayor of Suwa City and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, followed by the local traditional kiyari work songs, which marked the start of the Sake Stroll. Afterward, the kiyari performers walked along the Kaido, responding to requests and continuing their songs until about 17:00. From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Stall lines were huge, offering yakitori, eel, karaage and san-zoku-yaki (mountain-bandit-style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, skewers, candied apples, yakisoba, and more. The food stalls were a great success. People enjoyed delicious sake and tasty local dishes. We met so many smiling faces—thank you very much. Next year, to ensure visitors are satisfied and entertained while securing understanding and cooperation from the local community, all our staff will continue working hard to keep Suwa lively and thriving. https://nomiaruki.com// https://nomiaruki.com/machiaruki-nomiaruki/...

The ridgeline of the Northern Alps as seen from Azumino Sky Path — 'Panorama Ginza' Traverse Hike the ridgeline from Mt. Tsubakuro to Mt. Ōtenjō, enjoying views of Mt. Yari!

Most of the rice in Azumino’s rice fields has already been harvested. A few patches still remain!! The landscape evokes the feeling of autumn. May it become delicious new rice!!

This morning’s Azumino white carpet the white buckwheat flowers nearby were blooming beautifully I’m looking forward to the day I can try them as new soba!!

A paragliding launch platform at the summit of Mt. Nagamine This is Azumino’s only panoramic terrace You can clearly see the terrain of Azumino!!

Early morning view from Mt. Nagamine The Northern Alps are bright and clear again today

"ONSEN Gastronomy Walking in Shinshu Oyster-Fermentation and Sweets Achieve Balance Autumn Town Walk-" Held in! First Held in in Sakaki Town! While touring the Course in the Sakaki Town of about 9 km, you can taste all the food unique to Sakaki Town at the gastronomy point along the way, and aim for the goal of Bingushiyu-sankan, which is a fascinating experience Events 🎵 In Shinshu Sakaki Town, please enjoy 🌱 a time of healing that slowly relaxes your body and mind Date: Saturday, October 18 Start time: 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (25 people start every 15 minutes) Number of participants: 150 Participation fee: 5,000 yen

Vegiful Kitchen, the garden buffet restaurant inside Roadside Station Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche, run by the Toyooka Village Tourism Association, has been certified by the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association! This is the second certified restaurant in Nagano Prefecture. To offer plenty of locally grown vegetables handpicked by vegetable professionals, local farmers ship fresh produce every morning! The ingredients used at Vegiful Kitchen are mainly vegetables and fruits grown in Toyooka Village. Because we source directly from village farmers, the vegetables and fruits we use change with the seasons. Sourcing what tastes best each day lets you enjoy produce that is ultra-fresh, safe, and secure. Our food coordinator devises the dishes that best suit each ingredient at that time. The “garden” in our garden buffet refers to the farms of local farmers in Toyooka Village and neighboring towns and villages. When guests enjoy lots of fresh, delicious local ingredients, it motivates the farmers. Please come and enjoy Vegiful Kitchen, a healthy buffet restaurant that delights customers and farmers alike and helps energize the community!

This is one of the photos when I went to Kamikochi. Maintenance, fascinated by the unspoiled nature on the other side of the road, I pressed the shutter. I deliberately took a dark shot so that I could convey a quiet space.

Jonen Peak, the symbol of Azumino Its pyramid-like silhouette stands out clearly from the village Today, many climbers set their sights on this summit! To savor Jonen Peak fully, stay at Jonen Hut — it’s the best choice!! From the hut’s terrace, enjoy the blissful view of the Hotaka range, including Mt. Yari Find information about Jonen Hut here https://www.mt-jonen.com//

Chōwa Town rice fields The weather is nice again today. The sun is out, but the breeze feels like autumn. This is a lovely season as the landscape begins to change with the coming autumn foliage. The rice paddies are gradually turning golden. I wonder if this year's harvest will come a little earlier...

Isemiya Shrine sits quietly amid the rice fields of Azumino. Behind it, you can see Mt. Ariake, the sacred body of Ariakeyama Shrine. The old pine standing at the shrine has a pleasing presence.

Autumn in Azumino, when the sky runs high and the horses grow fat… But the sun still blazes, and it looks like daytime will be a sweltering hot day… The relief is that mornings and evenings are cool, so nights aren’t restless!

Karasawa Falls, located in Chiyo, Iida City, Minami Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture, is a Healing Spot known to those in the know for its Clear streams, which boasts a drop of 30 meters, falling stream. Splash of water and sunlight shine through the trees in summer, and in autumn, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery colored by Autumn leaves. Please visit the famous waterfall, a hidden gem where you can feel the beauty of the Four Seasons. 🚙 The routes runs from Prefectural Road No. 8 through the Forest Road Senen Line. Falling rocks are scattered in places, so please drive with caution.

White buckwheat flowers blooming in Azumino Can’t wait for the new soba season! Azumino’s soba is said to have firm kernels and excellent flavor, so be sure to try it when you stop by.♪ Buckwheat fields bloom here and there near HAMA Flower Park

Rice ears have turned golden in Azumino. They have become so heavy and full that the harvest looks like it could start any day!! Beyond the Hii-sama Road, Mount Jōnen rises tall. I love the scenery of Azumino.

The Northern Alps as seen from Azumino The town’s symbol, Mt. Jonen, was clearly visible I took this photo near the tourist spot Jitensha Hiroba Here, a cycling road called the Azumino Yamabiko Bicycle Path runs along the Jukkasegi irrigation canal It’s great to admire the view while riding a rental bike!!

The "Sunflower Field" next to Azumino Roadside Station Horigane Product Center The peak bloom has passed and the heads are bowed, but you can still enjoy it On hot days, why not try the soft-serve made with homemade jam of locally grown blueberries or summer–autumn strawberries, a popular choice at the center’s "Kaa-san’s Omusubi Shop" It’s a treat you’ll want to savor while looking out over the sunflower field *Photographed on August 15*

I can post about one of Nagano Prefecture’s top fireworks festivals again this year thanks to the businesses that sponsored the event, the fireworks artists, everyone who bought tickets, and the local people of the Suwa region! Thank you so much!! The event takes place in Suwa City every year on August 15. With help from the organizing committee, we received fireworks photos from the Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks over the Lake.🎆 Because Lake Suwa sits in a basin surrounded by mountains, the echoes and shockwaves are incredible! It’s an intensity you absolutely can’t experience anywhere else!!! If you’ve never been or have been curious, please come visit Lake Suwa next year✨ We look forward to seeing you!!! https://suwako-hanabi.com//

Shinshu Suzaka Pension Village in the Sky Stay at Minenohara Highlands!! Taste of Autumn Mushroom Festival & Apple Picking Events Popular mushroom Festival will Held in on Sunday, October 19 this year. Accommodation at a Pension in Minenohara Highlands on Saturday, October 18, the day before. On the day of the Festival, After checking out the Pension after breakfast After meal, Gather at Minenohara Highlands Komorebi Hall. We will guide you to the mushroom picking venue by microbus. Local guides you through mushroom picking, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in the mountains. After mushroom picking, please enjoy the "Matsutake Rice & Mushroom Soup", which is very popular every year, and the "Omotenashi" that warms the hearts of the Locals. Pick mushrooms, eat mushrooms, and enjoy the taste of autumn! This year, there is also an apple picking experience for participants only. Contact the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association for details.

MAUKA LANI GOAT FARM Outdoor live event announcement 🐐🎵 Saturday, October 4, 2025 An outdoor live event will take place at Mauka Lani Goat Farm (a goat ranch) in the Hirose area!! You can enjoy a special free concert featuring HIDEKATSU CHIWATA, who wrote and composed the theme song “Butter-Fly” for the popular anime Digimon Adventure, and singer-songwriter Dai Okajima! Mauka Lani Goat Farm is a goat ranch inspired by Hawaii. Goats roam freely across the spacious pasture. The shop sells unique goat cheeses, original shop goods, and Hawaiian drinks! Relax and enjoy a leisurely time in the pleasant autumn weather ✨ A shuttle bus will run from JR Nagiso Station and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) 🚌 (one-way 1,000 yen) Please use it if you don’t have a car or are a student. To make a reservation, contact Nagiso Town Tourism Association at 0264-57-2727. For more details, please check the website.

Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Vehicles are prohibited from passing through from 10:00 to 16:00 🚗⚠ Recently, the number of cars entering the post town during the restricted hours has been increasing. This restriction is in place to protect pedestrians and the historic streetscape, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please park in the No.2 parking lot or the central parking lot along National Route 256. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Adult Visiting the site Nagano Electric Railway and Nagano Prison Popular tour of Shinshu Suzaka! Enjoy an extraordinary experience Infiltrate the backstage of Nagano Electric Railway! We specially Visiting the site the inside of the Nagano Electric Railway's Car cars and the inside of the station, which are not usually seen. In addition, it is a valuable opportunity to experience cars and station staff. I can't stop being excited about the social Visiting the site approaching the back side of the railway~ Experience a prison that you seem to know but don't know After the Nagano Electric Railway, the next place to visit is Nagano Prison. Visiting the site of the correctional exhibition and a tour of the prison, there is also a corner where you can buy work products for inmates. Lunch is the Popular "Prison Bento"! Reproduction of the actual inmate menu Enjoy the special bento box. Date & Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 8:45~14:45 Meeting point: Nagano Electric Railway Suzaka Station Silky Building 2nd Floor Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association Meeting time: 8:45 Dismissal time: Around 14:45 Requirements: Junior high school students and above Capacity: 30 people (minimum 15 people) Notes: Nagano Electric Railway and Nagano Prison may be photographed for news reports. (On the day of the event, you will be asked to fill out a consent form for shooting at the reception.) If you are unable to take photographs, please let us know at the time of application. Application / Contact Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association ☎026-215-2225 Nagano Prefecture Suzaka City Oaza Suzaka 1295-1 Silky Building 2nd Floor　 The walls (walls) of Nagano Prison are storehouse style according to the brewery town of Suzaka.

View from Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden The queen of alpine plants, Lycaenidae, made me feel the summer of Hakuba.

August 8, 2025 Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan On a recent tour, we cycled out to a peach orchard🚴 Guests also enjoyed peach picking and peach shaved ice! This year’s peaches were especially sweet and juicy compared with the past few years! We were delighted to hear how much everyone enjoyed the shaved ice made with peaches from Toyooka Village. Sweets are served at the local eatery Cafe & Dining en in Toyooka Village. It features a kids’ play area, so families can relax and enjoy their time. Tour details below https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/...