Happy New Year! This year, too, we will share and publish tourism information about Nagiso town, so we appreciate your continued support ✨ Today, New Year smoke signals were raised across many parts of Kiso. A smoke signal, or noroshi, is smoke produced by burning firewood or gunpowder and raised high; long ago it served as a signal or landmark during wartime or emergencies. In other words, noroshi was a means of communication. The New Year noroshi event held every January 4 in Kiso began in 2007 at the call of the nonprofit organization Tsumago Ai Suru Kai to strengthen solidarity across the Kiso Valley and energize the region. The photos show the scene at the site of Tsumago Castle in Nagiso town, where leaves of Kiso’s five treasured trees—hinoki cypress and koyamaki—are burned to create the smoke 🌲 This year, too, the noroshi rose vigorously under clear skies. May 2025 be a year filled with smiles and many blessings... 🐍✨

Happy New Year 😄 This is Washaji, a local Kosh u dish. This year’s zodiac sign is the Snake 🐍 People believe carrying a snakeskin wallet or keeping a snake’s shed skin in your wallet brings better luck with money, and the white snake is especially thought to be auspicious for financial fortune. In this Year of the Snake, which is linked to good fortune, visiting Kanazakura Shrine for the first shrine visit of the year seems likely to boost your money luck even more! Our top recommendation is, without a doubt, unajuu (grilled eel over rice)! The unajuu made by our experienced chefs is truly delicious. If you enjoy fresh eel from the New Year onward, you’ll have plenty of stamina for the year—there’s no doubt you’ll stay energetic! Please be sure to visit our restaurant when you come to Shosenkyo Gorge.

📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) (December 28th, 1:30 PM) It has started to accumulate⛄❄ JR and buses are operating as usual for the time being.

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town! 📍 Kakizore Valley (Kakizore Keikoku) Among the many gorges along the Kiso Road, this one is said to be especially beautiful. Massive granite boulders that fill the deep valley create stunning waterfalls, rapids, and pools. The water’s beautiful emerald green never becomes muddy, even after rain. In spring you can enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant colors.✨ Generally, visitors start from JR Junikane Station and follow a nature trail for 4.5 km to Ushigataki Falls, then continue farther along a forest road. For a short walk, the roughly 300 m promenade from Koiji Suspension Bridge to Ushigataki is recommended. The view of Ushigataki, where the main flow of the Kakizore River plunges through carved granite, is spectacular. A 40-minute walk along the forest road brings you to viewpoints with refreshing views of Kirigataki, and you can also see Nijiga Falls and Kaminari Falls. We ask for your cooperation with a maintenance contribution. Please deposit it in the brown post box located at the entrance to Kakizore Valley. Access - By car: about 10 minutes from National Route 19 at the "Kakizore Valley Entrance" signal. Two free parking lots available. - By JR: Get off at JR Nagiso Station and take a taxi for about 25 minutes. Get off at JR Junikane Station and walk about 1 hour (taxis are not regularly available). Other information - Flush toilets are available at each parking area. - Vending machines are located near the parking areas. - You can download a brochure (map) from the Nagiso Town Tourism Association official website "Burari Nagiso." Requests - Camping, barbecues, and similar activities are prohibited within Kakizore Valley. - Please take your trash home with you. - Do not approach the river during rain or when water levels are high. - If you play in the river, please take every safety precaution and enjoy responsibly.

📍Yokawa District Photos 1 and 2 show Yokawa this morning (12.24) ☀ Last night’s snow left a light dusting on the roads and the Yokawa trail! If you plan to walk, please wear winter gear. Photos 3–5 are from Tsumago in the morning yesterday ❄ There is no snow on Route 19. This morning it was −1°C ❄ If you are coming from or heading to the Achi or Iida areas, watch for snow and ice on the Seinaiji Pass 🚗⚠ It looks like we’ll have good weather today and tomorrow ✨

Here’s tourist information for Nagiso town! Tenpaku Azalea Colony (Town Natural Monument) A vast colony of mitsuba azalea blooms in Tenpaku Park. About six varieties and roughly 400 azalea shrubs grow in the garden, and among them the Nagiso mitsuba azalea is a rare species found mainly around Nagiso town as its name suggests. Bloom times shift slightly each year depending on the weather, but the best viewing period is generally from early to mid-April. Perched on a hill in Tenpaku Park, the site offers excellent views of Momosuke Bridge and Mt. Kiso-Komagatake. At the Nagiso Station side entrance to the wooden suspension bridge over the Kiso River, Momosuke Bridge, cherry blossoms also come into full bloom around early April, making it a recommended time to visit! ► Access - By car: Immediately off National Route 19. Tenpaku Park has free parking (about 30 spaces). - By train: About a 10-minute walk from JR Nagiso Station (closer if you cross Momosuke Bridge). ► Other information - It is a five-minute uphill walk from the parking area to the azalea garden. Please avoid parking in front of the garden as it blocks residents’ passage. Visitors with mobility difficulties may be dropped off near the garden, but please park the vehicle in the parking lot. - The parking area has restrooms and vending machines. - The park includes the Momosuke Fukuzawa Memorial Museum and the Mountain History Museum, where you can learn about the history of Momosuke Bridge and its builder, Momosuke Fukuzawa. - For current blooming conditions, please refer to the Nagiso Town Tourism Association website. Enjoy the vivid purple blossoms carpeting the garden!

Notice of Winter Closure for Some Public Toilets in Town To prevent freezing, some public toilets and drinking fountains in town were closed from Wednesday, December 11th. Please check the closure status of toilets at your destination in advance. Closure period: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 – late March *Toilets available during winter* ・Within Tsumago-juku, Tsumago-juku parking lot toilets ・Nakasendo Ishikochi Tachiba Teahouse, O-Tsumago, Kudaridani / Kurashina Soreisha toilets ・Mitomuno-juku toilets ・Kakitsubata Gorge parking lot toilets (on the Koiji Suspension Bridge side)

About sightseeing information during the New Year holidays Here is an announcement about sightseeing information for the New Year holidays! Have a wonderful New Year🐍✨ ► Information centers and tourist facilities Nagiso Town Tourism Association, Tsumago tourist information center, Nagiso Station tourist information center Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3 Nagiso Town Museum (Wakihonjin Okuya, Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) main inn, History Museum) Closed from Sunday, December 29 to Friday, January 3 ► Buses From Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3, community buses (Magome Line and Hoshin Line) will operate reduced services. Some trips will run at different times than usual, so please be careful. Also, because tourist information centers will be closed from December 29 through January 3, tickets will not be sold during that period. Please pay the driver in cash when getting off the bus. ► Taxis Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi (in the Tsumago No.1 parking lot) Tuesday, December 31 to Friday, January 3: 8:00–17:00 Closed on Wednesday, January 1 Contact Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi Co., Ltd. TEL. (+81)-264-57-3133 ► Tsumago-juku For shop opening hours, please check the official Tsumago website. *The photo shows the New Year’s first smoke signal ceremony on January 4 at the site of Tsumago Castle*

About road closure at Koiji Pass Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Okua Village), will be closed during the winter due to expected snowfall and icy conditions. We ask for your cooperation. Location: Koiji Pass (Kakitsubata Gorge to Nojiri, Okuwa Village) Period: Friday, December 13, 2024 – mid-April

📍Wakihonjin Okuya (Tsumago inn) A magical phenomenon called “slanting light,” visible only on clear winter days, is shining beautifully today! Beams through the latticed windows draw white, elegant lines in the irori smoke 🪄 The slanting light begins to appear around 10:00, from the right side of the irori, and now, at about 12:30, the light falls straight onto the irori. (Photographed today at 12:15) When it centers on the middle is the best moment for a photo opportunity 📷 Around the winter solstice, the light that now reaches about halfway across the irori moves forward, stretching nearly to the tatami. The sun’s angle changes how the light falls ✨ Tomorrow’s forecast is clear, so you might catch the slanting light again ☀ Wakihonjin Okuya / Historical Museum (Nagiso Town Museum) 📍Within Tsumago-juku (Azuma, Nagiso town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture 399-5302) ⏰9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:45) 🎌Closed on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays 💰600 yen

📍Iseyama This morning everything was white with frost, and the sky was a clear deep blue! At 8:30 a.m., Route 19 registered −1°C ❄️ The photo is of Iseyama this morning 🏔️ It looks like a perfect day for photographing the snow-dusted Alps ☀️

— Nakasendo: Tsumago-juku Bunka-Bunsei Parade ③ — Thank you to everyone who came! May the event take place safely again on November 23 next year...✨

—Nakasendo Tsumago Inn Bunka-Bunsei Parade②— November 23rd is the busiest day of the year in Tsumago inn✨ At lunch break, people enjoy rice balls wrapped in bamboo bark🍙 Catching a shot of someone eating one makes a great photo! I wonder if people used to carry and eat rice balls like this on the road back then💭 Someone is handing out large sheets of paper called Kawaraban, which were like newspapers in the Edo period. They were sold and distributed to inform ordinary people of urgent news at the time💭

— Bunka-Bunsei Procession ① — On Saturday, November 23, the 57th Bunka-Bunsei Procession took place, hosted by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Association That Loves Tsumago. Under clear skies, residents and visitors recreated the people who likely walked this Nakasendo during the Bunka-Bunsei era and the atmosphere of the post town, bringing lively activity to Nakasendo and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku).✨ Thank you to everyone who attended and for cooperating with photography etiquette and other manners. We hope the event is held safely again next year.

✨ The Northern Alps are dusted with snow 🏔 Today, November 25th, just after noon, Omachi City cleared to bright sunshine ☀️ and the snow-dusted Northern Alps appeared 🏔 I took photos from Omachi Park to the east of Omachi City and from the observation deck at the summit of Mt. Takagari ✨ Visitors from Japan and abroad were enjoying the view. For more details, we posted on the staff blog. Please see the official Omachi City Tourism Association website 😌

[Notice of Reopening of Road Closure] The entrance to Tsumago inn (on the Magome side, opposite the No. 3 parking lot) had been closed to vehicles for road improvement work for a while, but the closure was lifted today, Friday, November 22. Thank you for your cooperation during the long closure! —Notice— Vehicles and pedestrians may now pass as usual, but vehicle entry into the post town is one-way from Omata Bridge, so entry from the No. 3 parking lot side is prohibited. Also, within Tsumago inn, vehicles are always prohibited from 10:00 to 16:00 to protect the scenery.

Partial road closures on the Nakasendo Currently, some sections of the Nakasendo are closed or have restricted access. Signs, ropes, and detours are in place, so please watch your step when passing through. 1. Between Magome and Magome Pass — Bridge collapse If you walk from Magome to Tsumago, go past the Jinbajō Observation Deck in Magome and follow Prefectural Route 7. Turn right at the sign for the old Nakasendo. At the Y-shaped junction ahead, turn left onto the stone path; a wooden bridge there is half-collapsed. The Nakatsugawa City Tourism Division has set up ropes and barriers, but please be careful of your footing when passing. 2. Kudaritani (see map above) A detour around Kudaritani runs behind nearby houses. If walking from the Tsumago direction 3. From the entrance to Tsumago inn (near Parking Lot 3) to Tsumago Power Station Note: Closed to vehicles. Pedestrians may pass.

【Autumn leaves in Ashian area】Great Seto Bridge, Kanayamazawa Hot Spring As the mornings and evenings get colder, you can feel the change in the scenery between the mountains. At the Ashian Dam, a rainbow appeared in the powerful amount of water due to the rain the day before yesterday! Today, please spend a refreshing autumn sunny and calm holiday.

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Today was mostly cloudy and a bit gloomy. When the sun doesn’t come out, the temperature drops noticeably, so please take care to manage your health. The area around Kaku-en Peak is starting to show patches of autumn color. It’s still early, so the best viewing should come in early to mid-November—something to look forward to! During the Crystal Mikoshi on November 10th, the autumn leaves might just be at their peak.

【Koiji Pass】 Koiji Pass on the border of Okuwa Village and Town/Village of Nagiso Town. It is 😍 a romance highway that is said to have been named after a man and a woman who fell in love across the mountain pass This time, from Okuwa Village to Nagiso Town! ↓ Head to the entrance of the pass to admire the beautiful view from the Athira Bridge, where the Atera Canyon in Okuwa Village is located. ↓ Follow the path shown in the second photo to the Observation decks You may even meet a sawa crab on the way! ↓ At the top of the pass, there is a stone monument of "Koiji Pass" and a heart-shaped "Bell of Fulfillment" There are. ↓ For the time being, please look sideways at the bell of fulfillment and climb up to the Observation decks first. If the weather is good, you can see the majestic mountains such as Komagatake. ↓ And to the bell of fulfillment! If you ring the bell after admiring the beautiful view from the observation decks, your wish will be fulfilled! 👏👏👏 ↓ After ringing the bell of fulfillment with a wish, go down the pass. ↓ What was waiting for me at the end of the descent was the superb view Spot "Kakizore Canyon" This view is a sight to 😮 behold every time It is a walking course of about 10 km from Nojiri Station through Koiji Pass to Jujikane Station. Of course, Nakasendo is also recommended, but Hiking this Koiji Pass is also recommended! !!

Autumn leaves have begun! Matsukawa Valleys in Takayama Village is a large area of Autumn leaves with plenty of attractions, from Kasadake at Elevation 2,000 meters to Yamada Hot Spring at Elevation 900 meters Autumn leaves front descends from high elevation to low Best time to visit forecast Near Mt. Kasa and Manza Pass (approx. 2,000m) October 18　 Near Yamada Ranch (about 1,500m) October 18 Near Shichimi Hot Spring and Goshiki Hot Spring (approx. 1,200m) October 21 Near Thunder Falls and Hachitaki (approx. 1,100m) October 23 Near Yamada Hot Spring (Takaibashi) (about 900m) October 25 As of 10/21, the area around Yamada Ranch is in Best time to visit Now it's time for the real work Please take a look at the colorful Autumn leaves

Event announcement‼️ Be sure to check it out👀‼️ "Mountain Day Event" ‘Oujinooniwa’ ◯ Event Dates Sunday, November 3 Monday, November 4 (substitute holiday) It runs for two days! Location: Koushiobaru Park, Takaharacho Okukirishima Koushiobaru Hutte (former rest house) *Vendor event only on the 3rd. *The 4th is a mountain tour. November 3 We invite mountain-related vendors for sales, workshops, and body maintenance services. Under the title “Connecting Kirishima’s Walking Trails,” we will hold a talk show about mountaineering centered on Takaharacho and the Kyushu Nature Trail. A pleasant-sounding DJ will also perform at the venue♪ November 4 A trekking tour along the “Tenson Kourin no Michi” (the Path of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild). Guided by Mr. Ishikawa from Kirishima Geopark, participants will hear valuable stories about Kirishima, and at the summit enjoy a tasting and lesson on mountain coffee. After descending, you can soothe your tired body at Takahara’s hot springs. Although not listed on the flyer, there will also be a display of Toyota custom cars and some extra surprises. We will post more detailed information little by little, so keep checking for updates(^^) On November 3 and 4, come and visit the event ‘Oujinooniwa’ at Koushiobaru Park☆

Designated as a national park, Jozankei Hot Spring is one of the one of the most Autumn leaves Famous landmarks in Japan, blessed with abundant Nature. The Autumn leaves of Jozankei have progressed little by little, and finally about 50% of them have become colored. Autumn leaves peak in Jozankei in mid-October every year, and this year is no different. From October 1st, starting from the Jozankei Tourist Information Center, we operate shuttle buses that can go to the five selected scenic areas "Five Great Autumn Leaves". We will operate various buses so that you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Autumn leaves, such as the "Autumn leaves Gondola" of the Sapporo International Ski Resort, where you can enjoy a walk in the Autumn leaves air one step earlier than the Hot spring resort and the panorama of Ishikari Bay from the top of the mountain, and the "Autumn leaves Kappa Bus" where a guide will guide you through the unknown Autumn leaves Spot. In particular, the Autumn leaves Kappa Bus has been renewed as a new routes around Lake Sapporo with a superb view from this year. Attention.

Autumn feeds the horses and the sky runs high ☀️🐴 This morning the Nobeyama Highlands felt exactly like that 📡

Hello, this is En'emon Folklore Museum. While daytime can still be warm, the mornings and evenings are beginning to carry a cool autumn breeze! Drawn by a clear, endless blue sky, I took a rare stroll out to the Ishimon area, and under the tree shade a pleasant wind swept through.✨ There are only three months left in the year now that October has arrived. The birthstone for October, tourmaline, is said to carry an electrical charge and be good for health. It is also believed to dispel negative influences and shift the mind toward positive thinking. Why not feel the richness of nature and experience the history of the Japan Heritage site and the power of stone? Please stop by En'emon Folklore Museum during your walk♪ We look forward to seeing you 😃

Hello, this is Shosenkyo Crystal Sound. Although it’s past mid-September, the hot days continue. How are you doing? At Shosenkyo, you can still feel the heat, but a refreshing autumn breeze is beginning to arrive, and it lifts the spirits. The iconic Kakuen Peak of Shosenkyo stands out brilliantly against the blue sky. You might know lapis lazuli and sapphire as September birthstones… But actually, kunzite is also a September birthstone! Its gentle, pale pink hue soothes you just by looking at it. The gemstone’s meanings are “love, peace, motherhood,” a compassionate stone that shelters and protects with inner strength. Many other natural stones stand in neat rows as well. Please take your time strolling and enjoy touching the stones. All our staff sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

[Valleys dyed in brocade.] Jozankei with beautiful autumn leaves〕 Summer is beginning to show signs of Omen in Hokkaido. From now on, the trees will begin to prepare for the Autumn leaves in October. It is said that the reason why the Autumn leaves of Jozankei is beautiful and vivid is related to the difference in temperature unique to Valleys and the Toyohiragawa River, which has good water quality that stream Hot spring resort. Since it is surrounded by mountains on all sides, you can enjoy the vivid Autumn leaves in all scenes, such as Hot spring resorts, walking paths, rooms where you stay at inns, and open-air baths. Every year in October, when the Autumn leaves begins, the "Five Great Autumn leaves" begins, where you can go to each of the five popular Spot Autumn leaves areas by shuttle bus. Spot recommendations can be taken by bus, or you can walk to find views that no one has ever seen before. It is also a luxurious time to walk through the rich forests and valleys of the national forest while admiring the Autumn leaves. If you're going to see Autumn leaves, be sure to plan a inn night at Jozankei Hot Spring.

Jozankei Photo Contest "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" Let's apply for a HOT moment at Jozankei Hot Spring while it's HOT! The Jozankei Photo Contest "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" will start on June 1st! Please take pictures of the Jozankei you saw, eaten, and experienced and posted them more and more! We have 💝 great prizes for you We look 👏 forward to receiving many applications ★ Please be sure to read the "Jozankei Photo Contest Entry Rules" in advance. Click here for ⬇photo contest details︎ _____________________________ Held in period From June 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 ◇ How to apply (1) Held in photos that match the category (2) Posted on Instagram with the hashtag "#That Summer Jozankei 2024" <Please> Winners will be contacted by direct message from the official Account of Sankei Tourist Association Instagram, so please follow "@jozankei.trip". ◇ About the selection department Photos and videos that fall under the following six categories will be selected. ● Illumination Division (Jozankei Nature Luminarie, Footbath Mapping, etc.) ●Nature Division (Nature, Animals, Landscape) ●Gourmet Category ●Autumn leaves division ●Free Division ●Video Category (theme is free, 15 seconds or less) ◇ About the prize 🥇Grand Prix Jozankei Hot Spring Pair Inn Stay Invitation Ticket (Premium Grade) 1 work from all entries 🥈 Award of Excellence Jozankei Hot Spring Pair Inn Stay Invitation Ticket (Standard Grade) 1 work from each category (6 works in total) 🥉 Prizes Day trip bathing pair invitation ticket 5 works from all entries * Please note that the facilities for the prizes cannot be specified. ◇ About notification of winning Winners will be contacted via Instagram direct message in late November.

Yamada Ranch Ezo Hydrangea Ezo hydrangeas, which grow naturally in the snowy mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and Honshu, are also Best time to visit at Yamada Ranch at Elevation 1500m. Ezo hydrangeas are not as flashy as ornamental hydrangeas, but their appearance in clusters in a grove is full of a refreshing feeling that makes you forget about the summer heat. It's been unusually hot this summer, but it's Squid to visit Yamada Ranch in search of Ezo hydrangeas.

Adventure in Jozankei ⛰️A challenging climb! Mount Sapporo 1,293 m Ascent / about 3 hours 15 minutes Descent / about 2 hours 20 minutes From the summit you can take in views of central Sapporo and Jozankei Lake, created by the Toyohira Gorge Dam. There are two trail routes. The Toyotaki Route features forest roads and prolonged steep sections. The Reisui-zawa Route follows flat riverside terrain before becoming steep in the latter half. (The photo shows the Reisui-zawa Route.) The Reisui-zawa Route has a parking area. Why not head out for a weekend climb? After the hike, relax at Jozankei Onsen and the sauna. Prepare well for the heat and enjoy summer mountain hiking with a safe, realistic plan.