■Paella Cooking Experience■

This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation.

The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River.

Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere!

[Plan Details]
■Season
Late April through October

■Meeting Point
Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)

= For those using car navigation =
toyooka travel time
Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395
If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination
and come to that location.
Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
10 people (minimum operating number: 5)
If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people,
please contact us to discuss arrangements.

■Price (tax included)
For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person
If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us.

[Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)]
・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours)
1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment)

2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately
※Please travel by private car.

3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45

4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately

6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00

■About the Plan
[About Notanohira CampGround]
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur.
Please travel to the campsite by private car.

[About the Paella Cooking Experience]
Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation.
Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience.

[Combining with Other Activities]
It is possible to combine this plan with other activities.
We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.

[Clothing]
・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement
※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility.
(300 yen)

■How to Inquire and Apply
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website.
Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date.
Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■

Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes.

Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax.

Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream.

Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children.

We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground!

【Plan Details 】
■Season
Around July to early September
※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us.

■Meeting place
General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)

＝ For those using car navigation ＝
《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》
Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL 0265-49-3395
※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location.
《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people)
※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us.

■Price (tax included)
Per person: 5,000 yen
※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required.

■Course details and schedule
① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan
9:30 (payment)

② Travel to Nodaira Campground
Around 9:30–10:10
※Please travel by private car.

③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground
Around 10:10

④ Walk to the pothole area
Around 10:15–10:45

⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole
Around 10:45–12:15

⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site
Around 12:45

■About the plan
【About Nodaira Campground】
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river.
Please travel to the campground by private car.

【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】
In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter.
A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years.

【Can be combined with other activities】
You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details.

【Clothing and items to bring】
● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard
● Change of clothes
● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes
※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen).
※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen).

■Inquiries and reservations
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.

Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

The Northern Alps taken from inside a car.
The cars don't stop, and I can't get this view out of my head when I pass the tracks.

Azumino’s summer tradition returns this year with the Azumino Fireworks Festival
It will take place on Thursday, August 14th🎇
Look out for a special star mine celebrating the 20th anniversary of Azumino city’s incorporation❗️
Last night’s test launch lit up Azumino’s night sky♪
Please look forward to it😁

🍑Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan (Peach)– 🚴‍♀️

Enjoy a rewarding ride wrapped in Shinshu’s nature, feeling the breeze as you go.
On the Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan – local guides lead you to relish the village’s scenic charms and seasonal flavors.

The seasonal fruit for summer is “peach”!
After cycling along roads lined with orchards, take a break with a special dessert made lavishly with peaches.
The juicy, sweet aroma of peach fills the dessert, offering a blissful treat you can only taste here.

Tour Information
■Meeting Time
12:50 PM
■Duration
About 2 hours 30 minutes
■Distance
Less than 10 km. The tour uses E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles).
(No electric-assist bicycles for children are available.)
Children who cannot ride a bicycle can use a carrier bike (weight limits and other restrictions apply).
■Group Size
2 to 5 people
※Participation as a single person or groups larger than five can also be discussed.
■Price
Ages 3 and up: JPY 5,000 per person
Ages 0–2: Free (please share the fruit and sweets with an accompanying adult)
※The above price applies when the fruit is “peach.” Prices vary depending on the fruit.
■Inquiries & Reservations
Toyooka Tabijikan 0265-49-3395 (Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

You can also see more details on the Toyooka Tabijikan website.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

✨ The 15th New Japan Sword Exhibition is ✨ being held in

Events Information for tomorrow 6/29 (Sun) ↓

"Beginners Welcome! Japanese Swords Course for Beginners"
You can ♪ pick up and Appreciation a number of famous swords
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Participation fee∶ 500 yen (admission fee not included)

* We do not accept advance applications, so please ♪ come by the time of the day

Mount Iimori's daylilies are nearly in full bloom.
Yesterday we held a hike to see the daylilies on Mount Iimori. Right in the middle of the rainy season and worried we might cancel due to rain like last year, the forecast suddenly changed and, to our surprise, the weather turned out fine 😅 We even caught a glimpse of Mt. Fuji through the clouds, making it a lucky hike 🎉
The daylilies are just short of full bloom, but they were impressive enough to enjoy 😋 I think the peak will be around late next week.
Well done to everyone who joined us — great job 🫡

A view from the summit of Mt. Chogatake in the Northern Alps 😆
This lookout offers spectacular panoramas of the Hotaka range, including Mt. Yari
This morning the clouds were high and the ridgelines should have been visible, but when I arrived the clouds had rolled in… what a shame 😢
The summit was being battered by strong winds, but it still felt amazing
I could also see the Azumino valley below

An observation deck sits atop Mt. Nagamine.
Climb this deck and enjoy 360-degree views, including the Northern Alps 😄.
Please note it will be closed for repainting from June 23 to July 18, so it won’t be available during that time… 😢
If you hike during the day, take care to avoid heatstroke.

Shinano Road in the rain
Bushu Highway Furuya Valleys "Otome Falls"
I went there looking for a superb view in the rainy season ☂️!
I have visited the Yachiho Highlands and Shirakoma Pond in Sakuho Town many times
The atmosphere on a rainy day was good, so I visited to enjoy the Valleys and Fresh greenery.
The stream of the waterfall and the fresh greenery are beautiful, and the rain creates a special feeling of the secluded beauty of the Valleys. Recommended!

[Okomin Kuma Suzu is now on sale!!️]
Okomin's design bear bell "Okomin bell" 🔔
We have ☕️🌿 also started selling at Ekinaka Yamanouchi in Yudanaka Station and Kita Shinshu Yamauchi in the Roadside Station

It looks cute× good tone = the 🎶✨️ best

It is also good 🐻 for avoiding bears on trekking and mountaineering
It is 🎒🚓 also good for crime prevention on the way to and from school by attaching it to a school bag.
Tie it to your pants and make it a good 🍅🌽 companion for farm work in the field.

Diverse 😊 applications

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano
The first time I saw Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure
The majestic appearance and deep history made me feel the Impression, but I was simply impressed by the repetition of "Amazing...".
After seeing Matsumoto Castle, the wonderful scenery of Matsumoto Castle still comes to my mind even now.
The view was so spectacular that I felt that "I want to go again, it is not enough to see it once."

[Only now! ] 1 deep-fried asparagus tempura]
It's Amazaru of the Shokudo of the Roadside Station Kita Shinshu Yamauchi! !️
Today's tempura is an assortment ✨ of fried asparagus, shimeji, Sweet potato, chikuwa, etc
The soft asparagus produced in Yamanouchi Town is a seasonal taste ✨️ that can only be tasted now
Enjoy tempura that changes with the seasons 🐒

* Tempura is limited to 40 meals a day!
* One fried asparagus is also available for a limited time!

A cozy free relaxation spot in Azumino 😃
Hachimen Daio Ashiyu (Footbath)♨️
This footbath is inspired by Azumino’s folk tale, the Hachimen Daio legend
The water is a mildly alkaline simple hot spring known for its skin-beautifying effects
Feel free to enjoy the hot springs of Hotaka Onsen Village 😊

Azumino is enjoying fine weather this morning ☀️
Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Ariake were clearly visible too
It looks like Koshin will be hot again today…
Please watch out for heatstroke 🥵

Right now, the [Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall] is holding in a special exhibition "The 15th New Japan Sword Grinding Exterior Sword Craftsmanship Technology Exhibition" until August 31st!

Today's Events ♪

★ Gallery Talk
Held in date: June 22 (Sun) *Last during the special exhibition period!
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Capacity: First 10 people
Participation fee: Free

★ Sword care experience
Held in date: June 22 (Sun) *Last during the special exhibition period!
Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Cancelled during other Events)
Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included)

【Iron Exhibition Hall】
Address: 〒389-0601 Nagano Prefecture, Hanishina District, Sakaki Town, Sakajo 6313-2
TEL：0268-82-1128
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission until 4:30 p.m.)
Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is closed, the next day, year-end and New Year holidays)
Admission fee: 600 yen during the special exhibition period (June 7 to August 31), free for junior high school students and younger　

* Special discount! If you came to → Bara Festival, you will find this Iron Exhibition Hall discount ticket (valid until June 30th) in the pamphlet distributed on the day, so please bring it with you ♪

NEW Orahomap

The refreshed Orahomap, now packed with the charms of Sakuhomachi, has arrived with extra features 😼💫💫
Check out the adorable hand-drawn illustrations that make you want to go out just by looking 👀🎨

"I didn’t know a place like this existed!"
"I’d love to visit here~"
You might make discoveries like these...🤍💭

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a look 😸

On this day, foodie Kasai followed the usual sweet scent and dropped by @suwa_clover.
The person who spoke with us that day was the owner, Komatsu.

It seems clover has been here for about ten years. At first, his mother worked the register while Komatsu focused on baking. Now, he appears to handle everything on his own.

The first and most striking thing when I entered was the huge variety of cookies!!! There are so many kinds of cookies. For a cookie lover like Kasai, it was pure bliss🍪🎶 When I asked why, the answer surprised me: “The reason is I love cookies!!!” Those words were so wonderful I felt time stop🤣 You can tell without being told that cookies made by a cookie‑loving owner are special🍪 Tarts are a must-try, but the cookies are top recommendations too!!! They also make message cookies, which are popular for people who find it hard to express feelings directly or as substitutes for retirement cards—many people place large reservation orders.

And above all, the original cakes! If you look at clover’s website, you’ll see how beautiful the original cakes are!!! They’re almost too pretty to eat!!! They require a reservation, but if you provide a portrait or photo, they can make a custom order. How about a one‑and‑only original cake just for you!?

One last insider note: the drip coffee is a completely original coffee chosen and prepared by a friend of owner Komatsu to pair with clover’s cakes. It’s a coffee they don’t serve anywhere else, so it’s a must for anyone who wants it☕!!!


◎ clover
📍 Suwa City, Kogandori 4-10-21
☎ 0266-57-0374
◎ Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30–18:00
◎ Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
◎ Parking: About four spaces in front of the shop
◎ Website: https://suwa-clover.com/

[Nagaden Bus Original Tomica on sale!!️]
Original Tomica created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Nagaden Bus branch is now on sale at 🚍 the Yudanaka Sales Office
The destination display shows "Shirane Volcano" 🔥 that seems to be able to go now but cannot be reached

〇Details
Price 1,300 yen (tax included)
Sales locations: Nagaden Bus Nagano Station Information Center, Nagaden Highway Bus Reservation Center (Yanagihara), Yudanaka Sales Office

Please 🚍 purchase at the Window on the Yudanaka Sales Office bus side, not on the Nagano Electric Railway Train ticket gate side
* Nagaden Bus HP [⬇️] Information on Nagaden Bus Goods
https://www.nagadenbus.co.jp/news/2025/05/post-266.php

June 15, 2025
In search of rainy scenery, go to Togakushi Shrine ⛩️ in Nagano Prefecture
Perhaps because it was late in the afternoon and it was raining, there were not many people visiting
I felt very comfortable in the mysterious forest.
The approach to the temple to the Okusha Shrine is 2km long and the Japanese cedar trees towering from the red gate on the way
It was a story. It's a masterpiece.
The work photographed Akamon. Ferns and other plants come alive on the thatched roof
It's growing. I felt a special sense of unity with the forest.
It is ♪ nice to get wet in the rain and shine with greenery

[2025 Peach Picking]

Reservations open on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

We offer two great plans: a value-packed Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Peach set, and an All-You-Can-Eat Peach only plan.
Peach picking is very popular every year! Come with family or friends to make summer memories this year.

Reservations are required during the season. Please book at least three days before your preferred experience date.

[ Peach Picking Details ]
■Period
Saturday, July 5, 2025 – Friday, August 8, 2025
*Dates may shift depending on weather and peach growing conditions.

■Check-in times
12 sessions per day (6 morning / 6 afternoon)

9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 / 11:30

12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 14:30

=Notes=
We generally cannot accept reservations at or after 14:30. Please book with plenty of time.
Arrive at the reception location (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) so you are not late for your reservation.
If you are late for your reserved time, we may not be able to accommodate you.

■Plans (tax included)
[Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] Please reserve in advance.
Pick 2 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,500 yen

[All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] Please reserve in advance.
(Standing) 20 minutes all-you-can-eat 1,500 yen

*Peach picking includes admission to the orchard and the experience fee.
*Guests choosing the All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan may not enter the peach orchard.
*All plans above are a flat rate for ages 4 and up.
Children aged 3 and under cannot pick peaches but may join the all-you-can-eat for free.

■Flow on the day (Duration: about 1 hour)
[Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] *Reservation required

① Check-in and payment (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)
↓
② Peach picking experience (move to orchard) *Please travel by private car
↓
③ All-you-can-eat (standing) 20 minutes (dedicated all-you-can-eat area at the Roadside Station Toyooka Marche)

=Notes=
◎All transfers are by private car. You will receive a map to the orchard at check-in.

◎Depending on congestion, steps ② and ③ may be swapped.

◎You will proceed to the orchard or the all-you-can-eat area immediately after check-in.
(Please refrain from visiting other sightseeing spots after check-in.)

◎Depending on weather and orchard conditions, picking may be replaced by a souvenir option (the grower will pre-pick peaches in the orchard and hand them to you).

◎Please allow about 60 minutes from the picking experience to the end of the all-you-can-eat.

[All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] *Reservation required

① Check-in and payment (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche Tourist Information Center or Toyooka Tabi Jikan, Toyooka Village Tourism Association)
↓
② All-you-can-eat (standing) 20 minutes (dedicated all-you-can-eat area at the Roadside Station Toyooka Marche)

=Notes=
◎Guests choosing the All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan may not enter the peach orchard.

Please check in and pay at the Toyooka Marche Tourist Information Center.

◎The all-you-can-eat ends when the day’s peaches run out.

■Requests
Peaches are delicate. Whether on the tree or for all-you-can-eat, please avoid pressing them hard.

■Meeting place / Contact
Toyooka Tabi Jikan (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
12407 Kamii, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-3202, Japan
TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp

Because this facility is new, entering the above address into car navigation systems may direct you to the wrong place. For car navigation, set the destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School or Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche. On Google Maps, search for Toyooka Tabi Jikan.

■How to reserve
Reservations are given priority. We recommend booking in advance.

・Phone reservations
0265-49-3395 (Reception hours 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

・Web reservations
Reservations start at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025

[Toyooka Village Tourism Association Homepage – 2025 Peach Picking]
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/9784/
*Use the web reservation link above to make web reservations.

[Cancellations]
No cancellation fee is charged even on the day, but please be sure to contact us if you cancel.

On Sunday, June 22nd, "Bamboo Shoot Festival" will be Held in in Yamanouchi, Roadside Station North Shinshu.

You can enjoy various events such as free bamboo shoot soup made with plenty of Nemagari bamboo from Shiga Highlands, sales of Nemagari bamboo okowa, and limited menu offerings at the Shokudo at the Roadside Station. 

Date & Time: Sunday, June 22, 2025 10 a.m. ~
(1) Bamboo shoot soup provided free of charge ✨ (limited quantity)
(2) Started 🍚 sales of Nemagari bamboo okowa
(3) At the Shokudo at the Roadside Station, a special okowa set will be offered in a limited quantity of ✨ 20 meals! !️
(4) Nemagari bamboo is sold at the Direct sales! !️

* Please note that the number of all items is Thereare.

Please come and visit us 🚗

The crystal-clear water flowing from the wasabi fields of Azumino
Fed abundantly by groundwater from the Northern Alps, this water is pure and transparent.
When you touch it, it feels cool and refreshing — very pleasant 😁

📍Katori Shrine and Mt. Ariake in Azumino
Katori Shrine stands quietly amid the rice fields of Azumino, with the graceful ridgeline of the Northern Alps stretching behind it.
The mountain, shaped like Mt. Fuji, is Mt. Ariake, also called Shinano Fuji.
Today, temperatures in Azumino rose nearly to a scorching summer level as the area soaked up strong sunlight.

📍Katori Shrine and Mt. Ariake in Azumino
Katori Shrine sits in the heart of the countryside, with the beautiful ridgeline of the Northern Alps unfolding behind it.
The mountain with a Fuji-like silhouette is Mt. Ariake, known as "Shinano Fuji."
Today in Azumino the temperature climbed close to a heatwave level, and the landscape was bathed in summer sunlight.

Shinshu salmon raised using groundwater from the Northern Alps
There are trout farms scattered throughout Azumino
We were blessed with fine weather today, and it looks set to become a hot day…

Isemiya Shrine standing amid rice fields
I could see the Northern Alps toward Hakuba, but clouds rose around Mount Ariake
It already feels like early summer in Azumino

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉
Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year.
Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭
Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi.
Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋

Events at today's Iron Exhibition Hall!

★ Gallery Talk
　Held in: Sunday, June 15 and Sunday, June 22
　Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
　Capacity: First 10 people
　Participation fee: Free

★ Let's disassemble the sword
　Held in: Sunday, June 15
　Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Cancelled during other Events)
　Capacity: First 10 people
　Subjects: Junior high school students and above
　Participation fee: 500 yen (admission fee not included)

【Iron Exhibition Hall】
Address: 〒389-0601 Nagano Prefecture, Hanishina District, Sakaki Town, Sakajo 6313-2
TEL：0268-82-1128
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission until 4:30 p.m.)　
Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is closed, the next day, year-end and New Year holidays)
Admission fee: 600 yen during the special exhibition period (June 7 to August 31), free for junior high school students and younger

Right now, at the Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall,
"The 15th New Japan Sword Grinding Exterior Sword Craft Technology Exhibition"
Held in!

In Sakaki Town, also known as the town of swordsmiths, a new sword exhibition brings together the skills of craftsmen in the modern Japanese swords world.

Many other Workshops and Events will be held in until Sunday, August 31st, such as the popular "Handmade Knife Making", "Japanese Swords Course", and "Sword Care Experience"!
Please come and visit us ♪

Chogatake as seen from Azumino
A snow pattern has appeared just below its summit
Unlike the Jonenbo pattern on Mt. Jonen, the snow pattern on Chogatake is a positive type (the remaining snow appears white)
True to the mountain’s name, a white butterfly seems to emerge
See if you can spot it