The roses of the "Azumino Rose Garden" were 🌹 blooming beautifully On a sunny day, you can enjoy ☀️🏔️ roses along with the view of the Northern Alps (unfortunately it was cloudy on this day... ☁️） Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture Ikeda Town 7064-13 *Admission is free. * 🅿️ About 8 cars

【 Let's 🚲 travel by e-bike】 You can 🚲💨 rent an e-bike at the Yamanouchi Information Center in front of Yudanaka Station ●E-bike rental Use hours: 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. ●Use fee: 2 hours / 2,000 yen 3 hours / 2,500 yen 4 hours / 3,000 yen 1 day / 4,000 yen ●Regular holiday: Open all year *Temporary closure Thereare are limited, so you can make a reservation in advance! !️ 📞Contact 0269-38-9100 ☎

【🌱 Held in Shiga 🎻 Highlands Summer Concert】 Held in the Shiga Highlands Summer Concert, a summer tradition of Shiga Highlands, again this 🎷🎺🎻🎶 year The Shiga Highlands Summer Concert is Held in held every year in Hall 98 of the Shiga Highlands General Hall, supervised by the late Seiji Ozawa, Yamanouchi Town Honorary Town residents, as a place for those who visit music training camp Shiga Highlands to present their achievements, and this year will be the 27th Held in 🎼.•*¨*•.¸¸♬🎶•*¨*•.¸¸♬•*¨*•.¸¸♪ ♩ Held in Place: Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 (Yamanouchi Town Shiga Highlands Hasuike) ♩ Held in schedule: All daytime sessions Open 15:00, Start 15:30, End 17:00 1st August 4 (Mon) Hachioji Gakuen Hachioji High School Brass Band Club Session 2: August 14 (Thu) Keio University Wind Ensemble 3rd August 20 (Water) Waseda Brass Band 4th August 21 (Thu) Kokugakuin University Feuel Cole Mixed Choir Session 5: August 25 (Mon) Tokyo University of Science Orchestra 6th September 1 (Mon) Toyo University Orchestra ♩Other: ・Admission is free. ・Thereare the schedule may change depending on the situation of the participating organizations. ・Commemorative pin badges for the concert will be sold at the venue. ・ On the day of the event, a free Pick up and drop off bus There are from the front of the Yamanouchi Town Cultural Center (first-come, first-served basis). 🚍 Pick up and drop off schedule Destination: Depart from Cultural Center 14:45 ▷▶ Arrive at Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 Kaikan 15:15 Return: Depart from Shiga Highlands General Hall 98 Kaikan 17:15▷ ▶ Arrive at Cultural Center 17: Around 45 https://www.info-yamanouchi.net/2025/05/07/%E5%BF%97%E8%B3%80%E9%AB%98%E5%8E%9F%E3%82%B5%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B5%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B/...

Extra Edition: N takamatsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture – “Nezame no Toko” On this day, foodie Kawanishi presents an extra edition‼️ I finally visited Nezame no Toko in Agematsu, Kiso District, a place I’d long wanted to see. Nezame no Toko is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges and is designated as a National Scenic Spot!!! Before the Meiji era there were no dams, and the rapids of the Kiso River carved this granite. After dams were built, water diversion lowered the Kiso River’s surface, making the rock formations appear even more massive. It seems the site was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1923 and managed as a prefectural park, and in 2020 it was elevated to part of the Central Alps Quasi-National Park!!! You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall—the scenery changes with the seasons. The river’s blue color shows how clear the Kiso River is. Also, surprisingly, there’s an Urashima Taro legend in landlocked Nagano Prefecture!? I’ve been curious about that for a long time. It’s a truly lovely scenic spot and a good workout too! I think you should avoid going right after rain or wearing clothing that hinders movement. I recommend sneakers and clothes you can move easily in!!! Swimming is prohibited, so please be careful. Second-grade elementary school children can make it to Urashima-dō. Why not visit Nezame no Toko with your children to enjoy the beautiful views!? On the way back, I stopped at Michi-no-Eki Hiyoshi Kisokoma Kogen and bought the station’s limited “morokoshi soft-serve” made with milk from Kaida Kogen! A faint, toasty corn aroma spreads through it—this was the most delicious soft-serve I’ve ever tasted!!! Please enjoy it if you can! From time to time, foodie Kawanishi plans to bring you extra editions like this. ◎ Nezame no Toko 📍 Agematsu, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture ◎ Free parking: Available (check the website below) ◎ Website: https://kiso-hinoki.jp/colibri-wp/tourist/nezamenotoko/...

Yatsugatake Trail Maintenance and Tsukumogusa Survey I climbed Yatsugatake for a route inspection, trail maintenance, and tsukumogusa survey ahead of the “Mt. Yokodake Tsukumogusa Hike” scheduled for May 30. The Somae-one Ridge had snow from about 2,400 meters up to just above the observation platform, with depths exceeding 50 cm in places. Many fallen trees, large and small, blocked the route, so I worked my way up cutting them away with a handsaw. Beyond the steep climb, the ridge was once again carpeted with tsukumogusa in full bloom this year.

At Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, which I visited on a trip, I was able to see a water mirror of Tambo reflecting the mountains with a superb view.

The rose garden adjacent to Azumino City Museum (formerly Toyoshina Modern Art Museum) next to Azumino City Hall is now at peak bloom. You can enjoy about 250 varieties and more than 500 repeat-blooming roses! Rose Week 2025: Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, June 1 Although the museum is closed, the museum garden will hold a plant sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 9:00 a.m. to around 3:00 p.m., timed with the roses’ bloom. A pottery market by the Hotaka Pottery Center will also take place on the same days. Azumino City Museum (Under renovation / scheduled to reopen on August 30, 2025) 399-8205 5609-3 Toyoshina, Azumino, Nagano Phone: 0263-73-5638 Fax: 0263-73-6320

Chowa Town Sasayaki Shrine Sasayaki Shrine at Marmelo Station Nagato. It was dressed up stylishly 😍! They say that if you whisper to the "ear stone" visible in the back from both sides, a bond will be formed… 🤭🌟 #Chowa Town #Marmelo Station Nagato #Sasayaki Shrine #wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrella) #Nagano Prefecture

Hello! This is the tourism association staff. Now, the wild vegetable season in Shinanomachi has reached its final stage, and the bamboo shoot season has begun! What are “bamboo shoots”? They are the young shoots of Chishimazasa. In snowy regions the weight of the snow often bends the shoots at their base as they grow, so they are called "nemagari-take" (root-bent bamboo), and in Shinanomachi they are called "bamboo shoots." In and around Shinanomachi they are often eaten as "bamboo shoot soup." It is a miso soup with bamboo shoots and ingredients like potatoes, and one indispensable item for bamboo shoot soup is canned mackerel (boiled in water). If you think canned mackerel in miso soup sounds strange, please try it if you can tolerate it. You will be surprised at how delicious it is. (^^♪) There is no need to remove bitterness, but be sure to remove the tough nodes and perform fushi-nuki (node removal) before eating. (Although a crude illustration, it shows peeling and node removal for reference.) Because they are a gift from the mountains, daily harvest and shipping quantities vary. If you find them at direct-sales stores, please pick some up.

We present the official tourism association website that packs together the charms of Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture—tourist information, access details, dining spots and more♩ It's convenient for checking before your trip! Be sure to take a look☺ ▶Visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association website here https://yachiho-kogen.jp//

In Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture, the noble prince azalea (Tougoku mitsuba azalea) is reaching its peak bloom. Against the soft fresh greenery, the vivid pink stands out, and just walking through it lifts your spirits in this season. Come see this fleeting scenery while it lasts ☺

56th Takashima Castle Festival Hello everyone! The hot weather continues. 💦 This weekend the forecast is uncertain, but the Takashima Castle Festival will take place on Sunday the 25th. The festival commemorates the 1970 reconstruction of Takashima Castle’s keep. Along with Taiko drumming, a dragon-god dance, and kiyari work chants, the grounds will host a Suwa City recommended souvenir exhibition and sale, among other events. ・Date and time ⇒ Sunday, May 25, 2025, 9:00–15:00 ・Location ⇒ Takashima Park ・Attractions ⇒ Stage performances and various vendors ・Parking ⇒ Suwa Lake Event Plaza (for visitors) For details, please check the URL below! https://suwacci.or.jp/suwayoiteko/lp/takashimajousai/...

Yume Farm will Held in a Lavender Festival from June 1st (Sun) ~ July 21st (Mon). Various events are planned this year as well! There are also refreshing drinks for a limited time, so please (^^) come to Rikugo surrounded by a healing aroma * If you want to use the 60 yen discount ticket for soft serve ice cream on the leaflet, please print it out before coming to the venue and bring it with you. (Black and white is also acceptable) ------------------------------------------- 【Dream Farm】 Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Ikeda Town, Rikugo 7454-6 TEL　0261-62-5510 -------------------------------------------

The Sacred Tree Festival: Once every 20 years, the sacred tree destined for dedication at Ise Jingu is felled in the Omomasahajime Ceremony, followed by the celebratory Sacred Tree Festival. This grand festival, held once every 20 years, will take place in June 2025. The Omomasahajime Ceremony on June 3 is part of Ise Jingu’s rituals and is not open to the public, but the Sacred Tree Festival from June 4 to 6 is open to everyone. You can also enjoy dedication rituals and traditional performing arts. You may join the rare and important tree-transport procession, the Okihiki, which carries the sacred tree to Ise Jingu. Registration closes once capacity is reached. For inquiries, contact Agematsu Tourism Association at 0264-52-1133 or check the website. Exclusive original goods available for a limited time are on sale now. See the Kiso Tourism Federation website “Kiso Valley Trip” for purchase details. Due to this event, Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest will be closed all day on June 3 and closed the morning of June 4. Please note that entry to the park will be prohibited. The sacred tree will also stop in Nagiso Town and other locations on June 6. If you live nearby, please come see it. For full details, check the official Kiso Dedication Association website.

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.

Toyooka Iris Garden is still in full bloom. Over 200 varieties of iris set against the scenic Ina Valley. Please enjoy your visit. For more details about the Iris Garden, see below: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/tourist-spot/hana/3280/...

[Special Collaboration Soft-Serve Ice Cream for the Detective Conan Movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” Now on Sale!] A limited-time special soft-serve ice cream collaborating with the now-screening Detective Conan movie “The One-Eyed Shrapnel” is being sold at eateries throughout Minamimaki Village 🍦🐄 With the new Minamimaki Village Dining Map produced by the Minamimaki Village Chamber of Commerce in hand, please enjoy the local cuisine 🥗🍲🍜🍴 ■ Shops Offering the Special Soft-Serve Ice Cream 1 Takizawa Farm Co., Ltd. 2 Restaurant Saikochiten Co., Ltd. 3 Restaurant Straw Hat 4 Minamimaki Village Rural Culture and Information Exchange Center Co., Ltd. (Vegitable With) 5 Hanafubuki 6 Restaurant 141 8 Kominka Meals and Sweets Furusato 9 Canadian Rocky 16 White Rabbit Those are nine shops in total (the numbers correspond to the shop numbers on the dining map) *Depending on the shop, sales begin on Saturday, May 17 or Sunday, May 18. ▼ View the Minamimaki Village Dining Map here https://www.kanko-nobeyama.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mmmfoodmap.pdf...

May 13, 2025 Takashima Castle Wisteria On this day, foodie KAWANISHI visited the wisteria at Takashima Castle (Takashima Park). This year, I came to see the wisteria at Takashima Castle again! I think it will finish blooming by the end of this week. At Takashima Castle, two rows of wisteria trellises stand side by side, and there are wisteria over the pond as well. The colors are stunning, with a beautiful contrast of purple and white!!! Usually, they reach their best around Golden Week.

[Hanakien Opens] Hanakien on Yachiho Kogen opens today, Saturday, May 10. 🌸 The garden is filled with blooming pink azaleas (rengetsu tsutsuji), Enkianthus (dodantsutsuji), and three-leaf azaleas (mitsuba tsutsuji), and in June the park will be dyed red with flowers. 💐💐 Come and visit us. 🌳🥰 Opening period: Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:20 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

Japan’s Most Beautiful Stand of Silver Birches✨ Slender silver birches reach up toward the blue sky🌳✨ The sky’s blue, the birches’ white, and the green sasa grass underfoot… Everything is so beautiful you’ll want to stare forever😌🌱 The atmosphere changes with each season, so you’ll want to return again and again! Come and visit Yachiho Kogen😸♡

Yachiho Kogen Natural Garden A nature garden that captures the natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen...😌🩷 At the garden, you can enjoy three walking courses suited to your available time♬ White Trail: 1 km, about 30 minutes Blue Trail: 1.5 km, about 50 minutes Green Trail: 2.5 km, about 80 minutes In spring and summer, the highland flowers bloom, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant—there’s plenty to see!🍁 We hope you’ll come and visit😸✨✨

Yachiho Lake Yachiho Lake is a managed fishery where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing 🐟🫧 Families can have fun together, and there is a Fishing Kids Land where baited rods are available for rent 😸 You can enjoy it surrounded by abundant nature 🌸 We hope you will come and visit ✨

HELLO COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Furusato Nagawa Tourism and Exchange Department. Located in the western Mountainous Area of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Nagawa District is a quiet area surrounded by mountains rich in Rich in nature. Among the Matsumoto City, which is widely known as the gateway to the Shinshu, the rich Nature environment remains, and the beautiful scenery that changes with the four seasons Fascination many people. Known for its clear air and clear streams, including mountain sightseeing and Mountain stream fishing, it is an area where you can refresh your mind and body! 【Access to Matsumoto City, Nagawa District】 ■Access from Tokyo Via the Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway, get off at the Matsumoto Interchange, and take National Route 158 toward the Nagawa District. ■Access from Nagoya Use the Chuo Expressway, get off at the Ina Interchange, go through the Gonbei Tunnel, and head from National Route 19 via Yabuhara to the Nagawa District. 【What is Matsumoto City, Nagawa District?】 The Matsumoto City as a whole has a population of about 240,000 people, but the Nagawa District has a population of 565 and 289 households (as of December 2023 (Reiwa 5)), and traditional life and culture are alive and well in a rich Nature environment. Due to the high elevation, it is cool in summer, and in winter a silver world Unfolds. It is popular as a summer resort in the summer and as a Spot to enjoy the dignified air in the winter, and it shows an attractive look to the Four Seasons. 【Introduction to the historical background of the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City, Nagawa】 The Nagawa district of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City originally built a history as an independent village, but was incorporated into Matsumoto City due to the great merger of Heisei. Since ancient times, it has flourished as a mountain worship road and trade route, and there was a lot of traffic between people going back and forth between the Mountainous Area. Forestry, agriculture, and Soba cultivation that make use of abundant Forest resources and clear streams have been actively carried out, supporting the food culture and living infrastructure of the region. Even today, through festival rituals, the wisdom and customs of our ancestors are passed down. 【Popular Sightseeing spots in the Nagawa area, Matsumoto City】 The Nagawa area of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City has many Tourist resources rich in Rich in nature. ■Nagawa Watari Dam It is a large Dam that rises along National Route 158 and features a spectacular landscape created by the Clear streams stream from upstream and the lush green mountains that surround it. From the observation space, you can overlook the contrast between the Reservoir and the mountains, and you can enjoy various atmospheres that vary depending on the season. ■Shibusawa Hot spring It is a quiet Hot spring inn scattered in the mountains, and it is a great Spot to heal the fatigue of your trip. Depending on the inn, you can take a day-use hot spring, and you can stop by in between mountain sightseeing. Please enjoy the silence and warmth of the hot water and spend a moment to forget your daily life. ■Mountain stream fishing spot There are plenty of areas where you can enjoy mountain stream fishing such as char and Yamame. The fishing experience while enjoying a sense of unity with nature allows you to enjoy a relaxing time that is different from the city. 【Introduction of Specialty products and Gourmet foods in the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City】 ■Tōji Soba Local cuisine is served with hot Soba noodles in a hot pot and served with wild vegetables and mushrooms. It is an indispensable Nagawa specialty when talking about the Nagawa District. ■ Wild vegetable tempura Wild vegetables that herald the arrival of Spring are freshly picked and fried in batter, and the tempura has an exquisite bittersweetness and aroma. ■ Grilled river fish with salt Fresh char and Yamame caught in the Mountain stream are simply grilled with only salt, so you can fully enjoy the taste of the ingredients. ■Nagawa Soba Nagawa Soba made with flavorful Soba flour is highly appreciated by Soba lovers, and its Aroma and Smooth Texture are Exquisite. ■Processed Wild Vegetables Processed wild vegetables, which are also useful as preserved foods such as Pickles and Pickled in salt, are perfect as Souvenirs. 【Events and Festivals in the Nagawa area of Matsumoto City】 ■ Soba Festival The Soba Festival, which is held five times a year, is a festival where you can fully enjoy the food culture of the Nagawa District. You can taste Local Handmade Soba using Soba noodles carefully grown in Nagawa Late May: Fresh greenery Soba Festival Mid-August: New Soba Festival in summer October: New Soba Festival in autumn November: Nagawa Native Soba Festival February: Tōji Soba Festival Enjoy the nature of Nagawa, which changes with the Four Seasons, and the taste of each season. ■ Nagawa Summer Festival (late July) The biggest attraction of the Nagawa Summer Festival, which colors the summer in Nagawa, is the fireworks that echo in the valley. The fireworks launched from the bottom of the valley Unfolds large and Powerful in front of you. Please experience the sound of fireworks echoing in the mountains and the beautiful light competition up close. ■ Nomugi Pass Ski Resort Mt. Ontake, Mt. Norikura, and the Hotaka mountain ranges seen from an elevation of 2,130m are spectacular! With a maximum skiing distance of 4,000m, a variety of courses can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. There are few crowds, and you can enjoy gliding in quiet nature. It is a ski resort where you can enjoy the Nature of Nagawa and the dynamic scenery. 【Tourist Information of Nagawa District, Matsumoto City】 The Nagawa district of Matsumoto City, Nagawa City has a variety of attractions such as rich nature, delicious Soba dishes, and traditional culture rooted in the Local area. Surrounded by majestic mountains and serene scenery, you can relax to your heart's content is the real pleasure of the Nagawa District. Please make memories of your trip in Nagawa, Matsumoto City, Nagawa, where you can enjoy the expressions of the Four Seasons. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thunder Falls(Kaminari Falls) Closed for winter has been lifted, and Thunder Falls (Kaminari Falls), a scenic spot in Takayama Village, has opened. A waterfall where the main stream of the Matsukawa River streams down It is said that it was named "Thunder Falls" because the sound sounds like thunder Also known as "Urami Waterfall". You can literally see the back side of the waterfall Fun at this time of year with plenty of water due to melting snow and super exciting waterfalls Water in spring (now) with plenty of budding Summer Cool even in the middle of summer Summer Spot Autumn: Collaboration between Autumn leaves and Splash of water * Closed in winter (mid-November ~ late April of the following year) The opening period is much better There is fun for each season, so I go there many times. If you come to Takayama Village, be sure to see it! It is a proud Spot that cannot be missed

Thank you to everyone who visited Nagawa Town over Golden Week! 😍 At Nagawa Cycle (E-bike), guests experienced the rich nature around Utsukushigahara, Fudotaki Falls, and Furumachi. The green season is just getting started! Why not enjoy a special nature experience in Nagawa Town? 😮🚵‍♂️⛺🌄 Utsukushigahara as seen from the Mihune Grand Observatory The Japanese Alps as seen from the Mihune Grand Observatory

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

Clouds rose in the high-rise Wetlands, and a gradation of light appeared in the Grassland. Shinshu Yunomaru Highlands "Pond Wetland is Elevation 2000m!" A boardwalk stretches "in a vein". It's like a Suspension Bridge over a paradise in the sky. Favorite scenery

Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki — a bakery committed to Hokkaido wheat and additive‑free dough On this day I, food‑lover Kasai, visited Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki. The owner opened the shop in May 2012 with a strong desire to bake bread that parents can feel safe giving to children and babies. The dough uses wheat from Hokkaido and contains no preservatives, artificial colors, or additives. ・Eggs ⇒ Eggs from chickens raised at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake ・Milk ⇒ Milk from Jersey cows raised on the Nobeyama Plateau ・Sausage and bacon ⇒ Additive‑free, showcasing the natural taste of the meat ・Wheat ⇒ Carefully selected Hokkaido wheat (e.g., Haruyutaka) About 25 types of bread (including seasonal items) are usually on display; when I visited around 2:00 p.m., many items were already sold out. The owner recommends enjoying the bakery's most popular bâtard with a dip of olive oil. I tried a rare matcha‑flavored melon pan and a rusk made from melon pan. The large, American‑style oat cookies were sold out that day, but they are excellent when available. Find your favorite bread and enjoy it! ◎ Bread Workshop Suwa Karin‑no‑Ki 📍 Suwa City Ote 2‑1‑2 ☎ 0266‑55‑4343 ◎ Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 ◎ Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday ◎ Parking: Nawate Parking Lot (parking voucher available for customers who purchase) ◎ Payment: Cash, PayPay ◎ Website: https://treeofkarin.weblike.jp//

[Omachi City Flower Update 🌷] Cherry blossoms are entering their final stage, but in Omachi City the moss phlox, rhododendrons, and flowering peach trees are coming into full bloom 🌸✨ At the National Alps Azumino Park, Omachi Matsukawa Area, which is hosting "Spring Festa 2025", you can enjoy delicate baby blue eyes (nemophila) and tulips ✨🌷 🌷Flower Report 2025🌸 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88859/... 🌳National Alps Azumino Park🌳 https://azumino-koen.jp/oomachi_matsukawa/...