Azumino was hit by heavy rain.
By evening the rain had stopped, and a beautiful sunset appeared.

Here you will find a world of black, gold, and dreamlike lacquer art
It is called the Azumino Takahashi Setsuro Memorial Museum
Setsuro Takahashi is a lacquer artist who represents the contemporary craft art scene
Building on the traditional chinkin (gold inlay) technique, he created a unique lacquer art style using a method called yarigane
On the grounds you can also see the former Takahashi family house from the mid-Edo period
You can also enjoy a chinkin hands-on experience 😀

For details, please visit the official website
http://azumino-bunka.com/facility/setsuro-museum/

The hot days keep coming…
Azumino is topping 30 degrees…
On days like this, you might want to relax while gazing at a cool, clear mountain stream
on the riverbed of the Nakabusa River flowing from the Northern Alps
with a book you’ve been meaning to read and a cup of coffee…
At the tourist information center in front of JR Oito Line Hotaka Station, borrow a cafe BOX and enjoy an Azumino picnic 😄
https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/850669

Sakaki Town's Town residents Festival "The 48th Sakashiro Dondon" will be Held in again this year!
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: In front of Sakaki Station, Yokomachi Tachimachi Street

★ Children's Square (1) (Yokomachi Street)
　・ Mini SL / Little Playground Equipment
　・Balloon gift
　・Fureai Flea Market
★ Children's Square (2) (Iron Exhibition Hall / Community Center Car Parking Lot)
　・Fuafua Penguin Water Square
★ Keyaki Yokomachi
　・Woodworking class
　・Second-hand clothing sales
★Series 169 Train Plaza
　・Cool Share & Spot
　・Craft Corner
　・ Mouse photo shoot (15 o'clock - / 16 o'clock - )
★ Main Stage Performance
　(Guest Stage)
　・ KAJII's daily necessities musical instrument concert - Tableware sings - 16 o'clock -
★ Main Stage Linked Planning and Musical Instrument Making Workshop (Multipurpose Hall on the 2nd floor of the Central Downtown Community Center)
　"Let's ♪ make a 'spring can'" from 3 p.m.
★ Bake sale shop
　・Yakitori, Oyster ice, various alcohols
　・Frankfurt non-alcoholic beverages
★ Mikoshi Parade (from 18 o'clock)
★ Odori (from 18:45)

Please come and visit us ♪

Chowa Town Nakasan-do Eitai Jinba Service Station (Reception Hut)

Please do not litter

In Chowa Town and the Ueda area, instead of a "litter-free Jizo" there is a "litter-free little monk"?
It quietly stands in the parking area of the Eitai Jinba Service Station (Reception Hut) near Wada Pass.

This place was originally established by Kaseya Yohei of Edo Gofukucho, and it is said that, to ease the hardships of travelers crossing the pass, free porridge, campfires, and fodder for horses and people were offered.

#Chowa Town #Nagano Prefecture #Nakasendo #Wada-juku #Eitai Jinba Service Station #litter-free Jizo

"Noh Prayer and Japan Sword Culture◆The 5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Pre-Workshop"

We will Held in a Workshop to enjoy the "5th Sakashiro Chikuma Yabu Noh Funa Benkei" scheduled to be Held in at the Sakaki Town Cultural Center on Saturday, August 23rd!
It is a two-hour event filled with various things such as Japan swords and Noh, Buddhism and Noh, Kanze-ryu Noh play master Chitoshi Matsumoto's explanation of the highlights of "Funabenkei" and the experience of the work of the sword.

Held in ∶ 7/20 (Sun)

Place: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall

Hours: 10 a.m. to noon

Participation fee: 1,000 yen (including admission fee)

Kirigamine and Kurumayama-kata📷️

The nikkōkisuge (daylilies) on Kirigamine in Suwa City are now at their best. Please take care when visiting.

Kirigamine and Kurumayama-kata

The daylilies are in full bloom! Please drive safely to Suwa City. We are waiting for you!!!

🐻🤎 Montbell Club Friend Fair Yokohama 2025 🐻

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Sakuhomachi and Koumi booths!

We showcased the high-altitude Lake Shirakoma, the mysterious moss forests carpeted with moss, and Yachiho Kogen, where you can enjoy nature through all four seasons—offering a full taste of Shinshu’s great outdoors.🌲✨

We were delighted that you picked up delicious local specialties and tourism brochures.😊🤍
Sakuhomachi and Koumi in Shinshu are perfect spots for a summer cooling getaway.
We hope to meet you again amid Shinshu’s natural beauty.🌲🍁

Kotobuki-dou Confectionery
On this day, foodie Kasai followed the usual sweet aroma and dropped into Kotobuki-dou!
My host that day was Mr. Takemura. The shop has been in business for about 64 years. Kotobuki-dou is locally famous for ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka. This ankoro mochi often appears at funerals around the Suwa area. Although I was born and raised in Suwa, I’ve rarely heard of an Otsukimi (moon-viewing) tradition here. I have heard of ohagi and botamochi, though.
Foodie Kasai bought a roll cake, daifuku, and dango. The sliced roll had a gentle, high-quality fresh cream and that day it included chestnut, which made it irresistibly delicious. The daifuku had mildly sweet anko and soft mochi; each piece was bite-sized, so it’s recommended for women as well. The dango’s mitarashi glaze was perfect, coating each dumpling nicely; they’re bite-sized and easy to grab. The foodie was also tempted by the apple cake in the showcase.
It wasn’t in the showcase that day, but my gourmet mentor “Satchan” at the station information desk highly recommends the cream puffs as exceptional, so everyone should try them if they get the chance! Mr. Takemura’s top picks were ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka.


◎ Kotobuki-dou Confectionery
📍 2-1-17 Suwa, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-2555
◎ Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30
◎ Regular holidays: January 1st; irregular holidays (closed once a month)
◎ Parking: 2 spaces (one in front of the house next to the shop and the other at the very front on the right side of the parking area across the street from the shop entrance.)



Today, Gluttony Kasai went to Kotobuki-dou. Mr. Takemura introduced me to Kotobuki-dou. Kotobuki-dou is famous for ankoro mochi, dango, and salted monaka.
I saw ankoro mochi at a funeral. This regional custom persists around the Suwa area.
Also, in this area I don’t hear much about Otsukimi (moon viewing).
That day I bought daifuku, a roll cake, and dango. The roll cake wasn’t too sweet; the cream was smooth and soft. The daifuku wasn’t too sweet either and came in bite-sized portions, so it’s easy for children and women to eat. The dango were also bite-sized; the mitarashi sauce matched them perfectly. Hmmm… so good! I was curious about the apple cake too.
My gourmet mentor “Satchan” recommended the cream puffs, but they weren’t available that day. I’ll try them another day! Mr. Takemura’s recommendations are daifuku, dango, and salted monaka.


◎ Sweets place Kotobuki-dou
◎ 2-1-17 Suwa, Suwa City
☎ 0266-52-2555
◎ Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30
◎ Regular holiday: January 1st; irregular holiday (closed once a month)
◎ Parking: 2 cars (please see pictures 10 and 11)

Iron Exhibition Hall Events Information ★
[Gallery session of swordsmith Yozo Ueyama and kenshi Soichiro Abe]

This is a session by Teruhei Ueyama, a swordsmith who won the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in the sword category, and Soichiro Abe, who won the Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Award in the Grinding category!

Date: Sunday, July 6
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Participation fee∶ 500 yen (admission fee not included)

Please come and visit us ♪

Peach picking for 2025 has begun!

We offer the following two plans.
■Set plan: Pick two peaches + all-you-can-eat peaches (20 minutes) 2,500 yen per person
■All-you-can-eat only plan (20 minutes) 1,500 yen per person
*All plans above have a flat rate for ages 4 and up.
Children aged 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may enjoy the all-you-can-eat option free of charge.

Reservations are still being accepted!
For details, please see the following page.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/9784/

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿
\A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/

Event Date: Sunday, August 3

Highlights
✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳
✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶
✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢
✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️

Departure and Return Locations
・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit
・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center
➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient!

Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear
Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people)

Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧
This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱

How to Apply / Inquiries
Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales
Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00)
※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays

Please join us with your family and friends.

A morning view of Azumino with the Northern Alps in sight
Mount Jonen stands clearly visible
I imagine many climbers are pushing on toward the summit today as well
This is the view from Ohisama Road 😄

Good morning.
This is Azumino, greeting a wonderfully refreshing morning.
The Northern Alps are clearly visible.

■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 ♪