A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd: Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar in Yamanashi Prefecture, Yatsugatake♪🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that transcends boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets A variety of shops will be lined up✨❣️ This place, known as a power spot, will be OPEN only on this day✨ Additionally, there will be "outdoor childcare with a nursery teacher" and "breastfeeding space" available, so those with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the Sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Breastfeeding space •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd, Yamanashi Prefecture Yatsugatake♪ Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar Announcement🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 HazamaBurger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up✨❣️ This place, known as a power spot, will be OPEN only on this day✨ Additionally, the venue is equipped with "childcare by certified caregivers" and "nursing spaces," so those with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with sheep Marie and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd Announcement for Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar in Yamanashi Prefecture, Yatsugatake♪🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up✨❣️ The venue will also have "Outdoor Childcare with Nursery Staff" and "Nursing Space," so parents with small children can come with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the Sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (Rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【On May 3rd, Yamanashi Prefecture Yatsugatake♪ Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? A special bazaar held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that transcends boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Numerous shops will be lined up✨❣️ The venue will also have "childcare by certified caregivers" and "nursing space" available, so families with small children can come with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

【May 3rd at Yatsugatake, Yamanashi Prefecture ♪ Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar 🌈】 During Golden Week, why not spend a relaxing time at a church surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake? This special bazaar is held only twice a year. 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 Hazama Burger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up! ✨❣️ The venue will also have "Childcare with a Nursery Teacher on Site" and "Nursing Space," so parents with small children can come with peace of mind. You can also interact with Mary the Sheep and Isaac! ✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free 🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ I look forward to seeing you on the day! ✨

【On May 3rd, Yatsugatake in Yamanashi Prefecture♪ Announcement of Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar🌈】 How about spending a relaxing time surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake at the church during the Golden Week? This special bazaar is held only twice a year 🌈 Hokkaido Potato Chips 🌈 Hokkaido Beet Sweets 🌈 Goods created from prayers 🌈 Head Massage 🌈 Body Healing 🌈 Fortune Telling 🌈 Sacred Water from the Owl Tree 🌈 HazamaBurger that crosses boundaries 🌈 Chewy Sweets Many shops will be lined up✨❣️ Additionally, the venue is equipped with "Childcare with Nursery Staff" and "Nursing Space," so parents with small children can visit with peace of mind. You can also interact with Marie the Sheep and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 From 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM (Rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Ooizumimachi, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free 🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿️ Barrier-free restrooms, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨

A sacred sanctuary in Yatsugatake, Japan A holy place where unconditional love spreads 【May 3rd, Yamanashi Prefecture Yatsugatake ♪ Announcement for Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar 🌈】 Would you like to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the great nature of Yatsugatake during Golden Week? This special bazaar is held only twice a year. 🌈 Hokkaido potato chips 🌈 Hokkaido beet sweets 🌈 Handmade goods created from prayer 🌈 Head massage 🌈 Body healing 🌈 Spiritual readings 🌈 Sacred spring water from the Owl Tree 🌈 The boundary-crossing Hazama Burger 🌈 Soft and chewy sweets Many lovely stalls will be present✨❣️ Additionally, we have a "childcare area with a professional caregiver" and a "nursing space" available, so families with small children can come with peace of mind. You can also interact with our sheep, Mary and Isaac✨🐏 •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ ◾︎ Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 10:00 AM – around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) ◾︎ Location: 6621-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City ◾︎ Admission: Free🆓 ◾︎ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking available, ♿ Barrier-free restroom, 🍼 Nursing space available •*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆*･ﾟ•*¨*•.¸¸☆ We look forward to seeing you on the day✨ 🌈 Maria Trinity The Church Bazaar – May 3rd in Yatsugatake, Japan 🌈 Would you like to spend a relaxing time surrounded by the beautiful nature of Yatsugatake during Golden Week? This special bazaar is held only twice a year. ✨ What you can enjoy: 🌈 Hokkaido potato chips 🌈 Hokkaido beet sweets 🌈 Handmade items created through prayer 🌈 Head massage 🌈 Body healing sessions 🌈 Spiritual readings 🌈 Sacred spring water from the “Owl Tree” 🌈 The unique “Hazama Burger” 🌈 Soft and chewy sweets …and many more lovely stalls We also provide a childcare area with a professional caregiver and a nursing space, so families with small children are very welcome. You can also meet and interact with our lovely sheep, Mary and Isaac 🐏✨ ⸻ 📍 Date: May 3rd, 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – around 5:00 PM (held rain or shine) 📍 Location: Maria Trinity Church 6621-1 Nishiide, Oizumi-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi, Japan 🔗 Map: Search for “Maria Trinity Church” on Google. 🎟 Admission: Free 🅿️ Parking available ♿ Barrier-free restroom 🍼 Nursing space available ⸻ We are looking forward to seeing you there ✨

Today's Observatory This morning's lowest temperature in Nobeyama was -15.5°C, the second coldest in the country. The sky is clear, and Yatsugatake is showing its full blue. Last year, the NAOJ Nobeyama Observatory was bustling with pilgrimages, but it has now returned to quiet. I remember with fondness the time a year ago when we nervously debated various measures, wondering, “Will people really come in droves?” If you couldn't take a leisurely tour of the observatory back then, now is a good time to visit—it's still a bit chilly, though.

Honzawa Onsen in Yatsugatake is Japan’s highest open-air bath. Autumn’s chill and mist make the mountain silence stand out. Rugged rock faces and trees turning golden, and an old sign that has watched over many climbers, create the scene. Walking, barely dressed and shivering to reach the bath, I felt the warmth of human kindness.

[Stargazing Photography Workshop Held on November 24] Aiming to introduce the beauty of Minamimaki Village’s night sky to local residents, we held a village-residents-only stargazing photography workshop on Monday, November 24 at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan NOBEYAMA. Thanks to photographer Teruyasu Kitayama’s instruction on shooting techniques and the generous loan of a high-performance camera from OM Digital Solutions Corporation, even an amateur like me was able to take beautiful night-sky photos. The air is clear and it’s a perfect season for astrophotography, but Minamimaki Village’s cold is in a league of its own—please come warmly dressed.

I climbed Yatsugatake's main peak, MtAkadake (2,899 m), via Kenkai Ridge while also inspecting the trail. It was my first time on Kenkai Ridge at this season. From around Daitengu, the path turned snowy and shaded sections were icy and very slippery. I put on chain spikes for the descent. The weather was perfect, but strong west winds made the summit cold. It already felt like winter up there, and the mountain hut is closed at this time of year. Hikers should take care. Climbing Kenkai Ridge in the deep winter is extremely dangerous; there have been recent fatal accidents. If you plan to climb, do so in the snow-free season.

Nobeyama Highlands Today This morning the lowest temperature at Nobeyama Highlands was -7.0°C, the third coldest in the country. The sky has been clear since dawn, showcasing full Yatsugatake blue. Yatsugatake received its first snowfall of the season over this three-day weekend. The maple trees in front of Nobeyama Station are in peak autumn color, and along Route 141 through the village the yellow foliage is at its height.

Have you seen the Minamimaki Village logo? When I first saw it, I thought, "What is this?", but this logo actually has a meaningful design. Against a backdrop featuring Yatsugatake (Mt. Akadake, Mt. Yokodake, and Mt. Ioudake), the symbol of Minamimaki Village, and a star motif representing the beautiful night sky of Nobeyama Highlands—one of Japan’s three best stargazing spots—the village name "minamimakimura" is expressed as "mmm." I find it to be a very well-crafted logo. We would be delighted if you used this mark in various situations to help promote Minamimaki Village! Anyone may freely use it as long as they follow the usage rules. However, prior approval is required for commercial sales. For details, please see below. https://www.minamimakimura.jp/main/mmmlogo.html...

【Today's Nobeyama Highlands】 Although the country is experiencing a nationwide heatwave today, the usually cool Nobeyama Highlands has reached 28°C by noon. With the sun exceptionally strong, please take thorough measures against heat and sunburn before you come.

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 🫡

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.

[About JR Nobeyama Station Ticket Counter Operations] From April 2025, Minamimaki Village has taken over the ticket counter operations at Nobeyama Station, and Minamimaki Village Promotion Corporation handles the day-to-day work. As a result, the ticket counter hours are as follows; please take note when using the service. <Closed days>Every Tuesday and Wednesday Note: In addition to the days above, the counter may close suddenly. <Business hours>9:00 AM–4:30 PM Note: The counter will be closed from 12:50 PM–1:30 PM and from 2:30 PM–2:50 PM during these hours. <Tickets available for purchase>JR line fare tickets, unreserved limited express tickets, student commuter passes, commuter passes Note: Reserved-seat limited express tickets for the Azusa, Shinkansen reserved-seat limited express tickets, reserved-seat tickets for services such as the Rapid High Rail, and similar reserved-seat tickets cannot be purchased. <Other notes> ・You cannot charge Suica. ・Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted, so please prepare cash. ・There is no ticket vending machine, so on closed days and outside business hours please take a numbered boarding ticket when boarding.

Lake Smoking in the Fog Shirakoma Pond in Kita Yatsugatake, the fresh greenery season is relatively quiet, unlike the Autumn leaves season. The foggy lake is fantastic.

Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Yamanashi trees at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Nobeyama Highlands, pure white flowers bloom. Yatsugatake with residual snow, blue sky and white clouds, fresh greenery green and yellow dandelions herald the arrival of Spring on the Highlands. The flowering of the Yamanashi tree is in May.

Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake In Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands, dandelion flowers bloom in the fresh greenery meadow, and the remaining snow of Yatsugatake is beautiful

Spring Highlands In Spring at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands, dandelions bloom in the meadows and the remaining snow of Yatsugatake is beautiful

Yatsugatake dyed in the Sunrise Morgenroth of Yatsugatake seen from the Yatsugatake Observation decks Shishiiwa on a winter morning At sunrise, it turns red from the top of the mountain, and as the sun rises, it gradually turns toward the base.

Nobeyama Highlands Today This morning’s lowest temperature in Nobeyama was −13.2°C, and the daytime high reached 4.4°C, creating a temperature gap of more than 20°C. More than the numbers suggest, it felt warm and springlike today. This kind of weather looks set to continue this week, but snow is forecast again next week. Come on, spring—hurry and arrive!

Snowy Morning Morning of the snowy scenery of Takizawa Farm at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Nobeyama Highlands The silver Yatsugatake and fresh snow-covered meadows are beautiful

The Koumi Line at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake The JR Koumi Line is a Highlands line car that runs at the highest elevation point in Japan. On the line connecting Kobuchizawa Station on the JR Chuo Main Line to Komoro Station on the Shinano Railway The section from Kobuchizawa Station to Shinano Kawakami Station goes at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake The view from the Car window is also beautiful in the Highlands row Car section Between Kiyosato Station and Nobeyama Station on the way Elevation there is a 1375m JR Railway Highest point crossing and Nobeyama Station is the railway station at 1345.67m, the highest elevation in Japan. The photo is in Goshodaira between Nobeyama Station and Shinano Kawakami Station I took a picture of the small sea line going at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.

This is the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Yatsugatake Higashiyama It is a highlands where the silver Yatsugatake spreads out in front of you