Early autumn in Gokase 🌾 Mornings and evenings have turned quite cool — actually almost cold at times 😂 The rice fields are golden and harvest has begun; you can see rice hung out to dry in places 😊 Spider lilies seem past their peak, but cosmos flowers were blooming everywhere 🌸 When I visited the cotton fields in Kuraoka, the fluffy cotton bolls had burst open 😍 I enjoyed the pleasant autumn breeze and felt the season of harvest 😆

MAUKA LANI GOAT FARM Outdoor live event announcement 🐐🎵 Saturday, October 4, 2025 An outdoor live event will take place at Mauka Lani Goat Farm (a goat ranch) in the Hirose area!! You can enjoy a special free concert featuring HIDEKATSU CHIWATA, who wrote and composed the theme song “Butter-Fly” for the popular anime Digimon Adventure, and singer-songwriter Dai Okajima! Mauka Lani Goat Farm is a goat ranch inspired by Hawaii. Goats roam freely across the spacious pasture. The shop sells unique goat cheeses, original shop goods, and Hawaiian drinks! Relax and enjoy a leisurely time in the pleasant autumn weather ✨ A shuttle bus will run from JR Nagiso Station and Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) 🚌 (one-way 1,000 yen) Please use it if you don’t have a car or are a student. To make a reservation, contact Nagiso Town Tourism Association at 0264-57-2727. For more details, please check the website.

Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Vehicles are prohibited from passing through from 10:00 to 16:00 🚗⚠ Recently, the number of cars entering the post town during the restricted hours has been increasing. This restriction is in place to protect pedestrians and the historic streetscape, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please park in the No.2 parking lot or the central parking lot along National Route 256. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

[Stay in the Countryside! Accommodation Special] Under a sky full of stars, with the scent of green 🌿 Birdsong and cold mountain streams, create nostalgic summer holiday memories in the countryside in Miyoshi. We introduce proud accommodations where you can fully enjoy nature❗ Are you the active type this summer? Or would you rather take it easy? Tell us in the comments 😊 ***************************************** Accommodations for Active Travelers [Irori Inn Kumaya] ● Check-in 15:00– ● Check-out by 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● We created a paradise for dragonflies and frogs. ● One booking per day only. [Kogane-ya, Farmstay of Dream-Eating Insects] ● Check-in in the afternoon ● Check-out in the morning ● One booking per day only ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● Sometimes we cannot answer the phone. Please leave a recorded message and we will call you back. [Country Experience Guesthouse Nanohana Batake] ● Check-in from 14:00 ● Check-out by 11:00 ● Please search for "Nanohana Batake Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● Single-person stays incur an extra charge. [Mountain Work Experience Guesthouse Kirakubo] ● Check-in from 14:00 ● Check-out by 11:00 ● Please search for "Kirakubo Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● Kitchen use fee 2,500 yen BBQ area use fee 1,500 yen ● Experience mountain work together with the owner! [Farmstay Ponmama’s Hide-and-Seek] ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. [Hoshihara Mountain School] ● Instagram @hoshihara_yamanogakko ● Check-in 15:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Please search for "Hoshihara Mountain School Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● You can camp on the schoolyard or rent the entire school building. See the Hoshihara Mountain School website for details. ● Forest excursion programs and satoyama nature games offer activities that let you fully feel nature; separate application required. ● There are two classrooms. One group per classroom. ● Maintenance cooperation fee: 100 yen per person. ***************************************** Accommodations for Relaxed Travelers [Tomishino Village] ● Instagram @tomishinosato ● Check-in 16:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● In addition to bungalows, there are 10 Japanese- and Western-style rooms at Kohjisou (shared bath and kitchen). ● On days when Tomishi Mountain Cafe is open, enjoy lunch and coffee. [Country Inn Kaze no Michi] ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 10:00 (extension 800 yen per hour) ● Reservations: 090-6837-4770 ● Pets allowed only for outdoor dogs (we have a dog room) ● BBQ sets available (bring charcoal and food) [Kusahanatoro no Yado Miyoshi Everyone’s House] ● Check-in 14:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations by email ( info@miyoshi-minnanoie.com ) or via the reservation form on the "Miyoshi Minna no Ie" official website. [Kobo-yama Experience Exchange Center Yasuragi-so] ● Check-in 15:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations: 0847-67-5211 (Coffee & Pasta Amin) 14:00–18:00 except Mondays ● Please consult if you would like meals provided. [Dream Space Kunitaya Sanso] ● Instagram @kunitayasanso ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 12:00 ● Reservations by email ※ Due to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS postings, please search the internet for "Kunitaya Sanso" and contact the site inquiry form with your desired dates. Reservations are confirmed after we contact you back. ● Bring your own ingredients. Charcoal (1,000 yen) is available for purchase. ● See the Kunitaya Sanso official website for details. For detailed accommodation introductions and reservations we post experience reports and booking information on the Miyoshi DMO official website ✨ Search "facility name, Miyoshi DMO" to check details♪ ＊………………………………………………………………….✈ [Notes] ➤ Items to bring, clothing, reservation deadlines and other requirements may vary by facility. Please check the Miyoshi DMO official website in advance. ➤ Experience contents and fees may change. If you have questions, contact each facility directly.

A scene during a walk. The red tractor is spotted. The rice planting season is coming. I took this photo because I wanted to preserve the scenery of my Township.

It becomes a wonderful scenery like houses streaming through the Paddy Field. A special scenery unique to this time of year.

Access You can reach Nagiso town mainly by JR train, local bus, or taxi. Here is information about timetables and how to ride the buses 🚌✨ You can also check the access page on the official website! Search for "Nagiso Town Tourism Association" or "Burari Nagiso" 🔍 ▶︎ Bus ・Services are infrequent, so please check the times in advance ⚠️ ・How to ride is shown from image 7 onwards ・Bus tickets are sold at the Tsumago tourist information center (for Tsumago–Magome or within the town only) ・You can pay the driver in cash when getting off (2000-yen, 5000-yen and 10,000-yen bills are not accepted) ・To avoid congestion when getting off, please buy tickets in advance whenever possible 🎫 ▶︎ Taxi Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi 🚕 Office: Tsumago First Parking Lot Hours: 7:00–19:00 (may change in winter) ※ Taxis are usually stationed at Nagiso Station ※ Outside business hours, please reserve in advance ※ During busy times it may be hard to arrange a taxi immediately, so allow plenty of time to travel here ▶︎ JR Nagiso Station — Ticket Office 🎫 Hours: 7:50–16:05 Closed: 11:10–11:30, 12:35–13:15 ※ IC cards are not supported ※ Outside business hours, board without a ticket and pay at your destination station (please take a numbered boarding ticket when boarding) ※ Credit cards are not accepted 💳❌ ※ There is only one ticket window, so it becomes very crowded in the evening. We recommend buying tickets during the quieter morning hours or in advance at another station ※ Nakatsugawa Station accepts credit card payments ※ IC cards can be used between Nakatsugawa Station and Nagoya Station ▶︎ JR Nagiso Station — Tourist Information Hours: 8:00–17:00 Closed: 11:10–11:30, 12:35–13:15 If you need help, please feel free to drop by ✨

📍Tenpaku Park (Tenpaku Kōen) Mitsuba azalea and Oshima cherry: Peak viewing Flowering peach: Buds to 50% open 📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) Cherry blossoms: Beginning to fall The weather has been fine since this morning☀️ The evening regional buses are very crowded with guests who went hiking. Buses and trains (JR Nagiso Station) do not accept IC cards or credit cards. Please purchase tickets in advance or try to travel outside peak times to help avoid congestion.

📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) For travel memories and gifts for someone special. Buy local products or artisans’ creations as proof that you visited on your own two feet. Every time you see them, the memories come flooding back—that’s the magic of souvenirs. These days people talk more about experiences than things, but cherish the spark in your heart…💗💭

Hyosetsu no Akari Festival 2025 On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the Hyosetsu no Akari Festival (Ice and Snow Lantern Festival) returns to Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)! About 600 ice candles will be lit, creating a magical scene unlike the daytime view. This year, in addition to shops open for evening business, the tourist information center will offer free pork miso soup and hot lemonade, and food stalls in front of the Fureai Hall will sell items such as fried chicken and pizza. Visitors can also enjoy colorful ice art by the Tsumago Women’s Association and an ice exhibit by local Sonan High School students. On that day, Nagiso Sightseeing Taxi will operate until 8:00 p.m. Enjoy this once-a-year lantern festival! Photographers are encouraged to enter the Kiso Tourism Federation photo contest📸✨ Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025 Time: Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Location: Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku), Nagiso town (399-5302 Azuma, Tsumago-juku, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture)

📍Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku) People made small New Year decorations called mayudama and mochibana! They decorated the vinka tree with mayudama and kumquat, and attached mochibana to bamboo. A large decoration was also placed in front of the Tsumago Tourist Information Center ♩ The decorations will remain until Setsubun on February 2. Enjoy the seasonal scenery unique to Tsumago inn ✨

📍Nakasendo This is the state of the Nakasendo (Magome Pass to Tsumago) on January 8, 2025 ❄ 1–3: Magome Pass 4: Isseki Tochi Teahouse 5: Pass Entrance 6–10: Male Falls and Female Falls 11: In front of Kooshinduka There is snow cover ❄ If you plan to walk the Nakasendo, please come prepared with full winter gear such as snow boots, gloves, a knit hat, and spare socks. In particular, take care on the pass and around Male Falls and Female Falls, where snow and ice are likely ⚠

📍Momosuke Bridge and the shopping street in front of the station Momosuke Bridge serves as a symbolic bridge of Nagiso, regularly used by local students from Sonan High School and neighborhood residents ✨ The snow-covered Momosuke Bridge looks powerful and striking. After continuous snowfall since last night, the whole town has turned into a silver world! You can enjoy the winter scenery ❄

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... 🐍✨

📍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 is tourist information for Nagiso town! Momosuke Bridge [Important Cultural Property of Japan] Momosuke Bridge (Momosukebashi) is one of Japan’s largest wooden suspension bridges spanning the Kiso River, with a total length of 247 meters and a width of 2.7 meters, and you can still walk across it. In Taisho 11 (1922), Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son‑in‑law of Yukichi Fukuzawa), known as a power magnate, built the bridge as a transport route for materials during the Kiso River hydroelectric development 🌲🚃 From Showa 25 (1950) the bridge served as a village road, greatly helping local transportation between the communities on both banks and the commuting of high school and middle school students. However, by around Showa 53 (1978) deterioration advanced and full repairs were not possible, leaving the bridge close to being lost. Because many people advocated for its preservation and use, it was restored as a modern heritage asset (a tangible cultural property of Nagiso town) together with the development of the surrounding Tenpaku Park. In Heisei 6 (1994) it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Highlights✅ - A thrilling suspension bridge built at the widest part of the Kiso River! - At the time, rails for a trolley used to transport materials ran along the center of the bridge; the restoration preserves traces of those rails so you can see them. Be sure to take a look ✨ - In spring you can also enjoy the cherry trees (Somei Yoshino) that bloom on the Nagiso Station side. On the hill of Tenpaku Park, where Momosuke Bridge stands, there is a azalea garden. Around early April about 400 azalea shrubs of six varieties, including the town flower mitsuba azalea, burst into bloom! - From the observation deck opposite the azalea garden you can view Momosuke Bridge from above. - You can go down from around the middle of Momosuke Bridge to the riverside park. - The bridge is recommended in every season. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms, mitsuba azalea, and flowering peach trees bloom together 🌸 - The bridge is lit up, so you can walk it at night. It’s also a good spot for photographing with the stars. Please take care around your feet. Access - By car: Just off Route 19, free parking in Tenpaku Park (30 spaces); 3‑minute walk from the parking lot - By JR: About a 5‑minute walk from JR Nagiso Station Note: The carp streamer (koinobori) display shown in spring photos is not currently being held.

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.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 23, the Nakasendo Tsumago inn will host a Bunka-Bunsei era procession! This annual event has taken place on November 23 since 1968 to commemorate the start of preservation efforts at Tsumago Yado. Local residents dress as samurai, courier runners, komuso (mendicant monks), and other figures to recreate the post town atmosphere of the Bunka-Bunsei period. As in past years, the procession will march along the Nakasendo from 10:30 at Watashima General Ground to 11:20 at Tsumago inn (lunch break), then resume at 13:25 and walk the Nakasendo between O-Tsumago and Tsumago. Imagine the travelers who once walked this road in the Bunka-Bunsei era and enjoy the procession. Details about the schedule and other information for the day are available on the Tsumago inn official website✅ There is no reserved space for media or photography. Please avoid blocking others and watch the procession without standing in the way. Non-participants must not join the procession. Tsumago inn remains a living community while preserving its streetscape. Please refrain from entering private property or causing disturbance. The photo shows last year’s event. It is forecast to be cold tomorrow, so please come warmly dressed 😊❄

Tadachi Washi Papermaking Experience 2024! The tradition of washi papermaking has long been passed down in the Tadachi area of Nagiso town. At one time it was an important winter side industry for farming families. Although Tadachi washi vanished for a while with the spread of Western paper, the town restored the house of Tadachi Washi in 1985 to preserve the traditional techniques and share them with many people. At the Washi House, artisans still carry on the papermaking craft today.✨ The Washi House now offers a winter-only papermaking experience! Because it uses natural materials and cold water, this is a precious experience available only in winter.👀 There are two workshop options: a postcard and a koban (oval coin) size. Why not make your own one-of-a-kind original washi paper? Period: December–March Location: Tadachi Washi House (234-2 Tadachi, Nagiso town) Inquiries: 0573-75-4910 (Washi House) ※Reservation required For details, please check the Nagiso Tourism Association website "Burari Nagiso."✨

Enjoy some time for yourself in Hokkaido! Sahoro Resort Hotel now offers mountain bike rentals and canoe experiences. Feel the fresh breeze as you cycle to Hokkaido-style landscapes near the hotel, such as Karikachi Kogen Park and Poppo no Michi, sights you can best discover by bike. You can also paddle a canoe on Shinnai Pond near Sahoro Bear Mountain. Originally developed by Indigenous people to approach game without being noticed, the canoe is a perfect way to relax and soak up Hokkaido’s great outdoors.