Minase Shrine Address: 3-10-24 Hirose, Shimamotocho, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture Nearest Station: Minase Station [East Exit], 12 minutes on foot Parking: Available, free Set in a beautiful landscape, the shrine features a guest hall built in the Shoin-zukuri style of the Momoyama period, a main hall established in the early Edo period, and the tea room known as Tōshintei. National treasures and important cultural properties related to Retired Emperor Go-Toba are also preserved here. Located north of the sacred gate, the roof is designed in the irimoya style, with sangawara roofing, wooden latticework on the gable, and umebachi kakegyo decorations. Built during the Taisho era, the front of the stone basin is inscribed with "dedicatory wash basin" (Hono Kansou), and the side is engraved with "Kosha". This water was selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Waters in Japan" by the Ministry of the Environment in 1985, being the only one in Osaka Prefecture. At the water collection area within Minase Shrine, many people visit daily from early morning to collect water, and there are constant reports of improvements in conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The shrine is cherished by many, and preservation activities are actively conducted.

2026 Limited this summer! 'Azumino Summer Vegetable Curry' An original curry made with fresh and delicious summer vegetables from Azumino! Available at 13 local restaurants. Serving period: until Monday, August 31, 2026 *Please note that the availability may change depending on each restaurant's situation. This time, we introduce 【Toyoshina Bandoko】 The dish is called 'Vegetable Curry Set' *This is a weekday lunch menu exclusive! Using fresh local vegetables, it offers a rich flavor that perfectly balances umami, sweetness, and spiciness. Additionally, it comes with a soft-boiled egg, making it the ultimate combination with the creamy yolk in the curry! Besides the curry, it includes soba, salad, and a hot spring egg in this value menu. Another recommended dish is the Shinshu specialty 'Otouji Soba.' Unlike many places that serve it in large pots for two or more, you can order it from just one serving. The restaurant is a long-established establishment located in a robust old house from the late Edo period, offering soba made with Azumino's famous water and local ingredients in its traditional cuisine. ----------------- Store Information ----------------- Toyoshina Bandoko 【Address】 5703-16 Toyoshina, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8205 About a 9-minute walk from Toyoshina Station on the JR Oito Line 【Phone】 0263-72-6767 【Business Hours】 Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (L.O) Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (L.O) 【Closed】 Mondays (open for lunch only on holidays) 【Parking】 Parking available For the latest information, please check with the restaurant. Don't forget to like and save for future reference!

Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakedo Item Number: F380801 Title: Hinode Hansen zu Fuchikashira Signature: Hidetoshi (kao) Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira - Height 38mm, Width 22.5mm, Height of Waist 13.4mm Head - Height 33mm, Width 16.5mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Omori School Explanation The Omori School is a prestigious school alongside the Ishiguro and Yanagawa schools within the Yokotani lineage, founded by Eishou who trained under Yokoya Somin, and it flourished with the second generation, Hidetoshi. Hidetoshi Omori was born in Sendai and became a disciple of Hidetoshi Omori. He was the son of Ichigyokusai Eichi and adopted the name Eichi for the second generation, but received the character 'Hidetoshi' from Hidetoshi, changing his name to Hidetoshi. He is a skilled craftsman specializing in dragon and lion motifs in the Omori style. This piece also features Yokotani-style sand inlay, showcasing the characteristic craftsmanship of the Omori School.

Kodai Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 14, 2026 The Kodai Fire Festival will take place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The lights of the kodai (small torches) will emerge fantastically from the area around Harajiri Falls, illuminating the Ogata Plains. 【Event Date】Friday, August 14, 2026 ※Postponed by one day in case of bad weather 【Location】Around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata Plains ※Traffic regulations will be enforced from 18:30 on the 14th. Please follow the instructions of the staff. 【Ignition Time】19:30, simultaneous ignition 【Number of Lights】Approximately 10,000 【Flame Sculpture Exhibition】 Around the venue, local residents will create unique torii gates and stone bridges with torches, showcasing their beauty in a competition. 【Contact for Event Inquiries】 Ogata Branch, Bungoono City, Phone: 0974-42-2111 Harajiri Falls Roadside Station Co., Ltd., Phone: 0974-42-4140 ❚ What is the Kodai Fire Festival? A traditional event passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to be related to the memorial for the Bon festival, the wish for a good rice harvest, and the memorial for victims of uprisings that occurred during the Edo period.

The former Satsuma Village chief's house – Shibuya Family Residence, a nationally registered tangible cultural property – Located in Nakazatsuma 1-chome, Kamagaya City, the Shibuya Family Residence is the birthplace of Shibuya Sōji, an important figure of the Akahōtai during the late Edo period. The Shibuya family has served as village chiefs for generations since the mid-Edo period, and their residence is a grand building befitting of a chief. The main house, built exactly 200 years ago in 1826 (Bunsei 9), is the oldest existing building in the city. Its large floor plan and tall roof make it a standout in the Satsuma District. The roof features thatched roofing covered with iron plates shaped like tiles, and upon entering and looking up at the ceiling, one can still see the thatch from the Edo period. A notable feature of the Shibuya Family Residence is that the main layout has remained unchanged since its construction. The entrance hall for welcoming guests, along with the inner rooms known as Nakano-ma and Oku-no-ma, have hardly been altered and retain their original appearance. The Tokonoma (alcove), display shelves, and attached writing alcove in Oku-no-ma have also not been remodeled, creating a space of high formality. The sturdy pillars, beams, and the kamidana (household shrine) in the living room still reflect the original construction, showcasing the traditional farmhouse layout that has continued since the Edo period. The Shibuya family possesses a "house layout diagram" drawn in 1848 (Kaei 1). This valuable document not only depicts the layout of the house but also includes images of the storehouse, shed, and household deity, conveying the conditions of the late Edo period. The fact that both the building and the diagram have been preserved together is extremely valuable. Comparing the diagram with the current state reveals that the land divisions are accurately depicted, and the layout of the buildings remarkably matches the current floor plan. The building has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has been continuously inhabited, evidencing the Shibuya family's dedication to preserving this home. Furthermore, it retains the traditional landscape of a settlement built along the base of a plateau facing the highway. The depiction of the plateau in the diagram reflects the original scenery of the Satsuma settlement that still exists today. Over the years, the Shibuya Family Residence has suffered some damage. Future plans include preservation and repair work, seismic reinforcement, and renovations for community use, aiming to develop it into a place of relaxation for the region. For more details, please check the city’s website! 【Cultural and Sports Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/sibuyakemaruya.html...

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

Introduction to Tsuba from Wakeido Item Number E380612 Title Kabu Sukashi Tsuba Sign Mumei Yagyu Certification [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Size Length 68mm Width 62mm Thickness 5.5mm Period First to middle of Edo School Yagyu Description Yagyu Tsuba is said to have been produced under the guidance of Yagyu Ren'ya Saiken, who served as the instructor to Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain. It is said that only those who were taught the essence of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu received this tsuba, making it highly sought after by samurai of the Owari domain during the Edo period. The motifs often suggest martial arts, and the shape is slightly smaller with a thicker layering. The iron texture tends to be somewhat rough, featuring angular ears with patterned iron bones. This piece is also compact with thick layering, displaying layers at the ears, exemplifying the typical Yagyu Tsuba.

The local sake 'Daisekkei' is beloved in Azumino. This regional sake features a rich flavor and crisp dryness, using meltwater from the Northern Alps as its brewing water. From everyday favorites enjoyed during casual evening drinks to high-class varieties highly rated at tasting competitions, there is a wide selection available. At the directly managed store 'Hanamon Daisekkei,' which has been renovated from an old traditional house from the late Edo period, you can enjoy tastings and shopping in a calm atmosphere.

Shiojiri-juku Location: Shiojiri City, Shiojirimachi The old Nakasendo route that crossed Misawa Pass, Ono-juku and Ushikubi Pass from Shimosuwa-shuku was abolished in 1613 (Keichō 18). From 1614 (Keichō 19) the Nakasendo was rerouted via Shiojiri Pass and the new Shiojiri-juku was established. The town layout work was overseen by Ogasawara Hidemasa, lord of Matsumoto Domain. He laid out the new Shiojiri-juku in an east–west plan southwest of the old post town. The honjin was one of the largest on the Nakasendo, and the post town also featured a noticeboard area and a Matsumoto Domain checkpoint. Plots in the post town were typically three to four ken wide. By 1843 (Tenpō 14) the town had 166 households, including 75 inns — the largest number among the 26 post towns of Shinshu, due to its position at a road junction below Shiojiri Pass. Major fires in 1828 (Bunsei 11) and 1882 (Meiji 15) destroyed much of the town, but the Ono family house, a National Important Cultural Property, still evokes the town’s former appearance.

[Torii Pass - toriitoge-] Overview A roughly 6 km mountain trail linking Narai inn on the Kiso Kaido with Yabuhara inn. In the Edo period it was famous as one of the Nakasendo’s toughest stretches, a place that made straw-sandalled travelers limp with pain. Today it is a popular, atmospheric trekking route. Hikers from Japan and abroad walk this pass in large numbers. From the summit you can look west to Mitakesan and east to Kiso Komagatake. Along the old road you will find numerous haiku and waka monuments and stone Buddhas, including those honoring Matsuo Bashō. The pass saw battles between the Kiso clan and the Takeda clan in the Sengoku era, and in the late Edo period Princess Kazunomiya passed through here on her marriage procession. Free loan of hinoki conical hats and bear bells! This service lets walkers experience the look of Edo-period travelers, especially those walking between Yabuhara and Narai on the Nakasendo. The traditional original hinoki (cypress) hats, hand-painted with kanji, make perfect travel companions and evoke the spirit of Edo travelers. They’re great for the experience and for photo opportunities. What is a hinoki hat? A hinoki hat is one of Kiso region’s traditional crafts. It remains popular with locals and visitors as a practical fashion item and as a sunshade that traces its roots to the Edo period. How to try them You can try them at the tourist information centers listed below. We refund the full deposit when you return the items. ⚠ The deposit will not be refunded if the item is lost or damaged. (Items may be wet without issue.) Loan locations: ① Narai-juku Tourist Information Center ② Yabuhara-juku Nigiwai Hiroba Enkan ③ Kiso Village Tourist Information Center Addresses: ① 497-3 Narai, Shiojiri City ② 1019-1 Yabuhara, Kiso village ③ Lot 196, Yabuhara, Kiso village TEL: ① 0264-34-3160 ② 0264-36-3020 ③ 0264-36-2543 Opening hours: ① 9:00–17:00 ② 8:30–17:00 ③ 9:00–17:00 Closed: ① During the New Year holidays ② Every Tuesday ③ Every Monday Refundable deposit: 2,000 yen per item Payment method: Cash only

Gohbara-juku (Gohbara-juku) Location: Gohbara, Hirooka, Shiojiri City Gohbara-juku was the first post town on the Zenkoji Kaido after it branched from the Nakasendo at Seba-juku. It was established in Keicho 19 (1614) when Hidemasa Ogasawara, lord of Matsumoto Castle, developed the Zenkoji Kaido (the Hokuriku side route) to connect Nakasendo’s Seba-juku with the Hokkokukaido. Rather than an existing settlement becoming the post town, Gohbara’s original village lay on the east bank of the Narai River in the Ueno land division. When the post station was laid out, the settlement was moved around Genna 5 (circa 1619) to its present site together with the Kataishi hamlet, which had been on the west bank, to create the new post town. Highlights of Gohbara-juku Houses were laid out with wide frontages of five to six ken, featuring main gabled roofs with the short side facing the street and sparrow deterrents on the ridges. Each house has a forecourt with planted trees, creating an attractive streetscape, and shop names are displayed at every residence. Sōetsu Yanagi, called the father of the mingei (folk craft) movement, praised Gohbara-juku in his essays, saying the entire post town was “a single splendid work of art.” On the north side of the post town stands Gofuku-ji, which served as a resting place for Emperor Meiji during his imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). Read more about the Nakasendo and the five post towns in the city here↓

Motoyama-juku (Motoyama-juku) Location: Shiojiri City, Soga Honzan Motoyama prospered as the gateway to Kiso Road and the exit from the Matsumoto Plain. Two-story houses with latticework fronts line the streets, preserving a strong sense of the past. The town is also introduced as the birthplace of sobakiri (cut buckwheat noodles). In Keicho 19 (1614), Shiojiri, Seba, and Motoyama were designated as new post towns on the Nakasendo. Unlike Shiojiri and Seba, which were formed by relocating people from neighboring villages, Motoyama developed from a medieval settlement. It was the 32nd station counting from Edo, situated 30 cho from Seba Post Town and 2 ri from Niegawa Inn (Niegawa-juku). The post town divided into Kamimachi to the south and Shimomachi to the north, with the honjin, wakimotonjin, and dispatch office at its center. South of the town stood Hachiman Shrine, Choukyuuji, and Joukouji; to the north was Suwa Shrine, and across the Narai River lay Ikeo Shrine, though some temples were later abandoned. Because Motoyama bordered the Owari Domain in Kiso, a checkpoint was located south of the town to inspect women and timber. In Tenpo 14 (1843) the town had 117 households and 34 inns. Compared with Seba Post Town’s three-ken frontage, many houses in Motoyama had four- to five-ken facades. The town suffered several great fires, but surviving buildings date from the late Edo to Meiji periods. Facing the street, they feature hirairi degekata construction and second-floor rooms with senbon-koshi lattices, retaining much of the post town atmosphere. Notably, three residences built around the Meiji era—the Akiyama Family (Wakamatsuya), the Tanaka Family (Ikeda family), and the Kobayashi Family (Kawaguchi Family)—are registered tangible cultural properties of Japan. The honjin, Kobayashi residence, hosted Princess Kazunomiya, daughter of Emperor Ninkō, when she married Tokugawa Iemochi in Bunkyū 1 (1861), and it later accommodated the Meiji Emperor during his tour in Meiji 13. Each house still carries its traditional shop name, offering a glimpse into the past. The town’s specialty is soba. A note by Unrin in Hōei 3 (1706) in the miscellany Fūzoku Bunsen records Motoyama as the birthplace of sobakiri. Historic sites include the Motoyama Castle Ruins on a small hill behind the town, said to have been guarded by the Motoyama Minbu branch of the Kiso clan; Ike no Gongen (Ikeo Shrine), known for votive plaques for rain rituals, sericulture, and eye disease cures, whose shrine grove is a Shiojiri City natural monument; and the Shitamachi Stone Figure Group, featuring Dosojin, Koshin stone monuments, and inscribed tablets. For articles on the Nakasendo and the city’s five post towns, click here↓

The Nakasendo and Five Post Towns within Shiojiri City Along the Nakasendo, there were 69 post towns stretching from Nihombashi in Edo to Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. Although the Shiojiri area had more hills and slopes than the Tokaido, travelers could keep to their planned schedules because prolonged delays caused by river closures were rare. Within Shiojiri, the Nakasendo included five post towns: Shiojiri-juku, Seba-juku, Motoyama-juku, Niekawa-juku, and Narai-juku. 1. Shiojiri-juku (the 30th station from Nihombashi) Shiojiri-juku stood on the border between the Matsumoto and Suwa domains. A checkpoint called the kuchidome-bansho, which inspected rice and prohibited goods, was established there. Honjin and waki-honjin served officials on sankin-kotai, and by the late shogunate period the number of inns ranked second on the Nakasendo and first in Shinano. 2. Seba-juku (the 31st station from Nihombashi) Seba-juku lies at the fork between the Nakasendo and the Zenkoji Kaido. It hosted one of the Nakasendo’s three kanmearisho, offices that measured grain. A great fire in the early Showa era destroyed much of the post town’s appearance, but a stone lantern marking the old fork remains. 3. Motoyama-juku (the 32nd station from Nihombashi) Said to be the birthplace of soba-kiri noodles, Motoyama-juku prospered as the gateway to Kiso and the exit of the Matsumoto Basin. Its honjin accommodated Princess Kazunomiya when she married Tokugawa Iemochi, and later served as lodgings during Emperor Meiji’s imperial tour in Meiji 13 (1880). 4. Niekawa-juku (the 33rd station from Nihombashi) Niekawa-juku marks the entrance to the eleven post towns of the Kiso Road. Niekawa Sekisho checkpoint guarded this key transport chokepoint on the Nakasendo, and the town developed through lodging services and long-distance trade. 5. Narai-juku (the 34th station from Nihombashi) Famed as “Narai Senken” with a thousand bustling shops in its heyday, Narai-juku still preserves much of its historical atmosphere and today draws many visitors as a popular tourist destination.

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.

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

In the past, there were "round-table discussions" and "historical walking tours" in the Tomi City Yoshizu area, where Azusa kamiko (priestesses) called "Nonou" who were said to be the "Village priestesses of No.1 in Japan" and who traveled around the world gathered. Local residents' volunteers held the "Nishinomiya-ri Development Association," which was attended by 15 people from inside and outside the prefecture, including history buffs and tourism officials. "In the Spring, a group of several to several dozen priestesses, led by the Shinto ritual Maitao, set out on a tour from Nonou Alley, and they divined their worries, sufferings, and wishes in the village where they toured," says Hirofumi Shinohara, secretary of the association. He is the "descendant family of the Shinto ritual Maitao (owner of Nishinomiya Shrine)", and Ancient documents are handed down to the house, and researchers who visit from all over the country and people who admire Nonou are accepted and visited to guide the history of the area. 　Four years ago, I held a walking priestess tour in Pre, and this is the second time. 　In March of this year, he published "Nonou's Picture Book" in order to let Local children know about it. At a roundtable discussion held at the Community Center, Mr. Shinohara said, "I would like to broaden my horizons and experience the history and culture of Jozu with Nonou." He explained his involvement with Sengoku Warlords such as Takeda Shingen, and how the area was spun by people such as the Sanada clan, Yamabushi, and Nonou of Yuzu while playing an active role. 　He also spoke about the endemic nature of Yoshizu, saying, "There were many things related to women, such as being kind to women, and there were a variety of livelihoods." Tyler Lynch, the young husband of Tokura Kamiyamada Hot Spring "Ryokan Kamekiyo," who participated in the event, said, "It is very interesting from a European and Rice perspective. Ms. Shinohara said, "There is no historical record that the priestess had a Gari of espionage activities or that she was acting as a female ninja, but since she was in a position to travel around the country and see and hear various Information, how she used it is Squid world of imagination." Kazuo Hayakawa, secretary general of the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association, said, "I hope people will learn about the culture of Yoshitsu Village. There is also a culture where Nishinomiya and Higashimachi compete with each other." The historical walking tour was led by Mr. Shinohara and guided by Local officials such as Hiroaki Igarashi and Mr. Hayakawa of Jotsuin. After visiting Nonou's grave, the ruins of the mansion, the alley of Nonou, and the Nishinomiya Shrine, Mr. Shinohara "cleansed his body by bathing in cold Water at this well (the ruins of the mansion)." At the Nishinomiya Shrine, "I used to watch my grandfather printing bills until I was in junior high school." 　At Kanai alley, he said, "You can see Mt. Misaki from here, Mr. Kanai was in charge of the Mt. Mijayama Festival, and there were priestesses and priestesses among the hospitality, and they offered the deer caught on Mt. Misaki to the gods." Visiting the site of the Jotsu-in temple opened by Mr. Yoshitsu under the guidance of Sumitomo Igarashi. 　At the gravesite of the Yoshitsu clan, we learned about Roux and the face of the falconer sect, and the falconry ritual of the Suwa faith. 　In addition to this, we also visited the Maiden River, the megalith of the princess, the Nishinomiya Kabuki Stage, and the Higashimachi Kabuki Stage. Mayumi Castro Kagura, a priestess and writer from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "I've been interested in Yoshitsu for the past two years and have been coming here frequently. Kaori Yamazaki, a participant from Nagano City, said, "I have walked since I participated in the Walking Priestess Tour four years ago, and this is a good opportunity to listen to the explanations, so I hope it will continue in the future." Yu Takizawa, who participated from Sugadaira Highlands in Ueda City, said, "I'm planning a walking priestess tour with my friends, and I want to dress up as a priestess and walk while thinking about it." On July 7th, the members who participated this time will take the lead in holding the "Walking Priestess Tour" of the Yoshitsu Historical Walk. 　Under the guidance of Mr. Takizawa, the Traditional Culture Study Group groups, and under the guidance of Mr. Tyler, the "Ninja Project groups" will tour Yuzu. < Historical Notes> ◇ Nonou's tour of countries: Emotional support for the common people 　As a mediator between gods and people, Nonou performed "mouth-to-mouth" activities such as ringing the azusa bow and conveying oracles. 　It supported the spirit of the common people from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. The warlord also borrowed Nonou's mouth to obtain a prophecy of victory from the gods, alleviating the fear of death and giving him confidence of victory. 　In the Edo period, the largest number of nonou lived in the Village of Akizu, and there were about 50 nonou houses. With the approval of the Edo shogunate's temple and shrine magistrates, the Saiai Shinto Shinto ritual Maitao and Nonou, who presided over Azusa Jinko, formed a caravan and were able to tour the countries freely. 　In the Meiji era, activities were banned by the religious policy of the new government, and many sought new ways of life, such as closing businesses or immigrating. ◇Minamoto of Nonou Historical soil of Akizu 　As for why priestesses gathered in the Village of Yoshitsu, according to Higashimomachi magazines and magazines, it is considered that the land of Yoshitsu has been a soil for accepting priestesses since ancient times, and place names and remnants related to women and Shinto ritual. 　Tradition reminiscent of the origins of Nonou and the historical climate of Yoshitsu are listed in chronological order. 　▽ From the Kofun period to the Nara period, the central power advanced into the area, and the culture of the ancient center flourished in this area 　▽ The changes in place names that remain in ancient times (Umino Township→ Miss Village→ Maiden Township → Umino Sho) are place names that indicate the local character that has a deep relationship with "Yubu" in ancient times, and the figure of Yube, the priestesses who participated in the requiem Shinto ritual of performing Kagura dances and playing divine spirits, comes to mind 　▽ From the end of the Heian period to the beginning of the Edo period, the Shino clan of the Yoshitsu clan made a name for themselves as the best falconers in the eastern part of the country, and there are many secret traditions among the falconers, and shamanism can be seen in them. 　▽ The Yoshitsu clan is strongly associated with medieval Suwa, and the local characters "Mijakuyama", Iwai-do, and Kanai alley that remain in the former Akizu Village convey the faces of the Mijayama Shinto ritual (hunting Shinto ritual) that the Yoshitsu clan would have performed as a clan of the Suwa no kami clan. Mt. Misaki is a hunting ground, and Iwai-do is a remnant of a place (celebration hall) for divine festivals. Kanai alley is a place name that conveys the place of residence of the Kanai clan, who served as a deer priest who prepared dishes to be offered to the gods, and who served as a large city official who dedicated kagura at festivals and conveyed divine proclamations.　▽ During the Sengoku period, Chiyo Mochizuki, who was appointed as the head priestess (priestess) of both Kai and Shinano by a shuin stamp letter from Takeda Shingen, relied on her connections and settled in Yuzu Village. 　▽ In the Edo period, Yoshitsu was the main flag, so it was easy for Nonou and others to work and the backing of the shogunate. Toshin Journal electronic version2025-6-29 12:32 Theme: Quoted from Toumi News No.1 in Japan's Most Walking Priestess Village Picture book of "Yuzu no U"　 Planning and Publication: Nishinomiya Village Development Association (Nonou Research Group) Text: Hirofumi Shinohara Illustration: Hitoshi Maruyama Phone for Contact: 090-8509-5859 (Mr. Shinohara)

📍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.

I went ❣️ to "Arimatsu", a town that is Located inside Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture but retains the faces of the Edo period Arimatsu was a teahouse settlement between Chiryu no Shuku and Narumi inn inn on the former Tokaido Highway that connected Edo and Kyoto, and flourished as a tie-dye production area, and was the perfect place ❣️ for a kimono trip It is a wonderful town where you can touch the atmosphere of the Edo period. I was 😃 exposed to a lot of cultural techniques and things in Japan, such as facilities where you can experience tie-dyeing, museums, and merchant's houses

I went ❣️ to the Kurashiki Bikan area of Okayama Prefecture to see [Spring Night Light] In the Kurashiki Bikan district, the historic cityscape and rich Nature are in perfect harmony, and the buildings that retain the face of the Edo period are lined up, and the scenery along the river is particularly beautiful Squid ❣️ Light up of Japanese umbrellas along the river was very cool and beautiful ❣️ The willow trees and small boats also gave me 😃 a strong sense of the faces of the Edo period

Nakatsukendo Ichirizuka — 51 ri from Edo The snow has finally melted, and I was able to go 😊 The ichirizuka at Karasawa, Wada, Nagawacho still preserves two large mounds on either side of the road. These mounds were built as landmarks for travelers along the Nakasendo. It’s a very atmospheric spot that evokes the past.

A samurai diver is born! ?️ When I asked ChatGPT to make a group photo of divers in the Edo period, I was able to create 😅 something like this Everyone's face is a little scary, but it's funny 😂 Maybe people in the past used to dive like this...? 🤔 If there had been Scuba Diving in the Edo period, I wonder what style it would have been! What kind of Japanese-style diving gear would you make? 👘 ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Dousojin along the Nakasendo in Wada, Nagawacho Along the Nakasendo in the Wada Area, you can see several dousojin 😊 Are those children enjoying a shishimai dance...? Their faces are so adorable 🥰💕

Nakasendo Ichirizuka — Fifty ri from Edo An ichirizuka monument stands at Kajiashi Intersection in Wada, Nagawacho. The nearby stone stele reads, “Left: Matsuzawa Footpath · Right: Suwa Kaido.” The right is the old Nakasendo. The 51st ri mound is located in Karasawa, Wada, Nagawacho, and the earthen mounds that once lined both sides of the road still survive.

📍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…💗💭

Nakasendo Ichirizuka Milestone: Forty-nine ri from Edo A monument marks the site of an ichirizuka milestone between Nagawacho Nagakubo-juku and Wada-juku. Beside it stands a haiku stone inscribed with the kigo “Mt. Asama.” Still, the charming little house-shaped building behind the ichirizuka monument catches my eye...🙄 For reference, the fiftieth ri mound sits in Wada, Nagawacho, and the forty-eighth ri mound is in neighboring Tateshina Town.

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 ✨

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Suigo Sawara Tourism Association. Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, located in the northeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, is a town that flourished as a transit point for water transportation on the Tone River. There is a history of developing the culture transmitted from Edo as Sawara's unique culture. The remnants of the traditional Traditional Japanese straw raincoat of that time still remain along the Ono River Coast and Katori Kaido, and you can experience the atmosphere of good old Japan In December 1996 (Heisei 8), it was selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" for the first time in the Kanto region. It is also known as the town where Ino Tadataka, who created the map of Japan during the Edo period, lived. ◆Introduction of sightseeing spots in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇ Katori Jingu Shrine It is the Sohonzan of about 400 Katori Shrines throughout Japan. In the vast Precincts called Katori Forest, there are sacred cedar trees and old cedars with a circumference of about 10 meters that are 1,000 years old. During the season when hundreds of cherry trees are in bloom, many cherry blossom viewers visit. ◇Suwa Shrine It is a shrine located on a Hilltop, a 5-minute walk from Sawara Station, and enshrines the god of industrial development, the god of wisdom, and the god of God of higher education. The Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival, held every year in October, features 14 festival floats parade through the town. ◇Townscape of Sawara Buildings from the Edo period still remain in the town, and 13 buildings designated as prefectural designated cultural properties are lined up along the Ono River and along the Katori Kaido. It is a reminder of the lively life of the merchants of the past. ◇Roadside Station Mizu no Sato Sawara Popular agricultural products from Products from Sawara are lined up. Processing products and specialty products using local products are also popular as souvenirs. Served at local "SPF pork" tonkatsu, curry and Udon noodles at the food court, which is lined with four shops. ◇Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum Ino Tadataka, who surveyed and walked around Japan during the Edo period and created the first measured map of Japan, lived and worked in Sawara. Ino Tadataka Memorial Museum is a Museum whose achievements can be traced. The 2,345 documents left by Ino Tadataka are designated as National Treasures. ◇Koedo Sawara Boat Tour The boat tour, where you can see the historic townscape of Sawara, allows you to spend a relaxing time while immersing yourself in the history of Sawara. It takes about 30 minutes, and you can also enjoy a Boatman's guide. ◆Specialty products of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ The fertile soil of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, nurtures a variety of agricultural products such as rice, Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwifruit, carrots, and green onions. These fresh flavors enrich the food culture of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. ◆Festivals and Events in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ ◇Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival The Sawara Grand Festival Summer Festival, held every year in July, is the Gion Festival at Yasaka Shrine, which has a history of 300 years, and the Sawara Grand Festival Autumn Festival, held every year in October, is the Gion Festival at Suwa Shrine. There are 10 festival float cars for the summer festival and 14 for the autumn festival, parade the town. The festival float is decorated with Japanese One of the largest dolls with Made-up story such as carp and falcon, and weighs 3 to 4 tons and is 7 meters high It is called one of the three major float festivals in Kanto's 3 major float festivals, and is also designated as an important Intangible folk cultural asset of Japan. ◆Charm of Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture◆ Enjoy the cityscape where you can feel like you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. In Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, feel the history, nature and culture. Best regards at COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended information on Sawara, Katori City!

📍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 ⚠

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... 🐍✨