October 4, 2025 Kami-Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll 2025 On that day, a major event took place in Suwa: “Kami-Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along the route from Kami-Suwa Station, within about 1 km along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2-chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sake. This year, a hinoki masu (cypress sake cup) and a participant sticker worn on the left chest functioned as the festival passport, creating an event where guests could enjoy the aroma of hinoki along with fine sake. Tickets were limited to 3,000, and popularity was so high that they sold out by September 14—half a month earlier than last year. This time, foodie Kasai couldn’t make it to the site… but a staff member from the same association kindly provided photos! Local restaurants once again showcased their skills with snack stalls, and neighborhood groups offered their own stalls as well!!! Although it rained on the day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Suwachao was bustling. The town began to liven up ahead of the pedestrian zone opening at 12:00, and by the official start at 13:00 lines formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their favorite labels. The opening featured greetings from the mayor of Suwa City and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, followed by the local traditional kiyari work songs, which marked the start of the Sake Stroll. Afterward, the kiyari performers walked along the Kaido, responding to requests and continuing their songs until about 17:00. From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Stall lines were huge, offering yakitori, eel, karaage and san-zoku-yaki (mountain-bandit-style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, skewers, candied apples, yakisoba, and more. The food stalls were a great success. People enjoyed delicious sake and tasty local dishes. We met so many smiling faces—thank you very much. Next year, to ensure visitors are satisfied and entertained while securing understanding and cooperation from the local community, all our staff will continue working hard to keep Suwa lively and thriving. https://nomiaruki.com// https://nomiaruki.com/machiaruki-nomiaruki/...

October 5, 2024 Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll On that day, a major event took over the town of Suwa: the “Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll.” Along a one‑kilometer walking radius from JR Kami‑Suwa Station along National Route 20, five of Suwa’s famous breweries stand side by side, and for the event the area from Suwa 2‑chome to the Motomachi traffic lights was turned into a pedestrian zone. The five breweries of Suwa proudly served their signature sakes🍶. This year, a cypress masu (wooden sake box) doubled as a passport, letting visitors enjoy the aroma of hinoki wood while sipping fine sake. The 3,000 tickets sold out by September 30, showing just how popular the event was!!! Compared with last year, more local restaurants offered snack stalls, and additional stalls were run by neighborhood groups!!! Although the weather was a little worrying that day, the ticket exchange at 11:00 at Swatchao was lively, and the city began to buzz toward the pedestrian zone start at 12:00. By the official start at 13:00, lines had formed in front of the five breweries as people queued for their preferred labels!!! After opening remarks by Suwa’s mayor and the head of the Chamber of Commerce, the stroll kicked off with Suwa’s customary kiyari work song, and the sake stroll began. The kiyari performers then walked along the kaido, responding to requests and singing until around 17:00🎶 From 14:00, local dance troupes energized the venue. Many guests joined in the dancing, and the sight of everyone enjoying themselves was memorable. The food stalls drew long queues: yakitori, grilled eel, karaage and sanzokuyaki (mountain warrior‑style fried chicken), chicken wings, game dishes, kushiyaki, candied apples, bento sellers, french fries, yakisoba, and more… The snack stalls were as busy as the sake booths! Good sake paired with delicious local dishes and snacks naturally brought smiles to people’s faces🎶 We met many smiling visitors—thank you very much. What surprised us most was how little trash there was. From the organizer’s perspective, we picked up litter from JR Kami‑Suwa Station to the far end of the venue just before the event ended, and there seemed to be very little trash on the streets. I believe that resulted from attendees properly sorting and disposing of their waste. As I walked around holding a bag and saying, “If you have any trash, please put it in this bag!” several visitors responded, “Wow, amazing! You even collect trash? Thank you so much.” Those words wiped away my fatigue! I was deeply moved😢 For the next event, our staff will continue striving to ensure guests are satisfied and have a great time, while gaining the understanding and cooperation of local residents so that Suwa’s town can become even more vibrant and lively.

‘Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll’ Confirmed!! ■Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM This event invites you to walk along about 500 meters of Koshu Kaido and visit five sake breweries lined up there, enjoying a town stroll and fine local sake. Following last year, the main venue will again be set up as a pedestrian zone. We warmly look forward to your participation. ※Please note that on October 5, individual paid tastings at each of the five breweries and the five‑brewery tour will be suspended all day. About the Kami‑Suwa Kaido Town Walk and Sake Stroll Along Koshu Kaido near JR Kami‑Suwa Station, five sake brewers stand side by side. Locally known as the Suwa Five Breweries, they work with residents who cherish the town’s history and culture to preserve regional food traditions. This event began in 1998 when residents organized a simultaneous opening of the five breweries so everyone could enjoy local sake. This year marks the 40th occasion. In addition to local sake and cuisine, the whole area around JR Kami‑Suwa Station becomes a day for residents and visitors from inside and outside Nagano Prefecture and abroad to enjoy together: the Suwa Five Breweries simultaneous brewery opening day. You can walk among the five breweries, choose each brewery’s proud offerings, and enjoy comparing their tastes. Each brewery will offer at least five types of local sake for visitors to try. Enjoy Shinshu’s food culture at snack stalls run by local residents. Please relax and enjoy your sake and snacks at the rest areas within the venue. ★Event Details Date and Time Saturday, October 5, 2024 1:00 PM–5:00 PM Held rain or shine Participation Ticket Price 4,000 yen (tax included) Number of Tickets 3,000 How to Purchase Tickets eplus (e‑plus) Sales start Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM Reception Desk ■Location Suwappea Station Front Exchange Terrace (Suwacchao) Ark Suwa 3F, 1‑6‑1 Suwa, Suwa, Nagano ■Reception Hours 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Exchange for the original participation hinoki masu (cedar sake box) Main Venue Suwa Five Breweries Street, Motomachi, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture About 600 meters toward Tokyo from JR Kami‑Suwa Station. Route 20 running through the venue will be reserved for pedestrians. Please see the link below for details. ※Please use public transportation to reach the venue. ※There is no parking available. ※Do not park without permission around the venue. Inquiries Suwa Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) Phone: 0266‑52‑2111 (Reception hours Weekdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) Requests for Visitors at the Venue Residents also live in the streets that become the venue. Please follow the rules below. ・Please be careful not to drink too much Excessive drinking can cause acute alcohol poisoning or other health problems. ・Tasting just enough to feel pleasantly tipsy is the best way to enjoy the event. ・Please use the toilets. ・The venue is in a residential area. Do not urinate or defecate outside restroom facilities. ・Please eat and drink at the designated rest areas. ・Eating and drinking outside the venue inconveniences residents greatly. Consuming food or drink outside the rest areas provided by the executive committee is prohibited. ・Drunk driving is strictly prohibited. ・It is illegal to drive cars, bicycles, or other vehicles after drinking. ・Please check your health on the morning of the event. ・Those with a body temperature of 37.5°C or higher on the day cannot participate. ・Please confirm your health before coming; if you feel unwell, refrain from attending. ・Tickets will not be refunded for nonattendance due to poor health. ※For more details, search the web for “上諏訪街道 まちあるき 吞みあるき”!!! We look forward to seeing you🎶