Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is Minamimaki Village in Nagano Prefecture. Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture is a village of about 3,000 people located in eastern Nagano. The area ranges in elevation from 1,000 meters to 1,500 meters. On relatively flat ground around 1,300 meters, fields of highland vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and lettuce spread out, taking advantage of the cool climate. It is also one of Japan’s top stargazing spots and was chosen as one of the three most beautiful night skies in Japan. There are many stargazing locations throughout Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture. Located at the foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, the village’s abundant nature, fresh air, and clear night sky offer visitors a soothing escape. ■Tourist attractions in Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture ・JR Nobeyama Station, the highest point on the railway network Nobeyama Station on the JR Koumi Line sits at an elevation of 1,345 meters and 67 centimeters, making it the highest station in Japan. From the station square you can see MtAkadake of the Yatsugatake range. ・Takizawa Farm Spread across the Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands, Takizawa Farm lets visitors interact with cows, horses, and other animals and take part in farm programs such as milking and making ice cream. You can also enjoy camping and adventure playgrounds for an out-of-the-ordinary experience. ・Nobeyama Radio Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan This world-class observatory has offered a Night Tour and the Learning Room Guide every weekend since March 2024. ・Mt. Meshimori You get a vast panorama that includes Yatsugatake, Mount Fuji, and the Southern Alps. A maintained trekking course makes the roughly one-hour ascent enjoyable for children and beginners. ・Yumoto Honzawa Onsen At 2,150 meters on Yatsugatake, the ‘‘bath above the clouds’’ and Koke Momo no Yu, which has a different spring quality, rank among Japan’s highest open-air baths. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, these quiet hot springs offer relaxation for body and mind. ■Local specialties of Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture Minamimaki Village is known for high-quality agricultural products such as hana-mame (large red kidney beans), strawberries, and nagaimo (mountain yam). The flavor of these freshly grown local specialties is exceptional. ■Popular events and activities in Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture You can enjoy a variety of year-round activities, including the Yatsugatake Nobeyama Highlands 100 km Ultramarathon, trekking, highland cycling, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and stargazing night tours. ■Enjoy your visit to Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture With good access from Tokyo Metropolis—about a 2 hour 30 minute drive—it is a great destination for a day trip. Time spent in Minamimaki Village, where you can reconnect with nature, becomes a luxurious break from everyday noise. Please create lasting, precious memories here. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Minamimaki Village in Nagano Prefecture. Thank you for your support!