Karuizawa, Nagano Nestled at the intersection of Gunma and Nagano prefectures, and very close to Kumano Shrine, Ganso Shigenoya is a charming cafe steeped in history, having welcomed visitors for around 350 years. Renowned for its delectable Chikara Mochi, crafted from premium glutinous rice sourced from Nagano, this delightful spot offers an array of flavors including sweet red bean paste, roasted soybean flour, and sesame. Outdoor seats offer a specutacular view of the moun

Karuizawa, Nagano A shrine located on the border between prefectures, a rarity in Japan.Located 1,200 meters above sea level at the top of Usui Pass, this ancient shrine is called "Kumano Koutai Shrine" on the Nagano Prefecture side and "Kumano Shrine" on the Gunma Prefecture side, and was built by Yamatotakeru. It is designated as a special shrine in Shinano-kuni.The shina tree, more than 1,000 years old, has long been worshipped as a sacred tree for good luck and matchmakin

Karuizawa, Nagano The Usui Pass Observation Platform (碓氷峠見晴台, Usui Tōge Miharashidai) is located about four kilometers northeast of the Kyu-Karuizawa town center, straddling the border of Gunma and Nagano prefectures. Beautiful views over the mountains of Gunma Prefecture on one side and Mount Asama on the other side can be enjoyed from this observation platform.

Karuizawa, Nagano Also known as "Swan Lake," this small pond has a very serene atmosphere with beautiful seasonal reflections on its surface. The area around Kumobaike Pond is a 1-km walking path where visitors can enjoy the scenery while taking a leisurely stroll. It is a representative scenic spot in Karuizawa, especially beautiful during the season of fresh green and autumn leaves.

Chikuma, Nagano Visited Moki Co., Ltd. to choose the fireplace I would like to install in my house. Located in a rural city of Nagano. You can also visit their factory by appointment. Moki makes fireplaces that can also burn "bamboo". All made in Japan and the company philosophy is highly ethical. https://www.moki-ss.co.jp/en

Suwa, Nagano The 800 meters of road that runs directly to the shrine was originally built specifically for access to the Harumiya. Many warriors competed here in contests of Yabusame, ritual competitions of horsemanship. The bridge that crosses the small river in front of the shrine is known as the "Dismounting Bridge" (Geba- bashi) because all visiting warriors and aristocrats had to dismount from their horses here before proceeding to the shrine. It was built in the Muromac

Suwa, Nagano The main shrine is located in Suwa City and has two entrances, the north and east approaches, the east being the main gate. The "Shikyakumon" donated by Ieyasu Tokugawa stands on the left side of the corridor, and the "Hoden" (treasure hall), which is rebuilt for each Gobashira Festival, and the "Yotsushimon" (four-legged gate) on the right side. The present building was rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1868), and many of the pavilions on the shrine grounds are de

Chino, Nagano Kamisha Maemiya is considered the birthplace of the Suwa faith as it is where the deity (Suwa Myojin) first arrived. Suwa Myojin is widely worshipped as a guardian deity of agriculture, industry, victory, and military fortune.