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Holey Spots in Nagano Prefecture! 6 carefully selected places known only to those in the know.

Holey Spots in Nagano Prefecture! 6 carefully selected places known only to those in the know.

2022-08-10 Management office

Nagano Prefecture is the fourth largest prefecture in Japan in terms of area, so it has numerous famous tourist attractions due to its numerous histories and cultures.
Among them, this article introduces six carefully selected, attractive, hole-in-the-wall spots where you can further enjoy Nagano Prefecture.
"If you have already visited all the famous tourist attractions ""and this is your second time to visit Nagano ", we recommend this page for those who want to enjoy Nagano Prefecture even more.
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Daio Wasabi Farm



This is the "Daio Wasabi Farm" in Azumino City. Azumino is a place with abundant clean water and suitable for growing wasabi because of the clear water from the melting snow of the Northern Alps that flows underground. The "Daio Wasabi Farm" grows wasabi in such clear water, and fresh wasabi can be eaten raw.
Wasabi-related products and fresh wasabi can also be purchased on the farm.
This wasabi theme park is not only a space where wasabi is cultivated, but also includes three restaurants, a food court, a Daio Shrine, and wasabi objects for both adults and children to enjoy.

The heart is washed away! Collaboration of clear stream and waterwheel



This spot on the farm is a "water mill house. The collaboration of the waterwheel and the clear stream that is the source of wasabi is a popular spot not only among Japanese but also among foreigners. You will be amazed at the clarity of the water as it is the closest place to see the clear stream. There are about eight other spots related to wasabi, so if you have time, I recommend taking your time to visit them.

Exquisite taste! Wasabi Soft



This is Wasabi Soft, one of the farm's most popular products.
It looks beautiful green, the color of wasabi itself. But the taste is "disappointing in a good way! "and it is a very popular soft serve ice cream on SNS. Even if you don't have time to try it, you should definitely try it here to see what it tastes like.

A spot to be reflected with small tricks.



One thing about the farm that everyone will always want to take a picture of is the Coca-Cola green bench. The color is truly reminiscent of wasabi, and is probably the only color of bench you will find here.
There are many funny photo spots throughout the museum, so even those who are not interested in wasabi can enjoy this place.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Daio Wasabi Farm
Address: 3640 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0263-82-2118
Hours: March-November (8:00-17:00) December-February (9:00-16:00)
Closed: 12/31 - 1/2
Admission: Free
URL:https://www.daiowasabi.co.jp/

Rishi Park



This park is located on a mountainside 1.5 kilometers from the center of Suwa City.
The park is a favorite among locals, with a nearby observation terrace and children's playground equipment for family fun, and restrooms are available, so bikers often stop by for a break.
The attraction of this park is the spectacular view. This is also the sacred place for the movie "Your Name is ".
The view of Shimosuwa town and Lake Suwa is spectacular, and on a clear day, the Northern Alps can also be seen.

Night view is also recommended! Breathtaking beauty



The night view of Tateishi Park has been selected as one of the "New Three Great Night Views of Japan" and "100 Best Sunset Points in Shinshu," and is a representative night view point of Nagano Prefecture. The floating lights surrounding the lake and the reflection of the lights on the lake will draw you in.
No matter what time of day you visit, you can feel the "Shinshu-ness "of Tateishi Park. Located close to the mountain driveway (free of charge), this is a great spot to visit on a drive.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Rishi Park
Address: 10399 Oaza-Kami-suwa, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture
Admission: Free
Garage: 25 units
URL:https://www.city.suwa.lg.jp/soshiki/21/1281.html

Naraijuku



This is "Narai-juku," one of the post towns that developed around post stations along the Nakasendo and Tokaido highways. Narai-juku is the longest inn town in Japan, stretching one kilometer from north to south, and was probably crowded with people because it is located right in the middle of the Edo and Kyoto sides of the highway.
The town with its rich natural history has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and was recognized as a "Japan Heritage "in 2016.

A visit to a cafe in Naraijuku is not to be missed!



At first glance, Naraijuku appears to be a townscape of the Edo period, but a peek inside reveals an array of restaurants. Among them, the most conspicuous are the numerous cafes that have been renovated from old private houses.
All of the stores retain the tasteful senbon grating while old tools and warm light waft through the air. All parfaits and cakes eaten in such rooms are exquisite. You will surely have a hard time deciding where to go and what to eat. We hope you will visit the cafes and find your favorite store and sweet treat.

Taste of an inn town



Of course, Narai-juku also sells food unique to the old days.
Some are made using the techniques of the time, such as oyaki, soba noodles, and gohei-mochi, while others are made with a twist.
The townscape, with its mixture of natural and appetizing scents and the changing seasons, will surely make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Edo period.
In recent years, this spot has become popular among foreign tourists. We invite you to experience the bustle, flavor, and atmosphere of the Edo period at Narai
Feel it at the inn.

"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Naraijuku
Address: 497-3 Narai, Shiojiri-shi, Nagano Prefecture (Naraijuku Tourist Association)
Phone number: 0264-34-3160
Parking: Free, paid parking available
URL:https://www.naraijuku.com/

Kakuma Valley



Nagano Prefecture is famous for being ruled by the "Sanada family ". (The main generals were Masayuki Sanada, Nobuyuki, and Yukimura)
According to Shotaro Ikenami's historical novel "Sanada Taiheiki ", Kakuma Valley is said to be the training site of "Sarutobi Sasuke," one of the Sanada Ninja who played a key role in the Sanada family's espionage activities.
Here there are many large and unusual rocks, trees towering over the dynamic cliffs, and odd sights, and it is a hole-in-the-wall spot where you can feel the breath of the Sanada family.

Let's go hiking in a secluded area!



If you are planning to visit Kakuma Valley, we recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes. This is because Kakuma Valley has hiking trails that will take you to many unexplored spots.
Once inside, the breeze created by the trees is refreshing. However, there are cliff-like sections along the way that require caution, but the thrill is worth it!

Let's start with an easy, unexplored area!



This is "Iwaya Kannon," one of the unexplored spots in the area.
As soon as you enter the hiking trail, you will see deep stone steps surrounded by trees. 10 to 15 minutes later, you will first see the "Iwaya Kannon" (Goddess of Mercy).
The Kannon-do Hall, 50 meters wide and 5 meters high between the rocks, is a sight to behold as it is almost crushed by the rocks.
It is known to have been used as a dwelling during the Jomon period, and at this point, the area is enveloped in a crisp air, giving it a fully unexplored feel.

The legendary rock where the ninja trained!



This is also one of the unexplored spots, Sarutobi Iwa. This large rock is said to be where Sasuke Sarutobi practiced asceticism.
Compared to the person at the bottom of the photo, its size is impressive.
As with Sarutobi-iwa, this is a place where the ninja trained, and we encourage you to take a hike while thinking about the Sanada Ninja and how they used the various terrains of the valley to train their physical abilities. ......

"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Kakuma Valley
Address: Sanada-chocho, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture (Sanada Industry and Tourism Division, Ueda City)
Phone number: 0268-72-4330
URL:https://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/site/kankojoho/5849.html

SORA terrace





This is SORA terrace at Ryuoh Mountain Resort in Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture.
The ropeway takes you up to 1,700 meters above sea level, and this is a spot where you can see the sea of clouds created by nature and the climate of the day throughout the year.
From July to September, visitors can enjoy a "Starry Sky Night Cruise," bringing their own leisure sheets and outdoor chairs to view the stars in four different areas.
You can check the time of day when you can see the sea of clouds and other information on the website on time, so please check before you go.

Take a break at the summit café and enjoy the spectacular view.



A café is attached to the summit.
This is "Ryuoh's Famous Unkai Pie Wrapped Soup". It is carefully baked to order and is both exquisite and stylish in appearance.
The drinks not only look great, but also taste great, using local specialty fruits.
The location makes you feel as if you are eating above the clouds, and you will be able to spend a moment full of a sense of openness.

"Facility Information "
Facility name: SORA terrace
Address: 11700 Yomase, Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 0263-82-2118
Business hours Closed: Varies depending on the time of year. Please check the website.
Entrance fee: ¥2,500 (round-trip ropeway fare)
URL:https://ryuoo.com/green/sora_terrace/

Ogawa-no Sho Jomon Oyaki Village



This is the Jomon Oyaki Village, which was built in a converted farmhouse in Ogawa Village in 1986.
Once inside the Jomon Oyaki Village, visitors will find a place to process oyaki, a place to make soba (buckwheat noodles), and a place to enjoy a relaxing meal in a traditional horigotatsu room.
In addition, both adults and children can enjoy the experience of making oyaki, making it a popular spot with many repeat visitors.

About 20 kinds! Oyaki available only here!



There are about 20 varieties of Jomon oyaki. The filling is also made from local seasonal vegetables and wild plants, so the types sold vary depending on the season. What they all have in common, however, is that they are all handmade, one by one, with a lot of time and care. No matter which one you choose, you will be able to enjoy the fluffy, lovingly made oyaki only here.
We hope you will enjoy the unique taste. You will surely enjoy finding your favorite flavor.

Oyaki eaten over an open hearth is exquisite!



Of course, you can also eat oyaki inside the restaurant.
The restaurant is built in the style of a "pit dwelling" from the Jomon period, and you can enjoy eating freshly made oyaki while sitting around the hearth inside. The taste of mother's cooking is exquisite as you watch the lively cooking of oyaki and the fire in the hearth amidst the thick smoke. You can enjoy oyaki slowly in a nice atmosphere. "I want to come back again! "It is a great spot to visit again!

"Facility Information "
Facility name: Ogawa-no-sho Jomon Oyaki-mura (Jomon Oyaki Village)
Address: 2876, Takafu, Ogawa-mura, Kamisuunai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Phone number: 026-269-3767
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Monday (open on national holidays, closed the next day)
URL:https://www.ogawanosho.jp/

summary

Nagano Prefecture is filled with many attractions such as various histories, cultures, nature, and traditional Japanese landscapes. Among these, the hidden spots introduced here will allow you to enjoy the charms of Nagano Prefecture even more, so please be sure to include them in your travel plans. We are sure that you will be satisfied to experience and discover Nagano Prefecture that you have not seen yet.

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