In early April 2004, the Kami-sha Shrine held the Yamadashi ceremony where they hauled logs from the alpine forest. Along the way, they held the dramatic Ki-otoshi (log drop) down a slope and river crossing. These pictures were taken on April 3, 2004 by Jacek Kostrzewski. Also see photos of Shimo-sha Yamadashi.

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Part of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is a well-known scenic area with mountains and clear rivers.

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The 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano was most thrilling and memorable for Japan. On a day trip, I attended the women's hockey match between Japan and the US.

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Nagano's most famous temple, near Nagano Station.

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Okaya is on the shores of Lake Suwa. There is a nice lakeside park.

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Oguchi Taro is one of Okaya's most honored sons. Best known for writing the song "Biwako Shuko no Uta" (Lake Biwa Rowing Song). A monument dedicated to him and his song is on the shore of Lake Suwa. Also see the video at YouTube.

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Tsurumine Park is a large park (19,498 sq. meters) on a small hill with abundant azalea bushes. The azaleas were first planted in 1935 when three truckloads of azalea bushes from Kawaguchi, Saitama were brought over and planted. It is the Chubu region's largest azalea park. Azalea is Okaya's official flower.

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The Okaya International Exchange Association held its 15th anniversary festival on March 4, 2007. A great line-up of international entertainment attracted hundreds of people. The English version of "Biwako Shuko no Uta" (Lake Biwa Rowing Song) was also sung for the first time in public outside Shiga Prefecture.

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Pictures of Okaya Station, Ilf Plaza/Museum, etc.

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Held once every 6 years by the Suwa Taisha Shrine, the Onbashira-sai Matsuri is held in two parts. In early April, the Yamadashi is when the logs are hauled from the mountain forest to a resting place called Shimekake. Along the way, the log is slid down a slope (with men riding it) for the festival's most dramatic event called Ki-otoshi (Log Drop). These photos were taken on April 10, 2004 for the Shimo-sha Shrine's Yamadashi.

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During May 8-10, 2004, the logs were ceremoniously hauled to the Shimo-sha Shrines and with great fanfare erected at the four corners of both the Harunomiya and Akinomiya Shrines. A parade was also held. These photos were taken during this three-day period. Also see my video at YouTube here and here too.

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Suwa city has a nice long park along the shore of Lake Suwa. Cruise on the lake or dip your feet in the hot spring well.

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Originally built in 1598 by Hineno Takayoshi and later occupied by the Suwa Clan for 270 years, this castle has a tower reconstructed in 1970. It was nicknamed the Floating Castle as it appeared to float on the lake and surrounding rivers.

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Kami-Suwa Station is the best train station to wait for a train. The train platform has a hot spring to soak your feet for free.

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Pictures of snow monkeys soaking in a hot spring. They were taken by photographers from New Brunswick, Canada during a photo trip to Japan in March 2005. Led and guided by pro photographer Mark Hemmings, they were Kevin Halcrow, Jeff and Kim Matheson, and Ashley Hicks.

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