JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

One of Japan's largest wasabi farms is a tourist attraction. Clean water from the mountains provide an ideal environment to grow wasabi. Short car ride from JR Hotaka Station (JR Oito Line) which is 30 min. from Matsumoto Station.

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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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One of Japan's five castles with the main tenshu tower designated as a National Treasure. Near JR Matsumoto Station.

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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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Zenkoji is 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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Ueda Castle was the base of the Sanada Clan who defended the castle against the Tokugawa in 1585 and 1600. In 2016, due to the popular NHK TV Taiga Drama series about Sanada, Ueda Castle has attracted many more tourists.

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The world-famous, hot spring-loving snow monkeys in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture must be Japan's most photographed wild animals. "The only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs." They live in the mountains in a valley named Jigokudani (Hell Valley). A snow monkey park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) was established for them in 1964 where the park operator feeds the monkeys and maintains a hot spring (onsen) bath for them. Although winter (with snow) is the most popular time to see the monkeys, the park is open year round (9 am – 4 pm).

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Shibu Onsen is a hot spring resort with many inns where you can stopover and relax in a variety of hot spring baths. Shibu Onsen is also where most people stay when visiting the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen Koen monkey park. Adjacent to Shibu Onsen is Yudanaka Onsen, another hot spring town that is seamless with Shibu Onsen.

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