Leaving behind the heat of Tokyo, a three to four hour journey through the embrace of mountains leads to Nagano. The moment you set foot here, your heart is quietly refreshed and a deep sense of peace washes over you. From here, allow me to introduce you to the Nagano I hold so dear.

Hakuba in summer is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy the rich nature and cool highland environment of Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture. With an elevation of about 800 meters, the area remains comfortable even in summer, attracting many visitors seeking to escape the heat.

Morning rice porridge in Kyoto. The tradition of asagayu (morning rice porridge) began in the late Edo period when regular customers who spent the night in Gion would visit the restaurant to enjoy it in the morning. It became an official menu item in 1868. The seasonal asagayu served at Hyotei’s main restaurant offers an especially unique and special experience.The dishes served alongside the porridge include simmered seasonal vegetables and hassun—an assorted platter—which allow you to fully enjoy the atmosphere and the feeling of Kyoto’s summer season with all your five senses.

Kawadoko dining in Kibune, Kyoto, is a unique culinary experience where guests enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine while seated on platforms set above the clear waters of the Kibune River. This setting allows diners to savor the refreshing sounds of the flowing river and the surrounding natural scenery. Many long-established inns and restaurants offer exquisite kaiseki and kaiseki-style meals featuring fresh local river fish and seasonal Kyoto ingredients.

Founded in 1894, Mampei Hotel is one of Japan’s premier classic hotels, renowned for its historic Alps Wing featuring a unique fusion of Western and Japanese architectural styles. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the hotel offers a luxurious and tranquil environment. It is famously known as a favored retreat for notable guests such as John Lennon. The dining rooms, bars, and café terrace within the hotel are highly regarded for their retro ambiance and traditional hospitality, which have garnered widespread acclaim over the years.

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on Itsukushima Island (commonly known as Miyajima) in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is a renowned landmark representing "Aki no Miyajima," one of the Three Views of Japan. The shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1996 and serves as the head shrine of approximately 500 Itsukushima Shrines throughout Japan.

Shibamata is a captivating downtown neighborhood in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into historical temples and rich cultural experiences. This charming area feels like a delightful time capsule, preserving the essence of traditional Japanese urban life.